2012 NFL Mock Draft: Twists And Turns

by Ryan Van Bibber on Feb 6, 2012 9:17 AM CST in 2012 NFL Draft

HOUSTON - DECEMBER 31: Quarterback Ryan Tannehill #17 of Texas A&M Texas A&M Aggies holds his MVP trophy after Texas A&M defeated Northwesten University 33-22 at Reliant Stadium on December 31, 2011 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

The NFL season is over. We can now turn out full attention to the 2012 NFL Draft, which, of course, we've already kind of done given the Rams' 2-14 finish to the season. To limber up your drafty spirits, let's take a quick look at one of the more interesting 2012 NFL Mock Drafts of the season so far.

This one comes from Rotoworld. They did not include any trades in this mock, which is probably the safest route this time of year, prior to free agency.

The Rotoworld crew has the Rams drafting USC offensive tackle Matt Kalil. Here's their reasoning behind the pick:

The Rams knew early that former No. 2 overall pick Jason Smith would bust. Rodger Saffold has not worked out on the blind side and will likely move to right tackle under new coach Jeff Fisher. While Kalil must add muscle to realize his run-blocking potential, he will be a huge plus in pass protection from day one. Early-career hits are becoming a major concern for young quarterback Sam Bradford. He's taken 70 sacks and been forced to fumble 17 times in his first 26 games.

I suspect the Rams will listen to trade offers, but will not feel bound to take anything they don't want because of the presence of Matt Kalil.

Fisher and Brian Schottenheimer have been pretty clear that improving the pass protection will be a top priority this year. Drafting Kalil would give them a cornerstone left tackle at half the cost of trying to sign a free agent.

That concludes the Rams part of this mock. It gets really interesting after that. LOTS of surprise picks.

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While I pray to god that the recievers drop...

There is no way Sanu, Jeffrey, and Blackmon all fall to the second round, while Givens and Quick get picked in the first.

by Rcoon1307 on Feb 6, 2012 9:54 AM CST via mobile reply actions

This mock has these guys falling into the 2nd round. Who would/should the Rams pick?

South Carolina WR Alshon Jeffery, Oklahoma State QB Brandon Weeden, Arizona State LB Vontaze Burfict, North Carolina LB Zach Brown, LSU WR Rueben Randle, Boise State S George Iloka, Virginia Tech RB David Wilson, Nebraska CB Alfonzo Dennard, Michigan State DT Jerel Worthy, Clemson DT Brandon Thompson, Notre Dame S Harrison Smith, Arizona State QB Brock Osweiler, Rutgers WR Mohamed Sanu, Washington RB Chris Polk, Nebraska DT Jared Crick, Alabama LB Dont’a Hightower, Georgia TE Orson Charles, Clemson TE Dwayne Allen, Washington DT Alameda Ta’amu, Wisconsin C Peter Konz, Iowa State T/G Kelechi Osemele.

by OkieWXman on Feb 6, 2012 9:58 AM CST reply actions

In order I'd go

Konz
Brown
Osemele
Worthy

Wolf. Wolfgang Wolf

by dbcouver on Feb 6, 2012 10:00 AM CST up reply actions

If we got Kalil in the first

Alshon

Bradford + Blackmon = Secondaries Beware

by RG31 on Feb 6, 2012 10:06 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

I heard Alshon has weight issues.

You think Fish can fix the work ethic issues? If so Jeffrey could be a steal in the 2nd.

by jmo53 on Feb 6, 2012 10:26 AM CST via Android app up reply actions

I think Fisher could work with him on it

And if he did drop down to the second that woukd be a great steal..

Bradford + Blackmon = Secondaries Beware

by RG31 on Feb 6, 2012 10:30 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

How much weight does he need to drop to get the most potential from him?

He could probably drop 15-20 in training camp alone. With an NFL training staff this could easily be done.

by jmo53 on Feb 6, 2012 10:34 AM CST via Android app up reply actions

Agreed

He could be the muscle on the other side if Lloyd, bet teams would take the 8 out if the box..

Bradford + Blackmon = Secondaries Beware

by RG31 on Feb 6, 2012 10:35 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

this

Kalil & Alshon mixed with Lloyd would be scary. Imagine if we picked up V Jax in FA too. Give Alshon a reason to work hard to get playing time. Competition breads competitors.

by jmo53 on Feb 6, 2012 10:42 AM CST via Android app up reply actions

*breads success

by jmo53 on Feb 6, 2012 10:45 AM CST via Android app up reply actions

Woukd be great

But Lloyd is iffy right now, hope we resign him..

Bradford + Blackmon = Secondaries Beware

by RG31 on Feb 6, 2012 10:46 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

How much you think he would want to resign with Rams

or is it more of a team fit? Pats need to resign Welker so I don’t know that Lloyd has the leverage. + he said he likes the Fish hire(would he really say anything different?) but this team is on the rise and he will get his catches here. Can’t say the same on the pats.

by jmo53 on Feb 6, 2012 10:51 AM CST via Android app up reply actions

There is some nice talent on that list.

All the more reason to trade down.

by David5264 on Feb 6, 2012 10:27 AM CST up reply actions

agreed

can’t have too many picks in the top rounds.

by jmo53 on Feb 6, 2012 10:28 AM CST via Android app up reply actions

Tommy Streeter and Dwight Jones will go higher than Givens, Quick and any WR not named Blackmon, Wright or Floyd

Wolf. Wolfgang Wolf

by dbcouver on Feb 6, 2012 9:59 AM CST reply actions

you think Streeter and Jones

will go before Jeffery?

Turf Show Times writer and a proud rams fan.
"It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of the needle than for Tim Tebow to complete a pass against the Cover-2" - Jesus Follow @jmwehrle

by Josh Wehrle on Feb 6, 2012 10:29 AM CST up reply actions

Oh I could be wrong, but I like to make bold predictions this time of year

Gives my ass something to talk about, hehehehe.

Wolf. Wolfgang Wolf

by dbcouver on Feb 6, 2012 10:53 AM CST up reply actions

How do you figure that?

I mean I know there are always first round surprises but that would be a little too crazy.

by Rcoon1307 on Feb 6, 2012 10:46 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

I have a feeling after watching the Super Bowl

That Llyod is going to New England. Their recievers were terrible last night. I hope not but like I said I gotta bad feeling

by Rcoon1307 on Feb 6, 2012 10:45 AM CST via mobile reply actions

Think they can afford Welker and Lloyd?

by jmo53 on Feb 6, 2012 10:46 AM CST via Android app up reply actions

I thought Lloyd was gonna follow McD

And I’m thinking McD may have the shortest coaching stint in history after yesterday.

Wolf. Wolfgang Wolf

by dbcouver on Feb 6, 2012 10:55 AM CST up reply actions

exactly

not much stability following mcd. Here Lloyd could get a 3-4 year deal and not have to worry about who mcd next team will be.

by jmo53 on Feb 6, 2012 11:03 AM CST via Android app up reply actions

Didn't we hear the same thing

with the other OL we picked in the first round?

by Nic66 on Feb 6, 2012 11:17 AM CST reply actions

No Jason Smith was "raw with a huge ceiling"

He was definitely “supposed” to be great. Kalil is already very good. You have to remember that he outplayed Dallas’s first rd pick and started at LT as a sophomore. Barring injury he will be a pro bowler

by Rcoon1307 on Feb 6, 2012 11:47 AM CST via mobile reply actions

this

by jmo53 on Feb 6, 2012 11:55 AM CST via Android app up reply actions

We absolutely

need Kalil… Cut Smith, sign Vincent Jackson and take Kalil. Win Win Win

SJax is still a beast! Best RB in the league!

by MyACLisBrittle on Feb 6, 2012 12:06 PM CST reply actions

If the Rams trade with the Browns they have a shot to have one of the most explosive offenses in the league...

if they draft smart. I can see all of these guys available when the Rams pick in rounds 1-4. I know they need help on defense and this is more of an offensive draft but I expect Fisher will bring in some FA’s he coached before to fill some of the defensive needs. This draft would fill every need on offense except maybe offensive line, a guy can dream cant he? Would also like to see the Rams try to bring in Demetrice Bell to help out at the Tackle position.

Round 1: Pick 4 Justin Blackmon WR Pick 22 Mike Adams OT
Round 2: Either Stephon Gilmore CB or Jayron Hosley CB (whichever is available, they are both great CB prospects)
Round 3: Lamichael James RB
Round 4: Ryan Broyles WR

This was meant to be fun, dont flip out and bash me. I think this years draft is going to be critical for the future success of the franchise. I really think Fisher will get this draft right. I would be ok with going defense rounds 2-4 as well, whatever it takes to make the team better. Adding a speedy game changing RB and two great WR’s would make our offense a extremely dynamic one. I also would be ok with the Rams looking for a backup RB in FA as well, I really like Mike Tolbert. He was productive when he played in San Diego.

by jpcisco on Feb 6, 2012 12:56 PM CST reply actions

Would

prefer Pead out of Cinci to James

by RWRAMS28 on Feb 6, 2012 5:25 PM CST up reply actions

i like ur draft

We might be down now but when we get back up u better move out are way are ul get RAMED!!!

by Ramzman18 on Feb 6, 2012 1:16 PM CST via mobile reply actions

Not gonna lie...

I saw “Twists and Turns” and a pic of Tannehill and I almost threw my laptop.

by Starkey on Feb 6, 2012 1:56 PM CST reply actions

Burfict should get some attention. The kid's a monster, but has some personality issues

Join my Google+ circle

by Douglas M on Feb 6, 2012 2:14 PM CST reply actions

i would loveit if we can get him and jl55 can help him get his head right

The dude is a beast

by diehardram87 on Feb 6, 2012 2:25 PM CST up reply actions

Burfict was a guaranteed first round pick at the start of the year...

but the coaches sat him part of the year. Whoever ends up grabbing him will get a great player for a cheap draft pick. I think most mocks at the start of the season had him as a top 10 pick. The guy has the potential to be the next Ray Lewis. I think he will slip to the 2nd or 3rd round and someone will get a steal. He has a few things to work on but could turn out to be a monster. He strikes fear into every player on the opponents team.

by jpcisco on Feb 6, 2012 2:49 PM CST up reply actions

I say snatch Kalil with the number 2 overall but FIRST...

work on keeping Lloyd and picking up another decent receiver in free agency. Maybe we could also try to pick up a decent OLB and CB in free agency while we are at it. Otherwise I would try to trade the pick for some team’s 1st round pick plus a few extra picks. And if we happen to trade with someone high enough in the draft (say like the Browns or Washington…hint, hint) maybe we could still be in a position to get another high prospect OT, like Riley Reiff out of Iowa or Johnathan Martin out of Stanford if Kalil is off the board.

How does that sound…feasible?

Go Rams!

"We can't run. We can't pass. We can't stop the run. We can't stop the pass. We can't kick. Other than that, we're just not a very good football team right now." --- Bruce Coslett, New York Jets Head Coach circa 1990s

by Nbr1RamFan on Feb 6, 2012 3:21 PM CST reply actions