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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.