2013 NFL Mock Draft

It is way too early but here is a two round mock draft for the 2013 NFL Draft. This will change 100 times from now to next April but it’s what I do…….

Round 1

1. Oakland Raiders: Matt Barkley-QB-USC
2. Jacksonville Jaguars: David Amerson-CB/S-NC State
3. Cleveland Browns: Robert Woods-WR-USC
4. Minnesota Vikings: Jonathan Hankins-DT-Ohio State
5. Arizona Cardinals: Tyler Wilson-QB-Arkansas
6. Indianapolis Colts: Jackson Jeffcoat-DE/OLB-Texas
7. Seattle Seahawks: Keenan Allen-WR-California
8. St. Louis Rams (Wash): DJ Fluker-OT-Alabama
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Barkevious Mingo-DE-LSU
10. Miami Dolphins: Jarvis Jones-OLB-Georgia
11. St. Louis Rams: Manti Te’o-LB-Notre Dame
12. Tennessee Titans: Sam Montgomery-DE-LSU
13. Buffalo Bills: Tyler Bray-QB-Tennessee
14. Carolina Panthers: Star Lotulelei-DT-Utah
15. New York Jets: Logan Thomas-QB-Virginia Tech
16. Atlanta Falcons: Barrett Jones-OT/OG-Alabama
17. Kansas City Chiefs: Landry Jones-QB-Oklahoma
18. Chicago Bears: Jake Matthews-OT-Texas A&M
19. Dallas Cowboys: Sean Porter-OLB-Texas A&M
20. San Diego Chargers: Justin Hunter-WR-Tennessee
21. Philadelphia Eagles: Chris Faulk-OT-LSU
22. Cincinnati Bengals: Alex Okafor-DE-Texas
23. New Orleans Saints: Brandon Jenkins-DE-Florida State
24. Detroit Lions: TJ McDonald-S-USC
25. Denver Broncos: Marcus Lattimore-RB-South Carolina
26. Pittsburgh Steelers: Demarcus Milliner-CB-Alabama
27. San Francisco 49ers: John Simon-DE-Ohio State
28. Houston Texans: Alex Hurst-OT-LSU
29. Baltimore Ravens: CJ Mosley-ILB-Alabama
30. New York Giants: Eric Reid-S-LSU
31. New England Patriots: Kenny Vacarro-S-Texas
32. Green Bay Packers: Robert Lester-S-Alabama

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Here is a way too early list of the top 50 prospects for the 2013 NFL Draft……..

1. Matt Barkley-QB-USC
2. Jackson Jeffcoat-DE/OLB-Texas
3. David Amerson-CB/S-NC State
4. Tyler Wilson-QB-Arkansas
5. Jarvis Jones-OLB-Georgia
6. Sam Montgomery-DE/OLB-LSU
7. Robert Woods-WR-USC
8. Logan Thomas-QB-Virginia Tech
9. Marcus Lattimore-RB-South Carolina
10. Tyler Bray-QB-Tennessee
11. Keenan Allen-WR-California
12. Barrett Jones-OT/OG-Alabama
13. Barkevious Mingo-DE/OLB-LSU
14. Star Lotulelei-DT-Utah
15. Landry Jones-QB-Oklahoma
16. Manti Te’o-LB-Notre Dame
17. TJ McDonald-S-USC
18. Sean Porter-OLB-Texas A&M
19. Justin Hunter-WR-Tennessee
20. Kenny Vaccaro-S-Texas
21. DJ Fluker-OT-Alabama
22. Alex Okafor-DE-Texas
23. Jelani Jenkins-OLB-Florida
24. Aaron Murray-QB-Georgia
25. Brandon Jenkins-DE-Florida State
26. Devin Taylor-DE-South Carolina
27. Tyrann Matheiu-CB-LSU
28. Eric Reid-S-LSU
29. Robert Lester-S-Alabama
30. Alex Hurst-OT-LSU
31. Jake Matthews-OT-Texas A&M
32. Chris Faulk-OT-LSU
33. Terrance Williams-WR-Baylor
34. Oday Aboushi-OT-Virginia
35. Jonathan Hankins-DT-Ohio State
36. CJ Mosley-LB-Alabama
37. Tony Jefferson-S-Oklahoma
38. Khaled Holmes-C-USC
39. Xavier Rhodes-CB-Florida State
40. Bacarri Rambo-S-Georgia
41. Montee Ball-RB-Wisconsin
42. EJ Manuel-QB-Florida State
43. John Simon-DE-Ohio State
44. Geno Smith-QB-West Virginia
45. Ray Ray Armstrong-S-Miami
46. Kawann Short-DT-Purdue
47. Ricky Wagner-OT-Wisconsin
48. Nico Johnson-LB-Alabama
49. Jonathan Banks-CB-Mississippi State
50. Tyler Eifert-TE-Notre Dame

NFL Draft Grades

I created a formula to create draft grades for each NFL team using my top 300 prospect rankings. Each player will be designed a ranking based off their top 300 rankings and if they are not ranked in the top 300 they receive the value of 301. I will add each teams total points and divide by their number of points to give each team a draft score. These rankings have been published on http//www.nfldraftwizard.com and miamidolphinsdraft.com for over a week now. Based off my player rankings here are the draft classes ranked from 1-32. Below the rankings you can see the breakdown of how those numbers came about…..

1. Cincinnati Bengals
2. Miami Dolphins
3. Arizona Cardinals
4. San Diego Chargers
5. Philadelphia Eagles
6. Green Bay Packers
7. Minnesota Vikings
8. New York Giants
9. Carolina Panthers
10. Tennessee Titans
11. Indianapolis Colts
12. St. Louis Rams
13. Denver Broncos
14. Detroit Lions
15. Baltimore Ravens
16. Pittsburgh Steelers
17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
18. Buffalo Bills
19. New York Jets
20. Houston Texans
21. San Francisco 49ers
22. New England Patriots
23. Cleveland Browns
24. Kansas City Chiefs
25. Jacksonville Jaguars
26. Chicago Bears
27. Seattle Seahawks
28. Dallas Cowboys
29. Washington Redskins
30. New Orleans Saints
31. Atlanta Falcons
32. Oakland Raiders

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Top Remaining Prospects

Round 1:

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck-QB-Stanford
Analysis: The Colts had a miserable 2011 season which made them the winners of the “Suck for Luck” sweepstakes. They hired a new head coach and let Peyton Manning, Jeff Saturday, Pierre Garcon, and Dallas Clark go to other destinations. There is no other direction the Colts can go which will make sense so the selection of Andrew Luck here is an absolute slam-dunk. This rebuilding franchise is lucky to have another elite quarterback fall into their laps as Peyton Manning did in 1998.

2. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III-QB-Baylor

Analysis: The Redskins made a bold move trading 2012 and 2013 first round draft selections and a 2012 2nd to the Rams for this pick in order to secure Robert Griffin III also known as “RG3”. Dan Snyder loves to sell tickets and drafting the 2011 Heisman trophy winner will do that and not to mention he is an immediate upgrade to the Redskins horrible quarterback situation.

3. Minnesota Vikings:  Matt Kalil-OT-University of Southern California

Analysis: Vikings general manager, Rick Spielman, has indicated that this pick is on the market for trade but the Vikings should do the smart thing and draft the best left tackle prospect that has come along since Jake Long in 2008. The Vikings let Bryant McKinnie go prior to the 2011 season and didn’t have a plan in place to replace him and it showed. The Vikings need to protect their franchise quarterback, Christian Ponder, and drafting a guy like Kalil will go a long way in doing so.

4. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson-RB-Alabama

Analysis: Despite the world thinking that the Browns have legit interest in Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill this pick is down to Trent Richardson vs. Justin Blackmon in my opinion. The wide receiver class for the 2012 draft is loaded which makes the positions value fall a bit this high on the draft. Trent Richardson is a rare running back as he can literally do everything needed to be a great player from the position. He runs with an unseen combination of power and speed combined with elite vision which allows him to find holes which most backs wouldn’t. The Browns let Peyton Hillis go via free agency and no one on their roster is capable of being an every down back.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne-CB-Louisiana State University

Analysis: The Buccaneers have a major need at cornerback which was evident when they over-paid dearly for fee-agent Eric Wright who has been nothing more than pedestrian so far in his career, They resigned Ronde Barber who is ancient in NFL years and Aqib Talib faces serious jail time. Morris Claiborne is as close to a shutdown corner as there is the 2012 draft as he covers well and has great ball skills to boot. Claiborne is a player you can start day one and never look back and the Buccaneers need to get their secondary in order if they play on stopping the Saints in 2012.

6. St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon-WR-Oklahoma State

Analysis: It’s not easy taking a wide receiver this high when the draft is loaded at the position but the Rams need to find a primary receiver for Sam Bradford. The Rams were unable to keep Brandon Lloyd around and the team lacks a go-to receiver. Sam Bradford struggled in 2011 due to injuries and inadequate weapons and the Rams need to find a play-maker in order to save whatever is left of Sam Bradford’s confidence.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Melvin Ingram-DE-South Carolina

Analysis: The Jaguars have tried everything in order to find a legit pass rusher whether it was drafting Derrick Harvey and Quentin Groves in 2009 or overpaying for Aaron Kampman in free agency and have consistently struck out. Ingram is one of the best pass rushers in the draft. Ingram offers versatility to a 43 defensive line front and this makes him even more valuable.

8. Miami Dolphins: Ryan Tannehill-QB-Texas A&M

Analysis: After Peyton Manning told the Dolphins to take a hike Dol-Fans were ready to plan a mass suicide. The Dolphins have not been able to find a franchise quarterback since Dan Marino retired and the fan base has had enough. Ryan Tannehill doesn’t have the hype that Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin has but he has the tools that could make him an elite quarterback at the next level. There are similarities in Tannehill’s games to that of the great Aaron Rodgers. The Dolphins offensive coordinator, Mike Sherman, was Tannehill’s head coach at Texas A&M and knows him better than anyone giving the Dolphins an advantage here.

9. Carolina Panthers: Dontari Poe-DT-Memphis

Analysis: The Panthers have publicly stated that they don’t view defensive tackle as a need and in my opinion that is either smoke-screen or the coaches didn’t watch the defensive tape. Teams are falling in love with Poe’s ability to move given his size even drawing comparisons to Ravens all-pro Haloti Ngata.

10. Buffalo Bills: Riley Reiff-OT-Iowa

Analysis:  While Bills’ fans would like the team to draft Michael Floyd at this spot the Bills have to address left tackle first and foremost. Reiff is a plug and play player who will be the Bills opening day starter come September.

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Quarterback Rankings

1. Andrew Luck-Stanford
2. Robert Griffin III-Baylor
3. Ryan Tannehill-Texas A&M
4. Brandon Weeden-Oklahoma State
5. Kirk Cousins-Michigan State
6. Brock Osweiler-Arizona State
7. BJ Coleman-Tennessee Chattanooga
8. Nick Foles-Arizona
9. Ryan Lindley-San Diego State
10. Russell Wilson-Wisconsin
11. Chandler Harnish-Northern Illinois
12. Aaron Corp-Richmond
13. Austin Davis-Southern Mississippi
14. Case Keenum-Houston
15. Darron Thomas-Oregon
16. Jordan Jefferson-LSU
17. Kellen Moore-Boise State
18. Dominique Davis-East Carolina
19. G.J. Kinne-Tulsa
20. Patrick Witt-Yale
21. John Brantley-Florida
22. Dan Persa-Northwestern
23. Tyler Hansen-Colorado
24. Jarrett Lee-LSU
25. Jacory Harris-Miami

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The NFL Draft is only 10 days away and here are my final top 300 prospect rankings. Not too many surprises on the list but one could be surprised how high I have Stanford’s David DeCastro rated or the fact that I have Notre Dame’s Michael Floyd as the best receiver in the draft over Oklahoma State’s Justin Blackmon.

2012 NFL Mock Draft

By Neal Driscoll

Round 1:

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck-QB-Stanford

Analysis: The Colts had a miserable 2011 season which made them the winners of the “Suck for Luck” sweepstakes. They hired a new head coach and let Peyton Manning, Jeff Saturday, Pierre Garcon, and Dallas Clark go to other destinations. There is no other direction the Colts can go which will make sense so the selection of Andrew Luck here is an absolute slam-dunk. This rebuilding franchise is lucky to have another elite quarterback fall into their laps as Peyton Manning did in 1998.

2. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III-QB-Baylor

Analysis: The Redskins made a bold move trading 2012 and 2013 first round draft selections and a 2012 2^nd to the Rams for this pick in order to secure Robert Griffin III also known as “RG3”. Dan Snyder loves to sell tickets and drafting the 2011 Heisman trophy winner will do that and not to mention he is an immediate upgrade to the Redskins horrible quarterback situation.

3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil-OT-University of Southern California

Analysis: Vikings general manager, Rick Spielman, has indicated that this pick is on the market for trade but the Vikings should do the smart thing and draft the best left tackle prospect that has come along since Jake Long in 2008. The Vikings let Bryant McKinnie go prior to the 2011 season and didn’t have a plan in place to replace him and it showed. The Vikings need to protect their franchise quarterback, Christian Ponder, and drafting a guy like Kalil will go a long way in doing so.

4. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson-RB-Alabama

Analysis: Despite the world thinking that the Browns have legit interest in Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill this pick is down to Trent Richardson vs. Justin Blackmon in my opinion. The wide receiver class for the 2012 draft is loaded which makes the positions value fall a bit this high on the draft. Trent Richardson is a rare running back as he can literally do everything needed to be a great player from the position. He runs with an unseen combination of power and speed combined with elite vision which allows him to find holes which most backs wouldn’t. The Browns let Peyton Hillis go via free agency and no one on their roster is capable of being an every down back.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne-CB-Louisiana State University

Analysis: The Buccaneers have a major need at cornerback which was evident when they over-paid dearly for fee-agent Eric Wright who has been nothing more than pedestrian so far in his career, They resigned Ronde Barber who is ancient in NFL years and Aqib Talib faces serious jail time. Morris Claiborne is as close to a shutdown corner as there is the 2012 draft as he covers well and has great ball skills to boot. Claiborne is a player you can start day one and never look back and the Buccaneers need to get their secondary in order if they play on stopping the Saints in 2012.

6. St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon-WR-Oklahoma State

Analysis: It’s not easy taking a wide receiver this high when the draft is loaded at the position but the Rams need to find a primary receiver for Sam Bradford. The Rams were unable to keep Brandon Lloyd around and the team lacks a go-to receiver. Sam Bradford struggled in 2011 due to injuries and inadequate weapons and the Rams need to find a play-maker in order to save whatever is left of Sam Bradford’s confidence.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Melvin Ingram-DE-South Carolina

Analysis: The Jaguars have tried everything in order to find a legit pass rusher whether it was drafting Derrick Harvey and Quentin Groves in 2009 or overpaying for Aaron Kampman in free agency and have consistently struck out. Ingram is one of the best pass rushers in the draft. Ingram offers versatility to a 43 defensive line front and this makes him even more valuable.

8. Miami Dolphins: Ryan Tannehill-QB-Texas A&M

Analysis: After Peyton Manning told the Dolphins to take a hike Dol-Fans were ready to plan a mass suicide. The Dolphins have not been able to find a franchise quarterback since Dan Marino retired and the fan base has had enough. Ryan Tannehill doesn’t have the hype that Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin has but he has the tools that could make him an elite quarterback at the next level. There are similarities in Tannehill’s games to that of the great Aaron Rodgers. The Dolphins offensive coordinator, Mike Sherman, was Tannehill’s head coach at Texas A&M and knows him better than anyone giving the Dolphins an advantage here.

9. Carolina Panthers: Dontari Poe-DT-Memphis

Analysis: The Panthers have publicly stated that they don’t view defensive tackle as a need and in my opinion that is either smoke-screen or the coaches didn’t watch the defensive tape. Teams are falling in love with Poe’s ability to move given his size even drawing comparisons to Ravens all-pro Haloti Ngata.

10. Buffalo Bills: Riley Reiff-OT-Iowa

Analysis:  While Bills’ fans would like the team to draft Michael Floyd at this spot the Bills have to address left tackle first and foremost. Reiff is a plug and play player who will be the Bills opening day starter come September.

11. Kansas City Chiefs: David DeCastro-OL-Stanford

Analysis: David DeCastro is one of the best football players in this draft and what makes him a hot commodity is not only his skill-set but his versatility. DeCastro can play four positions along the OLINE (LG, RG, C, RT) and from a technique standpoint he is as good as there has been for over a decade. The Chiefs can plug DeCastro in with Rodney Hudson, Eric Winston, and Branden Albert giving them one of the best OLINE’s in the NFL.

12. Seattle Seahawks: Luke Kuechly-ILB-Boston College

Analysis: The Seahawks struck out in a major way when they took Aaron Curry with the 4^th pick in the 2009 draft. Their linebacker core needs a new look and drafting the best linebacker in the draft is one way to get it started, Kuechly is a very smart football player who plays with great instincts which allows him to locate the ball effectively. Kuechly is a leader and could give the Seahawks’ defense a major boost.

13. Arizona Cardinals: Cordy Glenn-OL-Georgia

Analysis: The Cardinals OLINE is in shambles and the team will not be ready to compete until they address the position. Cordy Glenn is a perfect fit because the Cardinals can start him out at offensive tackle and if he doesn’t pan out there than you have an all-pro offensive guard.

14. Dallas Cowboys: Mark Barron-S-Alabama

Analysis: The Cowboys have a history of great safety play and right now there roster is full of a bunch of average players. Barron gives them a player who excels in pass coverage and is equally as good against the run.

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Fletcher Cox-DT-Mississippi State

Analysis: The Eagles defense was a major part of the teams’ failures in 2011 and they need to get better on this side of the ball for them to truly compete with the Giants and Cowboys in the NFC East. Cox can be paired with Cullen Jenkins giving the Eagles a run stopping and pass rushing tandem in the middle of their defense.

16. New York Jets: Michael Floyd-WR-Notre Dame

Analysis: The Jets need to find additional pass rushers but the emergence of Aaron Maybin in 2011 allows them to take the best player on the board which also fills a major need. The Jets need a receiver with size who can pose to be a red-zone threat for whoever their quarterback will be. The plus with Floyd is that he is a willing and able run blocker which is something that will get Rex Ryan excited.

17. Cincinnati Bengals: Quinton Coples-DE-North Carolina

Analysis: The inconsistent motor is the reason that Coples drops despite the issue being way overblown. For my money Coples is the best defensive player in the draft and has the talent to be an elite defensive end. The Bengals take a risk but the duo of Coples and Carlos Dunlap is going to be a tough task for opposing offensive lines.

18. San Diego Chargers: Nick Perry-OLB-University of Southern California

Analysis: The Chargers landed Jarrett Johnson who can play strong side linebacker and stop the run and now they need an explosive pass rusher opposite of Johnson. The player was supposed to be Larry English but he has been a major bust thus far. Perry is explosive and uses his hands well and should make an immediate impact for the Chargers’ defense.

19. Chicago Bears: Whitney Mercilus-Defensive End-Illinois

Analysis: The Bears really want to upgrade the position opposite of Julius Peppers and Mercilus was very productive in his junior campaign at Illinois. There are some concerns whether Mercilus was a one year wonder but his production should be solid with Julius Peppers drawing most of the attention on the DLINE.

20. Tennessee Titans: Stephon Gilmore-CB-South Carolina

Analysis: The Titans lost Courtland Finnegan in free agency and they don’t stand a chance competing with the Texans if they do not have more than solid cornerbacks. Gilmore has saw his stock rise since the draft process started and offers return skills to boot which make him a very good selection for the Titans.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Peter Konz-C/OG-Wisconsin

Analysis: The Bengals need help at the guard position and while Konz played center at Wisconsin he has the ability to be a very good guard at the next level.

22. Cleveland Browns: Rueben Randle-WR-LSU

Analysis: The Browns got their running back earlier in the draft and now they find a legitimate receiver for Colt McCoy. Randle has great NFL size and has drawn comparisons to the Giants’ Hakeem Nicks.

23. Detroit Lions: Dre Kirkpatrick-CB-Alabama

Analysis: The Lions have needed a shut-down corner for quite some time and if they expect to take the NFC North thrown from the Packers they will need one. Kirkpatrick has size that general managers salivate for.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Adams-OT-Ohio State

Analysis: The Steelers have paid close attention to Adams since the draft process has begun and it’s no surprise as he offers the size and attitude that the Steelers look for. Adams can come and offer an immediate upgrade to the Steelers woeful offensive line.

25. Denver Broncos: Michael Brockers-DT-Louisiana State University

Analysis: The Broncos defense is good but ageing and they take the best defensive player on the board. Brockers is a strong player who can be disruptive and finds the football well to boot.

26. Houston Texans: Kendall Wright-WR-Baylor

Analysis: if the Texans could create the perfect complement to all-world receiver Andre Johnson it would be Baylor’s Kendall Wright. Wright is an explosive play-maker who is extremely dangerous in the open field. Drafting Wright will open up the Texans’ passing game and this move makes them the favorites in the AFC.

27. New England Patriots: Courtney Upshaw-OLB-Alabama

Analysis: The Patriots need to bolster their defense especially their pass rush and a great player falls into their laps. Upshaw is a top 20 player in this draft but he isn’t as explosive as some of the pass rushers which causes him to fall into an ideal spot.

28. Green Bay Packers: Kendall Reyes-DT/DE-Connecticut

Analysis: The Packers lost Cullen Jenkins prior to the 2011 season and we not able to replace him. Replacing Jenkins is a tall task for Reyes but there is no question in my mind that Reyes can start as a rookie and give the Packers’ DLINE an upgrade.

29. Baltimore Ravens: Jonathan Martin-OT-Stanford

Analysis: The Ravens have a history of drafting the best player available and keep the trend alive with this pick. Bryant McKinnie is only under contract for one more season so drafting the guy who protected Andrew Luck is not a bad decision.

30. San Francisco 49ers: Janoris Jenkins-CB-Northern Alabama

Analysis: It was nice that the 49ers were able to keep Carlos Rogers around but they still could use an upgrade at the position. Jenkins is a top 15 talent that falls due to off-field concerns but sometimes the risk of taking a gamble really pays off.

31. New England Patriots: Devon Still-DT-Penn State

Analysis: Another blue-chip defensive player falls into the Patriots’ lap. Still can play anywhere on the line and really improve the Patriots’ run defense. Adding two players like Upshaw and Still will have the Patriots defense much improved in 2012.

32. New York Giants: Donta Hightower-LB-Alabama

Analysis: The Giants won the Super Bowl despite having a pedestrian group of linebackers. Hightower is a tremendous fit at this spot as he is a tackling machine with size and can bring even more leadership to a dominant Giants’ defense.

Miami Dolphins Offseason Blueprint

The Miami Dolphins are stuck in neutral; a team with too much talent to rebuild and not enough talent in key positions to contend on an annual basis. General Manager Jeff Ireland gets at least one more shot to field a winner, due in no small part to his strong relationship with owner Stephen Ross and the talent he was able to find in his first year without Bill Parcells in the building.

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Please follow this thread as this is going to be where all the picks are posted after they are announced on Twitter.

Round 1

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck-Quarterback-Stanford

2. Cleveland Browns (STL):Robert Griffin III-Quarterback-Baylor

3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil-Offensive Tackle-USC

4. St. Louis Rams (CLE): Morris Claiborne-Cornerback-LSU

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Justin Blackmon-Wide Receiver-Oklahoma State

6. Washington Redskins: Riley Reiff-Offensive Tackle-Iowa

TRADE: The Jacksonville Jaguars send pick #7 to the Kansas City Chiefs for picks #11 and 75

7. Kansas City Chiefs: Dontari Poe-Nose Tackle-Memphis

TRADE: The Miami Dolphins send their 1st Rounder (#8), 3rd Rounder  (#73), 4th Rounder (104), and 5th Rounder (#136) to the Dallas Cowboys for their 1st Rounder (#14). 2nd rounder (#45), 3rd Rounder (#85), and 7th Rounder (#206)

8.: Melvin Ingram-Outside Linebacker-South Carolina

9. Carolina Panthers: Devon Stll-Defensive Tackle-Penn State

10. Buffalo Bills: Michael Floyd-Wide Receiver-Notre Dame

11. Jacksonville Jaguars (KC): Quinton Coples-Defensive End-North Carolina

12. Seattle Seahawks: Trent Richardson-Running Back-Alabama

13. Arizona Cardinals: David DeCastro-Guard-Stanford

14. Miami Dolphins (DAL): Nick Perry-Defensive End-USC

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Courtney Upshaw-Outside Linebacker-Alabama

16. New York Jets: Cordy Glenn-Offensive Line-Georgia

17. Cincinnati Bengals (OAK): Kendall Wright-Wide Receiver-Baylor

18. San Diego Chargers: Jonathan Martin-Offensive Tackle-Stanford

19. Chicago Bears: Dre Kirkpatrick-Cornerback-Alabama

20. Tennessee Titans: Peter Konz-Center/Guard-Wisconsin

TRADE: The Broncos receive pick # 21 from the Cincinnati Bengals for picks # 25 and a 4th round pick

21. Denver Broncos (CIN): Stephen Hill-Wide Receiver-Georgia Tech

22. St. Louis Rams (CLE): Fletcher Cox-Defensive Tackle-Mississippi State

23. Houston Texans (Det): Mohamed Sanu-Wide Receiver-Rutgers

24.: Green Bay Packers (Pitt): Michael Brockers-Defensive Tackle-LSU

25. Cincinnati Bengals (DEN): Stephon Gilmore-Cornerback-South Carolina

TRADE: the Lions and Texans originally traded. lions received pick 26 and 121 and Houston received 23.

The Lions have traded this pick to Baltimore for pick 29 and Ravens 3rd rounder

26. Baltimore Ravens (Detroit Lions/HOU): Luke Kuechly-Inside Linebacker-Boston College

27. New England Patriots (NO): Janoris Jenins-Cornerback- Northern Alabama

28. Pittsburgh Steelers (GB): Mike Adams-Offensive Tackle-Ohio State

TRADE: The Philadelphia Eagles send pick #30 and #191 to the Detroit Lions for pick #29

29. Philadelphia Eagles (Det/Bal): Mark Barron-Safety-Alabama

30. Detroit Lions (Phi/SF): Alfonzo Dennard-Cornerback-Nebraska

31. New England Patriots: Donta Hightower-Linebacker-Alabama

32. New York Giants: Coy Fleener-Tight End-Stanford

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Starting this Friday, March 2nd nfldraftwizard.com will be hosting a live seven round mock draft. I have compiled 32 general managers through Twitter and have put together quite the lineup if you are looking for NFL draft perspective.

Here is a schedule of when each round will be drafted…..

• Friday 3/2-Round 1,
• Saturday 3/3-Round 2
• Monday 3/5-Round 3
• Tuesday 3/6-Round 4
• Wednesday 3/7 Round 5
• Thursday 3/8-Round 6
• Friday 3/9 Round 7

Each pick will be tweeted on Twitter than posted LIVE on nfldraftwizard.com ; Here is a list of the general managers…….The column on the left is their name and the column on the right is their twitter handle so be sure to follow them….

The linebacker group is not the most impressive position in the 2012 NFL Draft. The best of the bunch if Boston College’s Luke Kuechly who ran a blazing 4.50 forty-yard dash and you combine that speed with Kuechly’s instincts and tackling ability/technique and you have an elite player.There has also been a lot of chatter surrounding Arizona State’s Vontaze Burfict but for the wrong reasons. Due to questions surrounding his behavior both on and off the field Burfict needed a strong workout to save his draft stock and he failed to deliver.

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Prospect Rankings

Quarterback

1. Andrew Luck-Stanford
2. Robert Griffin III-Baylor
3. Ryan Tannehill-Texas A&M
4. Brandon Weeden-Oklahoma State
5. Brock Osweiler-Arizona State
6. Nick Foles-Arizona
7. Kirk Cousins-Michigan State
8. Russell Wilson-Wisconsin
9. BJ Coleman-Tennessee Chattanooga
10. Chandler Harnish-Northern Illinois
11. Ryan Lindley-San Diego State
12. Darron Thomas-Oregon
13. Case Keenum-Houston
14. John Brantley-Florida
15. Domonique Davis-East Carolina
16. Kellen Moore-Boise State
17. Aaron Coorp-Richmond
18. Austin Davis-Southern Mississippi
19. Jordan Jefferson-LSU
20. G.J Kinne-Tulsa

Running Back

1. Trent Richardson-Alabama
2. Doug Martin-Boise State
3. Lamar Miller-Miami
4. David Wilson-Virginia Tech
5. Chris Polk-Washington
6. LaMichael James-Oregon
7. Bernard Pierce-Temple
8. Robert Turbin-Utah State
9. Isaiah Pead-Cincinnati
10. Vick Ballard-Mississippi State
11. Dan Herron-Ohio State
12. Tauren Poole-Tennessee
13. Ronnie Hillman-San Diego State
14. Cyrus Gray-Texas A&M
15. Terrance Ganaway-Baylor
16. Lennon Creer-Louisiana Tech
17. Brandon Bolden-Mississippi
18. Marc Tyler-USC
19. David Meggett-Maryland
20. Edwin Baker-Michigan State

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The tight-end class for the 2012 NFL draft is somewhat disappointing. The three players that everyone is talking about are Coby Fleener (Stanford), Orson Charles (Georgia), and Dwayne Allen (Clemson).  Charles, Fleener, and Allen should all be top 50 picks in the 2012 and there is a major drop-off from there. next in line is small-school sleeper Ladarius Green (Louisiana Lafayette) who is a seem/vertical threat who could come in and play right away.

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The deepest position in the 2012 NFL draft for my money is the wide receiver group. Justin Blackmon (Oklahoma State), Kendall Wright (Baylor), and Michael Floyd (Notre Dame) are slam dunks to be drafted in the first round. Georgia Tech’s Stephen Hill made a  ton of noise on Sunday running a blazing 4.36 forty-yard time.Baylor’s Kendall Wright ran a disappoint time but I have seen him play a great deal and he plays much faster than his forty time indicates

The NFL combine is going full swing and it is clear that the 2012 draft class is an athletic group that offers a great deal of SPEED.Below you can find a position by position look at the numbers with some brief analysis….

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*Thanks to Walter Football for these results…..

Ten Names to Know for the 2012 NFL Draft

The following evaluation of ten players do not feature  the household names of the National Football league (NFL) draft such as Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin, and Justin Blackmon and it’s not your typical positional rankings that you will see on every draft page on the web.  This article focuses on mid-round guys who could have a major impact in the NFL or even players who have been flying under the radar leading up to the big day in April. These ten players will make NFL rosters and will have an impact at the next level. You could title these guys “sleepers” but I like to refer them as the diamonds in the rough.

Janzen Jackson-Safety-McNeese State

Ht: 6”1 Wt: 185 40: 4.43

Projected Round: 6

Jackson was a highly touted high school prospect that eventually committed to the University of Tennessee. He played two seasons at Tennessee before he was dismissed from the University for repeated substance abuse charges. On the field he was among the best safeties in the nation where he defended 11 passes and notched five interceptions. Jackson plays with great instincts and quick feet which allow him to get out of his backpedal in a jiff. Jackson reads the ball very well and isn’t afraid to tackle in which he exhibits great technique thoroughly wrapping his man and exploding into the ball carrier. If Jackson was never dismissed from Tennessee we are looking at a sure-fire late 1^st-2^nd round draft selection. Jackson offers versatility to the team that drafts him as his fluidness could allow him tom play either safety or cornerback.

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Here is the full list of Pro Day Workouts thanks to CBS’ Rob Rang for providing the list….

Per the NFL, this is the full chronological order of the remaining Pro Day workouts.

March 1: Missouri
March 2: Cincinnati
March 5: Alabama-Birmingham, Hawaii, McNeese State
March 6: Alabama A&M, Arkansas, Auburn, California Lutheran, Clark, Georgia Tech, Rhode Island, Sacramento State, UCLA
March 7: Alabama, California, California-Davis, Colgate, Fordham, Fort Valley, Kent State, Louisville, Northern Colorado, Oklahoma State, Southern California, Texas A&M, UTEP, Wisconsin, Weber State
March 8: Buffalo, Clemson, Colorado, Miami (Fla.), Mississippi State, Nebraska, Northwestern, Ohio, Syracuse, Tulsa, Utah State, Washington, West Texas, Western Kentucky
March 9: Florida International, Montana, Northern Illinois, Ohio State, Purdue, TCU, Troy
March 12: Air Force, Arkansas-Monticello, Central Michigan, Central Washington, Pittsburgh
March 13: Ball State, Florida, Kansas State, Marshall, Maryland, North Texas, Western Michigan
March 14: Bowling Green, Central Arkansas, Central Oklahoma, Florida State, Kansas, Louisiana-Monroe, Michigan State, Oklahoma, Penn State, Tennessee Tech
March 15: Delaware State, Louisiana Tech, Michigan, UNLV, Nicholls State, Southern Illinois, Townson, Virginia, Virginia Tech, William & Mary
March 16: James Madison, Missouri State, Oregon State, Richmond, Temple, Tennessee, West Virginia
March 19: Arizona, Florida Atlantic, LSU, Southern, Wake Forest
March 20: Brown, Fresno State, Idaho, Iowa State, Louisiana-Lafayette, North Carolina, North Carolina A&T, South Florida, Texas, Tulane
March 21: Boston College, Nevada, North Carolina State, North Dakota State, Rutgers, San Diego State, San Jose State
March 22: Baylor, Boise State, East Carolina, Maine, Memphis, Middle Tennessee State, South Dakota, South Dakota State, Stanford, Tennessee-Chattanooga
March 23: Jackson State, Missouri Western, N.C. Central, Southern Mississippi, Vanderbilt
March 24: Arizona State
March 27: Arkansas State, Coastal Carolina, Stephen F. Austin, Washburn
March 28: Central Florida, Connecticut, Northern Iowa, Pennsylvania, South Carolina
March 29: Brigham Young
April 4: SMU
April 6: McNeese State

The NFL Combine takes place at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis from February 23rd through February 28th. We have seen players such as Oakland Raiders’ wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey really make themselves a ton of money at this event.

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State of the Franchise-St. Louis Rams

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Below you will find the Senior Bowl Weigh-In results thanks to the National Football Post’ Wes Bunting. It seems like Quinton Coples (Defensive End, North Carolina), Mike Adams (Offensive Tackle (Ohio State), Zach Brown (Linebacker, North Carolina), Kelechi Osemele (Offensive Linemen, Iowa State), and Courtney Upsahw (Outside Linebacker, Alabama) were the most impressive when it comes to the “eye-ball” test.

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State of the Franchise-Indianapolis Colts

Pending Free Agents

• Kerry Collins-Quarterback
• Pierre Garcon-Wide Receiver
• Anthony Gonzalez-Wide Receiver
• Reggie Wayne-Wide Receiver
• Jacob Tamme-Tight End
• Ryan Diem-Offensive Tackle
• Jamey Richard-Guard
• Jeff Saturday-Center
• Jamaal Anderson-Defensive End
• Tyler Brayton-Defensive End
• Eric Foster-Defensive Tackle
• Robert Mathis-Defensive End
• Kevin Bentley-Linebacker
• Phillip Wheeler-Linebacker

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2012 NFL Mock Draft

Round 1

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck-Quarterback-Stanford

Analysis: The Colts’ owner already said they were taking Luck and why wouldn’t they? Peyton Manning had a great run in Indianapolis but Andrew Luck is a once in a lifetime prospect. The Colts are a rebuilding franchise who needs to get younger and not only is Andrew Luck the best player in the draft he is also the most marketable as well.

2. St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon- Wide Receiver-Oklahoma State

Analysis: there is a new sheriff in town and his name is Jeff Fisher. He has a potential franchise quarterback in Sam Bradford but it will be tough to determine unless they surround him with some weapons. Blackmon is easily the best receiver in the draft and while he doesn’t have elite speed he makes big plays which is something the Rams are lacking.

3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil-Offensive Tackle- USC

Analysis: The Vikings released Bryant McKinnie prior to the 2011 season without a backup plan and it showed in 2011 as opposing defense put a ton of pressure on Donovan McNabb and Christian Ponder. Kalil is the best left tackle prospect to surface since Jake Long in 2008.

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According to the http://www.seniorbowl.com here is a list of the players that have been announced for the Senior Bowl which takes place on Saturday January 28th at 3PM CST and will be aired on the NFL Network. This game is LOADED with NFL talent and should be a great watch. One thing I will be watching closely is Arizona quarterback Nick Foles and whether he can have a strong week and escalate himself into round one considerations.