1. IND: Andrew Luck QB - Well its been confirmed today, Luck will be the first overall pick in this years draft (as if we needed any confirmation). So the Colts logo should be changed from the blue horseshoe to a Golden one. They have indeed struck gold once again in the franchise QB area. Obtaining two of the 3 highest graded QB prospects of all time and in a 15 year span... Yes its official, your franchise is truly blessed. Luck will step in could provide instant deja vu for the colts. They should still be pretty bad as they were under Manning his rookie season, but quickly become one of the leagues best behind the arm of one of the leagues best signal callers. Once they add a couple weapons for Luck to work with ( a Stephen Hill, Mohammed Sanu, or even an AJ Jenkins who I'm boldly dubbing the next Victor Cruz) they should soon be a dynamic offense once again.
2. WAS: Robert Griffin III QB - The Redskins may of made a Herschel Walker esk trade in moving up to number two but they are getting a player with one of the highest ceilings in recent memory. There's nothing he can't do. He has the arm to make all the throws and he has the athleticism on par with NFL WRs. Although the Redskins may appear to be lacking weapons for Griffin to work with, there's actually much more than meets the eye in the nations capitol. Say what you will about the Garcon signing, he will pair with Griffin perfectly. Garcon is one of the leagues premier deep threats and Griffin excels at throwing the ball deep downfield. Leonard Hankerson is another playmaker who can stretch the field for the skins. He has a lot of upside that can be unlocked by Griffin. Then there's one of the most underrated TEs in the league in Fred Davis. Davis will be a tremendous security blanket for the rookie. Lets not forget the effect Griffin will have on the already stout run game. His dual threat ability should open up better/more running lanes for Roy Helu and company giving them a diverse and potentially lethal offense. Think Cam Newtons effect on the abysmal Panthers offense last season.
3. MIN: Matt Kalil OT - The Vikings will likely try and trade down a few spots to squeeze out some value, but I don't see a deal going down and thus will select Kalil the top ranked Lineman and franchise tackle at 3. He doubles as an insurance package for their franchise players Adrian Peterson and Christian Ponder.
4. CLE: Trent Richardson RB - Drafting The highest graded RB since AP is a near no brainer for the Browns at 4. He's far superior to the other backs in this class where there other need, WR, runs very very deep. The Browns can build their offense around a premier talent like Richardson. He gives them an instant identity and will help their defense out as well by picking up first downs and taking time off the clock shortening games and allowing their defensive unit to be better rested throughout games. The Browns can then look to add a WR who can stretch the field potentially putting opposing teams in a pick your poisen type of scenario with the selection of Kendall Wright or Stephen Hill. Throw in progression from Greg Little and Colt McCoy and things are looking up to say the least. Perhaps "fun times in cleveland" are just around the corner
5. TB: Morris Claiborne CB - Ronde Barber is nearing the end to brilliant career, Aquib Talib battles off the field issues and is rumored to be on the trading block. With Cam Newton, Matt Ryan and uhhh Drew Brees in their division they could definitely use someone with shutdown corner potential. Ignore his Wonderlic score, Morris can flat out play. Unless T-Rich is miraculously available Claiborne should be a no brainer at 5.
6. STL: Justin Blackmon WR - The rams need playmakers particularly at the WR position. Blackmon is the obvious choice at 6 overall. The Bradford to Blackmon combo could quickly become one of the games best. Bradford was a big disappointment last season but largely due to his lack of weapons. The selection of Blackmon and the return of Danny Amendola, or "Welker lite" should do wonders for Bradford and that offense.
7. JAC: Michael Floyd WR - The Jags are reportedly "desperate" to trade out of the 7 spot (thanks John Clayton). They likely want to move down a few spots to select the best remaining pass rusher of the Ingram, Coples, Jones group while adding a pick or two they can use to add some weapons for Gabbert. If they are unable to find a trade partner I think they have to draft Floyd. They desperately need a true number one WR on their roster. Floyd still produced elite numbers at the collegiate level last season despite inconsistent and subpar play from the QB position (sounds a lot like what Gabbert brings to the table) If the Jags have any hope in Gabbert being the future of their franchise they must get him some help. Floyd would be a great start.
8. MIA: Ryan Tannehill QB - Who's the biggest loser so far in the NFL offseason? It has to be the Dolphins. They missed out on Manning. They completely whiffed on Matt Flynn despite all the ties he had to their new regime. Then they trade away their most valuable asset (Brandon Marshall) without proper compensation. Now there pass happy offense is without a big time arm and a big time pass catcher. As Billy Madisons dad Brian would say "what a mess". With the 8th pick the Dolphins will attempt to lock up their franchise QB with Tannehill and look to add him a couple of weapons later on.
sorry boys and girls. Check back later for the full mock and analysis.
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