2012 NFL Mock Draft: Analyzing Matt Miller's Latest Mock for Every NFC East Team

There are enough mock drafts to make your head spin, but around here, we'll analyze just one: Bleacher Report's draft aficionado Matt Miller, who gives us a weekly mock draft.

Believe it or not, he does it more out of the goodness of his heart than the desire to put up with hundreds of whiny commenters.

Here are my thoughts on the NFC East picks in his most recent mock draft, with as little whining as possible.

2. TRADE: Washington Redskins Select Robert Griffin III, Quarterback, Baylor

Matt says: "The Redskins need to think long-term; adding Manning doesn't accomplish that. It may not even accomplish a winning season in 2012. The bitter truth is that no one knows if or when Manning will ever play again. What we do know about Robert Griffin III is that he's supremely confident, an electric playmaker, a leader on the field and a high-class citizen off it. RG3 can be the rejuvenation Washington needs."

My slant: Nothing's changed here since Matt's previous mock draft. This makes perfect sense from a long-term standpoint, as it gives the Redskins their franchise quarterback of the future no matter what happens. At the same time, it won't help Mike Shanahan keep his job in the short term.

The Redskins have more needs than just at quarterback, and although trading up for Griffin may be a smart move if they think he's their guy, it won't help them put pieces around him.

 

14. Dallas Cowboys Select Quinton Coples, Defensive End, North Carolina

Matt says: "Coples has the frame to play end in a 3-4 defense, and based on his superior performance at defensive tackle over defensive end, it may be best for his career."

My slant: The Cowboys may have logged 42 sacks in 2011, but that doesn't mean they don't need talent in the front seven headed into 2012. DeMarcus Ware accounted for 19.5 of those sacks (46.4 percent of the team's total sack production).

What better way to help get after the quarterback than a defensive linemen that can force double teams? That will only help open lanes for the blitzers, and we all know how much Rob Ryan loves to do that.

 

15. Philadelphia Eagles Select Dont'a Hightower, Linebacker, Alabama

Matt says: "Hightower is athletic enough to chase and close on runners, but thick and tough enough to step up and close holes in the run game. He's the answer to the Dream Team's problems on defense."

My slant: The Eagles have struggled mightily to find fits at linebacker. They've used five picks on the position in the past two years, but none have been higher than a fourth-round pick. It's time to finally put their chips down on a blue-chip linebacker.

As a leading linebacker for the best defense in the nation in 2011, Hightower would be an instant hit for the Eagles. He could be just the type of leader that this unit needs to finally get everyone playing in sync.

 

32. New York Giants Select Orson Charles, Tight End, Georgia 

 

Matt says: "Orson Charles is unnaturally fast for a tight end, and his yards-after-catch skills will bring a new element to the Giants offense. While he may not be a great blocker, neither was Vernon Davis early in his career. Now he's one of the best."

My slant: This pick hasn't changed since Miller's first mock, and it's not hard to see why. Charles is an incredibly gifted tight end, especially as a pass catcher. The Giants could sorely use help at the position with both Jake Ballard and Travis Beckum set to begin the year on the PUP list.

What's more, the Giants could use pass catchers on the cheap, as they figure to lose Mario Manningham to free agency and won't have a lot of cap space to go after someone to replace him.

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