Welcome to the 2012 NFL Draft!

Tomorrow starts everyone's favorite 4 day event of the year and I'm not talking about any golf tournament, its the NFL Draft.  Tomorrow is a day in which some young man's dreams will come true, where hope is given to fans all across the country.  This is where some NFL careers will be made and where some will fall short.  Where the story begins for the steals of the draft like Tom Brady.  And, of course, were busts will be present such as Ryan Leaf.  This is where these stories start and the 2012 edition unfolds right before us on ESPN tomorrow night!

But first, lets let DJ Steve Porter get you pumped up for the draft shall we?

Clark's First 10 Mock:
1) Colts - Andrew Luck, QB: Prototypical QB in a Pro system at Stanford and more athletic then he is given credit for. Ran the same 40yd dash as Cam Newton.
2) Redskins - Robert Griffin III, QB: They didn't move up to #2 for anything other than this man. Strong smart kid with Olympic caliber athleticism cures their QB sickness.
3) Vikings - Morris Claiborne, CB: The Vikings were near the bottom in pass defense last year while giving up the 2nd most points per game. They are also in a pass happy division with Rogers, Stafford, & Cutler.
4) Browns - Trent Richardson, RB: They will not give up on McCoy and what better way to take some pressure off of him then to select a dynamic runner like Richardson.
5) Buccaneers - Mark Barron, SS: Top SS in the draft fills a big need for the Bucs and will be needed to defend Newton/Olson, Ryan/Gonzalez, & Brees/Graham. He also possesses great hands and is an excellent tackler.
6) Rams - Justin Blackmon, WR: Franchise QBs like Bradford need #1 WRs to throw to, especially in today's game. Blackmon can create some match-up problems out on the edge and has the size & vertical to make big plays for his young QB. They desperately need a playmaker so they will address the offensive line later in the draft.
7) Jaguars - Melvin Ingram, DE: This kid has amazing size, athleticism and speed for the position. JAX needs help everywhere but the game is won in the trenches and the best defensive end in the draft should be a nice pick at #7.
8) Dolphins - Ryan Tannehill, QB: I don't like the pick and I wouldn't do it if I were them but pressure from the owner makes Tannehill the pick and in my opinion, a HUGE bust and a waste of a high 1st round pick. A WR makes way more sense to me, either Blackmon or Floyd, if either is available.
9) Panthers - Luke Kuechly, ILB: Extremely smart kid with great instincts and his tackle totals from college back that up. Rivera is a defensive minded coach first and foremost and Kuechly is a coach's dream and should be very productive in year 1.
10) Bills - Matt Kalil, OT: Bills are shocked that a top 3 talent falls to them at #10. They addressed their defensive line problems with Mario Williams and now they attempt to fix the offensive line with the addition of Kalil.


Smitty's First 10 Mock:
1) Colts - Andrew Luck, QB: Do we even have to say anymore here?
2) Redskins - Robert Griffin III, QB: The Redskins moved up to take who ever was left between Luck and RGIII. RGIII isn't a bad consolation prize.
3) Vikings - Morris Claiborne, CB: To me I think they should take Kalil as it makes more sense to help your young QB by giving him a little more time. But, at the same time look at the WR in this division Jennings, Johnson, and now Marshall! In a pass happy league you have to have a game changer at the Corner position.
4) Browns - Trent Richardson, RB: The Browns have a huge need at the RB position and Richardson is a BEAST. They have 2 picks in the first round and can fill their need at WR or OL later in the first.
5) Buccaneers - Luke Kuechly, LB: Very instinctive LB and fills a need. If I am Tampa I want the Vikings to take Kalil so that I get Claiborne and I can try to sell the troubled CB Talib. However I don't see that happening and Kuechly could turn out to be a leader right away on defense.
6) Rams - Justin Blackmon, WR: The Rams could just as easily take Kalil here, if he does fall, to protect their investment behind center. However with Brandon Lloyd moving on he needs help on the outside and that is where Blackmon comes in.
7) Jaguars - Melvin Ingram, DE: Ingram has size, speed and most importantly gets to the QB! These are the difference makers you draft high (still think Houston made a mistake taking Williams over Bush?).
8) Dolphins - Ryan Tannehill, QB: With the departure of Marshall from the Sunshine State a WR makes sense at this spot (Michael Floyd) but the Dolphins struck out in the QB free agent market. Tannehill here makes sense to me. With the rookie salary cap it makes him affordable to sit behind a veteran QB and learn for a year before being thrown out there. Make no mistake the dolphins won't be great next year and will be looking at a high pick (again) and can add some help for their new QB.
9) Panthers - Fletcher Cox, DT: A big athletic run stuffer who has shown the ability to get to the QB. The Panthers need help in a lot of places so it is going to be tough to find a pick that doesn't fill a need for them.
10) Bills - Matt Kalil, OT: The Bills will be pleased with this scenario and will gladly provide a landing spot for Kalil's free fall. He still needs some work but this pick will sure up a good running game and provide some much needed protection for Fitzpatrick and time for Stevie Johnson to work his magic down the field.

There is only one certain thing for every draft and that is there will be surprises! There always seems to be one team that makes everyone say "What was that?" I feel that Minnesota could be that team this year with their 3rd overall pick. Look for 4 QB's to be taken in the first round this year and at least 3 trades made on "Day #1". To me this draft screams movement and surprises!

On a personal note I really hope the Cowboys end up with Barron! That secondary has been a mess for 3 years!

How do you see the early first round working out?  Post your First 10 Picks in the comments section  below!

-Clark- & -Smitty-