1. Indianapolis Colts – QB Andrew Luck – Stanford

This is a no brain pick.  Even with Peyton Manning still there they will draft Andrew Luck ensuring that they will have a franchise QB for the next 15 years.  I don’t know what they will do with Manning but I think they will need to release him and start a new future.  If they were to keep Manning and draft Luck they would have around $50 million tied up at the same position which won’t help improve the team.

2. St. Louis Rams – OT Matt Kalil – USC

Sam Bradford did not perform up to the standards he established in his rookie year but still has a bright future.  The Rams look like the favorites to land Coach Jeff Fisher whose first move will be to decide who to take #2 overall in the 2012 NFL mock draft.  I think it will be a pretty easy pick going with someone who can protect their franchise QB.  Kalil is head and shoulders above offensive lineman and would be a great tackle to add to the front line.

3. Minnesota Vikings – CB Morris Claiborne – LSU

I think that the Vikings have two choices here with the third pick.  They will have to choose between WR Justin Blackmon to help out Christian Ponder in the passing game or Morris Claiborn to help out a very bad secondary.  In my mock draft I have them going with Claiborne because they need a playmaker on the defensive side more than the offensive side.  Also seeing what Patrick Peterson did this year backs up the pick even more.

4. Cleveland Browns – QB Robert Griffin III

I don’t believe that Colt McCoy is the answer at quarterback in Cleveland.  Robert Griffin III is a very intelligent quarterback as well as a person.  He can make all the throws as well as very athletic.  Picking RGIII will be a great start with the 4th pick and they will also have Atlanta’s 1st round pick which I would have them adding another weapon to help their new QB out.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – OT Jonathan Martin – Stanford

Another quarterback who didn’t live up to expectations was Josh Freeman and it was largely due to the lack of protection that he was given.  Last year they spent a lot of their first couple of round picks on the defensive line drafting two defensive ends.  In the 2012 NFL draft I expect them to turn to the offensive line and draft Jonathan Martin who will be a great addition and hopefully get Freeman back on track.

6. Washington Redskins – CB Dre Kirkpatrick – Alabama

The Redskins have established a very good pass rush by drafting two defensive ends in the past two drafts in Ryan Kerrigan and Brian Orakpo.  Now with that being said a good pass rush doesn’t mean much when the secondary leaves receivers wide open.  Kirkpatrick is an excellent cover corner as well as a returner so expect them to go with a cornerback instead of a quarterback.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars – WR Justin Blackmon – Oklahoma State

Justin Blackmon is a top 5 draft talent who has fallen due to other needs by the teams ahead of Jacksonville.  So if this scenario occures then the Jaguars won’t hesitate to pull the trigger on Blackmon.  Last year they drafted Blaine Gabbert with the 10th overall pick and he did not perform like the other rookie QB’s did but I believe that was due to the lack of playmakers around him.  He did not have any receivers that could separate from the defense.  Bringing in Blackmon with instantly spark that offense that is solely based around MJD.

8. Carolina Panthers – DE Quinton Coples – North Carolina

The Panthers are pretty much set on the offensive side with two great running backs and a great WR in Steve Smith.  I think with this top 10 draft pick they will need to look at the defensive end.  They finished 24th in total defense in 2011 and were tied for 25th in total sacks. Coples could fall farther from this spot but right now I have him going to Carolina and help put more pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

9. Miami Dolphins – DE Melvin Ingram – South Carolina

Jason Taylor said he is retiring after this season ending a Hall of Fame career spent mostly in Miami.  This will create a hole that Miami has to fill immediately.  I think they will go into this off-season looking for a franchise QB but I don’t think there is anyone worth of the 9th overall selection so they will have to go with the best available pass rusher.  That is where Melvin Ingram will come in and take over immediately.

10. Buffalo Bills – DE Andre Branch – Clemson

Like the Dolphins, the Bills will be looking for a franchise QB.  I think they need to cut Ryan Fitzpatrick so they can save some money on that terrible contract they concocted.  They could draft a QB or find a free agent to come in maybe Matt Flynn.  But like I said with Miami I don’t see anyone worthy of a top 10 selection so they need to turn to the defensive rush.  Last year they drafted Marcell Dareus who performed very well but needs someone on the end to help him out.  Branch will be a nice addition to that defensive line.

Mock draft picks 11-20 >>>

Mock draft picks 20-32 >>>

>>> Richie’s 2012 NFL Mock Draft <<<