The first 20 picks of the NFL draft are set, and based on how things are now; this is how we think the draft will turn out. Obviously, a lot can happen between early January and April, but these picks are based on our perceived team needs, and perceived player motion. Make sure to check out our notes at the bottom of the page.

 

1.       Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

No matter if the Colts use this pick or trade it, the top pick in this year’s draft will be Luck.

2.       St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State  

There are only a few teams that need a weapon for their quarterback more than the Rams.

3.       Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT, USC

Bryant McKinney is gone, and Christian Ponder must remain upright with AP hurting.

4.       Cleveland Browns: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

Mike Holmgren isn’t afraid to draft CBs early, Claiborne is best in class.

5.       Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

The new regime must eventually protect Josh Freeman, or draft RG3.

6.       Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

Daniel Snyder isn’t afraid to make a flashy move, and the Redskins need a QB.

7.       Jacksonville Jaguars: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

The Jags need a weapon more than St. Louis, and Jeffery contrasts Mike Thomas well.

8.       Miami Dolphins: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

The Dolphins need a QB, but they need a complement for Reggie Bush also.

9.       Carolina Panthers: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

With a better pass rush this year’s Panthers are a playoff team.

10.   Buffalo Bills: Riley Rieff, OT, Iowa

Bills may have buyer’s remorse on Fitzpatrick, but they still must protect him whoever’s next.

11.   Kansas City Chiefs: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

An awful defense only compounded the problems caused by injuries on offense.

12.   Seattle Seahawks: Vinny Curry, DE, Marshall

I’m high on Curry, who is a super-athlete, and can take Chris Clemons role next year.

13.   Arizona Cardinals: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

Early Doucet isn’t cutting it across from Larry Fitzgerald.

14.   Dallas Cowboys: Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

Cowboys got torched through the air this year. Dennard will add depth to their secondary.

15.   Philadelphia Eagles: Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

The Eagles could use some depth on the line, and Ingram has good value here.

16.   New York Jets: Nick Perry, 34OLB, USC

Aaron Maybin led the New York Jets in sacks. Enough said.

17.   Cincinnati Bengals (via Oakland): Chris Polk, RB, Washington

Cedric Benson is aging and has a lot of carries on his body. Polk is a complete back.

18.   San Diego Chargers: Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

Antonio Cromartie is gone and the Chargers defense isn’t good anymore.

19.   Chicago Bears: Dwight Jones, WR, North Carolina

Jay Cutler has needed a big target for a while, and now that Mike Martz is gone he may get it.

20.   Tennessee Titans: David DeCastro, G, Stanford

Much of Chris Johnson’s struggles can be attributed to a poor offensive line.