2012 NFL Mock Draft: Arizona Picks Up A Playmaker
by GreaZzy on Feb 14, 2012 5:00 AM MST
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As another week passes, and thereby another week closer to the next NFL season, the Arizona Cardinals seems all but set going into Free Agency. We've learned that our new wide receiver coach will be the former Indianapolis, and Peyton Manning, quarterback coach Frank Reich, with John McNulty sliding over to fill the quarterback coach vacancy. We also learned that Steve Keim, our talented player personnel director, will not be leaving to take over the general manager's position in St. Louis. So now that the Cardinals have all their coaches and managers in place, the focus can shift squarely to the NFL Draft, Free Agency and Peyton Manning speculation. This mock will only cover the first round, and a new variation has been added different from weeks past: there is the possibility of trades.With that said, here I am to mock you like a hurricane.
With the first pick of the 2012 NFL entry draft...
1. Indianapolis Colts - Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford. The Colts cut ties with Peyton Manning, and start to re-build into a perennial contender with Luck, the consummate prospect. Previous pick: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford.
2. St. Louis Rams - Matt Kalil, OT, USC. The Rams add Kalil here and in doing so, have the two most important building blocks for an offense, with Bradford at QB and Kalil at LT. Previous pick: Matt Kalil, OT, USC.
3. Seattle Seahawks from Minnesota Vikings - Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor. The Seahawks trade up here to grab arguably the second best QB prospect since Manning. Seattle is a quarterback away from being a serious Super Bowl contender. Previous pick: Justin Blackmon, WR, OSU (Vikings selection).
4. Cleveland Browns - Morris Claibourne, CB, LSU. The Browns are a long way from contention, so in all likelihood, they go BPA throughout the draft to jump start their current rebuild. Previous pick: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama. Blount is a good back, but his ability to shoulder the workload of an every down back has been questioned. To alleviate that pressure from Blount by adding Richardson, the most complete running back prospect since Ladainian Tomlinson in 2001. Previous pick: Morris Claibourne, CB, LSU.
6. Washington Redskins - Michael Brockers, DT. LSU. The Redskins will be seriously in on the RG3 sweepstakes, and the Flynn sweepstakes, and the Manning sweepstakes. I'm guess they land either Flynn or Manning in free agency, and grab the dominant defensive tackle Brockers. Previous pick: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars - Riley Rieff, OT, Iowa. The Jags have a solid defense, unfortunately, their offense struggles to put up double digit points. With this pick, the Jags make Gabbert a bit more comfortable, and hope he develops to his potential. Previous pick: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina.
8. Miami Dolphins - Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina. Miami is making the transition into a 4-3 defense next season, and grab the motivation needy Coples to rush the passer opposite Cameron Wake. Previous pick: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford.
9. Carolina Panthers - Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama. After getting kicked off the Florida Gators, Jenkins dominated lesser competition at North Alabama, then during the Senior Bowl, he dominated again. Jenkins stock is on the rise, and the Panthers add a great corner here. Previous pick: Michael Brockers, DT, LSU
10. Buffalo Bills - Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina. Like the Phins, the Bills are making the official switch to a 4-3 defense and add a great pass rushing defensive end. Previous pick: Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama.
11. Kansas City Cheifs - David DeCastro, OG, Stanford. Were it not for some bad injuries and poor quarterback play, Kansas City could have made a run for the AFC West title. By adding DeCastro, the Cheifs get a potential All-Pro guard to make the quarterbacks job easier. Previous pick: David DeCastro, OG, Stanford.
12. Minnesota Vikings from Seattle Seahawks - Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford. The two standout Stanford linemen get selected back to back. The Vikings would have loved to grab Kalil at three, but trade back and grab a great left tackle prospect who should start day one. Previous pick: Zach Brown, OLB, North Carolina (Seattle's pick).
13. Arizona Cardinals - Justin Blackmon, WR, OSU. Finally, the fall of Blackmon comes to an end. All four top 15 lineman have been selected, but the Cardinals still fill a need and fit Whisenhunt`s BPA draft philosophy. Blackmon is an great athlete by nearly every measurable and will rekindle memories of Fitzgerald and Boldin lining up with each other. Blackmon`s stock has been falling slightly, but is still a top 15 talent easily. Previous pick: Riley Rieff, OT, Iowa.
14. Dallas Cowboys - Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama. Despite some recent red flags being raised, Kirkpatrick is still an elite cornerback prospect. Dre should be a starter very early in his career,and add some youth to the Cowboys secondary. Previous pick: Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama.
15. Philadelphia Eagles - Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina. Linebacker has been a popular choice here for the Eagles, but I think they will look at their two second round picks to draft some linebackers for better value. By adding Jeffery, the Eagles add a big bodied possession receiver to go along with the all around Maclin and the speed threat Jackson. Previous pick: Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College.
16. New York Jets - Whitney Mercilus, OLB, Illinois. Mercilus adds the innate ability to get after the passer, and can be coached into a very good all around outsider linebacker. Previous pick: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina.
17. Cincinnati Bengals - Lamar Miller, RB, Miami. The Bengals have a good young defense, as well as some very good pieces on offense. With Miller, the Bengals add another great young weapon to their offense, and replace Cedric Benson. Previous pick: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama.
18. San Diego Chargers - Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama. Upshaw falls a little bit here, but is picked up by the outside linebacker desperate Chargers. Previous pick: Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State.
19. Chicago Bears - Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State. The Bears could go in one of two possible directions here. They could grab a lineman here to rebuild their porous offensive line, or they could add a wide receiver to there equally awful receiving corps. I bet they go with the former and look for wide receiver talent later. Previous pick: Dont'a Hightower, ILB, Alabama.
20. Tennessee Titans - Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia. To the surprise of everyone, last year the Titans used the eighth overall selection on Jake Locker. Next season, Tennessee looks to start Locker, and with this selection protect their investment. Previous pick: Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina.
21. Cincinnati Bengals - Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor. The Bengals add another good young piece to their offense with the speedy Wright, who will likely fill the slot position. With all their pieces, the Bengals are a number two wide receiver and possibly a guard away from legitimate contention. Previous pick: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame.
22. Cleveland Browns - Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame. Since the Browns missed out on RG3, they will probably give Colt McCoy one last shot, and by adding Floyd, give him a weapon to help him out. Previous pick: Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor.
23. Detroit Lions - Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College. In my opinion, Tulloch will be gone before the draft, leaving middle linebacker as a huge need for the Lions. They fill that need with the talented Kuechly, and continue to build a great young defense. Previous pick: Jamell Fleming, CB, Oklahoma.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers - Nick Perry, OLB, USC. Perry is a great pass rushing prospect, but is very raw in other facets of his game, making him fall a bit. He lands in Pittsburgh, where he can sit a learn in one of the best defensive systems in the NFL. Previous pick: Nick Perry, OLB, USC
25. Denver Broncos - Devon Still, DT, Penn State. The Broncos good young defense gets its 3-4 nose tackle anchor here in the Nittany Lion standout Still. Previous pick: Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson.
26. Houston Texans - Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers. The Texans are my Super Bowl favourites going into the 2012 season. They boast the best offense line, the best running back combo, one of the best wide receivers, a great young defense, and the very capable (and healthy) Matt Shaub. With this pick, Houston adds another weapon for opposing defenses to worry about. Previous pick: Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis.
27. New England Patriots - Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin. Konz falls farther than his talent level should have him, but the Pats pick him up and fill a need at center. Previous pick: Mark Barron, S, Alabama.
28. Green Bay Packers - Vinny Curry, OLB, Marshall. In their playoff loss to the Giants, the Packers inability to rush the passer was evident. Curry adds a pass rushing presence opposite to Clay Matthews, and should instant improve the Packers defense. Previous pick: Andre Branch, OLB, Clemson.
29. Baltimore Ravens - Vontaze Burfict, ILB, ASU. Burfict has become the de facto pick for the Ravens, and by adding him to the veteran linebacking corps of the Ravens, Burfict can get his issues sorted out. Previous pick: Vontaze Burfict, ILB, ASU.
30. San Francisco 49ers - Alfonso Dennard, CB, Nebraska. The Niners front seven is among the best in the league, but their secondary is not. Dennard is a great zone cover corner, with good instincts. Previous pick: Stephon Gimore, CB, South Carolina.
31. New England Patriots - Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina. Everybody knows how good the Pats offense is, but their defense leaves much to be desired. Due to a better showing during the playoffs, pass rush is pushed below pass coverage on their needs, and the Pats add Gilmore to their secondary. Previous pick: Whitney Mercilus, OLB, Illinois.
32. New York Giants - Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson. The tight end position is being revolutionized in the NFL, and the defending Super Bowl champs look to stay on top by following that trend. Allen is the best tight end prospect in this draft, and should be a great addition to an already impressive New York offense. Previous pick: Orson Charles, TE, Georgia.
There you have it. Five mocks down, and the combine is fast approaching. How do you feel about this mock draft?
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It would make sense,
given everyone is in Oline mania. I would still rather see Burfict over Blackmon though.
Formerly known as Cardsfan928, If you wanna grab a quick game of madden, my screenname is also my Xbox name.
Sorry if all the o lineman are gone and Upshaw, Mercilus and Kwechly please choose on of them. Still feel we can find player in free agency as best class at spot in years.
I think
if Blackmon falls this far, Whiz will stick to his BPA board and grab him. Upshaw is solid, but not spectacular, and we can grab a similar prospect later on. Mercilus is solid too, and one of my favourite pass rushers, but we can likely grab a pass rusher later.
Regarding Kuechly, I think we can get much better value for what we’d be asking him to play. With D-Wash in the WILB spot, Kuechly would be brought in to play the SILB position, which really limits his potential. Kuechly should play in a scheme where he can be that team’s D-Wash. We can find someone who can play the SILB position later in the draft, someone who is primarily a run stuffer. Thats the role of the SILB in our scheme.
Follow me on Twitter at @AlexDavidson68
Exactly
There is only one true thumper for ILB’s in this class and he already happens to be in the valley.
Formerly known as Cardsfan928, If you wanna grab a quick game of madden, my screenname is also my Xbox name.
by INSOMAN1ATIC on Feb 14, 2012 4:56 PM MST up reply actions
JMJ and Loiseau are thumpers who will be there later.
McSurdy and Garrick Williams are thumpers, though probably not worth a pick. Have you seen Nigel Bradham hit?
I've seen Blackmon rated down near fifteenth
No guarantee he’ll be the BPA at that point. Upshaw should be right there with him.
This would be amazing
Talk about a 1-2 receiving punch with the 2 being a succession plan for Larry. I don’t see Brockers or Jenkins going that high
Both of them have been rising since the end of the College football season
They may have been a bit high right now, but I predict this is close to where they will be on Big Boards come draft day. Jenkins, IMO, may even be better than Claibourne, but at the very least he should be in the discussion for top CB in this draft, and Brockers is the top DT in this class, and should warrant a top 10 pick. They may not be drafted that high come draft day, but their talent deserves it.
I’m a fan of Blackmon to the Cards as well. He’d be the only receiver I’d pick at 13, and could very well fall due to not having any elite measurables.
Follow me on Twitter at @AlexDavidson68
Sure, Jenkins is back to where he was 13 months ago
Still doesn’t excuse 2 pot charges in 1 month right after he chose to stay in school for his Senior year. Then you ask why did he stay in school when he was a surefire top 15 pick – all speculation, but I think it’s because he wanted to be the 1st DB taken in the draft and knew Patrick Peterson was the defacto #1 DB. Couple that with the pot charges and you have immaturity and discipline issues.
I did some follow up on Jenkins and he either learned his lesson or has one hell of a media assault trying to plead his case. Hearing the feedback from combine interviews should provide a better estimate of draft stock.
Then I look at Brockers. No doubt talented. Then I see the lack success of D Lineman in the NFL who played under Les Miles. Success hasn’t translated from NCAA to NFL. The best D Lineman from LSU was Glenn Dorsey (5th pick in ‘08) who has had a subpar career so far. Yes, I know it’s unfair to Brockers to compare him to other Tiger alumni especially 3-4 DT when he is better suited as a 3-4 End or 4-3 DT. By the end of combine and pro days, Devon Still can give Brockers a run for his money as the top DT in the draft.
Other issues I see in this mock are with the Jaguars, Eagles and Bengals. I just don’t see the Jags taking a tackle so early with Eugene Monroe improving and Eben Britton holding down the right side. They went all in for the ‘09 draft with two tackles with top two picks. Got to give those guys a chance to pan out. The Jags have too many needs on both sides of the football. I could see anything from a WR to DE to DB for this pick. No way the Bengals spend a top 20 pick on Lamar Miller. The guy didn’t show enough on tape to justify that high of a pick. Sure his 40 time will help his stock, putting him as a late first round pick at best. David Wilson could overtake Miller as the #2 RB by draft day. No way the Eagles take Jeffrey with the 15th pick. Your analysis of why they’d want Jeffrey is spot on, however Plaxico fills that same description, is an UFA and already expressed strong desire for signing in Philly during Super Bowl week. The Eagles offense isn’t what held them back this year, it was their linebacker play. I forecast Kulechy as the pick if available. If not, this is an ideal spot for BPA and Jeffrey certainly is not that.
by cardinalbrown on Feb 14, 2012 1:42 PM MST up reply actions
Jags, Bengals, Eagles
I’m close friends with a Jags fan, so he’s been giving me the insight as to who they would be looking. You’re definitely correct on their needs, but myself, and my friend, have tackle high on their needs. He’s told me its either Claibourne, Blackmon, Rieff, Martin or Coples going to the Jags. Rieff or Martin would be day one starters and better than any lineman on their roster.
Regarding the Bengals, I will admit, it’s a bit of a reach, but RB is top priority for the Bengals. I could see them pulling the trigger on a running back in the first round, or trading up to get Richardson, should he fall out of the top 10. So, yes Miller is a reach, but he’s also a very good runningback prospect, who may not be around when they pick again in the 2nd round, so I could possibly see them reaching.
For the Eagles, I’m pretty sure I’ve mocked Kuechly to them every time, so i decided to shake it up a bit. I still think very highly of Jeffery, and if the Eagles don’t sign Plax, and like other LB prospects in the 2nd round, I could see them going for Jeffery. I will admit though, at this point, Jeffery is a very high risk, high reward pick.
Just thought i would provide my thoughts regarding those selections.
Follow me on Twitter at @AlexDavidson68
Appreciate hearing your thought process
I’ll only comment on the Jags because the rest is so debatable. I’m a Jags fan as well. First team I rooted for as a little tyke. Just because you have a close friend that is a Jags fan doesn’t mean he knows anything about the direction Shahid Khan will take the team. Unless he is connected to the Jags FO, his opinions are worth his weight in garbage. Khan has already made comments about acquiring a playmaker through FA and/or the draft. I could be reading too far in to Khan’s comments, but tackle does not fit that description.
However I am curious to your friend’s thoughts on abandoning the ’09 draft class of Monroe and Britton. If Reiff or Martin is the choice, what happens to the returning tackles. You already said the rookie would be day one starter. Would it be Monroe or Britton that makes the switch to guard or does one get the axe?
by cardinalbrown on Feb 14, 2012 3:31 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
IIRC
He said that he liked Monroe to remain as a tackle, likely sliding over to the right side with the addition of one of those aforementioned tackles. I’m not sure what he’d think would happen to Britton, but I would imagine he’d move to guard. I would definitely agree with you that the Jags would prefer to add a playmaker of some sort. I would bet they will try to add WRs via FA, either in the form of Garcon or Manningham. Obviously whatever happens in FA will greatly impact future mocks
Follow me on Twitter at @AlexDavidson68
unless
you are connected to the Jags FO, aren’t your opinions worth their weight in garbage as well?
Yes, minus the recyclables of course
My point was GreaZzy can’t take his friend’s word for gospel just because he’s a fan of the team. That’s like saying the Cardinals WILL take Burfict in the first round because my friend is INSOM1ATIC despite all logical reasoning
by cardinalbrown on Feb 15, 2012 12:49 PM MST up reply actions
I wasn't taking it for gospel
Obviously he is much more knowledgeable than myself about the Jaguars needs and draft philosophies, so I would certainly take his opinions into my mock drafts. He offered me his insight, I collaborated it with my board, and saw Rieff as a good fit in this mock.
Follow me on Twitter at @AlexDavidson68
That was my thinking too -- what of Monroe and Britton. I would think WR, DL or CB would be their pick but what do I know.
"The point is, by my standards, I won fair and square."
-Bender
RG3 to Seattle
If that trade happens I hope it ruins the rest of their draft or eats up their picks next year. Not thrilled with that pick going down. It is the first time I’ve seen it mocked and makes a lot of sense.
by hadrarius on Feb 14, 2012 9:14 AM MST via mobile reply actions
The popular trade is Washington and St. Louis
but i think St. Louis will want to protect Bradford’s blindside for 10 years, more than grabbing some extra picks. That leaves Minnesota to trade, and Seattle is a great young team, minus a quarterback. If we land Peyton, Seattle gets RG3, and St. Louis can protect Bradford, the NFC West could quickly become the best division in football
Follow me on Twitter at @AlexDavidson68
Great mock
My only disagreement with with the Texans not picking Poe. You know they’re going for Poe man! Poe is the perfect fit, but I understand your thinking that they go WR, but that means Poe slides into the second, and I just can’t see it happening.
Again, great mock.
Section 103, Row 19
Thanks man
I would agree with the Texans seriously looking at Dontari Poe. It really was a coin flip between Poe and Sanu for me. I think they’ll definitely look at DT in the second round because if they can grab a solid DT and Sanu with their first two picks, their team will be complete.
Follow me on Twitter at @AlexDavidson68
I'd luv blackmon in cardinal red
But I just don’t see him slipping past Carolina, gives cam another weapon along side Steve Smith.
by tucson cards fan on Feb 14, 2012 11:45 AM MST via mobile reply actions
Interesting idea
I have yet to see a Wide receiver mocked to the Panthers, but it does make a lot of sense. Defense is a big need for them, but I could see them pulling the trigger on Blackmon if he fell that far. If so, I could see the Cardinals picking up an OLB or Adams.
Follow me on Twitter at @AlexDavidson68
Honestly
I don’t want to see us draft a WR that high in the draft. If we are drafting someone like that we will be gimping our salary cap in the future if our pick develops as they should be at #13. We are already paying Fitz HUGE money and I personally would prefer to spend that big money in another position and grab someone that won’t be commanding lots of cash.
I understand rookies no longer command huge money, but if we get a stud WR he will be asking for a lot of money, perhaps even before his contract is over.
"If Gortat pulls off a real Dream Shake in-game this year I will shave my head.
Mark my words." Piotr Szczesniak 12/12/11 2:12 PM
Cardinals, Suns, D-backs for life!
Interesting point
and it could be a serious problem in a couple of years, if we landed Blackmon and he lives up to his potential. We’d end up in a very similar situation as we did with Boldin, except Blackmon would be much younger at that time.
Follow me on Twitter at @AlexDavidson68
The move itself would improve the team
If said receiver pans out, but I can also see it hurting us in the long run. I would prefer we either draft one later or get a guy in free agency who doesn’t earn the big contract.
So, I would much rather we keep CC locked up and see what other impact player we can get at #13 at another position and then adress our #2 WR needs at some other point (either draft or FA).
And yes, I am definitely thinking back to our Boldin situation (and now Fitz makes even more money now then he used to). But yeah, for me it is all about spreading our money around more evenly among the team instead of having 1/3 of the salary in the WR position (or whatever it would be).
"If Gortat pulls off a real Dream Shake in-game this year I will shave my head.
Mark my words." Piotr Szczesniak 12/12/11 2:12 PM
Cardinals, Suns, D-backs for life!
This is a dream come true for Arizona
We find Boldins successor, find another weapon for Kolb, and add that 1-2-3 punch we had in 08 with Larry, Boldin, and Breaston.
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