2012 NFL Mock Draft: Round 1, Picks 17-32, 1/30
Round 1, Picks 17-32, Round 2, Round 3, Round 4, Round 5, Round 6, Draft Blog, NFL Draft Page,Senior Bowl Coverage
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17. Cincinnati Bengals (via Oakland)- CB Janoris Jenkins, N. Alabama:
One of the Bengals top priorities this offseason is strengthening their corners. This could be a slight reach for Jenkins, but not enough that Cincy is getting bad value. Jenkins is a major addition to their secondary and would be a day one starter for them. He’s not a perfect prospect, and I’d expect a few growing pains, but long term this is a nice pick for them.
18. San Diego Chargers- ILB Donta Hightower, Alabama
The Chargers can go in a number of different directions here, but I think they might look at Hightower. It’s not the most pressing need, but he does help and is simply too good to pass up here.
19. Chicago Bears- DT Devon Still, Penn State
The Bears have lacked a major interior presence on their defensive line for a couple years now, and that should be fixed with this pick. Still is probably a top 10 talent, but he could fall given the lack of need at the position. He is an instant upgrade for the Bears, and could be a major force next to Julius Peppers.
20. Tennessee Titans- C Peter Konz, Wisconsin:
The Titans have one of the better offensive lines in the league, but their one weakness is in the middle. Konz could make this unit the best in the league, which is exactly what the Titans need as they will start to transition to Jake Locker at QB.
21. Cincinnati Bengals- RB Lamar Miller, Miami:
The Bengals need to find a RB as Cedric Benson is really just league average at this point. Miller would give the Bengals a dynamic playmaker, and if they did resign Benson for a year, a pretty impressive backfield. Miller could be a big play guy in this offense, and will give Andy Dalton another weapon to work with.
22. Cleveland Browns (via Atlanta)- WR Michael Floyd, Notre Dame
The Browns need to find another target for their new quarterback, and Floyd is the best receiver on the board. Him and Little could team up to give the Browns to big play targets. Combine them with Griffin and you have the makings of a pretty devastating passing attack.
23. Detroit Lions- OT Cordy Glenn, Georgia:
The Lions have to find a way to get better protection for Matt Stafford this year, as well as improve their run blocking. While Glenn might be better suited for the interior line, there are quite a few people who believe he can stay out at tackle. He gives the Lions a strong power guy, who can anchor the line. A strong Senior Bowl week proved that Glenn could play outside, but it is such a big need don’t be shocked if Detroit looks to move up.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers- G Brandon Washington, Miami:
The Steelers need to find a way to protect Ben Roethlisberger next year if they want to win the big games. While NT, ILB and CB could all be considered, I think the offensive line is the first thing that needs fixed. Washington is moving up draft boards and might even be able to play at tackle for the Steelers. Pittsburgh will like his power and versatility, and hopefully his addition will move the Steelers back to the elite lines they had in the past.
25. Denver Broncos- DT Jerel Worthy, Michigan State:
The Broncos still need help along both of their lines, with defensive tackle being a more primary need. The Broncos tackles played solid this year, but they could use that singular dominant presence in the middle. That is where Worthy comes in. Worthy flashes the potential to be an absolute force in the middle, and figures to be both a top level pass rusher and run stopper.
26. Houston Texans- WR Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina:
The Texans should look to give Matt Schaub a welcome back gift with this draft pick. Jeffery would be a nice complement to Andre Johnson, and would move Kevin Walter to the slot (where he is a better fit). A Jeffery-Johnson combo could be extremely dangerous, and could be the final cog to their offense.
27. New England Patriots (via New Orleans)- DT Brandon Thompson, Clemson
The Patriots need to find another interior defensive lineman as Vince Wilfork can’t be the only force in the middle. Thompson is a good fit for the Patriots versatility as he can play in either a 4 man or 3 man defensive line.
28. Green Bay Packers: OLB Nick Perry, USC-
Adding a pass rusher has to be key for the Giants this season and Perry has worked his way into first round consideration. I’m not as high on Perry as some others, but I believe he’s a solid pick here and can really bolster that Packers defense.
29. Baltimore Ravens- ILB Vontaze Burfict, Arizona State
Burfict’s temper could get him to fall somewhat in this draft, but I see the Ravens not letting like his slip by. And honestly it would be a good fit, because Burfict can learn the position from a true star, Ray Lewis, who has the ability to take control of the locker room.
30. San Francisco 49ers- SS Mark Barron, Alabama
The 49ers don’t have a lot of weaknesses, but they could look to strengthen their secondary with this pick. Barron is the top safety available, and should fit in well with San Francisco’s aggressive defense.
31. New York Giants- DT Fletcher Cox, Miss. State:
The Giants go in a number of different ways here, but they usually stick with the best player on the board, and here that would be Cox. I know the Giants have spent resources on defensive tackles of late, but Cox could be the guy who pushes them over the top.
32. New England Patriots: OLB/DE Whitney Mercilus, Illinois
The Patriots need to add a pass rusher as well, as they look to expand their defense. Now it is very likely they will attempt to trade back with one of these picks, but if they stay here they should focus on the defensive side of the ball.