The NFL draft is right around the corner. A lot of teams look to fill their needs and to get younger through this year's draft. There is a lot of players this year that will come in and be contributors right away. We all know the big two at the top, Luck and RG3, but there are a lot of NFL ready players available in the later rounds. April 26th is the first day of the three day draft. If you haven't read my last article, recapping the off season, you can find it on the bottom of the home page. Here is my 1st round mock draft.

1. Colts- Andrew Luck QB Standford
2. Redskins (from Rams)- RG3 QB Baylor

That's obvious.


3. Vikings- Matt Kalil OT USC
4. Browns- Trent Richardson RB Alabama
5. Buccaneers- Maurice Claiborne CB LSU
6. Rams (from Redskins)- Justin Blackmon WR Okla. State

I think that Trent Richardson, if available, is a must for the Browns. Keep in mind Peyton Hillis is now a Chief. If Justin Blackmon is available you will see the Rams grab him in a hurry because he will fit the new vertical offense being installed for young Sam Bradford. It's not Manning-Harrison but it's a start.

7. Jaguars- Fletcher Cox DT Miss. State
8. Dolphins- Ryan Tannehill QB Texas A&M

Dolphins have missed out on Peyton Manning, Alex Smith, and more QB's than I can count this off season. They finally get their guy with the 8th overall pick.


9. Panthers- Quinton Coples DE N. Carolina
10. Bills- Mark Barron S Alabama
11. Chiefs- Luke Kuechly ILB Boston College
12. Seahawks- David DeCastro G Stanford
13. Cardinals- Melvin Ingram DE S. Carolina
14. Cowboys- Riley Reiff OT Iowa

Cowboys will try to protect Tony Romo this year in hopes that he will play better better on his feet rather than his back.
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15. Eagles- Michael Brockers DT LSU
16. Jets- Dontari Poe DT Memphis
17. Bengals (from Oakland)- Courtney Upshaw OLB Alabama
18. Chargers- Michael Floyd WR Notre Dame
19. Bears- Stephon Gilmore CB S. Carolina
20. Titans- Cordy Glenn G Georgia

The Titans will begin to get their offensive line in place prior to naming Jake Locker the starter halfway through the season.
21. Bengals- Dont'a Hightower ILB Alabama
22. Browns (from Falcons)- Kendall Wright WR Baylor
23. Lions- Chandler Jones DE Syracuse
24. Steelers- Janoris Jenkins CB N. Alabama

Yes, the Steel Curtain defense will be just as good if not better this year. The Lions look to add a end rusher to pair with Sue, making their D-line top 5 in the NFL

.25. Broncos- Dre Kirkpatrick CB Alabama
26. Texans- Mike Adams OT Ohio State
27. Patriots (from New Orleans)- Lavonte David OLB Nebraska
28. Packers- Jonathon Martin OT Stanford

The Broncos will add a talented young corner on their roster to be mentored by Champ Bailey and eventually replace him. The Packers will add an offensive lineman making Aaron Rodgers even better in 2012-2013.

29. Ravens- Andre Branch DE Clemson
30. 49ers- Peter Konz C Wisconsin
31. Patriots- Nick Perry DE USC
32. Giants- Jerel Worthy DT Michigan State

Late Round Sleepers and Steals:
Alshon Jeffery WR South Carolina 2nd Round
Vinny Curry DE Marshall 2nd Round
Lamar Miller RB Miami 2nd Round
Orson Charles TE Georgia 4th Round
Cyrus Gray RB Texas A&M 4th Round
DaJohn Harris DT USC 5th Round
Brandon Taylor S LSU 5th Round
Dan Herron Ohio RB State 6th Round
Dwight Jones WR North Carolina 6th Round
Kylie Wilber ILB Wake Forest 7th Round

Thanks for reading my first NFL Mock Draft. Feel free to comment below, I know it asks you to enter your email but we don't get to see that, we just see the comments so go for it. Let me know who you feel could be the next Tom Brady (late round QB steal) and who you think will be Mr. Irrelevant.

Alex Wiesner