2012 NFL Mock Draft: Post Combine And Free Agency
12. Seattle Seahawks
Luke Kuechly
LB – Boston College
The Seahawks may consider a pass rusher here like Courtney Upshaw, but the combination of Kuechly’s talent and the fact that they haven’t re-signed MLB David Hawthorne make this pick pretty simple. If Kuechly was off the table I think they’d also be happy to land David DeCastro.
13. Arizona Cardinals
Jonathan Martin
OT – Stanford
Arizona would probably be better off in the long run taking the other Stanford offensive lineman available at this spot but their drastic need to upgrade at OT trumps DeCastro’s upside here. I think this pick will definitely be about helping Kevin Kolb succeed. If it’s not an OT to protect him then it could be another WR like Baylor’s Kendall Wright who would make a nice complement to Larry Fitzgerald.
14. Dallas Cowboys
David DeCastro
OG – Stanford
Dallas already filled their top need of a CB with the signing of Brandon Carr. The Cowboys offensive line could use some overhaul so I’m sure they’d be thrilled to see the best OG prospect in a decade fall right in their lap. DeCastro will likely be a Pro Bowl caliber guard for years to come.
15. Philadelphia Eagles
Dontari Poe
DT – Memphis
This is actually a perfect landing spot for Poe in my opinion. I think he makes for a better disruptive 4-3 DT then he does a true 3-4 “two gapping” NT. Defensive tackle isn’t a huge need for Philly, but that’s why they’re able to gamble on Poe’s athletic ability and upside here. They can start him off as part of a rotation while they work on his very raw technique. I expect Philly to sign someone to replace the injured Jason Peters, otherwise they may reach for Mike Adams here.
16. New York Jets
Michael Floyd
WR – Notre Dame
After flirting with Peyton Manning and bringing in Tim Tebow to complicate the matter, the Jets finally do something this offseason to make Mark Sanchez happy. Floyd gives Sanchez a great option to pair along with Santonio Holmes. Plus, if Holmes continues to be a locker room problem then they have insurance if they have to send him packing.
17. Cincinnati Bengals (from Oakland)
Dre Kirkpatrick
CB – Alabama
This pick just makes too much sense. The Bengals desperately need CB help and Kirkpatrick is arguably the most talented player on the board. He slid a little bit because of character concerns but we all know that won’t be an issue for the Bengals. They may also look at a WR like Kendall Wright to pair with AJ Green.
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 he gives the Chargers some options. They could be looking for both a starting guard and RT and Glenn could conceivably thrive at both spots. They may also consider Courtney Upshaw or Whitney Mercilus who would add some much needed pass rush help.
19. Chicago Bears
Mark Barron
S – Alabama
Offensive line is always an option for the Bears, but I don’t know that OL has the best value here. Adding some offensive firepower in Brandon Marshall and Michael Bush in free agency allows the Bears to use this pick on an impact defensive player and Mark Barron is far and away the best safety in this draft class.
20. Tennessee Titans
Courtney Upshaw
DE – Alabama
The Titans were 31st in the NFL in sacks last year. So even though the Titans signed Kamerion Wimbley in free agency it won’t stop them from drafting another pass rusher here. Upshaw is the best player available at this point so this once again is a good fit. The Titans could also use some interior OL help so don’t rule out C Peter Konz of Wisconsin.
21. Cincinnati Bengals
Kendall Wright
WR – Baylor
The Bengals are thrilled when their second choice at pick #17 is still on the board for them at #21. They may have spent a first round pick on AJ Green last year, but with Andre Caldwell leaving for the Broncos and Jerome Simpson’s legal troubles the Bengals really need a #2 option for Andy Dalton. The small and elusive Wright would be a great complement opposite the beastly Green.
22. Cleveland Browns (from Atlanta)
Mike Adams
OT – Ohio State
Having reached for a QB at #4 the Browns must use the #22 pick to help their QB (whether its McCoy or Tannehill this season). They probably would have taken Wright here if he was available. Since he’s not they opt to fill their gaping hole at RT instead of reaching on another WR. Adams may have some holes in his game, but he should be a legit starting RT from day one.