The stakes just got higher in the seventh round of the 2012 NFL Draft, writes NFL.com’s Dan Hanzus.

Washington Redskins coach Mike Shanahan strongly implied that the team will take Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III with the second pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.

NFL.com senior analyst Gil Brandt updated his Hot 100, and added 25 bonus prospects.

The downfall of Arizona State linebacker Vontaze Burfict added another chapter to its story Wednesday — just one day before the NFL draft begins — as NFL Network contributor and Fox Sports insider Jay Glazer reported that NFL teams were informed this week that Burfict has failed a drug test.

Mike Mayock moderated a mock draft featuring selections made by NFL Network analysts and reporters during which a number of curious picks profoundly alter the first round.

The Colts will take Andrew Luck with the first overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, but where should you take him in your fantasy leagues?

Ex-Patriots normally don’t take too kindly to behavior that potentially detracts from team goals (see: Tedy Bruschi and Chad Ochocinco, 2011). So you can imagine what NFL Network analyst Willie McGinest thinks of Patriots WR Wes Welker‘s statement Tuesday that he’s “probably not” going to attend the team’s mandatory June 12-14 minicamp unless he receives a long-term contract.

North Carolina State defensive end Markus Kuhn hopes to follow in the footsteps of fellow German, New England Patriots lineman Sebastian Vollmer, to become only the third European-trained player drafted by an NFL team.

Robert Griffin III is safe to assume that the Redskins will draft him with the No. 2 pick Thursday night. But he isn’t assuming he’ll be the top QB in Washington, with Rex Grossman also there.

The Cleveland Browns own an NFL-high 13 selections, including four of the first 67 and two in the first round. The team’s No. 4 overall pick has long been considered a spot that could profoundly impact how the rest of the first round of the draft transpires.

Former NFL scout Bucky Brooks and Matt “Money” Smith reveal the top five biggest lies being spread by teams over the past few days.

As draft historians fondly recall, there are always first-round moments where the fun really starts. What will 2012′s be? NFL.com and NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport writes Pete Carroll‘s Seahawks might be sitting in the catbird seat.

What was it the best first round ever? NFL.com’s Adam Rank uses a not-so-complicated formula to figure out which draft class had the best early picks.

With the 2012 draft looming this weekend, it’s time for a true mock draft projecting every round of action. NFL.com’s Chad Reuter submits all 253 picks.

Indianapolis Colts general manager Ryan Grigson said Tuesday that Andrew Luck will be the first pick in this year’s NFL draft, confirming that the team would take the Stanford quarterback.