Phil's Mock Draft 2012 Top 10 picks

1. Indianapolis Colts- Andrew Luck, QB Stanford

I think it’s safe to say since Peyton Manning missed the season opener we all saw this coming.

2. Washington Redskins- Robert Griffin III, QB Baylor

Swapping first round picks, and sending the Rams a 2^nd rounder and their 2013 and 2014 first round picks and with Rex Grossman as there returning starter Griffin is the pick.

3. Minnesota Vikings- Matt Kalil, OT USC

Cutting former Pro Bowl left tackle Bryant Mckinnie in 2010 and cutting former Pro Bowl left guard Steve Hutchinson this offseason makes this the logical move while the Vikings are in “rebuilding mode”.

4. Cleveland Browns- Trent Richardson, RB Alabama

I thought the pick would be Griffin but after the blockbuster trade by the Redskins and loosing running back Peyton Hillis to the Chiefs in free agency the powerful Richardson seems like the right call.        

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Morris Claiborne, CB LSU

I thought the Buccaneers would pick wide receiver Justin Blackmon but after the securing star receiver Vincent Jackson from the Chargers and with Ronde Barber going into the season at 37 Claiborne is the best pick.

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

Rams fans should be thrilled the Rams will still get Blackmon who they wanted and needed from the start off the offseason, but also added 3 great picks to help the future of their franchise, this will also help replace the loss of Brandon Lloyd.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars- Michael Floyd, WR Notre Dame

This may be a little early in the draft for Floyd but with Blaine Gabbert going into his second season he needs weapons to succeed. The Jaguars would prefer Blackmon over Floyd but that won’t be an option.

      8.   Miami Dolphins- Dontari Poe, DT Memphis

While fans are screaming for a quarterback after missing out on Manning and Flynn, Joe Philbin coming from his Packer roots won’t give into pressure and draft Ryan Tannehill early just to please fans. Poe should do a great job replacing Paul Solari who bolted to the Chiefs.

9.  Carolina Panthers- Quinton Coples, DE North Carolina

Even after retaining defensive end Charles Johnson last season they are still looking for the next Julius Peppers. They would like to draft a receiver to play alongside Steve Smith to help out Cam Newton but with Blackmon and Floyd gone Coples is the choice.           

10. Buffalo Bills-  Jonathan Martin, OT Stanford

Bills fans may want Ryan Tannehill but after giving Ryan Fitzpatrick a 59 million dollar contract last season the Bills will pass on Tannehill and try and upgrade their offensive line with the Stanford tackle.

Matt Flynn and the 2012 season.

Matt Flynn is a free agent in March of 2012 where will he be during the 2012 season? We all know the packers would love to keep Matt Flynn as a backup to Rodgers going into next season but that is very unlikely. First off due to the CBA agreement  a player is only a restricted free agent if his contract expires and he has completed 3 seasons or less in the NFL. Matt Flynn is completing his 4th year in the NFL and his contract is expiring which makes him a unrestricted free agent. The packers could Franchise Tag him but this is unlikely with the tag costing 14.5 million for QB's next season, and the contracts of starters TE Jermichael Finley, and C Scott Wells expiring this year. Also Flynn has expressed aspiration's to be a starter in the NFL and his 480 yards and 6 TD's against the Lions on New Years Day help support his plan.

Teams such as Seattle, Miami, Washington, and Cleavland are in the QB market may go after him. It is possible The Broncos could be interested depending on how John Elway feels about Tebow after the playoffs. GM  John Schneider of the Seattle Seahawks was the GM of the Packers when Flynn was drafted. Schneider should have some inside knowledge on Flynn's ability and attitude. Also with Seattle drafting 11th or 12th it is highly unlikely Luck or Griffin III will be available to draft.  While Cleveland's Team President Mike Holmgren has ties to the Packers, and may not want to draft another QB with Colt McCoy entering his 3rd year and may prefer bringing in Flynn and having the two QB's compete to start. My best guess is Seattle makes a Strong push to get Flynn but may get out bid by the Free Agency money spending Washington Redskins, or Flynn may prefer the weather in Miami over Seattle.