1. Indianapolis Colts - Andrew Luck QB, Stanford

This pick is a no brainer.  Andrew Luck is the most polished QB to come out of college in a long time and the best Stanford prospect since John Elway.  The Colts replace their old franchise QB with a new one in Luck.

2. Washington Redskins - Robert Griffin III QB, Baylor

St. Louis asked for a king’s ransom in return for this pick, and they got it.  A great move by the Rams opens up the Redskins to get their QB of the future in Griffin.  Some “experts” believe that Griffin has better upside than Luck.  ESPN Analyst Merril Hodge said he would take Griffin over Luck, and he isn’t the only one.  

3. Minnesota Vikings - Matt Kalil OT, USC

The Vikings have a lot of options here at pick No. 3.  They could take a playmaker such as Justin Blackmon, or take the best defensive player in the draft, Morris Claiborne.  I think that Kalil is the smart pick here, the Vikings really like Christian Ponder and they will need to keep him upright for the foreseeable future. Kalil is the best LT prospect to come out of the draft since Joe Thomas, he has franchise LT written all over him. 

4. Cleveland Browns - Trent Richardson RB, Alabama

The Browns are the X factor in this draft.  They have a ton of options here at pick No. 4.  Blackmon and Claiborne both make a lot of sense here, but I would take Richardson.  Richardson has a great combination of size and speed, and he is a back that can carry the load in the NFL.  The greatest thing you can give a young quarterback is a good ground game, and that is what Cleveland should do with this pick.  

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Morris Claiborne CB, LSU

This is a no-brainer for the Bucs.  They invested a lot of money in Vincent Jackson this offseason and young receiver Mike Williams is emerging as a solid target for Josh Freeman, so they don’t need Blackmon. The Buccaneers were 21st last season against the run and Claiborne will be a huge addition to the secondary for Tampa. 

6. St. Louis Rams - Justin Blackmon WR, Oklahoma State

If the Rams get Blackmon they will complete one of the best trades in NFL history.  The trade was already really good, but if they could get Blackmon (who they wanted at No. 2), it would be the icing on the cake. I believe that Blackmon will be an elite receiver in this league, and he would be a great addition to Sam Bradford and the Rams’ offense. 

7. Jacksonville Jaguars - Michael Floyd WR, Notre Dame

This is my first real surprise here in the first round.  Jacksonville has terrible wide receivers, even with the addition of Laurent Robinson.  Michael Floyd has helped his draft stock immensely through his combine and workout performances.  Last year the Atlanta Falcons traded up 20 spots to get Julio Jones. The Falcons’ offensive coordinator last season was Mike Mularkey, who is now the head coach of the Jaguars.  The Jaguars could also use a playmaker for Blaine Gabbert. 

8. Miami Dolphins - Ryan Tannenhill QB, Texas A&M

Tannenhill could go has high as No. 3 if Minnesota trades out of their selection.  The Dolphins are clearly in a rebuilding mode, they could use a franchise QB and Tannenhill’s stock is red-hot.  

9. Carolina Panthers - Dontari Poe DT, Memphis

Perhaps nobody had a better combine than Dontari Poe, who ran a an official 40-yard-dash time of 4.87, at 346 pounds! The Panthers were 25th in the league against the run last year and Poe could come in and have an immediate impact for Carolina. 

10.  Buffalo Bills - Riley Reiff OT, IOWA

The Bills solidified their pass rush situation for the next few years with the signings of Mario Williams and Mark Anderson.  In total, the Bills invested over 120 million dollars in their front four.  They now need to invest some money in their offensive front five. The Bills opted to let Demetrius Bell walk so they have a glaring hole at LT.  Reiff is the second best OT in the draft and would fit well here for Buffalo.  Reiff has strong hands and quick feet and should do a good job keeping Ryan Fitzpatrick upright. 

11. Kansas City Chiefs - Luke Kuechly ILB, Boston College

Kuechly is a tackling machine.  He won the Dick Butkus award and the Vince Lombardi award in 2011 and is the best college linebacker in this draft. Matchup Kuechly with Derrick Johnson will give the Chiefs a deadly combination at linebacker. 

12. Seattle Seahawks - Quinton Coples DE, North Carolina

Coples has drawn criticism from scouts and analysis for being inconsistent and taking plays off.  Coples had 7.5 sacks in 2011 and finished his career at North Carolina with 24 sacks.  When Coples plays to his ability there is no doubt he is an elite pass rusher. 

13. Arizona Cardinals - Jonathan Martin OT, Stanford

The Cardinals biggest need in this draft is at offensive tackle.  I feel that Martin is the right fit here, especially with Kuechly and Floyd off the board.  If either of those players is available the Cardinals will take long looks at both as they have multiple needs and no second round pick. 

14. Dallas Cowboys - Dre Kirkpatrick CB, Alabama

Even with the addition of Brandon Carr, the Cowboys still need help in the secondary.  Dallas ranked 7th in the league in rushing defense in 2011, but 23rd in passing defense.  Kirkpatrick makes a lot of sense here because he is a great talent with some off the field concerns.  The Cowboys have had success with this type of pick before, most recently WR Dez Bryant. 

15. Philadelphia Eagles - Michael Brockers DT, LSU

The Eagles gave up 112.6 rushing yards per game last year and their two starting defensive tackles combined for 61 tackles and 7 sacks (5 from Cullen Jenkins).  Brockers has a lot of upside and would fit nicely beside Jenkins on that Eagles defense. 

16. New York Jets - Melvin Ingram DE/OLB, South Carolina

In 2011, the Jets leader in sacks was Aaron Maybin, who had six.  The Jets need to bolster their defensive line and Ingram makes sense here.  Ingram has proven he can get to the passer when healthy would fit as an OLB in the Jets 3-4 defensive scheme. 

17. Cincinnati Bengals - Janoris Jenkins CB, North Alabama

If Jenkins had not gotten kicked off the Florida football team in 2011 he would probably be going higher.  Instead, he got released from his scholarship and finished his college career in relative obscurity, playing for North Alabama.  Jenkins possesses a very good break on the ball and in 2010 held A.J Green and Julio Jones to an average of 38 receiving yards a game. 

18. San Diego Chargers - David Decastro OG, Stanford

Guard Kris Dielman retired after 2011, leaving a hole in the interior of the Chargers offensive line. Decastro could go has high as No. 13 and is very good value here. 

19.  Chicago Bears - Courtney Upshaw DE/OLB, Alabama

Upshaw possesses a great burst off the line and has very good awareness for a defensive lineman.  The Bears ranked 28th in passing defense and nobody aside from Julius Peppers is a proven pass rusher for Chicago.  The Bears traded for Brandon Marshall so I see them added depth to the WR position in the later rounds. 

20. Tennessee Titans - Stephon Gilmore CB, South Carolina

The Titans lost Cortland Finnegan to the Rams this offseason, leaving a glaring hole in the secondary.  Gilmore ran a 4.40 40-yard-dash and possess superb awareness that makes him a dangerous defender to test. 

21. Cincinnati Bengals - Cordy Glenn OG/OT, Georgia

Glenn is one of the most versatile offensive lineman in this draft.  In 2009, he played three positions on the line and Glenn started a total of 50 games in college.  The Bengals have holes in the interior of their offensive line and Glenn would be a solid selection here.  

22. Cleveland Browns - Kendall Wright WR, Baylor

Wright may very well be gone when the Browns pick here, but if he isn’t, he would be a very nice addition to a struggling Cleveland offense.  The Browns were 24th in the league in passing and Wright put up gaudy numbers at Baylor in 2011.  Wright had 108 receptions 1,663 receiving yards and 14 receiving touchdowns.

23. Detroit Lions - Mark Barron S, Alabama

As shown multiple times this season, the Lions secondary was terrible.  In the 2011 playoffs, Drew Brees torched the Lions for 466 yards and three touchdowns and the Lions ranked 22nd in passing defense. Barron was a unanimous All-American in 2011 and is the only elite safety in the 2012 Draft. 

 24. Pittsburgh Steelers - Mike Adams OT, Ohio State

Max Starks tore is ACL against Denver in the playoffs last season, most likely ending his season.  The Steelers have multiple holes in their offensive line and Mike Adams has been rising ever since his impressive Senior Bowl performance. 

25. Denver Broncos - Peter Konz OC, Wisconsin

The Broncos have a hole in the middle of their offensive line and it just so happens a very good center is available for them here.  Konz was a three-year starter at Wisconsin and is a very good run blocker. 

26. Houston Texans - Dont’a Hightower ILB, Alabama

The Texans made the surprise move of the offseason when the traded DeMeco Ryans to to Philadelphia for a 4th-round pick.  Hightower is the second best middle linebacker in the draft and Hightower possess good instincts an good mobility. 

27. New England Patriots - Whitney Mercilus DE/OLB, Illinois

The Patriots have holes all over their defense, and it doesn’t help that they lost Mark Anderson and his 11.5 sacks to division rival Buffalo.  Mercilus was a one year wonder at Illinois as he led the nation and Big Ten in sacks with 13.5, he also led the nation with eight forced fumbles in 2011. 

28. Green Bay Packers - Nick Perry OLB, USC

Perry led the Pac-12 in sacks with 9.5 and was named a finalist for the Hendricks Award (Top Defensive End). Perry possess a good first step and and bursts off the snap. 

29. Baltimore Ravens - Bobby Massie OT, Ole Miss

Massie had soared up draft boards and is now a bonafide first round pick.  Massie played in every game over the last three seasons in college and has good size to be an offensive lineman in the NFL.

30. San Francisco 49ers - Dwight Bentley CB, Louisiana-Lafayette 

Perhaps the biggest surprise in the first round is Bentley to the 49ers.  Jim Harbaugh surprised many last season when he selected Aldon Smith in the top ten and that clearly turned out well.  The Niners stockpiled wide receivers this offseason and they have a need at CB behind Carlos Rodgers.  

31.  New England Patriots - Fletcher Cox DT, Mississippi State

I highly doubt the Patriots will keep both of their picks in the first round, especially with some QB’s that might be available in the later first round.  If the Pats stay here they will take the best defensive player available. 

32.  New York Giants - Coby Fleener TE, Stanford 

Fleener is a solid pick for the Giants with the last pick in the first round.  Fleener averaged 19.6 yards per reception in 2011 and caught 10 touchdowns in a pro-style offense for Stanford.

Payne’s Mock Draft 6.0

1. Indianapolis Colts-Andrew Luck QB, Stanford
2. Washington Redskins (from STL)-Robert Griffin III QB, Baylor
3. Minnesota Vikings-Matt Kalil OT, USC
4. Cleveland Browns-Trent Richardson RB, Alabama
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Morris Claiborne CB, LSU
6. St. Louis Rams (from WSH)-Justin Blackmon WR, Oklahoma St.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars-Quinton Coples DE, North Carolina
8. Miami Dolphins-Ryan Tannehill QB, Texas A&M
9. Carolina Panthers-Dontari Poe DT, Memphis
10. Buffalo Bills-Riley Reiff OT, Iowa
11. Kansas City Chiefs-Michael Brockers DT, LSU
12. Seattle Seahawks-Melvin Ingram DE, South Carolina
13. Arizona Cardinals-Luke Kuechly ILB, Boston College
14. Dallas Cowboys-Dre Kirkpatrick CB, Alabama
15. Philadelphia Eagles-Courtney Upshaw OLB, Alabama
16. New York Jets-Michael Floyd WR, Notre Dame
17. Cincinnati Bengals (from OAK)-Janoris Jenkins CB, Northern Alabama
18. San Diego Chargers-Jonathan Martin OT, Stanford
19. Chicago Bears-Mike Adams OT, Ohio State
20. Tennessee Titans-David DeCastro G, Stanford
21. Cincinnati Bengals-Cordy Glenn G/T, Georgia
22. Cleveland Browns (from ATL)-Kendall Wright WR, Baylor
23. Detroit Lions-Mark Barron S, Alabama
24. Pittsburgh Steelers-Fletcher Cox DT, Mississippi State
25. Denver Broncos-Peter Konz C, Wisconsin
26. Houston Texans-Lavonte David LB, Nebraska
27. New England Patriots (from NO)-Kendall Reyes DT, Connecticut 
28. Green Bay Packers-Dont’a Hightower LB, Alabama
29. Baltimore Ravens-Bobby Massie OT, Ole Miss
30. San Francisco 49ers-Stephon Gilmore CB, South Carolina
31. New England Patriots-Stephen Hill WR, Georgia Tech
32. New York Giants-Coby Fleener TE, Stanford

Mock considering Senior Bowl performances. Last one until we break out our three round mock draft in a couple weeks.

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1.Isaiah Pead, RB - Cincinnati: Perhaps nobody improved their stock at the Senior Bowl more than Isaiah Pead.  The 5-foot-11-inch tall Pead out of Cincinnati had 129 all-purpose yards in the game and was named MVP.  Pead shined as a punt returner, averaging almost 50 yards per return and breaking the Senior Bowl record for punt return yards in a game with 98. Pead also led all rushers with 31 yards on the ground.  He showed elusiveness and the ability to run through tackles. 

Pead had a solid career at Cincinnati, rushing for 3,288 yards in his career. Pead finished 2011 with 1,259 yards and 15 total touchdowns. Many think that Pead may be too small to be an every down back in the NFL.  However with his polished skills as a returner and ability to come on third down right away, Pead could come in and immediately have an impact on an NFL team.  Right now I could see him going in the 4th/5th round. 

2. Joe Adams, WR - Arkansas: Although Adams fumbled for the South team on their first possession, that did not stop Adams from having maybe the best game of any wide receiver at the Senior Bowl.  Adams finished with 8 catches for 133 yards and was named "Most Outstanding Player of the South."  Adams showed that he is very dangerous in open space and if you give him an inch he can take a mile.  He reminded me of what Victor Cruz has been doing in open space this season for the Giants. 

Like Pead, Joe Adams has polished skills as a return man.  Adams has the ability to come in and have an immediate impact on a team's return game.  He should also be able to come in and compete for playing time as a receive because of his playmaking skills in the ope field.  Adams could see his stock rise even more if he runs a good 40-yard-dash time.  

3. Alameda Ta'amu, DT - Washington: Ta'amu was constantly in the backfield all game for the North team. While most of the focus was on the South team's defensive line standouts, Ta'amu was able to shine in the middle all day for the North defense. During one play in the first half, Ta'amu pushed Georgia standout OT/OG Cordy Glenn back into Brandon Weeden, forcing Weeden to throw an interception. Glenn is a projected first round pick. Ta'amu is a projected nose tackle in a 3-4 defense.  At 6-foot-2-inches and 340-pounds, Ta'amu definitely has the size for the position. Ta'amu started 42 games at Washington and was honorable mention All-Pac-12 his senior season. 

I'm including my complete notes from the 2012 Senior bowl but if you're not interested in reading the whole thing here are some highlights:

• LB Nigel Bradham out of Florida State had a great game, shining on a South defense with three first rounders on it. Always seemed to be around the ball and looked very athletic. I like him a lot and think he can be a real weapon.
• Another LB Bobby Wagner looked great in pass defense and led the game in tackles. Very athletic, very smart, should be gone on the second day.
• Casey Hayward probably had the best game among corners, but I think Janoris Jenkins was still the most talented when considering the whole week. Jenkins made some great tackles, but he's got to have his head together to get taken in the first round.
• Brandon Weeden was by far the most talented quarterback, despite the one interception. First round talent, but really old for a rookie. Just wouldn't justify taking a high pick on a guy that's already as old as veterans like Alex Smith or Philip Rivers.
• The two Arizona wideouts had really solid games, with both Juron Criner and Gerell Robinson hauling in TD's. Criner could be a second rounder, Robinson probably looking at somewhere on Day 3.

Senior Bowl 2012 Notes

• South Poss. 1
• Solid run block by Sanders
• Strong throws by Weeden early
• North Poss. 1
• Good poise on the run by Wilson, scramble for first down.
• Polk keeps feet moving.
• Upshaw bit on play action, stuck in back field.
• Good tackle by Brandon Thompson on the run.
• Run tackle by J. Jenkins
• Overthrow by Wilson, didn’t let WR make play. Good coverage by Bentley.
• South Poss. 2
• Clearing block by Sanders, smart throw by Weeden.
• Sanders solid run blocking, Ballard running tough.
• Good concentration by Dwight Jones to make catch.
• Ganoway burst after hitting hole.
• Ta’amu TFL, pure bull rush. 
• Tipped pass by Curry (Marshall).
• Audie Cole tackle in open field.
• Good route by Jeff Fuller, didn’t do much after catch.
• North Poss. 2
• High throw from Wilson, followed by late underthrow for INT
• Good read from Brandon Taylor (LSU) to pick ball.
• South Poss. 3
• Glenn got beat, Curry with the sack.
• Bobby Wagner with INT, poor decision by Weeden.
• Ta’amu forced Glenn into Weeden, led to pick.
• North Poss. 3
• Extended play by Wilson, after bad snap. Gerrell Robinson with good route.
• Great catch by T.J. Graham.
• PI by Casey Hayward
• Nigel Bradham sack on Wilson, good tackle.
• Melvin Ingram got in back field, but chopped down. 
• Marvin Jones TD on rollout by Wilson. Jenkins beat.
• South Poss. 4
• Lindley in at QB.
• Rainey with open field, didn’t make any one miss. Pure speed.
• Crisp throw to Criner, Sanders beat on the edge.
• Sanders strong in the run block, weak in pass.
• Good route running by Criner, smart placement by Lindley.
• Ta’amu in backfield again.
• Solid hands by Deangelo Peterson, low throw.
• Great play after catch by Joe Adams, making up for fumble earlier.
• Lindley overthrew Criner in the endzone. Fletcher (BC) beat easy.
• Bobby Wagner pass deflection. Looking good in the pass defense.
• North Poss. 4
• Bad read by Moore, good break on ball by Bentley. Coples got a hand on the ball.
• Brian Quick picked up first down, tackle by Zach Brown.
• Coples with unnecessary roughness, stupid play.
• Coples follows with sack, beating two blocks, wrapping up Moore.
• Zach Brown tackle on Herron, finds screen.  Coples bringing pressure.
• South Poss. 5
• Lavonte David good tackle in open field on Ganoway.
• North Poss. 5
• Isaiah Pead GREAT punt return. Good speed, great moves. Block by david.
• McNutt with the dropped pass, good spot by Moore.
• Dropped by Posey on same play, Moore looked off defense.
• Moore looked good, poised, made good decisions.
• South Poss. 6
• Great hands by Joe Adams on ball thrown behind him. 3^rd rounder?
• North Poss. 6
• Pead with another great return. Jenkins making open tackle after getting off a block. 
• Kirk Cousins in. 
• Bradham all over the field.
• Pead=COP
• Good pass-catch to Devier Posey, YAC.
• Highlighting Mike Adams against Ingram. Ingram too quiet.
• Malik Jackson breaking up the play to force an incomplete pass. Aware play by Cousins.
• Casey Hayward with the pick, misconnection between Cousins-Posey. Posey gave up.
• South Poss. 7
• Audie Cole with pass deflection. Cole versatile talent.
• Fuller dropped ball on good throw by Lindley. Misplay by Fletcher.

First half impressions:

Bradham out of Florida State has been all over the field. Looking like one of the best defensive players on an incredibly talented defensive side. Mike Adams continuing to increasing draft stock. No quarterbacks looking that solid, but Russell Wilson can extend plays and Weeden definitely has an NFL arm. Cousins looked alright in limited time, Lindley hasn’t impressed at all. Wondering if Pead can be an impact player on special teams. 

North Poss. 7

• Robinson dropped pass.
• Doug Martin picking up the first down. Apparently best RB in practices.
• Coples batted ball at LOS. 
• Pass-catch Cousins to Graham, little pressure. Ingram pushed lineman back.
• Cousins late to pass on wide open Robinson. Jenkins bit on pump fake. 
• Broken tackle by Martin to pick up yardage.
• Robinson runs 38 yards after catch to get into end zone. Martin had good block. Robinson needs to hold ball closer to chest.
• South Poss. 8
• Rainer has done nothing with the ball.
• Foles in at QB.
• Joe Adams another big pickup after the catch. Looking explosive. Slot guy at best
• Glenn blocks well in run/pass. Versatile
• Philip Blake called for holding.
• Curry beat man again. 
• False start Glenn. Just got early jump
• Lavonte David whiffed on tackle, but got Ballard to run out of bounds.
• Foles with the bad throw to Criner.
• North Poss. 8
• Wilson in at QB.
• South d-linemen don’t seem interested except for Bradham, Coples on a few plays.
• Take that back, Upshaw with the relentless sack. Wilson needs to get ball out sooner.
• South Poss. 9
• Rainey with decent punt return, still not impressed.
• Foles to Adams. Adams can really run with ball after making catch. Perfect throw.
• Bobby Wagner again on the pass defense.
• Cam Johnson had good week in practice, then immediately jumps offsides.
• Getting sloppy, Blackwell with the false start.
• Foles bad throw on the run on 4^th down, but had to make an effort. Definitely a pocket passer. Leonard Johnson (Iowa State) with the coverage.
• North Poss. 9
• Upshaw got to Moore, forced bad pass.
• Brandon Thompson TFL. 
• Ingram finally got in backfield, couldn’t make the tackle.
• South Poss. 10
• Foles sacked by Vinny Curry. Curry beat two blockers, forced ball out.
• Foles to Criner. Good toss, protection. Fletcher beat.
• Criner with the catch again. 
• Creer makes nice run on toss, good hands, run right at Cole.
• Adams has talent running with the ball. Too quick. Did it two plays in a row. 
• False start Morris.
• Foles to Criner for the touchdown. Foles very inconsistent on the drive, but made plays when needed to. Criner great hands, solid route.
• North Poss. 10
• Zach Brown missed tackle on tight end. Dropped head.
• Hayward looked like had good coverage, but called for PI. Really close.
• Holding on Osemele (Iowa State).
• Coples blew by lineman using spin move. Great catch by Ewing from Wis. Coverage by Brown.
• Upshaw got to Foles, forced Moore to hurry.
• Quick fought for the first on a short catch.
• Pead quick through the line, making guys miss. Great acceleration.
• Coples grabbed Pead. Beast. When he tries, can’t be stopped.
• South Poss. 11
• Weeden in to lead comeback attempt.
• Bad pick by Weeden, completely under thrown. Has to put more air under that.
• North Poss. 11
• Cousins back in.
• Good throw on the run. Ingram laid a hit on Cousins.
• Pead with another long run, made Jenkins miss.
• Upshaw tackle on Pead in the backfield.
• South Poss. 12
• Poor throw by Lindley.
• Sanders beat for sack.
• Good throw by Lindley on the run. Best play all game for him probably.
• Lavonte David showing up. Solid tackle.
• Lindley picked off. Bad play all around. Had time too.

With the Senior Bowl ready to kick off in just a bit, there's a few players to keep your eye on during the game. 

Wide Receiver Juron Criner out of Arizona impressed scouts this week during practices, reportedly being the top wideout there and reminding people why he came into the season ranked as the #3 WR in college. If it wasn't for the fact that the class for receivers this year was so deep, Criner could probably have been a late first pick. Most likely he's looking at a second round selection or early third at the latest.

In a fairly top-heavy tackle class, Mike Adams from Ohio State has made a case for being in that top echelon with his performance this week putting himself in the first round in our mock draft and as high as 13 in others. Though questioned with consistency issues, he has the most upside of perhaps any lineman outside of Matt Kalil. With LT being as important as it is, Adams could find himself taken in the middle of the first and probably won't fall into the second with a strong performance today.

Brandon Weeden had the best week among quarterbacks, a group which otherwise seemed to disappoint. Though his age is a concern, he has the talent of a first rounder and a team could take a chance on him if they think he can start pretty close to day one.

Finally, the former Gator Janoris Jenkins proved he was the most talented corner on either roster, out-playing Nebraska product Alfonzo Dennard and showing great cover skills and quickness. Teams will have doubts about his character, but with Dre Kirkpatrick facing some scrutiny now after being arrested for pot possession, Jenkins may not look so bad in comparison. Previously had top 10 talent and could climb up the board with good interviews.