The NFL draft starts tonight after endless months of hype. Here at the Big Ten blog, we thought, "Why should the NFL guys get to have all the fun of making mock drafts?"

So we're going to out-mock the mockers by creating our own, totally fake Big Ten players' draft. Adam and I are doing our best impressions of Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay -- we've both been running our hairdryers for hours now -- to come up with what a first-round of a Big Ten draft might look like.

Here's how this works: All current Big Ten players are eligible to be drafted (not signees, this isn't the NBA draft), and the teams will pick in reverse order of regular-season finish last year, just like the NFL. We're trying to think like the teams involved here and draft not just best player, but also best fit. For example, teams like Iowa and Wisconsin aren't going to draft a spread quarterback for their system. Teams would also want to take eligibility into account. Is a great senior worth more than a promising sophomore? Depends on how close your team is to winning.

It gets a little messy, because once a player gets drafted by one team, he leaves a hole on his former team (when Braxton Miller inevitably gets taken, for instance, Ohio State suddenly has a hole at quarterback). But it's all part of the fun and gives us more to debate.

Let's get to it ...

Pick No. 1: Illinois

Brian Bennett says the Illini select ... Ohio State QB Braxton Miller

I considered having Tim Beckman take a Penn State player, just for old time's sake. (He and his staff certainly did enough scouting in State College last summer). But Miller is the no-brainer. Illinois needs playmakers, and even if Miller is still evolving as a passer, he can make things happen on his own with his feet. Illinois might let him carry it 50 times per game.

Adam Rittenberg says the Illini select ... Miller

The Illini need a major boost for the nation's 119th-rated offense, and Miller, who has two seasons of eligibility remaining, provides it with his many talents at quarterback. He's an easy choice for a sputtering unit.

Pick No. 2: Iowa

Adam Rittenberg says the Hawkeyes select ... Michigan QB Devin Gardner

Like Illinois, Iowa is trying to repair one of the nation's worst offenses and lacks a quarterback on its roster who has taken a snap in an FBS game. Gardner, who blossomed down the stretch for Michigan last season, fits into a pro-style offense and provides the big-play ability Iowa sorely needs. He also has two years of eligibility left.

Brian Bennett says the Hawkeyes select ... Penn State DE Deion Barnes

This is a tough one, because Iowa could really use a standout wide receiver, an experienced quarterback and some secondary help. But remember that Kirk Ferentz would be making this pick, and I believe Ferentz would stay true to himself and look to the trenches first. Iowa has lacked a dynamic pass-rusher for a couple of years now, and Barnes would provide that. Plus, he's only a sophomore, and the Hawkeyes have some rebuilding to do.

Pick No. 3: Indiana

Brian Bennett says the Hoosiers select ... Ohio State DE Adolphus Washington

Indiana is as set on offense as any Big Ten club, even though Kevin Wilson might be tempted to grab a quarterback or a receiver because he loves the passing game. What the Hoosiers desperately need are high-impact defensive players, especially on the defensive line. Washington is by no means proven, but he had a strong freshman year and looked dominant this spring. He can also play inside at tackle if needed. Wilson also would have three years of Washington to develop, along with the rest of his young team.

Adam Rittenberg says the Hoosiers select ... Penn State's Barnes

Indiana obviously needs defense, and while there are several good options out there, a difference-maker in the pass rush would really help. Barnes, the 2012 Big Ten Freshman of the Year, has three seasons of eligibility left, and would bolster a line with major question marks entering the fall.

Pick No. 4: Minnesota

Adam Rittenberg says the Gophers select ... Ohio State LB Ryan Shazier

The Gophers are unsettled at linebacker after losing two starters from last season. Although they could go secondary with this pick, Shazier provides an immediate playmaking presence for the core of the defense. Plus, he has two years of eligibility left.

Brian Bennett says the Gophers select ... Penn State WR Allen Robinson

I could definitely see Jerry Kill picking a linebacker or a lineman as he continues to build his team's toughness. But the Gophers desperately need to improve their downfield passing game, and in Robinson they get the Big Ten's top receiver, who has two years of eligibility left. Philip Nelson just did a backflip in celebration.

Pick No. 5: Purdue

Brian Bennett says the Boilermakers select ... Ohio State's Shazier

Linebacker has been a bit of a black hole for Purdue of late, and Shazier could fix that problem quickly. Darrell Hazell would also get two years out of him.

Adam Rittenberg says the Boilermakers select ... Northwestern LB Chi Chi Ariguzo

Chi Chi Who? Hear me out. Purdue really needs help at linebacker, and one-year players like Chris Borland or Max Bullough only do so much, especially for a coaching staff looking to the future. Michigan's Jake Ryan is a possibility, but he tore his ACL this spring and might bolt to the NFL after the season. Ariguzo has two years left and recorded two interceptions, four fumble recoveries, 10.5 tackles for loss and five pass breakups for Northwestern last season. He's the young playmaker Purdue needs.

Pick No. 6: Michigan State

Adam Rittenberg says the Spartans select ... Penn State's Robinson

The Spartans need a featured running back, but should be able to pick up someone like Iowa's Mark Weisman in the later rounds. Wide receiver remains a pressing need after a season of dropped passes. Robinson, the Big Ten's wide receiver of the year in 2012, gives Michigan State an obvious No. 1 target. Plus, he's only a sophomore.

Brian Bennett says the Spartans select ... Michigan's Gardner

You heard that right. Michigan State needs a quarterback who can lead the team down the field, and Gardner has the kind of arm and scrambling ability that Mark Dantonio needs. Gardner could solidify the Spartans' offense for the next two years. Plus, Dantonio would be weakening his top rival in the process. That's what you call a win-win.

Pick No. 7: Michigan

Brian Bennett says the Wolverines select ... Wisconsin linebacker Chris Borland

The sound you heard was Brady Hoke punching the wall of Michigan's war room once the Spartans drafted Gardner. That leaves Michigan in a real bind at quarterback, but there aren't great options for their system here. Instead, the defensive-minded Hoke will go for Borland, who will provide some insurance for the injured Jake Ryan. Borland is a senior, but with the Wolverines' young talent on the way, they need a veteran for 2013.

Adam Rittenberg says the Wolverines select Nebraska G Spencer Long

The Wolverines obviously need a quarterback after losing Gardner, but there aren't many great pro-style options in the Big Ten right now. By adding Long, Michigan could boast two All-Americans on its offensive line (if it keeps left tackle Taylor Lewan). While both players depart after this season, they'll provide excellent leadership for the Wolverines' talented group of younger linemen.

Pick No. 8: Wisconsin

Adam Rittenberg says the Badgers select ... Nebraska WR Kenny Bell

The Badgers need help in the secondary, but the top options available -- Ohio State CB Bradley Roby, Michigan State CB Darqueze Dennard -- are one-year guys. Bell has two years left and plays a position where Wisconsin is undermanned. He'll be an excellent complement for Jared Abbrederis this year, and the No. 1 wideout in 2014. Bell grew up in Boulder, Colo., and will easily adjust to life in Madison.

Brian Bennett says the Badgers select ... Michigan OT Taylor Lewan

I mean, c'mon. This is Wisconsin we're talking about. Don't the Badgers go for the best offensive lineman, even if he's only got one year left? The Badgers are good enough that one player could put them over the top.

Pick No. 9: Penn State

Brian Bennett says the Nittany Lions select ... Ohio State DE Noah Spence

Bill O'Brien takes the long view here, knowing he needs a young player to help him build through the sanctions era. Spence is just a sophomore, and he fills the void left when Barnes was drafted earlier. Spence hasn't done much yet, but looked like a future star this spring. Oh yeah, and he's a Pennsylvania native and former Penn State commit.

Adam Rittenberg says the Nittany Lions select ... Michigan State LB Max Bullough

Penn State could go quarterback here after losing Steven Bench, but the long-term forecast under center looks pretty good. The immediate needs are linebacker and defensive leadership. Bullough provides both. He's a first-team All-Big Ten selection, one of the nation's smartest players and an excellent leader. He'll complement Mike Hull and Glenn Carson very well.

Pick No. 10: Northwestern

Adam Rittenberg says the Wildcats select ... Michigan's Lewan

Offensive line is the one area at Northwestern where graduation took its toll. Although the Wildcats might have a bigger need at guard than at tackle, they can't pass up arguably the nation's best offensive linemen in Lewan. He'll anchor the line, allow Jack Konopka to stay at right tackle and allow other players to slide inside to guard. Although Lewan is a one-year guy, Northwestern can draft to win now.

Brian Bennett says the Wildcats select ... Ohio State CB Bradley Roby

Let's face it: the secondary hasn't exactly been the Wildcats' strong suit over the years. Pat Fitzgerald can draft Roby here and feel confident that he'll shut down one side of the field. You think the Roy Roundtree miracle catch happens with Roby wearing purple? He's headed to the NFL draft after this season, but Roby could be the missing piece for a team that's ready to contend.

Pick No. 11: Nebraska

Brian Bennett says the Cornhuskers select ... Minnesota DT Ra'Shede Hageman

It's no coincidence that Nebraska's defense hasn't been the same since Ndamukong Suh and Jared Crick left town. The Huskers need help the most at defensive tackle, and the very athletic Hageman can provide that. He'll only play one year in Lincoln, but with Nebraska set up to win now with its offense, that's OK with Bo Pelini.

Adam Rittenberg says the Cornhuskers select ... Ohio State DE Noah Spence

This is certainly a projection pick, but Spence looks like a superstar and Nebraska desperately needs one on its defensive line. The Huskers could go with a more experienced option like Hageman, but Spence is just a true sophomore and should be an impact pass-rusher for at least two more years.

Pick No. 12: Ohio State

Adam Rittenberg says the Buckeyes select ... Wisconsin LB Chris Borland

The Buckeyes need a quarterback after losing Miller, but should be able to get a guy like Kain Colter in the later rounds. Ohio State's most pressing need -- the defensive front seven -- remains the same, especially after losing both Shazier and Spence. Borland, an Ohio native, gives the Buckeyes a proven, productive veteran at linebacker who can help in many different ways. Although he's a senior, Ohio State is in win-now mode as it eyes a national title.

Brian Bennett says the Buckeyes select .. Michigan State LB Max Bullough

Ohio State has been decimated more than any other team by this draft. Urban Meyer would have to strongly consider Taylor Martinez here, but he can either get another quarterback later, or roll with Kenny Guiton for a year. Defense is crying out for help after losing Washington, Spence, Shazier and Roby. So the Buckeyes go with the best defensive player on the board and a guy who will bolster the front seven.

And our quick second-round picks:

Adam's second round

Illinois: Hageman

Iowa: Indiana WR Cody Latimer

Indiana: Washington

Minnesota: Abbrederis

Purdue: Penn State OL John Urschel

Michigan State: Weisman

Michigan: Ohio State OT Jack Mewhort

Wisconsin: Roby

Penn State: Northwestern DE Tyler Scott

Northwestern: Ohio State OL Andrew Norwell

Nebraska: Iowa LB James Morris

Ohio State: Michigan State DE Marcus Rush

Brian's second round

Illinois: Northwestern RB Venric Mark

Iowa: Bell

Indiana: Dennard

Minnesota: Purdue DE Ryan Russell

Purdue: Penn State DT DaQuan Jones

Michigan State: Penn State TE Kyle Carter

Michigan: Mewhort

Wisconsin: Latimer

Penn State: Michigan CB Blake Countess

Northwestern: Long

Nebraska: Scott

Ohio State: Martinez