NFL Mock Draft 2012: Complete First-Round Projections

Back with the fourth installment of my weekly 2012 NFL Mock Draft. The last version received both good and bad responses. This is expected when attempting to project what each team in the league is going to do three months prior to the annual event. 

Keep in mind that I am not throwing out these projections based off of what other so-called "experts" think. I am also not throwing out players to specific teams in hoping that they stick. My attempt here is to give you, my readers, the ability to understand better the needs that each of your teams have moving forward into the offseason. 

There are some dramatic shifts from my previous mock draft. For example, the St. Louis Rams hiring of Jeff Fisher as their head coach has changed my opinion of what they are going to do with the second overall pick.

The Green Bay Packers loss coupled with the San Francisco 49ers dramatic win on Saturday has also altered what I project each of those teams to do. The reason for this example is that the Packers are now going to be picking ahead of the 49ers. 

So, lets take a look at my most recent mock draft. 

1. Indianapolis Colts

Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

Big board ranking: 1

Value

Andrew Luck is the unquestioned top player in the 2012 NFL Draft. In fact, he might be the best quarterback prospect to come down the pike since Peyton Manning. 

The Indianapolis Colts get a future franchise quarterback with Andrew Luck, a player that has no glaring weaknesses. He can make every throw on the field, is surprisingly athletic, has veteran-like awareness and understands the nuances of the game. 

Simply put, he is a phenomenon that comes around once in a generation. 

Need

Whether Peyton Manning returns or not really isn't the question here. Even if he does come back, the future Hall of Fame quarterback will only play for a couple seasons.

As it relates to Manning's health, I sure hope he decides to hang 'em up. Playing a couple years isn't worth the risk of existing as a cripple for the remainder of your life. 

Either way, Luck is going to the Colts. 

2. St. Louis Rams

Morris Claiborne, CB, Louisiana State 

Big Board Ranking: 4

Value

Morris Claiborne has the chance to be a truly elite shut-down corner at the next level. He is extremely solid in pretty much every aspect of his game. You are talking about someone that can play press coverage, in the zone and has been really good in run support as well. 

His technique is already pro-ready, which enables the team that drafts him to play the talented corner immediately, probably as the No. 1 corner. 

Need

The St. Louis Rams were injury-riddled in the secondary this season. That is probably one of the primary reasons they struggled so much on defense: While the Rams did finish seventh in pass defense, they don't have a true superstar in the secondary.

Morris Claiborne would give them that and more. Even when healthy, the likes of Ron Bartell, Bradley Fletcher, Brian Jackson, Justin King and Jerome Murphy aren't really going to scare opposing offenses. 

The hiring of Jeff Fisher as their head coach also has to be taken into account. He is a defensive-minded individual and will probably look to shore up that unit during the draft. Especially considering the Rams have a franchise quarterback and good running game on offense. 

3. Minnesota Vikings

Matt Kalil, OT, Southern California

Big Board Ranking: 5

Value

This is one of the most talented offensive linemen groups in recent NFL Draft history. You are looking at six or seven tackles that have an opportunity to be bookends in the league for the next decade.

In my opinion Kalil, Jonathan Martin and Riley Reiff stand above all the others. 

While I am still a little worried about Matt Kalil being a little underweight at this point, I do think he will be able to add bulk to that intimidating frame. He also struggles to an extent with footwork, but that is to be expected from a collegiate offensive tackle. 

What I do like about Kalil is the fact that he is really good in pass protection and has the ability to take on defenders who like to utilize the bull rush technique. This was proven over and over again during his time at Southern California.

He will turn into a franchise tackle sooner rather than later. 

Need

Charlie Johnson wasn't just bad this season, he was one of the worst tackles in the entire league. So, you have an obvious need protecting Christian Ponder moving forward.

Additionally, teams that draft a quarterback in the first round usually follow that selection up with getting him someone to protect that blind side that is of utmost importance. 

The Vikings get value at a need position here. 

4. Cleveland Browns

Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State 

Big Board Ranking: 7

Value

Justin Blackmon is one of the most physically gifted wide receivers that have come down the pike in a long time. He has the hands that made Michael Crabtree a high first-round pick, the route-running ability that many scouts saw in Keyshawn Johnson and the build of a Calvin Johnson.

These are three attributes that all scouts, NFL or not, are going to see as the postseason programs progress. 

He does struggle getting off the line and can be thrown off of his routes by bigger corners playing bump-and-run coverage. This is an issue that the former Oklahoma State star will have to work on in order to become a top-five receiver at the next level.

This is also an issue that can be resolved with the right coaching and some more seasoning. 

Need

All of my previous mocks had Robert Griffin III going here to Cleveland. Those mocks had one thing in common: Justin Blackmon was not available. With the Rams going to the defensive side of the ball at No. 2, the star wide receiver is available. 

In this scenario, Cleveland will look to give Colt McCoy the necessary weapons that he needs in order to succeed in their offense. Greg Little can be a really good No. 2 receiver, but won't be a go-to guy on the outside.

This is something that Cleveland has been missing; it also fits Blackmon's skill set to a tee. 

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Big Board Ranking: 2

Value

I had previously stated that Trent Richardson is the best running back to enter the draft since Darren McFadden. I am here today to retract that statement. He is the best prospect at this position since Adrian Peterson. 

I really don't see one major flaw in Richardson's game. He is extremely difficult to bring down, has amazing field vision and can get to the second gear in a heartbeat. There is absolutely no reason to believe that he will not be a perennial Pro Bowl performer that rushes for 1,500 yards on a continual basis. 

Need

LeGarrette Blount is more than capable of being a really good starting back in the NFL. In fact, he has proven this to an extent over the course of his first two seasons. However, when you get an opportunity to take a player of this skill level, it is extremely hard to pass it up. 

Josh Freeman is not the type of quarterback that is going to win you a ton of games throwing the ball 40-plus times. Instead, he needs a strong running game in order to succeed with Tampa Bay. Obviously this is something that the Raheem Morris regime didn't understand.

I am reasonably sure the next coaching staff will grasp this concept. 

The struggling signal-caller will see more defenders in the box and one-on-one coverage on the outside with this tandem in the backfield. This will limit his mistakes downfield and not place too much pressure on him. 

6. Washington Redskins

Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

Big Board Ranking: 3

Value

Robert Griffin III would probably be the No. 1 overall prospect in 2013 if he had decided to return to Baylor for one more year. As it is, he has to settle with being the third-ranked prospect on my board. 

This is a quarterback that can beat you in a multitude of ways. You are looking at a quarterback with all the necessary tools to succeed in the NFL. Griffin has an amazingly strong arm, is as accurate as any quarterback I have seen in a while outside of Andrew Luck, reads defenses well and has good field vision. 

To say that Griffin will be a dynamic playmaker at the next level is an understatement. The way I see it, he will be a dominating force in the NFL and someone you can count on to take an offense to elite status. 

Need

The Washington Redskins organization would jump up and down if this draft scenario plays out in April. Right now I am pretty sure they are having internal discussions about trading up past Cleveland to acquire the rights to draft Griffin. To have him fall onto their lap at No. 6 would be ideal. 

Need here has already been acknowledged. Washington has absolutely no one on their roster that any organization would feel good about as their starting quarterback.

They simply need to get a franchise signal-caller: Griffin gives them that and more. 

7. Jacksonville Jaguars

Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

Big Board Ranking: 9

Value

Some may disagree with me that the Jacksonville Jaguars are getting good value with Michael Floyd here with the seventh pick. This is because we have a differing opinion on the former Notre Dame wide receiver. 

Despite character concerns, Floyd's talent is obvious. He is extremely physical at the line, uses his frame to fend off defenders on the outside and already a pro-ready route-runner. You will see him succeed a great deal in the red zone at the next level, which is a huge attribute for a young receiver. 

Need

Jacksonville really is without a true go-to guy in the passing game on offense. Sure they have Maurice Jones-Drew running the ball and a decent tight end in Marcedes Lewis, but Mike Thomas isn't cutting it as a top-tier wide receiver at this point. 

I understand that Blaine Gabbert struggled a great deal as a rookie; that cannot be denied. However, he needs to have the weapons on offense in order to be a successful quarterback and Michael Floyd would give him that. 

8. Carolina Panthers

Michael Brockers, DL, Louisiana State 

Big Board Ranking: 11

Value

This redshirt sophomore stands above everyone else in a relatively pedestrian draft along the defensive line. At 6'6" and over 300 pounds, Brockers already has the build to be a dominant player at the next level. Considering his age, you can expect the former LSU standout to add some bulk to that massive frame. 

He continually takes up double-teams along the interior of the line, pushes offensive linemen into their backfield more times than not and has amazing strength at the point of contact. 

Considering that Brockers started just one season at LSU, he will not be a three-down player immediately. Instead, the team that drafts him will have to rotate the young player in and out of the game. 

Need

The Carolina Panthers gave up at least 125 rushing yards in over half of their games this season. If they want to build off of the momentum of what was a good 2011 season, they need to shore up their front four. 

Michael Brockers will give them a player that can contribute to an extent in 2012 and projects to be a dominating force shortly thereafter. It is really hard to pass up on a player with such a high ceiling; I doubt Carolina does. 

9. Miami Dolphins

David DeCastro, G, Stanford

Big Board Ranking: 8

Value

David DeCastro is one of the best interior lineman to enter the draft in the modern history of the league. He dominates the middle of the football field with exceptional strength and even better field awareness. The former Stanford All-American is just as good in pass protection as he is in run-blocking. 

He continually opens up gaping holes for running backs and is an exceptionally good at pulling guard. What I like most about Decastro is the fact that he plays with a mean steak, but doesn't make stupid mistakes at crucial times.

He is as sure of a bet as you can get in the 2012 NFL Draft. 

Need

Personally, the thought of David DeCastro lining up beside Jake Long is a crazy notion. It would also give opposing defenses in the AFC East nightmare come game time. 

John Jerry has been a bust since being drafted from Mississippi a few seasons back, Richie Incognito is nothing more than an average offensive lineman at this point and Vernon Carey is set to be a free agent.

It isn't like the Miami Dolphins don't have a need here. 

Listen, they will attempt to trade up for Robert Griffin III. Short of that happening, I expect the Dolphins to continue to draft smart. Selecting DeCastro gives them another hop along the offensive line and provides the team tremendous value. 

10. Buffalo Bills

Courtney Upshaw, LB, Alabama

Big Board Ranking: 13

Value

While I do believe that Courtney Upshaw fits better in a non-traditional 3-4 defensive scheme, he has the ability to play in just about any defense. This is a guy that can dominate opposing offenses with his athletic ability. 

What makes Upshaw so special is the fact that he can play inside and outside. He is a great pass-rusher that isn't afraid to drop back into coverage or man the middle against the run. Extremely versatile and strong in the gaps.

By far the best linebacker prospect in the draft. 

Need

It is not a secret that the Buffalo Bills need as much help on defense that they can get. This is a team that was 30th in the league in point against per game. Their rush defense was equally bad, yielding nearly 140 yards per game. 

Enter into the equation a linebacker that can play inside on rush downs and go after the quarterback on passing situations. Adding Upshaw would give Buffalo a nice young tandem up front with Marcell Dareus. 

11. Seattle Seahawks

Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

Big Board Ranking: 25

Value

The question here isn't about value, Quinton Coples gives the Seattle Seahawks that. It is all about the ability of his game to translate to the NFL. He has an incredibly high ceiling, but also possesses an amazing "bust" factor.

In short, it is a high risk/high reward proposition. 

Coples' versatility is key here. He can move inside on obvious rushing downs and hold down the fort in a 4-3. He can also use that amazing athleticism to move outside and go after the quarterback in obvious passing downs. 

With the NFL moving more and more to stunt schemes along the defensive line, Coples is going to be a valuable commodity in this draft, meaning that he will go much higher than I think his value is at. 

Need

Once again I attempted to find value along the offensive side of the ball for this talented Seattle Seahawks team. But, once again I couldn't find anyone that seemed like a good fit. 

Seattle has a myriad of nice young defensive players, most of them in the secondary. The addition of a player like Quinton Coples could really help Seattle's defense get to a dominant level.

They have nice pieces in Brandon Mebane, Earl Thomas, K.J. Wright, Brandon Browner and Richard Sherman. Getting a dominant player in the front seven will only enhance their chance at competing with the 49ers in the NFC West. 

12. Kansas City Chiefs

Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

Big Board Ranking: 6

Value

No team would be getting more value with their first-round pick than if Jonathan Martin fell to the Chiefs. Martin's strength is the one major thing that stands out to me. He has the ability to take on bull-rushing defensive ends without requiring help on the outside.

He is also extremely fleet of foot for a man that stands 6'6". 

As with every rookie offensive tackle, Martin will have to work on his footwork. This has been somewhat of an issue for the former Stanford All-American, especially going up against speed rushers.

Still, Martin is right up there with Matt Kalil in regards to being an elite offensive tackle prospect. 

Need

I don't envision Barry Richardson as the answer for the Chiefs at right tackle; he just doesn't have the looks of someone that can get it done on a consistent basis. Brandon Albert is entrenched on the other end, but doesn't turn many heads either. 

Martin will be able to come in and protect the Chiefs quarterback, whoever he is. This is a player that projects to be a franchise bookend. 

That said, I am pretty sure that Kansas City hopes David DeCastro falls to them. Even a mention of Ryan Lilja as a starting guard for the Chiefs in 2012 will probably make their fans break out in tears.

13. Arizona Cardinals

Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

Big Board Ranking: 10

Value

Reiff might not have the upside that Jonathan Martin and Matt Kalil have, but he is going to be an extremely solid offensive tackle in the NFL. In most seasons the former Iowa star would probably be the first lineman off of the board. 

He has the best footwork of any offensive tackle in the draft, which means that he will be able to come in and contribute immediately. He may struggle in run-blocking, but he's exceptional in pass protection.

Need

Arizona Cardinals quarterbacks were sacked a stunning 54 times this season. To say that protection in the passing game is a need for Arizona would be a gross understatement.

In fact, it could be concluded that they need two offensive tackles in this draft. 

If you cannot protect your quarterbacks in the modern NFL, your team has absolutely no chance to succeed. Reiff would immediately become the Cardinals' best pass protector on the outside and set a foundation of success for the unit moving forward.

14. Dallas Cowboys

Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

Big Board Ranking: 14

Value

Some might be thrown off by the selection of Alfonzo Dennard over Dre' Kirkpatrick here, but it makes perfect sense. Dallas has to start building their team with better character individuals, Dennard provides that. 

He isn't a slouch either. 

Alfonzo Dennard has ample experience as a starter, already understands how to read the offensive scheme extremely well and is fleet of foot. His fluid hip movements indicate that Dennard is already prepared to step into a starting role as a rookie. 

Need

It has been reported that Terence Newman will be a salary cap casualty this offseason. Mike Jenkins continues to struggle with injuries and consistency, while Alan Ball is set to become a free agent. 

In short, Dallas needs multiple upgrades along the defensive secondary. 

15. Philadelphia Eagles

Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

Big Board Ranking: 19

Value

Luke Kuechly is simply a tackling machine. Rarely does the former BC star whiff on running backs up the middle and he has the ability to take away the straight-away running game. Kuechly is above-average in pass coverage as well, which is a huge necessity for the Philadelphia Eagles. 

He will not get into the offensive backfield too much, but Philadelphia, running a 4-3, really doesn't need that. 

Need

The Eagles were by far the worst tackling team in the NFL last season. This began and ended with their linebacker group, which struggled a great deal. They don't currently have the necessary talent along that unit in order to be successful. 

Kuechly would come in and become a real solid player immediately, enabling the Eagles to focus on upgrading elsewhere in free agency. 

16. New York Jets

Chris Polk, RB, Washington

Big Board Ranking: 37

Value

Chris Polk is going to skyrocket up the draft boards as we get closer to April and the postseason events have ended. He has everything that you look for in an every-down running back in the NFL. 

The former Washington Huskie will continually gain yardage after first contact. He has an extremely strong upper body and is hard to bring down. Has really good hands out of the backfield, acting like a safety valve threat on screens and check downs. Polk will be a workhorse at the next level. 

In addition, Polk has great field awareness and understands specific situations as they relate to scheme on the field. He has a veteran-like understanding of the game and will come in to contribute a great deal immediately. 

Need

Shonn Greene did pick up his game a great deal during the second half of the 2011 season, but when it came time to go up against top-tier rush defenses, he struggled a lot. He gained 59 total rushing yards against the Denver Broncos, Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys. 

The New York Jets desperately need a consistent running game in order for Mark Sanchez to succeed. The enigmatic quarterback just doesn't have the necessary tools to carry an offense by himself. He is, by all accounts, nothing more than a game manage, if that. 

I am pretty sure that the Jets front office fully understands this. 

17. Cincinnati Bengals

Lamar Miller, RB, Miami (F) 

Big Board Ranking: 17

Value

I do have Lamar Miller rated above Chris Polk, who went to the Jets with the previous pick. The reason why Miller is going to be the third running back off the board is because his game is vastly under-appreciated. 

You can expect Miller to have an immediate impact behind the Bengals' strong offensive line. He runs with extreme power between the hashes, can get to the outside and has the ability to dominate in the run game when the team asks him to. 

Miller will need to fix blocking issues that have plagued him in college, but this is something that most running backs struggle with. 

Need

I would bet the house that Cedric Benson is a Cincinnati Bengals next season. Although it has been increasingly rare for teams to spend a first-round pick on a running back, the Bengals are playing with house money right now considering the bounty they received in the Carson Palmer trade. 

Look for them to add the final dimension to an offense that promises to be dynamic moving forward. I cannot imagine a better marriage for both Miller and the Bengals here. 

18. San Diego Chargers

Whitney Mercilus, DE/LB, Illinois

Big Board Ranking: 18

Value

College football's sack king during the 2011 season, Whitney Mercilus is one dominating figure on defense. He has a tremendous pass-rushing ability with multiple moves, which is a rarity for such a young player. 

He doesn't miss tackles too often and is extremely solid in the run game. Mercilus best translates to a 4-3 defensive end, but I think that the Chargers go with him here based on the idea of moving him to the outside in a 3-4.

This is something that scouts are worried about, but I think that Mercilus has the ability to make the transition. 

Need

The San Diego Chargers only compiled 32 sacks last season, which is not a good sign for a team that had relied on a pass rush in the past. Antwan Barnes contributed 11 of these sacks, which means the rest of the team barely topped 20. 

They need to get a pass-rusher on the outside, it really is that simple. Mercilus would give the Chargers an ability to get a guy that can play multiple positions, has an understanding of how to get to the quarterback and will cause fits for opposing offenses. 

19. Chicago Bears

Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

Big Board Ranking: 16

Value

In terms of ceiling, Alshon Jeffery is one of the best players in the entire 2012 NFL Draft class. He has all the necessary elements in his game in order to be a premier wide receiver at the next level. 

Despite this, he is extremely raw. 

Jeffery needs to tighten up his route-running skills, has some issues getting off the line and isn't as fast as you would like on the outside. That said, these are not necessarily "weaknesses," just things that he could stand to improve on.

He has the looks of a true No. 1 wide receiver. 

Need

The Chicago Bears desperately need someone that can not only stretch the field on the outside, but be a consistent force for Jay Cutler in the passing game. They really don't have a No. 1 or 2 wide receiver at this point. 

While their offensive line remains a major concern, Chicago needs to get that playmaking receiver. Alshon Jeffery will be that guy in the not-so-distant future. 

20. Tennessee Titans

Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

Big Board Ranking: 22

Value

Stephon Gilmore continues to surprise me on tape. He has the size, physicality and technique to be a really good corner at the next level. His hips are extremely fluid, he runs well one-on-one against receivers on the outside and reads the quarterback extremely well. 

His ceiling might not be incredibly high, but Gilmore is already so damn good that it wont matter. Additionally, he will help out a great deal in the return game. 

Need

I previously went with Alfonzo Dennard for Tennessee Titans, but he isn't available in this mock draft version. Instead, they go with a player that can step in and contribute immediately.

Cortland Finnegan is set to be a free agent and probably won't be back. Beyond that, the Titans have absolutely nobody that even comes close to being a true No. 1 corner. 

They get a real steal at a need position in Stephon Gilmore.

21. Cincinnati Bengals

Mark Barron, S, Alabama

Big Board Ranking: 30

Value

Mark Barron is a player; there really is no better word that best defines him. He is extremely solid in the box against the run and can drop back to cover underneath. 

At 6'2" and 218 pounds, Barron can be an absolute beast at the next level. He does tend to struggle a bit with lateral movement and covering tight ends or backs one on one. A lot of this has to do with a lack of fluidity in the hips. 

More of a strong safety. 

Need

The Cincinnati Bengals' front seven came up big this season with a mix of veteran leadership and young players. Look for them to take a look at the secondary with the final of their two first-round picks.

Barron will provide them that strong safety that they have been looking for. After all, the Roy Williams and Taylor Mays experiments didn't work out all too great. 

Barron gives them an Ed Reed "type" of player in the back end of their defense. 

22. Cleveland Browns

Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina

Big Board Ranking: 26

Value

An extremely fast and a physical specimen, Zach Brown has a ceiling unlike most players in the 2012 draft. Brown's speed is his major attribute, but he does other things extremely well. He is also improving a great deal in run support, which indicates a possibility of succeeding in a 4-3 defense. 

I don't see a glaring weakness in Brown's game except for the fact that he might actually have that speed used against him at the next level while overpursuing certain plays, getting lost in a pile and not reading defenses after initial burst. 

However, if that is all you're worried about, it means that your going to get a damn good football player. 

Need

I am now working under the assumption that a player like Dwayne Allen or David Wilson will fall to the Browns in the second round. This means that they can afford to go away from the offensive side of the ball with this pick and address what was a really good unit this season. 

Zach Brown would give them a dominant athlete in the front seven. Someone that can play the middle of the field and get around on the outside on the blitz. With the two defensive tackle monsters that Cleveland has, Brown should excel a great deal in their 4-3 system. 

23. Detroit Lions

Dre' Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

Big Board Ranking: 23

Value

Wow, what a drop.

Yes, I do have Dre' Kirkpatrick as the fourth corner off the board. He was plummeting down my draft board prior to his recent arrest on marijuana charges. These possible character issues are only going to play into the idea that Kirkpatrick may not succeed.

This doesn't mean that a team wont get premier talent in last half of the first round. Dre' Kirkpatrick has the ability to be a really good player at the next level, it just depends on what position he is going to play.

I personally believe that he translates better as as a free safety in the NFL, but time will tell. 

Need

The Detroit Lions could use help at both safety and corner. However, the selection of Dre' Kirkpatrick would be for the sole purpose of playing him as a corner. Time will tell as to whether it will work, but either way he is going to be a good player. 

Drew Brees exposed the Lions secondary in their wild-card loss to the New Orleans Saints. While that is nothing new—Brees exposed most defenses this season—it was just another example of how much help Detroit needs in the secondary. 

There is absolutely no way the Lions pass up on Kirkpatrick should he fall to them here. 

24. Pittsburgh Steelers

Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

Big Board Ranking: 27

Value

Mike Adams' draft stock seems to be gaining some traction after a year of being off the radar due to character concerns, being suspended etc.

That said, he has a chance of becoming an elite offensive tackle in the NFL. The former Ohio State offensive tackle dominates at the line of scrimmage, uses his upper body strength to beat defenders off the line and open up holes for running backs. 

Adams tends to struggle a great deal in terms of footwork, which will cause major issues going up against speed rushers on the outside. This is going to need to be fixed in order to become elite at the next level. 

Need

Ben Roethlisberger might be one tough dude at quarterback, but even he cannot continue to withstand constant hits. The Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive line has been a weakness of this team for the last two years and now it is starting to show even more. 

This starts with the play of their tackles, who haven't been getting it done. Marcus Gilbert is the only player at position on the Steelers that has the tools to be a good player, but he failed to put it together in 2011. 

Mike Adams gives them a big, strong offensive linemen and someone that can be a building block for this offensive line moving forward. 

25. Denver Broncos

Jerel Worthy, DL, Michigan State 

Big Board Ranking: 20

Value

Jerel Worthy has dropped about 12 spots on my big board since I first came up with one last month. There are multiple reasons for this. First, his character does seem to be a bit of a concern both on and off the field.

Secondly, he isn't nearly as consistent as video highlights might want to tell you. He disappeared in multiple games for long periods of time. This is something that a NFL team cannot afford when it comes to their defensive tackle position. 

Still, his quickness and strength are rather impressive. Worthy has tremendous upper-body strength and can get past the opposing linemen in a heartbeat. He is equally as good collapsing the pocket as he is maintaining his balance in the run game. 

In terms of talent, Worthy has everything you are looking for in a dominant defensive tackle. 

Need

The Denver Broncos do have a nice little rotation going along their defensive line. Players such as Brodrick Bunkley, Marcus Thomas, Ryan McBean and Jamal Williams played extremely well this season. 

This doesn't mean they cannot use an upgrade here. Worthy would give Denver that potentially dominating defensive tackle in the trenches, which will only make it easier for the likes of Von Miller to break through larger holes in the opposing offense's blocking scheme. 

At some point, value far overrides need. Denver could use an upgrade at the corner position and in previous mocks I had them going with Stephon Gilmore. In this scenario all the top-tier corners are off the board, which will lead the Broncos to go for value with this pick.

If Gilmore or Kirkpatrick fall here, Denver will likely go in that direction. 

26. Houston Texans

Dontari Poe, NT, Memphis

Big Board Ranking: 37

Value

Dontari Poe is an absolute physical specimen. He is probably one of the strongest players that I have seen come down the pike in a long time. You are looking at a net tackle that can easily take on two blockers, which is absolutely huge in a 3-4 defensive scheme. 

You can fully expect Poe's draft stock to rise significantly from where I currently have him. The former Memphis star can downright dominate the trenches with his pure strength, reminding me a great deal of Haloti Ngata. 

Need

Houston is currently without a true net tackle for their recently instilled 3-4 defense. This really didn't come back to haunt them in 2011, but it will sure help to have a clog like Poe anchoring the 3-4 line.

He will also enable the Texans stead of young pass-rushers the ability to get to the quarterback on a more consistent basis, if that is even possible. This type of addition will undoubtedly rise the Texans defense to elite status, right up there with the likes of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers. 

27. New England Patriots

Nick Perry, LB, USC

Big Board Ranking: 24

Value

Nick Perry would be an absolute steal in the mid-twenties. He is an athletic freak that can change the direction of the game with just one play. At 6'3" and 250 pounds, Perry also has the size to dominate on the outside as well as on the inside. 

3-4 teams will utilize his skill set similar to the way the San Francisco 49ers used Aldon Smith this season, lining him up as an outside linebacker in base schemes and along the line as an end in obvious passing situations. 

He will struggle a great deal against the run, which could be cause of alarm for teams looking at Perry as a true three-down player. 

Need

Despite transitioning to the 4-3 a lot more this season, the New England Patriots simply cannot pass up on a talent like Nick Perry. He will work extremely well in both schemes, making their secondary much better just by his presence alone. 

You are looking at a New England Patriots defense that needs to get some young playmakers along the defense. Some would argue that they should go with Janoris Jenkins here rather than risking another team selecting him before their second first-round selection.

However, you simply cannot pass up on this value here. 

28. Green Bay Packers

Janoris Jenkins, CB, Northern Alabama

Big Board Ranking: 29

Value

In terms of physical talent, Janoris Jenkins is probably one of the best players in the entire NFL Draft. Obviously, though, we don't just go by physical ability in terms of determining whether a player is going to succeed at the next level. 

Just ask Jeff George and Tom Brady, or James Jett and Jerry Rice. 

His off-field issues have been well published by now. It probably does take a lot to get kicked off of Florida's football team, but Jenkins managed to put himself in that situation. This is why his stock isn't where this athleticism I write about dictates it should be. 

Jenkins has amazing on-ball coverage ability, can go one-on-one against opposing receivers on the outside, is extremely solid in press coverage and reads the quarterback's eyes very well.

This is why he should be projected to be a No. 1 corner at the next level. 

Need

The Packers defense was exposed all season long. It was just covered up by the play of Aaron Rodgers and their offense. This is a unit that does have some really nice building blocks. Clay Matthews, B.J. Raji, Tramon Williams and Morgan Burnett come to mind. 

Still, they need to address glaring holes on this side of the ball. Charles Woodson can move to the safety position replacing Nick Collins, with Jenkins slipping in as the No. 2 corner. 

29. New York Giants

Cordy Glenn, T/G, Georgia

Big Board Ranking: 36

Value

Cordy Glenn is probably one of the most unique players in the entire 2012 NFL Draft. He is a massive man at 6"5" and 346 pounds. The former Georgia mauler has the flexibility to play both inside and out at the next level as well. 

Extremely good technique and surprising athleticism. I envision Glenn playing guard in the NFL, but he could move outside if need be. 

Need

I envision a scenario in which the New York Giants pick up multiple offensive linemen in the 2012 draft. They have their issues in all three tiers of the unit. There is some nice talent on the roster, but to be considered an elite unit the Giants must find more. 

Additionally, their core is getting much older and this team needs to find eventual replacements. The Giants will be drafting Glenn with the sole thought of playing him inside. 

30. Baltimore Ravens

Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State

Big Board Ranking: 31

Value

Burfict's rating is sure to go up if he proves that he can handle coverage schemes and recognize offensive formations better, because this dude is extremely talented. He plays with a great passion, is as athletic as the come and can get around the outside on blitz packages. 

This is a high-risk, high-reward individual. He could either be a NaVorro Bowman and Aaron Curry at the next level. 

Need

Ray Lewis cannot play forever and the Ravens need to start looking at an eventual replacement. This is a perfect fit for both Burfict and the Baltimore Ravens. He gets to sit behind and learn from a future Hall of Fame linebacker. 

31. New England Patriots

Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech

Big Board Ranking: 49

Value

Jayron Hosley probably isn't a first-round value and will probably only go this high based solely on need. However, he does have a nice amount of upside. You are talking about a corner here who possesses a tremendous amount of raw talent. 

The former Virginia Tech star can help out in the return game, is a ball hawk on the defensive side of the ball and has the ability to move inside to the slot/nickel position. He will have issues against larger receivers and isn't good in press coverage. He needs to play zone or off in order to be successful at the next level. 

Value

I view Ras-I Dowling, who the Patriots drafted in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft, as a future No. 1 corner. His injury this season hurt the team a lot. 

That said, it is pretty obvious that this team needs to upgrade their secondary. They ranked near the bottom of the league in nearly every single defensive category and struggled against elite teams. 

I am not sure if this will be the Patriots downfall in the remainder of the 2012 playoffs, but they will need to upgrade nonetheless. 

32. San Francisco 49ers

Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

Big Board Ranking: 21

Value

The best of the second-tier wide receiver prospects, Kendall Wright has a bright future ahead of himself. He is extremely fast and has the ability to stretch the field. He has really good hands, runs solid routes and can play in the slot. 

He does struggle against larger corners, but won't shy away from contact down the field. In Wright, you get someone that will contribute immediately (four-year starter at Baylor) and become a primary weapon in the not-so-distant future. 

Need

The San Francisco 49ers' amazing playoff run might cover up some glaring weaknesses they have on the offensive side of the ball. In short, Alex Smith really doesn't have the weapons on the outside to stretch the field. 

Michael Crabtree has turned into a No. 1 receiver and Kyle Williams is progressing a great deal. However, having the likes of Brett Swain and Joe Hastings on your active roster represents a weak receiving corp. 

Joshua Morgan, who missed most of the 2011 season, and Ted Ginn are also set to be free agents.