Saturday, April 21, 2012

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Pre-Draft


Here is my Pre-Draft 2012 NFL Mock. It will be followed by relevant updates up until the NFL Draft on April 26th.

My mock draft has been linked by The Football Fan Spot, Sports Jabber, DC Pro Sports Report, Walter Football, FF Toolbox, hailRedskins.com, The Football Expert, Fantasy Football Help Desk, The Huddle Report, Niners Nation, EDS Football, NFL Mock Draft Central, NFL Pro Zach and No Limits Sportsline Fantasy Sports in their Mock Draft Databases. If you're a draftnik like me, be sure to click on their hyperlinks and check out all of their extensive NFL Draft related material.

This is not a mock draft where I attempt play general manager and substitute my own judgment for the 32 NFL teams. If you're looking for new insight on your favorite team, this is probably not your mock draft. If you want to know exactly what all the other teams in the league might be thinking, this is your site.

I do my best to research what particular players or positions each team may be targeting by searching the Internet for tips from reliable beat writers, NFL insiders and scouts in order to provide links and analysis as to why that team may be targeting a particular player.

1st Round

1. Indianapolis Colts - Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford: With the Colts unwilling to pay a $28 million roster bonus to a quarterback coming off of four neck surgeries, and with Peyton Manning not wanting to take a pay cut to play through a major rebuilding project, this has been one of the better break-ups between a superstar and a franchise/city in recent history. Now that it’s official, Colts fans can embrace the Andrew Luck era.


2. Washington Redskins (from St. Louis) – Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor: Having given up three first round picks and a second, the Redskins will draft Robert Griffin III. While Griffin doesn't have the command of a pro-style offense that Andrew Luck has, he has superior arm strength and accuracy, especially on the crucial passes in the NFL like the 20-yard out.


3. Minnesota Vikings – Matt Kalil, OT, USC: Rumors are starting to come out that GM Rick Spielman is not necessarily set on drafting USC T Matt Kalil with the third pick. Don’t buy into that smokescreen. Unless Minnesota is offered a party boatload of picks, they’ll be staying put at #3 and selecting Kalil. Kalil projects as a premier left tackle that Minnesota can rebuild their offensive line around. While Justin Blackmon and Morris Claiborne would also fill needs here for the Vikings, when all else is equal when it comes to talent, left tackle takes precedence over any other position aside from QB and possibly DE.


4. Cleveland Browns – Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama: The Browns are in the position to stay put and select one of the six impact players in this year’s draft, or they can attempt to trade down. With Miami looking at Ryan Tannehill and the Rams interested in Justin Blackmon, the Browns could feign an interest in either player in attempts to induce one of those teams to trade up. If they don’t get an offer they like, they could improve their running game with a franchise back in Trent Richardson while targeting a wide receiver and a quarterback with their next two picks.


5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU: It would be hard to argue with Morris Claiborne or Trent Richardson at the #5 spot talent wise, but if Richardson is gone, do the Bucs really need another cornerback after signing Eric Wright to a big contract as a free agent? Depending on what they decide to do with the talented, yet troubled Aqib Talib, Tampa Bay could be in the position to trade down, or even trade up with Minnesota if Greg Schiano wants a bell cow running back in Trent Richardson to base his offense around.


http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/bucs/content/thursday-chat-live-gary-shelton-1230;

6. St. Louis Rams - Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State: With the Rams now having traded down from the #2 spot with Washington at #6, they have accumulated a bounty of extra picks and still might have the opportunity to select the elite go to wide receiver they covet for Sam Bradford in Justin Blackmon. While Minnesota and Cleveland have put up weak smokescreens regarding their potential interest in Blackmon to try and induce St. Louis to trade up, the Rams should be able to stand put and land their go-to receiver and keep their picks.


7. Jacksonville Jaguars – Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina: Wide receiver and defensive end seem to be the Jaguars biggest needs. In the event that Justin Blackmon does not fall to them, the Jags will desperately try and trade down a few spots and still land one of the top defensive ends or Notre Dame WR Michael Floyd. If they stay at #7, the Jaguars should have their choice of elite pass rushers in this year's draft, with defensive end representing the position of best value for Jacksonville at the #7 spot. Keeping in mind that Jacksonville values high motor, high character players, look for the Jaguars to target DE Melvin Ingram of South Carolina over Quinton Coples.


8. Miami Dolphins – Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A and M: With Jeff Ireland having missed out on Peyton Manning, Matt Flynn, and every other free agent that they targeted, the Dolphins need to find a quarterback of the future. Ryan Tannehill, who played for Mike Sherman (Miami’s new offensive coordinator) in college certainly fits the system. In the event that Tannehill has already been selected or they feel he’s not worthy of a top 10 pick, the Dolphins could target an outside 3-4 pass rusher like South Carolina’s Melvin Ingram or Quinton Coples of North Carolina.


9. Carolina Panthers – Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State: The Panthers have a huge need at defensive tackle. Not only does Marty Hurney takes a best player available philosophy with the draft, but some draft insiders now have Mississippi State DT Fletcher Cox ranked as high as the top six for the entire draft. While DT Dontari Poe of Memphis received the most notoriety for his athleticism at the Scouting Combine, Cox not only nearly matched him in terms of his workout, but he has the better game film to back it up.


10. Buffalo Bills – Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa: Buffalo has addressed the deficiency they’ve had at defensive end over the past several seasons by signing Mario Williams and Mark Anderson in free agency. That will allow them to address the glaring need they’ve had at tackle over that same period of time. Either Riley Reiff of Iowa or Jonathan Martin of Stanford would fill that need on the left side, which is an even bigger need following the loss of Demetrius Bell in free agency.


11. Kansas City Chiefs - Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College: With the Chiefs having upgraded their offensive line by signing T Eric Winston, they can turn their attention to other areas. A nose tackle would help anchor their 3-4 defense, while Luke Kuechly of Boston College could be a consideration at linebacker. With this draft being deep at defensive tackle and Kuechly having elite zone coverage skills, Kuechly represents the better relative value at pick #11.


12. Seattle Seahawks – Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina: Seattle has needs at defensive end and linebacker, although GM John Schneider will take a best player available within Seattle’s system approach to the draft. If Luke Kuechly is off the board by #12, the Seahawks are said to have exhibited an interest in defensive ends Quinton Coples of North Carolina, Melvin Ingram of South Carolina and Nick Perry of USC. If Ingram is off the board, Coples could be the pick. Otherwise, the Seahawks are reportedly interested in trading down where they would target one of the remaining defensive ends at a better value or Alabama linebacker Dont’a Hightower.


13. Arizona Cardinals – David DeCastro, OG, Stanford: The Cardinals need to improve their offensive line, either at tackle or guard. If the Cardinals go with an elite guard like David DeCastro over a developmental tackle like Jonathan Martin, Adam Snyder could move over and man the right tackle position, representing an upgrade at both positions.


14. Dallas Cowboys – Mark Barron, S, Alabama: The Cowboys have improved their secondary with the signings of CB Brandon Carr and Brodney Poole, but they still have holes to fill at both positions. Additionally, they could use either a defensive end or a nose tackle, thereby allowing Jay Ratliff to move to the five-technique. While recent reports have the Cowboys eyeing Mississippi State DT Fletcher Cox, he may not make it to the 14th pick. In that case, look for Dallas to target someone like Alabama safety Mark Barron who can come in and make an immediate impact in their secondary.


15. Philadelphia Eagles – Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis: With the Eagles addressing their glaring hole at linebacker by trading for Demeco Ryans, they can turn their attention to other positions. Ideally the Eagles would love for Fletcher Cox or Mark Barron to be available when they pick at #15, but that is looking less and less likely as those two players are moving up draft boards. The Eagles traditionally have invested their first round picks in offensive and defensive linemen, so if an athletic defensive tackle like Dontari Poe of Memphis is available, he could be their pick.


16. New York Jets – Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame: The Jets defense suffered last season due to a lack of pass rush from the edge and speed at safety. Melvin Ingram of South Carolina projects as an ideal 3-4 OLB in the Jet’s defensive scheme, but he no longer projects to last to the middle of the first round. Mark Barron of Alabama could also be a consideration for some much needed speed at safety, but he’s also rising up draft boards as the lone free safety worth drafting early in this year’s draft. The Jets at least appear interested in trying to trade up for either of those two players. In the event that they stay at #16, there are mixed reports coming out of New York as to whether the Jets have an interest in Alabama DE/OLB Courtney Upshaw. Michael Floyd of Notre Dame would be a value pick at #16, giving the Jets another big target at WR with the impending departure of Plaxico Burress.


17. Cincinnati Bengals (from Oakland) – Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina: The Bengals should look to upgrade their secondary with at least one of their two first round picks. If Stephon Gilmore falls, he could join Leon Hall as a starter in what would become an extremely deep Bengals secondary. If Gilmore doesn’t fall, Marvin Lewis is said to have his eye on Alabama linebacker Dont’a Hightower, or they could look to solidify their offensive line.


18. San Diego Chargers – Nick Perry, OLB/DE, USC: The Chargers could have plenty of needs depending upon whether they re-sign all of their own free agents. Offensive line is a concern with the retirement of Kris Dielman, while adding a play maker to rush the passer at linebacker is also a major need. Courtney Upshaw of Alabama or Nick Perry of USC would be ideal fits. Keep an eye on the Chargers making a play to trade up for Mark Barron of Alabama at safety as well.


19. Chicago Bears – Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois: Improving an aging offensive line would seem to be a priority for the Bears. However, with Mike Martz having been forced into retirement, new offensive coordinator and offensive line guru Mike Tice might be able to make do with the pieces that he currently has. With no true value left on the offensive line when they pick at #19, the Bears can address their outside pass rush with Whitney Mercilus of Illinois, who lead the nation in sacks last year.


20. Tennessee Titans – Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama: Even after signing Kamerion Wimbley, the Titans appear to be looking for help at defensive end. In the mid to later part of the first round they could find value in edge rushers like Nick Perry of USC or Courtney Upshaw of Alabama. A cornerback like Stephon Gilmore of South Carolina or Dre Kirkpatrick of Alabama could also be considerations with Courtland Finnegan having signed with the Rams in free agency.


21. Cincinnati Bengals – Cordy Glenn, T/G, Georgia: From the interior of their offensive line to an explosive back, the Bengals could stand to improve their running game. If the Bengals can obtain a top corner like Dre Kirkpatrick with their first pick in the 1st round, someone like Cordy Glenn of Georgia who projects as either a right tackle or guard in the NFL would be a nice fit.


22. Cleveland Browns (from Atlanta) – Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor: While the Browns are definitely kicking the tires on QB Brandon Weeden of Oklahoma State, they expressed very little interest in free agent Matt Flynn, who would have fit their West Coast Offense perfectly. Accordingly, it doesn’t look as if they’re going to make a move to replace Colt McCoy in the first round of this year’s draft. If they land RB Trent Richardson with their first pick, a receiver like Kendall Wright of Baylor would give McCoy two explosive playmakers on offense to show whether or not he’s the man going forward.


23. Detroit Lions – Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama: Offensive line and the secondary are Detroit's biggest areas of need. However, William Clay Ford, Jr., Martin Mayhew and Tom Lewand have changed the culture in Detroit by taking a best player available instead of reaching for players, and with the draft back heavy on the defensive line, the Lions have to be hoping that a left tackle or top cornerback falls to them. If the Lions were to draft a tackle, they’d ultimately be looking for someone to replace Jeff Backus on the left side. Jonathan Martin of Stanford would definitely fit that bill, but the question remains as to whether his value will meet Mahew’s BPA philosophy at #23. Mike Adams would have been a consideration, but having tested positive for marijuana at the Scouting Combine is indicative of a chronic problem, which the Lions will try to avoid. Under this scenario, the Lions would be thrilled with Alabama CB Dre Kirkpatrick, who would be highly rated and fill an area of substantial need.


24. Pittsburgh Steelers – Dont’a Hightower, ILB, Alabama: With the Steelers having released James Farrior, don’t expect Larry Foote to be able to handle the starting duties at the inside linebacker spot opposite Lawrence Timmons. While Alabama linebacker Dont’a Hightower may not be explosive, he’s a solid tackler who just makes plays. In other words, he fits the Steelers system perfectly.


25. Denver Broncos – Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State: The Broncos have more needs than there is value to them at the #25 pick. Ideally, they'd probably like to trade out of the first round and accumulate more players at positions of need like running back, center, defensive tackle and the secondary. Defensive tackle should be a deep position in the late first or early second round, and Jerel Worthy, Devon Still, Fletcher Cox or Brandon Thompson could all fill a need for the Broncos at that position if they stay put.


26. Houston Texans – Mike Adams, T, Ohio State: With the Texans inexplicably having let right tackle Eric Winston leave in free agency, they now have a major hole on their offensive line. Unlike Jonathan Martin, Mike Adams of Ohio State has the power to play right tackle that will be needed to spring Arian Foster in the running game. Additionally, Adams has the left tackle pass protection skills to help Matt Schaub avoid contact given that he will be coming off of a serious foot injury. However, with Adams having tested positive for marijuana at the Scouting Combine, I’m still not sold that a wide receiver like Stephen Hill to compliment Andre Johnson won’t be the pick here, but for now the Texans appear to be targeting a lineman, and Adams seems to the most logical fit in terms of his talent and what the Texans are looking for.


27. Jacksonville Jaguars (predicted trade with New England) – Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech: While the Jaguars have a huge need at wide receiver, they no longer seem to be in the mix for Oklahoma State WR Justin Blackmon at #7. If they don’t trade down and select Michael Floyd, whose character does not seem to fit Jacksonville’s draft philosophy, look for the Jaguars to take a receiver with their second pick in this year’s draft. With a growing interest in Georgia Tech’s Stephen Hill being reported, the Jags should be able to find a willing trade partner in New England to trade back into the first round to select him.


28. Green Bay Packers – Shea McClellin, OLB/DE, Boise State: Look for Green Bay to take the best defensive player available. A 3-4 defensive end could help free Clay Mathews, Jr. up like Cullen Jenkins did before leaving for Philadelphia a season ago via free agency, as would a pass rushing OLB to play opposite him. Shea McCellin of Boise State, Chandler Jones of Syracuse or Vinny Curry of Marshall all could fit that description. Of those players, the Packers are said have a particular interest in McClellin, who would be an ideal fit at OLB in their 3-4 system given that he has already proven that he can play in coverage in addition to getting to the passer with his high motor.


29. Baltimore Ravens - Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin: Baltimore takes a best player available approach when it comes to the draft. Fortunately for them, interior offensive linemen may represent the best value on the board when they select after losing G Ben Grubbs to free agency. Peter Konz could ultimately replace Matt Birk once he retires, but in the meantime he can play alongside of him for a year at guard in order to learn the calls a center needs to make in the NFL.


30. San Francisco 49ers – Michael Brockers, DT, LSU: The 49ers philosophy is to take the best player available on their draft board. Michael Brockers is somebody who could go as early as #9 to Carolina, or he could free fall to the later part of the first round given his lack of pass rush from the DT position. At #30, San Francisco would find value in Brockers as a good football player who would further solidify their run defense.


31. New England Patriots (from New Orleans) – Kendall Reyes, DT, UConn: The Patriots need to bolster the front of their 3-4 defense at end. While that position is particularly deep in this year’s draft, the Patriots are said to have their eyes on Kendall Reyes of UConn to play the five-technique.


32. New York Giants – Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford: The Giants were able to mask holes on their offensive line, linebacker corps and in their secondary all season. With their secondary returning some of the depth and talent that was lost due to injury, the Giants can focus on their line and linebackers. Cordy Glenn of Georgia has the versatility to play either right tackle or right guard, both of which are positions that the Giants could stand to improve. If Glenn is not available, and given that the Giants take a best player available philosophy under Floyd Reese, a linebacker with a solid first round grade like Dont’a Hightower of Alabama would help solidify their front seven, while a tackle like Jonathan Martin of Stanford would stabilize their offensive line.

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14 comments:

  1. AnonymousApril 20, 2012 at 10:58 AM

    Your draft ofr the Lions makes no sense. Adams tested positive and that lets him out, but a CB caught with Pot is in. Lets not add in the fact that he has no interceptions last year, the shortest arms of any CB in the draft, etc. Adams is going to be the pick before Kirpatrick, or Jenkins. But they will trade back and take Kontz and add a third round pick in the mean time. I hope I don't have to explain the reason for adding Kontz over Raiola.

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  2. The Red MieniApril 20, 2012 at 9:55 PM

    As lifelong Lions fan who's contributed to their coverage on MLive.com, let me explain why Kirkpatrick makes sense and Adams doesn't.

    First of all, Mayhew has said that proof of marijuana usage will not eliminate a potential pick from consideration (http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2012/04/marijuana_usage_will_not_scare.html).

    However, not all marijuana use is the same in the eyes of the league or front offices.

    While Kirkpatrick was arrested for possession, the charges were dropped. His charges were also before he officially entered the league, so he's not subject to the league drug program for that arrest pursuant to the CBA.

    Because he's not subject to the league drug program, so long as Kirkpatrick doesn't get arrested again and he tests clean like everyone else when he knows the tests are coming in training camp, he'll have no problems with the league, even if he keeps smoking the 9 other months a year. Mayhew can live with that.

    Adams tested positive at the Combine knowing going in that he was going to be tested. Not only is that a sign of a habitual problem since he couldn't refrain from smoking for the 30 days going in, but a positive test at the Combine automatically enters Adams in the league drug program.

    In the league drug program, Adams will now be subject to random year round testing, not just pre-announced tests during training camp.

    As a result, if Adams doesn't go cold turkey on the 4/20 year round, his next positive test gets him suspended four games, and the one after that gets him suspended for one full year.

    Kirkpatrick's next positive test simply puts him in the drug program. Unlike Adams, Kirkpatrick still knows when he's going to get tested, so as long as he's smart enough to stay clean for those 30 or so days, his pre-Combine drug related charges are a non-issue going forward.

    As for the arm length and interceptions, throw that out the window. Schwartz is looking for a corner who can press at the line, turn his man over to a deep safety, and tackle. That's what Kirkpatrick will do.

    And if you want to discuss center play, Konz is no stronger than Raiola, so you can forget about him playing right (the power) guard for Peterman until Dom retires, who still has a few decent years left as an above average (and I'm saying as a decent, not Pro Bowl) center.

    Maybe Sims could move over from the pull guard (left side) to the power guard (right guard), but I don't think Sims would be an upgrade run-blocking wise (which is what the right guard is asked to do) over Peterman. So no, I don't see Konz as an upgrade over Raiola, he'd just be a guy sitting on the bench for two years until he he gets strong enough to play and Dom retires or the Lions release Sims, which makes no sense.

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  3. IbleedgreenApril 21, 2012 at 5:47 AM

    great mock but i gotta say i hate my teams pick here.dontari poe to philly is a square peg and a round hole.in the wide nine the job of the dt is pass rush first run stop last.poe has ZERO pass rush ability.he stares at the ground and doesnt track the ball.its the job of the mlb to fill the running lanes in the wide nine.not to mention poe is a fourth round talent.his combine boosted him to be worthy of a second rd pick.not the 15.sure he has potential and can be coached up but thats what the second rd is for.the eagles need a fletcher cox type.yhe need for a dt isnt a pressing one so why reach for a project that doesnt fit ur scheme.i have poe to baltimore.better fit.let him grow under ngata.

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  4. AnonymousApril 21, 2012 at 6:15 AM

    YOu contributing to MLIVE doesn't make you an expert. Scouting for two years 90 and 91 for the Lions and a college coach for 20 years gives me a little more insight into the game. Not that you are wrong about your choice, but saying Raiola is an average centeris making him more then he is. No NFL team regards him as a starter quality center in the NFL. For the past 5 years alone he has been in the top 5 in sacks allowed, and penalties at the center position. That ranks him near the bottom. As far as Kontz goes, first of all he is stronger then Raiola, my friend was at his pro day and he lifted 27 reps. He is bigger, stronger and more athletic then Raiola. He is considered by almost every expert and by NFL scouts to be a regular to the Pro Bowl. The reason his bench isn't as high as some of the other OL is that he has longer arms. Players with Longer arms do not bench well, but by no means does that make him weak. If you have any scouting contacts check with them and see that I am right. But all that being said still doesn't mean the Lions will take him. They should immediate up grade and a almost $5 million dollar cap saving. Now Kilpatrick was caught with the drugs period, He plea bargined himself out of a position charge, but the NFL isn't buying it that is why he is dropping, that along with poor interviews at the combine and a poor testing score, along with poor senior production has dropped him into the late first early second. The Lions under Mayhew and Schwartz have not taken a CB this high. If Gilmore is there they will take him I am told, otherwise they will look to trade back and take a OL, or Robinson or Josh Norman. They feel right or wrong that they are looking for a number 3 corner in this draft. So, true to the Lions its the player they are not talking about or the one they have not had visit is the one they are interested in. I do like your web site its the only one I have taken time to resond to and your the only one I can see that actually takes the time to do his research, keep up the good work and I hope you score high in your mock nationally.

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  5. AnonymousApril 21, 2012 at 6:43 AM

    Let me say this is a quality mock. I think it uses proper analysis of team philosophy, needs and player fits. Most mocks are just based on BPA or team needs. I think the trade predictions are also well thought out and match philosophies of the trade partners. Nice assessment.

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  6. AnonymousApril 21, 2012 at 11:45 AM

    I'd have no heartburn w/Brockers, but I'd be amazed if he got even as far as Denver at #25. If he does, I think the Broncos would take him in a heartbeat. I think the Niners will take either Fleener or Zeitler at #30. The ties betwen Fleener and Harbaugh are strong, plus the obvious skills he'd add to their passing attack. Zeitler's exactly the kind of blue-collar OL Harbaugh loves. He'd upgrade RG immediately, but given he's been practicing at C this off-season could take over the Goodwin when he declines.

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  7. AnonymousApril 21, 2012 at 12:09 PM

    I am also a long time Lions fan.I could see them trading up for Claiborne and throwing in Avril to get the blue chip corner.Then adress Defensive end with the next pick.I think Avril is being greedy and the Lions can someone to play near his level for much less money and save cap space!!

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  8. AnonymousApril 21, 2012 at 5:02 PM

    Exceptional mockdraft, best I have seen from the 6,000 or so that I've looked at! I'm hoping the Chargers drop back though and pick up another second rounder. Seems to be many quality pass rushers in second rd and it would let us address SS, DT, CB needs with the extra pick...Again, Great Mock Red Mieni!!!

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  9. The Red MieniApril 21, 2012 at 5:05 PM

    To address a few of the comments:

    I struggled with Poe going to Philly. I know they've expressed some interest in him, but the question remains whether they were just doing their due dilligence. I'm with you on Poe's lack of production, I just know certain teams will look at his size and athleticism and think they can coach him up. Is Philly one of those teams? I guess it still might be too soon after Mike Maluga. I do think Poe would fit the wide-nine if his supporters are correct, as "Fat" Albert Haynesworth thrived at the three-technique in that system when he was in Tennessee. What do you think of Brockers in Philly if Cox and Barron are gone?

    I agree on the Brockers fit in Denver. To be honest, I have Worthy there because I think Brockers will be off the board by the time Denver picks, I just couldn't see where. As discussed above, I may now slot him to Philly now instead of Poe. I really think Worthy will be the pick in Denver. Those that say he's inconsistent don't know what they're talking about. Michigan State played a bunch of teams that threw nothing but quick bubble screens, and that's what caused him to disappear at times. Every time he faced a pro-style offense (including good lines in Wisky and UGA) he blew them up...He's a game changer.

    Interesting thought on Claiborne to the Detroit...I pitched the same idea earlier in a mock draft on my other blog http://thenfldraftguru.blogspot.com/2012/03/2012-nfl-mock-draft-post-scouting.html. I also heard someone say the same thing today about using Avril as a trade chip to move for Claiborne on Sirius NFL Radio. Was that you? If not, someone totally stole your idea.

    Thanks for the comments guys. They really help me refine my mocks going forward!

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  10. AlanApril 21, 2012 at 5:36 PM

    Riley Reiff to Buffalo is a pretty conventional choice. However, Buddy Nix, the Buffalo GM seemed to indicate at the recent Buffalo pre-draft press conference that Buffalo believes Chris Hairston can do a good job at left tackle. He gives two reasons. First, he pointed out that Buffalo's offense is designed so the QB will get the ball out quickly. The tackle does not need to hold a block as long as they do for many other teams. Second, while Hairston does not have super quick feet, he has great length, which can help a player compensate for the lack of quick feet. The opposite argument is made for Reiff. His arms are a little shorter than the prototype left tackle, but he's got good feet.

    Nix does admit the Bills need to bring in competition for Hairston, but he thinks that competition can come from a later round. This does not mean that left tackle is completely eliminated as a possibility for the Bills at #10, but it appears not to be nearly the slam dunk some have made it out to be.

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  11. The Red MieniApril 21, 2012 at 6:02 PM

    I saw that too Allen. While I generally disregard GM comments at this time of year, Nix has already proven he'll pass on a left tackle even though it's a position of need. I'm getting ready to post new mock draft on my other blog, TheNFLDraftGuru.blogspot.com, and it's going to have the Bills passing on Reiff and going defense.

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  12. AnonymousApril 21, 2012 at 7:58 PM

    Your selection of the Giants at #1 is Jonathan Martin, OT out of Stanford and not Ohio State. You got Martin mixed up with Mike Adams. Next time, double check your work, it looks unprofessional

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  13. The Red MieniApril 21, 2012 at 8:12 PM

    Your right on the Martin error, I had Adams going there in my last mock and didn't edit the template properly...Of course, I'm on blogspot doing this as a hobby, so I'm clearly an amateur and not a professional.

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  14. The Red MieniApril 22, 2012 at 6:29 PM

    BTW, if the former Lions' scout happens to check back, I've gotta ask re: scouting for the Lions in '90-'91. Dirk Dierking, Jim Owens, Scott McEwen or Allen Hughes? Am I missing anyone?

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