Blogging Dirty’s 2012 NFL Mock Draft – Version 9

Here is Blogging Dirty’s 2012 NFL Mock Draft – Version 9. Dated 2/16/2012.

The order is based on the official NFL Draft order.

1. Indianapolis Colts : Robert Griffin, QB, Baylor

For those who have read my mocks before they will know that i have had Griffin at #1 for some time now. The link between new GM Ryan Grigson and mobile quarterbacks dating back from his time in Philly should be noted. The hire of Chuck Pagano as head coach makes little difference and the hiring of Bruce Arians also makes little difference as both Luck or Griffin could fit in his pass heavy scheme. Owner Jim Irsay seems to be a guy who will make his own choice and after watching Griffin blow up the combine (trust me he will) in his own building, Griffin will start to build some momentum heading into the pro days. If i was Andrew Luck, I would definitely work out at the combine to try and hold his position.

2. Washington Redskins : Andrew Luck, QB,  Stanford

TRADE!!! If my scenario plays out, I would expect the Redskins to trade up to #2 and take Andrew Luck. Owner Dan Snyder would make this move in a heartbeat and will likely cost them their 2nd round pick and possibly more. While Luck is obviously a good QB, I am sceptical as to how much he can actually improve at the next level. He comes out of a run first scheme in college and whether he can translate to the aerial attack of the NFL is a question mark. While I haven’t watched every snap of his play this year I did watch the two big games he had this year against USC and Oregonand I left feeling under whelmed given all the hype. What has impressed me from Luck is his command of the huddle in a similar way to Matt Ryan has done for the Falcons since arriving in 2008.

3. Minnesota Vikings : Matt Kalil, LT, USC

Kalil would obviously be the pick should he fall to #3. Ponder is seemingly the future of the franchise and needs protection. Kalil is one of those elite type of tackles you can only ever secure in the top 10 of the draft.

4. Cleveland Browns : Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

When the Browns traded down with the Falcons last year they passed on Julio Jones who could well turn into an all pro wide receiver if he carries on the course he is on. One year later the Browns are in a similar situation still needing an elite wide receiver. Blackmon is not on the same level as Julio Jones or AJ Green where last year but he still is a sure fire top 10 pick. Even if Blackmon is selected the Browns still need a QB, i expect them to try and deal with St Louis for the #2 overall pick so they can secure either Luck or Griffin.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers : Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

With a likely shift in scheme towards a more man approach, Claiborne would a massive upgrade to the Bucs secondary. With Talib having legal issues and Ronde Barber approaching retirement, the Bucs need help urgently.

6. St Louis Rams : Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

TRADE!! Trent Richardson will be added into a dangerous running game tandem with Steven Jackson. With Jackson likely on the down slope of his career, getting Richardson will make the transition seamless. Having a strong running game will also take the pressure off Sam Bradford and hopefully keep him healthy as well.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars : Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

With Mike Mularkey now the HC, he will look at add weapons to this outfit. Given the success Mularkey had with Julio Jones I expect him to take a receiver early and Jeffery is the best one on the board at #7. Despite Jeffery’s stock slipping in the eyes of some i still view him as a top 10 pick. He certainly is not as explosive as Julio Jones but i reckon Mularkey will fall in love with both Blackmon and Jeffery and will take whichever one is there.

8. Miami Dolphins : Johnathon Martin, OT, Stanford

With Matt Barkley and Landry Jones returning there are not that many options left for the Dolphins at QB, and in any case I think Matt Moore showed enough to earn the starting role for 2012. With that settled Jonathon Martin would be a nice selection to play opposite Jake Long at right tackle.

9. Carolina Panthers : Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

You could say this is a bit of a reach, but this could be a great pick for the Panthers. Kendall Wright comes out of a spread offense at Baylor where RG3 was his QB and would fit very nicely with Cam Newton in the Panthers offense and give the Panthers some more weapons and offer a potential long term replacement for Steve Smith.

10. Buffalo Bills : Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

Buffaloneed to improve their tackling on defense as that was one of my main concerns as the Bills slumped the second half of the season.. Kuechly is instinctive and gets to the ball fast and would be a great answer to some of the problems on Buffalo’s defense.

11. Kansas City Chiefs : Courtney Upshaw, LB, Alabama

While I like Derrick Johnson and Tamba Hali,  I don’t see another Linebacker that should be starting in the NFL on the Chiefs’ roster and Upshaw would be a tremendous pass rush partner alongside Tamba Hali. Upshaw had a great senior bowl week and continues to impress me, i would actually take him in the top 10 and maybe Miami would give him a look for now he stays at 11.