NFL Mock Draft 2012: January 20

Published January 20, 2012 | By Casey McLain

The top 28 picks are set as the playoffs chug along, and while we will start to analyze some Seahawks free agents soon, you can check out our quarterback candidates right here, right now.

The state of North Carolina has produced some pretty good defensive ends in recent years (Julius Peppers, Mario Williams)

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

No matter if the Colts use this pick or trade it, the top pick in this year’s draft will be Luck.

2. St. Louis Rams: Matt Kalil, OT, USC

Jason Smith and Alex Barron have been busts. The Rams need an upgrade at tackle.

3. Minnesota Vikings: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

The Vikings need to replace Bryant McKinnie, and while Martin is a reach, he’s much better than any 2nd rounder.

Last Week: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

4. Cleveland Browns: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

Mike Holmgren doesn’t draft QBs early, but he does like to draft offensive skill positions in the first round.

Last Week: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

Tampa’s defense was bad, and they need a shut down corner.

Last Week: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

6. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

Daniel Snyder isn’t afraid to make a flashy move, and the Redskins need a QB.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

The Jags need a weapon more than St. Louis, and Jeffery contrasts Mike Thomas well.

8. Miami Dolphins: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

The Dolphins could use depth at corner and Kirkpatrick has potential to be on of the best in the league.

9. Carolina Panthers: Riley Rieff, OT, Iowa

The Panthers need a steady hand at right tackle, especially to improve their running game.

Last Week: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

10. Buffalo Bills: Courtney Upshaw, 34OLB, Alabama

If the Bills commit to a 3-4 they will need an edge rusher.

Last Week: Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

11. Kansas City Chiefs: Nick Foles, QB, Arizona

I scouted Foles earlier, he could rise up draft boards and may fit in Kansas City.

Last Week: Nick Perry, 34OLB, USC

12. Seattle Seahawks: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

Coples would improve pass rush playing inside and outside, and playing all downs.

Last Week: Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

13. Arizona Cardinals: Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

Wright can step into the slot, or play opposite Larry Fitzgerald immediately.

Last Week: Dwight Jones, WR, North Carolina

14. Dallas Cowboys: Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

We’ve got Dennard back here. The Cowboys need CB help.

Last Week: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

The Eagles have been reluctant to add physical targets, but if DeSean Jackson leaves they’ll need someone.

Last Week: Vinny Curry, DE, Marshall

16. New York Jets: Dwight Jones, WR, North Carolina

Can step in for Plaxico Burress if he leaves in free agency.

Last Week:Riley Rieff, OT, Iowa

17. Cincinnati Bengals (via Oakland): Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

The Bengals need a replacement or a supplement for Cedric Benson, and fast.

Last Week: Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

18. San Diego Chargers: Whitney Mercilus, 34OLB, Illinois

The Chargers haven’t had a dominant pass rusher since Shawne Merriman started dating Tila Tequila.

Last Week: David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

19. Chicago Bears: Barrett Jones, OL, Alabama

Jones may play guard or tackle, but the Bears need offensive line help.

Last Week: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

20. Tennessee Titans: Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

The Titans could use a pass rusher to improve their already decent defense.

Last Week: Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

The Bengals need a corner opposite Leon Hall and Jenkins is the best available.

Last Week: Chris Polk, RB, Washington

22. Cleveland Browns (via Atlanta): Chris Polk, RB, Washington

Polk is a versatile back and Mike Holmgren figures to be a fan of him.

Last Week: Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

23. Detroit Lions: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

Dominic Raiola may be on his way out, and the Lions could use offensive line depth.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Alameda Ta’amu, NT, Washington

Nose tackle certainly isn’t an immediate need, but replacing Casey Hampton will eventually have to happen.

Last Week: Barrett Jones, OL, Alabama

25. Denver Broncos: Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia

Brian Dawkins is on his last leg, and the Broncos should move Champ Bailey to safety.

26. Houston Texans: Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

The Texans showed this year that their depth at wide receiver is pretty thin.

27. New England Patriots: Brandon Jenkins, 34OLB, Florida State

The Patriots often draft best player available, and add depth to their edge rushers frequently.

28. Green Bay Packers: David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

The Packers need help on their offensive line, which will help their run game and Aaron Rodgers.

Casey McLain

Casey is the founder of North and South of Royal Brougham. He's also a senior writer and marketing director at www.fantasyfootballjungle.com, and has done some work for www.walterfootball.com. Most importantly though, Casey is a big fan of baseball, football, basketball, red meat, and assertively hopped Northwest IPAs.

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Posted in NFL Draft, Seahawks

http://www.facebook.com/people/David-Taylor/1067434535 David Taylor

Terrible Browns draft. Blackmon is overrated due to the lack of great WR prospects in this draft. He Lacks ELITE size and speed, ran a limited route tree at OK State and WRs with his style of play tend to be injury prone (Anquan Boldin, Hakeen Nicks, Michael Crabtree, Dez Bryant ect…). Chris Polk is also a HUGE reach.