With the 2012 NFL draft only hours away, it’s time to chime in with a prediction of round one. The top two spots in the NFL draft have already been determined, but the remaining choices in the first round are somewhat fluid at this point.
1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
The Colts have already announced they are taking Luck with the first overall draft pick.
2. Redskins: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
The Redskins have indicated they are taking RG3.
3. Vikings: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
Surprise! The Vikings missed out on securing an elite wideout during free agency to play opposite Percy Harvin and they desperately need someone of Blackmon’s caliber. The consensus pick here is Matt Kalil and I wouldn’t be surprised at all if the Vikings ended up taking Kalil. They could also take Morris Claiborne. Of course, there also remains the distinct possibility that the Vikings will trade down with the Rams or another team.
4. Browns: Matt Kalil, OT, USC
How could the Browns resist Matt Kalil if he falls to number four? The Browns have been linked to Trent Richardson, which makes perfect sense given the departure of Peyton Hillis. But there have also been signs that the Browns are interested in signing free agent running back Cedric Benson.
5. Buccaneers: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
It’s a coin flip between the sure-handed, powerful running back out of Alabama and the best cornerback in the draft, Morris Claiborne. I’m betting Tampa Bay wants to grab a franchise running back as LeGarrette Blount turned into a fumbling machine last season.
6. Rams: Morris Claiborne, cornerback, LSU
It would be a mild shock for Claiborne to fall outside the top five, but if he does the Rams will grab him in a heartbeat.
7. Patriots: Mark Barron, safety, Alabama
It has been reported that Jacksonville wants to trade down from the seventh slot and they could find a trading partner in the Patriots. Bill Belichick loves to engage in draft-day exchanges and it has already been reported that if New England were to trade up, this is the player they would target. And Mark Barron’s stock has gone up in recent days.
8. Dolphins: Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M
This selection will be borne out of necessity: the Dolphins must take the best remaining quarterback on the board.
9. Panthers: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
Carolina could choose the best remaining wide receiver to play opposite Steve Smith. If they decide not to take a wideout, they could select Fletcher Cox.
10. Bills: Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi St.
The Bills had been linked to Mark Barron, so if he’s around, expect the Bills to snap him up. But if he’s not, and Fletcher Cox is still available, expect Buffalo to make their defensive front that much scarier with the addition of Cox. The Bills have also indicated an interest in offensive tackle and they could even be looking to pick up a wide receiver to play opposite Stevie Johnson.
11. Chiefs: Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College
12. Seahawks: Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina
13. Cardinals: David DeCastro, OL, Stanford
14. Cowboys: Michael Brockers, DT, LSU
15. Eagles: Riley Reiff, OL, Iowa
16. Jets: Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis
17. Bengals: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
18. Chargers: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
19. Bears: Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech
20. Titans: Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina
21. Bengals: Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama
22. Browns: Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma St.
23. Lions: Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois
24. Steelers: Dont’a Hightower, LB, Alabama
25. Broncos: Chandler Jones, DE, Syracuse
26. Texans: Rueben Randle, WR, LSU
27. Jaguars: Nick Perry, DE, USC
28. Packers: Jonathan Martin, OL, Stanford
29. Ravens: Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor
30. 49ers: Cordy Glenn, OL, Georgia
31. Patriots: Shea McClellin, DE, Boise St
32. Giants: Doug Martin, RB, Boise St