LestersLegends.com

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By Brandon Berg
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1. Indianapolis Colts – QB Andrew Luck
The Colts have informed everyone that Luck is going to be their first pick in the draft.
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2. Washington Redskins – QB Robert Griffin III
The Redskins didn’t trade up to draft anyone else.
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3. Minnesota Vikings – T Matt Kalil
The Vikings seem pretty poised to draft Khalil to anchor a line that needs to start protecting Christian Ponder if they want him to develop a pocket presence. That said, they also have a lot of other problem areas and could take corner Morris Claiborne.
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4. Cleveland Browns – RB Trent Richardson
The Browns need to start generating some offense and with Richardson flying up draft boards over the past couple months; he probably will be taken here. The only other player I could see them taking is Claiborne, but their top priority is improving a stagnant offense.
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5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – CB Morris Claiborne
We have talked about Claiborne possibly going at three or four, but he falls no later than fifth. If Richardson falls to them, they will take him, but if not, corner is the position of biggest need for the Bucs and one of the best players available is Claiborne.
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6. St. Louis Rams – WR Justin Blackmon
It’s a shame the Rams don’t have a playmaking wide receiver yet for young Sam Bradford. All bets are on them taking Blackmon. Then again, I thought they were going to stop at nothing to grab Julio Jones last year and we all know how that turned out.
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7. Jacksonville Jaguars – DE Melvin Ingram
This is where the draft starts to get tricky. The Jaguars need a pure pass rusher and Ingram appears to be the best in the draft. However, they need another receiver for Gabbert and Michael Floyd could be that guy. They also could shore up the line and go with a guy like Riley Reiff. Actually, they are trying to trade back in the draft, but are having trouble finding any takers.
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8. Miami Dolphins – QB Ryan Tannehill
I’m quite positive on this pick. Tannehill’s former coordinator Mike Sherman is on the staff and should fit into the Dolphins system. Even though Tannehill isn’t a first round talent, let alone top ten talent, I imaging the Dolphins will nab him for the aforementioned reasons and the fact that they need a QB after whiffing on Peyton Manning, Matt Flynn and even Alex Smith. If they pass, they could take Michael Floyd, in need of a new number one wideout.
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9. Carolina Panthers – DT Fletcher Cox
It wouldn’t surprise me to see the Panthers try to keep the offense improving by spending their first pick on Michael Floyd, but their offense is going to get better regardless. The defense last year was awful and Cox could be a big time stopper in the middle. They also could go with Dontari Poe or Stephon Gilmore.
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10. Buffalo Bills – CB Stephon Gilmore
The Bills have said that they need to improve the corner position and likely will take Gilmore. I would’ve said Reiff here, but after reading this a little while ago, I’ve changed my position. If Gilmore is off the board, I could see them going with safety Mark Barron.
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11. Kansas City Chiefs – OG David DeCastro
I would be shocked if Luke Kuechly went in this spot like so many mocks are predicting to happen. I think they will take the guard at the eleven spot since they have absolutely no need for a middle linebacker. They could go with Dontari Poe, but the Chiefs have a tendency to nab immediate impact players over prospects such as Poe.
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12. Seattle Seahawks – ILB Luke Kuechly
This pick is simply going to come down to Kuechly and DE Quinton Coples if they are both available. In my mock, they both are available, so I see them going with a safer Kuechly rather than a guy with
character and motor concerns in Coples.
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13. Arizona Cardinals – OT Riley Rieff
My fellow South Dakota native falls no further. The Cardinals allowed the inexperienced Kevin Kolb to be sacked second most in the league and their running game didn’t impress. Rieff improves both of those aspects of the game. They could also go with Jonathan Martin, Mike Adams or DeCastro. Another guy to keep an eye on is Michael Floyd, as Larry Fitzgerald has been lobbying for the team to take the talented wideout.
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14. Dallas Cowboys – S Mark Barron
Barron seems to be the consensus pick for the Cowboys among mock drafts and with them in dire need of an identity in the secondary, Barron fits the bill. There is a possibility that the Cowboys go with Poe, whom they are in love with, or ‘Dre Kirkpatrick or Stephon Gilmore as they both tremendously improve the secondary as well.
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15. Philadelphia Eagles – DE Quinton Coples
I could see the Eagles trading up to get Fletcher Cox, but if that falls through, they probably will take Coples. Andy Reid loves defensive lineman to stick in his rotation and Coples will likely be that guy, though they could go with Poe or Chandler Jones if available.
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16. New York Jets – DE Chandler Jones
Pass rushers are at a premium these days and Jones joins the party. The Jets days of brick wall defense are over, but they could take a step in the right direction taking Jones. They also could take Michael Floyd with a Burress return uncertain and Santonio Holmes, you know, has Holmes problems.
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17. Cincinnati Bengals – DE Courtney Upshaw
Marvin Lewis loves Upshaw and Zimmer will be thanking him. Zimmer has been mixing and matching spare parts to create a somewhat effective outside rush, but he wants a pure DE. With Upshaw, he gets an NFL ready starter. They could also go after Kirkpatrick, but more on that in a second.
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18. San Diego Chargers – WR Michael Floyd
After talking about teams possible taking Floyd about ten picks ago, I feel he finally goes here. Vincent Jackson is gone and Robert Meachem isn’t quite that good. Floyd gives them the playmaker they need. If Upshaw is available, though, I see them probably taking him.
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19. Chicago Bears – DT Michael Brockers
The Bears love Brockers, that has become clear. But they could nab Floyd if still available or even Kendall Wright, a receiver to go opposite of Brandon Marshall.
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20. Tennessee Titans – DT Dontari Poe
Poe might not fall this far, but this will be the farthest he falls. His stock has dropped due to poor game film, but teams aren’t ignoring his tremendous upside. If he doesn’t fall this far, the Titans could go with a guy like Kirkpatrick or Whitney Mercilus.
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21. Cincinnati Bengals – CB Dre Kirkpatrick
It would be painful to see the Bengals draft Janoris Jenkins. They are going to make sure they get Kirkpatrick, even though he has legal issues of his own. They could go offensive line with one of their picks too, but they surely will get a corner with one of their picks.
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22. Cleveland Browns – WR Kendall Wright
The Browns likely will keep loading on the offensive weapons, with Wright next in line. McCoy needs a number one receiver to throw to. However, they could also shore up the offensive line by going with Mike Adams or Cordy Glenn.
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23. Detroit Lions – T Mike Adams
The Lions need to keep the fragile Stafford upright. Adams is probably the best pass blocker available, so he fits the bill. They also have a tendency to take the best player available, so they could also go with Janoris Jenkins.
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24. Pittsburgh Steelers – T/G Cordy Glenn
Many people are telling me they are going to go with Dont’a Hightower, since the Steelers go for the best player available, but Glenn could be that guy too. He is versatile and could play the guard spot,
which they’ll most likely need him to.
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25. Denver Broncos – DT Jerel Worthy
The Broncos need some serious help at defensive tackle, so going with Worthy seems logical. However, they do need more weapons for the passing attack, so if Wright is still available, they could go that direction as well as Peter Konz.
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26. Houston Texans – ILB Dont’a Hightower
Although I would love to see them take a wideout like Rueben Randle or Stephen Hill to run alongside Andre Johnson, it doesn’t look like that is going to happen. They are more likely to take a pass rushing linebacker or even an offensive tackle such as Whitney Mercilus or any available OT.
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27. New England Patriots – DE Shea McClellin
I’m going to be honest with you. After the past couple year, I have no clue what the Patriots are going to do, but they seem to like defensive ends and it’s a need, so I’ll say McClellin here, but don’t be surprised with whichever way it goes.
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28. Green Bay Packers – S Harrison Smith
Smith is a smart and productive player. The Packer’s secondary got ripped to shreds last year. They clearly need help. However, if McClellin falls this low, he could go here as the Packers love him.
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29. Baltimore Ravens – WR Stephen Hill
I’m not sure which direction the Ravens will go. They could really use Peter Konz, but reports are that they aren’t in love with him. Hill is very talented and could compliment Boldin and Smith, so this is my best guess. Don’t be surprised if they take Konz, though.
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30. San Francisco 49ers – WR Rueben Randle
I’m going out on a limb here, but they need playmakers in the passing game. They could also go after Kendall Wright or Coby Fleener, even with Vernon Davis the man in San Fran.
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31. New England Patriots – DT Devon Still
The Pats are reportedly trading this pick, but if that doesn’t happen, they could take Still, with the Pats still needing a lot of work on the front seven.
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32. New York Giants – T Jonathan Martin
Martin was once a top ten talent. He is the most likely candidate to fall in the draft, but if the Giants can nab him at 32, he is a steal.
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Make sure to check out the Sport City Chefs radio right here.
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2012 NFL Mock Draft Database

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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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Here’s my first look at the top ten picks of the 2012 NFL Draft.
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1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
Whether or not it’s the Colts taking Andrew Luck, he will be the number one pick in the draft. He’s been compared to Peyton Manning, but at the time even Peyton Manning wasn’t as much of a lock for the number one pick as Luck.
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2. St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
The Rams took Rodger Saffold with the 33rd pick in the 2010 NFL Draft and Jason Smith with the second pick of the 2009 NFL Draft. While Matt Kalil makes sense, the Rams desperately need to get Sam Bradford some playmakers.
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3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT, USC
I wouldn’t be surprised if the Vikings moved down in the draft to acquire additional picks. They have needs all over the place. RG3 would likely be the pick here if someone wanted to move up. If the Vikings keep the pick (and he’s available) I think they go with Matt Kalil. Christian Ponder took way too much of a beating last year.
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4. Cleveland Browns: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
Somebody, possibly the Browns, could move up to get RG3. If he’s available at the four spot, the Browns will give up on Colt McCoy and start over with RG3.
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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 with Minnesota to land RG3. If Kalil was unavailable, CB is definitely a need for the Vikings so Claiborne would still make sense here.
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7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
The Jags need to add a pass rusher, but Kirkpatrick is too good to pass up in this spot. It’s a passing league so a stud CB makes sense.
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8. Carolina Panthers: Devon Still, DE/DT, Penn State
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. Still should be able to help both areas.
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9. 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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10. Buffalo Bills: Quinton Coples, DE, North 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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Click here for NFL Playoffs Fantasy Football Rankings.

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Here’s a eighth and final look at the upcoming 2011 NFL Draft.
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1.  Carolina Panthers:  Cam Newton, QB, Auburn:  All signs seem to be pointing towards Cam Newton as the number one pick. I’m not sure it’s the right decision, but the Panthers will have to live with it.
Previous Pick:  Cam Newton, QB Auburn
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2.  Denver Broncos:   Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama:  Dareus almost seems like a lock. He fills a need at defensive tackle for the Broncos. Fixing their defense, a priority for John Fox, starts on the defensive line.
Previous Pick:  Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
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3.  Buffalo Bills:  Von Miller, DE/LB, Texas A & M:  Cam Newton would breathe life into the franchise, but with him out of the picture the Bills turn to the athletic Miller.
Previous Pick:  Von Miller, DE/LB, Texas A & M
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4.  Cincinnati Bengals:  A.J. Green, WR, Georgia:  I had Gabbert going to the Bengals, but they seem to stubborn to to consider Carson Palmer’s threats legitimate. I think they’ll try to mend fences by cutting ties with T.O. and giving Palmer a shiny, new toy.
Previous Pick:  Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
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5.  Arizona Cardinals:  Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU:  Pairing Peterson with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie would give the Cardinals one of the best cornerback duos in the league. Even though Gabbert is available, I think they go with the more “can’t miss” prospect.
Previous Pick:  Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
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6.  Cleveland Browns:  Robert Quinn, LB/DE, North Carolina:  With A.J. Green off the board, the Browns will address their pass rush need.
Previous Pick:  A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
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7.  San Francisco 49ers:  Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska:  With Gabbert in the picture, he will get strong consideration, but I think his slide continues one more pick
Previous Pick:  Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
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8.  Tennessee Titans:  Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri: I still like Fairley for the Titans, but they are floating downstream without a paddle at quarterback. Gabbert could easily go number one in this draft. It would be hard to imagine the Titans passing on him.
Previous Pick:  Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
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9.  Dallas Cowboys:  J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin:  The Cowboys wanted to nab one of the top two corners in the draft, but have to turn their attention elsewhere.
Previous Pick:   J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
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10.  Washington Redskins: Jake Locker, QB, Washington:  The Redskins need playmakers, but they must address the quarterback position first.
Previous Pick:  Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
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11.  Houston Texans:  Aldon Smith, DE/LB, Missouri:  The Texans’ switch to a 3-4 defense creates a need for an rush linebacker. Smith is the top choice available.
Previous Pick:  Robert Quinn, LB/DE, North Carolina
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12.  Minnesota Vikings:  Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn:  With Locker out of the picture, a quarterback doesn’t make sense here. Julio Jones is a possibility, but Leslie Frasier is a defensive-minded coach. Pat Williams may not return to Minnesota so pairing Fairley with Kevin Williams makes sense.
Previous Pick:  Jake Locker, QB, Washington
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13.  Detroit Lions:  Tyron Smith, T, Southern Cal:  The Lions offensive line wasn’t terrible last year, but Jeff Backus will be 34. It’s time to look to the future to protect Matthew Stafford’s blind side.
Previous Pick:  Tyron Smith, T, Southern Cal
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14.  St. Louis Rams:  Julio Jones, WR, Alabama:  Suddenly Sam Bradford has an explosive weapon.
Previous Pick:  Aldon Smith, LB, Missouri
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15.  Miami Dolphins: Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State: Chad Henne isn’t it. The Dolphins need to find a quarterback. They don’t have a second round pick so it’s either trade down or find a QB now.
Previous Pick: Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State
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16.  Jacksonville Jaguars: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue:  The Jags have struggled to find the right mix at defensive end. They managed just 26 sacks last year, which was second to only Denver.
Previous Pick:  Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa

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Here’s a seventh look at the upcoming 2011 NFL Draft. Click here for my final 2011 NFL Mock Draft.
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1.  Carolina Panthers:  Cam Newton, QB, Auburn:  All signs seem to be pointing towards Cam Newton as the number one pick. I’m not sure it’s the right decision, but the Panthers will have to live with it.
Previous Pick:  Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
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2.  Denver Broncos:   Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama:  Dareus almost seems like a lock. He fills a need at defensive tackle for the Broncos. Fixing their defense, a priority for John Fox, starts on the defensive line.
Previous Pick:  Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
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3.  Buffalo Bills:  Von Miller, DE/LB, Texas A & M:  Now that Cam Newton isn’t even a possibility Miller seems like an obvious choice for the Bills.
Previous Pick:  Von Miller, DE/LB, Texas A & M
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4.  Cincinnati Bengals:  Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri:  Closing a door on the Carson Palmer era, the Bengals take a shot at a new franchise quarterback.
Previous Pick:  Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
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5.  Arizona Cardinals:  Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU:  Pairing Peterson with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie would give the Cardinals one of the best cornerback duos in the league.
Previous Pick:  Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
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6.  Cleveland Browns: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia:  I’m going back to Green. He’s too big of a talent at a position of need for the Browns.
Previous Pick:  Robert Quinn, LB/DE, North Carolina
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7.  San Francisco 49ers:  Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska:  With Sam Bradford coming off an unbelievable rookie season the Niners will need to improve their secondary.
Previous Pick:  Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
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8.  Tennessee Titans:  Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn: Fairley was once in the conversation for the number one pick. He did not have a strong showing at the Combine. He looked good at his Pro Day though, solidifying him as a top ten pick.
Previous Pick:  Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
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9.  Dallas Cowboys:  J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin:  The Cowboys wanted to nab one of the top two corners in the draft, but have to turn their attention elsewhere.
Previous Pick:   J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
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10.  Washington Redskins: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama:  With A.J. Green off the board, I’m back to Jones going to Washington. They desperately need playmakers.
Previous Pick:  A.J. Green, WR, Georgia

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Here’s a sixth look at the upcoming 2011 NFL Draft. Click here for the most recent mock draft.
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1.  Carolina Panthers:  Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri:  I could see the Panthers going with Marcell Dareus with the pick, giving Jimmy Clausen one more chance. As my pal Walter Cherepinsky of  WalterFootball.com often points out, a new regime often means a new quarterback.  Gabbert is the best in show.
Previous Pick:  Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
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2.  Denver Broncos:   Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama:  Dareus dramatically improved his stock at the NFL Combine showing good size and speed. Plus, he fills a need at defensive tackle for the Broncos. Fixing their defense, a priority for John Fox, starts on the defensive line.
Previous Pick:  Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabam
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3.  Buffalo Bills:  Von Miller, DE/LB, Texas A & M:  I’ve had Cam Newton here the past few mocks, but the more I think about it, the more trouble that could be. Cam Newton and Buffalo just don’t mesh. He wants a bigger stage.
Previous Pick:  Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
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4.  Cincinnati Bengals:  Cam Newton, QB, Auburn:  Well Cincinnati isn’t New York or L.A., but it will have to do for Mr. Newton. The Bengals can start an new era with Newton and trade Carson Palmer when a collective bargaining agreement is reached.
Previous Pick:  Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
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5.  Arizona Cardinals:  Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU:  Pairing Peterson with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie would give the Cardinals one of the best cornerback duos in the league.
Previous Pick:  Von Miller, DE/LB, Texas A & M
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6.  Cleveland Browns: Robert Quinn, LB/DE, North Carolina:  Passing on A.J. Green may be a mistake, but Cleveland needs to improve its pass rush. I think if they decide to go with a receiver that Julio Jones would be the pick as he better fits their offense.
Previous Pick:  A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
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7.  San Francisco 49ers:  Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska:  With Sam Bradford coming off an unbelievable rookie season the Niners will need to improve their secondary.
Previous Pick:  Robert Quinn, LB/DE, North Carolina
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8.  Tennessee Titans:  Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn: Fairley was once in the conversation for the number one pick. He did not have a strong showing at the Combine. He looked good at his Pro Day though, solidifying him as a top ten pick.
Previous Pick:  Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
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9.  Dallas Cowboys:  J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin:  The Cowboys wanted to nab one of the top two corners in the draft, but have to turn their attention elsewhere.
Previous Pick:   Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
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10.  Washington Redskins: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia:  I had the Skins going with Julio Jones, but A.J. Green was off the board in those scenarios. They could still end up with Jones if Dallas decides to move out of the ninth slot when Prince comes off the board.
Previous Pick:  Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
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11.  Houston Texans:  Akeem Ayers, DE/OLB, UCLA:  The Texans’ switch to a 3-4 defense creates a need for an rush linebacker. Ayers made up some ground lost during the NFL Combine at his Pro Day.
Previous Pick:  J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
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12.  Minnesota Vikings:  Julio Jones, WR, Alabama:  The Vikings will most likely lose Sidney Rice. Adding burner Julio Jones to pair with Percy Harvin gives the Vikings offense a jump start. They’ll address their quarterback needs in the second round.
Previous Pick:  Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
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13.  Detroit Lions:  Tyron Smith, T, Southern Cal:  The Lions offensive line wasn’t terrible last year, but Jeff Backus will be 34. It’s time to look to the future to protect Matthew Stafford’s blind side.
Previous Pick:  Tyron Smith, T, Southern Cal
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14.  St. Louis Rams:  Aldon Smith, DE/LB, Missouri:  They need to add a WR, but that can wait. Adding Aldon Smith to boost their pass rush makes sense.
Previous Pick:  Aldon Smith, LB, Missouri
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15.  Miami Dolphins:  Jake Locker, QB, Washington: I had the Dolphins taking Ponder in my last mock, but that was when Jake Locker was off the board. Locker had a nice Pro Day, which could have solidified a top 15 pick.
Previous Pick: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
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16.  Jacksonville Jaguars: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa:  The Jags have struggled to find the right mix at defensive end. They managed just 26 sacks last year, which was second to only Denver.
Previous Pick:  Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa

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The Vikings have to hit at least a double with both of their first two picks (#12 overall and #43 overall) after trading a third round pick in the Randy Moss fiasco. Here’s a look at their 2011 NFL Draft picks and their possible targets. Click here to see a first round mock of the 2011 NFL Draft.
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First Round, 12th Pick:  Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
With the risk of losing Ray Edwards to free agency, the Vikings will need to find another pass rushing end. Fortunately for the Vikings, there are plenty of good options in this draft. Bowers is an injury risk, but he has major upside. I know quarterback is a primary concern for the Purple, but Jake Locker is too big of a reach at 12. Trading out of the 12 slot is a possibility.
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Second Round, 11th pick:  Colin Kaepernick, QB, Nevada
Kaepernick is a great athlete that has the physical tools to be a dynamic player in the NFL. It will take some time to groom him. Going with Kaepernick means you will likely give Joe Webb a shot or bring in a stopgap. Christian Ponder will likely be gone. Ryan Mallett has too many red flags. Andy Dalton is a possibility, but his upside is minimal. If they want an extra base hit out of this slot they’ll roll the dice on Kaepernick.
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Fourth round, 9th pick:  Stephen Schilling, OG, Michigan
The Vikings have major holes in their offensive line, most notably at guard. Schilling is a four-year starter that could start right away for the Vikings.
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Fifth round, 8th pick:  Joe Lefeged, SS, Rutgers
Lefeged has decent size (6’0″, 210 lbs) and good speed (4.42 forty). He gives the Vikings depth at a position of need and can be an immediate contributor on special teams.
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Fifth round, 19th pick (from NY Giants):  Chykie Brown, CB, Texas
Brown has decent size (5’11″, 190) and decent speed (4.49 forty). He can cut his teeth in nickel and dime situations as well as on special teams. Cornerback depth was a serious deficiency for the Vikings last year. It’s important to address that in the draft.
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Sixth round, 7th pick:  Chris Hairston, OT, Clemson
Bryant McKinnie and Phil Loadholt could use a little competition to be more motivated. Hairston is a big dude (6’6″, 326) that could at least push the starters while providing good depth.
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Sixth round, 35th pick:  Tori Gurley, WR, South Carolina
Wide receiver was another position that had depth issues last year. Gurley is a big kid (6’4″, 216 lbs) with 4.53 speed.
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Seventh round, 13th pick:  Chris Neild, DT, West Virginia
The Vikings could use some depth at defensive tackle, especially if Pat Williams walks. Neild at 6’2″, 319 could help fill that massive void.
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Seventh round, 35th pick:  Ricardo Lockette, WR, Fort Valley State
Lockette and his 4.34 forty speed are worth a flier at this late stage in the draft.
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This article is also featured at NFLTouchdown.com, where I am the Vikings Fan Voice writer.