The 2012 NFL Draft Thread, 4/26 8EST/5PST Vikings are on the clock

Mel Kiper's big board....
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http://insider.espn.go.co...-sees-quarterbacks-climb
 
All the 'Fins fans in here are about to self-destruct right now

I got you Thaxby.


http://espn.go.com/college-football/player/_/id/378497/robert-griffin-iii
Spoiler [+]
Robert Griffin III is making the race to be the second quarterback taken in the 2012 NFL draft an interesting one. While I've heard some scouts and evaluators discusss Griffin in the same class as Andrew Luck, I'm not willing to go that far. I still think Luck is, by far in fact, the likeliest play for any team drafting No. 1 overall this spring. But Griffin's great year, combined with Matt Barkley's brilliant finish to his junior season, has made the race for the No. 2 QB to come off the board very interesting. And remember, Barkley could still return to USC. At this time last year, Luck was also a lock to be No. 1.

There are other moves, as well. Read on and let me know who should be higher or who's been passed over, in your opinion. As always, juniors and draft-eligible sophomores are noted with an asterisk.

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1

Andrew Luck *

AGE: 22

DOB: 9/12/89

HT: 6-4

WT: 235

POS: QB

Comp 261

Att 373

Pct 70.0

Yds 3,170

TD 35

Int 9

Luck was unable to show off all he can do given the talent around him in 2011, but he is the total package: arm strength, size, smarts, demeanor. He remains my pick to go No. 1 overall and could unseat Peyton Manning in Indy.

LAST WEEK: 1 | PLAYER CARD

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2

Matt Kalil *

AGE: 22

DOB: 7/6/89

HT: 6-7

WT: 295

POS: OT

GP 12

GS 12

Kalil was steady the entire season and has the full range of skills for the left tackle position, not to mention the pedigree. He has announced he's in the draft, and could be challenged, but is currently a safe bet for the top five.

LAST WEEK: 2 | PLAYER CARD

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3

Trent Richardson *

AGE: 20

DOB: 7/10/91

HT: 5-11

WT: 224

POS: RB

Car 263

Yds 1,583

Avg. 6.0

TD 20

The BCS title game should be his final one in college. Richardson's splitting carries in his first two seasons will benefit him. Powerful, fast, with improved vision, he runs with good pad level and breaks tackles with ease.

LAST WEEK: 3 | PLAYER CARD

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4

Morris Claiborne *

AGE: 21

DOB: 2/7/90

HT: 6-1

WT: 185

POS: CB

Tkl 46

Sack 0

Int 6

Doesn't get the attention, but he's a very good player. Big rise in 2011; now the top corner. Exceptional pure cover corner with impeccable instincts at the position. Locates the ball and can catch it. Not a burner; plenty quick.

LAST WEEK: 5 | PLAYER CARD

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5

Justin Blackmon *

AGE: 21

DOB: 1/9/90

HT: 6-1

WT: 208

POS: WR

Rec 113

Yds 1,336

Avg 11.8

TD 15

Blackmon had a remarkable regular season, eclipsing his 111 catches of a year ago. A better prospect than recent OSU star Dez Bryant. Versatile and explosive and really works to get open. Great ball skills; breaks tackles.

LAST WEEK: 4 | PLAYER CARD

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6

Matt Barkley *

AGE: 21

DOB: 9/8/90

HT: 6-2

WT: 220

POS: QB

Comp 308

Att 446

Pct 69.1

Yds 3,528

TD 39

Int 7

Faces a tough decision. Closed the year remarkably well. Accurate and showing growth year-to-year. Throwing a better ball and throws it really well on the move. Good, not great, arm. Pro-style skills are valued, even as offenses change.

LAST WEEK: 6 | PLAYER CARD

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7

Robert Griffin III *

AGE: 21

DOB: 2/12/90

HT: 6-1

WT: 220

POS: QB

Comp 267

Att 369

Pct 72.4

Yds 3,998

TD 36

Int 6

Not buying any talk he'd be higher on some boards than Luck, but his altered delivery has resulted in better accuracy on downfield throws. Great kid, underrated passer, big-time athlete. No ill effects from 2009 knee injury. Remarkable numbers.

LAST WEEK: 11 | PLAYER CARD

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8

Quinton Coples

AGE: 21

DOB: 6/22/90

HT: 6-6

WT: 285

POS: DE

Tkl 51

Sack 7.5

Int 0

Production isn't amazing, but skill set is hard to look past. The size and talent are there, but he'll need to add to his arsenal with increased blocking attention. Great size and length to hold the edge as a 4-3 defensive end.

LAST WEEK: 8 | PLAYER CARD

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9

Jonathan Martin *

AGE: 22

DOB: 7/6/89

HT: 6-6

WT: 304

POS: OT

GP 12

GS 12

Martin can technically go back to school, as a fourth-year junior. Trusted in the passing game as the blindside protection for Luck, he also does a great job in the run game, especially for how athletic he is.

LAST WEEK: 7 | PLAYER CARD

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10

Riley Reiff *

AGE: 23

DOB: 12/1/88

HT: 6-6

WT: 300

POS: OT

GP 12

GS 12

Not as athletic as Kalil or Martin, but the tape is there -- it may be the best tape of any LT this year because he's so complete. Durable, he has played from day one at Iowa. Ceiling a question, but he's very good now.

LAST WEEK: 9 | PLAYER CARD

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11

Luke Kuechly *

AGE: 20

DOB: @##%/91

HT: 6-3

WT: 237

POS: LB

Tkl 191

Sack 0.0

Int 3

Great instincts both against the run and even dropping his hips and falling into coverage. Dependable, a tackling machine, he makes great reads, sees the play develop and sheds blockers well. Solid status.

LAST WEEK: 10 | PLAYER CARD

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12

Alshon Jeffery *

AGE: 21

DOB: 2/14/90

HT: 6-4

WT: 233

POS: WR

Rec 45

Yds 614

Avg 13.6

TD 7

His production took a hit with South Carolina's turmoil at the QB position, but he had a good rep already. Imposing presence, a matchup nightmare. Phenomenal hands, decent burst, elite size. Speed is a bit of a question.

LAST WEEK: 12 | PLAYER CARD

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13

Landry Jones *

AGE: 22

DOB: 4/22/89

HT: 6-4

WT: 229

POS: QB

Comp 339

Att 537

Pct 63.1

Yds 4,302

TD 28

Int 14

I still like the way he's battled in 2011, but it's fair to say his reputation outpaced his performance this season. Accuracy is still very good. Good size, strong arm but needs to improve footwork. Still a very good prospect.

LAST WEEK: 13 | PLAYER CARD

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14

Brandon Thompson

AGE: 22

DOB: 10/19/89

HT: 6-2

WT: 310

POS: DT

Tkl 45

Sack 2.5

Int 0

Scheme-versatile, Thompson might not get the sacks but manages to be a really disruptive force along the interior. Balances plugging running lanes with decent skills as a penetrator. Consistent season.

LAST WEEK: 14 | PLAYER CARD

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15

Vontaze Burfict *

AGE: 21

DOB: 9/24/90

HT: 6-3

WT: 250

POS: LB

Tkl 68

Sack 5.0

Int 1

Has little left to prove; he's started from day one. Great instincts, makes plays sideline to sideline and is far more disciplined than he gets credit for. Maybe too much tape at this point.

LAST WEEK: 15 | PLAYER CARD

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16

Devon Still

AGE: 22

DOB: 7/11/89

HT: 6-5

WT: 310

POS: DT

Tkl 49

Sack 4.5

Int 0

A great penetrator, he has overcome health issues and has been extremely disruptive, breaking through double-teams to pile up TFLs. Maybe the MVP for that team this season. Could play a couple of spots at next level.

LAST WEEK: 16 | PLAYER CARD

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17

Cordy Glenn

AGE: 22

DOB: 9/18/89

HT: 6-5

WT: 348

POS: T/G

GP 13

GS 13

Really experienced player whose best strength is versatility. Has spent time at tackle but can dominate at guard, and I'd expect whoever drafts him to ultimately have him blocking inside.

LAST WEEK: 17 | PLAYER CARD

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18

David DeCastro

AGE: 21

DOB: 1/1/90

HT: 6-5

WT: 310

POS: OG

GP 12

GS 12

Extremely consistent, and both athletic and powerful in the run game. The rare guard who could get some looks in the first round.

LAST WEEK: 19 | PLAYER CARD

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19

Courtney Upshaw

AGE: 21

DOB: 12/13/89

HT: 6-2

WT: 265

POS: LB

Tkl 45

Sack 7.5

Int 1

A riser so far this year, he is showing improved pass-rush skills and should convert to 3-4 OLB at the next level. Great leverage player who uses hands well and battles against the run. Fits the LaMarr Woodley comparison.

LAST WEEK: 18 | PLAYER CARD

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20

Alfonzo Dennard

AGE: 22

DOB: 9/9/89

HT: 5-10

WT: 205

POS: CB

Tkl 23

Sack 0.0

Int 0

Plays taller than his 5-foot-10 frame with incredible leaping ability. Handles bigger receivers far better than the height implies. Has strong frame and great ball skills and is a big-time competitor.

LAST WEEK: 20 | PLAYER CARD

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21

Zach Brown

AGE: 22

DOB: 10/23/89

HT: 6-2

WT: 230

POS: LB

Tkl 91

Sack 5.5

Int 2

An absolute flier, Brown isn't big, but he can get after the quarterback and back up and cover like a safety. Has a versatile skill set and can go outside in a 3-4 or be a good weakside in a 4-3.

LAST WEEK: 21 | PLAYER CARD

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22

Jerel Worthy *

AGE: 21

DOB: 4/28/90

HT: 6-3

WT: 310

POS: DT

Tkl 25

Sack 3.5

Int 0

Has played better after an inconsistent start but still can have up-and-down stretches. Disruptive DT in a class that's a little shallower, and that could benefit him. Has good size and is tough to move -- just needs consistency.

LAST WEEK: 22 | PLAYER CARD

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23

Janoris Jenkins

AGE: 23

DOB: 10/29/88

HT: 5-10

WT: 177

POS: CB

Tkl 53

Sack 0

Int 2

Quick as a cat with fluid hips and very good instincts for the position. He's a man among boys now at the Division II level, but must be exceptional there and answer questions. Has been dynamic as a punt returner this season.

LAST WEEK: 23 | PLAYER CARD

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24

Michael Floyd *

AGE: 22

DOB: 11/27/89

HT: 6-3

WT: 224

POS: WR

Rec 95

Yds 1,106

Avg 11.6

TD 8

Multidimensional receiver is able to beat you short or deep using a big frame to beat smaller cornerbacks. Played at 227 pounds in 2010 but dropped a little weight this season and does appear a little quicker.

LAST WEEK: 24 | PLAYER CARD

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25

Dwayne Allen *

AGE: 21

DOB: 2/24/90

HT: 6-4

WT: 255

POS: TE

Rec 48

Yds 577

Avg 12.0

TD 8

Multidimensional tight end who is head and shoulders above the rest of his class. He's athletic but is also a very effective blocker. The NFL is craving for these types right now.

LAST WEEK: 25 | PLAYER CARD
http://espn.go.com/college-football/player/_/id/378497/robert-griffin-iii

 
Originally Posted by airmaxpenny1

Originally Posted by finnns2003

We went through this before. Instead of taking Aaron Rodgers, we drafted Ronnie "China Doll" Brown #2 and the rest is... a bust's career. Jeff Ireland and Carl Peterson will ensure we draft some bozo sack of potatoes on the O-Line again and we're stuck watching Matt Moore throw pick 6's for another season. Somebody pinch me.
*Pinches You*
*Sanchez pinches airmaxpenny in the weiner*
 
Originally Posted by finnns2003

Originally Posted by airmaxpenny1

Originally Posted by finnns2003

We went through this before. Instead of taking Aaron Rodgers, we drafted Ronnie "China Doll" Brown #2 and the rest is... a bust's career. Jeff Ireland and Carl Peterson will ensure we draft some bozo sack of potatoes on the O-Line again and we're stuck watching Matt Moore throw pick 6's for another season. Somebody pinch me.
*Pinches You*
*Sanchez pinches airmaxpenny in the weiner*
should be another good year next year with no other good QBs in the AFC east
 
Originally Posted by theone2401

Barkley is smart for staying unless something bad happens to him.

I'm sure his insurance policy mirrors that of Matt Leinart.....never the less, if he does get hurt, he should have Drew Rosenhaus as his agent.  Worked for Willis. 
 
Originally Posted by theone2401

Barkley is smart for staying unless something bad happens to him.


With the new CBA, I expect more top guys to stay. I've made this point before but a lot of these QB prospects are well-off. That's how you become a great QB nowadays, more often than not. Lack of resources can be a big hindrance. Can they afford a coach, summer camps, not having a job in HS, etc.? QB is the glamour position. I can only imagine how competitive it is. Barkley comes from a wealthy family, right? Luck does. Maybe those with more knowledge can comment on this.
 
^ Yes, Barkley grew up in the OC and his family is well-off much like Andrew Luck's situation.
A very likely possibility is that the St. Louis Rams end up with the #1 overall pick. What do they do with Bradford vs. Luck in that case? I'll be the first to give Sammy a personal vote of confidence, even though a lot of credible NTers like Gunna think and feel otherwise. I think we're all prepared for a regime change in St. Louis starting with Spags being displaced as HC. Hope he comes to Philly to be our DC. 

I'm still a bit surprised to see Barkley follow the Bradford and Luck route. I get the allure of the full college experience especially at USC of all places, plus the strong desire to win the Heisman not to mention the Trojans will be bowl elgible for the 2012-2013 season (NC aspirations). There's always talent at USC particularly on the offensive side of the ball with Woods and Lee, but Kalil is leaving for the NFL and there's no definite guarantee Barkley will be the consensus #1 in next year's draft. 
 
What's the tiebreak procedure for the worst teams in the league for the draft?

Wondering if St. Louis and Minnesota jump Indy if the Colts find a way to win this one.
 
^ In the following order: 
 1) Strength of schedule.
2) Division tiebreakers.

3) Conference tiebreakers.

4) Coin flip.
 
1. Indianapolis Colts - 2-14 (.539)
2. St. Louis Rams - 2-14 (.590)
3. Minnesota Vikings - 3-13 (.559)
4. Cleveland Browns - 4-12 (.531)
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 4-12 (.551)
6. Washington ******** - 5-11 (.477)
7. Jacksonville Jaguars - 5-11 (.500)
* 8/9. Carolina Panthers - 6-10 (.504)
* 8/9. Miami Dolphins - 6-10 (.504)
10. Buffalo Bills - 6-10 (.520)
* 11/12. Kansas City Chiefs - 7-9 (.512)
* 11/12. Seattle Seahawks - 7-9 (.512)
13. Arizona Cardinals - 8-8 (.469)
14. Dallas Cowboys - 8-8 (.473)
15. Philadelphia Eagles - 8-8 (.488)
16. New York Jets - 8-8 (.500)
17. Cincinnati Bengals (via Oakland Raiders) - 8-8 (.504)
18. San Diego Chargers - 8-8 (.516)
19. Chicago Bears - 8-8 (.527)
20. Tennessee Titans - 9-7 (.461)

http://www.mockingthedraf...order-colts-rams-vikings
 
For my Vikes, hoping for 1 of these three things.
1.Draft Kalil
2.Draft Claiborne
3.Trade #3 to a RGIII-hungry team for another top 10 pick and another 1st rounder.
 
how would yall compare justin blackmon to other former big 12 wrs michael crabtree & dez bryant as prospects, & if they were all in the same class who would get drafted 1st?
 
I know Green Bay will go defense heavy. But if Miller is there at the end of the 2nd round. I want him.
 
Originally Posted by eashawty

how would yall compare justin blackmon to other former big 12 wrs michael crabtree & dez bryant as prospects, & if they were all in the same class who would get drafted 1st?
1. Dez
2. Blackmon
3. Crabtree

Dez > Blackmon >>> Crabtree as prospects. Crabtree is not the athlete that Dez and Blackmon are. Both are better after the catch. I give Dez the nod over Blackmon because I believe that he is faster and has is the better special teams / return guy.

Only reason Blackmon may have gone first is because of character concerns.
 
How good is Morris Claiborne right now compared to the CB prospects that have came out lately? Is he going to be a shutdown Revis level CB?

And if you were the Bucs, is Claiborne good enough to pass on Trent Richardson and Justin Blackmon?
 
Originally Posted by dreClark

Originally Posted by eashawty

how would yall compare justin blackmon to other former big 12 wrs michael crabtree & dez bryant as prospects, & if they were all in the same class who would get drafted 1st?
1. Dez
2. Blackmon
3. Crabtree

Dez > Blackmon >>> Crabtree as prospects. Crabtree is not the athlete that Dez and Blackmon are. Both are better after the catch. I give Dez the nod over Blackmon because I believe that he is faster and has is the better special teams / return guy.

Only reason Blackmon may have gone first is because of character concerns.
yea i pretty much agree wit that wit blackmon bein in between those 2. i think blackmon is faster than crabtree but slower than dez, but i think they both got better hands than blackmon. im a crabtree fan tho so im tryin not to be biased
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Blackmon, Dez, Crabby In that order.
I Dez's 40 times were not great, and Demarius Thomas got taken ahead of Dez.
Would I have done it that way? No but its the way it would have happened.
I think Crabtree is an elite slot guy in an ideal offense. I think Dez and Blackmon are middle of the road 1's, or elite 2's in their primes. Im not sure you dont take the elite slot guy now days. Its not like
 
the Bucs have to take Blackmon if hes there. Have To!!!! the sepation between him and the next WR is too big

i believe Blackmon will be a better Professional than Dez.
 
As a Skins fan, I'm kinda torn on what I'd like them to do. There is a dire need for a QB, but I'm not sure how much I'd give up if I was them to move up in that #2 - #4 range. That's what the regime did in the past and it really messed the team up by having a lack of picks. That being said, what QBs would you rank in your top 5? This is assuming that you all have Luck/RG3 in the top 2, who rounds out the rest of the top-5?

I'm more towards keeping the #6 and either taking Blackmon or trading down to take the BPA and taking a QB in round 2.

Another thing...who are your top 3 RBs in the draft? I got Richardson, Miller, Polk...
 
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