2012 NFL Mock Draft
12. Seattle Seahawks
Melvin Ingram
DE – South Carolina
The run on pass rushers continues. Pete Carroll went out of his way in his end-of-the-year press conference to say that improving their pass rush was a “big deal.” They would have loved to get Coples or Upshaw, but will settle for Ingram here who can rush the QB from several different positions. They may think about Tannehill here as well, but I think it’s still too early for him here.
13. Arizona Cardinals
David DeCastro
OG – Stanford
Arizona really needs an OT but with no good value at this spot they take the best player left on the board. DeCastro may be the second sure thing in this draft after Andrew Luck. He should be a Pro Bowl caliber guard for the next decade.
14. Dallas Cowboys
‘Dre Kirkpatrick
CB – Alabama
Dallas really needs help at CB and somehow I don’t think Kirkpatrick’s arrest for smoking pot will stop Jerry Jones from drafting a player that most think is talented enough to go in the top 10. If not for that drug bust, Kirkpatrick would not still be here.
15. Philadelphia Eagles
Luke Kuechly
LB – Boston College
Kuechly is a very decorated linebacker from a school known for good linebackers. Kuechly is arguably the best player on the board at this point and the Eagles really need help at LB. Philly is thrilled to upgrade its LB core with the tackling machine from Boston College.
16. Washington Redskins (from NYJ)
Ryan Tannehill
QB – Texas A&M
Washington is able to trade back and pick up an extra pick or two and still get a QB for Mike Shannahan to work with. I’m not actually sold on Tannehill and think this is still too early for him. However, last year proved that teams won’t hesitate to take a QB early.
17. Cincinnati Bengals (from Oakland)
Kendall Wright
WR – Baylor
The Bengals #2 WR Jerome Simpson was recently arrested in a drug bust (I know, a Bengal arrested, shocking!). With him in question for next season the Bengals will need some WR help. Pairing the speedy Wright with AJ Green gives Andy Dalton two great targets going forward.
18. San Diego Chargers
Cordy Glenn
OL – Georgia
Last season the Chargers OL was decimated by injuries. Glenn may be the best OL available at this point and his ability to play guard or possibly RT gives the Chargers some options depending on if Kris Diehlman has to retire. Wisconsin’s Peter Konz is also an option if Nick Hardwick isn’t back.
19. Chicago Bears
Michael Floyd
WR – Notre Dame
Offensive line is always an option for the Bears, but I don’t know that OL has the best value here. Chicago has some speed options at WR in Devin Hester and Johnny Knox but Floyd would give Jay Cutler the true #1 WR target he’s been missing in the Windy City.
20. Tennessee Titans
Whitney Mercilus
DE – Illinois
The Titans were 31st in sacks last year. Whitney Mercilus had 16 last season for Illinois all by himself. That’s only 12 less than the entire Titans team had. If they lose Courtland Finnegan to free agency, then CB could become a top need as well.
21. Cincinnati Bengals
Lamar Miller
RB – Miami
Cedric Benson wasn’t as effective this season. Adding Miller along with Kendall Wright gives the offense some new big play makers to help put points on the board. It’s a toss up between Miller and VT’s David Wilson for this pick, but I think Cincy will like Miller’s upside and slightly bigger frame.
22. St. Louis Rams (from Cleveland via Atlanta)
Mike Adams
OT – Ohio State
With the extra first-round pick that they picked up in their trade with Cleveland the Rams give Bradford some more protection and can move on from the total failure that is Jason Smith. I think Adams starts at RT but could have the upside to move to LT eventually.