Mock Draft

updated Jan. 25

1. Indianapolis Colts – Andrew Luck – QB – Stanford - Scouting Report
There was a brief wave of Robert Griffin III supporters trying to create a debate, but it was short lived. Andrew Luck is head and shoulders above Griffin as a prospect and, despite Tony Dungy’s support, Griffin has no shot at going No. overall. If anything keeps Luck out of Indy, it would have to be a trade offer the Colts simply could not refuse.

2. St. Louis Rams – Matt Kalil – OT – USC - Scouting Report
The will be trade rumors involving this pick right up until draft day, but I truly believe the Rams will stay put. Matt Kalil is a franchise left tackle, and the Vikings wouldn’t hesitate to select him at No. 3. If the Rams trade down with the Browns or Redskins, they’ll miss out on Kalil, and Justin Blackmon is not an adequate consolation prize.

3. Minnesota Vikings – Morris Claiborne – CB – LSU - Scouting Report
There will be a push among Vikings fans to select Justin Blackmon, but Claiborne is probably a safer pick here and also fills a glaring hole. The Vikes have talent at cornerback, but keeping everyone healthy has been a serious problem. If they do want Blackmon, they could trade down with Redskins, who may want to jump up for RGIII.

4. Cleveland Browns – Robert Griffin III – QB – Baylor - Scouting Report
I’m not convinced that Colt McCoy is a bust, but this should still be an easy decision for the Browns. Griffin is an elite playmaker who has the ability to change an offense from day one. With Griffin in the fold, and possibly another offensive playmaker added later in the draft, the Browns offense would be unrecognizable in 2012.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Trent Richardson – RB – Alabama - Scouting Report
This is a tough one to figure out. The Bucs would love for Kalil or Claiborne to fall, but if both are off the board they don’t have an obvious option. The Bucs would probably be content to move forward with LeGarrette Blount at running back, but it will be tough to pass up Richardson, who has Adrian Peterson-like potential.

6. Washington Redskins – Justin Blackmon – WR – Oklahoma St - Scouting Report
The Redskins desperately need to fix their quarterback situation and will probably consider trading up for Robert Griffin. Assuming that doesn’t happen, they should turn their attention to other areas of the offense. Richardson would be a great fit if he’s on the board, but in this scenario they have to settle for Blackmon. This isn’t the ideal pick, but it makes sense in this situation.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars – Dre Kirkpatrick – CB – Alabama - Scouting Report
Kirkpatrick’s recent arrest on marijuana possession puts his status as a potential top-10 pick in doubt, but in the right scenario the Jaguars could be a suitor. Rashean Mathis is a free agent and coming off a season-ending knee injury, putting his future with the team in doubt. Kirkpatrick may be a slight reach, but fills a very obvious hole.

8. Carolina Panthers – Riley Reiff – OT – Iowa - Scouting Report
I’m going out on a bit of a limb here. When healthy, Jeff Otah is an elite right tackle and a great bookend to Jordan Gross. However, he’s played just 29 of 48 career games and his replacement, Byron Bell, was an absolute disaster this past year. Reiff gives them insurance for Otah, and either he or Otah could move to guard if everyone’s healthy.

9. Miami Dolphins – Michael Brockers – DE – LSU - Scouting Report
If Reiff were on the board I wouldn’t hesitate to place him here. But since he’s gone the Dolphins have a tough decision on their hands: reach for Jonathan Martin or settle for the best available? Brockers will be the top rated defensive end on most draft boards for teams running 3-4 defenses, which the Dolphins will likely continue to run under Joe Philbin.

10. Buffalo Bills – Nick Perry – DE – USC - Scouting Report
GM Buddy Nix has been trying to put together a roster capable of playing a 3-4 defense, but the recent promotion of Dave Wannstedt to defensive coordinator indicates they may be sticking with the 4-3. Either way, they need to find the right personnel for the scheme. Assuming they go with the 4-3 system, Perry would be significant upgrade to their pass rush.

Picks 1-10 ~ Picks 11-20 ~ Picks 21-32 ~ Round 2