The Strangest 2012 NFL Draft Developments

Added on Apr 30, 2012 by Scott in

NFL

For the most part, the 2012 NFL Draft went off without a hitch. The first round was a bit crazy for the first couple of hours, but things eventually settled into a more normal pace as teams filled needs and snagged the “best players available.” That said, there were a number of peculiar picks, trades and trends that developed over the long three days that will likely define this year’s draft class. Let’s investigate, shall we.

Browns trade up one spot – Did the Vikings really have suitors willing to jump ahead of Cleveland to steal running back Trent Richardson? According to Minny general manager Rick Spielman, yes. Sounds a bit fishy, but the Brownies took the bait which allowed the Vikes to hook an additional three picks. Tampa did select runner Doug Martin later in the round, so maybe they were pursuing Richardson. Maybe not.

Cardinals land Floyd – With Anquan Boldin and Steve Breaston elsewhere, the Cards have been hungry for another legit receiving threat opposite Larry Fitzgerald. Zona has other needs, especially on defense, but the talented Golden Domer should upgrade the passing attack, provided the quarterbacks stay upright.

Irvin goes early – There are always one or two shockers in the opening round, and Bruce Irvin going #12 to Seattle constitutes a major head-scratcher. Irvin was deemed by most draft pundits a second-round prospect at best. The kid has loads of ability, but it’s debatable whether or not he can play OLB in a 3-4 scheme. This selection could cost Pete Carroll his job if it goes south.

Niners reach for Jenkins – Like Irvin, A.J. Jenkins came off the board sooner than expected. San Fran is desperate for speed on the outside (hence the Randy Moss signing), so Jenkins makes sense on that front. However, with other highly regarded wideouts still available, the front office better hope this pick works out.

Redskins double up on QBs – After spending a king’s ransom to acquire the rights to draft RG III, the ‘Skins turned around in round four and plucked Michigan State signal-caller Kirk Cousins. Huh? This seems like a wasted pick considering the holes peppered throughout Washington’s roster. It conjures memories of the ’94 draft when they took Heath Shuler and Gus Frerotte.

Skill position slide – A bunch of highly-rated running backs and wide receivers tumbled down the draft board. A few like Washington back Chris Polk even went undrafted. Either it was a weak class for the skill positions, or teams were busy focusing in other areas.