2012 NFL Mock Draft, 17-32, 12/26

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17. Tennessee Titans- DT Brandon Thompson, Clemson

The Titans interior line is fairly soft, and could use some beefing up. The need for a DT will be even more dire if Jason Jones leaves via free agency.

18. New York Jets- OLB Courtney Upshaw, Alabama

As a team the Jets generate a good amount of sacks and pressure, but they lack that one impact rusher who needs to be accounted for on every play. Upshaw has that potential and could be used at least in a situational role as a rookie (though he probably could start).

19. Cincinnati Bengals (via Oakland)- WR Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina

Will the Bengals pair Jeffery with AJ Green?

This pick could raise some eyebrows, but adding Jeffery next to Green could make this offense simply unstoppable. And while most don’t see WR a need for the Bengals, it is important to remember that both Simpson, and Caldwell are free agents, so they could get thin real fast at the position.

20. New York Giants- C Peter Konz, Wisconsin

The Giants offense line has simply been awful this season, and needs to be addressed this offseason. Konz could be a big part of process. He looks to be a day one starter, and could be a nice player for the Giants to build around on that line.

21. Denver Broncos- OT Barrett Jones, Alabama

Barrett Jones would be the perfect bookend tackle for the Broncos, which would allow Orlando Franklin to move inside to guard a more natural position for him.

22. Dallas Cowboys- CB Janoris Jenkins, North Alabama

The Cowboys secondary has been a major issue all season, and a corner like Jenkins should offer an immediate upgrade for Dallas. He’s an electrifying playmaker when he gets his hands on the ball and should be big threat.

23. Cincinnati Bengals- CB Chase Minnifield, UVA

The Bengals need to fill the void left in their Secondary when Jonathan Joesph left via free agency. Minnifield has big time upside and should be able to start as a rookie.

24. Cleveland Browns (via Atlanta)- WR Kendall Wright, Baylor

The Browns could use a playmaker, so why not add Robert Griffin’s favorite college target. Wright is a gamebreaker and could very well here his name called in the bottom half of Round 1. In addition to a good story, this would be a great fit as he can stretch the field opposite rookie Greg Little.

25. Detroit Lions- OT Mike Adams, Ohio State

The Lions are having some serious issues with protecting Matt Stafford and that has to be their top priority this offseason. While they need help at just about every position along the offensive line, finding someone to replace LT Jeff Backus (maybe move him to G or RT), is key. Backus had a strong year last year, but it is clear he can’t be the blind side protector any longer in Detroit.

26. Houston Texans- DT Dontari Poe, Memphis

The Texans defense doesn’t have many holes, but one area they need to address is their NT position. Look for them to even trade up to ensure they land Poe.

27. 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.

28. Pittsburgh Steelers- G/T Cordy Glenn, Georgia

The Steelers blocking has been pretty bad this year, and they should once again look to add a high pick to their line. Glenn isn’t a great fit at tackle, esp. LT, but in a power offense like the Steelers he might be able to handle it.

29. New England Patriots (via New Orleans)- DT Jerel Worthy, Michigan State

The Patriots need to fix this defense ASAP, and Worthy would be great start. He’s a major presence in the middle and can give New England a great complement to Vince Wilfork.

30. San Francisco 49ers- G Kelechi Osemele, Iowa State

The 49ers don’t have a lot of weaknesses, but their biggest one is along their offensive line. Osemele could either play guard or if Anthony Davis doesn’t improve, he could become the RT.

31. New England Patriots- DE Nick Perry, USC

This might be slightly high for Perry, but I can see the Patriots going after him. They need pass rushers, and Perry has one of highest ceilings.

32. Green Bay Packers- OLB Whitney Mercilus, Illinois

The Packers defense has fallen off somewhat this year, in part because Clay Matthews isn’t as effective this year. A big part of that reason is he’s basically doing it himself when it comes to consistently getting after the QB. Mercilus could be a great addition to their defense and give them another pass rusher.

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