Finhead's Mock Draft: Version 7
I have a few more changes in my projection this week. I know a few of them many will disagree with, but it's hard to get these even close before free agency starts. The spots that will depend on a coin toss will be marked by an *. As a note, I will not include trade scenarios in the mock drafts. I know there certainly could be moves made and I'm sure there will be at least one trade in the NFL Draft in April, but I will not include them here. I am simply giving a mock draft based on the current order.
1) Indianapolis Colts - Andrew Luck, QB: It is looking almost certain the Colts will draft Luck and it looks like Peyton Manning and the Colts are on track to part ways. Taking Luck is the best thing for the franchise, even if it does mean that it'll cause you to lose arguably the best player in team history and one of the best QBs to ever play in the NFL.
2) St. Louis Rams - Justin Blackmon, WR: Blackmon is easily the top WR prospect in this draft class. He's considered a better prospect than his former teammate, Dez Bryant, but he doesn't come with the character concerns. The Rams could use a tackle as well, but there should be a few good ones available in the second round. This selection could go used on a tackle if the Rams address their WR needs in free agency. As we all know, this selection would be the prime position for a team, like Cleveland, to move up in the draft for a certain Baylor QB.
3) Minnesota Vikings - Matt Kalil, OT: The Vikings also need help at WR and CB, but Kalil is the best player available that will help Ponder. With Blackmon not available, there is no WRs or TEs worthy of this high of a selection. Like the second overall pick, this is another position a team can move up in the draft for.
4) Cleveland Browns - Trent Richardson, RB: The Plain Dealer previously reported the front office in Cleveland is split between their draft wish list and while some would like to go QB, many have been pulling hard for Richardson. While the Browns may not be sticking to Colt McCoy for long, they could have other plans later in the draft.
Previous pick: Robert Griffin III
5) Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Morris Claiborne, CB: Ronde Barber will be a free agent and Aqib Talib is facing legal problems, making CB a hole the Bucs must address.
6) Washington Redskins - Robert Griffin III, QB: He's the biggest thing in the draft since everyone knows Luck is going to Indianapolis. Mike Shanahan has experiences coaching QBs with mobility and physical talents like Griffin with John Elway and Jake Plummer. While RGIII may not be an Elway, he certainly has potential to be a better QB than Plummer.
7) Jacksonville Jaguars - Quinton Coples, DE: Aaron Kampman is getting up there in age and may not be back. Matt Roth just wasn't the answer for Jacksonville. Coples would do very well to help solidify their defensive line and will give Jacksonville a good pass rushing threat for the next several years in a division that has Matt Schaub, Jake Locker, and probably Andrew Luck.
*8) Miami Dolphins - Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB: The Dolphins said they would like to use elements of both the 3-4 and 4-3 defense, but I predict they will probably use more four-man fronts. Still, Ingram gives them the ability to run either defense as the kid is versatile and can play 4-3 DE or 3-4 OLB. He could even move inside to 4-3 DT on passing downs. Miami will likely love the kid's versatility
*9) Carolina Panthers - Michael Brockers, DT: The Panthers had to resort to starting Frank Kearse and Jason Shirley at defensive tackle in 2011. While they need help at CB as well, a solid CB won't be able to do much if Carolina can't generate any pressure on the QB.
Previous pick: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB
10) Buffalo Bills - Andre Branch, DE: Upshaw is still a possibility in the eyes of some, but I think Buffalo goes for a more traditional 4-3 DE with Branch. It's possible the Bills can also target a tackle here, but with a new shift in defensive schemes, the Bills need to find someone to fill their 4-3 DE need.
*11) Kansas City Chiefs - Luke Kuechly, ILB: Their defense has underperformed and Kuechly will help solidify the LBs. They will look to resign CB Brandon Flowers and hope that he and Brandon Carr will rebound from underwhelming years. Eric Berry returning will also help their secondary.
*12) Seattle Seahawks - Riley Reiff, OT: The Seahawks would love to get their hands on someone like Ingram, but with some of the top pass rushers off the board, they may opt for a tremendous talent at tackle. Reiff would be an immediate starter and huge upgrade for Seattle as a LT.
Trent Richardson, RB
13) Arizona Cardinals - Jonathan Martin, OT: The Cardinals will be happy to take one of the top three OTs or David DeCastro as they need help all over the offensive line. They could look Vontaze Burfict or Courtney Upshaw with this pick too if they're available.
14) Dallas Cowboys - Janoris Jenkins, CB: With a strong outing at the Senior Bowl, Jenkins overtakes Dennard in the draft. Jenkins could have been the #1 CB in the draft had he not had issues with the Gators. With Terrence Newman expected be out of Dallas this off-season, they will need all the help Dennard can provide.
15) Philadelphia Eagles - Fletcher Cox, DT: The weak link for the Eagles has been their LBs and FS, but they're not ready to give up on Nate Allen and the selection of Cox could help Casey Matthews at MLB. Brockers and Cullen Jenkins would give the Eagles a very nice tandem at DT and with Jason Babin and Trent Cole at DE, Philly would have a defensive line that could end up being just as good as the defensive front four of the New York Giants. Michael Floydcould be an option here if they've grown tired of DeSean Jackson.
Previous pick: Michael Brockers, DT
16) New York Jets - Mark Barron, S: Courtney Upshaw could also be an option if available. The Jets have holes at both safety positions and could use a man like Barron to help solidify their weaknesses covering TEs. Barron isn't very good in man coverage and may be a bit stiff in the hips, but he's great in zone coverage with his ability to read the QB. His closing speed will be able to make up for many of his mistakes when he's slow to turn and run with a receiver. He's aggressive in run support, but will overrun on the play at times.
17) Cincinnati Bengals - Dre Kirkpatrick, CB: Kirkpatrick was once considered as either the top or second best CB in the draft, but a strong showing by Jenkins during the Senior Bowl week helped him overtake Kirkpatrick. The Bengals have Leon Hall, but Nate Clements is 32 and has been inconsistent. Kirkpatrick and Hall could quickly become one of the better CB duos in the NFL.
Previous pick: Alfonzo Dennard, CB
18) San Diego Chargers - Courtney Upshaw, OLB: The Chargers could also use David DeCastro, but the prospect of Courtney Upshaw is just too much for them to pass up. The Chargers need a lot of help at OLB as Larry English just hasn't developed as San Diego has hoped.
19) Chicago Bears - Mike Adams, OT: The Bears could really use someone like Michael Floyd at WR, but they really need help protecting Jay Cutler. While David DeCastro may be considered a better lineman, Adams plays a more critical role on the OL.
David DeCastro, OG
20) Tennessee Titans - Nick Perry, DE: Karl Klug has been the top pass rusher for the Titans with 7 and they need to get some help to get to the passer. Parry is a natural pass rusher that could help the Titans get after the QB. With a bunch of young QB prospects in the AFC South, the Titans will need someone to rattle their cage. CB could be a hole if they don't resign Cortland Finnegan, but I already project the top CBs to be gone.
21) Cincinnati Bengals - Lamar Miller, RB: Cedric Benson hasn't been very effective despite his rushing yards and he's a free agent. Miller is a home run threat and is quick to hit the holes. Miller is also a tough runner to bring down. It's possible Cincy could go with a Guard or Center like Cordy Glenn or Peter Konz, but there is a thin market for RBs in free agency and the Bengals need an upgrade in the backfield more than they do on the line.
22) Cleveland Browns (via Falcons) - Ryan Tannehill: The Browns could very well select Tannehill here if they pass on Griffin III with their first pick. Tannehill has the tools to thrive in Cleveland's offense and would have some help behind him with Richardson carrying the ball. He could push for McCoy's job early.
Previous pick: Michael Floyd, WR
23) Detroit Lions - David DeCastro, OG: The Lions, like many teams, need help on their offensive line and could also go with Peter Konz to place Dominic Raiola at center, but I think they'll try to milk another season out of their aging center while they address OG. Zach Brown could also be an option for the Lions if they wish to address LB.
Previous pick: Cordy Glenn, OG
24) Pittsburgh Steelers - Dontari Poe, NT: While I have long been thinking Burfict may be the perfect candidate for the Steelers, I am leaning more towards Poe simply because it's harder to find a dominant NT than it is an ILB in the 3-4 defense. Poe could be that dominant NT and he can help Pittsburgh make a smooth transition from the Casey Hampton era.
Vontaze Burfict, ILB
25) Denver Broncos - Devon Still, DT: Denver already has solid players on the outside for the future with Elvis Dumervil, Robert Ayers, and Von Miller. Still could bring a solid presence in the middle to team with Broderick Bunkley to help solidify the middle of the field and strengthen Denver's run defense. Kendall Wright could be an option, but I think Denver likes Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker.
26) Houston Texans - Michael Floyd, WR: They could also go for Dontari Poe here, but they should be satisfied with where their defense is at. Floyd should be an immediate starter as the #2 WR across from Andre Johnson.
27) New England Patriots (via Saints) - Kendall Wright, WR: The Patriots could address the defensive line here if they wish, but they also need a deep threat at WR. Wright would be the perfect solution to help bring a down-field threat and take attention away from the middle of the field.
28) Green Bay Packers - Whitney Mercilus, DE: Mercilus is a bit of a risky player in my mind, but the prospect of teaming him up with Clay Matthews and trying to terrorize QBs would be very enticing for the Packers.
29) Baltimore Ravens - Peter Konz, C: The Ravens need a center to take over for the aging Matt Birk. Konz, the best center in the class, would give the Ravens one of the best interior lines in the NFL if the Ravens can resign Ben Grubbs.
30) San Francisco 49ers - Mohamed Sanu, WR: Braylon Edwards didn't performed as good as San Francisco hoped and is now gone. The 49ers could test the free agent market, but if unable to land a WR, Sanu would be a good fit. He doesn't have elite speed, but he's fast enough to be a vertical threat. He has very good hands, runs good routes, and is physical enough to get off the line.
31) New England Patriots - Vinny Curry, DE/OLB: The best pass rusher left on the board. The Patriots desperately need help rushing the passer and after addressing their need for an outside WR with speed, they finally look to shore up their lacking pass rush. He doesn't have the explosiveness of some other pass rushers in this draft, but he may have the most violent hands. His hands, not his speed, will be what he uses to get by OTs.
Previous pick: Fletcher Cox, DE/DT
32) New York Giants - Zebrie Sanders: The Giants offensive line has been going through transition. Look the once dominant offensive line to try and speed up their recovery by drafting Sanders. They'd love to have Glenn available and may look for Dwayne Allen at TE, but they probably feel they have enough weapons.
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I love the Miami pick of Ingram! That position of pass rusher is a much bigger need than RT.
If the Browns take a RB over a QB like RGIII to select Tannehill later in the draft, they are insane. That’s putting the cart before the horse. Richardson is a very good RB, but he isn’t Adrian Peterson good and Peterson went later in the draft than #4.
Cleveland would be better off selecting RGIII then finding a RB later. RB’s are a dime a dozen in today’s NFL. Really effective RB’s can be found all over the draft. QB’s, not so much.
"It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing." MACBETH
"Walter, I love you, but sooner or later, you're going to have to face the fact you're a goddamn moron." THE DUDE (The Big Lebowski)
Agreed CT.
I say take the best pass rusher available to pair up with Wake. I think we should reserve the next slew of mock drafts until after free agency. At this point this subject has been beaten into the ground. Free agency will make what takes place in the draft much clearer.
by PhinnyFromItaly on Feb 20, 2012 10:34 AM EST up reply actions
Nicely Done Finhead! This is your best mock draft yet, IMO. Rec'd.
"It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing." MACBETH
"Walter, I love you, but sooner or later, you're going to have to face the fact you're a goddamn moron." THE DUDE (The Big Lebowski)
I'm going to have to disagree.
RT is a much higher priority than a pass rusher. For one, we can deal with pass rusher in FA with Mathis. Secondly, I believe we allowed the most sacks in the league last year. If we pick up Manning in FA, we need to protect our investment. We can’t let him get hurt. If we stick around at 8/9 our best bet is Riley Reiff. The best thing that could happen for us though, is trading down with Cincinnati for both of their first round picks so they can pick up Richardson at 8/9 and we can pick up Jonathon Martin and Ryan Tannehill at 17 and 21 in the first.
Hail To The King, Baby!!!!
by SergeHimself on Feb 20, 2012 11:38 AM EST up reply actions
We have a guy that can pass protect though...
He played rather well at LT the last 3 games of the season. Anyone but Tony Sparano or his henchmen would have moved him to RT, immediately after the first game or 2 of the preseason when it became apparent just how bad Marc Columbo really was. If you can play LT as well as John Jerry did after not having played OT in the NFL, it stands to reason with a little bit of work you could be a Pro Bowl caliber RT. John Jerry had absolutely no business playing RG last year after about the 2nd game of the season when he had already stepped on Chad Henne’s feet a few times. He does not play well in a phonebooth, which is what you need to be able to do at RG. At RT he can use his athleticism and get out on pass rush specialist like Vernon Carey and Marc Columbo couldn’t. If you wanted to move Columbo inside even, I think the guy could do better as it would allow him to be as slow as he is and still put a hurting on people inside, because they wouldn’t have anywhere to go to get around him. Once you reach a certain age, you need to move inside. Columbo as slow and old as he is, could provide some solid depth at RG behind Carey if we moved him inside. Granted we would have to restructure his contract to pay him like a OG rather than a OT
We had [Brady] down… but we didn’t kick him. We helped him up and gave him a PowerPuff Girls band-aid for his knee. What exactly did you expect would happen when we did that?
by Jason Scott_90 on Feb 20, 2012 9:39 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah....
I think even if they do decide to stick with their QB. they will go somewhere other than RB… I don’t care how good the guy is… I see RIchardson falling to the middle to bottom of the 1st round… no matter how he does at the Combine.
We had [Brady] down… but we didn’t kick him. We helped him up and gave him a PowerPuff Girls band-aid for his knee. What exactly did you expect would happen when we did that?
by Jason Scott_90 on Feb 20, 2012 9:40 PM EST up reply actions
Is this based on Manning or Flynn being on board?
O r some other FA QB?
I never got a prize for doing what was expected of me.
Kansas City
Is an interesting pick. Their offense was terrible last year, you’d think they’d go with an offensive player. But Kuechly would fill a need. I’m also amazed everybody is mocking the Jags get a D-linemen. Other than MJD, their offense is non-existent.
KC was without their QB, RB, TE and #2 WR for much of the season.
As for the Jags, there’s no WR available worthy of their pick.
- Attempting to debate with a person who has abandoned reason is like giving medicine to the dead.
- Defeat isn't bitter if you don't swallow it.
Contributing Writer to the The Phinsider.
Follow @Finhead83
Love the pick
We need a big time pass rusher to compliment Cameron Wake. A couple questions: if we lose the coin toss at the combine, does our draft stay the same. Also, if the Browns go ahead and select Trent Richardson, do you think the Dolphins would try to make a trade for the 5th pick?
Joe Philbin is my bro...for now
I don't share a birthday with Tom Brady, Tom Brady shares a birthday with me.
by AlejandroN on Feb 20, 2012 10:54 AM EST via mobile reply actions
I think our draft may change, but only if Carolina goes for a similar target (OT, DE, CB).
As for Miami making a move for the 5th pick, it all depends on who they go after for QB. If there isn’t a Manning or Flynn in Miami, I think they’d try to make a move.
- Attempting to debate with a person who has abandoned reason is like giving medicine to the dead.
- Defeat isn't bitter if you don't swallow it.
Contributing Writer to the The Phinsider.
Follow @Finhead83
Position
I don’t the 8/9 spot will really matter other than if the Phins plan on trading up/down. If they don’t plan on trading, they’re almost better getting the 9th spot because Carolina has different needs in round 1 and the Phins will get a better pick in round 2.
I love Ingram's likely versatility between OLB and DE
But do you honestly think he could play inside on passing downs? I don’t. He’s way too undersized in my opinion to play inside, heck he’s a little undersized compared to most 4-3 DE’s. I won’t say there’s no possibility of him playing inside in the 4-3, I just really don’t see how or why he would be there.
"Every island has a beach and mine there will be called Beast Beach."
Leading the drive for our new offensive coordinator: Mr. Dan Marino
I don't think Miami would, but he could.
Miami wouldn’t have anyone better to rush from the outside so it’s unlikely he’d move inside on passing downs. He can move inside on passing downs though because while he’s not heavy, he’s a good weight for his height. He’s also done exceptionally well holding his own on double teams. I don’t mean he’d move inside to play at any point. He doesn’t belong there full time or on running plays.
- Attempting to debate with a person who has abandoned reason is like giving medicine to the dead.
- Defeat isn't bitter if you don't swallow it.
Contributing Writer to the The Phinsider.
Follow @Finhead83
I suppose you're right
If he went to a team like Indy where there are two great pass-rushers but no one really on the inside, I guess I could see him playing the inside on passing downs. Either way, I like him a lot as a pass-rusher and I could see him as a Von Miller-type.
"Every island has a beach and mine there will be called Beast Beach."
Leading the drive for our new offensive coordinator: Mr. Dan Marino
I would like to see us move up and get RG3 if he falls past 4...
Then come back and get a guy like Dontari Poe in the 2nd. Ingram would be off the board, but you would still have a chance to make your 3-4(beginning of the game 1st and 2nd down defense) better in one pick by adding a guy that you don’t have on defense right now. Soliai will never be that guy in my opinion because he just can’t move fast enough. He is big and strong, but he will never be that dancing bear like a Wilfork…
We had [Brady] down… but we didn’t kick him. We helped him up and gave him a PowerPuff Girls band-aid for his knee. What exactly did you expect would happen when we did that?
by Jason Scott_90 on Feb 20, 2012 9:44 PM EST up reply actions
been following The Phinsider for years and this is my first post!
but have any of you watched tape on Ingram? he looks VERY slow off the snap , not so sure how I’m feeling about this pick , he’s no Dwight Freeney
by GeorgeJoeP54 on Feb 20, 2012 11:18 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Welcome aboard
He’s not elite off the snap, but he’s not slow. That is also something that can be improved. He only has two years experience with his hand in the dirt. He converted from LB.
- Attempting to debate with a person who has abandoned reason is like giving medicine to the dead.
- Defeat isn't bitter if you don't swallow it.
Contributing Writer to the The Phinsider.
Follow @Finhead83
welcome to the site
aka...Jason laKdog
Contributing writer to The Phinsider
"Kdog will make a Fanshot out of it. Before there’s even a report. And no one will know how."-Mosul
Winner of The Davone Bess Little Guy Award, 2010
really like the pick...tired of seeing us take an offensive lineman in these mock drafts
I’m happy with either coples or ingram. I do have a sleeper in the later rounds. Bruce Irvin.
aka...Jason laKdog
Contributing writer to The Phinsider
"Kdog will make a Fanshot out of it. Before there’s even a report. And no one will know how."-Mosul
Winner of The Davone Bess Little Guy Award, 2010
when I mean later I meant 2nd or 3rd
aka...Jason laKdog
Contributing writer to The Phinsider
"Kdog will make a Fanshot out of it. Before there’s even a report. And no one will know how."-Mosul
Winner of The Davone Bess Little Guy Award, 2010
Is it even legal to roundhouse kick a tackle in the head?
If so, I would take that Bruce Irvin in a second.
- Attempting to debate with a person who has abandoned reason is like giving medicine to the dead.
- Defeat isn't bitter if you don't swallow it.
Contributing Writer to the The Phinsider.
Follow @Finhead83
Depends on the who he is protecting.
by LimeyPhin on Feb 20, 2012 3:29 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Oh good it's time to mock Finhead again!
"Theyas no fawking qwatahback!"-Anonymous Patriots fan at seeing the Wildcat formation for the first time.
I thought that was an everyday thing, not just the Monday special?
- Attempting to debate with a person who has abandoned reason is like giving medicine to the dead.
- Defeat isn't bitter if you don't swallow it.
Contributing Writer to the The Phinsider.
Follow @Finhead83
Yes but this is always a special occasion as it only comes once a week.
"Theyas no fawking qwatahback!"-Anonymous Patriots fan at seeing the Wildcat formation for the first time.
by texascowpunk on Feb 20, 2012 10:23 PM EST up reply actions
If RG3 drops past #4 and we don't jump up to #5 and get him...
That would be a major fail for Ireland… I don’t even care if we bring in Manning. We gotta go get a guy to develop and if a guy like that drops that close to you, and you don’t make something happen…. I just don’t know when this front office would think it is a good time to go get a franchise QB.
We had [Brady] down… but we didn’t kick him. We helped him up and gave him a PowerPuff Girls band-aid for his knee. What exactly did you expect would happen when we did that?
Got to have someone willing to trade with you before you can move.
J-E-S-T-S SUCK, SUCK, SUCK.
I always take life with a grain of salt, plus a slice of lime, and a shot of tequila.
Solid draft prediction....
Depending on who (Manning / Flynn) we get in FA, I’d like to get :
1. If we get Manning, we need to get Tannehil in the second. Then we can go after : RT, TE, SS/CB, DT.
2. If we get Flynn, we need to get a TE in the second. Then we can get a RT / OG, SS /CB, DT, LB.

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