DraftTek releases their latest mock for the 2012 NFL Draft, and three Stanford Cardinal players could very well be picked in the first round. All of them were critical cogs to Stanford's success the past few seasons, and they'll be sorely missed next year.
Quarterback Andrew Luck is a dead lock to get picked first overall by the Indianapolis Colts.
So Indy really does know who they are going to take with pick #1 in next week's NFL Draft. "Finally" have decided. GASP. Wink, wink. We all know who the guy was all along. Jim Irsay wants Peyton Manning 2.0, and that's Andrew Luck. GM Ryan Grigson will be tasked with building around that centerpiece at QB. His legacy (and job) are on the line now, and he knows it. Relishes it. Jim Irsay calls for Luck over RG3, but Grigson gets credit (or blame) for all the rest to come after that first pick.
The remaining two Cardinal that should be picked are offensive lineman. Offensive guard David DeCastro was taken 11th overall by the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Chiefs' choices appear to be between David DeCastro and Luke Kuechly. Either would be fine choices. The best bet is that the Chiefs take David DeCastro. The draft is deeper at guard, but DeCastro is the better value. He will lock down an offensive line spot for ten plus years, more than likely at a multiple Pro Bowl level. A DeCastro pick would be similar to the Eric Berry choice. The positional value is not the highest, but the player value is.
Finally, offensive tackle Jonathan Martin gets picked 23rd overall by the Detroit Lions.
At Stanford Jonathan Martin succeeded in a run-heavy/pro-style scheme that projects him to be (at worst) a quality starter at the next level. In Detroit, Martin could step right in for Gosder Cherlius, upgrading the position and allowing Cherilus to leave as a UFA in 2012. It is also possible that Martin could compete for the LT position once Jeff Backus decides to retire. The Lions need to beef up the offensive line and this pick would go a long way in answering the question "Where's the beef?"
Talk about Luck with Colts fans over at Stampede Blue. Discuss DeCastro with Chiefs fans at Arrowhead Pride. Check Pride of Detroit to learn about Martin from Lions fans. Talk about Luck, DeCastro and Martin with Stanford football fans, go to Rule of Tree.
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