Jack City's 2012 NFL Mock Draft: Version 3.0

Here's Jack City's third and final NFL Mock Draft before Thursday night's first round of the 2012 NFL Draft.

1.) Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck/QB, Stanford
We know this.

2.) Washington Redskins (from St. Louis Rams): Robert Griffin lll/QB, Baylor
We know this, too.

3.) Vikings: Morris Claiborne/CB, Louisiana State University
Leslie Frazier came out and told the media that he values playmakers that can score points and change the dimension of a game with a top 5 pick. With this being said the Vikings may be looking past Matt Kalil who prior to this statement was considered a lock in this spot. With this being said, The Vikings have a gaping hole in their secondary, which was put on display first hand when Tim Tebow came into Minnesota and lit up their secondary throwing the ball. We saw in the National Championship that Alabama wouldn’t even throw on Claiborne’s side of the field, as he is glue on coverage, registering 6 picks for a total take back of 173 yards. He is the playmaker on defense Frazier values in a top 5 pick. This pick will certainly shape the direction of the draft, as the Vikings will still strongly consider Kalil and Blackmon at this spot too.
Previous Pick: Matt Kalil/OT, Southern California

4.) Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson/RB, Alabama
I am thoroughly shocked that Mike Holmgren didn’t pull the trigger on trading up to obtain Robert Griffin. This is as disappointing as it gets for Browns fans, as they prove year after they don’t want to make the moves necessary to compete in a tough AFC North. With that being said they will have to address their running back situation as Peyton Hillis just signed with the Chiefs. If the Browns don’t sign a quarterback in the free agent period, this pick could easily be Ryan Tannehill. In my opinion, the Browns would be drafting Tannehill way too high at this pick.

5.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Matt Kalil/OT, Southern California
Would not be surprised to see Tampa try to leapfrog the Browns in order to get Trent Richardson, but I think they go best consensus on the board and get Matt Kalil to help protect Josh Freeman, who finally has a target to throw to in Vincent Jackson. Previous Pick: Morris Claiborne/CB, Louisiana State University

6.) St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon/WR, Oklahoma State
It’s time for Jeff Fisher to surround Sam Bradford, their franchise quarterback with some weapons, which starts at wide receiver. It is apparent that Brandon Lloyd will be departing as he told the media, wherever Josh McDaniels went, is where he would be going, also. This wide receiving core is bottomless, as options after Lloyd include; Danario Alexander and Brandon Gibson, who? It is imperative that Fisher takes Blackmon at this pick, as we saw what he did in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, as he registered 8 catches for 186 yards and 3 tds, he looked like a man amongst boys in that game. He is mostly compared to Dez Bryant with a better sense for the game. It is imperative that Jeff Fisher drafts Blackmon, to give Bradford some targets, so he doesn’t turn out to be a bust of a first overall pick.

7.) Jacksonville Jaguars: Fletcher Cox/DT/DE, Mississippi State
Jacksonville is the team that desperately wants to move down. Guys that will be considered a4t this pick if they move down are Fletcher Cox, Michael Floyd and Ryan Tannehill. I believe that a team will move up to draft Fletcher Cox as he is rising on draft boards everywhere and is proven to be the best DT in the draft. Fletcher Cox has been flying up draft boards as he is a diverse player than can be plugged into a 3-4 along with a 4-3 scheme, due to his diversity of playing both DT and DE. There are rumors that Cox could go as high as 6 to the Rams as they also have a need for an interior DT, but I am convinced that they finally reward Bradford with a young playmaking WR in Blackmon. If the Jaguars were forced to pick at this spot look for them to take a good hard look at Michael Floyd and Justin Blackmon if he were to fall to 7.
Previous pick: Quinton Coples/DE, North Carolina

8.) Miami Dolphins: Ryan Tannehill/QB, Texas A&M
The Dolphins lost out in free agency as they missed out on Peyton Manning and Matt Flynn. Not only did they lose out on both quarterbacks, they gave up their top receiver Brandon Marshall also, for a relatively low price suggesting that they were clearing cap room to sign Peyton Manning. Manning shattered that indication, as he ruled out Miami and chose Denver. With all this being said, it would seem that the Dolphins would go after third ranked quarterback Ryan Tannehill with this pick, but reports down south are the Dolphins are highly interested in drafting a quarterback second round, as they are real high on Arizona State quarterback Brock Osweiler (which they can get in the second round). Reports indicate that the Dolphins main concern in the first round is obtaining a pass rusher that can get after the quarterback to create a 1-2 sack partnership with Cameron Wake. Melvin Ingram is the guy that comes into mind, but don’t be surprised if the Dolphins traded this pick down to a team hungry to obtain quarterback Ryan Tannehill. I am going to keep Tannehill at this pick as I believe the Dolphins will trade this pick down to a team that wants Tannehlill. If the Dolphins decide to keep this pick look for them to consider DE, Melvin Ingram and Quinton Coples. They could also, go in the direction of a WR like Michael Floyd or Kendall Wright as they lost their number one receiver Brandon Marshall to the Bears.
Previous Pick: Melvin Ingram/DE.DT, South Carolina

9.) Carolina Panthers: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
It’s time to reward Cam Newton with a possession type receiver like Michael Floyd. Inserting Floyd next to Steve Smith would give Cam Newton two deadly targets to work with to build off a stellar freshmen year. Look for the Panthers to also consider Stephon Gilmore and Luke Kuechly, who also could be strong options.
Previous Pick: Dontari Poe/DT, Memphis

10.) Buffalo Bills: Stephon Gilmore/CB, South Carolina
The Bills biggest struggle this year was putting pressure on the quarterback. The Bills targeted this need over the offseason and grabbed Mario Williams and Mark Anderson, two guys that will get to the passer and erase that need. With this being said, Buddy Nix and Chan Gailey expressed their need to improve their cornerback position. Gilmore has been moving up draft boards of late and could sneak into the top 10 as he is an excellent tackler at the corner position. He is the second best corner in the draft and if Chan and Buddy follow through on their need to patch up the secondary, they will definitely consider Gilmore at this spot, as he is considered top 10 talent to most NFL gm’s and the Bills had him in for a visit and were extremely impressed.

11.) Kansas City Chiefs: Dontari Poe/DT, Memphis
The main issue with the Kansas City defense is in the interior. The need for strong run stopper is imperative. Dontari Pope is an absolute freak who is flying up the draft board. 348 pound Dontari Pope ran a 4.87 in the 40, is that even humanely possible? Not to mention he had 44 reps of 225 in the bench press, mind boggling combination of strength and speed for a running stuffing defensive tackle. Great addition to this Panthers team, not to mention his strength reminds scouts of Haloti Ngata and physical attributes reminding scouts of Jason Pierre-Paul. Perfect pick for the Chiefs as they try to bounce back from an off year. Also, look for the Chiefs to consider Riley Reiff, Mark Barron or trade up to get Ryan Tannehill.
Previous Pick: Johnathon Martin/OT, Stanford

12.) Seattle Seahawks: Luke Kuechly/ILB, Boston College
Just like the Chiefs, Seattle’s number one need in my opinion is at the quarterback position, unfortunately for them they fell out of the sweepstakes for Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III. The value of the quarterbacks available at this pick is outweighed by the potential value of other positional players at this pick, therefore I think the Seahawks express their need for an inside tackler. This pick solidifies an already solid defensive unit, while being able to express your quarterback need later on in the draft. Kuechly is the best tackler in the nation, registering 150 total tackles this year, leading the nation. If you had any question about this kid’s athleticism it was quickly reversed by his impressive combine workout, registering a 40 time of 4.58, the best time of any linebacker in the draft. This pick will immensely help the Seahawks defense, as Pete Carroll get’s a high character guy with great work effort, who can step in right away. Although, I don’t see Kuechly lasting this long as I believe a team will trade up into that 7th or 8th spot to snatch Kuechly who reminds many scouts of a young Brian Urlacher.

13.) Arizona Cardinals: David Decastro/OG, Stanford
The Cardinals invested an immense amount in Kevin Kolb, it’s time they try to protect that investment to see if he can bounce back from an abysmal year. The offensive line definitely has many holes in it, starting with the guard position. Decastro has the tenacious attitude to pull this line back together to give Kolb some much needed time in the pocket, to see if he can lead this team to the playoffs or he turns out to be a bust. Decastro is one of the best guards we have seen come out of the draft in years.

14.) Dallas Cowboys: Mark Barron/SS, Alabama
The main reason the cowboys didn’t make the playoffs this year was because of poor secondary play. Which was put on display first hand against the Eagles and Giants during the end of the season when Dallas had a strangle hold on the NFC East and just collapsed. They need to take the best defensive back available at this pick, I flirted with the idea of Dre Kirkpatrick or Janoris Jenkins at this spot, but both have underlying problems that plummet them into the bottom half of the first round, Mark Barron is the most polished, ready to go defensive back that can step in right away and improve this horrendous secondary. He has excellent playmaking and extinctive instincts on the field, that makes the most sense as the Cowboys have to take the best overall defensive back at this position, which is Mark Barron. I don’t think Barron will last to the Cowboys, but if he slips this would be a steal for the Cowboys.

15.) Philadelphia Eagles: Melvin Ingram/DE, South Carolina
The so called “dream team” wasn’t so dreamy, posting an 8-8 record, unacceptable considering the talent they had on both sides of the ball not to mention the amount of money they spent last offseason. The biggest flaw was the run defense; the Eagles couldn’t stop anyone on the ground until the end of the year. I really think there is a strong chance the Eagles move up into the Jaguars 7th or Miami’s 8th overall pick in attempt to get either Fletcher Cox or Luke Kuechly who would both do wonders for the Eagles in an attempt to finally stop the bleeding on the ground. Melvin Ingram could also, be an option, who is the most proven in the draft at getting to the passer. Trading up to the Dolphins makes the most sense as the Dolphins expressed their need to get a DE alongside Cameron Wake trading down this pick would still give the Dolphins the option of drafting either Melvin Ingram or Quinton Coples the two elite pass rushers in the draft.
Previous Pick: Michael Brockers/DT, Louisiana State University

16.) New York Jets: Quinton Coples/DE, North Carolina
The Jets under Rex Ryan have always been known for their tenacious blitz packages they send at you. This was the main reason they knocked out the Patriots last year in a big upset win for the Jets. Not this year though, they failed all year at getting pass pressure on the quarterback with their front seven. One of the main reasons besides quarterback play the Jets failed to make the playoffs this year. Coples can really help create pressure on the quarterback by coming off the edge with his athletic ability like he did at North Carolina, drawing double teams all season long. Coples has the skill set of a top 10 pick, but character issues arising from his statement that he gave a C effort his season year drew red flags and catapulted him into the middle of the first round. If Rex Ryan can get Coples to buy into his defensive scheme, this would be just what he needs to orchestrate blitz packages to get after quarterbacks like Tom Brady, who they see twice a year.
Previous Pick: Whitney Mercilus/DE/OLB, Illinois

17.) Cincinnati Bengals: Riley Reiff/OT, Iowa
This would be an absolute steal for the Bengals if Reiff fell to them at 17. With another pick at 21, I see them going best on the board at this pick or possibly trading out one of the picks to either move up or down. Look for the Bengals to take a strong look at Dre Kirkpatrick at this pick, too. If they were to move up look for them to look at WR, Michael Floyd as gaining a possession receiver to go along with young deep threat AJ Green would be perfect for the development of second year quarterback, Andy Dalton.
Previous Pick: Janoris Jenkins/CB, North Alabama

18.) San Diego Chargers: Courtney Upshaw/OLB, Alabama
The Chargers are a team that would love to move up and get Mark Barron as they are infatuated with him as a prospect. If they cannot orchestrate a deal to move up expect them to go after the best pass rusher available as the Chargers received very minimal production out of their pass rush this year. Upshaw is considered one of the best pass rushing defenders in the draft, besides Quinton Coples and Melvin Ingram. We saw Upshaw’s abilities first hand in the National Championship game, he was an absolute monster registering 5.5 tackles and 1 sack, earning him defensive most valuable player of the National Championship game. Look for them to also take a strong look at WR, Kendall Wright as the Chargers lost Vincent Jackson to the Buccaneers.
Previous Pick: Michael Floyd/WR, Notre Dame

19.) Chicago Bears: Whitney Mercilus/DE/OLB, Illinois
The Bears have a need for an infusion of young talent on the defensive side of the ball as their defense is not getting any younger. Whitney Mercilus can really help create pressure on the quarterback by coming off the edge with his athletic ability like he did at Illinois, registering a nation best 16 sacks. He can come off the edge to help Peppers on the line or he can be used as an OLB another need the Bears have. Look for the Bears to also consider guard, Cordy Glenn who can help protect Jay Cutler, as the line was absolutely atrocious last year, but my content is that the Bears will look to improve the line in the 2nd round. They could also look at CB, Janoris Jenkins as the corners struggled towards the end of the year.
Previous Pick: Johnathon Martin/OT, Stanford

20.) Tennessee Titans: Chandler Jones/DE/OLB, Syracuse
It is imperative that the Titans upgrade their pass rush. Their leader in sacks had only 7, unacceptable. Chandler Jones is a diverse defender that can play OLB and DE. This is perfect for the Titans, who could use an upgrade in both positions. Jones is a raw talent, but has great potential as a rush linebacker. Athleticism runs in the family as he is brothers with star UFC fighter Jon Jones. Jones is flying up draft boards, he could go as early as 16 to the Jets, with this being said this would be a steal for the Titans at 20.
Previous Pick: Fletcher Cox/DE/DT, Mississippi State

21.) Cincinnati Bengals: Dre Kirkpatrick/CB, Alabama
The Bengals have a history of drafting defensive backs in the first round (Leon Hall, Johnathan Joseph) and there is need for a cornerback again. Implement 6’3” Dre Kirkpatrick into your secondary and you got the size and skill to receive a steal at pick 21.
Previous Pick: Lamar Miller/RB, Miami

22.) Cleveland Browns: Kendall Wright/WR, Baylor
The Browns finally find their long term solution at QB with pick 2, now it’s time to surround him with some weapons, who better than teammate from Baylor, Kendall Wright. The Browns number 1 receiver from last year was Greg Little, are you kidding me? Kendall Wright can quickly get down field and gives RG3 a down field threat to work with.

23.) Detroit Lions: Cordy Glenn/OG, Georgia
The Lions motto has always been to draft the best player available and in this case, it’s Cordy Glenn. Glenn can offer an upgrade at both guard and right tackle. The Lions could also go in the direction of OT, Johnathon Martin or CB, Janoris Jenkins as the Lions cornerback play last year was horrendous and they said that pot possession chargers would not be a factor in their selections which means they will take a good hard look at both Dre Kirkpatrick and Janoris Jenkins, also.
Previous Pick: Dre Kirkpatrick/CB, Alabama

24.) Pittsburgh Steelers: Dont’a Hightower/ILB, Alabama
The Steelers are in need of infusion of young talent on both sides of the ball. The Steelers usually take the top player on their board, and it would be hard to imagine that it wouldn't be Dont'a Hightower in this case. Pittsburgh just cut James Farrior, so the Alabama product would be a great long-term solution next to Lawrence Timmons. Hightower is very athletic and is the second best inside linebacker in the draft, plugging him into inside linebacker with his athletic ability should be a gigantic help to the Steelers linebacker core.

25.) Denver Broncos: Kendall Reyes/DT, Connecticut
The Broncos have virtually nothing left on the defensive line. Kendall Reyes has tremendous upside and has been praised by many scouts, he could go later than this pick but his upside lunches him into this pick. I think the Broncos will have to spend back to back picks on defensive tackles in order to add some depth at the ailing positional need. The Broncos could also look at DT, Devon Still. They could also look at center Peter Konz, as Jeff Saturday, Peyton Manning’s long time center signed with the Packers. Or, the Broncos could fill their need at RB and draft durable running back Doug Martin. This is an intriguing pick after the Broncos signed Manning.
Previous Pick: Devon Still/OT, Penn State

26.) Houston Texans: Nick Perry/OLB/DE, Southern California
I’ve had wide receivers slotted here the past two mocks, but I believe that the Texans will look for a wide receiver second round. With this being said, the Texans will spend the pick upgrading an already stellar defense by adding diverse Nick Perry. Perry can come off the edge and apply pressure with JJ Watts or come from the linebacker position to get to the quarterback. The Texans could also go in the direction of Stephen Hill, who I had slotted here in my last mock. Or, they could go with an OT, such as Johnathon Martin to protect quarterback Matt Schaub who is coming off a season ending injury in 2011.
Previous Pick: Stephen Hill/WR, Georgia Tech 

27.) New England Patriots: Shea McClellin/DT, Boise State
The Patriots have virtually nothing at the defensive tackle position. Being from Massachusetts and being an avid Patriots fan I have read up on a surplus of blogs and the consensus seems to be that the Patriots will draft Shea McClellin. Although, the Patriots are extremely unpredictable when it comes to the draft, Bill Belichick loves Shea and values versatile defenders like McClellin. The Patriots have also, reported being interested in trading up to get Safety, Mark Barron, but I think and many reports state that the Patriots will trade the 31st pick in attempt of either trading up for Barron or trading down for a surplus of picks in later rounds, which Bill loves to do.
Previous Pick: Nick Perry/DE/OLB, Southern California

28.) Green Bay Packers: Harrison Smith/SS, Notre Dame
The Packers secondary was abysmal this year, a stout defense a year ago to a last ranked defense this year. One of the reasons the Packers were as successful as they were on defense last year was their ability to create turnovers, this year the turnover margin was not on their side. To help get the Packers back to the defense they were last year, to start would be to draft Harrison Smith, a smart safety that would perfectly into McCarthy’s defensive scheme.
Previous Pick: Stephon Gilmore/CB, South Carolina 

29.) San Fransico 49ers: Amini Silatolu/G,OT
I had the 49ers drafting Fleener in my previous draft, but reports are the 49ers will draft the best available guard, which Silatolu in this case. There is a big hole in guard play for the 49ers. Silatolu has been flying up draft boards, so don’t be surprised if the 49ers go with him at pick 29;.
Previous Pick: Coby Fleener

30.) Baltimore Ravens: Peter Konz/C, Wisconsin
Baltimore get’s an immediate hole filler, their number one need is a center. Konz is strong and has the ability to pull on the line. He can come in and have an immediate impact on the line.

31.) New England Patriots: Brandon Weeden
My personal opinion is the Patriots will trade this pick down to someone looking to trade up to grab quarterback Brandon Weeden. If the Patriots decide to keep this pick there is a need for an OT with the retirement of Matt Light. They could easily choose, Johnathon Martin to fill that vacancy.
Previous Pick: Mike Adams/OT, Southern California

32.) New York Giants: Coby Fleener/TE, Clemson
The Giants usually pick best available, but if you look at need because of injuries. I would say they target Coby Fleener my best overall TE on the board. I think it’s a strong possibility the Giants go out and get Eli Manning a strong TE to throw to, to alleviate some pressure off of Nicks and Cruz.
Previous Pick: Johnathon Martin/OT, Stanford