ITH.tv Pre-Combine Mock Draft

1)    Indianapolis Colts - Andrew Luck - QB - Stanford

Things have heated up even more in Indy between Manning and Irsay since our last mock. All indications are that Manning has played his last down as a Colt.

• No Change

2)    St. Louis Rams - Matt Kalil - OT - USC
After giving it more thought, and maybe watching the Blindside a few times, it seems that the Rams may be having a change of heart and are looking to protect Sam Bradford. Kalil is equally skilled at run blocking and will help Steven Jackson reach the second level with more consistency.

• Previously: Justin Blackmon - WR - Oklahoma State (#5)

3)    Minnesota Vikings - Riley Reiff - OT - Iowa
The Vikings are no doubt worried about the amount of time Christian Ponder spent peeling himself off the turf. And while a portion of that can be attributed to his lack of pocket presence in this stage of his career, their line was without question a serious weakness.

• Previously: Matt Kalil - OT - USC (#2)

4)    Cleveland Browns - Robert Griffin III - QB - Baylor
Cleveland wants RGIII. Unfortunately for them, so do a number of other QB-starved teams. Don’t be surprised if Cleveland trades up a spot or two to make sure no one else jumps ahead of them to land last year’s Heisman winner.

• No Change

5)    Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Justin Blackmon - WR - Oklahoma State
The Buccaneers are desperate for an NFL ready playmaker- Justin Blackmon is a superstar playmaker in waiting. Blackmon is a big, physical receiver that also has the speed to turn a 10 yard slant into an 80 yard touchdown.

• Previously: Morris Claiborne - CB - LSU (#6)

6)    Washington Redskins - Morris Claiborne - CB - LSU

While Washington would love to get their QB of the future here, there is simply too big a drop-off from Griffin for them to reach on anyone. Claiborne was the best defender on one of the nation’s best defenses. Mike Shanahan nabs Claiborne in hopes he’ll develop into Champ Bailey 2.0.

• Previously: Riley Reiff - OT - Iowa (#3)

7)    Jacksonville Jaguars - Michael Brockers - DT - LSU
Also a key element of the LSU defense, Brockers will cause trouble for many offensive linemen in the NFL. The reason for the change from Coples to Brockers is the fact that the Jaguars are more than likely going to look for a big body in the middle to stop the efficient run games of the AFC South.

• Previously: Quinton Coples - DE - North Carolina (#8)

8)    Carolina Panthers - Quinton Coples - DE - North Carolina
Coples is the best D-End on the board and the Panthers love the idea of bringing on a UNC-alum to help drive ticket sales.

• Previously: Michael Brockers - DT - LSU (#7)

9)    Miami Dolphins - Jonathan Martin - OT - Stanford
With Luck and Griffin off the board, the Dolphins will have to make their splash at the QB position in free agency. Expect them to grab Jonathan Martin, a solid offensive lineman who will pair with Jake Long to protect whoever they bring in at QB.

• No Change

10)    Buffalo Bills - Courtney Upshaw - OLB - Alabama
There are strong signals coming out of Buffalo which point to the Bills wanting Upshaw. The front office is dead-set on improving a pass rush that ranked 27th in the league in sacks last year. Upshaw is the best linebacker in the draft and due to his spectacular National Title Game, he has shot up draft boards and into the top 10.

• No Change

11)    Kansas City Chiefs - Kendall Wright - WR - Baylor
Wright’s draft stock has been rising, and with the possibility of Bowe leaving KC for greener pastures, this pick would make sense for KC. Wright is a speedy weapon that will consistently produce, and ultimately will help this offense move the ball.

• Previously: David DeCastro - G - Stanford (#17)

12)    Seattle Seahawks - Melvin Ingram - DE - South Carolina

Much like Kendall Wright, Melvin Ingram’s draft stock has been rising fast and many believe he has the potential to make an immediate contribution to a NFL team. His size is a bit of a concern, but he makes up for it by playing through injuries and helping his team in any way he is asked.

• Previously: Ryan Tannehil - QB - Texas A&M (Out of Round 1)

13)    Arizona Cardinals - Trent Richardson - RB - Alabama
Justice has finally come for Richardson and his draft stock is starting to reflect his play from last year. Many Arizona fans may be confused by this pick, but Wells has a tendency to get injured and a two back set could benefit the entire offense. Richardson is a punishing runner who relishes contact; a 40 time in the high 4.3’s could easily catapult him into the top 10.

• Previously: Luke Kuechly - ILB - Boston College (#15)

14)    Dallas Cowboys - Dre Kirkpatrick - CB - Alabama
Kirkpatrick is an extremely gifted CB, but his off the field issues have raised red flags. Dallas has never been afraid to take chances on guys like Kirkpatrick and we don’t expect them to change now. Kirkpatrick could step in immediately and shore up a pass defense which gave up over 21 points through the air per game last season.

• No Change

15)    Philadelphia Eagles - Luke Kuechly - ILB - Boston College
Kuechly’s draft stock has fallen a bit, and this works in favor of the Eagles who clearly need him. Linebacker was one of the “dream team’s” weakest spots on what was an abysmal defense last season.

• Previously: Devon Still - DT - Penn. State (#27)

 16)    New York Jets - Mark Barron - S - Alabama
Many Jets fans would prefer they shore up their pitiful offense, but most would agree the defense wasn’t too great, either. Barron is a top-10 talent and would give the Jets’ D a much needed shot in the arm.

• Previously: Trent Richardson - RB - Alabama (#13)

17)    Cincinnati Bengals - David DeCastro - G - Stanford
Determined to better protect Andy Dalton, the Bengals would happily take this fiery guard out of Stanford.

• Previously: Michael Adams - OT - Ohio State (#18)

18)    San Diego Chargers - Michael Adams - OT - Ohio State
Suspended for the first half of the season, Adams was able to able to bounce back well enough to show scouts he is indeed deserving of a first round pick.

• Previously: Kendall Wright - WR - Baylor (#11)

19)    Chicago Bears - Michael Floyd - WR - Notre Dame
The new GM, Phil Emery, has said upgrading the WR position is priority number one. It’s time for the Bears to get a real receiver. Many have pointed out the needs on the offensive line, but the Bears will improve there simply by returning a few key guys from injury.

• No Change

20)    Tennessee Titans - Whitney Mercilus - DE/OLB - Illinois
Mercilus continues to impress scouts and has seen his draft stock continue to rise. Mercilus knows how to get after the QB and has the talent, size, and versatility to make it happen in the NFL. Mercilus could very well test off the charts at the combine and shoot up into the top-15.

• Previously: Cordy Glenn - G - Georgia (#29)

21)    Cincinnati Bengals - Janoris Jenkins - CB - N. Alabama
Without a running back to choose here the Bengals will look to add to an already formidable defense. There is a good amount of concern surrounding Jenkins due to his multiple arrests for possession of marijuana, but let’s be real: the Bengals have never let that stop them before.

• Previously: Lamar Miller - RB - Miami (FL) (Out of Round 1)

22)    Cleveland Browns - Rueben Randle - WR - LSU

Randle was a solid receiver in college and has been climbing up draft boards each day. His numbers and draft stock were hampered by the dismal LSU offense, but he has the tools to flourish with a pro QB throwing the ball his way.

• Previously: Alshon Jeffery - WR - South Carolina (#22)

23)    Detroit Lions - Peter Konz - C - Wisconsin
The Lions are indicating that they are content with their current defensive situation. It’s likely posturing but we’ll buy it for now. Konz would be ready to start from day one and would help an often-anemic Detroit run game.

• Previously: Janoris Jenkins - CB - North Alabama (#21)

24)    Pittsburgh Steelers - Fletcher Cox - DT - Mississippi State
Most other mock drafts have Cox going in the low to mid-teens but we aren’t sold quite yet. Loaded with talent, Cox will have to show a willingness to do the little things that make a great pro before we’re ready to move him any higher.

• Previously: Mark Barron - S - Alabama (#17)

25)    Denver Broncos - Dontari Poe - DT - Memphis
Poe commands double teams and will help Von Miller get more one-on-one pass rush opportunities. Poe would be another solid, young piece on a defense that is positioned to become one of the league’s best.

• Previously: Peter Konz - C - Wisconsin (#23)

26)    Houston Texans - Chandler Jones - DE - Syracuse
It seems that the Texans found their identity on defense, and Jones could use his size, speed, and work ethic to make an instant impact. Jones’ draft stock continues to rise and a stellar combine could push him into the teens.

• Previously: Chase Minnifield - CB - Virginia (Out of Round 1)

27)    New England Patriots (From New Orleans)- Devon Still - DT - Penn State
Still would be a steal if he were to fall this low. Still would be an immediate upgrade to a defense that ranked as one of the worst in league history.

• Previously: Whitney Mercilus - DE/OLB - Illinois (#20)

28)    Green Bay Packers - Nick Perry - DE/OLB - USC

The Pack will have done well for themselves should this USC product do half as well as the last guy they took from the school. The Packers’ pass-rush was painful to watch last year. And with a pick this low, the Packers are most likely going to have to add a number of other pieces to bring the defense back to a respectable level.

• Previously: Alfonzo Dennard - CB - Nebraska (Out of Round 1)

29)    Baltimore Ravens - Cordy Glenn - G - Georgia
Glenn is slowly gaining momentum, and has the potential to be a key piece on the offensive line for years to come.

• Previously: Vontaze Burfict - ILB - ASU (Out of Round 1)

30)    San Francisco 49ers - Alshon Jeffery - WR - South Carolina
Jeffery has immense talent, but questions surrounding his character and top-end speed could be enough to drop him down into the late first round. San Francisco would be thrilled to get someone of Jeffery’s talent this late in the draft.

• Previously: Mohamed Sanu - WR - Rutgers (Out of Round 1)

31)    New England Patriots - Harrison Smith - S - Notre Dame
Smith can do it all when he is on the playing field. He’ll be able to play safety or cornerback in the NFL. His phenomenal instincts make up for what he lacks in athletic ability.

• Previously: Zach Brown - OLB - North Carolina (Out of Round 1)

32)    New York Giants - Coby Fleener - TE - Stanford
The Giants have a quality tight end in Jake Ballard, but with his Super Bowl injury and the proven success of multiple tight ends this could be a realistic pick. Fleener uses his size to make tough catches and is a solid blocker when called upon.

• Previously: Don’t’a Hightower - ILB - Alabama (Out of Round 1)