Shutdown24's Final Mock Draft

[ShutDown24]

These will be my final opinions on the 2012 Draft. I really would have liked to have gone another couple of rounds in the mock but it just didn't happen this year. Thank you to everyone who has continued reading my posts over these last few months, your views and feedback have been appreciated.

Pittsburgh Steelers Mock Draft

Round one: Andre Branch, Linebacker, Clemson

Round two: Brandon Brooks, Offensive Guard, Miami Ohio

Round three: LaMichael James, Tailback, Oregon

Round four: Derek Wolfe, Defensive End, Cincinnati

Round five: Ryan Lindley, Quarterback, San Diego State

Round six: Akiem Hicks, Nose Tackle, Regina

Round seven: Keith Tandy, Cornerback, West Virginia

Round seven: Jerell Harris, Linebacker, Alabama

Round seven: Adam Robinson, Offensive Tackle, Eastern New Mexico

Round seven: Keshawn Martin, Wide Receiver, Michigan State

[ShutDown24]

NFL Mock Draft

Please keep in mind the mock draft is what I think will happen - not what I think should happen.

Key: R#P# = Round #/ Pick #. * = players that I specifically evaluated. The position listed is the position I believe these prospects would play if selected by the projected team.

R1P1: Indianapolis: *Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

R1P2: Washington D.C.: *Robert Griffin, QB, Baylor

R1P3: Minnesota: *Matt Kalil, OT, Southern California

R1P4: Cleveland: *Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

R1P5: Tampa Bay: *Trent Richardson, TB, Alabama

R1P6: St. Louis: *Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

R1P7: Jacksonville: *Morris Claiborne, CB, Louisiana State

R1P8: Miami: *Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M

R1P9: Carolina: *Melvin Ingram, 43DE, South Carolina

R1P10: Buffalo: *Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

R1P11: Kansas City: Luke Kuechly, 34ILB, Boston College

R1P12: Seattle: *Mark Barron, SS, Alabama

R1P13: Arizona: *Dont'a Hightower, 34ILB, Alabama

R1P14: Dallas: *Fletcher Cox, 34DE, Mississippi State

R1P15: Philadelphia: *Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis

R1P16: New York: *Courtney Upshaw, 34OLB, Alabama

R1P17: Cincinnati: *Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

R1P18: San Diego: *David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

R1P19: Chicago: *Whitney Mercilus, 43DE, Illinois

R1P20: Tennessee: *Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia

R1P21: Cincinnati: *Michael Brockers, 43DT, Louisiana State

R1P22: Cleveland: *Johnathan Martin, OT, Stanford

R1P23: Detroit: *Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

R1P24: Pittsburgh: Andre Branch, 34OLB, Clemson

R1P25: Denver: *Quinton Coples, 43DE, North Carolina

R1P26: Houston: *Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

R1P27: Boston: Chandler Jones, 43DE, Syracuse

R1P28: Green Bay: Shea McClellin, 34OLB, Boise State

R1P29: Baltimore: Peter Konz, OC, Wisconsin

R1P30: San Francisco: Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

R1P31: Boston: Jerel Worthy, 43DT, Michigan State

R1P32: World Champion New York Giants: *Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

[ShutDown24]

R2P33: St. Louis: *Kevin Zeitler, OG, Wisconsin

R2P34: Indianapolis: *Josh Chapman, NT, Alabama

R2P35: Minnesota: *Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech

R2P36: Tampa Bay: *Zach Brown, 43OLB, North Carolina

R2P37: Cleveland: *Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State

R2P38: Jacksonville: *Bobby Massie, OT, Ole Miss

R2P39: St. Louis :*Mychal Kendricks, 43OLB, California

R2P40: Carolina: *Devon Still, 43DT, Penn State

R2P41: Miami: Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

R2P42: Buffalo: Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford

R2P43: Seattle: Nick Perry, 43DE, Southern California

R2P44: Kansas City: *Alameda Ta'amu, NT, Washington

R2P45: Dallas: Amini Silatolu, OG, Midwestern State

R2P46: Philadelphia: *Bobby Wagner, 43OLB, Utah State

R2P47: New York: Doug Martin, TB, Boise State

R2P48: Boston: *Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame

R2P49: San Diego: *Ronnell Lewis, 34OLB, Oklahoma

R2P50: Chicago: *Lavonte David, 43OLB, Nebraska

R2P51: Philadelphia: Kirk Cousins, QB, Michigan State

R2P52: Tennessee: *Kendall Reyes, 43DT, Connecticut

R2P53: Cincinnati: Lamar Miller, TB, Miami Florida

R2P54: Detroit: Vinny Curry, 43DE, Marshall

R2P55: Atlanta: Kelechi Osemele, OG, Iowa State

R2P56: Pittsburgh: *Brandon Brooks, OG, Miami Ohio

R2P57: Denver: Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech

R2P58: Houston: Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson

R2P59: New Orleans: Brandon Thompson, 43DT, Clemson

R2P60: Green Bay: Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

R2P61: Baltimore: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

R2P62: San Francisco: Jared Crick, 34DE, Nebraska

R2P63: Boston: *Juron Criner, WR, Arizona

R2P64: World Champion New York Giants: Cam Johnson, 43DE, Virginia

[ShutDown24]

Top 25

1. Morris Claiborne, Cornerback, Louisiana State

5'11, 188

Compares to: Joe Haden

Complete cornerback. Has no glaring weaknesses. Is effective in man and zone coverage. Is a solid tackler who does not shy away from contact. Is ideal for run support and has the ability to blitz. Could play free safety or nickel if needed but is best suited for left or right corner. Can maintain coverage even when the pocket holds longer than usual - isn't reliant on pass rush. Has excellent recover speed although it is rarely needed. Will use appropriate amount of contact throughout coverage to create discomfort for the receiver without drawing a flag. Catches the ball like a receiver. His speed is underrated.


2. David DeCastro, Offensive Guard, Stanford

6'5, 315

Compares to: Steve Hutchinson

Excellent all around guard. Doesn't do one thing perfect but does everything above average. Has fantastic quickness. Has enough strength to get by but brute force isn't his best asset. Is able to pull, move and block into the second level very effectively. Rarely gets beat in pass protection and never looks confused. Is able to drive defenders off the line of scrimmage without the help of teammates. Needs to stay at guard. Isn't a fit at tackle and is probably too tall to play center. Has no glaring weaknesses.


3. Matt Kalil, Offensive Tackle, Southern California

6'6, 295

Compares to: Jake Long

Prototypical tackle. Has the ideal body to man both the left or right side of an offensive line. Is a mauling run blocker who manhandles opponents. Is effective in pass blocking but occasionally struggles against finesse moves. Moves very well, especially for his size. Could be quicker at getting to the second level when run blocking. All around tackle with few weaknesses.


4. Andrew Luck, Quarterback, Stanford

6'4, 235

Compares to: Tom Brady

Very efficient quarterback. Arm strength isn't where it could be. Struggles with ball placement on some deep attempts. Can make every throw on an uncontested field but could struggle to complete deep outs at the next level. Has near flawless mechanics. Understands what he sees from defenses and has the ability to exploit it. Underrated movement skills. Displays moments of special intangibles. Should be a quality starter given time to develop.


5. Cordy Glenn, Offensive Line, Georgia

6'5, 345

Compares to: Leonard Davis

Excellent football player. Can start at guard or tackle immediately. Mauls opponents when run blocking. Is unfazed by power moves and does not lose ground. Has occasional problems with finesse moves. Has incredible movement for how large he is. Footwork may be an issue in the future. Needs to work on initial speed off the snap. Fantastic overall prospect who is somewhat of a coaching project but is far enough along with his talents that he is acceptable as is - many improvements are going to be bonus.


6. Robert Griffin, Quarterback, Baylor

6'2, 220

Compares to: N/A

Strong prospect who possesses almost limitless potential. Special passing talent with excellent athleticism gives him near unprecedented upside. Can make every throw. Has underrated accuracy. Arm strength is borderline elite. Is a good decision maker. Can score from anywhere on the field with his legs when the play breaks down. Looks to pass first. Has unconventional footwork. Mechanics could be better. Injuries are a significant concern. If healthy and well coached, should develop into a quality starter.


7. Josh Chapman, Nose Tackle, Alabama

6-1, 315

Compares to: Casey Hampton

Ideal nose tackle prospect. The prototype. He is tough, strong and casts a menacing figure. There isn't a player in this class who holds the point of attack better than Chapman. He never loses ground, even when being double teamed. Played all of 2011 on a torn ACL - and it didn't show. Not much to offer as far as pass rush. Has the ability to relocate his blocker when left one on one but will rarely penetrate with enough speed to pressure the quarterback. Should be a pro bowl nose tackle at the next level.


8. Justin Blackmon, Wide Out, Oklahoma State

6'1, 215

Compares to: Anquan Boldin

Strong receiver. Will out-muscle defenders on any route. Doesn't have elite speed but will win most jump balls. Not afraid to go over the middle. Excellent run blocker - attacks defenders with passion. Overrated hands. Could run routes with more consistency. Big receiver with rare skill set. Has no glaring weaknesses.


9. Whitney Mercilus, Defensive End, Illinois

6'4, 261

Compares to: Andre Carter

Great all around defensive end. Uses both power and finesse moves effectively, although not spectacularly. Holds his ground against run blocks despite his lighter frame. Excellent motor. Is relentless in pursuit of the ball, regardless of if it's for a sack or just a tackle. Does not flash greatness but consistently produces and seems to find himself around the ball on every play. Should be a solid every down starter at the next level.


10. Quinton Coples, Defensive End, North Carolina

6'6, 280

Compares to: Mario Williams

Prototypical defensive end prospect. Tall, heavy and athletic. Possesses strong finesse moves. Flashes good power moves but could finish the bull rush a lot better. Good motor but can take a play off now and again. Overrated against the run. Would be utilized best as a rotational defensive linemen.


11. Michael Floyd, Wide Receiver, Notre Dame

6'3, 220

Compares to: Vincent Jackson

Tall, strong receiver capable of making big plays. Has sufficient speed to outrun defenders. Shows promise of impressive hands, going up and taking the ball out of the air above the opposition. Route running needs polished. Should be a more effective run blocker than he was in college. Best fit is on the outside, should not play in the slot.


12. Janoris Jenkins, Cornerback, North Alabama

5'10, 190

Compares to: Asante Samuel

Excellent cover man. Stays with receivers on all routes at all levels of field depth. Struggles with press coverage. Isn't going to make a lot of solo tackles but will slow a ball carrier down sufficiently enough for teammates to arrive. Is good at tracking the ball in the air. Gets taken out of most running plays by initial blocking. Will be a solid cover corner but can't do much else.

[ShutDown24]

13. Zach Brown, Outside Linebacker, North Carolina

6'1, 240

Compares to: Chad Greenway

Unique 43 outside backer. Is very light, needs to gain muscle. Is very athletic. Can run with backs and tight ends easily. Is a solid tackler although his lack of strength shows at times. Is a strongly instinctive player which often leads to big plays but can also put him out of position. His best fit is probably at weakside linebacker next to a thumper on the inside.


14. Johnathan Martin, Offensive Tackle, Stanford

6'5, 215

Compares to: Matt Light

Martin is a solid left tackle prospect. His biggest asset is his footwork. In pass protection, his quick feet give him the upper hand on pass rushers. During run blocking, his footwork helps to direct would-be tacklers away from the ball. Hand placement is somewhat weak with Martin. He relies heavily on getting his bulk into the defender instead of using his hands for initial resistance. Should show signs of being a franchise left tackle after some time in the pros.


15. Dre Kirkpatrick, Cornerback, Alabama

6'2, 185

Compares to: Antoine Winfield

Kirkpatrick is a solid defensive back. Comes up and makes tackles very effectively. Can stay with receivers well enough when faced with short to medium routes, but is going to need safety help when taken deep. Kirkpatrick doesn't have the top level speed. His best fit would probably be at nickel or even safety.


16. Melvin Ingram, Defensive End, South Carolina

6'1, 260

Compares to: Elvis Dumervil

Has a strange body. Is short and plays with good leverage but does not generate the type of results from that leverage as he should. Has an array of pass rushing moves which are good but not great. Is a strong tackler. Pursues the ball vigorously. Is extremely underrated in coverage. His best fit on the field might be something similar to the Von Miller role in Denver's 43.


17. Trent Richardson, Tailback, Alabama

5'11, 225

Compares to: Rashard Mendenhall

Richardson is a complete back. Plays with speed, power and aggression. Is a better receiver out of the backfield than people seem to think. Runs best off-tackle where he has the option of cutting it up inside or following his blockers and accelerating to the edge. Can play in any offensive system.


18. Ryan Tannehill, Quarterback, Texas A&M

6'4, 220

Compares to: Jake Plummer

Has ideal physical tools. Is mobile and accurate. Could have better arm strength. Limited experience at the quarterback position could make for a prolonged transition period. Faces exterior pressure well, looking to pass before he runs. Can get a little trigger happy when faced with interior pressure. Has the tools to play in any offensive system. Should prove to be an upper tier starter given time to learn the position.


19. Riley Reiff, Offensive Tackle, Iowa

6'6, 313

Compares to: D'Brickashaw Ferguson

Reiff is a promising left tackle prospect. Shows flashes of the footwork and agility which would make an elite pro tackle. He needs to gain strength badly. Although he gets off the snap quickly, he struggles against a plethora of pass rush moves. He is an effective run blocker but because of his lack of physical prowess is not an impressive one. Banking on Reiff would be a risk but if the moves he's shown at on the college field can transfer and become consistent at the next level he could become the best pass protector in the league.


20. Courtney Upshaw, Linebacker, Alabama

6'2, 272

Compares to: Terrell Suggs

Versatile defensive piece. Projects well at a number of pass rushing focused positions. Is a liability in man coverage but can handle zone assignments well enough. Shouldn't be asked to strictly play with his hand in the ground. If drafted by a 43 team Upshaw should see time at linebacker on rushing downs and drop onto the defensive line during passing situations.


21. Stephon Gilmore, Cornerback, South Carolina

6'0, 190

Compares to: Ike Taylor

Gilmore is a tall, physical corner. Does not have elite speed but is fast enough to single up on most receivers. Needs to work on catching the ball. Will elevate and fight for jump balls. Is susceptible to pump fakes and look-offs from the quarterback, needs to work on play-appropriate aggression. Should develop into a quality starter.


22. Dont'a Hightower, Inside Linebacker, Alabama

6'4, 245

Compares to: Desmond Bishop

A very versatile player. Can play any linebacker position effectively in a 34 or 43, but is best suited for inside backer in a 34. Struggles in man coverage but that is his only obvious weakness. Is average in zone coverage, rushes the passer well and makes solid tackles.


23. Fletcher Cox, Defensive Tackle, Mississippi State

6'4, 300

Compares to: Brodrick Bunkley

Powerful run stuffer. Does not lose much ground and is able to shed run blocks well. Does not offer much of a pass rush, but puts forth a lot of effort. Best fit at 34 defensive end or 43 defensive tackle. Is a good solid tackler. Is not deceived by ball carriers.


24. Brandon Weeden, Quarterback, Oklahoma State

6'4, 220

Compares to: Carson Palmer

Good pocket quarterback prospect. Has elite arm strength and accuracy. Benefits from good pocket presence. Steps up under outside pressure and delivers strikes. Can struggle against pressure up the middle. Displays excellent mechanics. Footwork is very good except when blitzed up the middle - needs to work on throwing while on the move.


25. Bobby Massie, Offensive Tackle, Ole Miss

6'6, 320

Compares to: Jason Peters

Strong tackle prospect. Defends well against the pass although he plays very high. With that as the exception, plays with quality technique. Is effective as a run blocker although he would do well to play with more leverage. Is best suited for left tackle.

[ShutDown24]

Other players I considered at pick 24: Mychal Kendricks, Bobby Massie, Nick Perry, Kendall Wright, Kevin Zeitler, Stephen Hill, Peter Konz, Jerel Worthy, Coby Fleener, Josh Chapman. I settled on Branch as the player who I perceive would have the highest grade from the Steelers (educated guess).

[Steeltreal]

Other players I considered at pick 24: Mychal Kendricks, Bobby Massie, Nick Perry, Kendall Wright, Kevin Zeitler, Stephen Hill, Peter Konz, Jerel Worthy, Coby Fleener, Josh Chapman. I settled on Branch as the player who I perceive would have the highest grade from the Steelers (educated guess).

Branch Gouged the eye of a Florida State offensive lineman during a play in 2010, had many analysts calling for a suspension.
Maybe he can be the next Joey Porter.

[ShutDown24]

Branch Gouged the eye of a Florida State offensive lineman during a play in 2010, had many analysts calling for a suspension.
Maybe he can be the next Joey Porter.

I had never heard that. That's a concern. I guess that does sound a bit like something Joey would do though

[7willBheaven]

No offense ShutDown but i hope to hell that isnt their draft. I like what I've read about Wolfe...and im torn on Brooks (though I wouldnt have an issue if they took him)...but the rest? Meh! Especially the first rounder...I would be pissed if thats the pick.

[st33lersguy]

No offense but this looks like a Walterfootball mock. Not addressing the big needs, RB in the 3rd round. Why aren't we addressing the NT position until the 6th round? Is this Jerrell Harris kid an inside linebacker? If yes then there is no inside linebacker until the 7th round.

[Steeltreal]

No offense ShutDown but i hope to hell that isnt their draft. I like what I've read about Wolfe...and im torn on Brooks (though I wouldnt have an issue if they took him)...but the rest? Meh! Especially the first rounder...I would be pissed if thats the pick.

If thats all you do is "read" about draft prospects why comment? These guys actually take the time to watch and analyze NCAA Football games and deserve alot more credit. You should stick to reading your Walterfootball mocks.

[ShutDown24]

No offense ShutDown but i hope to hell that isnt their draft. I like what I've read about Wolfe...and im torn on Brooks (though I wouldnt have an issue if they took him)...but the rest? Meh! Especially the first rounder...I would be pissed if thats the pick.

I would have preferred my mock for the Steelers would have turned out differently too, but that's how it fell. While I would love to just slap Hightower in at pick 24, I'm betting he is long gone. Similarly I was hoping John Martin would make it down but the Browns was too good of a fit. While pass rusher isn't the greatest need, the team certainly seems to be interested in bolstering the position judging by the visits they've held with Perry, Johnson, Branch... So I feel like that need is higher on their radar than it is on ours, the fans. In this situation I have to imagine we would try and trade down, but who knows.

[ShutDown24]

No offense but this looks like a Walterfootball mock. Not addressing the big needs, RB in the 3rd round. Why aren't we addressing the NT position until the 6th round? Is this Jerrell Harris kid an inside linebacker? If yes then there is no inside linebacker until the 7th round.

I definitely agree that needs could be addressed better. But not at the picks we have with the way my mock fell. As I said above, it's easy to fill needs when you focus solely on the Steelers. But when you're looking at the rest of the league you have to sacrifice those guys that you want to make it to pick 24 to maintain the integrity of your mock draft. I could have easily just let Johnathan Martin slide down past the Browns because he would be a popular pick amongst Steelers fans but then I wouldn't be accurately portraying what I believe will happen.

[ShutDown24]

No offense but this looks like a Walterfootball mock. Not addressing the big needs, RB in the 3rd round. Why aren't we addressing the NT position until the 6th round? Is this Jerrell Harris kid an inside linebacker? If yes then there is no inside linebacker until the 7th round.

No offense ShutDown but i hope to hell that isnt their draft. I like what I've read about Wolfe...and im torn on Brooks (though I wouldnt have an issue if they took him)...but the rest? Meh! Especially the first rounder...I would be pissed if thats the pick.

With everything equal through pick 23, who would you guys have taken at 24?

[7willBheaven]

If thats all you do is "read" about draft prospects why comment? These guys actually take the time to watch and analyze NCAA Football games and deserve alot more credit. You should stick to reading your Walterfootball mocks.

Piss off! It doesnt matter if i read...or watch some videos (which on some players i do, especially ones the Steelers could select)...or watch live college games or whatever...maybe I dont have ALLLLL day or whatever to sit around and watch 100 vids on every single guy and so on (no offense to those who do this). As I do have a life outside of the Steelers/NFL/etc. But that doesnt mean I do not know what I'm talking about or that I cant give my thoughts on something...if you dont like what I have to say...too bad. And just because I post the various mocks from Walts site...doesnt mean thats all I know or read...I posted their mocks (plus other sites when i started that thread)...as its a common/popular site and I just like keeping track of mocks/etc to see how they progress...again dont like it too bad.

[7willBheaven]

With everything equal through pick 23, who would you guys have taken at 24?

Going by how your mock played out...I'd probably trade down as a first option. If not...I wouldnt be against Konz as an OG (even maybe Zeitler)...shoot I'd even consider Jenkins based on talent alone...maybe even Worthy as the NT of the future.

[SteelerFanInStl]

With everything equal through pick 23, who would you guys have taken at 24?

In that exact scenario, my choice would probably be Peter Konz. I wouldn't be upset with Chapman, but it seems a bit early for him.

[Galax Steeler]

Piss off! It doesnt matter if i read...or watch some videos (which on some players i do, especially ones the Steelers could select)...or watch live college games or whatever...maybe I dont have ALLLLL day or whatever to sit around and watch 100 vids on every single guy and so on (no offense to those who do this). As I do have a life outside of the Steelers/NFL/etc. But that doesnt mean I do not know what I'm talking about or that I cant give my thoughts on something...if you dont like what I have to say...too bad. And just because I post the various mocks from Walts site...doesnt mean thats all I know or read...I posted their mocks (plus other sites when i started that thread)...as its a common/popular site and I just like keeping track of mocks/etc to see how they progress...again dont like it too bad.

Agreed nice post

[7willBheaven]

Agreed nice post

Thanks Galax

[ShutDown24]

I figured Konz would be the popular pick after trading down. If we could trade back and somehow snag Zeitler/Chapman that would be fantastic. But that would be a tricky maneuver.

[ShutDown24]

I've been coming around to the idea of us just taking Zeitler at 24. Is it a reach? Probably. But it addresses a huge need. I just wanted to throw that out there and wasn't really sure where to post it so I thought I'd dump it in my thread lol. Aussie's contest entry mock draft is what prompted the idea (didn't want to hijack that thread). I've been thinking about it for a couple days now and have decided I don't hate it. That's a pretty big change in philosophy for me.

[suitanim]

I've been coming around to the idea of us just taking Zeitler at 24. Is it a reach? Probably. But it addresses a huge need. I just wanted to throw that out there and wasn't really sure where to post it so I thought I'd dump it in my thread lol. Aussie's contest entry mock draft is what prompted the idea (didn't want to hijack that thread). I've been thinking about it for a couple days now and have decided I don't hate it. That's a pretty big change in philosophy for me.

I read a blog or something where a guy literally watched hundreds of hours of tape on him and said he is a can't miss, legitimate 10-year starting NFL G with pro-bowl potential. Saw almost no flaws in his game that weren't simple things that would easily be coached out of him.

[ShutDown24]

I read a blog or something where a guy literally watched hundreds of hours of tape on him and said he is a can't miss, legitimate 10-year starting NFL G with pro-bowl potential. Saw almost no flaws in his game that weren't simple things that would easily be coached out of him.

When I watched him I thought he was solid but no where near as talented as DeCastro. I certainly like Zeitler better than Konz, however - so if we're planning on going interior linemen and DeCastro and Glenn are gone, I'd take Zeitler.

The reason I dislike the idea of selecting him at 24 is - to me - he isn't even close to the 24th best player in this draft. I really see him as more of a second round prospect. But that said, we've seen the Steelers bite the bullet with guys who I didn't think would come off the board until round two before (Hood, Edwards) to fill a need.

I guess in the end I wouldn't have a problem with it. I do think there will be much better talent available at 24 than Zeitler... but if taking care of a need in round one allows for us to select the best talent available for the remainder of the draft, then it might be worth it.