Happy NFL Draft Eve

I wonder if at this very moment the following NFL prospects are sitting back in their hotels or wherever they maybe staying for the night and playing this in their head (click here.... just trust me.... click) Rewatching that clip got me to thinking. Why doesn't the NFL hire J-Clause to do that bit at before the start of every draft? It would really set the mood and I'm sure he could use the extra cash/publicity. Lets face it, hes not going to get on TV any other way anytime soon. So cue the J-Clause chants and lets make this a tradition. Anyways, now on to the serious stuff.

1. IND: Andrew Luck QB

2. WAS: Robert Griffin III QB

3. MIN: TRADE** Vikings send the pick to the Bills who then select Matt Kalil OT

• Scenario 2. They keep the pick and select Claiborne
• Scenario 3. They trade the pick to the Bucs who snag Claiborne and vikings land Kalil at 5
• Scenario 4 just for kicks.They keep the pick and select Kalil

4. CLE: Trent Richardson RB

5. TB: Morris Claiborne CB

• Scenario 2. Claiborne gone they take Stephon Gilmore their next highest ranked CB
• Scenario 3. They select Luke Kuechly

6. STL: Michael Floyd WR

• Scenario 2. They select Justin Balckmon. Just a pure gut call giving the nod to Floyd. They had personal workouts with both and Floyd is seen as the top WR in the draft by some teams. One of those might just be STL.
• Scenario 3. Fisher is a defensive minded coach who may choose to go with DT Fletcher Cox in this spot with WR being so deep this yr and hoping to land Kendall Wright at 33.
• Scenario 4. If Kalil is on the board they will likely field calls from the Bills and the Rams are open to sliding down again. They make the trade and select either Michael Brockers or Michael Floyd at 10.

7. JAC: Justin Blackmon WR

•  Scenario 2. Blackmon is gone and They take Stephon Gilmore
• Scenario 3 they trade down and select Michael Floyd or Gilmore

8. MIA: Ryan Tannehill QB

9. CAR: Fletcher Cox DT

• Scenario 2. Stephon Gilmore
• Scenario 3. Luke Kuechly

10. BUF: TRADE** Vikings select Stephon Gilmore CB

• Scenario 2. They are unable to trade up for Kalil and they Take either Floyd Barron or Rieff
• Scenario 3. They slide down possibly to the cowboys and take Rieff a few picks later

11. KC: Luke Kuechly LB

• Scenario 2. Kuechly gone KC takes DeCastro
• Scenario 3. Melvin Ingram

12. SEA: Melvin Ingram DE

• Scenario 2. Quinton Coples or Chandler Jones
• Scenario 3. Miami shocks the mock draft world and doesnt take Tannehill. he becomes the pick at 12

13. ARI: David DeCastro OL

• Scenario 2. Michael Floyd. The cards really want to add a threat oppositte of Fitz. Floyd is the likely pick if he falls
• Scenario 3. Riley Rieff. they have a desperate need to upgrade the OL

14. DAL: Mark Barron SS

• Scenario 2. They make a move either up for Barron or back if hes gone
• Scenario 3. Michael Brockers
• Scenario 4. Stephon Gilmore

15. PHI: Quinton Coples DE

• Scenario 2. They trade up to 7 to land the DL they are in love with
• Scenario 3. The dumping of Samuels puts Gilmore in play and the bad memory of passing on JPP a couple years ago may mean they take this years version in Chandler Jones

16. NYJ: Dontari Poe DT

• Scenario 2. Stephin Hill. They need a WR and they want to ground and pound. Why not take a WR used to blocking?
• Scenario 3. a pass rusher. Chandler Jones/Coples/Upshaw

17. CIN: Courtney Upshaw

• Scenario 2. Dre Kirkpatrick
• Scenario 3. Best OL on their board

18. SD: Riley Rieff OT

• Scenario 2. Best pass rusher on their board. possibly Chandler Jones
• Scenario 3. Cordy Glenn

19. CHI: Nick Perry DE

• Scenario 2. Kendall Wright. Lovie Smith held a personal workout with Wright and "loves him"
• Scenario 3. Michael Brockers

20. TEN: Chandler Jones DE

• Scenario 2. Whitney Merculis/ Michael Brockers
• Scenario 3. Best Corner on their board. Possibly Janoris Jenkins who some regaurd as the best corner in this class.

21. CIN: Dre Kirkpatrick CB

22. CLE: Kendall Wright WR

• Scenario 2. Cordy Glenn/ Jonathan Martin
• Scenario 3. Trade down and select Brandon Weeden. I don't see them making a move for Weeden in round 1 but there is some buzz out there on exactly that.

23. DET: Cordy Glenn OL

• Scenario 2. Janoris Jenkins. Will be the most talented player on the board and the lions have already stated character issues won't detour them from making their selection.
• Scenario 3. Amini Silatolu. Dominated D2 ball the last two seasons and is likely their highest ranked OL
• Scenario 4. Doug Martin. Concerns about Best playing again and injury/off field issues around Mikel Leshoure could lean them in the Martin direction

24. PIT: Dont'a Hightower ILB

• Scenario 2. Dontari Poe
• Scenario 3. Best OL on their board (Roethlisberger and I have our fingers crossed)

25. DEN: Michael Brockers DT

• Scenario 2. Doug Martin. A great fit to play alongside Manning. Offense would be nearly complete with Martins addition
• Scenario 3. Dontari Poe

26. HOU: Jonathan Martin OT

• Scenario 2. Coby Fleener
• Scenario 3. Trade down. I just don't see the texans pulling the trigger on a WR round one. I think they may trade down to the top of round two and snag one or take a guy like AJ Jenkins or Ty Hilton if available at the back end of round 2.

27. NE: Shea McClellin DE

• Scenario 2. Trade down
• Scenario 3. Harrison Smith
• Scenario 4. If Kendall Wright is still on the board I think Belicheck smirks and submits Wrights name nonchalantly as he envisions adding hardware to the trophy case. 

28. GB: Harrison Smith SS

• Scenario 2. Doug Martin
• Scenario 3. Jerel Worthy

29. BAL: Rueban Randle WR

• Scenario 2. Stephen Hill. Holds the most upside of any of the WRs in this years class. It just depends on which WR ranks higher on the Ravens board.
• Scenario 3. Best OL on their board

30. SF: Amini Silatolu OG

• Scenario 2. Stephen Hill
• Scenario 3. Best OL on their Board
• Scenario 4. Coby Fleener

31. NE: Kendall Reyes DT

• Scenario 2. Trade down "LOL"
• Scenario 3. Whitney Merculis/VinnyCurry/Bruce Irvin

32. NYG: Coby Fleener TE

• Scenario 2. Doug Martin
• Scenario 3. Mike Adams

2012 Mock Draft

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.

Thanks

The Future: Wide Receivers

1. Justin Blackmon - compares to Andre Johnson. Ok no, I dont think Blackmon is going to be as good as Andre Johnson, but more of a.... call it poor mans Andre. Blackmons combination of polish, production and athleticism have earned him the right to be the concencous number 1 WR in this class. The two time Biletnikoff winner gives you just about every attribute you need in a WR. He attacks every ball thrown his way instead of waiting on them. He has plus coverage reading ability, an extensive catch radius, plus adjustments and great box out abilities. His upside is capped due to his lack of elite speed but his skill set should be more than enough to get him a few pro bowl invites. Blackmon may not end up being the best WR in this draft but its pretty tough to argue for any other wideout to be selected over him.
Draft projection: Jags 7th overall

2. Michael Floyd - Compares to Brandon Marshall. Floyd is the safest WR in this class. His ceiling is much lower than others but his floor is very high. His body of work (271 catches 3686 yards 37 TDs') and his mesurables (6'3" 225lbs 4.47 40 36.5 inch vert) solidify him as the number 2 WR in this class. In the right situation he could have a Colston-esk career as a perennial 1000 yard performer garnering multiple pro bowls and hauling in numerous clutch catches for his team.
Draft projection: Cardinals 13th overall

3. Kendall Wright - Compares to Santonio Holmes. Don't let his combine 40 time fool you. Wright is a fast WR running in more of the sub 4.45 area but his speed on the field appears to be even faster. He possesses great burst after the catch. He also has plus route running ability and excellent hands with a good catch radius. Wright does stand just 5'10" at a position where the 6'4" 6'5" guys are the "prototype" but the game today has trended in a different direction at the WR position. Yes, its a nice luxury to have a guy you can throw the ally to, but the new generation of football supports smaller, quicker out of breaks WRs. Wright is also someone who excels at the deep routes which will open things up for his teamates in other areas of the field. Wright is one of the premier playmakers this draft has to offer.
Draft projection: Cleveland 22nd


4. Stephen Hill - Compares to AJ Green. Although Hill remains very raw and contains no where near the polish of an AJ Green his mesurables and overall upside are very comparable to Green. Hill has the most upside of any of the WRs in this years class with his 6'4" frame and workouts consisting of 4.36 40 39.5 inch vert 11.1 inch broad jump. Although I'm not a fan of anointing combine heros as future NFL superstars Its hard not to see that Hill has the upside to emerge not only as the best WR of this class but after 3-4 seasons in the NFL to be a top 3 WR in the league once he becomes better polished in other aspects of the receiver position.
Draft projection: Colts round 2

5. AJ Jenkins - Compares to Victor Cruz. Jenkins is another highly underrated prospect. He has tremendous acceleration, reaching top speed quicker than most. He runs routes very fluid and has plus balance and body control. He has no issues going over the middle and snagging passes out of the air. Jenkins can also take the top off the defense with his sub 4.4 speed. He also posesses incredible polish. He one of the most well rounded WRs in this class. Jenkins is simply put, "the real deal" and with his current stock where it sits will be one of the biggest gems this draft has to offer.
Draft projection: 2nd round Texans

6. Rueben Randall - Compares to Dwayne Bowe with a side order of mario manningham mixed in. Randle is great at creating seperation and even better with the ball in his hands. He has plus balance, catch radius, route running ability and field awareness and short area burst. He can be a dynamic threat with the ball in his hands with the ability to make the first man miss and explode up field for huge gains. He may never develop into a true number 1 for a team but he should make for a very nice number 2 option for many years to come as hes very well rounded.
Draft projection: Vikings 2nd round

7. Ty Hilton - Compares to Desean Jackson. Hilton is an incredibly explosive player at the receiver position and as a returner. He can jump out of bed and run a sub 4.4. He has excellent vision, makes sharp cuts with plus short area quickness and once he sees daylight has the elite straight line speed to make a house call everytime. Simply put Hilton is a tremendous playmaker who should get strong consideration as the round 2 skill position run takes off. He will be a true game breaker at the next level.
Draft projection: Bears 2nd round

8. Mohammed Sanu - Compares to Hines Ward. In the words of Jay Bilas, Sanu is "relentless". His hybrid RB/WR usage and willingness to not only block but absolutely lay would be tacklers out is very much like a guy named Hines Ward. Sanu will excel wherever he lands. He's not a WR... he's a football player as John Gruden likes to say. Sanu is a tenacious competitor with a nose for the endzone. When he steps onto the field no one is safe. Not DBs, not LBs not even D-Lineman. If you get in either his or his teamates way he will blow you up. Sanu is also the first ever freshman to start a season opener under HC Greg Schiano. He only missed one start in his career despite his head hunting demeanor and fearlessness in going over the middle again and again. Sanu is a player all NFL teams should covet. He's a true warrior.
Draft projection: Ravens 2nd round


9. Alshon Jeffery - Compares to Jonathan Baldwin/Mike Williams. Jeffery might be the biggest risk/reward pick of the 2012 class. Theres no doubting his upside, but his love for food is sadly a concern. It was reported by SC beat writers that a "gut" was easily spotted on Jeffery from the sidelines during his time with the gamecocks. His work ethic and mental toughness is questionable to say the least. He's just as likely to eat up Defenses as he is to scarf down a couple Big Macs from Mickey Ds'. These "character issues" will be the only thing to force him to slide in the draft and the only thing that could hold him back from making a splash at the next level.
Draft Projection: NYJ 2nd round


10. Chris Givens - Compares to Mike Wallace. Givens does a lot of things well but nothing abnormally great which isn't exactly a negative. He's a plus route runner with great acceleration and fluidity. He makes necessary adjustments when the ball is the air and also possesses quality footwork and change of direction speed. His detourants are his occasional "alligator arm"  tendencies and how easily jammed he can be at times. Still I think Givens could become one of the leagues premier deep threats with a little seasoning
Draft projection: Miami round 3


11. Brian Quick - Compares to Anquan Boldin. Still a raw prospect with limited experience he will likely take quite a bit of seasoning fully develop. The upside of this developmental project is still worthy of a 2nd round pick. He has great balance and concentration, being able to haul in passes under duress with ease. Quick uses his 6'4" 220lb frame and basketball background to shield defenders from the "passing lane". Quick also breaks from his routes sharply despite is lack of experience. His one knock is his lack of straight line speed (4.55 40) which could prevent him from being a deep threat despite his size, leaping and box out abilities.
Draft projection Round 2: Carolina



12. Marvin McNutt - Compares to Almani Toomer. One of the most underrated prospects in this years class. He's not a superior athlete and therefore lacks the big upside of some of his peers but what he does have is solidarity. He's a very well rounded WR who excels at making tough catches in traffic and along the sideline. His hands and quickness are his greatest assets which when coupled with his 6'3" 220lb frame should make him into an excellent possession WR in the NFL. McNutt could easily fall to round 4 or later making him one of the biggest draft steals of 2012.
Draft projection: Patriots round 3.


13. Tommy Streeter - Compares to Kenny Britt. Streeter is your typical "prototype" at the WR position standing 6'5" with a sub 4.4 40. He has the potential to be a dominate deep threat in the NFL because of his ability to use his superior build and athleticism to "ball so hard". However, Streeter is incredibly raw (one year as a collegiate starter) and struggles running quality routes. He's still a bit of a project but is a perfect fit for a team rebuilding and his playmaking upside is something worth reaching for especially for a team lacking offensive fire power.
Draft projection: 2nd round Dolphins

14. Ryan Broyles - Compares to Steve Smith NYG version. Who has the record for most catches in NCAA history??? Ryan Broyles, but he is seemingly a forgetten man after suffering an ACL injury 5 months ago. His knee is recovering well as shown by his 4.57 40 time at his proday. No, running a "sub 4.6" is nothing to salavate over but again... he is only 5 months removed from ACL surgery. He will continue to progress from a physical standpoint. What can't be lost is his incredible polish and overall body of work at the college level. Broyles is someone who never stops competing. A quality that should be highly coveted. He will succeed at the next level whether its being a quality number 2 or a premier slot man.
Draft Projection: Denver round 3

15. Chris Owusu - Compares to Torry Holt. Owusu will slide in the draft due to his injury risk, but the risk will be well worth the reward. Owusu has a great blend of speed, strength  and leaping ability as shown by his combine stats of: 4.36 40. 40.5 inch vert. 19 bench reps. He has plus hands, route running ability and return skills. As long as he can stay healthy Owusu has the talent to be a number 1 WR in the NFL.
Draft projection: 6th round Baltimore