Just because the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft is over doesn't mean people haven't stopped creating mocks. SB Nation's draft blog Mocking The Draft was up late last night projecting which prospects could go to teams in the second round. The consensus of both second round mocks: The Colts will take TE Coby Fleener of Stanford with the No. 34 overall pick.
34. Indianapolis Colts - Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford
First-round pick: Andrew Luck, QBBefore the draft even started this was a popular pick. Now with Fleener still out there, it's time for that pick to become a reality. Luck needs weapons to have a chance at succeeding on the talent-depleted Colts. A player like Fleener could be a safety valve and much more.
Writer with the handle seton hall and steelers:
34. Indianapolis (Andrew Luck) – Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford - The Colts got Andrew Luck and now they get him his favorite target from Stanford. This pick matches BPA and need and would give Luck a safety valve.
I can't argue with the logic, and I certainly wouldn't be unhappy with Colts G.M. Ryan Grigson picking the Stanford tight end. However, I keep going back to what Grigson and head coach Chuck Pagano said last night at their press conference. Our own Eric Miller summarized that press conference:
Scheme will be put in to protect and develop Luck. Pagano still wants to run and stop the run. No 40 - 45 pass attempt games. Priority #1 with the draft is to protect Andrew.
Food for thought when considering who Indy will go with at picks 34 and 64.
FYI, Ryan Van Bibber of SB Nation mocked DT Jerel Worthy to the Colts. Can't really argue against that selection either.