A look at the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft- Part One
by Conor Philpott
The first round is done and dusted; after the first two picks things got a little interesting. I will look at those picked and give a grade based on the pick, taking in any trade ups or trade downs that may have happened.
3. Trent Richardson- Running Back- Cleveland BrownsThe Browns traded up a spot, to nab the best running back in the draft. I like Richardson, very productive player, who is a great pass catcher and rusher. The Browns got played a bit by their trade partner the Vikings, and they give up quite a bit. Still a solid pick.
Grade :A |
4. Matt Kalil- Offensive Guard - Minnesota VikingsA very good pick. The Vikings got the guy they wanted and picked up a 4th, 5th and 7th rounder (they subsequently traded a 4th rounder though) for the 3rd overall pick from Cleveland. Great business, great player.
Grade: A+ |
5. Justin Blackmon - Wide Receiver Jacksonville JaguarsNice move if you're a Jags fan. They moved up two spots (taking the Tampa Bay Buccaneers pick) for a 4th round pick. Good business. Blackmon is a very tall, reasonably fast receiver and seems to be a solid route runner. It means the Jaguars are giving quarterback Blaine Gabbert a chance at success.
Grade: B+ |
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9. Luke Kuechly - Linebacker- Carolina PanthersThis was the man I wanted the Buccaneers to go after if they traded down. I really like this pick for the Panthers. Last year they showed they had an explosive offence with Cam Newton, DeAngelo Williams and Steve Smith. Injuries hurt them on defence last year but with Jon Beason and Thomas Davis returning, the Panthers have a very good linebacker corps. I thought they might look towards the defensive line but this is a solid pick.
Grade: A |
10. Stephon Gilmore - Cornerback - Buffalo BillsThe second best Cornerback in the Draft. He sometimes has stiff hips (trouble changing direction), but if you look at the list of guys he has covered in College and how many of them are now top receivers, you realise this guy is very good. Decent tackler, he is very versatile and even appeared in an offensive role during his College tenure.
Grade: B+ |
11. Dontari Poe - Defensive Tackle - Kansas City ChiefsI don't like the pick. I think Poe is somewhat overrated due to his superb performance at the NFL combine but if you look at some footage from his college years, it doesn't wow you. With so many other outstanding Defensive lineman available, I think the Chiefs picked the wrong guy.
Grade: C |
12. Fletcher Cox - Defensive Tackle - Philadelphia EaglesMany had him as the best Defensive tackle in the draft and some were surprised he didn't go top 10. The Eagles swapped Firsts with the Seahawks and gave up 4th and 6th round selections. Think he could be a very solid lineman for the Eagles who need to plug up the middle of the defence.
Grade: B+ |
16. Quinton Coples - Defensive End - New York Jets
A decent pick, his grade slipped a bit prior to the draft but I think he is better than Irvin the first defensive end picked. His weakness is probably his lack of elite speed, but he is strong, can fit into a lot of schemes and capable of getting after the QB.
Grade: B
The second half of Round One continues here
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(c) Copyright 606v2 2012. Please do not reproduce without permission
Grade: B
The second half of Round One continues here
To discuss this further with our members, please visit the 606v2 forum here
(c) Copyright 606v2 2012. Please do not reproduce without permission




