TheBossman
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Cleveland Browns: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
Jabaal Sheard has enjoyed a solid rookie year, but he's the only Cleveland defensive lineman consistently getting to the quarterback. Jayme Mitchell, playing on the other side, has been a big disappointment for the Browns in 2011.
It's a tough choice between Trent Richardson and Quinton Coples at this juncture. They're the two top available players on the consensus board. I've been going with the former in the past four updates, but Coples is a strong possibility because running backs have dropped in recent years, thanks to overabundance of talent at that position currently in the NFL.
Pick change; previously Trent Richardson, RB
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College
Tampa Bay's linebacking corps is an abomination. Rookie Mason Foster has struggled ever since losing Gerald McCoy, while Quincy Black has been putrid all year.
Luke Kuechly is the top available player who makes sense for the Buccaneers. It would be a two-for-one upgrade for Tampa; Kuechly would provide a much better option in the middle, allowing Foster to move outside and take over for Black.
Philadelphia Eagles: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
Back in August, I never would have imagined mocking a cornerback to the Eagles in the top 10 of the 2012 NFL Draft. It's amazing how much can change in four months.
Asante Samuel won't be back next year. He's due $8.4 million and has made public comments against Andy Reid. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie will be entering his contract year, but he really, really sucks. The Eagles will need a new starter across from the disappointing Nnamdi Asomugha, unless they want to keep relying on DRC (Doesn't Really Care).
At any rate, Dre Kirkpatrick is the best player available not named Trent Richardson, so he definitely makes sense.
Pick change; previously Morris Claiborne, CB
Buffalo Bills: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina
The Bills just paid Ryan Fitzpatrick a ton of money, so they need to find some help for him. Coincidentally, Alshon Jeffery happens to be one of the best players available.
Buffalo could definitely stand to upgrade the receiver position across from the butterfingered Steve Johnson - especially after David Nelson committed the unforgivable sin of giving a football to a Cowboy cheerleader.
Pick change; previously Michael Floyd, WR
Kansas City Chiefs: Landry "Lance" Jones, QB, Oklahoma
Todd Haley has finally been fired. It's a strong possibility that Matt Cassel could be the next to go. Cassel is owed $5.25 million in 2012, so Scott Pioli could easily get rid of him in the spring.
If this happens, Pioli will definitely be interested in one of the four franchise quarterbacks available in the 2012 NFL Draft - unless, of course, my random prediction about Peyton Manning going to the Chiefs somehow comes to fruition.
Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford
I've been writing for a couple of weeks that this is a tough spot for the Cardinals because none of the top players available fit their needs. Well, that's not the case anymore because Arizona is drafting late enough that one of the offensive tackles is no longer a reach.
Jonathan Martin would address a colossal need, as tackles Levi Brown and Brandon Keith are struggling again. The Cardinals need to protect their $65 million investment in Kevin Kolb.
Seattle Seahawks: Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M
Quarterbacks rise every year. We saw it this past April with Christian Ponder. The likes of J.P. Losman, Kyle Boller, Jason Campbell and others go higher than projected because there's such a dire need at the position. I have a feeling Ryan Tannehill will be a top-20 pick.
Charlie "Whithart" Whitehurst is a lost cause, so Seattle really needs to bring in a quarterback to challenge the pedestrian Tarvaris Jackson. The Seahawks aren't going anywhere with Jackson under center.
Pick change; previously Dre Kirkpatrick, CB
San Diego Chargers: David DeCastro, G, Stanford
The Chargers have major issues at the guard. Pro Bowl Kris Dielman is pondering retirement after a couple of concussions led to a seizure recently. San Diego had a need at the position even before that.
David DeCastro is one of the top offensive line prospects in several years. He's the top player available not named Trent Richardson, whom I just can't find a spot for.
Pick change; previously Quinton Coples, DE
Dallas Cowboys: Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska
Many mocked Prince Amukamara to the Cowboys this past April for good reason. If you didn't see the Sunday night game against the Giants, Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz ran down the field with ease against a putrid secondary. Orlando Scandrick isn't very good, while Terence Newman has just collapsed following a hot start.
Cornerback help is desperately needed, and Alfonzo Dennard is one of the top players available.
Tennessee Titans: Zach Brown, OLB, North Carolina
Colin McCarthy has played really well since taking over for a struggling Barrett Ruud. It looks like he'll be the long-term answer in the middle. Now, the Titans have to find an upgrade on the weak side.
Zach Brown is the top available player who makes sense for Tennessee. With Brown, McCarthy and Akeem Ayers, the Titans will have a great linebacking corps for years to come.
Cincinnati Bengals: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
What a steal for the Bengals. Trent Richardson falls in this version of my 2012 NFL Mock Draft because no teams needed a running back. It's surprising to see him this low, but then again, no one thought Mark Ingram would fall to No. 28 this past April either.
The Bengals have a great run-blocking offensive line. It's just a shame that they have nothing in the backfield to speak of. Cedric Benson is incredibly mediocre, and he'll be a 29-year-old free agent in March anyway. If Andy Dalton continues to impress, Cincinnati's offense could be really explosive with Richardson joining A.J. Green, Jerome Simpson, Jordan Shipley and Jermaine Gresham.
Pick change; previously Janoris Jenkins, CB
Chicago Bears: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
Jay Cutler was at his best when he had Brandon Marshall to throw to. It's actually amazing that he can function with Earl Bennett, Johnny Knox and Devin Hester as his top options.
Michael Floyd is the best consensus player on the board, and the Bears would be foolish if they didn't grab him to help their quarterback.
Pick change; previously Cordy Glenn, G
Cincinnati Bengals: Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama
Cornerback is a need for Cincinnati. Nate Clements, who turns 32 in December, has been inconsistent thus far. He'll also be a free agent after the 2012 season anyway.
This pick almost makes too much sense. There's no question that Janoris Jenkins is the top talent available; if it weren't for his legal history, he'd be a top-10 selection. He'll get pushed down in the draft because of his multiple arrests, but a team like the Bengals will happily snag him off the board.
Pick change; previously Lamar Miller, RB
Cleveland Browns: Cordy Glenn, G, Georgia
The Browns have huge holes at left guard and right tackle that they absolutely have to address this offseason. I'm aware that Eric Steinbach could return, but he's due $6 million. I don't know if Mike Holmgren wants to pay that type of money to a declining 32-year-old player coming off back surgery.
If the Browns let go of Steinbach, they'll have to find someone to fill his shoes because Jason Pinkston is terrible.
Pick change; previously Vontaze Burfict, LB
New York Jets: Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama
Despite the addition of Muhammad Wilkerson, the Jets still need to improve their pass rush so Rex Ryan doesn't have to call blitzes every single down. Rush linebacker Bryan Thomas tore his Achilles tendon earlier in the year, so this position has become even more dire for New York.
I'm sure Ryan would love the prospect of landing Courtney Upshaw, who has experience in Nick Saban's 3-4. Upshaw also happens to be the one of the top players on the board.
Detroit Lions: Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State
Detroit finally lands a left tackle! No, I'm not forcing one to the front office. Mike Adams just happens to be the top consensus player available who makes sense (the others being defensive tackles Devon Still and Brandon Thompson).
The Lions have needed left tackle help for years. They'll now be forced into making a move for one because Jeff Backus will be a free agent in March.
Pick change; previously Alfonzo Dennard, CB
Houston Texans: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin
Chris Myers has been the best center in football this year; I wrote as much when I listed my Pro Bowl picks on my NFL Picks pages a week ago. But Myers will be a free agent this offseason along with Mario Williams and Arian Foster. Can the Texans afford to sign all three players to massive contracts? Because there's no way they're letting Williams and Foster go.
If Houston re-signs Myers, it can kick him over to guard to replace the struggling Wade Smith.
New York Giants: Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
Running back isn't New York's biggest need, but it should certainly be addressed. Ahmad Bradshaw, who could be in Tom Coughlin's dog house, has yet to prove that he can carry the load for a full season. Brandon Jacobs probably won't be back next year with a $4.9 million price tag. If he's cut, Lamar Miller, one of the top players available, will definitely be a possibility at the end of Round 1.
Pick change; previously David DeCastro, G
Jabaal Sheard has enjoyed a solid rookie year, but he's the only Cleveland defensive lineman consistently getting to the quarterback. Jayme Mitchell, playing on the other side, has been a big disappointment for the Browns in 2011.
It's a tough choice between Trent Richardson and Quinton Coples at this juncture. They're the two top available players on the consensus board. I've been going with the former in the past four updates, but Coples is a strong possibility because running backs have dropped in recent years, thanks to overabundance of talent at that position currently in the NFL.
Pick change; previously Trent Richardson, RB
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College
Tampa Bay's linebacking corps is an abomination. Rookie Mason Foster has struggled ever since losing Gerald McCoy, while Quincy Black has been putrid all year.
Luke Kuechly is the top available player who makes sense for the Buccaneers. It would be a two-for-one upgrade for Tampa; Kuechly would provide a much better option in the middle, allowing Foster to move outside and take over for Black.
Philadelphia Eagles: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
Back in August, I never would have imagined mocking a cornerback to the Eagles in the top 10 of the 2012 NFL Draft. It's amazing how much can change in four months.
Asante Samuel won't be back next year. He's due $8.4 million and has made public comments against Andy Reid. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie will be entering his contract year, but he really, really sucks. The Eagles will need a new starter across from the disappointing Nnamdi Asomugha, unless they want to keep relying on DRC (Doesn't Really Care).
At any rate, Dre Kirkpatrick is the best player available not named Trent Richardson, so he definitely makes sense.
Pick change; previously Morris Claiborne, CB
Buffalo Bills: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina
The Bills just paid Ryan Fitzpatrick a ton of money, so they need to find some help for him. Coincidentally, Alshon Jeffery happens to be one of the best players available.
Buffalo could definitely stand to upgrade the receiver position across from the butterfingered Steve Johnson - especially after David Nelson committed the unforgivable sin of giving a football to a Cowboy cheerleader.
Pick change; previously Michael Floyd, WR
Kansas City Chiefs: Landry "Lance" Jones, QB, Oklahoma
Todd Haley has finally been fired. It's a strong possibility that Matt Cassel could be the next to go. Cassel is owed $5.25 million in 2012, so Scott Pioli could easily get rid of him in the spring.
If this happens, Pioli will definitely be interested in one of the four franchise quarterbacks available in the 2012 NFL Draft - unless, of course, my random prediction about Peyton Manning going to the Chiefs somehow comes to fruition.
Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford
I've been writing for a couple of weeks that this is a tough spot for the Cardinals because none of the top players available fit their needs. Well, that's not the case anymore because Arizona is drafting late enough that one of the offensive tackles is no longer a reach.
Jonathan Martin would address a colossal need, as tackles Levi Brown and Brandon Keith are struggling again. The Cardinals need to protect their $65 million investment in Kevin Kolb.
Seattle Seahawks: Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M
Quarterbacks rise every year. We saw it this past April with Christian Ponder. The likes of J.P. Losman, Kyle Boller, Jason Campbell and others go higher than projected because there's such a dire need at the position. I have a feeling Ryan Tannehill will be a top-20 pick.
Charlie "Whithart" Whitehurst is a lost cause, so Seattle really needs to bring in a quarterback to challenge the pedestrian Tarvaris Jackson. The Seahawks aren't going anywhere with Jackson under center.
Pick change; previously Dre Kirkpatrick, CB
San Diego Chargers: David DeCastro, G, Stanford
The Chargers have major issues at the guard. Pro Bowl Kris Dielman is pondering retirement after a couple of concussions led to a seizure recently. San Diego had a need at the position even before that.
David DeCastro is one of the top offensive line prospects in several years. He's the top player available not named Trent Richardson, whom I just can't find a spot for.
Pick change; previously Quinton Coples, DE
Dallas Cowboys: Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska
Many mocked Prince Amukamara to the Cowboys this past April for good reason. If you didn't see the Sunday night game against the Giants, Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz ran down the field with ease against a putrid secondary. Orlando Scandrick isn't very good, while Terence Newman has just collapsed following a hot start.
Cornerback help is desperately needed, and Alfonzo Dennard is one of the top players available.
Tennessee Titans: Zach Brown, OLB, North Carolina
Colin McCarthy has played really well since taking over for a struggling Barrett Ruud. It looks like he'll be the long-term answer in the middle. Now, the Titans have to find an upgrade on the weak side.
Zach Brown is the top available player who makes sense for Tennessee. With Brown, McCarthy and Akeem Ayers, the Titans will have a great linebacking corps for years to come.
Cincinnati Bengals: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
What a steal for the Bengals. Trent Richardson falls in this version of my 2012 NFL Mock Draft because no teams needed a running back. It's surprising to see him this low, but then again, no one thought Mark Ingram would fall to No. 28 this past April either.
The Bengals have a great run-blocking offensive line. It's just a shame that they have nothing in the backfield to speak of. Cedric Benson is incredibly mediocre, and he'll be a 29-year-old free agent in March anyway. If Andy Dalton continues to impress, Cincinnati's offense could be really explosive with Richardson joining A.J. Green, Jerome Simpson, Jordan Shipley and Jermaine Gresham.
Pick change; previously Janoris Jenkins, CB
Chicago Bears: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
Jay Cutler was at his best when he had Brandon Marshall to throw to. It's actually amazing that he can function with Earl Bennett, Johnny Knox and Devin Hester as his top options.
Michael Floyd is the best consensus player on the board, and the Bears would be foolish if they didn't grab him to help their quarterback.
Pick change; previously Cordy Glenn, G
Cincinnati Bengals: Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama
Cornerback is a need for Cincinnati. Nate Clements, who turns 32 in December, has been inconsistent thus far. He'll also be a free agent after the 2012 season anyway.
This pick almost makes too much sense. There's no question that Janoris Jenkins is the top talent available; if it weren't for his legal history, he'd be a top-10 selection. He'll get pushed down in the draft because of his multiple arrests, but a team like the Bengals will happily snag him off the board.
Pick change; previously Lamar Miller, RB
Cleveland Browns: Cordy Glenn, G, Georgia
The Browns have huge holes at left guard and right tackle that they absolutely have to address this offseason. I'm aware that Eric Steinbach could return, but he's due $6 million. I don't know if Mike Holmgren wants to pay that type of money to a declining 32-year-old player coming off back surgery.
If the Browns let go of Steinbach, they'll have to find someone to fill his shoes because Jason Pinkston is terrible.
Pick change; previously Vontaze Burfict, LB
New York Jets: Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama
Despite the addition of Muhammad Wilkerson, the Jets still need to improve their pass rush so Rex Ryan doesn't have to call blitzes every single down. Rush linebacker Bryan Thomas tore his Achilles tendon earlier in the year, so this position has become even more dire for New York.
I'm sure Ryan would love the prospect of landing Courtney Upshaw, who has experience in Nick Saban's 3-4. Upshaw also happens to be the one of the top players on the board.
Detroit Lions: Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State
Detroit finally lands a left tackle! No, I'm not forcing one to the front office. Mike Adams just happens to be the top consensus player available who makes sense (the others being defensive tackles Devon Still and Brandon Thompson).
The Lions have needed left tackle help for years. They'll now be forced into making a move for one because Jeff Backus will be a free agent in March.
Pick change; previously Alfonzo Dennard, CB
Houston Texans: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin
Chris Myers has been the best center in football this year; I wrote as much when I listed my Pro Bowl picks on my NFL Picks pages a week ago. But Myers will be a free agent this offseason along with Mario Williams and Arian Foster. Can the Texans afford to sign all three players to massive contracts? Because there's no way they're letting Williams and Foster go.
If Houston re-signs Myers, it can kick him over to guard to replace the struggling Wade Smith.
New York Giants: Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
Running back isn't New York's biggest need, but it should certainly be addressed. Ahmad Bradshaw, who could be in Tom Coughlin's dog house, has yet to prove that he can carry the load for a full season. Brandon Jacobs probably won't be back next year with a $4.9 million price tag. If he's cut, Lamar Miller, one of the top players available, will definitely be a possibility at the end of Round 1.
Pick change; previously David DeCastro, G
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