* Ye Official 2012 Mock Draft Thread!! *

[UK_Pat37]

Am I one of the few who will slap my forehead if the Patriots buy into the Brockers hype anywhere before our 3rd or 4th pick??

The guy has the measurables but he's raw as hell..and he's from a program that, despite it's renowned reputation in developing pro prospects, seems to churn out bust after bust on the defensive line consistently! That's not a coincidence...just like it is no coincidence you can almost safely say if you pick an OT out of somewhere like Iowa you're getting a solid pick...as they are renowned for their O Line prospects!

 

[manxman2601]

Am I one of the few who will slap my forehead if the Patriots buy into the Brockers hype anywhere before our 3rd or 4th pick??

The guy has the measurables but he's raw as hell..and he's from a program that, despite it's renowned reputation in developing pro prospects, seems to churn out bust after bust on the defensive line consistently! That's not a coincidence...just like it is no coincidence you can almost safely say if you pick an OT out of somewhere like Iowa you're getting a solid pick...as they are renowned for their O Line prospects!

I'm not as up on Brockers as some are. Can't deny that size wise, he's an ideal fit for a 3-4 DE though. For me, it's Devon Still all the way for that position.

 

[patsfaninpa]

I'm not as up on Brockers as some are. Can't deny that size wise, he's an ideal fit for a 3-4 DE though. For me, it's Devon Still all the way for that position.

Still seems to be dropping. He didn't finish the season as well as it started. But, there are two legitimate reasons imo not excuses. We may benefit by his being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

1. He got the flu before the OSU game and didn't practice for 2 weeks. Wasn't up to par against Wisky and played poorly.

2. Once the Sandusky news hit the airways. It was impossible to keep the team focused. Joepa fired. Interim coach Bradley hired. Once the season ended. All of the assistants were scrambling trying to find jobs. Poor preparation for the bowl game is on the school. Not the team.

 

[Avenger]

He's a pro MMA fighter now, so I'm sure he is still in great shape.

He claims to be in better shape than he was when he was in his twenties. I saw the pictures and I believe him, he could make an impact on a team. Instead of lifting weights, he has a daily regimen of 3,500 sit-ups, 1,500 push-ups and eight mile runs.

 

[Ron Sellers]

Todd McShay has a new first-round mock.

McShay's updated draft projection - New England Patriots Blog - ESPN Boston

Count McShay among those who believe Illinois outside linebacker/defensive end Whitney Mercilus is a possible fit at the No. 27 pick for the Patriots.

"New England needs pass-rush help, and Mercilus has a nonstop motor and a knack for making big plays (FBS-best nine forced fumbles in 2011)," McShay writes.​

Then, at No. 31, McShay slots Penn State defensive lineman Devon Still to the Patriots.

"Still could show more consistency, but if the Patriots get their pass-rusher at No. 27 and there are no viable options available at wide receiver, he would offer an upgrade over DTs Kyle Love and Ron Brace in four-man fronts," McShay writes.​

In his previous mock draft, McShay had Syracuse defensive end/outside linebacker Chandler Jones (27) and Clemson defensive lineman Brandon Thompson (31) going to the Patriots. Both of those players have dropped out of the first round in McShay's latest mock.

From this preview, here are his first five picks:

1. Colts - QB Andrew Luck
2. Rams - WR Justin Blackmon
3. Vikings - OT Matt Kalil
4. Browns - QB Robert Griffin
5. Bucs - CB Morris Clairborne

From this column McShay has the Jets using the 16th pick on S Mark Barron

"Barron could fall a bit because of recent hernia surgery, but all indications are that the surgery won't be a short- or long-term concern. Safeties are becoming more important because of the emergence of tight ends in NFL passing games -- and in the AFC East in particular because of the New England Patriots' duo of Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez -- and Barron is far and away the most complete safety in the draft with his strength in run support and playmaking ability in coverage. Throw in the fact that Jets S Jim Leonhard has finished each of the last two seasons on injured reserve, and Barron is an upgrade."

Double dose of mock-draft action - NFC North Blog - ESPN
#3 Vikings - OT Matt Kalil
#19 Bears - WR Michael Floyd
#23 Lions - CB Stephen Gilmore
#28 Packers - LB Nick Perry

We've got new mock drafts - NFC East Blog - ESPN
#6 Redskins - OT Riley Reiff
#14 Cowboys - CB Janoris Jenkins
#15 Eagles - DT Dontari Poe
#32 Giants - TE Coby Fleener

Breaking down Kiper, McShay mocks - AFC West Blog - ESPN
#11 Chiefs - RB Trent Richardson
#18 Chargers - OL Cordy Glenn
#25 Broncos - DT Jerel Worthy


So piecing all those together, McShay's post-combine mock looks like this:

1. Colts - QB Andrew Luck
2. Rams - WR Justin Blackmon
3. Vikings - OT Matt Kalil
4. Browns - QB Robert Griffin
5. Bucs - CB Morris Clairborne
6. Redskins - OT Riley Reiff
7. Jaguars - ???
8. Dolphins - ???
9. Panthers - ???
10. Bills - ???
11. Chiefs - RB Trent Richardson
12. Seahawks - ???
13. Cardinals - ???
14. Cowboys - CB Janoris Jenkins
15. Eagles - DT Dontari Poe
16. Jets - S Mark Barron
17. Bengals - ???
18. Chargers - OL Cordy Glenn
19. Bears - WR Michael Floyd
20. Titans - ???
21. Bengals - ???
22. Browns - ???
23. Lions - CB Stephen Gilmore
24. Steelers - ???
25. Broncos - DT Jerel Worthy
26. Texans - ???
27. Patriots - OLB/DE Whitney Mercilus
28. Packers - LB Nick Perry
29. Ravens - ???
30. 49ers - ???
31. Patriots - DL Devon Still
32. Giants - TE Coby Fleener

 

[Sciz]

Do people actually expect Barron to be able to cover either Gronk or Hernandez?

 

[patsfaninpa]

Todd McShay has a new first-round mock.

McShay's updated draft projection - New England Patriots Blog - ESPN Boston



From this preview, here are his first five picks:

1. Colts - QB Andrew Luck
2. Rams - WR Justin Blackmon
3. Vikings - OT Matt Kalil
4. Browns - QB Robert Griffin
5. Bucs - CB Morris Clairborne

From this column McShay has the Jets using the 16th pick on S Mark Barron



Double dose of mock-draft action - NFC North Blog - ESPN
#3 Vikings - OT Matt Kalil
#19 Bears - WR Michael Floyd
#23 Lions - CB Stephen Gilmore
#28 Packers - LB Nick Perry

We've got new mock drafts - NFC East Blog - ESPN
#6 Redskins - OT Riley Reiff
#14 Cowboys - CB Janoris Jenkins
#15 Eagles - DT Dontari Poe
#32 Giants - TE Coby Fleener

Breaking down Kiper, McShay mocks - AFC West Blog - ESPN
#11 Chiefs - RB Trent Richardson
#18 Chargers - OL Cordy Glenn
#25 Broncos - DT Jerel Worthy


So piecing all those together, McShay's post-combine mock looks like this:

1. Colts - QB Andrew Luck
2. Rams - WR Justin Blackmon
3. Vikings - OT Matt Kalil
4. Browns - QB Robert Griffin
5. Bucs - CB Morris Clairborne
6. Redskins - OT Riley Reiff
7. Jaguars - ???
8. Dolphins - ???
9. Panthers - ???
10. Bills - ???
11. Chiefs - RB Trent Richardson
12. Seahawks - ???
13. Cardinals - ???
14. Cowboys - CB Janoris Jenkins
15. Eagles - DT Dontari Poe
16. Jets - S Mark Barron
17. Bengals - ???
18. Chargers - OL Cordy Glenn
19. Bears - WR Michael Floyd
20. Titans - ???
21. Bengals - ???
22. Browns - ???
23. Lions - CB Stephen Gilmore
24. Steelers - ???
25. Broncos - DT Jerel Worthy
26. Texans - ???
27. Patriots - OLB/DE Whitney Mercilus
28. Packers - LB Nick Perry
29. Ravens - ???
30. 49ers - ???
31. Patriots - DL Devon Still
32. Giants - TE Coby Fleener

Thumbs up on Mercilus and Still. Pass rusher and a two-gap de. Just what the doctor ordered. Now, we need a free safety.

 

[Off The Grid]

He claims to be in better shape than he was when he was in his twenties.

I saw the pictures and I believe him, he could make an impact on a team.

Well, hell...Why don't we sign'm up, make'm the feature back for 8 weeks, rack up some gaudy stats...and then trade'm to the highest bidder for a few Draft Picks?? Perhaps a really good team that's just that ONE PIECE AWAY from competing for the Super Bowl...??

The Vikings ARE poised for a big rebound, and, hey...what the hell??

It's BEEN 20 years...

Maybe they've forgotten.

 

[Avenger]

I've been doing some thinking, and I would actually like to see the pats trade back to next year with BOTH first round picks. Get 2 more second rounders this year and 2 more first next, which would give us 3 1st's next year, and give us a chance of getting an early pick. I don't see much of a talent difference between late 1st rounders and mid-seconds this year so it could give us a good position for the future.

 

[pa5471]

1a. Mark Barron SS Alabama

1b. Janoris Jenkins CB North Alabama

2a. Devon Still DE Penn State

2b. Shea McClellin OLB Boise State

 

[Patriot Missile]

27. Trade to Tampa Bay. Patriots get 2012 3rd round pick 68, 2012 5th rd pick 140 and 2013 2nd rd pick.

31. Mark Barron Safety Alabama. Not very high on the pick as some but does fill a need in a weak safety class.

48 Shea McClellin OLB Boise State. Love the the player and think he converts nicely.

62. Bruce Irvin OLB West Virginia. Taking LBs in twos. Stud sub package player who develops over time.

68. Josh Robinson CB UCF. Loved the combine and the fact he also projects as a special teams player. He's got good ball skills and teams threw away from him in his junior season. If this kid can break on the ball like he worked out at the combine he could be special.

93. Marvin Jones Wr California. Big strong wr with good hands. Will be the number 2 when the landscape has changed.

126. Billy Winn DE Boise State. He's a good athlete with nice college production. I could easily see this team utilizing his talents.

140. Jarius Wright Wr Arkansas. Speedy with good hands. Future slot receiver and heir to Wes Welker. Will be rejoining his team mate Ryan Mallett and doing good things in future years to come.

Defensive minded draft with a lot of athletic sleepers. Some will say the picks are wrong or they were too early but I was trying to improve the overall feel of the draft with high upside players. Will make a couple of more later on. Players I would like to see fall to us are Upshaw,Mercilus, Cox,Brockers,Still. Probably in that order.

 

[NinjaZX6R]

A trade of a 1st rounder will require the other team to give up it's next year's 1st rounder.

I don't think Bill will settle for current picks and a 2nd rounder.

He wants a future 1st.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

A trade of a 1st rounder will require the other team to give up it's next year's 1st rounder.

I don't think Bill will settle for current picks and a 2nd rounder.

He wants a future 1st.

Not always. According to various reports, Belichick was offered trades in 2009 that included a first in 2010, and he turned them down.

 

[Avenger]

Would anybody be opposed to
27. Dont’a Hightower, LB, Alabama
31. Traded to Philadelphia for pick #46, 2013 1st round pick, and 2012 6th round pick while sending a 2013 7th round pick to the Eagles
46. Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame
48. Vinny Curry, DE/OLB, Marshall
62. Brandon Boykin, CB/KR, Georgia
126. Donte Paige-Moss, DE/OLB, North Carolina
191. Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State

 

[Sciz]

Would anybody be opposed to
27. Dont’a Hightower, LB, Alabama
31. Traded to Philadelphia for pick #46, 2013 1st round pick, and 2012 6th round pick while sending a 2013 7th round pick to the Eagles
46. Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame
48. Vinny Curry, DE/OLB, Marshall
62. Brandon Boykin, CB/KR, Georgia
126. Donte Paige-Moss, DE/OLB, North Carolina
191. Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State

No way the Pats get that good of a trade from Philly. Last year's trade spoiled us since it was a 1st for a 1st and a 2nd. But the going rate for a late 1st is not a 2nd and next year's 1st unless that team is really good, like the Saints last year. To get a 2nd and a future 1st, you usually have to be trading from 22 or higher.

All of the draft pick trades for the last many, many years can be found here:
AdamJT13: The trade value of NFL draft picks

I also think DPM is a complete waste of a pick. I wouldn't touch him as an UDFA. And I don't especially like Hightower as an OLB or Curry at all, but that's more of preference.

 

[Off The Grid]

Mayo Clinic Special ~ V2.0 Part I!!

*** Please welcome our Guest Speaker, Brother Mayo Clinic, Gentlemen...

OK, time for another attempt. I feel that with 3+ weeks to go, my targets are becoming clearer. My draft is bipolar - the first 5-6 choices are guys who I expect to be starters no later than 2013. The last 4 guys are "boom or bust" sleeper picks who I believe have exceptional potential, but who probably need 2-3 years to develop.

You may recognize some some of the verbiage used in the player descriptions.

*** Trade: Pats trade 27 and 93 to Cincinnati for 21 and 191.

21. Michael Brockers, DL, LSU. 6'5" 322#.



Super Beast! Brockers is a bit more of a "boom or bust" prospect than BB usually takes at #21, much less involving a trade up. But his upside is so great that it is hard to resist. Brockers is either an overweight, out of shape prospect with 1 year of tape, or the next coming of Richard Seymour - and it is precisely that uncertainty which may allow him to slip to 21, though he could very well go in the top dozen picks of the draft. He is certainly a little raw and will probably need time to develop, but he brings a disruptive fusion of core strength, core power, and launch velocity, making him effective against both the run and the pass. Brockers also shows signs of advanced diagnostic acuity and processing speed, which should allow him to develop fairly quickly. He is a mature kid who seems ready to embrace being a professional.

I would be thrilled with Fletcher Cox here as well. He is a different player than Brockers - more versatile, with much greater agility and mobility than Brockers, but less core strength and raw power - but he could be a devastating weapon if used properly. Either Cox or Brockers would be the kind of DL player you could build a defense around, and either would warrant a trade up to the 21 range IMHO. Luke Kuechly and Melvin Ingram are the other 2 players for whom I would consider a trade up in this range. Of course, there is a strong chance all 4 of these guys will go in the top 15 picks of the draft. But Brockers has the lowest floor of the 4, and that makes him the most likely to fall.

*** Trade: Pats trade 31 to Indianapolis for 34 and 136.

34. Doug Martin, RB, Boise St. 5'9" 223#.



Beast! The "muscle hamster" is a bowling-ball type of multiple purpose threat in the Ray Rice mold. Martin commands an intoxicating fusion of core strength, explosiveness, and agility. He can absolutely blast it between the tackles, and he can also be extremely effective outside. Most importantly, he's got the core strength, the core flexibility, the fluidity, and the lateral agility to consistently be a threat, on any given play, to go through you or around you. Martin's 10.95 Agility Score (short shuttle plus 3-cone time) compares favorably with backs such as Ray Rice and Matt Forte. Martin is also a solid receiver and blocker who can be as effective in the passing game as in the running game. And he's an excellent punt and kickoff returner. Put it all together and you have a complete "4 down" player who can be a workhorse and who can compliment the existing RBBC and integrate into the passing attack.

Why should the Pats use a high draft pick on a RB? While I fully expect Shane Vereen to be a superb offensive weapon for the Pats, there are signs that the Pats are not content with just Vereen, Ridley and Woodhead. They have signed 2 FBs recently, and they have hosted several RBs for visits, including Martin (by far the highest profile back in whom the Pats have openly shown an interest). Josh McDaniels used the #12 pick overall in 2009 on Knowshon Moreno in his first draft as HC of the Broncos, and it seems that McDaniels values RBs as a key component of the offense more than Bill O'Brien did. So it's not out of the question. And Martin would be solid value at #34. I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up being a better pro than Trent Richardson.

Barring a trade with Chicago for Matt Forte (which I would advocate if the Bears decide to put Forte on the market), Martin represents the best option for the Pats to acquire a RB who can be a workhorse and a difference maker in both the running and passing games. Martin and Shane Vereen should complement each other well - somewhat analogous to having Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez at TE.

48. Ronnell Lewis, DE/OLB, Oklahoma. 6'2" 255#.



Beast! Ronnell Lewis combines the ferocity and aggressiveness of Courtney Upshaw with the versatility and agility of Melvin Ingram. Lewis combines exceptional core strength and torsion with terrific agility and lateral mobility, and an intense passion for the game. A former RB, Lewis has excellent movement skills, and hits like a ton of bricks. He was used out of position at Oklahoma a lot - even playing some 5-technique at 240 lbs. - but should be an excellent DE/OLB for the Pats. He is also one of the best STers in the draft. Like Doug Martin, the Pats have already had Lewis in for a visit.

For all those Pats fans who covet Courtney Upshaw, Lewis has much better movement skills than Upshaw, and I expect him to be a better pro. Sleeper!

*** Trade: Pats trade 62 to Jacksonville for 70 and 142.

70. Trumaine Johnson, DB, Montana. 6'2" 204#.



Super Sleeper Beast!! Johnson brings a scintillating fusion of tremendous verticity, explosive torsion, and outstanding diagnostic acuity and processing speed. A former QB and point guard, he commands highly impressive instincts with physical play, and is as effective in run support as he is in coverage. Johnson boasts an extraordinary blend of athleticism, power, and size, and the ability to play either zone or press coverage, or to convert to FS.

 

[Off The Grid]

Mayo Clinic Special ~ V2.0 Part II!!

Please welcome our Guest Speaker, Brother Mayo Clinic, Gentlemen...

*** Trade: Pats trade 127 and 136 to Philadelphia for 114 and 172. The obligatory trade with Philly.

114. Senio Kelemete, OG, Washington. 6'4" 307#.



Super Sleeper Beast! Kelemete switched from defensive tackle to offensive guard to offensive tackle over his first 3 years at Washington, and projects to wing back to guard. His mechanics are certainly a bit raw; but his cross training and ability to pick up a new position are invaluable. But what's really impressive about Kelemete is his truly amazing constellation of skills: outstanding core strength, exceptional launch velocity, impressive torsion when he changes directions, and tremendous athleticism: beautifull fluidity, excellent lateral agility, and extraordinary range. Kelemete also shows evidence of a terrific work ethic and passion for the game. Add it all up, and give this guy a year at Dante's Dancing Academy and the Pats should have a worthy successor to Brian Waters in 2013. Given what Dante could do with Stephen Neal, wait till he gets his hand on this guy.

*** Trades: Pats trade 142 to Green Bay for 163 and 197. Pats trade 163 to Kansas City for 182 and 218. In both cases, BB moves back to accumulate late round picks to use on developmental prospects, letting other teams pick up less talented prospects who are more ready.

172. Ryan Broyles, WR, Oklahoma. 5'10" 192#.



Hobbled Beast! Broyles was considered a possible 1st round talent before tearing his ACL. He is a brilliant punt and kickoff returner as well as an absolutely masterful slot end at the next level: a deft, agile athlete who has exceptional short burst, fluidity, verticity and torsion, combined with extraordinary diagnostic acuity. Put him on PUP/IR for a redshirt year, and Broyles could easily be the successor to Wes Welker in 2013.

182. Brandon Hardin, DB, Oregon St. 6'2.5" 219#.



Sleeper Beast! Hardin has measurables comparable to Patrick Peterson - 4.38 40 with a 6.90 3-cone and 4.19 short shuttle at almost 6'3" and 219#.

191. Dale Moss, WR, South Dakota St. 6'3" 213#.



Moon Shot - Super Sleeper Beast! A converted basketball player with only 1 year of college football experience, Moss runs a 4.38 40 and 4.08 short shuttle with a 41.5" vertical and 10'10" broad jump, and an unworldly 6.32 3-cone. His one year was not unproductive - Moss racked up 61 Catches, 949 Yards, and 6 Touch Downs in his first season ever. Raw or not, Moss' raw fluidity, lateral agility, core strength and core power offers a unique upside in this draft.

197. Louis Nzegwu, DE/OLB, Wisconsin. 6'4" 255#.



Sleeper Beast! Nzegwu has Connor Barwin measurables - 4.57 40 and 6.84 short shuttle with a 41.5" vertical at 6'4" 255#.

218. Kyle Fiedorowicz TE, North Central College. 6'7" 265#.



Moon Shot - Sleeper Beast! Fiedorowicz is a D-III prospect with tantalizing size and athleticism (4.67 speed). A whopping 1/3 of his 66 college receptions were for TDs. Though very raw, there's a little bit of Rob Gronkowksi in his game:

Kyle Fiedorowicz, No. 89, TE, 6'7", 260LBS, NFL Draft Highlight - YouTube

This one's a tossup between Fiedorowicz and North Dakato St. TE Matt Veldman (6'6" 256#, 6.99 3-cone, 35" vertical). I'd be thrilled to get either.

Notes

I believe that Brockers, Martin, Lewis and Johnson are all "pro-ready" and should have an impact in 2012. Martin could have an impact similar to Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez in 2010. Kelemete and Broyles should impact in 2013.

The trick to this draft will be finding a way to keep the late round guys around long enough to let them develop. Trying to sneak them onto the PS is very risky - they have too much talent. PUP/IR is an option - a certainty for Broyles, who has a legitimate injury, and a possibility for the others - but eventually the Pats will have to decide whether to make roster spots for developmental guys, or to keep lesser players with more short-term value on the roster. I would have liked to have found a way to sneak Akiem Hicks in as well, but I had enough trouble as it was, and Hicks may go higher than I would take him right now. He's 2-3 years away. But this draft aims at providing 5-6 guys capable of starting by 2013, and another 4 guys with long term potential of being major contributors.

 

[Off The Grid]

1a. Mark Barron SS Alabama



1b. Janoris Jenkins CB North Alabama



2a. Devon Still DE Penn State



2b. Shea McClellin OLB Boise State

4 Defenders!! LOVE it!! :rocker:

McLellin is an OLD favorite of mine!!

Of course, back on Halloween, it looked like we'd be able to pick him up on Day 3!!

 

[Off The Grid]

27. Trade to Tampa Bay. Patriots get 2012 3rd round pick 68, 2012 5th rd pick 140 and 2013 2nd rd pick.

31. Mark Barron Safety Alabama.



Not very high on the pick as some but does fill a need in a weak safety class.

48. Shea McClellin OLB Boise State.



Love the the player and think he converts nicely.

62. Bruce Irvin OLB West Virginia.



Taking LBs in twos. Stud sub package player who develops over time.

68. Josh Robinson CB UCF.



Loved the combine and the fact he also projects as a special teams player. He's got good ball skills and teams threw away from him in his junior season. If this kid can break on the ball like he worked out at the combine he could be special.

93. Marvin Jones Wr California.



Big strong wr with good hands. Will be the number 2 when the landscape has changed.

126. Billy Winn DE Boise State.



He's a good athlete with nice college production. I could easily see this team utilizing his talents.

140. Jarius Wright Wr Arkansas.



Speedy with good hands. Future slot receiver and heir to Wes Welker. Will be rejoining his team mate Ryan Mallett and doing good things in future years to come.

Notes

Defensive minded draft with a lot of athletic sleepers. Some will say the picks are wrong or they were too early but I was trying to improve the overall feel of the draft with high upside players. Will make a couple of more later on. Players I would like to see fall to us are Upshaw,Mercilus, Cox,Brockers,Still. Probably in that order.

3 guys I have in my own Mock, plus a 4th I love but can't find room for!! NICE.

 

[Off The Grid]

Would anybody be opposed to

27. Dont’a Hightower, LB, Alabama



31. Traded to Philadelphia for pick #46, 2013 1st round pick, and 2012 6th round pick while sending a 2013 7th round pick to the Eagles

46. Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame



48. Vinny Curry, DE/OLB, Marshall



62. Brandon Boykin, CB/KR, Georgia



126. Donte Paige-Moss, DE/OLB, North Carolina



191. Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State

Love the Kellen Moore Pick, Baby!!