It's been fun to analyze the group, especially as players' stocks have fluctuated and team needs have changed throughout the course of free agency, which has yielded a number of unpredictable turns.
Speaking of which, Thursday's first round has two guarantees at the top of the board. After that, expect total mayhem. We've all got an idea of how many of the first 10 picks will play out, but one surprise — either by a trade or a perceived reach — could change the entire shape of the rest of the round.
So that's it. It's time to unveil Mock Draft X, but this is just the start of a weekend's worth of draft content, so stay with NESN.com for more coverage to get you through one of the busiest stretches of the year.
1. Indianapolis Colts
2011 Record: 2-14
Positional Needs: Quarterback, cornerback, guard, center, defensive tackle, wide receiver, outside linebacker, safety
The Pick: Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck
Analysis: Even if we'll never find the answer, the real question is: How long have the Colts known they were taking Luck? The NFL universe has speculated this since about October.
2. Washington Redskins
2011 Record: 2-14
Positional Needs: Quarterback, wide receiver, guard, cornerback, tackle, tight end, safety
The Pick: Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III
Analysis: The hype around Griffin is going to be epic in D.C. once this thing is official. It's going to be fun to follow.
3. Minnesota Vikings
2011 Record: 3-13
Positional Needs: Tackle, wide receiver, cornerback, safety, guard, outside linebacker, defensive tackle, running back
The Pick: USC tackle Matt Kalil
Previous Pick: Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon
Analysis: Since the first two picks are a lock, Kalil has started to face the type of late criticism that's usually reserved for the No. 1 selection. It's crazy how that works.
4. Cleveland Browns
2011 Record: 4-12
Positional Needs: Quarterback, wide receiver, running back, cornerback, defensive end, tackle, guard, outside linebacker
The Pick: Alabama running back Trent Richardson
Previous Picks: Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III, Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon, LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne
Analysis: Whether it's Richardson, Blackmon or Claiborne, Browns fans should be comforted knowing they're getting a great player. Richardson is a special talent, but I'd admire the bold move of pairing Claiborne with Joe Haden with this pick.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2011 Record: 4-12
Positional Needs: Cornerback, inside linebacker, outside linebacker, wide receiver, tackle, guard, running back
The Pick: LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne
Previous Pick: Alabama running back Trent Richardson
Analysis: What in the world are the Bucs going to do if the Vikings surprisingly take Claiborne? They might have to reach for Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly.
6. St. Louis Rams
2011 Record: 5-11
Positional Needs: Tackle, wide receiver, cornerback, guard, outside linebacker, safety, defensive tackle, running back
The Pick: Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon
Previous Pick: Alabama running back Trent Richardson
Analysis: The Rams are already one of the draft's big winners by drawing a haul of picks from the Redskins. If they can build on that by giving quarterback Sam Bradford a weapon like Blackmon, they'll be getting close to competing in the NFC West again.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars
2011 Record: 5-11
Positional Needs: Wide receiver, quarterback, cornerback, defensive end, safety, tackle
The Pick: South Carolina defensive end Melvin Ingram
Previous Pick: North Carolina defensive end Quinton Coples
Analysis: The Jaguars are probably the first team that could take Notre Dame wide receiver Michael Floyd, but they've been looking for a threat off the defensive edge for years. Here's their chance to take the first one in the draft.
8. Miami Dolphins
2011 Record: 6-10
Positional Needs: Quarterback, defensive end, outside linebacker, defensive tackle, inside linebacker, tight end, safety, wide receiver
The Pick: Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill
Previous Picks: Iowa tackle Riley Reiff, North Carolina defensive end Quinton Coples
Analysis: Quarterback Matt Moore is just good enough to make sure the Dolphins don't get Matt Barkley or one of the top signal callers in next year's draft. The Dolphins have to pounce on Tannehill while they have the chance.
9. Carolina Panthers
2011 Record: 6-10
Positional Needs: Defensive tackle, outside linebacker, inside linebacker, cornerback, safety, tackle, wide receiver
The Pick: Mississippi State defensive tackle Fletcher Cox
Previous Picks: LSU defensive tackle Michael Brockers, Memphis defensive tackle Dontari Poe
Analysis: Michael Floyd would make the Panthers even more fun to watch, but Cox has too much value. Plus, Ron Rivera is a defensive-minded head coach.
10. Buffalo Bills
2011 Record: 6-10
Positional Needs: Outside linebacker, cornerback, tackle, wide receiver, inside linebacker, defensive end
The Pick: Notre Dame wide receiver Michael Floyd
Previous Picks: South Carolina defensive end Melvin Ingram, USC defensive end Nick Perry, Iowa tackle Riley Reiff
Analysis: And the Floyd watch comes to an end. The Bills continue to build a team that can match up with the Patriots. They got their two pass rushers in free agency and can make their offense more explosive in the draft.
11. Kansas City Chiefs
2011 Record: 7-9
Positional Needs: Tackle, defensive tackle, outside linebacker, quarterback, wide receiver, tight end, running back
The Pick: Boston College inside linebacker Luke Kuechly
Previous Picks: Alabama running back Trent Richardson, Iowa tackle Riley Reiff, Mississippi State defensive tackle Fletcher Cox
Analysis: I've put Kuechly here for weeks, and the Chiefs would have one of the best groups of linebackers in the NFL with this pick.
12. Seattle Seahawks
2011 Record: 7-9
Positional Needs: Defensive end, defensive tackle, inside linebacker, outside linebacker, cornerback, guard
The Pick: North Carolina defensive end Quinton Coples
Previous Picks: Penn State defensive tackle Devon Still, Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill
Analysis: Coples' questionable motor could cause him to tumble down the board, but there's so much potential there. Head coach Pete Carroll has to hope he can be the guy to draw it out of him.
13. Arizona Cardinals
2011 Record: 8-8
Positional Needs: Tackle, inside linebacker, outside linebacker, guard, wide receiver, tight end, quarterback, cornerback
The Pick: Stanford guard David DeCastro
Previous Picks: Boston College inside linebacker Luke Kuechly, Stanford tackle Jonathan Martin, Alabama outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw
Analysis: If Alabama safety Mark Barron is still on the board, look for the Cardinals to trade this pick to a team that wants to steal him from the Cowboys. Otherwise, Arizona goes with the best offensive lineman available.
14. Dallas Cowboys
2011 Record: 8-8
Positional Needs: Cornerback, safety, guard, inside linebacker, defensive end, center, defensive tackle, outside linebacker
The Pick: Alabama safety Mark Barron
Previous Picks: Stanford guard David DeCastro, Alabama cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick, Memphis defensive tackle Dontari Poe
Analysis: Barron would completely change the shape of Dallas' woeful secondary. With Barron and cornerback Brandon Carr in the mix, the Cowboys might do something crazy in 2012, like stop the Giants from scoring.
15. Philadelphia Eagles
2011 Record: 8-8
Positional Needs: Defensive tackle, outside linebacker, safety, guard, wide receiver, cornerback, inside linebacker
The Pick: Memphis defensive tackle Dontari Poe
Previous Picks: Boston College inside linebacker Luke Kuechly, Alabama safety Mark Barron, Penn State defensive tackle Devon Still, LSU defensive tackle Michael Brockers
Analysis: The greatest trick Poe ever pulled was convincing the world his game tape didn't exist. Poe's phenomenal combine overshadowed his blah performance at Memphis. But if anyone can turn Poe's potential into some on-field success, it should be the Eagles' defensive minds.
16. New York Jets
2011 Record: 8-8
Positional Needs: Outside linebacker, safety, tackle, defensive tackle, wide receiver, tight end
The Pick: Alabama outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw
Previous Picks: Stanford tackle Jonathan Martin, Notre Dame wide receiver Michael Floyd, Iowa tackle Riley Reiff
Analysis: As much as the Jets need a right tackle, head coach Rex Ryan knows he's also got to upgrade his pass rush, and defense rules in his kingdom.
17. Cincinnati Bengals
2011 Record: 9-7
Positional Needs: Cornerback, running back, wide receiver, safety, guard, defensive end
The Pick: South Carolina cornerback Stephon Gilmore
Previous Picks: North Alabama cornerback Janoris Jenkins, Alabama outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw, Notre Dame wide receiver Michael Floyd, Alabama cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw
Analysis: This would be a terrific pick for a defense that is continuing to improve.
18. San Diego Chargers
2011 Record: 8-8
Positional Needs: Outside linebacker, safety, cornerback, wide receiver, tight end, guard, tackle
The Pick: Illinois defensive end Whitney Mercilus
Previous Picks: Stanford guard David DeCastro, Georgia tackle Cordy Glenn, USC defensive end Nick Perry, Alabama outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw
Analysis: Somewhere along the line, the Chargers stopped attacking the quarterback, mustering up just 32 sacks last season. Mercilus led the country with 16 quarterback takedowns last year, so this seems to be a nice match.
19. Chicago Bears
2011 Record: 8-8
Positional Needs: Defensive end, wide receiver, tight end, tackle, guard, safety, cornerback, running back
The Pick: Iowa tackle Riley Reiff
Previous Picks: Notre Dame wide receiver Michael Floyd, Baylor wide receiver Kendall Wright, USC defensive end Nick Perry
Analysis: I've been giving the Bears a defensive end for weeks, but this was the furthest Reiff has slid in 10 mock drafts. This gives the Bears the chance to take the second tackle off the board.
20. Tennessee Titans
2011 Record: 9-7
Positional Needs: Guard, center, cornerback, safety, outside linebacker, defensive end, wide receiver
The Pick: Alabama cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick
Previous Picks: Stanford guard David DeCastro, Illinois defensive end Whitney Mercilus, Boston College inside linebacker Luke Kuechly
Analysis: This would be a great fit for the Titans. Kirkpatrick is a terrific cover corner, and the Titans play a man scheme.
21. Cincinnati Bengals
2011 Record: 9-7
Positional Needs: Cornerback, running back, wide receiver, safety, guard, defensive end
The Pick: LSU wide receiver Rueben Randle
Previous Picks: Notre Dame wide receiver Michael Floyd, Baylor wide receiver Kendall Wright, Alabama safety Mark Barron, Clemson defensive end Andre Branch, North Alabama cornerback Janoris Jenkins, South Carolina cornerback Stephon Gilmore, Illinois defensive end Whitney Mercilus
Analysis: Randle is a big wide receiver who could help the Bengals create matchup problems with wideout A.J. Green and tight end Jermaine Gresham.
22. Cleveland Browns
2011 Record: 4-12
Positional Needs: Quarterback, wide receiver, running back, cornerback, defensive end, tackle, guard, outside linebacker
The Pick: Georgia tackle Cordy Glenn
Previous Pick: Stanford tackle Jonathan Martin, North Alabama cornerback Janoris Jenkins, USC defensive end Nick Perry, Baylor wide receiver Kendall Wright
Analysis: At 6-foot-6 and 345 pounds, the Browns would literally have a lot to work with if they draft a monstrosity like Glenn.
23. Detroit Lions
2011 Record: 10-6
Positional Needs: Cornerback, safety, tackle, center, defensive end, outside linebacker
The Pick: North Alabama cornerback Janoris Jenkins
Previous Pick: Ohio State tackle Mike Adams, Georgia tackle Cordy Glenn, Central Florida cornerback Josh Robinson
Analysis: This is a tough spot for the Lions, who could wind up reaching for one of the two greatest needs — cornerback and tackle — so it makes sense for them to trade down, perhaps with a team interested in Alabama inside linebacker Dont'a Hightower. I very begrudgingly gave them Jenkins because he's the only player among those positions with a first-round grade strictly based on field work. And clearly, the Lions have no issues drafting guys with problems.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers
2011 Record: 12-4
Positional Needs: Tackle, guard, defensive tackle, cornerback, inside linebacker, running back
The Pick: Alabama inside linebacker Dont'a Hightower
Previous Pick: Georgia tackle Cordy Glenn
Analysis: Hightower is too perfect for the Steelers, who should find it way too difficult to select an offensive lineman with this pick.
25. Denver Broncos
2011 Record: 8-8
Positional Needs: Defensive tackle, inside linebacker, safety, cornerback, wide receiver, running back
The Pick: LSU defensive tackle Michael Brockers
Previous Pick: Memphis defensive tackle Dontari Poe
Analysis: Brockers would be a top-10 pick if he were close to a finished product, so this could turn out to be a great pick in a few years. As it currently stands, Brockers fills the Broncos' greatest need anyway, so it works out now, too.
26. Houston Texans
2011 Record: 10-6
Positional Needs: Wide receiver, right tackle, guard, outside linebacker, defensive tackle, safety, cornerback
The Pick: Baylor wide receiver Kendall Wright
Previous Picks: LSU wide receiver Rueben Randle, Georgia Tech wide receiver Stephen Hill
Analysis: The Texans need a weapon to take some heat away from wide receiver Andre Johnson. And since Johnson has played in all 16 games just twice in the last five seasons, they need someone to fill in for him, too.
27. New England Patriots
2011 Record: 13-3
Positional Needs: Safety, outside linebacker, defensive end, wide receiver, cornerback
The Pick: Syracuse defensive end Chandler Jones
Previous Picks: Penn State defensive tackle Devon Still, LSU defensive tackle Michael Brockers, Alabama safety Mark Barron, Illinois defensive end Whitney Mercilus, North Alabama cornerback Janoris Jenkins
Analysis: Jones fills the edge presence that the Patriots need, but he's also stout against the run, which will make head coach Bill Belichick much more inclined to get him in the first round.
28. Green Bay Packers
2011 Record: 15-1
Positional Needs: Outside linebacker, defensive end, safety, cornerback, running back
The Pick: Clemson defensive end Andre Branch
Previous Pick: Mississippi State defensive tackle Fletcher Cox, Penn State defensive tackle Devon Still
Analysis: Branch has remained here for weeks. He's not a perfect player, but with so much attention on Packers outside linebacker Clay Matthews, Branch will have room to make plays on the other side of the defense.
29. Baltimore Ravens
2011 Record: 12-4
Positional Needs: Inside linebacker, wide receiver, tackle, center, safety, outside linebacker
The Pick: Wisconsin guard Kevin Zeitler
Previous Picks: Wisconsin center Peter Konz, South Carolina wide receiver Alshon Jeffery
Analysis: Zeitler fills the most immediate need, but the Ravens might choose to take his teammate, Konz, if they believe he's a better fit to play guard now before taking over at center when Matt Birk retires.
30. San Francisco 49ers
2011 Record: 13-3
Positional Needs: Guard, cornerback, wide receiver, defensive tackle, safety, outside linebacker, quarterback
The Pick: Midwestern State guard Amini Silatolu
Previous Picks: South Carolina wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, Georgia tackle Cordy Glenn, Wisconsin guard Kevin Zeitler, North Alabama cornerback Janoris Jenkins, Penn State defensive tackle Devon Still, Michigan State defensive tackle Jerel Worthy
Analysis: Silatolu plays the game with some nastiness that's befitting of Jim Harbaugh's style, and he fits the 49ers' greatest need.
31. New England Patriots
2011 Record: 13-3
Positional Needs: Safety, outside linebacker, defensive end, wide receiver, cornerback, defensive tackle
The Pick: Michigan State defensive tackle Jerel Worthy
Previous Picks: Nebraska cornerback Alfonzo Dennard, Clemson defensive end Andre Branch, LSU defensive tackle Michael Brockers, Penn State defensive tackle Devon Still, South Carolina cornerback Stephon Gilmore, Illinois defensive end Whitney Mercilus, North Alabama cornerback Janoris Jenkins
Analysis: Worthy would be a really good rotational player with Vince Wilfork and Kyle Love. Worthy has a mean streak, and he can get after the quarterback. He'd be a strong complement for that group.
32. New York Giants
2011 Record: 9-7
Positional Needs: Inside linebacker, tackle, tight end, running back, safety, cornerback, guard
The Pick: Boise State running back Doug Martin
Previous Pick: Wisconsin center Peter Konz, Virginia Tech running back David Wilson, Georgia tackle Cordy Glenn, Stanford tackle Jonathan Martin
Analysis: Martin is most often compared to Ravens running back Ray Rice, and the Giants need to upgrade their offensive backfield.
Fallen Out: USC defensive end Nick Perry, Stanford tackle Jonathan Martin
Have a question for Jeff Howe? Send it to him via Twitter at @jeffphowe or send it here. He will pick a few questions to answer every week for his mailbag.
