Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Early Mock: Round 1

While we’re all waiting for Jeff Fisher to come to a decision I figured I’d start the mock draft process.  Obviously there are several events between now and the draft (playoff results, Senior Bowl, free-agency, and the combine) that can shift draft boards, but it’s never too soon to start speculating.  I’m not addicted to any team other than the Rams, so I didn’t take the time to discuss the reasoning behind non-Rams picks, but I would be willing to debate any second-guessing via the message board.

COLTS
Andrew Luck QB Stanford
RAMS
Matt Kalil OT USC
VIKINGS
Riley Reiff OT Iowa
BROWNS
Trent Richardson RB Alabama
BUCS
Morris Claiborne CB LSU
REDSKINS
Robert Griffin III QB Baylor
JAGUARS
Justin Blackmon WR Oklahoma State
DOLPHINS
Dre Kirkpatrick CB Alabama
PANTHERS
Devon Still DT Penn State
BILLS
Quinton Coples DT North Carolina
SEAHAWKS
David DeCastro OG Stanford
CHIEFS
Jonathan Martin OT Stanford
CARDINALS
Michael Floyd WR Notre Dame
COWBOYS
Alfonzo Dennard CB Nebrasksa
EAGLES
Luke Kuechly ILB Boston College
JETS
Kendall Wright WR Baylor
BENGELS
Janoris Jenkins CB Northern Alabama
CHARGERS
Cordy Glenn OG Georgia
BEARS
Zebrie Sanders OT South Florida State
TITANS
Melvin Ingram OLB South Carolina
BENGELS
Lamar Miller RB Miami
BROWNS
Ryan Tannehill QB Texas A&M
LIONS
Peter Konz C Wisconson
STEELERS
Dont'a Hightower ILB Alabama
BRONCOS
Mohamed Sanu WR Rutgers
GIANTS
Brandon Washington OG Miami
TEXANS
Fletcher Cox DT Mississippi State
49ERS
Alshon Jeffery WR South Carolina
RAVENS
Nick Perry DE USC
PATRIOTS
Courtney Upshaw OLB Alabama
PATRIOTS
Mark Barron SS Alabama
PACKERS
Zach Brown OLB North Carolina

As I said earlier, there are many league wide variables yet to be revealed.  There are several more within the Rams organization that could influence this pick as well.  First and foremost, I believe and hope that the Rams trade this pick.  It seems reasonable to think that they could get two-number one picks, plus an additional pick or two in later rounds, from a team desperate to acquire RGIII (thank you Cam Newton).  If they keep the pick, it’s quite possible that the Rams take Justin Blackmon over Matt Kalil.  Blackmon is highly touted, and receiver is arguably the Rams biggest need, particularly if free agent Brandon Lloyd follows Josh McDaniels to New England as he’s suggested.  A lot of this decision will depend on what the new coaching staff thinks of Jason Smith.  If they believe they can coach him into a serviceable right tackle, it makes more sense to draft Blackmon.  If, however, they believe that his skill set would be better utilized at guard, or not utilized at all, the safety of Sam Bradford will be the priority and Kalil will be the pick.