2012 NFL Mock Draft: Comparing the Latest Mocks Around the Web

Mock drafts are one of the more entertaining parts of the NFL draft season. It gives everyone a chance to look ahead and see who their team might add. However, the one thing with mock drafts is that everyone has a different opinion.

Each analyst rates prospects differently and has a different idea on the biggest need of each teams. These differences result in a lot of good debates and discussions.

The upcoming slides break down the most recent mock drafts for ESPN's Mel Kiper, Jr., ESPN's Todd McShay, Bleacher Report's Matt Miller and my own version.

For your information, both Kiper and McShay haven't update their mocks since mid-February and don't feature trades. Miller's and mine are more recent and have a trade worked into the mock.

No. 1: Indianapolis Colts

Kiper's Pick: Andrew Luck, Quarterback, Stanford

McShay's Pick: Andrew Luck, Quarterback, Stanford

Miller's Pick: Andrew Luck, Quarterback, Stanford

My Pick: Andrew Luck, Quarterback, Stanford

Not much of a surprise here. Everyone on the planet feels that the Indianapolis Colts will use the No. 1 overall pick to select Andrew Luck. The recent rise of Robert Griffin III started a little buzz about him possibly taking over Luck in the rankings. However, most of this talk is just a discussion and nothing really concrete.

The Colts are looking to rebuild their roster, and adding Luck is the first step in reshaping the face of the franchise.

No. 2: St. Louis Rams

Kiper's Pick: Justin Blackmon, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma State

McShay's Pick: Matt Kalil, Offensive Tackle, USC

Miller's Pick: Robert Griffin III, Quarterback, Baylor (to Washington via trade)

My Pick: Robert Griffin III, Quarterback, Baylor-(to Cleveland via trade)

Both Kiper and McShay work their mock drafts without trades, but it's hard to believe either doubts Robert Griffin III will be the No. 2 pick. The St. Louis Rams already came out and said that the pick is on the trading block as they listen to offers.

Miller places the Washington Redskins as the highest bidder, while I went with the Cleveland Browns. At this point, these two teams figure to be the favorites to land the No. 2 pick and Robert Griffin III. The addition of Griffin III will change the outlook for whatever team selects him.

No. 3: Minnesota Vikings

Kiper's Pick: Matt Kalil, Offensive Tackle, USC

McShay's Pick: Riley Reiff, Offensive Tackle, Iowa

Miller's Pick: Matt Kalil, Offensive Tackle, USC

My Pick: Matt Kalil, Offensive Tackle, USC

The Minnesota Vikings have plenty of holes to fill, but none bigger than at left tackle. Last season's starter, Charlie Johnson, struggled to protect the quarterback. Keeping him in the starting lineup will only hurt the development of Christian Ponder.

Just about everyone has USC's Matt Kalil landing with the Vikings. McShay's pick differs only because he has Kalil going No. 2 to the St. Louis Rams. Again, the Rams are likely to trade that pick, which would leave Kalil on the board for Minnesota.

Adding Kalil to their offensive line is a dream scenario, as the left tackle position is arguably the second most important position on the offense.

No. 4: Cleveland Browns

Kiper's Pick: Robert Griffin III, Quarterback, Baylor

McShay's Pick: Robert Griffin III, Quarterback, Baylor

Miller's Pick: Morris Claiborne, Cornerback, LSU

My Pick: Jonathan Martin, Offensive Tackle, Stanford (to St. Louis via trade)

Trades factor into the outlook of this selection, as I have the Cleveland Browns moving this pick to the St. Louis Rams. Cleveland's move up is to land Robert Griffin III, who both McShay and Kiper have landing in Cleveland.

If the Rams are able to work a trade with Cleveland, they would have a tough decision to make at No. 4. Adding an offensive tackle like Jonathan Martin could help them shore up the offensive line, helping keep Sam Bradford upright. They could then target a wide receiver with the other picks acquired in the trade.

Miller feels that the Washington Redskins have the best chance to land Griffin III, so he went with LSU's Morris Claiborne to Cleveland.

No. 5: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Kiper's Pick: Trent Richardson, Running Back, Alabama

McShay's Pick: Morris Claiborne, Cornerback, LSU

Miller's Pick: Justin Blackmon, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma State

My Pick: Morris Claiborne, Cornerback, LSU

The new coaching staff for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a great opportunity to add a real difference-maker. Greg Schiano's defensive background could push them in the direction of LSU's Morris Claiborne, who boasts shutdown coverage skills. However, Kiper and Miller believe that adding to the offensive side of the ball could make sense.

Trent Richardson's potential to be an every-down back may be exactly what Schiano needs to control the pace of the game. However, I have a hard time seeing the Buccaneers using such an early pick on a running back when they already have LeGarrette Blount. Adding a running back isn't out of the question, but they would be better served to do so later in the draft.

No. 6: Washington Redskins

Kiper's Pick: Morris Claiborne, Cornerback, LSU

McShay's Pick: Justin Blackmon, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma State

Miller's Pick: Michael Brockers, Defensive Line, LSU (to St. Louis via trade)

My Pick: Justin Blackmon, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma State

The Washington Redskins will be disappointed if they are unable to land Robert Griffin III, but there are still plenty of other good options. Their wide receiving corps is aging without any real young and developing backups (outside of Leonard Hankerson). Bringing in Justin Blackmon will help things easier on whoever they bring in at quarterback.

Miller has the Redskins winning the Griffin III sweepstakes, so this pick goes to the St. Louis Rams, who select Michael Brockers. I personally don't have Brockers rated this high, but it's not out of the question he lands in the top 10.

No. 7: Jacksonville Jaguars

Kiper's Pick: Quinton Coples, Defensive End, North Carolina

McShay's Pick: Quinton Coples, Defensive End, North Carolina

Miller's Pick: Nick Perry, Defensive End, USC

My Pick: Quinton Coples, Defensive End, North Carolina

The Jacksonville Jaguars must either address their pass-rush situation or the lack of an explosive wide receiver with this pick. Almost everyone agreed that Quinton Coples would make the most sense here for the Jaguars. His ability to rush the passer could finally end Jacksonville's long search.

Selecting Coples is an easy decision here because Justin Blackmon is already off the board. However, if both are still available, the Jaguars will have a tough decision. They really need to surround Blaine Gabbert with explosive playmakers to help him succeed.

Miller went with Nick Perry here, someone he obviously rates very high. I have a different opinion on Perry and rate him as more of a late first-round prospect.

No. 8: Miami Dolphins

Kiper's Pick: Riley Reiff, Offensive Tackle, Iowa

McShay's Pick: Melvin Ingram, Defensive End, South Carolina

Miller's Pick: Quinton Coples, Defensive End, North Carolina

My Pick: Melvin Ingram, Defensive End, South Carolina

The picks look very different here for the Miami Dolphins, but the common theme is that most of the prospects have pass-rush abilities. Miami's defense is adjusting their scheme to add more 4-3 principles and needs to find someone to rush the passer from the defensive end spot.

South Carolina's Melvin Ingram might make the most sense because he boasts the ability to also play outside linebacker. The Dolphins hybrid attack requires players capable of playing both defensive end and outside linebacker.

Kiper's pick of Riley Reiff also makes a ton of sense. However, their need is at right tackle, which is a spot they could address in the second round.

No. 9: Carolina Panthers

Kiper's Pick: Michael Brockers, Defensive Line, LSU

McShay's Pick: Michael Brockers, Defensive Line, LSU

Miller's Pick: Dontari Poe, Defensive Tackle, Memphis

My Pick: Luke Kuechly, Linebacker, Boston College

Most evaluators feel that the Carolina Panthers' main focus during the draft will be on upgrading the defense. Three out of the four picks above have them targeting a defensive tackle, while all four picks come on the defensive side of the ball.

The Panthers' 4-3 attack requires strong play from the defensive line, especially at defensive tackle. Both Michael Brockers and Dontari Poe do a good job holding at the point of attack. Their ability to occupy blockers will allow the linebackers to flow to the football. They're also both capable of creating some pressure by penetrating the pocket.

No. 10: Buffalo Bills

Kiper's Pick: Courtney Upshaw, Defensive End/Linebacker, Alabama

McShay's Pick: Courtney Upshaw, Defensive End/Linebacker, Alabama

Miller's Pick: Michael Floyd, Wide Receiver, Notre Dame

My Pick: Riley Reiff, Offensive Tackle, Iowa

The Buffalo Bills' decision to switch to a 4-3 defensive alignment could shake up their draft plans. Kiper and McShay have them selecting Courtney Upshaw, who's a better fit at outside linebacker in a 3-4 system. Someone like Melvin Ingram or Quinton Coples would make more sense for the Bills' new defensive attack.

Miller's pick of Michael Floyd goes with the Bills' recent draft trend. Coach Chan Gailey is an offensive-minded coach who loves to add new weapons. This fact also makes my selection of Riley Reiff an option, as he will protect the quarterback.

No. 11: Kansas City Chiefs

Kiper's Pick: Luke Kuechly, Linebacker, Boston College

McShay's Pick: Luke Kuechly, Linebacker, Boston College

Miller's Pick: David DeCastro, Guard, Stanford

My Pick: David DeCastro, Guard, Stanford

The Kansas City Chiefs roster isn't close to a finished product, but they have young talent at most positions. This makes it difficult to project what direction they might go in the upcoming draft. However, both Matt Miller and I agree that the roster needs an upgrade at the guard position. David DeCastro possesses the skills needed to be a dominant lineman in the NFL.

Kiper and McShay have the Chiefs adding to the defensive side of the ball with linebacker Luke Kuechly. Romeo Crennel landing the full-time head coaching job shows that he has some say within this organization. His defensive background could speak volumes in the war room.

No. 12: Seattle Seahawks

Kiper's Pick: Melvin Ingram, Defensive End, South Carolina

McShay's Pick: Trent Richardson, Running Back, Alabama

Miller's Pick: Trent Richardson, Running Back, Alabama

My Pick: Whitney Mercilus, Defensive End, Illinois

The Seattle Seahawks' recent decision to resign Marshawn Lynch could sway both McShay and Miller's choice. His mega-contract could deter the Seahawks from adding another top-level running back into the mix. Don't rule out a running back addition, but it's likely to come later in the draft.

Seattle's main focus this offseason should be to add a top-flight pass rusher. Both Melvin Ingram and Whitey Mercilus know how to put pressure on the quarterback. The Seahawks are in the position where they can stand pat and wait to see who falls into their laps.

No. 13: Arizona Cardinals

Kiper's Pick: Jonathan Martin, Offensive Tackle, Stanford

McShay's Pick: David DeCastro, Guard, Stanford

Miller's Pick: Riley Reiff, Offensive Tackle, Iowa

My Pick: Courtney Upshaw, Linebacker/Defensive End, Alabama

Kiper, McShay and Miller all have the Arizona Cardinals addressing the offensive line with their first-round pick. The Cardinals have a major need at the tackle position and would jump on the opportunity to add a talented prospect. However, it's possible that all the top-level tackle prospects are off the board by the time Arizona picks at No. 13.

I went with Courtney Upshaw with this pick, mainly because there wasn't a tackle available worthy of this selection. Upshaw's addition would give the Cardinals a very good front seven capable of really taking over a game.

No. 14: Dallas Cowboys

Kiper's Pick: Mark Barron, Safety, Alabama

McShay's Pick: Janoris Jenkins, Cornerback, North Alabama

Miller's Pick: Janoris Jenkins, Cornerback, North Alabama

My Pick: Dre Kirkpatrick, Cornerback, Alabama

The trend of each pick above shows that the Dallas Cowboys need to focus on improving their secondary. These picks differ mainly because each evaluator has a different opinion on the prospects. However, everyone seems to agree that both Terrence Newman and Mike Jenkins are no longer players you can win with.

Janoris Jenkins still has some work to do before he solidifies himself as a first-round prospect. He must show each franchise that his off-the-field issues are a thing of the past.

This might be a little high for Mark Barron, but he does represent another need of the Cowboys. It might make more sense for them to try and trade back into the late first round to land Barron. However, if they feel like he could be a major difference-maker, they must pull the trigger.

No. 15: Philadelphia Eagles

Kiper's Pick: Fletcher Cox, Defensive Line, Mississippi State

McShay's Pick: Devon Still, Defensive Tackle, Penn State

Miller's Pick: Dont'a Hightower, Linebacker, Alabama

My Pick: Dontari Poe, Defensive Tackle, Memphis

Looks like everyone agrees that the Philadelphia Eagles must focus on defense in the early part of the draft. Their biggest need is at the linebacker position, but top prospect Luke Kuechly is already off the board. Miller obviously rates Dont'a Hightower much higher than I do, and if that's the case, he makes sense here.

Besides addressing the linebacker position, the Eagles need to add defenders capable of helping them stop the run. At times last season, it seemed like the opposing offense dominated the line of scrimmage and ran all over the defense. This is why prospects like Dontari Poe, Devon Still and Fletcher Cox also fit in Philadelphia.

No. 16: New York Jets

Kiper's Pick: Cordy Glenn, Offensive Line, Alabama

McShay's Pick: Mark Barron, Safety, Alabama

Miller's Pick: Alshon Jeffery, Wide Receiver, South Carolina

My Pick: Trent Richardson, Running Back, Alabama

The picks above paint a good picture of the New York Jets' offseason needs. They have issues along the offensive line, at safety and at wide receiver. My pick of Trent Richardson might seem like a luxury, but Shonn Greene hasn't proven he's an elite NFL running back. 

Richardson is the flashiest pick, but adding Cordy Glenn to the offensive line might actually help the most. Wayne Hunter really struggled last season at right tackle, a position Glenn could quickly play at an All-Pro level. 

No. 17: Cincinnati Bengals (from OAK)

Kiper's Pick: Dre Kirkpatrick, Cornerback, Alabama

McShay's Pick: Dre Kirkpatrick, Cornerback, Alabama

Miller's Pick: Cordy Glenn, Offensive Line, Georgia

My Pick: Stephon Gilmore, Cornerback, South Carolina

Last year's departure of Johnathan Joseph left an opening at one of the cornerback spots for the Cincinnati Bengals. They did a good job adding Nate Clements as a stop-gap solution, but he offers little long-term value. Adding a cornerback like Dre Kirkpatrick or Stephon Gilmore seems like a must with one of their two first-round picks.

One of the other areas the Bengals need to address is the interior of the offensive line. Miller's pick of Cordy Glenn fills that need while bringing good value. Glenn's versatility means he could see time at either guard or tackle in Cincinnati.

No. 18: San Diego Chargers

Kiper's Pick: Michael Floyd, Wide Receiver, Notre Dame

McShay's Pick: Jonathan Martin, Offensive Tackle, Stanford

Miller's Pick: Melvin Ingram, Defensive End/Linebacker, South Carolina

My Pick: Mike Adams, Offensive Tackle, Ohio State

The retirement of Kris Dielman and unlikely return of Marcus McNeil leaves two major holes along the San Diego Chargers offensive line. However, the Chargers' decision not to franchise tag Vincent Jackson leaves another opening. Both McShay and I went with the top available offensive tackle, a position harder to fill later in the draft.

Miller's choice of Melvin Ingram also fills a need for San Diego. Shaun Phillips is the only consistent pass-rusher threat on the roster, unless you count Antwan Barnes as a consistent performer. This defense hasn't been the same since Shawne Merriman lost his mojo.

No. 19: Chicago Bears

Kiper's Pick: Mike Adams, Offensive Tackle, Ohio State

McShay's Pick: Kendall Wright, Wide Receiver, Baylor

Miller's Pick: Stephen Hill, Wide Receiver, Georgia Tech

My Pick: Michael Floyd, Wide Receiver, Notre Dame

The Chicago Bears need to address their wide receiver situation during the offseason, which is something three of the four picks above show. However, they don't need just any pass-catcher; they need someone with size. Miller and I both mock bigger targets with the potential to develop into a No. 1 target.

Michael Floyd and Stephen Hill both saw their draft stock take a major rise after the completion of the combine. There's a realistic chance that Floyd works his way into the top 15 picks of the draft. This would leave Hill as one of the few high potential wide receivers left when the Bears pick at No. 19.

No. 20: Tennessee Titans

Kiper's Pick: Whitney Mercilus, Defensive End, Illinois

McShay's Pick: Nick Perry, Defensive End, USC

Miller's Pick: Courtney Upshaw, Defensive End/Linebacker, Alabama

My Pick: Cordy Glenn, Offensive Line, Georgia

A common theme with the Tennessee Titans' pick at No. 20 is focusing on adding a pass-rusher to the mix. I'm the only oddball upgrading the offensive line with Cordy Glenn. My though process with this is that there's a chance to add a pass-rusher somewhere in the second round.

However, it's hard to argue with the other picks, as it gives the Titans a legitimate pass-rush threat. Whitney Mercilus, Nick Perry and Courtney Upshaw are all better prospects than what Tennessee will find in the middle of the second round.

No. 21: Cincinnati Bengals

Kiper's Pick: David DeCastro, Guard, Stanford

McShay's Pick: Lamar Miller, Running Back, Miami

Miller's Pick: Lamar Miller, Running Back, Miami

My Pick: Kendall Wright, Wide Receiver, Baylor

Both Todd McShay and Matt Miller are very high on Miami's Lamar Miller. He's an explosive runner who boasts game-changing potential. However, the declining value of running backs could make this a bit of an overdraft. Still, if the Cincinnati Bengals feel strongly enough about Miller, they may have to pull the trigger here with their second first-round pick.

It seems unlikely that David DeCastro will still be on the board at pick No. 21. If they really want to add his services, Cincinnati may need to use the No. 17 pick. Overall, the possession of two first-round selections gives the Bengals the opportunity to go in several directions.

No. 22: Cleveland Browns (from Atl)

Kiper's Pick: Kendall Wright, Wide Receiver, Baylor

McShay's Pick: Michael Floyd, Wide Receiver, Notre Dame

Miller's Pick: Kendall Wright, Wide Receiver, Baylor

My Pick: Alshon Jeffery, Wide Receiver, South Carolina (to St. Louis via trade)

This pick will be part of the Cleveland Browns' attempts to move up and land Robert Griffin III. If they move this pick, it will belong to the St. Louis Rams, who share some of the same needs as Cleveland. No matter who owns this pick, the direction depends on what happens at No. 4.

If someone like Justin Blackmon is the pick at No. 4, then neither team will target a wideout here. However, other options, like Matt Kalil, Jonathan Martin and Morris Claiborne, should be around at No. 4. This would make the above prospects great additions here in the late first round.

No. 23: Detroit Lions

Kiper's Pick: Janoris Jenkins, Cornerback, North Alabama

McShay's Pick: Cordy Glenn, Offensive Line, Georgia

Miller's Pick: Stephon Gilmore, Cornerback, South Carolina

My Pick: Janoris Jenkins, Cornerback, North Alabama

The Detroit Lions need help at the cornerback position and will get a chance to upgrade through the draft. This draft class features as many as five potential first-round prospects. Detroit will wait it out and jump on the top remaining cornerback on their board.

Each of the mockers above have a different view on who belongs where in the draft. However, it appears like the Lions will end up with a solid prospect. Janoris Jenkins could very well be the pick, as Detroit doesn't shy away from players with character concerns. However, those concerns could be what makes Jenkins available at pick No. 23.

No. 24: Pittsburgh Steelers

Kiper's Pick: Dontari Poe, Defensive Tackle, Memphis

McShay's Pick: Mike Adams, Offensive Tackle, Ohio State

Miller's Pick: Luke Kuechly, Linebacker, Boston College

My Pick: Mark Barron, Safety, Alabama

The combine performance by Dontari Poe makes it a long shot that he's available when the Pittsburgh Steelers are on the clock. Projecting what direction this team goes will be a very difficult task because they have a wide range of needs. However, it seems like they will go best player available either on the defense or along the offensive line.

Adding Mike Adams seems like a dream scenario for the Steelers. This would allow them to shift Willie Colon to right tackle and Marcus Gilbert inside to guard, effectively improving three spots along the line.

No. 25: Denver Broncos

Kiper's Pick: Devon Still, Defensive Tackle, Penn State

McShay's Pick: Ryan Tannehill, Quarterback, Texas A&M

Miller's Pick: Fletcher Cox, Defensive Line, Mississippi State

My Pick: Fletcher Cox, Defensive Line, Mississippi State

Ryan Tannehill's draft stock is all over the place, with some having him as high as a top-10 pick and as low as a third-rounder. However, the one thing I feel pretty certain about is that the Denver Broncos won't use their first-round pick on a quarterback.

The other three picks make a lot more sense, as this team needs someone capable of generating pressure up the middle. Both Fletcher Cox and Devon Still excel at penetrating the pocket while disrupting the timing of the offense.

Someone like Russell Wilson in the later rounds makes more sense if this team targets a quarterback.

No. 26: Houston Texans

Kiper's Pick: Jerel Worthy, Defensive Tackle, Michigan State

McShay's Pick: Coby Fleener, Tight End, Stanford

Miller's Pick: Mike Martin, Nose Tackle, Michigan

My Pick: Stephen Hill, Wide Receiver, Georgia Tech

The biggest thing the Houston Texans need to do before next season is get healthy. A fully recovered roster with Matt Schaub under center could make this team a legitimate Super Bowl contender. However, even the NFL's top teams need to make upgrades. Houston could use another explosive pass-catcher and a nose tackle.

Adding Stephen Hill seems like a dream scenario for this team. The presence of Andre Johnson means that he will have the opportunity to learn behind one of the game's best players. It also takes the pressure off him to quickly develop into the team's No. 1 target.

Miller's Mike Martin pick is very interesting because it's the earliest I have seen him come off the board. However, when everything is said and done, selecting Martin in the first round won't be seen as a reach.

No. 27: New England Patriots (from NO)

Kiper's Pick: Vinny Curry, Defensive End/Linebacker, Marshall

McShay's Pick: Chandler Jones, Defensive End/Linebacker, Syracuse

Miller's Pick: Vinny Curry, Defensive End/Linebacker, Marshall

My Pick: Michael Brockers, Defensive Line, LSU

Upgrading the defensive talent should be the New England Patriots' top priority this offseason. They need help at all levels, but especially along the defensive line and secondary. Kiper, McShay and Miller all have them selecting someone with pass-rush abilities.

This makes a lot of sense, as New England's top pass-rushers last season were vets Andre Carter and Mark Anderson. Both did a good job stepping up, but neither should be considered the long-term solution to their pass-rushing needs.

No. 28: Green Bay Packers

Kiper's Pick: Harrison Smith, Safety, Notre Dame

McShay's Pick: Ronnell Lewis, Linebacker, Oklahoma

Miller's Pick: Whitney Mercilus, Defensive End/Linebacker, Illinois

My Pick: Peter Konz, Center, Wisconsin

For as well as the Green Bay Packers played last season, this team must address several significant needs. They need to get younger in the secondary, possibly replace Scott Wells at center and find another pass-rusher.

Green Bay will play the waiting game and pull the trigger on the best player available at one of those positions of need. However, adding a top-notch pass rusher to complement Clay Matthews should be their top priority. This would also help shore up the secondary.

This team is facing some major changes along the offensive line. They could break in as many as three new starters, which makes adding Peter Konz a potential season-saving move. The center position is considered the leader of the group, and uncertainty here could slow the development of the entire offensive line.

No. 29: Baltimore Ravens

Kiper's Pick: Peter Konz, Center, Wisconsin

McShay's Pick: Vontaze Burfict, Linebacker, Arizona State

Miller's Pick: Peter Konz, Center, Wisconsin

My Pick: Kelechi Osemele, Offensive Line, Iowa State

The Baltimore Ravens dodged a bullet this offseason when Matt Birk decided not to retire and return for another season. However, they still need to find a long-term replacement for Birk, and possibly Ben Grubbs. This makes adding an interior offensive lineman like Peter Konz or Kelechi Osemele a strong decision.

Both players are talented enough to immediately contend for playing time while also provided security for the future. Konz can fill in this season if they lose Grubbs, but his future is at the center position. Coming in this season would allow him to learn from Birk, then take over when he's ready to retire.

Baltimore does need some depth at the linebacker position, but that can be addressed in the later rounds.

No. 30: San Francisco 49ers

Kiper's Pick: Rueben Randle, Wide Receiver, LSU

McShay's Pick: Alfonzo Dennard, Cornerback, Nebraska

Miller's Pick: Jamell Fleming, Cornerback, Oklahoma

My Pick: Kendall Reyes, Defensive Line, Connecticut

The San Francisco 49ers have a strong base of talent and whatever additions they make will only bring them closer to a Super Bowl title. During their playoff run, it became apparent that they lacked explosiveness at the wide receiver position. Their lone big plays came from tight end Vernon Davis, who figures to get increased attention next season.

However, they could address this need via free agency. This would allow them to implement a best-player-available draft policy. Under that plan, players like Kendall Reyes come into play.

Other than wide receiver, the 49ers might target a cornerback. However, there's a realistic possibility that all the first-round worthy corners will be off the board by pick No. 30.

No. 31: New England Patriots

Kiper's Pick: Kendall Reyes, Defensive Line, Connecticut

McShay's Pick: Brandon Thompson, Defensive Tackle, Clemson

Miller's Pick: Dre Kirkpatrick, Cornerback, Alabama

My Pick: Nick Perry, Defensive End/Linebacker, USC

As mentioned earlier in this article, the New England Patriots must focus the majority of their resources on upgrading the defense. They have the luxury of going best player available at any defensive position because of the wide range of their needs.

In order for New England to make a strong pick, Bill Belichick needs to find a defensive direction and settle on a base alignment. However, if he wants to continue playing multiple fronts, someone like Kendall Reyes has the versatility to fit.

I want to state that the best strategy for the Patriots might be to make a move up the draft. They've stockpiled extra picks and now have the opportunity to move up and add an elite talent.

No. 32: New York Giants

Kiper's Pick: Dwayne Allen, Tight End, Clemson

McShay's Pick: Dwayne Allen, Tight End, Clemson

Miller's Pick: Orson Charles, Tight End, Georgia

My Pick: Orson Charles, Tight End, Georgia

This is another good example of how each evaluator's rankings play a role in mock drafts. Both Matt Miller and I have Orson Charles rated above Dwayne Allen, which is why we have him going to the New York Giants. However, at the time of their mocks, Kiper and McShay felt that Allen was the better prospect.

Either way, we all agree that New York could benefit from the addition of an explosive tight end. Jake Ballard had a nice season, but lacks the quickness to consistently attack the seam. During their college careers, Allen and Charles showed the ability to make plays in the passing game.