Dane Brugler of CBS Sports came out with his new 2012 NFL Mock Draft and it has some interesting players falling to the Florida teams. But it starts with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers taking a little bit of a risk with Alabama running back Trent Richardson.
The Bucs don't have any obvious holes, but could use upgrades in a number of areas. And with the hiring of Greg Schiano as head coach means Richardson to Tampa Bay makes sense as the former Rutgers coach will seek a hard-nosed runner for his run-heavy offense. Tampa Bay averaged only 91.1 rushing yards per game (30th) last season and incumbent back LaGarrette Blount has struggled with durability and ball security issues.
Next up is the Jaguars, who luck out and get Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon who inexplicably falls to No. 7 overall.
Despite the struggles of rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert, I'm not buying the logic of Jacksonville selecting another quarterback in the top 10 of the draft. The Jaguars have filled their roster with mid-round receivers, but lack a true No. 1 threat and Oklahoma State wideout Justin Blackmon could fall in their laps. I don't believe Blackmon is in the same class as AJ Green or even Julio Jones, but he brings a big, playmaking target that the Jaguars' offense (and Gabbert) desperately need.
Finally the Dolphins who get another tumbler in Iowa tackle Riley Reiff, who could fit in nicely next to Jake Long.
The Dolphins have needs on defense, but could fill a hole opposite Pro Bowler Jake Long at right tackle with this pick. Iowa offensive tackle Riley Reiff isn't yet a finished product, but offers obvious upside and would be an upgrade over aging Marc Columbo. The Dolphins might be candidates to draft a quarterback, but Matt Moore played better than expected last season and free agent Matt Flynn could soon be in South Beach with the hiring of former Green Bay offensive coordinator Joe Philbin as the new head coach.
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