MIKE KAYE

With some teams out of the playoff race and others holding on for their playoff lives, along with Heisman Trophy being awarded tonight, the first of many mock drafts is here. This year features many strong prospects despite Andrew Luck taking all the headlines. The new draft pay structure may be the cause of numerous trades within the early picks this year. These picks are based on standings as of writing and while I am making the picks for these teams, the picks are not representations of who I would take, but rather the picks that I think the teams will make.

1. Indianapolis Colts

Andrew Luck, QB, Standford

The most obvious first overall pick since Carson Palmer came out of USC, Luck is the quintessential quarterback of the future for this once unbeatable franchise. My gut says they will openly accept trade offers for this pick but in the end, Luck will take over for Peyton Manning.

2.  St. Louis Rams

Matt Kalil, OT, USC

I am not trying to make excuses for Sam Bradford, but part of the reason he is struggling is the sophomore slump of Rodger Staffold and ineffectiveness of former second overall pick, Jason Smith. If the Rams want Bradford (who struggles heavily against defensive pressure) to succeed, they need him worrying more about his progression than being put on the ground. Kalil is the best left tackle prospect in the draft and in my opinion, has a very low bust-rate.

3. Minnesota Vikings

Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

Charles Johnson and Phillip Loadholt are not going to cut it for long in Minnesota. The Vikings got their “Franchise Quarterback” in Christian Ponder last year, now and maybe more importantly, they get their true “Franchise Left Tackle.”

4. Jacksonville Jaguars

Justin Blackmon, WR, OSU

Blaine Gabbert has taken a lot of criticism for this season, but honestly, he was set up to fail. The Jags are using slot receivers as their outside guys. When a team picks up a wide receiver every other week off of waivers, they have problems. Blackmon is an exciting, athletic talent that can stretch the field and make the catches when he has to. This is a good piece for the new regime.

5. Washington Redskins

Matt Barkley, QB, USC

With the Dolphins deciding that they want to win, the Skins could be in the hunt for Barkley, who has most college and pro football fans clamoring at his last season run with USC. While I believe Barkley needs at least one year to develop, Mike Shanahan has to do something to inspire excitement from this fanbase and their impatient owner.

6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

Ronde Barber may retire this offseason after a fantastic career with the Bucs, so it is time to find a replacement. Claiborne has been phenomenal this season for the LSU Tigers and he could fit right in with the Bucs just like his former teammate, Patrick Peterson, did with the Cardinals.

7. Philadelphia Eagles

Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

A lot of Eagles fans are hoping for a linebacker here (myself included) but there is a lack of value for linebackers in the top ten. The cornerbacks have been underwhelming this season and with Asante Samuel likely to get cut or traded in the offseason, the Birds could use some youth at the position. I do think the Eagles trade down for a linebacker if they get a pick this high, but if they stay the talented Kirkpatrick could be the answer.

8. Miami Dolphins

Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

As I mentioned before, Miami is playing their way out of the Matt Barkley pick. Matt Moore seems to be the guy for at least the next year which gives them time to develop a guy behind him. Griffin has put up great numbers and is a great leader. He could be the starter by the end of next season.

9. Cleveland Browns

Trent Richardson, HB, Alabama

Peyton Hillis is as good as gone and the Browns need some serious running help. I like Montario Hardesty but he has not proven himself durable. Richardson is a physical beast who I believe is much better than Alabama alum, Mark Ingram. Richardson can use power and strength, but also displays great hands which could help out Colt McCoy or whoever the man behind center is next year.

10. Carolina Panthers

Zach Brown, OLB, UNC

The Panthers have faced constant injuries to their linebacker group over the last few seasons. With Jon Beason coming off a serious knee injury and Thomas Davis having trouble just staying on the field, Zach Brown of UNC could be a nice option to help injury ward in Carolina. Brown is local, so the Panthers will be able to do their homework (if they haven’t already) on the young man who is easily the best outside linebacker in this year’s draft class.

11. Seattle Seahawks

Ryan Tannenhill, QB, Texas A&M

Tavaris Jackson is a nice player but as a “Franchise Quarterback” he has a lot to prove. Jackson signed a two-year deal this past offseason so he could start next year while a young guy develops on the bench. Tannenhill has really come on this year and stands to (at the very least) be the Christian Ponder pick of this draft.

12. San Diego Chargers

Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

The Chargers seem to lack explosiveness in their offense. With Darren Sproles in New Orleans, the Chargers lack a real speed option in San Diego. Jeffery is quick and consistent, which will take some of the coverage off Vincent Jackson. The presence of Vincent Brown, Jeffery, Jackson, and Malcolm Floyd will give Philip Rivers no more excuses for failing to excel.

13. Kansas City Chiefs

Devon Still, DT, Penn State

Kansas City has had issues with their defensive front since switching to a 3-4. Tyson Jackson has underperformed and Glenn Dorsey is playing out of position. Still is a big guy with a great motor. He will demand constant attention in passing game but can also be quite successful against the running game.

14. Buffalo Bills

Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

The Bills have gotten by on no-name talent at wide receiver, now is the time to give Ryan Fitzpatrick some real weapons. Floyd should have come out last year but stayed in school. He now has the opportunity to be “the guy” in Buffalo.

15. Arizona Cardinals

Quinton Couples, DE, UNC

Couples is more of a natural defensive end, but in a league where defenses are constantly morphing their defenses between 3-4 and 4-3 schemes, there is no better pass rusher. Arizona has had trouble getting to QBs, but Couples is an expert in such activities. He can put his hand down but may thrive standing up.

16. New York Giants

Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

The Giants are struggling to run the ball and to stay healthy on the offensive line. Jonathan Martin of Stanford could solve both problems. Martin is tall (6’6) and athletic and could prove to be a valuable asset in pass protection.

17. Tennessee Titans

David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

Chris Johnson is a great running back but will not succeed on a long-term basis if he has to do it himself. DeCastro can open up lane for the former 2,000 yard rusher. When you open up the running lanes, CJ2K could get back to his best.

18. Cincinnati Bengals (acquired from Oakland)

Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

The Bengals had done well at corner without Jonathan Joseph but after an ACL injury ended Leon Hall’s season, they are really hurting. Nate Clements is an old player on the other side so it would be wise for the Bengals to jump at Dennard who has been stellar the past two seasons. I think he is better than Prince Amukamara.

19. New York Jets

Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia

A once strong running team, the Jets have been inconsistent on the ground over the past two years. Enter Cordy Glenn who has been an absolute force on the inside for the Georgia Bulldogs. It may not be the “sexy” pick but I think it is the right one.

20. Detroit Lions

Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College

Stephen Tulloch is signed for just this season and could prove pricey after a strong season with the Lions. Kuechly is a smart player who can lead the Lions for years to come. He has great instincts and has proven to be a consistently good tackler. The 2011 Butkus Award winner is young but makes up for his lack of experience with uncanny smarts and toughness.

21. Denver Broncos

Manti Te’o, ILB, Notre Dame

Joe Mays is a nice guy but I would not want him as the starting middle linebacker on my team. Te’o is a throwback linebacker who follows the ball and attacks. With Von Miller already dominating in his rookie year with his pass rushing ability, Te’o could be the guy slows down opposing rushing attacks.

22. Dallas Cowboys

Janoris Jenkins, CB, Northern Alabama

Jenkins could have come out last year but decided not to. He then got kicked out of Florida and transferred to Northern Alabama. Jenkins is still top talent at his position and could replace another Jenkins (Michael) in Dallas. Terrence Newman is still a strong player but his age shows at times on the field.

23. Cincinnati Bengals

Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama

Keith Rivers has been inconsistent since being drafted by the Bengal and Manny Lawson is only signed for one year, so outside linebacker has to be considered a priority. Upshaw comes from a strong program and an even stronger (if that is even possible) defense. The Alabama prospect can rush the passer and excel in coverage.

24. Chicago Bears

Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson

Mike Martz is rumored to be let go at the end of the season, so the tight end position immediately becomes important again. Allen is the top tight end in this class and could be a valuable asset for Jay Cutler.

25. Cleveland Browns (acquired from the Atlanta Falcons)

Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma

Having two picks in the first round allows the Browns to take a shot at a possible QB. Jones has become a household name on the college scene this year and looks poised to be a late 1^st round pick. Jones will compete with Colt McCoy for the starting job in 2012.

26. New England Patriots (acquired from New Orleans Saints)

Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

Once again the Pats have two first round picks and I think they will go offensive line again. Bill Belichek believes in building in the trenches and Konz is the best center on the board.

27. Pittsburgh Steelers

Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis

Chris Hoke’s career could be in jeopardy with his upcoming neck surgery, so Poe could take his place. Poe’s small school status has him a little under the radar but I see this big guy going in the late first round.

28. New England Patriots

Dont’a Hightower, ILB, Alabama

Jerod Mayo has regressed and the Pats defense overall has been lacks. Despite his injury-plagued college career, I think Hightower is the right pick for New England. Much like Upshaw, Hightower is athletic and can cover opposing tight ends and running backs.

29. Houston Texans

Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

The Texans have been able to get by with a lack of Andre Johnson but it has not been easy. Wright is a local guy that can fill the void if history repeats itself. The Texans need stronger vertical threats than Kevin Walter and Jacoby Jones.

30. San Francisco 49ers

Jerel Worth, DT, Michigan State

Justin Smith is getting up there in age and has the injuries to prove it. Jerel Worth fits the Niners defense that constantly switches between 3-4 and 4-3. Worth is much better against the run but can push offensive lineman back when faced with passing plays.

31. Baltimore Ravens

Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia

The Ravens still have a major need at cornerback despite drafting Jimmy Smith last year. Minnifield is a bit of a reach here but I think he can help settle the foundation in the secondary for Baltimore. I think the Ravens will trade back if they are picking here in the draft.

32. Green Bay Packers

Lamar Miller, HB, Miami

The Packers have very few needs at 12-0 (at time of press) but I think they could drop Ryan Grant’s large contract and go younger at running back with James Starks and a rookie. Miller is the number two back in this class and displays high speed and the ability to catch the ball when his number is called. Only in his second year after redshirting, he doubled his rushing yards from his first year on the field.

Photo: AP

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