ROUND 1

1. Indianapolis (2-14) – Andrew Luck QB/Stanford
With Peyton Manning out of the equation in Indianapolis, the Colts need to grab a franchise quarterback. Luck is extremely talented and has no major flaws in his game.
 
2. Washington - from St. Louis (2-14) – Robert Griffin QB/Baylor
Washington gave away a lot to get to this spot. Griffin will be the Redskins’ franchise quarterback, but they will need to surround him with some talent.
 
3. Minnesota (3-13) – Matt Kalil OT/USC
Charlie Johnson was not good at left tackle last year. It will be extremely difficult for the Vikings to pass up a potential franchise left tackle.

4. Cleveland (4-12) – Trent Richardson RB/Alabama
Former Brown running back Peyton Hillis signed with the Chiefs earlier this month, so the starting running back right now would be Montario Hardesty. Richardson could be the workhorse back from day one.

5. Tampa Bay (4-12) – Morris Claiborne CB/LSU
In this mock draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers select LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne. The LSU standout is an extremely talented cornerback that displays great ball skills and athleticism.

The Buccaneers will be in the market for a cornerback in the 2012 draft. It is uncertain if Talib will be able to play in 2012 due to a run in with the law. Regardless of his legal issues, Aqib Talib will be in the last year of his contract, so it might be time for the Bucs to move on. Ronde Barber will be returning to the Buccaneers for the 2012 season, but he will be entering his 16th season as a Buccaneer and he won’t play much longer. The Bucs signed free agent Eric Wright, who projects to be a number two cornerback for the Buccaneers. Finding a long-term answer to play across from Wright should be a priority for the Bucs on draft day.

Morris Claiborne is a true cover corner who played against some of the biggest names in the SEC. His incredible ball skills allowed him to intercept six passes in 2011. Claiborne was also a factor on special teams as a kick returner.

Claiborne would be landing in a great situation if he is selected by Tampa Bay. Ronde Barber would be a great mentor for Claiborne during the year. The Bucs also hired former LSU defensive backs coach Ron Cooper to be the team’s defensive backs coach under defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan. Cooper coached Claiborne at LSU, so the Buccaneers will have the most insight on the LSU stud’s game.

6. St. Louis - from Washington (5-11) – Justin Blackmon WR/Oklahoma State
The Rams have nothing at the wide receiver position. Blackmon is a true number one receiver that would be a great target for Sam Bradford.

7. Jacksonville (5-11) – Quinton Coples DE/UNC
Jacksonville opts to take the Coples here to improve their pass rush. Coples would be a good fit in the Jaguars defense to line up across from Jeremy Mincey.

8. Miami (6-10) – Ryan Tannehill QB/Texas A&M
The Dolphins missed out on Peyton Manning and Matt Flynn. Miami needs a franchise quarterback badly, and David Garrard isn’t the answer. 

9. Carolina (6-10) – Michael Brockers DT/LSU
Terrell McClain was a liability against the run last season. The Panthers desperately needs a game-changing defensive tackle, and Carolina has shown interest in the LSU defensive tackle.

10. Buffalo (6-10) – Riley Reiff OT/Iowa
Demetrius Bell played well for the Bills last year, but he is still a free agent. If they can’t find a left tackle before the draft they will need to find a replacement in the draft. Reiff could start right away for Buffalo. 

11. Kansas City (7-9) – Dontari Poe NT/Memphis
Poe absolutely destroyed the combine, putting up incredible numbers across the board. Poe is a raw prospect, but he has all the tools necessary to be a great player. He would be a nice fit with the Chiefs, who need a nose tackle badly. 

12. Seattle (7-9) – David DeCastro OG/Stanford
The Seahawks let go of right guard Robert Gallery, so they will need to acquire a replacement. DeCastro is a devastating run blocker that would help open up holes for running back Marshawn Lynch. 

13. Arizona (8-8) – Luke Kuechly LB/Boston College
Arizona needs an inside linebacker to pair with Daryl Washington. Stewart Bradley was a big disappointment last year, so it will be hard for the Cardinals to pass up on a linebacker of Kuechly’s caliber.

14. Dallas (8-8) – Dre Kirkpatrick CB/Alabama
Dallas needs secondary help badly, so landing Kirkpatrick here would be great value.

15. Philadelphia (8-8) – Fletcher Cox DT/Mississippi State
Cox would be a great fit for the Eagles defense. Philadelphia needs to fortify the middle of their defensive line to allow their linebackers to perform better.

16. New York Jets (8-8) – Courtney Upshaw OLB/Alabama
Upshaw would be a good fit as a pass rushing linebacker in the Jets 3-4 scheme. The Alabama stud would help bolster New York’s lackluster pass rush.

17. Cincinnati - from Oakland (8-8) – Cordy Glenn OL/Georgia
The Bengals could use some help along the interior of their offensive line. Glenn is a massive offensive lineman that would fit well as a guard for Cincinnati.

18. San Diego (8-8) – Melvin Ingram OLB/South Carolina
Ingram is extremely versatile, but his best fit is as an outside linebacker in the 3-4 defense. The Chargers need a pass rusher, so this pick would make sense for San Diego.

19. Chicago (8-8) – Jonathan Martin OT/Stanford
Jonathan Martin slides a little bit in this mock draft. The Bears could draft Martin to be the bookend across from Gabe Carimi, who missed most of last season with an injury.

20. Tennessee (9-7) – Nick Perry DE/USC
Tennessee’s leading pass rusher was rookie Karl Klug, who totaled just seven sacks last season. Teaming up Perry with Kameron Wimbley would help out the Titans’ secondary.

21. Cincinnati (9-7) – Janoris Jenkins CB/North Alabama
The former Florida cornerback would fill a big need for the Bengals. Leon Hall suffered a very bad injury in 2011, and it is uncertain what his status will be heading into next season. Cincinnati would be wise to draft the former North Alabama via Gainesville star corner.

22. Cleveland - from Atlanta (10-6) – Michael Floyd WR/Notre Dame
Whoever is throwing the ball in Cleveland will need a reliable target to throw to. Floyd would be a great addition to the Browns’ passing game.

23. Detroit (10-6) - Mark Barron S/Alabama
The Lions haven’t been afraid to take the best player available in the past. Barron would be a significant upgrade over Amari Spievey, who was a liability in 2011. 

24. Pittsburgh (12-4) – Mike Adams OT/Ohio State
Max Starks suffered a bad injury in the playoffs, and it is uncertain if he will be fully healed for the 2012 season. The Pittsburgh coaching staff kept a close eye on Adams at the Senior Bowl in January, so this pick would make a lot of sense for the Steelers.

25. Denver (8-8) – Kendall Wright WR/Baylor
Adding a playmaker like Kendall Wright would be huge for the Broncos and new quarterback Peyton Manning. Wright would be a good value pick for Denver at this selection.

26. Houston (10-6) – Stephen Hill WR/Georgia Tech
Adding a playmaking receiver to play across from Andre Johnson should be a priority for the Texans this offseason. Teams are not scared of Kevin Walter. Stephen Hill turned in a magnificent combine performance last month. He’s an extremely raw receiver, but with good coaching he could be a star.

27. New England - from New Orleans (13-3) – Devon Still DT/Penn State
New England needs to find some pass rushers to take the pressure off of their secondary. Still is a marvelous pass rusher that would be a nice addition to the New England defensive line.

28. Green Bay (15-1) – Peter Konz C/Wisconsin
The Packers lost veteran center Scott Wells to the Rams in free agency, so adding interior lineman will be a priority for Green Bay. Konz is a great run blocker that could potential play at guard.

29. Baltimore (12-4) – Dont’a Hightower LB/Alabama
Ray Lewis is not getting any younger and the Ravens have said they will be looking for a linebacker to take over for him when he retires. Hightower would fit best as an inside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. The Alabama stud could also contribute as a pass rusher on third downs.

30. San Francisco (13-3) – Alshon Jeffery WR/South Carolina
San Francisco added some receivers in free agency, but Jeffery has too much talent to pass up at this selection. He wouldn’t be forced into the lineup, which could be a great situation for the somewhat raw receiver from South Carolina.

31. New England (13-3) – Whitney Mercilus DE/Illinois
Drafting an edge-rusher should be a priority for the Patriots, who lost Mark Anderson to the Bills in free agency. Mercilus has the athleticism to play defensive end in the 4-3 or outside linebacker in the 3-4.

32. New York Giants (9-7) – Lamar Miller RB/Miami
Brandon Jacobs was cut earlier this offseason, so adding a talented running back like Miller is not out of the question here. Bradshaw and Miller would be a good combo in New York.

ROUND 2

33. St. Louis (2-14) – Zach Brown LB/UNC
The Rams need a linebacker to line up next to James Laurinaitis. Brown is an extremely athletic outside linebacker that will need to improve his run defending skills at the next level.

34. Indianapolis (2-14) – Stephon Gilmore CB/South Carolina
The Indianapolis secondary is a mess. Gilmore is a talented but raw cornerback that can play in any scheme.

35. Minnesota (3-13) – Kevin Zeitler OG/Wisconsin
Kalil and Zeitler would be huge additions to the Vikings offensive line. Keeping quarterback Christian Ponder upright should be the Vikings number one priority.

36. Tampa Bay (4-12) – Lavonte David LB/Nebraska
Tampa Bay has yet to add a linebacker in free agency, so the Bucs select outside linebacker Lavonte David in the second round of this mock draft. David would be a great fit at the Will linebacker position in the Buccaneers’ 4-3 base defense.

Geno Hayes won’t be returning to the team in 2012, which means there will be a big need for a weakside linebacker. Currently, there isn’t anyone on the roster that looks like they can be the starting weakside linebacker. Dekoda Watson is a better fit as a strongside linebacker and Adam Hayward fits best as the backup middle linebacker and special teams ace. The Bucs will need to find at least one linebacker in the draft and that could be Lavonte David.

The linebacker was a great playmaker for the Nebraska defense during his two years as a Cornhusker. He is an extremely athletic linebacker that excels in pass coverage. He is also a stout run defender that is not afraid to make a big hit. He would add a physical presence to the Tampa Bay linebacking corps. Some were concerned about his size heading into draft season. He weighed in at 6-foot1, 233 pounds at the Combine, and it didn’t look like he lost any speed. His size shouldn’t be an issue because he plays so aggressively. He would be a great selection for the Bucs in the second round of the draft.

37. Cleveland (4-12) – Brandon Weeden QB/Oklahoma State
Weeden is perfect competition to bring in to compete with Colt McCoy. He peformed very well at the Senior Bowl and he could be drafted in the second round despite concerns about his 28 year old age.

38. Jacksonville (5-11) – Mohammed Sanu WR/Rutgers
Jacksonville has to find some receivers for Gabbert to throw to. Sanu is a raw but talented receiver that will need to work on his route running.

39. St. Louis - from Washington (5-11) – Jayron Hosley CB/Virginia Tech
St. Louis still needs secondary help. Hosley was a playmaker for the Hokies, and that’s exactly what the Rams need.

40. Carolina (6-10) – Chase Minnifield CB/Virginia
Carolina didn’t defend the pass well in 2011. Adding a cornerback like Minnifield to play across from Chris Gamble would be a great addition for the Panthers.

41. Buffalo (6-10) – Coby Fleener TE/Stanford
The Bills could use a playmaking tight end like Fleener. Scott Chandler is just an average receiver that excels in blocking. Pairing Fleener with Chandler would make it tough for opponents to defend the Bills offense.

42. Miami (6-10) – Vinny Curry DE/Marshall
Miami just misses out on Fleener, but they get a talented pass rusher in Vinny Curry. The Dolphins need an edge rusher to play across from Cameron Wake.

43. Seattle (7-9) – Kendall Reyes DT/UConn
After addressing the offensive line in round one, the Seahawks opt to select a defensive lineman in round two. Kendall Reyes is a talented interior pass rusher that would be a great addition to the Seattle defensive line.

44. Kansas City (7-9) – Alfonzo Dennard CB/Nebraska
Dennard’s stock has dropped a little bit following a disappointing Senior Bowl week. Dennard would add depth to a Kansas City secondary that lost Brandon Carr in free agency.

45. Dallas (8-8) – Ronnel Lewis OLB/Oklahoma
Anthony Spencer was franchised, but they could still add a pass rusher to throw into their rotation. Lewis is an athletic pass rusher that plays with a nasty demeanor.

46. Philadelphia (8-8) – Harrison Smith S/Notre Dame
Philadelphia could add a strong safety in the early rounds of the draft to pair with free safety Nate. Smith is a smart football player that excels in run defense.

47. New York Jets (8-8) – David Wilson RB/Virginia Tech
Shonn Greene hasn’t lived up to expectation. The Jets should draft someone to push him. Wilson is a shifty back that could play a role on third downs for New York.

48. New England - from Oakland (8-8) – Markelle Martin S/Oklahoma State

New England's secondary was atrocious in 2011. If they want to get back to the Super Bowl will need to acquire some play-makers in the secondary. Martin is a solid safety that was a key player for the Oklahoma State defense.

49. San Diego (8-8) – Kelechi Osemele OT/Iowa State
San Diego’s offensive line isn’t in great shape. Osemele is a massive lineman that could play tackle or possibly guard.

50. Chicago (8-8) – Dwayne Allen TE/Clemson
The Bears don’t have great tight ends. They could opt to take the Clemson stud with this selection. Allen is a complete tight end that can add some explosion to the Chicago offense.

51. Philadelphia - from Arizona (8-8) - Bobby Wagner OLB/Utah State
Philadelphia’s linebacking corps is a mess. They added DeMeco Ryans but they still need outside linebackers. Wagner would bolster the Eagles’ run defense.

52. Tennessee (9-7) – Casey Hayward CB/Vanderbilt
Tennessee could be looking to fill the void at cornerback left by free agent Cortland Finnegan. Hayward is a cover corner that excels in zone coverage. He will need time to develop, but he could become a great player.

53. Cincinnati (9-7) – Doug Martin RB/Boise State
Martin is a talented three-down back that could take over the starting role in Cincinnati. Martin could be a also be a potential second-round target for the Buccaneers.

54. Detroit (10-6) – Zebrie Sanders OT/Florida State
The Lions could choose to upgrade right tackle Gosder Cherilus. Zebrie Sanders is a technically sound tackle that can play both the left and right tackle positions.

55. Atlanta (10-6) – Phillip Blake OC/Baylor
Center is a big need for the Falcons. Todd McClure is a free agent and hasn’t been re-signed. 

56. Pittsburgh (12-4) – Alameda Ta’Amu NT/Washington
Casey Hampton needs to be replaced. Ta’Amu is a stout run defender that will need to improve his pass rushing skills to be successful at the next level.

57. Denver (8-8) – Brandon Thompson DT/Clemson
The middle of Denver’s defensive line is weak. Thompson could draw double teams that would allow pass rushers Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil to see less attention from offensive lineman.

58. Houston (10-6) – Bobby Massie OT/Ole Miss
The Texans lost right tackle Eric Winston in free agency, so they will need to find a replacement in the draft. Massie is a powerful right tackle with top-notch athleticism. He would be a good fit in the Texans’ zone blocking scheme.

59. New Orleans (13-3) *No selection - punishment for bounty scandal*

60. Green Bay (15-1) – Andre Branch OLB/Clemson
A pass rusher across from Clay Matthews is needed in Green Bay. Branch is an athletic pass rusher that could make the transition to outside linebacker in the 3-4.

61. Baltimore (12-4) – Amini Silatolu OG/Midwestern State
Baltimore needs to find a replacement for Ben Grubbs. Silatolu is a small-school prospect that is a mauling run blocker. He has climbed up draft boards quickly this offseason.

62. San Francisco (13-3) – Josh Robinson CB/Central Florida
San Francisco isn’t afraid to draft raw talent. Robinson performed very well at the Combine, which put him on the map. He could learn for a few years and take over when some key veterans leave.

63. New England (13-3) – Juron Criner WR/Arizona
New England could use a young receiver. Criner had a great Senior Bowl week, which helped his draft stock tremendously. He would be a nice outside threat for the Patriots.

64. New York Giants (9-7) – Jeff Allen OL/Illinois
The Giants could use some help along their offensive line. Allen is a talented and versatile offensive lineman that can play guard and tackle at a high level.