2012 NFL Mock Draft (willy): Round 1, 17-32, 3/23

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17. Cincinnati Bengals (via Oakland)- DT Michael Brockers, LSU:

-The Bengals could go in a couple of different directions here. While Brockers isn’t a ‘need’ pick, teaming him up with Atkins might be too tempting for Cincy to pass up.

18. San Diego Chargers- OT Mike Adams, Ohio State:

The Chargers entire offensive line could basically use an upgrade. landing a tackle like Adams would be a coup for them.

19. Chicago Bears- SS Mark Barron, Alabama:

-The Bears could look at some defensive ends, or even a WR to pair with the newly acquired Brandon Marshall, but they also need help in their secondary and adding a safety like Barron could be huge.

20. Tennessee Titans- DE Nick Perry, USC:

The Titans need to find a major boost to their pass rush and could target Perry here in the first round. Tennesse could look at WR or CB as well, but defensive end appears to be their biggest need right now.

21. Cincinnati Bengals- CB Janoris Jenkins, North Alabama:

-This would be a steal for the Bengals as CB is one of their biggest needs, and Jenkins is probably a top 15 talent on the field. While the off the field needs are a moderate concern Cincy has overlooked those in the past.

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

-The Browns should pair a new WR to go along with their new QB. Wright had a huge pro day, and has rebuilt his draft stock. He’d be a nice weapon for Tannehill to grow with, and pairing him with Greg Little is a smart play.

23. Detroit Lions- OT Jonathan Martin, Stanford:

The Lions have some serious offensive line questions plaguing them this offseason and Martin would answer one of them. Matt Stafford should be lobbing the Lions hard for this pick, and I can’t see them passing him up.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers- ILB Don’ta Hightower, Alabama :

-The Steelers could look to move back here and stockpile picks, but they will highly consider adding a top inside linebacker to replace James Farrior.

25. Denver Broncos- C Peter Konz, Wisconsin:

-The Broncos could look at some other areas, but I think grabbing a top center to protect Peyton Manning is a good move.

26. Houston Texans- WR Mohamed Sanu, Rutgers:

The Texans could go rush linebacker, but if adding a WR complement to Andre Johnson has to be a priority. Sanu is a nice fit next to Johnson, given that he is sure handed with good size. He might never be elite, but he should produce quickly for the Texans.

27. New England Patriots (via New Orleans)- DE/OLB Andre Branch, Clemson:

-The Pats need to focus on defense here and adding a pass rusher is key. Both Andre Carter and Mark Anderson had big years for them, but both are free agents and both are older veterans. Adding some youth here is key, and a player like Branch who could fit either odd or even man fronts is a bonus.

28. Green Bay Packers: OLB Whitney Mercilus, Illinois:

The Packers have to come away from this draft with a pass rusher, and Mercilus is a nice fit here. He’d be a solid complement to Matthews.

29. Baltimore Ravens- DT Devon Still, Penn State:

The Ravens lost Cory Redding in free agency and they could use another force along that defensive line to pair up with Ngata. Baltimore has bigger needs at this point, but Still is too much of a value to pass up.

30. San Francisco 49ers- TE Coby Fleener, Stanford:

The 49ers need to add weapons to their offense, and Fleener is a nice value here. Having him and Davis in the same lineup could be really tough for opposing defensive coordinators to stop.

31. New England Patriots: DT Fletcher Cox, Mississippi State:

-The Pats interior line is a bit soft after Vince Wilfork, so adding a complementary piece is key.

32.  New York Giants- OLB Zach Brown, UNC:

-The Giants don’t have a pressing need at outside linebacker, but given their practice of taking top available players Brown makes sense here. He projects as a good 3 down linebacker and those aren’t the easiest to find.