LestersLegends.com

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By Vijay Senthilkumar, sportsguy250
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1. Indianapolis Colts select Andrew Luck, QB Stanford
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This is a pretty easy choice for the Colts. There is no way they pass up on this kind of talent.
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2. Washington Redskins select Robert Griffin III, QB Baylor
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The Washington Redskins have officially won the RG3 sweepstakes. Is RG3 worth two future first round picks? I have no idea. Until RG3 plays two seasons in the NFL, there is no way we can determine the winner of the trade. The Redskins get the real deal here with Griffin. He has unbelievable arm strength and also has receiver speed. This is terrible news for me though, since I am an Eagles fan.
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3. Minnesota Vikings select Matt Kalil, LT USC
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The Vikings need to use this pick to protect their previous first round pick, Christian Ponder. Kalil is by far the most talented lineman in the draft. He was so good, that last year’s ninth overall pick, Tyron Smith, had to move over to Right Tackle so Kalil could play left.
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4. Cleveland Browns select Trent Richardson, RB Alabama
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The Browns will most likely go with either Claiborne or Richardson here. I have them choosing the latter because they need help immediately. Peyton Hillis is going to be a free agent, and the Browns have no playmakers on offense. Richardson can come in and immediately put up results while also taking much of the load off Colt McCoy’s shoulders. Although this seems a little high for a Running Back, Richardson is the best prospect since Adrian Peterson at the position.
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5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers select Morris Claiborne, CB LSU
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Claiborne is by far the best cover corner in the draft. He has great ball skills and shut down almost everyone in college. This is a good pick for the Buccaneers considering Aquib Talib is going to jail and their other corner, Ronde Barber, is probably going to retire.
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If Cleveland does not take Richardson, he may also be another option for the Buccaneers with this pick.
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6. St. Louis Rams select Justin Blackmon, WR Oklahoma St.
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Justin Blackmon had a wonderful junior season in college. He caught 121 passes for 18 touchdowns and 1522 yards. Even better, he stepped up when the lights were on by having a three touchdown, 186 yard performance against Stanford in the Fiesta Bowl. He has the perfect combination of size, power, and speed. What separates Blackmon from the rest however, is his play making ability. He is a real game changer. Expect him to have a great pro day.
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The only concern with Blackmon however, is his size. Blackmon is only six feet which could be a problem in the NFL considering his speed is good, but not great. I expect him to overcome this though, and become Sam Bradford’s go-to guy for years to come.
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7. Jacksonville Jaguars select Michael Floyd, WR Notre Dame
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Blaine Gabbert seriously needs someone to throw to. When Mike Thomas is your best receiver, you got a problem. Gene Smith’s job is riding on Gabbert’s performance this year and that probably means he is going to help Gabbert out in the draft.
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Michael Floyd is the next best receiver on the board. He has great hands and gives the quarterback a huge target to throw to.  The only concern with Floyd was his speed but he silenced those concerns after running at 4.45, 40-yard dash at the combine.
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8. Miami Dolphins select Quinton Coples, DE UNC
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Quinton Coples is going to be a bust. Coples is too inconsistent, and most of his sacks were against terrible teams. A team is still going to take a chance on him in the top ten though, and I believe that team is the Dolphins. The Dolphins are switching to a 4-3 defense, so they will need pass rushers like Coples to add to their team. Coples is currently ranked by many as the top defensive end on the board so he is the pick here.
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*This is assuming the Dolphins get either Peyton Manning or Matt Flynn
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9. Carolina Panthers select Michael Brockers, DT LSU
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Carolina’s defense was terrible last year. Despite a poor showing at the combine, Brockers still has huge upside and would fit a big need for Carolina.
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Right now, I have Brockers rated a bit higher than Poe due to his better production on the field. However, closer to the draft we will get a better idea on which guy Carolina likes more. Either way, they are definitely going defensive tackle here.
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10. Buffalo Bills select Melvin Ingram, DE South Carolina
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Buffalo’s pass rush was easily one of the worst in the league last year. They really need some defensive playmakers, and Ingram is one of them.
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11. Kansas City Chiefs select Riley Reiff, OT Iowa
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Kansas City could really use some help on their offensive line. Reiff is the next best lineman on the board and the easy choice for the Chiefs.
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12. Seattle Seahawks select Luke Kuechly, LB Boston College
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Kuechly is rated by many as the top Linebacker in the draft. At Boston College he was a great tackler and relied on his instincts. Although considered a little slow at first, Kuechly silenced those concerns by running a 4.5 40 yard dash at the combine. Seattle needs a Linebacker and Kuechly is their guy.
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After watching some tape, I personally think Dont’a Hightower from Alabama is actually better than Kuechly. I say this because I don’t see Kuechly have any burst in his step, and also is a little late getting to the ball carrier sometimes.
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The Seahawks could also use this pick to draft Ryan Tannehill.
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13. Arizona Cardinals select Jonathan Martin, OT Stanford
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The Cardinals O-line really needs to improve, especially at the Tackle position. Martin is a huge upgrade over Levi Brown.
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14. Dallas Cowboys select Dre Kirkpatrick, CB Alabama
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The Cowboys need upgrades all throughout their secondary. Dre Kirkpatrick gets the nod over Janoris Jenkins at this spot. Although Jenkins may be a better player, he also brings tons of baggage with him. Jenkins has been arrested multiple times and was dismissed from the University of Florida. Jerry Jones can’t afford to take chances anymore if he wants to go back to the playoffs, which is why he takes Kirkpatrick with this pick.
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15. Philadelphia Eagles select Dont’a Hightower, LB Alabama
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The Eagles are not going to win a Super Bowl with a defense like last year’s. The worst part of their defense was the Linebackers. That is exactly why they take Hightower with this pick. After playing at Alabama for four years, Hightower is the most NFL-ready Linebacker in his class. He will make an immediate impact, and could be the guy that puts the Eagles over the hump.
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Also check out:

• Sportsguy 250′s Wide Receiver Rankings Post-Combine Edition
• Sportsguy250′s Look at Luke Kuechly
• Sportsguy250′s 2012 NFL Mock Draft Top Ten
• LestersLegends’ 2012 NFL Mock Draft

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In a deal reminiscent of the haul that Mike Ditka gave away to land Ricky Williams, ironically to the Washington Redskins, this time it was the Skins that were the buyers in landing the #2 pick from St. Louis.
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The Redskins will most likely select Robert Griffin III, unless the Colts shock the world by taking RG3 and letting Andrew Luck slide to two. Either way, the Redskins have addressed their QB of the future.
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The Rams swapped the number two pick in the 2012 NFL Draft for the Redskins’ sixth overall pick, a second round pick, and two future first round picks.
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The Skins will solve their QB woes while the Rams have a lot of flexibility with the sixth pick. Perhaps they go offensive line with Iowa’s Riley Reiff or bolster their secondary with LSU’s Morris Claiborne. Perhaps the dream scenario would be Oklahoma State’s Justin Blackmon sliding to them, giving Sam Bradford a legitimate weapon.

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Now that Peyton Manning is officially a free agent, the suitors will begin lining up for the future Hall of Famer. One of those teams will be the Washington Redskins. While Daniel Snyder has the money to make it happen, I don’t think it will be the right fit.
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For starters, the Redskins do not have the necessary weapons for Peyton. I know he makes the players around him better, but given his recent injury history, that may not necessarily be the case right away. The Redskins could bring in a receiver or two in free agency, but the Skins don’t have the best track record with their signings.
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The Redskins are an NFC East team, which isn’t ideal for Manning for a couple of reasons. For starters, his brother plays in that division. After winning his second Super Bowl and throwing for more yards last year than Peyton ever has in a season, I’m not sure if Peyton would want to be compared to his brother in that way, especially with less surrounding talent. Not to mention any NFC team eliminates the possibility of an All-Manning Super Bowl.
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Plus, with his neck issues, going to a division that gets after the quarterback isn’t the best move. The Eagles were tied with Minnesota for the league lead with 50 sacks. The Giants were tied for third with 48 and the Cowboys were tied for seventh with 42. Meanwhile Washington was tied for 11th with 41 sacks allowed. Granted Peyton gets rid of the ball quickly, but he’d still subject himself to a lot of hits.
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He has also been allowed to call the shots for the bulk of his career. I don’t see that happening with Mike Shanahan. The likelihood that those two would butt heads is fairly high.
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The Redskins aren’t close to competing for a Super Bowl berth. Even if Peyton plays at a high level, the NFC East is far too competitive and the Redskins just don’t have the horses.
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Also check out:

• Why Peyton Manning Isn’t Right for the Jets
• Why the Colts Should Move on Peyton Manning
• 2012 NFL Mock Draft

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By Vijay Senthilkumar, sportsguy250
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There are plenty of receivers that will be selected in the 1st and 2nd round of this upcoming draft.
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1. Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State
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- Justin Blackmon could be the next Calvin Johnson. Yes, he is that good. Blackmon had a wonderful junior season in college. He caught 121 passes for 18 touchdowns and 1522 yards. Even better, he stepped up when the lights were on by having a three touchdown, 186 yard performance against Stanford in the Fiesta Bowl. He has the perfect combination of size, power, and speed. What separates Blackmon from the rest however, is his play making ability. He is a real game changer. Expect him to have a great pro day.
Prediction: Top 10 Pick
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2. Michael Floyd, Notre Dame
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- Floyd’s 40 yard dash time made him the consensus number two receiver in the draft. Floyd is a huge target that will definitely be a help to any quarterback. He should have a very productive NFL career.
Prediction: Top 15 Pick
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3. Kendall Wright, Baylor
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- Wright had a very productive season at Baylor with 108 receptions for 1600 yards. Wright is a speedster who spreads the field. He is very similar to Eagles WR Desean Jackson in both size, and playing styles. Wright did not have an impressive combine due to his 4.6 40-yard dash, however, look for him to tear it up at his pro day.
Prediction: 1st Round
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4. Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina
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- Alshon Jeffery is a top ten talent. So why is he ranked only at four? Here’s why: Consistency and Character issues. Jefferey went from 88 receptions and 1517 yards in 2010 to only 49 receptions and 762 yards in 2011. Alshon Jefferey is still a good player though,  as proven in his 148 yard performance against the elite cornerbacks of  Nebraska in the Capital One Bowl. The other thing which is sending Jefferey’s stock plummeting are his interviews at the combine. He supposedly turned many teams off during these interviews. However, if Jefferey goes at the spot he is projected to go, it will be a huge steal.
Prediction: Late 1st – Early 2nd
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5. Stephen Hill, Georgia Tech
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- Hill wowed scouts at the combine, and as a result he is number five on this list. Hill has all the physical tools to be a star in the NFL. He has an unreal combination of size and speed. Hill who is 6’4 and  206 pounds, ran a 4.3 40 yard dash at the combine, which was one of the fastest times of the day. He also had a 9 3/8″ arm length which was top five for the receiver position.
Prediction: Late 1st – Early 2nd
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Also check out:

• Sportsguy250′s Look at Luke Kuechly
• Sportsguy250′s 2012 NFL Mock Draft Top Ten
• LestersLegends’ 2012 NFL Mock Draft

Michael Conroy/AP Photo
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By Vijay Senthilkumar, sportsguy250
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Luke Kuechly has now cemented himself as the best linebacker in this upcoming NFL Draft. Luke was a great tackler at Boston College, and as Todd Mcshay tweeted “Kuechly is one of the most instinctive Linebackers I’ve ever scouted.”
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The only original concern with Kuechly, heading into the draft was his lack of foot speed. However in the combine Kuechly ran a 4.5 40-yard dash. That is very good for a linebacker. Kuechly is now the consensus number 1 LB, and may be drafted with the 11th pick by Kansas City. If he is not drafted by Kansas City, there is no way he is falling past my favorite team, the Philadelphia Eagles, at 1
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Also check out:

• Sportsguy250′s 2012 NFL Mock Draft Top Ten
• LestersLegends’ 2012 NFL Mock Draft

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Here’s an updated look at the LestersLegends 2012 NFL Draft Round One Mock Draft.
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1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
RG3 has narrowed the gap, but I would be stunned if Luck wasn’t the pick for the Colts.
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2. St. Louis Rams: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
The Rams aren’t going to be the ones taking RG3 here, but he is going number two in the draft. Most likely to Cleveland.
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3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT, USC
If the Rams’ asking price is too high for RG3, the Vikings could be the one striking a deal. My guess is that won’t be the case and the Purple gets Kalil to protect Christian Ponder’s blind side.
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4. Cleveland Browns: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
Cleveland moves up to get RG3. The Rams get Blackmon (plus additional picks) to give Sam Bradford his first NFL wide receiver weapon.
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5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
The Bucs have gone defense with their first round picks the past two seasons, but their offense was dreadful. LeGarrette Blount isn’t the answer. Richardson is a complete back that should help the Bucs bounce back.
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6. Washington Redskins: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU
In this pass-happy league you have to find a way to slow down the opposition. In a division that features Eli Manning, Michael Vick, and Tony Romo, the Skins would do well to add Claiborne to their secondary. The Skins very well could trade up to land RG3. Cornerback isn’t a great need for the Redskins, but he could be too good to pass up.
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7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina 
Where to start for Jacksonville? The Jags are perpetually in need of a better pass rush. Coples could be part of the answer.
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8. Miami Dolphins:  Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa
The Dolphins were cruising toward Andrew Luck or Matt Barkley. Unfortunately they started winning behind Matt Moore and Reggie Bush, and Barkley (along with Landry Jones) returned to school. The Dolphins allowed the third most sacks (52). Getting Jake Long back healthy and pairing him with Reiff would go a long way in fixing that issue.
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9. Carolina Panthers: Michael Brockers, DT, LSU  
The Panthers were dreadful at stopping the run ranking 25th with 130.8 ypg allowed and 29th with 18 rushing scores allowed. They also struggled to put pressure on the quarterback, tying the Jags at 25th with 31 sacks. Brockers should be able to help both areas.
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10. Buffalo Bills: Melvin Ingram, DE South Carolina
If the Bills want to knock off New England they will have to put pressure on Tom Brady. The Bills ranked 27th with 29 sacks so clearly improving their pass rush is a need.
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11. Kansas City Chiefs:  Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford
The Chiefs have a major need at right tackle and Martin allows them to fill a need without reaching.
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12.  Seattle Seahawks:  Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A & M
Tarvaris Jackson is not the answer. Plain and simple. Tannehill is the third best QB option in the draft and Pete Carroll will add his QB of the future.
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13.  Arizona Cardinals:  Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama
Upshaw, a 3-4 rush linebacker, fills a need. He’ll pair with Sam Acho to give the Cardinals capable pass rushers on both sides.
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14.  Dallas Cowboys:  Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama 
The Cowboys have a major need at cornerback and Kirkpatrick is one of the best available.
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15.  Philadelphia Eagles: Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College
The Eagles need to be better defensively, particularly their tackling. Kuechly will make them tougher.
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16.  New York Jets:  Michael Floyd, WR, New York Jets
Santonio Holmes needs to be pushed. He needs to know if he carries on the way he did, he can be replaced. Sanchez needs another weapon. Floyd gives him a big, talented target.
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17.  Cincinnati Bengals: Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama
The talent is there. The Bengals have been known to overlook character issues.
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18.  San Diego Chargers:  Mark Barron, SS, Alabama
Pairing Barron with Eric Weddle would solidfy the back end of the Chargers pass defense.
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19.  Chicago Bears:  Kendall Wright, Baylor
The Bears need help in the passing game.  Jay Cutler simply needs better weapons. Matt Forte can’t do it all.
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20. Tennessee Titans: Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis
Poe is massive (6’5″, 350) but very athletic. The Titans ranked 24th against the run last year. Poe will help that.
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21.  Cincinnati Bengals: Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
The Bengals can’t count on  Cedric Benson forever. Miller will inject life in their 3.9 ypc (27th) rushing attack.
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22.  St. Louis Rams:  Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State
The Rams enter the draft needing to give Bradford additional weapons and better protection. Blackmon took care of need one. This pick allows them to accomplish the second need.
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23.  Detroit Lions:  Nick Perry, DE, USC
The Giants won the Super Bowl, in part because of their ridiculous defensive line. That’s a good formula to copy.
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24.  Pittsburgh Steelers: Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State
The Steelers have gotten old on their defensive line. Worthy will infuse some youth and energy into the group.
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25.  Denver Broncos: Devon Still, DT, Penn State
The Broncos are built to win with their defense. Strengthening their front line should help Elvis Dumervil and Von Miller to continue to make plays.
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26.  Houston Texans: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina
The Texans need a weapon to complement Andre Johnson and provide insurance should he go down again.
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27.  New England Patriots: Fletcher Cox, DE/DT, Mississippi State
The Patriots have to get better defensively. That starts up front.
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28.  Green Bay Packers:  Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin
Some home cooking. The Packers seem unlikely to re-sign Scott Wells so they will need a new plan.
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29.  Baltimore Ravens: Dont’a Hightower, ILB, Alabama
They would have like Konz to slip one more slot. Instead of finding Matt Birk’s heir apparent, they will try to find Ray Lewis’.
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30.  San Francisco 49ers:  Rueben Randle, WR, LSU
The biggest need the Niners have is giving Alex Smith weapons to work with. Vernon Davis is great. Michael Crabtree is solid. Adding Randle to the mix will help them compete offensively.
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31.  New England Patriots:  Whitney Mercilus, LB, Illinois
The Patriots could do a number of things with their picks. They could package them in move up or they could trade one or both down. Defense is the way to go. Mercilus will help their pass rush.
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32.  New York Giants:  Dwayne Allen, TE, New York Giants
With Ballard tearing his ACL in the Super Bowl the Giants have an obvious need.
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Also check out:

• Joe Flacco is Out of His Mind
• Why Peyton Manning Isn’t Right for the Jets
• Why the Colts Should Move on Peyton Manning

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2012 NFL Mock Draft Database

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Joe Flacco wants top five quarterback money. That’s some funny stuff. His agent is quoted as saying ”If the game is about wins and losses, he has to be in the top five”. Yes, Mr. Linta, this game is about wins and losses. Most games are. Unfortunately for the agent that is trying to break the Ravens back, his client doesn’t play golf or tennis.
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Certainly an individual has an impact on a team, and I agree that quarterbacks more so than any other position. That is why they get paid a premium. Whatever contract Flacco gets is going to be a nice haul. He will likely get more money than Ray Rice. If you asked most Ravens fans if they would rather have Joe Flacco or Ray Rice, you probably wouldn’t get too many people clamoring for number five.
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Heck, if you asked people if they would rather have Peyton Manning or Flacco you would have more people looking to add a Hall of Famer QB in the twilight of his career.
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You don’t have to even  bother to ask the defense which player is more valuable. They aren’t picking the player that sported a goofy mustache in the playoffs.
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Flacco had a decent year throwing for 3610 yards and 20 INTs. He knocked off the Texans and put the Ravens in position to go to the Super Bowl by throwing for 306 yards against the Patriots.
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Let’s not give him too much credit though. We all know the Ravens are built on defense and running the football.
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There is simply no way Flacco deserves top five money. Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, Matthew Stafford, Eli Manning. Not paying him more than those guys.
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Philip Rivers, Ben Roethlisberger, Tony Romo, Cam Newton, and Matt Ryan. That’s ten QBs. Jay Cutler and Michael Vick.
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Flacco is a top 15 guy, even though his passer rating ranked 18th, just behind Kevin Kolb. Sorry Flacco, but you and your agent need to stop sniffing paint fumes.
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Also check out:

• Why Peyton Manning Isn’t Right for the Jets 
• Why the Colts Should Move on Peyton Manning