The 2012 NFL Draft order of the top 5 picks:
Indianapolis Cots
2. Washington Redskins (Through St. Louis Rams)
3. Minnesota Vikings
4. Cleveland Browns
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Indianapolis Colts- Andrew Luck, QB Stanford
Andrew Luck would be the best fit here in Indy, as well as a very smart pick because having someone like him at the helm will make an easier transition period from Peyton who has already become a legend and is still playing to a rookie. Andrew Luck is more athletic than Peyton was or ever will be, and he like Peyton was calling his own plays and running the offense on the field and was able to command his team at the line of scrimmage. His intangibles, smarts, and his athletic abilities make him the sure number one overall pick for Indy, he has similarities to Peyton, and he showed off his incredible arm strength at his pro day. He had a great college career, and he didn’t have great weapons around him to help him win the games he was able to win, and when he makes a mistake he won’t let it happen again. I think that mentality and his work ethic make him a safe pick here as well, and he would have Reggie Wayne to throw too, and while he has never been a true number one receiver having him will be a big help in his growth and maturity. While he may not be as good as Robert Griffin the Third, I still think that his style is close to what Manning’s style is like, which again makes the case strong for Luck.
Washington Redskins- Robert Griffin III, QB Baylor
Robert Griffin the Third, better known as RGIII, would be a great fit in Washington, he is a proven winner, with a big time arm who is a great pocket passer. He is a quarterback that is an athlete, not the other way around, and he will be surrounded by a solid defense, and the running game will be a help to him, and he can help the running game as well. RGIII is an outstanding pocket passer, unlike Rex Grossman who was a sitting duck with a noddle arm in the pocket, not only over the past two years in Washington, but also his entire NFL career. Watching Rex play a few times last year was not the easiest to watch, he has no timer in his head he will stand in the pocket forever and not pay attention to what is going on around him, which leads to fumbles. Watching him try to stretch the field was also awful last year, he does not have the cannon arm he once had, and his inaccuracy that has plagued him his whole NFL career showed once again last season. RGIII will change that with his deep accuracy, and also his arm strength, his pocket presence is something that I have not seem from a college QB in a while, and if things get ugly he can move around to find the open man, or take off running. RGIII is a throw first QB, and will only use his feet when needed, and he seems to be faster than any other QB in the league, he will also help boost the run game down in Washington. Having someone with arm strength, accuracy, and pocket awareness makes having a run game better because then the opposing team will respect that strength which in turn helps open the running game.
Minnesota Vikings- Matt Kalil, OT USC
The Vikings already have an elite running back in Adrian Peterson, and Percy Harvin at the receiver position, and to help protect their first round pick from a year ago, Christian Ponder. I watched some of Matt’s college highlights, and what I saw was impressive, and I would agree with the experts out there that have Kalil going here at number three. The Vikings are rebuilding still, and do have some pieces in place, the right thing to do here would be build around the offensive side of the ball, Peterson is already the homerun hitter in the backfield and Harvin is a playmaker. Ponder needs more protection to help keep him on his feet, and also a stronger offensive line will benefit Peterson, because in order for his production to be at its peak he needs to stay healthy. Last year Ponder made plays with his feet, but it seemed as the season rolled on teams caught on, and this will only mean one thing, that this year unless Ponder gets some help he could have a Blane Gabbert kind of year. The last thing the Vikings can afford in their tough division, the NFC North is to take steps backwards with the offense because playing against teams like the Lions and Packers who will light up the score board will mean harder games to play. Even though Justin Blackmon will be available in this spot the wise choice is to keep Ponder from taking a beating, because in years past there have been first rounders who have been pounded time and time again and things did not work out so well for them. Just ask David Carr, and Kyle Boller…
Cleveland Browns- Justin Blackmon, WR OSU
This would be a fantastic pick for the Browns who are in major need of a weapon to help out QB Colt McCoy, especially after last year where it looked like he was throwing to ghosts out there in Cleveland. Even though Trent Richardson will be here in this spot, the Browns should not pass up on Blackmon because it is a rarity to see someone like this that enters the draft with the skill set he has, and it will also give McCoy a number one receiver. Blackmon has the talent, the smarts, he is a deep threat and has sure hands, to pass up on him would not be wise for the Browns, even if they wanted a Quarterback they have the 22nd overall pick in this year’s draft and a top 5 pick in the second round. As for running backs go there will probably be some out on the market, I think that would be Cedric Benson because it seems he is on his way out in Cincinnati. The Browns have not been very good in the passing game at all, and this is the lucky break they have needed for a very long time. The Browns play the Bengals, the Ravens, and Steelers a total of six times a season, it is about time they start bringing in playmakers to help build an offense, otherwise they will not do well, because playing those defenses is not easy, and is not fun.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Trent Richardson, RB Alabama
Trent Richardson would be a perfect fit for this team, and would help benefit Tampa Bay’s QB Josh Freeman who regressed last year, in his third season in the NFL. Richardson is a hard runner, who can hit the hole and explode, and he is also a nice target in the passing game, so why not go after him. With the addition of Vincent Jackson to Tampa’s receiving corps having somebody like Richardson can help take pressure off Freeman, and help move the ball. The run opens up the pass, and Tampa Bay did not sign Vincent Jackson just to have a name on the team, but to get the help they have needed at that position for a long time down there. LeGarrette Blount is already the RB down in Tampa Bay, but obviously with Richardson this would mean he would not be the starter, however it does mean that Tampa Bay could use a heavy rushing attack and then throw the ball to Jackson, and spread the ball around to the playmakers down in Tampa. Blount has said he would not be happy if Richardson was drafted, but to pass on him would be a mistake on Tampa Bay’s part.
