2012 NFL Draft Results: Round 3 Picks And Selections Recap

Day two of the 2012 NFL Draft is officially over, and just like day one there was a lot of moves made by teams which led to players rising or falling up draft boards. Overall, the New York Giants and Jets decided to split their selections between offense and defense.

For a full recap of the Giants second day at the NFL Draft click here, while the Jets recap can be found here.

A full recap of the third round is below:

1. Indianapolis Colts (No. 64): Dwyane Allen, TE, Clemson
2. St. Louis Rams (No. 65): Trumaine Johnson, CB, Montana
3. Minnesota Vikings (66): Josh Robinson, CB, Central Florida
4. Denver Broncos (67): Ronnie Hillman, RB, San Diego State
5. Houston Texans (68): DeVier Posey, WR, Ohio State
6. Buffalo Bills (69): TJ Graham, WR, N.C. State
7. Jacksonville Jaguars (70): Bryan Anger, P, California
8. Washington Redskins (71): Josh LeRibeus, OG, SMU
9. Miami Dolphins (72): Olivier Vernon, DE, Miami
10. San Diego Chargers (73): Brandon Taylor, S, LSU
11. Kansas City Chiefs (74): Donald Stephenson, OT, Oklahoma
12. Seattle Seahawks (75): Russell Wilson, QB, Wisconsin
13. Houston Texans (76): Brandon Brooks, OG, Miami (OH)
14. New York Jets (77): Demario Davis, OLB, Arkansas St.
15. Miami Dolphins (78): Michael Egnew, TE, Missouri
16. Chicago Bears (79): Brandon Hardin, S, Oregon State
17. Arizona Cardinals (80): Jamell Fleming, CB, Oklahoma
18. Dallas Cowboys (81): Tyrone Crawford, DE, Boise State
19. Tennessee Titans (82): Mike Martin, DT, Michigan
20. Cincinnati Bengals (83): Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers
21. Baltimore Ravens (84): Bernard Pierce, RB, Temple
22. Detroit Lions (85): Dwight Bentley, CB, La-Lafayette
23. Pittsburgh Steelers (86): Sean Spence, OLB, Miami (FL)
24. Cleveland Browns (87): John Hughes, DT, Cincinnati
    
25. Philadelphia Eagles (88): Nick Foles, QB, Arizona
26. New Orleans Saints (89): Akeim Hicks, DT, Regina
27. New England Patriots (90): Jake Bequette, DE, Arkansas
28. Atlanta Falcons (91): Lamar Holmes, OT, Southern Mississippi
29. Indianapolis Colts (92): T.Y. Hilton, WR, Florida International
30. Cincinnati Bengals (93): Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson
31. New York Giants (94): Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech
32. Oakland Raiders (95): Tony Bergstrom, OG, Utah

For a complete recap of the NFL Combine, check back to this SB Nation New York StoryStream. For everything on the NFL Draft visit the SB Nation blog Mocking The Draft.

NFL Draft Results 2012: Mohamed Sanu Picked In Round 3 By Cincinnati Bengals

The Rutgers football program has its first 2012 NFL Draft selection on Friday, as wide receiver Mohamed Sanu was taken in the third round (No. 83 overall) by the Cincinnati Bengals. Sanu, a 6-foot-2, 215-pound wide out, was the only go-to threat for the Scarlet Knights during his junior season, and despite the lack of offensive help he was able to catch a Big East Conference and school record 115 receptions for 1,206 yards and seven touchdowns.

Sanu could have been a first-round pick, however, he did not run a very fast 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine (4.67 seconds), which made scouts worry if he could get separation from NFL-caliber corner backs. Sanu did have a bounce-back performance at his NFL Pro Day, as he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.41 seconds.

Oddly enough, Cincinnati is the team that was "a part" of Thursday's prank-call incident. In the end, the Bengals ended-up really wanted the Scarlet Nights who should be a strong partner with Cincinnati No. 1-wide receiver A.J. Green.

For more on the 2012 NFL Draft, visit this SB Nation New York StoryStream. For a complete list of 2012 NFL Draft results as they happen, visit SBNation.com. For More on the Rutgers football program, visit the SB Nation blog On The Banks. For even more comprehensive coverage of the NFL Draft, visit Mocking The Draft.

2012 NFL Draft Results: 2nd Round Picks And Selection Recap

The second round of the 2012 NFL Draft has been completed, and just like the first round it went fast and furious. The 31 day-two selection took just two hours, 20 minutes and the third round is now underway. If you didn't get a chance to see your favorite team make its picks or selection for the second round, here's a complete recap:

Here's the complete results of round two of the 2012 NFL Draft:

• St. Louis Rams, Pick 33: Brian Quick, WR, Appalachian State
• Indianapolis Colts, Pick 34: Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford
• Baltimore Ravens, No. 35: Courtney Upshaw, DE, Alabama
• Denver Broncos, No. 36: Derek Wolfe, DT, Cincinnati
• Cleveland Browns, No. 37: Mitchell Schwartz, OT, California
• Jacksonville Jaguars, No. 38: Andre Branch, DL, Clemson
  
• St. Louis Rams, No. 39: Janoris Jenkins, DB, North Alabama
• Carolina Panthers, No. 40: Amini Silatolu, OG, Midwestern St.
  
• Buffalo Bills, No. 41: Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia
• Miami Dolphins, No. 42: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford
  
• New York Jets, No. 43: Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech
• Kansas City Chiefs, No. 44: Jeff Allen, OG, Illinois
• Chicago Bears, No. 45: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina
• Philadelphia Eagles, No. 46: Mychal Kendricks, OLB, California
• Seattle Seahawks, No. 47: Bobby Wagner, OLB, Utah State
• New England Patriots, No. 48: Tavon Wilson, S, Illinois
• San Diego Chargers, No. 49: Kendall Reyes, DT, Connecticut
• St. Louis Rams, No. 50: Isaiah Pead, RB, Cincinnati
• Green Bay Packers, No. 51: Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State
• Tennessee Titans, No. 52: Zach Brown, OLB, North Carolina
• Cincinnati Bengals, No. 53: Devon Still, DT, Penn State
• Detroit Lions, No. 54: Ryan Broyles, WR, Oklahoma
• Atlanta Falcons, No. 55: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin
• Pittsburgh Steelers, No. 56: Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State
• Denver Broncos, No. 57: Brock Osweiler, QB, Arizona State
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers, No. 58: Lavonte David, OLB, Nebraska
• Philadelphia Eagles, No. 59: Vinny Curry, DE, Marshall
• Baltimore Ravens, No. 60: Kelechi Osemele, OG, Iowa State
  
• San Francisco 49ers, No. 61: LaMichael James, RB, Oregon
  
• New England Patriots, No. 62: Casey Hayward, CB, Vanderbilt
  
• New York Giants, No. 63: Rueben Randle, WR, LSU
  

For a complete recap of the NFL Combine, check back to this SB Nation New York StoryStream. For everything on the NFL Draft visit the SB Nation blog Mocking The Draft.

2012 NFL Draft Best Available Players: Mohamed Sanu Among Top Wideouts Left Entering Round Two

Former Rutgers wide receiver Mohamed Sanu, the subject of an ill-spirited prank Thursday night, is one of the top wideouts remaining on the board as the 2012 NFL Draft continues with the second round Friday.

Sanu received a phone call during the first round from a Rutgers student pretending to be a Cincinnati Bengals executive. The voice on the other line told Sanu he had been selected by Cincinnati when in reality the Bengals were moments away from choosing offensive lineman Kevin Zeitler.

Nonetheless, Sanu shouldn't be waiting for a real phone call from an NFL exec for very long. He's ranked as the second-best remaining wide receiver on Mocking The Draft's 2012 NFL Draft Best Available Players list after round one.

For a complete recap of the NFL Combine, check back to this SB Nation New York StoryStream. For everything on the NFL Draft visit the SB Nation blog Mocking The Draft.

Mohamed Sanu Victimized By NFL Draft Prank

Mohamed Sanu, the Rutgers University wide receiver who could be a second-round selection in the 2012 NFL Draft on Friday night, was reportedly the victim of a nasty prank during the first round on Thursday.

From Peter King of SI.com:

The Rutgers wide receiver was on the edge of his seat late in the first round, with the Bengals on the clock at No. 27, when his phone rang. The voice on the other end of the phone identified himself as being from the Bengals, and said Cincinnati was about to pick him. Sanu and those in his draft party exploded in excitement, and agent Mike McCartney even tweeted that Sanu was a Bengal. Then Cincinnati pick[ed] Zeitler.

“This is a great kid, I guarantee you, and someone played a cruel joke on him,‘’ McCartney told me. "It is unreal that someone would do that, but it happened.’’

This is why big-time athletes are very cautious about who they give out contact information to. Let’s hope Sanu and his friends and family have reason to celebrate early this evening.

2012 NFL Draft Schedule: Round 2 And 3 Draft Order

With eight trades having been completed Thursday night during Round 1 of the 2012 NFL Draft it is likely you might have no idea when your team is selecting Friday during the second and third rounds of the draft. Here is the complete order for both rounds.

Round 2

1(33) St. Louis Rams
2(34) Indianapolis Colts
3(35) Baltimore Ravens
4(36) Denver Broncos
5(37) Cleveland Browns
6(38) Jacksonville Jaguars
7(39) St. Louis Rams
8(40) Carolina Panthers
9(41) Buffalo Bills
10(42) Miami Dolphins
11(43) Seattle Seahawks
12(44) Kansas CityChiefs
13(45) St. Louis Rams
14(46) Philadelphia Eagles
15(47) New York Jets
16(48) New England Patriots
17(49) San Diego Chargers
18(50) Chicago Bears
19(51) Philadelphia Eagles
20(52) Tennessee Titans
21(53) Cincinnati Bengals
22(54) Detroit Lions
23(55) Atlanta Falcons
24(56) Pittsburgh Steelers
25(57) Denver Broncos
26(58) Houston Texans
27(59) Green Bay Packers
28(60) Baltimore Ravens
29(61) San Francisco 49ers
30(62) New England Patriots
31(63) New York Giants

Round 3

1(64) Colts
2(65) Rams
3(66) Vikings
4(67) Browns
5(68) Buccaneers
6(69) Redskins
7(70) Jaguars
8(71) Bills
9(72) Dolphins
10(73) Dolphins
11(74) Chiefs
12(75) Seahawks
13(76) Texans
14(77) Jets
15(78) Chargers
16(79) Bears
17(80) Cardinals
18(81) Cowboys
19(82) Titans
20(83) Bengals
21(84) Falcons
22(85) Lions
23(86) Steelers
24(87) Broncos
25(88) Eagles
26(89) Saints
27(90) Packers
28(91) Ravens
29(92) 49ers
30(93) Bengals
31(94) Giants
32(95) Raiders (Compensatory selection)

2012 NFL Draft, Day 2 Preview: Rutgers' Mohamed Sanu Is The Ultimate Hidden Gem

Round one of the 2012 NFL Draft has come and gone, and Friday starting at 7 p.m. ET it will pick back up again as round two and three will be underway. Though, the first day of the draft gets all the hype, the final two days is where NFL franchise are built, as teams search for that hidden gem.

For Rutgers football fans, they're hoping one of those sleepers is going to be former Scarlet Knight wide receiver Mohamed Sanu, who's expected to go early in the second round. Sanu should come off the board early on Friday, but there's always that hidden fear of teams not beveling in a players ability, but, instead, look at height, weight and 40-yard dash times to project how good somebody is going to be.

When it comes to Sanu, if a team is going to scout him based on the numbers, his stock wouldn't be very high. Sanu has average height (6-foot-2), an average build (215 pounds) and average 40-time (4.4-4.5 seconds). However, Sanu's collegiate accomplishments -- in his junior season he set a Big East Conference and school record of 115 receptions for 1,206 yards and seven touchdowns -- show production and a play-maker.

In 2011-12, Sanu was so dominate at times -- he caught a team-record 13 balls against the North Carolina Tar Heels -- that teams press-covered him with two corner backs. That was the strategy the Syracuse Orange used on him during a 19-16 double OT victory last season, and despite the attention Sanu still caught seven passes for 61 yards and a touchdown.

When Sanu decided to declare for the draft in January, mock draft initial had him pegged as a late-first or early-second round prospect. But Sanu's stock slipped a bit after his 40-time (4.67) at the NFL Combine wasn't impressive at all, which led to scouts beginning to wonder if he could separate himself from NFL-caliber defensive backs.

Sanu's stock bounced-back a little after he blew away NFL scouts with his workout during the Rutgers Pro Day.

In the end, Sanu's Pro Day showcase and the game film will show a future NFL starter and player that can help an offense almost right away. Sany is a very bright, high-character player who is willing to do whatever for a NFL franchise.

Sometime during day two of the NFL draft, a hidden gem will be taken. And time will prove Sanu will be one of them.

For a complete recap of the NFL Combine, check back to this SB Nation New York StoryStream. For everything on the NFL Draft visit the SB Nation blog Mocking The Draft.

2012 NFL Draft: Day Two TV Schedule, Start Time And More

Day two of the 2012 NFL Draft will begin at 7 p.m. EST on Friday, at the Radio City Music Hall in New York. Because of the relatively new television format, day one consisted of only round one, and day two will consist of rounds two and three.

In the second round, each time will have a maximum of seven minutes to make their selection, which dwindles to five minutes per pick in the third round. The Jets and Giants each own a second round pick and a third round pick.

The second and third rounds of the draft will be televised on both ESPN and NFL Network. The third and final day of the draft will be completed on Saturday.

For more on the 2012 NFL Draft, visit SB Nation New York's StoryStream. For a complete list of 2012 NFL Draft results as they happen, visit SBNation.com. For even more comprehensive coverage of the NFL Draft, visit Mocking The Draft.

2012 NFL Draft Grades: Grading The Giants And Jets First Round Picks

The first day of the 2012 NFL Draft is in the books, but because of the new television schedule, most teams have only selected one player. That said, it's never too early to hand out draft grades. Here's what Pete Prisco of CBS Sports had to say about the Jets and Giants first round picks:

Jets selection of Quinton Coples at #17: C-

I don't like this pick at all. Coples didn't play at all last year. He doesn't really fit in their defense. Why not Ingram?

Giants selection of David Wilson at #32: B+

Explosive runner who will add a speed dynamic to the Giants offense. This is a nice, sound move by Jerry Reese, a guy who makes a lot of them.

Here's SB Nation's Joel Thorman on the Giants and Jets picks:

B - A.J. Smith 'Good But Not Elite' Class

Giants: Seems a little high for David Wilson, but GM Jerry Reese is arguably the best GM in football so I'll take his word for it.

C - Picks With Equal Potential And Question Marks

Jets: Quinton Coples has some potential, but I really thought this would be Melvin Ingram, a popular mock draft choice for New York.

Draft Tek

Giants, David Wilson:

The former Hokie should be a cinch to step in and see action on the field as the rotational back with Bradshaw. His stunning 4.35 40 yard run at the Indy Combine certainly didn't hurt his cause, but Wilson provides the Giants with not only speed but the ability to be a receiving back and give the Giants solid depth and rotation in the backfield. (B)

Jets, Quinton Coples:

A curious pick for the Jets. While Coples has the size to play DE in the teams 3-4, a pass rusher would have made more sense. There were plenty available, such as Melvin Ingram and Courtney Upshaw. Coples would be better off as a DE in an even front. In addition to the decreased scheme efficiency, Coples also has motivational issues. Why not an OLB or an OL upgrade? Grade: C

For more on the 2012 NFL Draft, visit SB Nation New York's StoryStream. For a complete list of 2012 NFL Draft results as they happen, visit SBNation.com. For even more comprehensive coverage of the NFL Draft, visit Mocking The Draft.

NFL Draft 2012: New York Giants End 1st Round By Taking David Wilson

With the 32nd pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the New York Giants have selected Virginia Tech running back David Wilson. The pick falls in line with pre-draft expectations, which identified running back as a need for the Giants and also tabbed Wilson as a late-first round prospect. Check out Mocking the Draft's scouting report for more on Wilson.

Wilson was productive in a rotation in his first two seasons before taking over the No. 1 running back spot in his junior season. That was a breakout year for Wilson, who rushed for 1,709 yards and nine touchdowns en route to being named the ACC Offensive Player of the Year. He doesn't have ideal size, but runs with power for a 5-foot-10, 205-pound back.

NFL Draft Tracker via Sports Illustrated

via assets.sbnation.com

Impact for the Giants:

Georgia Tech wide receiver Stephen Hill was a popular pick at No. 32, but the Giants also had questions at running back Ahmad Bradshaw is still just 26 years old, but he has been increasingly injury-prone over the past several years. D.J. Ware has yet to prove he's anything more than a No. 3 running back, while last year's seventh-round selection Da'Rel Scott is entirely unproven.

Bringing in Wilson obviously increases the Giants' flexibility at running back, but it also adds an element of big-play ability that wasn't seen aside from Bradshaw.

For more on the Giants' picking of Wilson, head over to Big Blue View. To read more on the whole 2012 NFL Draft, visit SB Nation New York's StoryStream. For even more comprehensive coverage of the NFL Draft, visit Mocking The Draft.

2012 NFL Draft Results: At No. 29, Minnesota Vikings Take Harrison Smith

The 29th pick of the 2012 NFL Draft is in, and the Minnesota Vikings selected Harrison Smith, a safety from Notre Dame. This is the second Notre Dame playing being taken in the first round, as wide receiver Michael Floyd went to the Arizona Cardinals at No. 13. The Vikings traded down earlier in the draft to make this selection.

NFL Draft Tracker via Sports Illustrated

Impact on the Giants:

New York was not in the running of a safety, as many have them still taking a tight end or trying to improve at defensive line or linebacker. So, this doesn't hurt the defending Super Bowl champions too much in the long run.

For more on the 2012 NFL Draft, visit SB Nation New York's StoryStream. For a complete list of 2012 NFL Draft results as they happen, visit SBNation.com. For even more comprehensive coverage of the NFL Draft, visit Mocking The Draft.

2012 NFL Draft: Doug Martin Selected 31st By Tampa Bay Buccaneers

With the 31st overall selection in the 2012 NFL Draft -- and the final one before the defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants get their turn -- the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Doug Martin, running back, Boise State.

NFL Draft Tracker via Sports Illustrated

Impact on the Giants:

The first selection of the Greg Schiano era as head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers might sting for the Giants -- I know it does for their fans.

Martin is an all-purpose running back who had often been connected to the running back-needy Giants during the mock draft process.

The Giants are now on the clock, meaning Radio City Music Hall is about to get loud.

For more on the 2012 NFL Draft, visit SB Nation New York's StoryStream. For a complete list of 2012 NFL Draft results as they happen, visit SBNation.com. For even more comprehensive coverage of the NFL Draft, visit Mocking The Draft.

NFL Draft 2012: San Francisco 49ers Select A.J. Jenkins At No. 30

With the 30th pick of the 2012 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers have selected Illinois wide receiver A.J. Jenkins. The pick might be considered somewhat of a reach, as Jenkins was not a consensus first-round pick.

Jenkins, who ran a 4.39 40-yard dash at the Scouting Combine, didn't play very much early in his career at Illinois but emerged in his junior season to lead the team in receiving. He led the Illini in receiving again as a senior in 2011, racking up 1,276 yards on 90 receptions.

NFL Draft Tracker via Sports Illustrated

Impact on Giants:

The Giants have frequently been linked to a wide receiver in Round 1, though Georgia Tech's Stephen Hill is still on the board.

For more on the 2012 NFL Draft, visit SB Nation New York's StoryStream. For a complete list of 2012 NFL Draft results as they happen, visit SBNation.com. For even more comprehensive coverage of the NFL Draft, visit Mocking The Draft.

NFL Draft 2012: At No. 27, Cincinnati Bengals Take Kevin Zeitler

With the 27th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals have selected Wisconsin guard Kevin Zeitler. The second of two big Wisconsin interior linemen along with center Peter Konz, Zeitler was indeed to be taken in the late first round.

The 6-foot-4, 315-pound guard played in 43 games and started 36 for the Badgers during his four year career.

NFL Draft Tracker via Sports Illustrated

Impact on the Giants:

The Giants are in the market for an interior lineman, though many mock drafts did have Zeitler coming off the board before No. 32.

Kevin Zeitler 2012 NFL Draft Profile (via sbnnfl)

For more on the 2012 NFL Draft, visit SB Nation New York's StoryStream. For a complete list of 2012 NFL Draft results as they happen, visit SBNation.com. For even more comprehensive coverage of the NFL Draft, visit Mocking The Draft.

2012 NFL Draft: Green Bay Packers Select Nick Perry With 28th Pick

The Green Bay Packers use the 28th overall selection in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft to select Nick Perry, DE/OLB from USC.

Perry is an edge rusher who provide a nice complement to Clay Matthews and should help a Packers defense that ranked near the bottom of the NFL in 2011.

How The Pick Impacts The Giants

The selection of Perry takes another potential 4-3 defensive end the Giants may have been interested in off the board. There are still several intriguing players left for the Giants, and it will be interesting to see what direction the defending Super Bowl champs choose to go in.

See Acme Packing Company for reaction to the pick. For more on the 2012 NFL Draft, visit SB Nation New York's StoryStream. For a complete list of 2012 NFL Draft results as they happen, visit SBNation.com. For even more comprehensive coverage of the NFL Draft, visit Mocking The Draft.

2012 NFL Draft: Houston Texans Select Whitney Mercilus With 26th Pick

Whitney Mercilus of Illinois, an outside linebacker was selected 27th overall in the 2012 NFL Draft Thursday night by the Houston Texans.

NFL Draft Tracker via Sports Illustrated

Mercilus gives the Texans an edge rusher they needed for their defense.

How The Pick Impacts The Giants

Some analysts had Mercilus falling to the Giants at No. 32. With Mercilus off the board the Giants could still be looking at Stanford offensive tackle Jonathan Martin, Stanford tight end Coby Fleener, Boise State running back Doug Martin or a myriad of other possibilities.

Giants GM Jerry Reese usually allows the draft to unfold and takes what he believes is the player who offers the most value from whatever remains. He appears to be doing that again this time.

Whitney Mercilus 2012 NFL Draft Profile (via sbnnfl)

For more on the 2012 NFL Draft, visit SB Nation New York's StoryStream. For a complete list of 2012 NFL Draft results as they happen, visit SBNation.com. For even more comprehensive coverage of the NFL Draft, visit Mocking The Draft.

NFL Draft 2012: New England Patriots Select Dont'a Hightower At No. 25

With the 25th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots have selected Alabama inside linebacker Dont'a Hightower. New England's trade was a stunner, the second move up the board they've made in this first round. The Patriots traded with the Denver Broncos to grab Hightower, whom many scouts and evaluators felt was one of the top defensive players in this year's draft class.

In his junior year in 2011, Hightower was named an All-American, picking up 85 total tackles (including 40 solo tackles), 11 tackles for loss and four sacks. Hightower served as the captain for the No. 1 defense in the country, and he has outstanding gap coverage and an exemplary football IQ. He is expected to be an instant starter in the NFL.

NFL Draft Tracker via Sports Illustrated

Impact on the Giants:

The Giants, seemingly always linked to linebackers, were said to like Hightower. However, he wasn't expected to still be on the board at No. 32.

Dont'a Hightower 2012 NFL Draft Profile (via sbnnfl)

For more on the 2012 NFL Draft, visit SB Nation New York's StoryStream. For a complete list of 2012 NFL Draft results as they happen, visit SBNation.com. For even more comprehensive coverage of the NFL Draft, visit Mocking The Draft.

NFL Draft 2012: Pittsburgh Steelers Select David DeCastro No. 24

With the 24th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers have selected David DeCastro, the imposing offensive guard from the Stanford Cardinal.

DeCastro is considered one of the top offensive line talents and most definitely the best interior lineman in the draft. He was named a unanimous All-American in 2011 and anchored an offensive line in the middle that allowed only 24 sacks combined in the past three seasons and powered some of the best rushing attacks in Stanford history. DeCastro should be able to utilize those skills to become an excellent run blocker at the next level, particularly as a pulling guard on power run plays to help open up the interior.

NFL Draft Tracker via Sports Illustrated

Impact on the Giants and Jets:

The Giants had been linked to DeCastro at No. 32 given their aging offensive line, though he was never expected to still be on the board then.

David DeCastro 2012 NFL Draft Profile (via sbnnfl)

For more on the 2012 NFL Draft, visit SB Nation New York's StoryStream. For a complete list of 2012 NFL Draft results as they happen, visit SBNation.com. For even more comprehensive coverage of the NFL Draft, visit Mocking The Draft.

2012 NFL Draft: Detroit Lions Select Riley Reiff At No. 23

As had been anticipated the Detroit Lions used the 23rd overall pick of the 2012 NFL Draft on Thursday to bolster their offensive line. The Lions did not, however, expect to find Riley Reiff of Iowa there at No. 23. The Lions selected the left offensive tackle to help protect franchise quarterback Matthew Stafford.

The selection of Reiff leaves Stanford offensive tackle Jonathan Martin, a possible selection for the New York Giants, on the board.

The Lions had also been thought to be considering a cornerback, but Alabama's Dre Kirkpatrick was lo longer available. Thus, the Lions do the smart thing and try to protect their biggest asset.

See Pride of Detroit for reaction to the pick. For more on the 2012 NFL Draft, visit SB Nation New York's StoryStream. For a complete list of 2012 NFL Draft results as they happen, visit SBNation.com. For even more comprehensive coverage of the NFL Draft, visit Mocking The Draft.

NFL Draft 2012: Cleveland Browns Grab Brandon Weeden At No. 22

With the 22nd pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns have selected Oklahoma State quarterback Brandon Weeden. Cleveland's pick confirm the projections for Weeden, whom many scouts and evaluators saw as the No. 4 quarterback in this draft.

Weeden posted phenomenal numbers during Oklahoma State's Big 12 championship season in 2011, as well as in the season prior (9,260 yards, 75 touchdowns). In addition to his age -- Weeden will be a 28-year-old rookie after having spent five years in the minor leagues as a pitcher -- there are concern over Weeden's wear and tear. He had rotator cuff and tendonitis issues in the minors, but he was undeniably successful in the Cowboys' high-octane passing attack.

NFL Draft Tracker via Sports Illustrated

Impact on the Giants and Jets:

None, considering both are set at quarterback. The Jets have two, of course.

NFL Draft 2012: Tennessee Titans Select Kendall Wright At No. 20

With the 20th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans have selected Baylor wide receiver Kendall Wright. The Titans' pick mostly falls in line with the projections for Wright, who was expected to go late in the first round or early in the second. Wright's biggest drawback was considered to be his lack of size at 5-foot-10.

Wright was a go-to target for Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III at Baylor in 2011, recording gaudy stats (108 receptions, 1,663 receiving yards, 14 receiving touchdowns and nine 100-yard games). Wright was the team leader in receptions for four consecutive years, setting almost every team record in the process. His 4,004 career receiving yards beat every other Bear in history by well over 1,000 yards.

The Titans' next pick comes in the second round, at No. 52 overall.

NFL Draft Tracker via Sports Illustrated

Impact on the Giants and Jets:

Both teams have been linked to receivers after the Giants lost Mario Manningham to free agency and the Jets continue to face questions at the position.

Kendall Wright 2012 NFL Draft Profile (via sbnnfl)

For more on the 2012 NFL Draft, visit SB Nation New York's StoryStream. For a complete list of 2012 NFL Draft results as they happen, visit SBNation.com. For even more comprehensive coverage of the NFL Draft, visit Mocking The Draft.

NFL Draft Results 2012: Chandler Jones Selected No. 21 Overall By New England Patriots

It took three hours, 3 minutes and 20 other picks into 2012 NFL Draft Thursday, but Syracuse University has its 13th name to add to the list of former first-rounders as defensive end Chandler Jones is a New England Patriots. The Patriots selected Jones (6-foot-5, 265 pounds) with the No. 21-overall pick, after trading up its No. 27th pick and third-round pick with the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Patriots will now hope the former Orange can develop into player like, maybe, All-Pro pass-rusher Dwight Freeney, a former first-rounder and Syracuse grad.

“Based on my experience in the NFL," said Syracuse head coach Doug Marrone, "I see Chandler developing into a top tier defensive end. I hope he has the same success as (defensive end) Dwight Freeney and all of the Syracuse players in the National Football League.”

For weeks, rumors swirled about where Jones, a native of Binghmaton, NY, would go. Since declaring for the NFL Draft in December, Jones has flown up draft boards, which initial pegged him as a third- to fourth-rounder. Now, like it or not, Jones is another SU alum who's a face of a NFL franchise.

“Chandler is everything you want a player to be. And, as good as he is on the field, he is an even better person off the field," said Marrone. "He comes from a family that did a great job in raising him. He has terrific parents and two outstanding role models in his brothers, Arthur, who plays for the Baltimore Ravens and Jon, the UFC light heavyweight champion. Chandler is a prime example of what we mean when we talk about keeping New York state players in their home state to play at Syracuse.

Here's a list of former Syracuse University football players that were taken in the first round of the draft:

1973: Joe Ehrmann, DT, Baltimore Colts

1980: Art Monk, WR, Washington Redskins

1986: Tim Green, LB, Atlanta Falcons

1988: Ted Gregory, DT, Denver Broncos

1990: Rob Moore, WR, New York Jets

1996: Marvin Harrison, WR, Indianapolis Colts

1998: Donovin Darius, DB, Jacksonville Jaguars

1998: Tebucky Jones, DB, New England Patriots

1999: Donovan McNabb, QB, Philadelphia Eagles

2000: Keith Bulluck, LB, Tennessee Titans

2001: Will Allen, CB, New York Giants

2002: Dwight Freeney, DE, Indianapolis Colts

For more on the 2012 NFL Draft, visit SB Nation New York’s StoryStream. For a complete list of 2012 NFL Draft results as they happen, visit SBNation.com. For more on how Jones fits in with the Patriots, check outs Pats' Pulpit. Talk about Jones and Syracuse football fans over Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician. For even more comprehensive coverage of the NFL Draft, visit Mocking The Draft.

2012 NFL Draft: Chicago Bears Select Shea McClellin At No. 19

The Chicago Bears used the 19th overall pick in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft to select Shea McClellin, a defensive end/linebacker from Boise State. McClellin was a somewhat surprising selection as he was expected to be a late-first to early-second round selection.

In picking McClellin to bookend with standout defensive end Julius Peppers the Bears bypassed Whitney Mercilus of Illinois and Chandler Jones of Syracuse, both players who most analysts expected to go higher in the draft than McClellin.

Impact On The New York Giants

None, really, except that this pick follows the Giants format of building a defense with multiple pass-rushing defensive ends.

See SB Nation Chicago for reaction to the pick. For more on the 2012 NFL Draft, visit SB Nation New York's StoryStream. For a complete list of 2012 NFL Draft results as they happen, visit SBNation.com. For even more comprehensive coverage of the NFL Draft, visit Mocking The Draft.

NFL Draft 2012: San Diego Chargers Select Melvin Ingram No. 19

With the 19th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the San Diego Chargers have selected South Carolina defensive end Melvin Ingram.

Ingram was a force for the South Carolina defense last year, recording 10 sacks and 15 tackles for loss. He also managed to grab a pair of interceptions and even scored two defensive touchdowns. There will be a bit of a transition for Ingram as he could be converted to a linebacker if drafted by a team running a 3-4 defensive set, but he has a lot of raw ability and a great skill set that will make a mediocre defense a great one almost instantly.

The Chargers pick next in the second round, at No. 49 overall.

NFL Draft Tracker via Sports Illustrated

Impact on the Giants and Jets:

Ingram was one of the most desired prospects among Jets fans, though Gang Green ultimately went with Quinton Coples at No. 16.

Melvin Ingram 2012 NFL Draft Profile (via sbnnfl)

For more on the 2012 NFL Draft, visit SB Nation New York's StoryStream. For a complete list of 2012 NFL Draft results as they happen, visit SBNation.com. For even more comprehensive coverage of the NFL Draft, visit Mocking The Draft.

NFL Draft 2012: Cincinnati Bengals Nab Dre Kirkpatrick At No. 17

With the 17th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals have selected Alabama cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick. Cincinnati's pick matches most of the projections for Kirkpatrick, which tabbed him as one of the top defensive players in a this draft's deep talent pool.

Kirkpatrick had 29 tackles and nine passes defended in 2011 as the top cornerback on the nation's No. 1 pass defense. After starting for three years and picking up two national championships, the first-team All-American junior was expected to have many suitors in this year's draft. He's a shutdown corner with spectacular footwork and great instincts. Kirkpatrick needs to bulk up before being ready for the NFL and may land at safety after turning pro, but has tremendous upside potential at cornerback.

Cincinnati's next pick comes in four picks, at No. 21 overall. In the second round, the Bengals pick at No. 53 overall.

NFL Draft Tracker via Sports Illustrated

Impact on the Giants and Jets:

Both teams appear set in the secondary -- especially the Jets -- but the Giants were rumored to have interest in Kirkpatrick. However, he was never expected to fall all the way to No. 32.

Dre Kirkpatrick 2012 NFL Draft Profile (via sbnnfl)

For more on the 2012 NFL Draft, visit SB Nation New York's StoryStream. For a complete list of 2012 NFL Draft results as they happen, visit SBNation.com. For even more comprehensive coverage of the NFL Draft, visit Mocking The Draft.

2012 NFL Draft: Jets Select Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina With 16th Pick

The New York Jets were expected to look for an edge pass-rusher with their first pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, and they did exactly that selecting North Carolina defensive end Quinton Coples.

The draft fell exceptionally well for the Jets. The Seattle Seahawks surprising selection of West Virginia defensive end Bruce Irvin at No. 15 left all of the players the Jets had reportedly targeted to play on the edges of their 3-4 defense on the board.

They went with the 6-foot-6, 283-pound Coples. SI.com called Coples "an impressive looking athlete who plays big and fast, disrupting plays from all angles. He offers the underlying skills to be a dominant NFL performer if he's willing to pay the price and play at a high level on every snap."

Quinton Coples 2012 NFL Draft Profile (via sbnnfl)

Coples had 17.5 sacks over the past two seasons for the Tar Heels.

SB Nation's Mocking The Draft ranked Coples as the 11th-best prospect in the draft. [MTD Scouting Report]

-- See Gang Green Nation for more reaction to the selection

NFL Draft 2012: Seattle Seahawks Select Bruce Irvin No. 15

With the 15th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks have selected West Virginia defensive end/linebacker Bruce Irvin. Originally tabbed as a borderline first-round pick, Irvin is the first "reach" of the draft so far.

Irvin came to Morgantown as a junior college prospect and immediately produced for the Mountaineers, totaling 22.5 sacks in his two season at WVU. Irvin is one of the best pass rushers in this year's draft and can play in both a 4-3 and a 3-4 defensive scheme, although he's probably better suited as a pass-rushing outside linebacker.

There are slight concerns of Irvin in pass coverage, but that should ease with time as he adjusts to his new position.

Seattle's next pick comes in the second round at No. 43 overall.

NFL Draft Tracker via Sports Illustrated

Impact on the Giants and Jets:

Both teams have been linked to pass rushers in this draft, though it's unknown where Irvin fell on their boards.

For more on the 2012 NFL Draft, visit SB Nation New York's StoryStream. For a complete list of 2012 NFL Draft results as they happen, visit SBNation.com. For even more comprehensive coverage of the NFL Draft, visit Mocking The Draft.

2012 NFL Draft: St. Louis Rams Select Michael Brockers, DT, LSU At No. 14

The St. Louis Rams Thursday night selected LSU defensive tackle Michael Brockers with the 14th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.

St. Louis had been thought to possibly be interested in a wide receiver to help quarterback Sam Bradford, but opted instead to address their porous rush defense.

NFL Draft Tracker via Sports Illustrated

Impact On The New York Jets

The draft is thus far working out for the Jets, who were rumored earlier to want to move up from No. 16 but have thus far stayed patient. The Jets still have several quality pass rushers to choose from, including Melvin Ingram of South Carolina, Courtney Upshaw of Alabama and Chandler Jones of Syracuse.

For more on the selection see Turf Show Times. For a complete list of 2012 NFL Draft results (hyperlinked) as they happen, visit SBNation.com. For more on the LSU Tigers, visit And The Valley Shook. For even more comprehensive coverage of the NFL Draft, visit Mocking The Draft.

NFL Draft 2012: Michael Floyd Goes To Arizona Cardinals At No. 13

With the 13th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Arizona Cardinals have selected Notre Dame wide receiver Michael Floyd. Floyid is the second-best WR prospect in the draft and the No. 17 prospect overall, according to Mocking The Draft's rankings.

The scouting report on Floyd from Mocking The Draft asserts the 6-foot-3, 224-pound receiver is a bona-fide playmaker that goes to the ball while it's in flight. He does come with a history of legal trouble (three alcohol-related arrests at Notre Dame) and character concerns, however.

Arizona's next pick is the 18th in the third round.

NFL Draft Tracker via Sports Illustrated

Impact on the Giants and Jets:

Kevin Kolb now has several playmaking targets at receiver, which could boost the Cardinals to the top of the NFC West and provide the Giants with more competition in the conference.

Michael Floyd 2012 NFL Draft Profile (via sbnnfl)

For more on the 2012 NFL Draft, visit SB Nation New York's StoryStream. For a complete list of 2012 NFL Draft results as they happen, visit SBNation.com. For even more comprehensive coverage of the NFL Draft, visit Mocking The Draft.

2012 NFL Draft: Philadelphia Eagles Move Up, Select Fletcher Cox At No. 12

The Philadelphia Eagles engineered a trade with the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday night, moving from the 15th selection to the 12th spot in the 2012 NFL Draft. With that selection the Eagles took Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State.

NFL Draft Tracker via Sports Illustrated

Impact On The New York Giants

The Giants' rivals were weak against the run in 2011, particularly up the middle. This move helps the inside of the Eagles' defense. Both the Dallas Cowboys and the Eagles have now moved up in the first round to beef up their defenses.

For more on the selection see Bleeding Green Nation and SB Nation Philly. For a complete list of 2012 NFL Draft results (hyperlinked) as they happen, visit SBNation.com. For more on the Mississippi State Bulldogs, please visit For Whom the Cowbell Tolls. For even more comprehensive coverage of the NFL Draft, visit Mocking The Draft.

Fletcher Cox 2012 NFL Draft Profile (via sbnnfl)

NFL Draft 2012: Kansas City Chiefs Grab Dontari Poe No. 11

With the 11th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs have selected Memphis nose tackle Dontari Poe. This pick mostly confirm the projections for Poe, whom many scouts and evaluators felt was one of the top defensive linemen in the draft.

The junior was the anchor of the Memphis defense last season with his impressive size at 6-foot-4 and 346 pounds. He also wowed scouts at the Scouting Combine with his surprising speed and his overall strength. It remains to be seen if that will translate to the NFL given that much of his domination in college was against Conference USA foes, but if he commits himself to working hard, he could be a great anchor to a 3-4 system.

NFL Draft Tracker via Sports Illustrated

The Chiefs' next pick comes in the second round, at No. 44 overall.

Impact on Giants and Jets:

Though both teams could select a defensive lineman in the first round, Poe wasn't expected to be on the board for either. Indeed, Poe nearly cracked the top 10.

Dontari Poe 2012 NFL Draft Profile (via sbnnfl)

For more on the 2012 NFL Draft, visit SB Nation New York's StoryStream. For a complete list of 2012 NFL Draft results as they happen, visit SBNation.com. For even more comprehensive coverage of the NFL Draft, visit Mocking The Draft.

2012 NFL Draft: Stephon Gilmore Goes No. 10 To Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills used the 10th overall selection in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft to select Stephon Gilmore, a cornerback from South Carolina. Gilmore is a player who rose quickly up draft boards during the past few weeks.

The Bills also need help on their offensive line, but chose corrnerback. That really isn't a surprise in a division where Buffalo has to compete with the high-powered passing attack of the New England Patriots.

Stephon Gilmore 2012 NFL Draft Profile (via sbnnfl)

Impact On The New York Jets

This still keeps the players the Jets have been rumored to be intersted in -- notably South Carolina DE/OLB Melvin Ingram -- in play. At least for now.

For more on the selection visit Buffalo Rumblings. For a complete list of 2012 NFL Draft results (hyperlinked) as they happen, visit SBNation.com. For even more comprehensive coverage of the NFL Draft, visit Mocking The Draft.

NFL Draft 2012: Carolina Panthers Select Luke Kuechly No. 9

With the ninth pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers have selected Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly. This Panthers' pick falls in line with the projections for Kuechly, who's considered the most NFL-ready linebacker.

Kuechly, who decided to forego his senior season at Boston College in December, ended his collegiate career as the most decorated defensive player in program history. The 6-foot-3, 237-pound first-team All-American led the nation in total tackles with 191 and solo tackles with 102. He was the only unanimous selection to the all-ACC first-team defense this season.

NFL Draft Tracker via Sports Illustrated

Impact on Giants and Jets:

Not a whole lot. The Panthers' rebuilding efforts in the NFC appear to be progressing according to plan, so perhaps they'll contend sooner than expected with Cam Newton manning the offense and Kuechly potentially playing a large role in anchoring the defense.

Luke Kuechly 2012 NFL Draft Profile (via sbnnfl)

2012 NFL Draft: Miami Dolphins Take Ryan Tannehill With Eighth Selection

The eighth pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, belonging to the Miami Dolphins, was widely considered to be a tipping point in the draft. The Dolphins used the pick to do what many thought they would do, take Ryan Tannehill of Texas A&M to be their quarterback of the future.

NFL Draft Tracker via Sports Illustrated

If Tannehill can be the quarterback the Dolphins need this could make life in the AFC East more difficult for the New York Jets. On the other hand, with three quarterbacks taken in the first eight picks that means a player the Jets covet could more easily fall to them at No. 16 -- if the Jets don't trade up.

For more on the 2012 NFL Draft, visit The Phinsider. For a complete list of 2012 NFL Draft results (hyperlinked) as they happen, visit SBNation.com. For even more comprehensive coverage of the NFL Draft, visit Mocking The Draft.

Ryan Tannehill 2012 NFL Draft Profile (via sbnnfl)

NFL Draft 2012: Mark Barron Goes No. 7 To Tampa Bay Buccaneers

With the seventh pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have selected Alabama safety Mark Barron.

Barron, widely perceived as the top safety in the draft, has great hands and is seen as a comprehensive all-around player. He spent three years as a starter on arguably the best defense in college football. Barron nabbed 12 interceptions in his collegiate career, including seven in 2011 alone.

In Tampa Bay, Barron will likely compete with Cody Grimm and Larry Asante for a starting safety job. A Bucs defense that has somewhat struggled to transition into the next decade gets a lot stronger with Barron now in the fold.

NFL Draft Tracker via Sports Illustrated

Impact on Giants and Jets:

The Giants are relatively set at safety, though the Jets were mentioned as a possibility for Barron midway through the first round.

Mark Barron 2012 NFL Draft Profile (via sbnnfl)

NFL Draft 2012: Dallas Cowboys Trade Up, Select Morris Claiborne At No. 6

With the sixth pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys have selected Louisiana State cornerback Morris Claiborne. Dallas traded up to grab Claiborne, surrendering the 14th overall pick, in addition to further compensation.

Claiborne was the Jim Thorpe Award winner and a first-team All-American in 2011. He is expected to have the size, instincts, knowledge and talent to quickly become a starter for the Cowboys, who already have Mike Jenkins and the recently-signed Brandon Carr.

NFL Draft Tracker via Sports Illustrated

Impact on Giants:

The much maligned Cowboys secondary gets dramatically stronger with Claiborne, shoring up their coverage plans for Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz and any wide receivers the Giants add later in this draft.

Morris Claiborne 2012 NFL Draft Profile (via sbnnfl)

2012 NFL Draft: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State Goes No. 5 To Jacksonville Jaguars

When the 2012 NFL Draft began nobody really knew what the Jacksonville Jaguars would do with the seventh overall selection in the draft. Now we do. They traded it, along with other considerations, to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the No. 5 overall pick.

The Jaguars used the pick to select Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon. The move gives second-year quarterback Blaine Gabbert a big-play threat on the outside.

NFL Draft Tracker via Sports Illustrated

The move also means that Rutgers University fans will have to wait just a little bit longer to see what the Buccaneers will do with the first selection of the Greg Schiano era as head coach. Schiano is, of course, the rookie coach who left Rutgers for the Tampa Bay job.

For more on the 2012 NFL Draft, visit see SB Nation. For more on Blackmon, head over to Oklahoma State Cowboys blog Cowboys Ride For Free. For more on the NFL Draft, stick with SB Nation NFL and Mocking the Draft.

Justin Blackmon 2012 NFL Draft Profile (via sbnnfl)

NFL Draft 2012: Matt Kalil Selected No. 4 Overall By Minnesota Vikings

With the fourth overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings have selected Southern California offensive tackle Matt Kalil.

Kalil has been considered the top offensive line talent in this draft and the most surefire prospect on the offensive line. Kalil was part of a USC o-line that gave up just eight sacks last season in protecting the blind side of quarterback Matt Barkley. Kalil was also the Morris Trophy winner, the 12th in USC football history.

NFL Draft Tracker via Sports Illustrated

Impact on Giants and Jets:

Not a whole lot, though Vikings have traditionally given the Giants plenty of trouble. A stronger offensive line obviously bodes well for Minnesota's ability to protect young quarterback Christian Ponder.

Matt Kalil 2012 NFL Draft Profile (via sbnnfl)

2012 NFL Draft: Trent Richardson Goes No. 3 To Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns Thursday night selected Alabama running back Trent Richardson with the third overall selection of the 2012 NFL Draft. The Browns tipped their hand earlier in the evening by trading three picks to the Minnesota Vikings to move up from No. 4 to No. 3, guaranteeing that they could get Richardson.

Impact On New York Jets

There had been some speculation that the Jets were interested in trying to make a play to move from No. 16 up into the top five for Richardson. The Jets may still make a move, but it would likely be for a pass-rusher at this point.

NFL Draft Tracker via Sports Illustrated

For more on the 2012 NFL Draft, visit SB Nation Cleveland. For a complete list of 2012 NFL Draft results (hyperlinked) as they happen, visit SBNation.com. For more on the Alabama Crimson Tide, visit Roll Bama Roll. For even more comprehensive coverage of the NFL Draft, visit Mocking The Draft.

Trent Richardson 2012 NFL Draft Profile (via sbnnfl)

2012 NFL Draft: Robert Griffin III Selected No. 2 By Washington Redskins

For the second consecutive pick, the 2012 NFL Draft opens without a surprise.

The Washington Redskins selected Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III with the No. 2 overall pick, which they obtained by trading their second-round pick this year and two first-rounders over the next two years.

Griffin won the Heisman Trophy this past season, throwing for 4,293 yards with 37 touchdowns and only 6 interceptions. Perhaps even more impressively, he completed 72.4 percent of his passes. His accuracy and his arm strength would be solid enough reasons to draft him high, but his agility and his athleticism allow him to stretch out plays and possibly make him a can't-miss prospect.

NFL Draft Tracker via Sports Illustrated

Impact on the Jets and Giants:

None for the Jets, but the Giants' NFC East rivals are now significantly better off on offense. The Redskins still have more upgrading to do before they can be considered legitimate contenders in the division, let alone the conference, but the excitement RGIII will bring to Washington cannot be understated.

For more on the 2012 NFL Draft, visit the SB Nation New York StoryStream. For a complete list of 2012 NFL Draft results, as they happen, visit SBNation.com. For more on the Washington Redskins, visit Hogs Haven. For even more comprehensive coverage of the NFL Draft, visit Mocking The Draft.

Robert Griffin III 2012 NFL Draft Profile (via sbnnfl)

2012 NFL Draft: Andrew Luck Selected No. 1 By Indianapolis Colts

No surprise, but the Indianapolis Colts kicked off the 2012 NFL Draft Thursday night by selecting Stanford QB Andrew Luck, who will succeed Peyton Manning as the face of the Indianapolis franchise. Luck joins a Colts’ team that is starting over.

Impact On The Jets And Giants

None directly, but the Jets will get a first-hand look at Luck when they host the Colts at MetLife Stadium during Week 6 of the 2012 NFL season.

NFL Draft Tracker via Sports Illustrated

For more on the 2012 NFL Draft, visit SB Nation Indiana’s StoryStream. For a complete list of 2012 NFL Draft results (hyperlinked) as they happen, visit SBNation.com. For more on how Luck fits in with the Colts, visit Stampede Blue. Talk about Luck and Stanford football fans over at Rule of Tree. For even more comprehensive coverage of the NFL Draft, visit Mocking The Draft.

Andrew Luck 2012 NFL Draft Profile (via sbnnfl)

2012 NFL Draft: Cleveland, Minnesota Swap Spots -- Report

Just about an hour until the 2012 NFL Draft officially begins. Apparently, though, the action is already starting.

I'm hearing we have our first trade; Cleveland moving up from #4 to #3 w Minnesota. Giving up 3 picks to move into the 3rd spot

— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) April 26, 2012

What can this mean? Does Cleveland really want Matt Kalil? We know Minnesota won't want Alabama running back Trent Richardson, not when they already have Adrian Peterson.

Does it mean anything at all for the New York Jets, who are reportedly enamored with Richardson and have been rumored to have an eye on trading for the Alabama star?

According to Glazer, the Browns are aiming to take Richardson with the third pick. Which begs the question why give up three picks to take the player you would have taken at No. 4, anyway. Unless, of course, the Browns believed someone else was ready to jump ahead of them.

Either way, it looks like the Jets' dream of getting Richardson won't be a reality.

2012 NFL Draft Rumors: Broncos Want To Move Down -- Would The Giants Move Up?

The Denver Broncos have the 25th pick in the opening round of the 2012 NFL Draft, and they would like to unload it. Denver VP of Football Operations John Elway has said the team would like to trade down.

Purely speculation here, but could they find a willing partner in the New York Giants, who have the 32nd overall pick?

Trading up in Round 1 is generally not the Giants' style, but general manager Jerry Reese admitted recently that beyond the top 25 selections in the draft New York sees everyone else as second-round value.

"You just wait and see if somebody is going to fall to you or if there is somebody you may be able to move up for, that you're in love with. It's always a good problem to have when you're picking 32. More likely, somebody we have ahead of our 32nd pick in our first row, more than likely somebody will be down there where we want to pick. Again, at the bottom of that first row, we think those guys are second round picks, unless we have somebody pretty high that falls. But we'll see. We could easily have somebody fall down. I think guys are going to come off the board all over the place early on."

Could there be a player that makes Reese want to jump to 25? Also, could the Giants use defensive end Osi Umenyiora as a trade chip to move up? Umenyiora has admitted that a draft day trade is a possibility.

In reality, it seems an unlikely move for the Giants. But, hey, we have seven hours or so before the Giants get to make a selection. What else have we got to do.

2012 NFL Draft Rumors: Cleveland Browns Passing On Trent Richardson?

If the New York Jets really are interested in moving up from the 16th overall selection in the 2012 NFL Draft to get Alabama running back Trent Richardson -- which has been rumored -- maybe their chances are getting a little better.

Consider this latest news, which has been buzzing across the Twitter-verse:

Just heard the Cleveland Browns could be coming off Trent Richardson even if he's available and looking hard at Justin Blackmon @4..

— Tony Pauline (@TonyPauline) April 26, 2012

What Cleveland would do with the fourth overall selection has been a subject of debate. If they keep the pick it has been widely expected that they would grab Richardson, easily the best running back in the draft.

Some are wondering why the Browns would jump on Blackmon, the receiver from Oklahoma State, after passing on Alabama's Julio Jones a year ago. If it helps the Jets, fans of Gang Green won't care.

2012 NFL Draft: TV Schedule, Start Time And More

The countdown to the first round of the NFL Draft is ever-dwindling, so here are the details you need to know before the event kicks off on Thursday night.

The NFL switched to a primetime TV format last season, meaning that just the first round will be held Thursday, with the second and third round occurring on Friday and the final four rounds on Saturday.

The first round begins promptly at 8:00 p.m. EST, and each of the 32 selections must be made within a 10-minute window. Should a team not make its selection before 10 minutes has elapsed, the team behind them in the order may leapfrog them and submit a pick.

Depending on your cable package, you may also have multiple options of networks to view the proceedings on. Both ESPN and the NFL Network will carry the draft, and the two have mutually agreed not to pan to players prior to Commissioner Goodell's announcement of their being selected, so as to maintain the suspense and anticipation involved for fans.

Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III are sure to go one-two, but after that, it's anyone's guess as to what could happen.

-- See SB Nation's Mocking The Draft for complete draft coverage

2012 NFL Draft Order: Jets Have 16th Pick, Giants Have 32nd Selection