KFFL.com has released an updated mock of the 2012 NFL Draft season. Commentary is included in this mock draft to help you better understand the reasoning behind the projected selection, and be aware that this will receive many updates and additions over the coming months. Please feel free to leave comments below.
It was the worst kept secret in the NFL ... Indy will take Luck, which has now been confirmed by the team. Luck is the best prospect in the draft, and he just so happens to fill the biggest need the Colts have at the moment.
RG3 is Washington's guy after trading with the Rams to acquire the pick. Griffin is likely to be the starter from Day 1 and, even as a rookie, should immediately upgrade Washington's passing game.
A blindside protector for Christian Ponder is a must, and the offensive line needs a boost in the run-blocking department, as well. Kalil is as good as it gets in this draft class, but I think Justin Blackmon at least warrants consideration, unless Minnesota feels they can upgrade in the second round.
Cleveland would be dumb not to give Colt McCoy a strong running game, and Richardson's style of play is ideal for the cold weather of Cleveland late in the season. Justin Blackmon could be an option, too.
Trent Richardson is a possibility, if available, but I think they will complement LeGarrette Blount with a speedy, pass-catching back. Claiborne fills a huge need for this defense and brings much-needed help on the back end. Aqib Talib is in the final year of his contract, too.
Sam Bradford needs weapons, and Blackmon could be a stud at the next level. With Brandon Lloyd gone, the Rams' receiving corps is wide open for the No. 1 target.
Perhaps Jacksonville likes Courtney Upshaw or Nick Perry better? I think Coples should be their guy, and we all know they need pass-rushing help. Offensive line or wide receiver options could be considered.
While I am not a fan of Tannehill going this high in the draft, Miami would be foolish for not considering him. In all likelihood, another team may trade with the Jaguars to take the former Aggie.
A stud for years to come, DeCastro bolsters their guard position from the moment he walks on the field. Mike Pollak is just a depth chart filler and an upgrade is needed. They could look to cornerback, wide receiver and defensive tackle help. Michael Brockers is also in the conversation. Defensive tackle need is overrated, because their two rookies last year didn't get the proper training due to the lockout. Michael Floyd is intriguing here, as well.
With the loss of Demetress Bell to Philly, Reiff makes a lot of sense for a team that shored up their pass-rushing need with Mario Williams. Wide receiver is still an option to give Ryan Fitzpatrick more targets. Michael Floyd could very well be their man.
KC has enough time to develop Brockers as a 3-4 end. He should see time in a rotation with Tyson Jackson and Glenn Dorsey, both of whom have underachieved in the pros. If Carolina opts for Brockers, expect David DeCastro to be their choice if he makes it past the Bills.
Seattle signed Barrett Ruud at middle linebacker, but he was added with a one-year pact and is coming off an injury-plagued season. Kuechly gives them a great tackler who is adept in pass coverage as the future of the position.
Assuming he makes it past the Bills, Floyd gives the Cardinals a target to work with opposite Larry Fitzgerald. More weapons in the passing game are needed, and Floyd could be a steal at No. 13.
It is hard to imagine Dallas passing on Barron, assuming he is even available for them at this pick. A pass-rushing edge rusher could be in the cards if Barron is gone. Trading down makes sense, as well.
Cox gives Philly an interior rotation and upside for the future at the position. Cordy Glenn could be an option at right tackle, but the Eagles should look for a player with immediate impact potential.
Outside linebacker makes a lot of sense, even with Bryan Thomas (Achilles') returning. The Jets also need more weapons for Mark Sanchez ... or Tim Tebow. Given the depth of the position in this year's class, wideout will have to wait.
Jerome Simpson won't be returning, so wide receiver is a big priority for this blossoming young offense. Wright gives them a downfield presence that is much needed.
A.J. Smith is no stranger to making bold picks, and now that Mark Barron is off the board, Notre Dame's Smith joins the Bolts. San Diego's GM is rumored to be infatuated with this youngster's skill set, so look for this bold pick in the middle of Round 1.
The Bears would consider the right wide receiver here, but no one of their liking will be available. Dre Kirkpatrick is a possibility, but another pass-rushing end in the mix is a higher priority.
The Titans need a dynamic pass rusher from the edge, even after adding Kamerion Wimbley. However, that will have to wait, as the secondary needs to be shored up after the loss of Cortland Finnegan and a major injury to Ryan Mouton (Achilles').
The Bengals are a few key additions away from winning the AFC North, and Poe could be an immediate starter or no worse than a heavily involved rotational player upfront.
This is probably too early for Hill, but his size and downfield ability will help open up this offense. Outside linebacker and offensive guard are possibilities, too.
Detroit's secondary was their weak spot on D, but defensive end is a possibility here since Kyle Vanden Bosch is long in the tooth and Cliff Avril is a free agent.
Doug Legursky is serviceable, but he isn't the future at left guard. Glenn has the size to be a staple along this line, and he also offers flexibility to play right tackle. Dont'a Hightower is likely a strong possibility, too.
Houston wants to upgrade their receiving corps, and Randle's strong workouts should put him in the conversation. Alshon Jeffery is also in the mix here. For now, I am not sold on him being a player of choice for Houston. Outside linebacker is possible, too.
Perry is more of a 4-3 defensive end, but he can stand up and rush from the edge. Aldon Smith will have a long-term tag team partner to rush the quarterback with.
Mercilus should immediately upgrade New England's pass rush as a rotational player. It may take him a few years to develop into being an every-down player, but last year illustrated his potential.
Middle linebacker is no longer a priority. Jones gives them insurance at defensive end and a bright future if Osi Umenyiora doesn't return after this season. Coby Fleener remains an option.
Its going to be hard to pick from pick 2 and 3 because both of the teams are listening to trade offers,might come down to free agaents sometimes if they fill a position with a free agent they will pick someone different. but I think Cleveland might go for Griffin but Washington will be in the hunt,If the 49ers were smart they would try to trade for Andew Luck he knows Jim Harbaughs system and the 49ers probably won't get this but they should go for Payton Manning, they difently need a upgrade at Quarterback if they are truely going for the Lomgardi Trophy. Alex Smith is a backup qb period and next year the 49ers won't be snicking up on anybody.
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JD
In my humble opinion the Bills must assess a much bigger need than at WR and work on their Def. Therefore I strongly believe that Michael Floyd WILL be a Chicago Bear in 2012!
Just wanted to make a comment on the Bengals
picks where you say that you think they wwill re-sign cedric benson.There is no way that is going to happen.No one on the Bengals coaching staff wants him back.He has a poor attitude,and his physical skills have declined.There are several rb in this draft that they are looking at.
Yooper - I'm certain that pick will change in my next mock. I don't have much of an issue with a team picking a player with a second-round grade in the late first ... that happens fairly often. Depending on how Mike Neal progresses, GB could be OK at DE. Michael Brockers would be a good choice for them, but be aware that a five-technique isn't where the 3-4 generates a pass rush from.
The Rams allowed 55 sacks last year. Jason Smith and his $10 million will be sent packing. G Jacob Bell and C Jason Brown will also be sent packing. It does not matter who you have at WR if you have no time to throw. It is ridiculous that you somehow value a WR over a LT like Kalil.
I think Carolina will go target a WR with their pick. S.Smith is gettin up there in age and Carolina has yet to throw in another deep threat at the position. Yes, a depleted defence is what they played with 2011 but the line "the best Defence is a good Offence" seems to fit for this team.
Nice analysis. As a Giants' fan, I would love either a DT, LT, LB or TE in round one, depending on where the value is. The Giants could use an upgrade or depth in each of those positions.
In my opinion, the Jets would do better by acquiring a big, fast, explosive running back to take pressure off Sanchez. I think their most pressing issues should be addressed offensively, as the defense is for the most part solid. Look for them to re-sign Thomas and look for defensive help further down. Just my humble opinion.
No way the Packers go RB in the first round. James Starks will most likely assume the starting role going into camp, Alex Green should return from injury in time for camp and compete, and Ryan Grant is still pretty serviceable as well, so there is no alarming need for a RB...not when improving a horrific pass rush and finally finding a replacement for the obviously finished Chad Clifton are staring them in the face. They could hope that Whitney Mercilus falls to them or make a rare trade upward to land Wisconsin's Peter Konz.
No way I can see the 'Skins taking Richardson at 6, or any RB in the first round anywhere. Perhaps you wanted Richardson off the board and are anticipating a trade there, but he won't be drafted by Washington. Don't forget too that Shanny likes "looking smart" and proving that 3rd and 4th round RBs are studs in his system... Has he EVER used a 1st on a RB?
There is no way in He!! Mark Barron doesn't get snatched up in the first round. Not having the #1 safety in the country on this mock totally kills any credibility you may want to be creating for yourself man
KJ - I agree, hence my comments about Richardson. I really think Tampa strongly considers him, but if he is available to Cleveland and RG3 is not their pick at No. 4, expect that to happen. It looks like Washington will trade up instead of Cleveland at this point. Expect an update early next week.
Wayne - Saying Mark Barron is the best safety in the country is like saying I'm the coolest fantasy geek in the industry. This is an atrocious year for safeties, and I'll be surprised if an injured strong safety is anything better than a very, very late first-rounder.
The earliest any team will consider him is the Titans, and I don't see that happening with the Babineaux deal looming.
The Jets and Cowboys need SS help, but both teams have more pressing needs. Maybe Detroit opts for Barron, but they, too, have more important positions to address. Tell me which team will take Barron in the first?
Washington has traded their 1ST and 2ND picks in 2012 their 1ST in 2013 and their 1ST in 2014
to the Rams for the 2ND pick in 2012!
The Seahawks replace Steve Hutchinson with OG David Decastro.
Texans have to address their Offensive Line in the first round, now that their GM has handled the salary cap so poorly that 60% of their OL will be gone after free agency.
What do you mean 'Cleveland is going back to a 4-3 alignment'? They ran it all of last year. AND there is no way that the go RB at #4 overall. You really dont know the Browns very well. Positions of need are RT, WR(speed), OLB, and CB or Safety (as S.Brown will play whats left).
I believe that you may be off on the Panthers choice there. They have a big issue on Defense and the CB to be exact. They desperately need to fill in a guy that can complement Gamble. If they are able to get Ja.Jenkins later say in the second round and drop down for another second round pick. Trade 9th pick for say around the 22 pick. It makes since to also try and address the SS postion or even the LB corp.........just sayin
Cory J. Bonini is a senior editor at KFFL. In late 2002, Bonini joined the KFFL staff as a research analyst. He vaulted himself into one of the industry's leading fantasy analysts.
Bonini has been involved in fantasy sports since 1996. A member of the Fantasy Sports Trade Association as well as Fantasy Sports Writers Association, he has been featured in print, on the radio and is also a published writer on scores of sites. Bonini co-hosted Big Lead Sports on SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio from 2011 to 2012.
Bonini was recognized with the 2010 Best Article in Print Award from the FSWA and was a finalist for the same award in 2011. In '11, he finished first overall in the FSWA NFL experts challenge that featured 60 of the industry's best competitors.
