So were not quite to the midway point of the 2011 NFL season... who says its too early to take a look at the upcoming draft? We all know that Andrew Luck is destined to become next years number one pick, and likely a future franchise quarterback... but only one team will land the Stanford standout. So what about the other 31 teams? Surely there are a lot of other talented players to be had come next April, but who are they and where will they end up? Here's my "way to early" 2012 NFL Mock Draft.
First of all, here are a few things to take note of. Since we're only midway through the season, I've decided to make the draft order based on the current NFL standings after week 10. For tiebreakers, I made my best assumption on where each team will end up based on their remaining schedule. As always, the outcome will likely change dramatically between now and draft day. Regardless, here is a good starting point to see who your team may take in this Aprils draft.
1. Indianapolis Colts - Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
Regardless if Peyton Manning is healthy enough to play next year, Luck is the guy. Arguably the best collegiate prospect since John Elway, at the most important position on the football field. This would also be a great fit for Luck. If the Colts let luck learn from Manning for a year, then trade Peyton for some weapons, they could regain their status as one of the NFL's elite for years to come.
2. Miami Dolphins - Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma
This may be a little high for Jones, but he his the next best QB on the board. More importantly, the Dolphins need a quarterback. While Chad Henne did show a little promise before he went down with a shoulder injury this year, he likely isn't the answer for the Dolphins. Jones has the talent, but will need more time to be NFL ready than Luck will. If he can adjust to a pro style offense and improve his ability to read defenses, he has the natural talent to be a good quarterback in this league.
3. St. Louis Rams - Matt Kalil, OT, USC
The Rams are one of the more interesting teams in the upcoming draft, in that they are the only ones who would consider passing up on Luck. With the Colts' futility, it looks like that decision will be made for them and they may land a franchise left tackle to protect their up and coming quarterback Sam Bradford. After trading for Brandon Lloyd, Bradford has a serious weapon at his disposal... if he can stay upright. Kalil would instantly improve their entire line, and at 6'6'', 295 he should have no problem protecting Bradford's blind side for years to come.
The Panthers have more talent than their record shows. After hitting the jackpot with last years number 1 pick Cam Newton, the Panthers may look to improve their talent on the other side of the ball. While any team can use an elite corner, the Panthers are especially thin at the position. With Claiborne and Chris Gamble, Carolina's secondary could become a strength rather than a liability. If they can improve the defense enough to keep them in games, their offense, led by Newton, DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart and Steve Smith will be able to bring them places in the coming years. The could, however decide to add another weapon in Justin Blackmon for Cam to throw to.
5. Minnesota Vikings - Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford
While many Vikings fans would love to see stud wideout Justin Blackmon in purple in 2012, I think Minnesota goes for one of their bigger needs, offensive line. Martin would replace fill-in left tackle Charlie Johnson and play alongside All-Pro Steve Hutchinson. With the maturation of RT Phil Loadholt, if the Vikings can find another player or two to add to the line in addition to Martin, they could have a strong unit to protect Christian Ponder and pave the way for Adrian Peterson. Additionally, the Vikings may be able to find receiver help via free agency, with players such as Dwayne Bowe, DeSean Jackson and Vincent Jackson potentially available
6. Washington Redskins - Matt Barkley, QB, USC
After a tumultuous season, one thing is clear in D.C.... they need a new quarterback. After flip-flopping between Rex Grossman and John Beck, the Skins offense has looked horrible. Barkley is a smart player, who should be able to make a transition to the NFL level rather quickly. If Shanahan and Co. decide to go with the standout SoCal leader, expect him to start from day 1.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars - Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
Compared to where Blackmon started the year, slipping to 7 overall would be a surprise. While multiple teams will undoubtedly show interest (the Vikings, and Rams specifically) I think they end up focusing on their bigger needs. The Jaguars could use a #1 wideout to help Blane Gabbert and open up the running game for Maurice Jones-Drew. South Carolina's Alshon Jeffery and Notre Dame's Michael Floyd are other options, but I think Blackmon edges them out. Blackmon is a good route-runner who can come down with just about any 'jump ball' thrown his way.
8. Cleveland Browns - Quinton Coples, DE, UNC
If Couples falls this far in the draft, its hard to imagine they'll pass. He's the top rated defensive lineman in my rankings and he has the combination of size and speed to create problems for opposing offenses. Adding him to a young, promising D-line featuring Jabaal Sheard will give them a legitimate pass rushing attack.
9. Seattle Seahawks - Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson
The Seahawks have plenty of holes to fill. Namely at quarterback, wide receiver and defensive line. While they may consider a surprise such as Baylor's Robert Griffin, I think they more likely choose a defensive tackle. There are a few they could pick, and an interesting choice would be Clemson's Brandon Thompson. Thompson isn't a great pass rusher - at least not yet - but he is a strong, powerful run stopper that could instantly step in and help a porous Seattle defense.
10. Arizona Cardinals - Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina
Jeffery entered the year as arguably the top receiving prospect in the 2012 class, but has slipped a bit as the season has progressed. At 6'4'' Jeffery has great size and the body control to go along with it. Assuming 2011 was just a down year for the wideout, the Cardinals could hit gold in the draft. Alongside Larry Fitzgerald, Jeffery could help return the Cardinals to a top-tier offense, like they had when Anquan Boldin was with the team. Of course, thats assuming they can find a quarterback.
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