2012 NFL 3-Round Draft Mock: Where Will Janoris Jenkins and Quinton Coples Fall?

The 2012 NFL draft looks to be another strong one, with cornerback and offensive guard classes being especially strong. Although the first overall pick by the Indianapolis Colts is all but sealed unless Andrew Luck suffers a serious injury, there are still plenty of questions later in the draft to be answered between now and the long-awaited draft day.

Will teams look past the poor effort and performance of Quinton Coples in his senior year to make him a top 10 pick? Will Janoris Jenkins become the second cornerback taken despite his character red flags? Will Mike Adams climb above Jonathan Martin to be a top 15 pick? These and more will be tackled in this slideshow.

This mock draft is focused on the first three rounds of the draft. I have not considered any trades for this mock either.

Enjoy!

1. Indianapolis Colts – Drew Luck (QB): Stanford

Luck is the best quarterback prospect since Peyton Manning in 1998, and if the Colts select him, as they should, they are likely to experience another decade of success.

Luck has great accuracy, touch and understanding of the game, which is coupled with enough arm strength and surprising athleticism to make a rookie who should start and succeed from his first game.

There really is not that much to explain about this pick.

2.St. Louis Rams – Matt Kalil (OT): USC

The popular pick right now is to have the Rams taking a wide receiver, but with no receivers as good as AJ Green or Julio Jones available and the sheer number of receivers they picked up over the last year through trades and the draft, they should look elsewhere.

Bradford is being pressured far too much to succeed, and being given time in the pocket would be a better way to further his development.

Kalil is also an elite offensive tackle. In college he was good enough to keep rookie phenom Tyron Smith at right tackle, and he has the quick feet, power and athleticism to stonewall pass-rushers. Taking Kalil would also allow the Rams to move Roger Saffold to the right and experiment with Jason Smith at guard to fill another need.

In reality, on draft day this pick is likely to be traded for the rights to Robert Griffin, which would put the Rams in the market for Blackmon again.

3.Minnesota Vikings – Morris Claiborne (CB): LSU

If the Rams did not take Kalil, the Vikings would jump at the opportunity to select him. However, they cannot in this scenario, so they must look elsewhere.

Fortunately, there is another player, Morris Claiborne, who fills just as important a need at cornerback.

Claiborne is the best cornerback to hit the draft in quite a while, and while he may lack the extraordinary athleticism of his forerunner Patrick Peterson, he is much more refined technically. He can stick to receivers in any sort of coverage, has great ball skills, plays the run well and can contribute in the return game.

Selecting him would go a long way towards creating a playoff-caliber secondary in Minnesota.

4.Cleveland Browns – Robert Griffin III (QB): Baylor

Although the Browns already have a young quarterback in Colt McCoy, they would not pass up the opportunity to take the 2011 college version of Cam Newton.

Like his fellow Heisman-winner, Griffin has electrifying running ability, and combines this with top arm strength and great accuracy, especially deep, to stretch defenses. There are fears that he lacks the understanding of the game to run a pro-style offense, but the Browns would be willing to take a risk on a player who should end their search for a franchise quarterback. They need to replace Colt McCoy, who has failed to show the x-factor needed to be a winner in the playoffs.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Riley Reiff (OT): Iowa

Tampa Bay needs to upgrade its secondary, but with Claiborne gone, they will instead have to address other needs. Primarily, this is their offensive line.

Donald Penn is serviceable at best at left tackle, and their right tackle Jeremy Trueblood needs immediate replacement. Therefore, a logical selection for the Buccaneers is a young offensive tackle that could play either position.

Reiff is an athletic tackle that is a strong and mobile run blocker like Jason Peters.

While he is a little stiff in pass protection, his balance and quick feet allow him to compete against both power and speed. Like Tyron Smith last year, he has the skill set to spend a year acclimating to the NFL at right tackle before moving to the blind side.

6.Washington Redskins – Justin Blackmon (WR): Oklahoma State

The Redskins are a team who would like to trade up for Griffin, but at No. 6 there is no quarterback good enough to justify picking. Therefore, they would instead look to other positions of need, one of which is certainly wide receiver.

Washington may have good slot receivers, but they need a top pass catcher with size and the ability to win no matter who is providing. That is what Blackmon provides. He has safe hands, good size, impressive burst and a very polished game, which should lead to success in his rookie season. Some teams will question his speed, but he has a knack for getting open, and in the end that is all that matters.

7.Jacksonville Jaguars – Melvin Ingram (DE): South Carolina

Though the majority of NFL followers are labeling Ingram as a 3-4 outside linebacker, I believe he has the skill set to dominate the NFL like he dominated college football from the right end position.

He does show the flexibility to drop into coverage, but that flexibility couples with his natural strength, speed, burst and long arms to create the best pass-rusher in this draft. He may not have the run-stopping potential of Coples, but his motor runs hard every play and his 6’2” height allows wins with leverage against increasingly tall offensive tackles.

To the Jaguars, Ingram should finally put an end to their long search for a quality pass-rusher and greatly improve their ability to get to the quarterback.

8. Carolina Panthers – Michael Brockers (DT): LSU

The Panthers have a massive need at defensive tackle, despite selecting two in last year’s draft.

Brockers would ably plug this need. As the only real elite penetrating three-technique defensive tackle available in 2012, Brockers was always going to be a top ten pick. He has great length, explosion off the snap and plays the run very well, even against double teams.

At this stage, he is bizarrely better against the run than the pass, but once he develops some counter moves he should become a good—not elite—pass-rusher who can penetrate and add some x-factor inside.

9. Miami Dolphins – Quinton Coples (DE): UNC

The Dolphins will be making the move to a 4-3 defense next season under their new coach, and this will require a revamp of the defensive front seven. Cameron Wake will be able to play right end where some bulk can be sacrificed for pass rushing productivity.

However, the Dolphins will still need another end, and Coples fits the bill on the left side.

Quinton Coples has prototypical size for a defensive end at 6’6” and 285 pounds. He also showed real explosiveness at the Senior Bowl, and even with underdeveloped technique he was still able to dominate most offensive tackles.

Surprisingly, he did not show great power, but was still effective against the run because of his long arms. In essence, he is the sort of defensive end who at worst will be an athlete who can contain the run, while at best will be an All-Pro.

The Dolphins would be happy with either outcome.

10.Buffalo Bills – David DeCastro (OG): Stanford

The Bills really need a pass-rusher, but with DeCastro falling to them they would struggle to not select him. The Bills’ offensive line needs improvement, and DeCastro is one of the safest picks in the entire draft.

DeCastro can win blocking in-line with power and leverage, and also has the foot speed and agility to be effective at the second level and as a pulling lead blocker. Additionally, in pass protection he has the technique and athleticism to re-route rushers and the power to keep the pocket from collapsing.

In short, he is almost the perfect guard, and the Bills running game and Ryan Fitzpatrick’s health would benefit greatly from drafting him.

11.Seattle Seahawks – Whitney Mercilus (DE): Illinois

The Seahawks defense was surprisingly good last year, with the secondary and linebacker corps stepping up.

However, the defensive line was disappointing, with Allan Branch the only one to play well and even he was limited to a run stopping role. Therefore, Seattle will probably look to add an elite pass-rusher to complete their defense.

With the run of 4-3 defensive ends in the first round, the Seahawks will have to reach to get their pass-rusher. Although there is a risk he was a one-year wonder, Whitney Mercilus has as much upside as any of the players who went before him.

In his senior season, he exploded for Illinois, recording 16 sacks. He has developed a range of pass rushing moves during his tenure at college, and combines this with his burst, strength and length to get past pass protectors. He may not have the speed or flexibility to consistently succeed as a speed rusher in the NFL, but his game is varied enough to allow him to keep tackles off balance.

He will struggle against the run, as he lacks great bulk and technique in that regard, but as a marquee pass-rusher that is acceptable.

12.Kansas City Chiefs – Dont’a Hightower (LB): Alabama

The Chiefs struggled last year more because of injuries than lack of talent.

The season-ending injuries to Tony Moeaki, Jamaal Charles, Matt Cassel and Eric Berry really took away their best offensive and defensive playmakers. However, the team will look to rebound in 2012 and make another playoff push. One position the team would be looking to improve is inside linebacker, where a running mate to Derrick Johnson is required.

Hightower would supply this.

Johnson is a quick linebacker who excels making plays from sideline to sideline and in coverage, while Hightower is a physical linebacker who is best in the box. His 260-pound bulk allows him to take on pulling linemen, and his ability to shed blocks and wrap up ball carriers in fierce tackles lets him excel against the run.

He is also a very good blitzer.

Hightower can struggle in man coverage, where his lack of speed can be exposed, but in zone coverage he shows great awareness, physicality and length to break up passes. He would find a good fit in a 3-4 linebacker corps, especially in the role he would have for the Chiefs.

13.Arizona Cardinals – Jonathan Martin (OT): Stanford

The Cardinals are desperate for an elite left tackle after the failed Levi Brown experiment. What’s more: with the lure of possibly bringing Peyton Manning into town to make a playoff push, blindside protection will be a must.

Martin has fallen from his preseason predictions of a top-five pick because of his lack of physicality, but in pass protection he more than qualifies as a top-10 pick. He is very athletic, and had no trouble protecting the edges against talented speed rushers like Nick Perry.

He also has great balance, which generally allows him to deal with counter moves, and his length is top notch. Where he lets himself down is his power. He can be bull-rushed because of his lack of anchor, and against power moves can be beaten more than expected from a first-round pick.

This also manifests itself in his lack of impact in the run game, where he struggles as an in-line blocker.

In essence, Martin is a finesse tackle, and if he wishes to join the NFL elite, he will have to spend time in the weight room. However, if he can manage this, there is no reason why he cannot develop into the best left tackle from this draft class.

14.Dallas Cowboys – Stephon Gilmore (CB): South Carolina

The Dallas Cowboys have been looking for another cornerback for a while now, and this year will be the year it happens. With the drugs-related arrest of Dre Kirkpatrick a couple of weeks back (via USA Today) and Janoris Jenkins' red flags, the Cowboys will instead turn to another talented cover man from the SEC, Stephon Gilmore.

This year, Gilmore has elevated his game to become as capable against the pass as he has always been defending the run.

He can excel in man and zone coverage due to his athleticism and length, and is at his best in press coverage. He does seem to lack elite deep speed, but is fluid enough and accelerates well to mask this against most receivers.

He should be a first-year starter in the Cowboys secondary and continue their run of brilliant draft picks for another year. 

15.Philadelphia Eagles – Zach Brown (LB): UNC

The “best team money could buy” crashed and burned this year, and most at fault was the linebacker’s inability to stop the run or cover short routes.

While the Eagles could also target a wide receiver or safety with this pick, by far the best player available is Zach Brown, the weakside linebacker from North Carolina. After a great showing at the Senior Bowl, his stock is rising fast due to his great athleticism and coverage skills.

Brown is every bit as athletic as Von Miller was last year, and could become the fastest ever linebacker at the NFL Combine this month. He also tackles well in the open field, and is a terror as a blitzer because of his first step quickness and lateral agility.

His greatest skill is in man coverage, where his speed, acceleration and flexibility allow him to run stride for stride with the fastest running backs and tight ends, and with the 2011 dominance of athletic tight ends this is a valuable commodity. At this stage of his career, he lacks the understanding to excel in zone coverage, but that should come with experience.

The Eagles would be taking a risk with this scenario. Brown is a boom or bust player because of his poor instincts and football IQ, but the Eagles want to win now, and he could put them over the hump if he pans out.

16.New York Jets – Trent Richardson (RB): Alabama

Richardson is the second best player in the 2012 Draft, but will fall on draft day because of the lessened value of his position. Nevertheless, the Jets would scoop him up to replace LaDainian Tomlinson and Shonn Greene—who have both failed to excite as the Jets running backs.

However, that should not be a problem for Richardson.

He is a well-rounded back who can make the hard yards inside with his powerful running style and burst, yet he has the speed, agility and vision to break big runs outside and in the open field. He can also pick up blitzers, and is a good receiver who could provide a good safety blanket to the struggling Mark Sanchez.

Selecting Richardson would also reaffirm the Jets ground and pound mentality that took them to two AFC Championship games, and take pressure off Sanchez by handing the bulk of the offense to their offensive line and running backs.

17. Cincinnati Bengals (via Oakland Raiders) – Cordy Glenn (OT/OG): Georgia

The Bengals have two first-round picks in 2012, and if they do not look to trade some of them, they should be able to shore up two positions of need.

With their first pick, they should look to draft a replacement for Bobbie Williams. The added bonus is that if they select Glenn, he can provide cover at right tackle if Andre Smith busts.

Glenn is a controversial prospect. Some scouts think that he is too big (he weighs 348 pounds), and that once he signs a contract he will balloon out of control. However, like most scouts, I see that weight as part of his immense power, which will allow him to physically dominate defenders in the run game, although he lacks the range to succeed at the second level.

At college, Glenn played left tackle and for the most part could deal with speed rushers.

However, in the NFL he would have to play right tackle or guard, where his power and short area agility would let him dominate defensive tackles. That suits the Bengals perfectly though, as Andrew Whitworth is settled on the blind side, and Glenn could instead replace Nate Livings at guard and create a monster right side of the line with the 330-pound Andre Smith.

Every running back would love to run behind that right side.

18.San Diego Chargers – Courtney Upshaw (OLB): Alabama

The Chargers will be looking to upgrade their defense in this draft, and with Courtney Upshaw available to them in the first round they would be foolish to pass him up. He could play opposite Shaun Phillips in their base defense and help provide some pass rush.

Upshaw is really the best complimentary 3-4 outside linebacker in this draft. He is not the best pass-rusher, and lacks the speed and burst to terrorise left tackles laterally.

However, he is very strong, has a solid first step to at least make offensive tackles think about the speed rush and a very well-developed array of rush moves. His lack of explosiveness suits playing right outside linebacker opposite a premiere pass rusher.

His greatest strength at the moment is really his work in the run game and in coverage.

Unlike most 3-4 outside linebacker prospects he played linebacker for Alabama. This means that he diagnoses the run very well, and can shed blocks better than most in the open field. He also has experience dropping into coverage, and while he lacks the flexibility and speed to be great, he shows great understanding of zone concepts.

His presence on the Chargers would take pressure off Shaun Phillips to create all the pressure on the quarterback, while improving their run defense and coverage on the right side of the field.

19.Chicago Bears – Alshon Jeffery (WR): South Carolina

The Bears have a serious need on the offensive line, and also need to get younger on defense. Nevertheless, the opportunity to draft Alshon Jeffery, a raw yet very talented wide receiver at 19, is too opportune to pass up.

The Bears need a big and physical wide receiver to line up outside and give Jay Cutler a consistent target like he had in Brandon Marshall at Denver.

Jeffery should provide this and more.

Jeffery was the preseason favorite to be the first wide receiver in this draft after a monster 2010 season. However, he struggled in 2011 with poor quarterback play and defenses shifting to take him out of the game when Marcus Lattimore went down with injury.

Despite this, Jeffery has loads of talent. He lacks great deep speed, but should still run about a 4.5 at the combine in the 40-yard dash. He also has good burst out of routes, intimidating size, top-notch ball skills and the leaping ability to dominate in the red zone.

He lacks the refinement of Justin Blackmon, but in three years could be the best receiver in this draft if he lives up to his billing as a slower Calvin Johnson. 

20.Tennessee Titans – Devon Still (DT): Penn State

Every good Titans' team of recent years has been built around a dominant defensive line, and right now it fails to impose itself on the run game and fails to get to the passer.

Therefore, defensive end and defensive tackle will be priorities for the team in 2012. In the first round they would ideally like to grab an elite edge rusher, but with the early run on 4-3 defensive ends and the subsequent fall of the talented Devon Still, Tennessee will probably look to add some power and nastiness inside.

Still broke out in his senior season, and has the power and quickness to play either defensive tackle on a 4-3 front. His technique needs work, and he often gets upright through contact, but he has long arms, the frame to bulk up to 320 pounds and the quickness and burst to penetrate into the backfield.

He reminds me of a raw Ndamukong Suh, and while he is unlikely to have a similar impact in his rookie season, he should be able to develop into a talismanic defensive player who can dominate the run and the passing game.

21.Cincinnati Bengals – Dre Kirkpatrick (CB): Alabama

Kirkpatrick would have been picked seven places earlier by the Dallas Cowboys if not for his drug-related arrest, but he arguably would end up on a better and more promising team.

The Bengals took Cordy Glenn with their first pick, and with the second they will be looking to upgrade their secondary. Last offseason, they lost their best cornerback to the Houston Texans, and while Leon Hall coped well as their top corner, their other cornerbacks struggled.

Therefore, the Bengals would look to fill this need by taking the falling Dre Kirkpatrick.

Kirkpatrick would be a better fit for a cover-2 or zone-heavy defense as he struggles to turn and run with fast wide receivers. But in zone or press coverage, he can use his long arms, awareness and burst to jam receivers at the line, break on balls and make plays.

He is also great against the run, where he uses his long frame to get off blocks and his size and power to take down ball carriers.

Even if he fails at cornerback because of speed or flexibility issues, he has the coverage and tackling skills to move to free safety, which happens to be another position of need for the Bengals.

22.Cleveland Browns (via Atlanta Falcons) – Kendall Wright (WR): Baylor

The Browns took their franchise quarterback with their first pick of the draft, and now they will be looking to give him a dangerous receiving weapon. Last year they picked Greg Little to be a physical X receiver, and now they will try to add a deep threat to pair with him.

And who better than Robert Griffin’s favorite college target, Kendall Wright.

Wright finally put it all together in his final year in college football, and he was a big part of the Heisman year than Griffin had. Wright is expected to run a 4.3 40-yard dash at the combine, and uses this with world-class burst, good ball skills and open field running skills. He may never be a class route runner, but his ability to get open deep is similar to that of Mike Wallace of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and that is enough to be an elite receiver.

Wright will probably be graded below Notre Dame’s Michael Floyd by every team except the Browns, but the chemistry that Griffin and Floyd have from their Baylor days, and the similarities between Floyd and Little’s playing styles would make Cleveland select Wright.

23.Detroit Lions – Mike Adams (OT): Ohio State

The Lions have been looking for a new left tackle for years, and although Jeff Backus has been playing well of late, now is definitely the time to draft for the future.

While there are other good players who fill needs for the Lions—like Peter Konz and Janoris Jenkins—the Lions best pick would be Adams because of the rarity of players who can fill the left tackle position, especially this late in the draft.

Adams will fall this far because of the character issues that still linger from his suspension earlier this year, and the fear among many scouts that he is a lazy player who has a high risk of busting. For these reasons, his interviews at the Scouting Combine will be very important.

However, the reason the Lions should be targeting him are many.

He has a great frame to player left tackle, with long arms and a naturally powerful upper and lower body. He also possesses great athleticism that allows him to deal with speed rushers and counter moves. Adams does not have the same ability in the run game yet; he fails to play with great leverage.

But if he polishes his technique, he should be able to be a good to great run blocker and an elite pass protector. That would certainly be a great pickup for the Lions at 23.

24.Pittsburgh Steelers – Dontari Poe (DT): Memphis

The Steelers have been dominant for many years because of their 3-4 defenses, and the unheralded key cog in it is their nose tackle Casey Hampton.

However, the years have taken their toll on him and at over 30 and coming off surgery, Pittsburgh should be looking to the future.

That is the rationale for taking nose tackle Dontari Poe in the first round.

Poe is a monster of a man at 6’5”, 350 pounds, and this prototypical size blesses him with the bulk and power to stand up two offensive linemen at the line and control interior running games. He can also shed blocks pretty well for a big man, which allows him to scythe into the backfield if he is not double-teamed.

He does struggle as a pass-rusher, where his bulk works against him. He has a decent first step but poor closing speed, and he has a very limited selection of pass rush moves.

Also, because of his small-school background, his technique is not very good, which means he often plays with poor leverage and relies on his strength alone to win matchups—a ploy that normally fails in the NFL.

Nevertheless, he has massive potential as a nose tackle, and with the good coaching that he will invariably get in Pittsburgh, he should blossom into an even better player than Hampton was.

25.Denver Broncos – Peter Konz (C): Wisconsin

The Broncos have a lot of holes for a team that won a playoff game, and despite their good running game, their offensive line needs a lot of work. For this reason, Peter Konz, a player with a top-20 grade, would be a great pick for them.

Konz is a tall center at 6’5,” but it allows him to carry his 315-pound weight very well. He marries this size with good speed and quickness, a high football IQ and solid technique, which equates to a very talented and an NFL-ready rookie prospect.

Konz is at his best in the run game, where he uses his powerful legs and long arms to be a great drive blocker. He can also be used on the move, and breaks down well when blocking linebackers. In pass protection, his technique and smarts combines with his lateral agility and length to make him a very difficult player to get past.

He can sometimes be beaten with power, but his physical makeup suggests that with time he should beat this deficiency.

Konz already understands blitz pickup, and has great shotgun snap placement, but his size would allow him to play guard in his first season to acclimate him to NFL level defensive linemen before throwing him the extra responsibilities that center’s shoulder. This versatility would be welcome on a Broncos offensive line that has few players who are sure things at their position.

26.Houston Texans – Michael Floyd (WR): Notre Dame

The Texans are one of the most complete rosters in the NFL, and the only real need that they have is nose tackle and another wide receiver.

This means they may wish to trade up to get Dontari Poe or Kendall Wright, but if Michael Floyd does end up falling to them at 26, that would be unnecessary. Floyd is a top-15 prospect, but will fall in the draft because of questions about his deep speed and personal red flags.

He would not complement Andre Johnson as well as Wright would, but has the potential to replace him as a physical receiver, and would still draw coverage away from the Texans star.

Floyd broke out this year after a poor 2010, mainly because he improved his burst. Despite this, Floyd is still an imposing man at 6’3”, 224 lbs, and with his good vertical leap he will be a great red zone threat from his first day in the NFL. He also has safe hands and a knack for spectacular catches. He is still lacking as a route runner, but can get by because of his explosiveness, size and powerful running style.

Floyd would benefit from playing alongside another elite receiver where he will not be the center of attention for offenses. Early in his career, he may struggle against top corners, but against lesser cover men he should be able to dominate the middle of the field and provide a red zone threat opposite Johnson.

27.New England Patriots (from New Orleans Saints) – Nick Perry (DE): USC

The Patriots have been waiting for an elite pass rusher for years, and finally with Perry dropping to them they will have their man. Belichick and his coaching staff are returning to a 3-4 defense, and will need a marquee pass rusher to play at outside linebacker.

Perry exploded this season for USC, terrorizing left tackles throughout the PAC-12. He has great burst off the line and elite speed that allows him to cause nightmares for tackles on speed rushes. He also has the ability to turn speed into power when bull rushing. However, Perry is not extremely agile, and at this stage does not have much variation to his game. He goes to the speed rush time and again, and really needs to develop an inside counter move to keep tackles off balance. He also has issues in the run game. He lacks the bulk and power to set containment consistently, but can scythe past offensive linemen to penetrate into the backfield to break up runs there.

In essence, Perry is a developmental player with huge potential. He could start in his first season in a nickel pass rushing role similar to the one that Aldon Smith flourished in this year, but it will take him time to become a true every down linebacker as he has no experience dropping into coverage or playing the run (or rushing the passer) standing up. However, the Patriots would be fools not the take him so late in the first round, especially with the versatility he provides. New England has always shown 3-4 and 4-3 looks on defense, and Perry could easily switch between the two.

28.Green Bay Packers – Janoris Jenkins (CB): North Alabama

Despite his character issues and the lower level of competition he played against this year, Jenkins wowed at the Senior Bowl where he was the best cornerback on the field.

For this reason, the Green Bay Packers will target him because their secondary leaked like a sieve this season and is aging fast, with Tramon Williams nearing 30 and Charles Woodson the wrong side of it.

It needs an injection of young talent, and drafting Jenkins would go a long way toward that.

As a player, Jenkins is probably the second best cornerback in the draft. He is small, but has great athleticism, can play all types of coverage and has the quickness, awareness, burst and speed to stay connected to his receivers. He has leaping ability and ball skills to make plays on the ball in the air.

However, his questionable work ethic and off-field issues will drop him to the end of the first round, where he will bolster the secondary of an already very good team. 

29.Baltimore Ravens – Vontaze Burfict (LB): Arizona State

The Ravens have needed to draft an heir to the mantle of Ray Lewis for a few years, but have always neglected it for other needs. However, in 2012 there is a linebacker who fits that mantle perfectly.

His name is Vontaze Burfict.

Burfict was once in the running for a top-10 pick, but a ordinary final year at college, on-field penalty issues and his perceived lack of football IQ have dropped his stock like a rock—so far that many teams would not take him in the first round.

However, the Ravens have shown that they are happy to gamble on defensive players with questionable work ethics or character issues, relying on their strong locker room and the presence of respected leaders like Lewis, Terrell Suggs and Ed Reed to keep the rookies in line and help release their potential. They gambled and won with Jimmy Smith last draft, and they will be looking to do the same with Burfict this time around.

On the field, Burfict has the athleticism and nasty demeanour to be the next Ray Lewis.

He was the hardest hitter in college football, and has the speed and burst to follow the ball carrier sideline to sideline, be a lethal blitzer and run with tight ends downfield. He is a sure wrap up tackler, has a knack for getting to the quarterback and can get off blocks remarkably well for a college linebacker.

However, too often he seems to be coasting through games, he shows very little recognition in coverage or instincts to follow the ball, and bites badly on play action. The Ravens coaching staff would hope that between them, Ray Lewis and the culture of the Ravens defense he could become their next enforcer at inside linebacker.

30.San Francisco 49ers – Mohamed Sanu (WR): Rutgers

After the 49ers wide receivers made just one catch in their playoff match against the New York Giants, they has felt as though they were going to take a wide receiver with this draft pick. Michael Crabtree has struggled again in his third season and Kyle Williams is a third wide receiver at best.

The 49ers would have loved for Michael Floyd to fall this far, but Sanu is still good enough to take at the end of the first round.

Sanu is a large and physical wide receiver in the mould of the New York Giants Hakeem Nicks. He is not really fast or sudden, but has good height (6’2”) and weight (215 lbs) and knows how to use it to get and stay open. He is a good route runner, gets in and out of his breaks well for a big receiver and is sure handed. He also has a powerful running style that helps him make yards after the catch.

In essence, he is a safe pick who should develop into a solid, if not spectacular, receiver.

31.New England Patriots – Chase Minnifield (CB): Virginia

The Patriots secondary was abysmal this season, and upgrading it will be a priority this offseason.

Although they need another safety, there is no one that suits the team worthy of a first-round pick. Therefore, instead they will look for another cornerback who can play opposite Devin McCourty, or even replace him if he fails to perform again in 2012.

Minnifield could be that man.

Chase is a tall and athletic corner who specializes in zone coverage. He was a ball hawk in 2010, and in 2011 was much improved in man coverage and in run support. He seems to lack deep speed, but has good burst, flexibility and length.

He also has great awareness in zone coverage, and shows the ability to develop into a good press corner with time. At the moment, he lacks the technique to successfully jam good receivers at the line, but his physical makeup should allow him to.

The Patriots generally play zone coverage and then play press against very dangerous receivers or fast teams. This suits Minnifield perfectly, as he should develop into a cornerback who can excel at both. As an extra bonus, he is also a good return man.

32.New York Giants – Kelechi Osemele (OG/RT): Iowa State

The Giants have a playoff caliber team, but their offensive line is failing fast. There are very few players on the line who are both young and talented, and most of the line are remnants of the last Super Bowl.

Kareem McKenzie, Chris Snee and Shaun O’Hara have all passed their best and their replacements need to be drafted if the Giants are to remain a playoff team.

Since the Giants have a number of needs on the line, a player who can cover multiple positions is a bonus, and that is what Osemele provides. Osemele played left tackle for Iowa State, but is most likely to move inside as a pro, where his huge frame (6’6”, 347 pounds), decent lateral agility and overwhelming power will be best utilised.

However, he has enough range to play at right tackle given some time to develop his game.

In pass protection, Osemele relies on his power and long arms to deal with pass-rushers, and could be unbeatable inside in tight quarters. He struggles with speed rushers with great burst, but often will be able to wrangle them before they reach the passer.

However, he can consistently stonewall bull rushes and inside moves, even when off balance. As a run blocker he is even more dominant. Osemele uses his strength and nasty attitude to be an elite in-line blocker.

He does struggle on reach blocks and at the second level, but when he is asked to line up across from a defender and take him out of the game he can do that consistently, and that is exactly what the Giants power running scheme would ask him to do.

If the Giants draft Osemele, they would probably let him play guard for a few seasons to acclimatize to the NFL while McKenzie is still a decent player. However, it is certain that they would like him to shift over and man the right tackle position for the best part of his career.

Second Round Picks 33-48

33. St. Louis Rams - Dwight Jones (WR): UNC

The Rams took a franchise left tackle in the first round, but also need a wide receiver that can get open for Sam Bradford. Jones had a disappointing Senior Bowl, but his size, athleticism and performance in his senior season should make the Rams take a shot on him despite the risk of him busting. 

34. Indianapolis Colts - Fletcher Cox (DT): Mississippi State

The Colts are probably moving to a 3-4 defense under Chuck Pagano, so selecting some players to fill those positions will be a priority in this draft. Both current defensive ends would be able to move to outside linebacker, but 5-technique ends will be required, and this is a role that Fletcher Cox should be able to excel at, creating some pressure and setting contain with his long arms.

35. Minnesota Vikings - Amini Silatolu (OG): Midwestern State

The Vikings need to get better on the offensive line to make life easier for their star playmaker Adrian Peterson. Silatolu is a small-school guard with the power, movement skills and pass protection skills to blossom into an All-Pro player.

36. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Jamell Fleming (CB): Oklahoma

The Buccaneers need to replace Ronde Barber, and Fleming would be able to start from the start because of his innate ability to maintain coverage. He is good in zone coverage and can also press effectively at the line.

37. Cleveland Browns - David Wilson (RB): Virginia Tech

The Browns will make one of the steals of the draft by taking the second best runner in the draft, David Wilson, in the second round. Wilson is reminiscent of the good Chris Johnson, and his speed and burst would complement a powerful runner like Peyton Hillis well. 

38. Jacksonville Jaguars - Alfonzo Dennard (CB): Nebraska

Dennard will have to run a very good 40-yard dash to be drafted as high as his former team-mate Prince Amukamara. Dennard may be a great press corner, but his lack of great deep speed, stiffness and small frame will drop him down in the draft. 

39. Washington Redskins - Ryan Tannehill (QB): Texas A&M

Mike Shanahan needs to find a quarterback for the future, and although Tannehill is very raw and is a reach this high in the draft, he fits the Shanahan offensive system very well with his mobility and has the most upside of any quarterback remaining in the draft. The presence of Justin Blackmon in the receiving corps would also make the transition of a new quarterback much easier. 

40. Buffalo Bills - Andre Branch (DE/OLB): Clemson

The Bills need to improve their pass rush, and with a proposed move to a hydrid 4-3/3-4 defense, and player like Branch who can act as a blind side pass-rusher as a defensive end or outside linebacker.

He may lack a developed game, but his burst and speed are valuable commodities. 

41. Miami Dolphins - Jerel Worthy (DT): Michigan State

Worthy would be a good pick for the Dolphins, who are going to convert to a 4-3 defense next year. After taking a possibly All-Pro defensive end, they will also need a penetrating 3-technique defensive tackle. Worthy is a risky pick because of his bad motor and attitude, but he has the talent to be this year’s Nick Fairley or Ndamukong Suh, a truly dominant player who can dominate against the run and penetrate as a pass-rusher. 

42. Carolina Panthers - Casey Hayward (CB): Vanderbilt

The Panthers need to improve their defense, and another cornerback would go a long way to doing that. Hayward will never develop into a shut down corner, but his fluid movements, awareness and decent speed will make him a great number two option opposite Chris Gamble. 

43. Kansas City Chiefs - Doug Martin (RB): Boise State

The Chiefs already have one of the best running backs in the NFL in Jamaal Charles, but he is the sort of speed back that would work best in tandem. With Thomas Jones over the hill and not worth a roster spot it comes time for the Chiefs to grab a young running mate to pair with Charles, with Martin being an ideal accompaniment. He is a good inside runner who has underrated athleticism and great vision. He is also a good receiver and solid pass protector, so could assume the third down role. 

44. Seattle Seahawks - Brock Osweiler (QB): Arizona State

The Seahawks took Mercilus in the first round, and will now be looking for a developmental quarterback to replace become their starter down the road. To fill this need, they would likely look to Brock Osweiler, a tall, strong-armed quarterback who has the ability to become a starter in the mould of Joe Flacco. 

45. Dallas Cowboys - Bobby Wagner (LB): Utah State

The Cowboys targeted their secondary in the first round, and in the second round they will look towards their linebacker corps. Although Sean Lee played very well in 2011, their other inside linebackers are old and not performing well. Selecting Bobby Wagner should fix this. Wagner is a powerfully built inside linebacker with great coverage and blitzing skills who can also shed blocks and tackle well. He is a real steal this late in the draft. 

46. Philadelphia Eagles - Mark Barron (S): Alabama

Unlike most scouts, I do not believe that Barron carries first-round value. He may have great size and run stopping ability, but he is rather stiff and lacks the ability to turn and run with athletic tight ends or to cover the deep half of the field. These two skills are now the primary responsibilities of a safety, with run defense almost an added bonus. However, the Eagles need to improve their secondary, and Barron would be able to form a good tandem with Nate Allen playing as purely a strong safety that assists the porous running game and plays zone coverage. 

47. New York Jets - Bruce Irvin (OLB): West Virginia

The Jets need to get better rushing the passer, and Irvin is a pick targeting solely that. Irvin has no experience playing linebacker, but he is an explosive pass-rusher with a great first step, speed and agility. In short, he is a natural pass rusher and would hopefully be able to fill the role that Vernon Gholston was originally drafted to do. 

48. New England Patriots (via Oakland Raiders) – Jared Crick (DE): Nebraska

The Patriots will be returning to a 3-4 defense for 2012, and this means that they will have to reload with the correct personnel. One area of need is a 5-technique defensive end that can contain the run and provide some pass rush.

For most of the season, the Patriots have been mocked taking Crick at the end of the first round, but his injury and lack of athleticism will push him into day two, and it is there where the Patriots will take their man. Crick is the prototypical Patriots player, and man who does his job well because of technique and smarts. He would fit right into their defense from day one and provide solid—if unspectacular—play.

Second Round Picks 49-64

39. San Diego Chargers – Orson Charles (TE): Georgia

The Chargers have gotten great service from Antonio Gates, but it has reached the time when they need to draft his replacement. Fortunately for them, there is a carbon copy of Gates available for them, Georgia’s Orson Charles. Charles is a receiving tight end who has the athleticism, safe hands and developing route running ability to be a constant mismatch to a defense. As a bonus, he is also a competent run blocker, and while he will never be a Rob Gronkowski, should provide more assistance than Gates ever did. 

40. Chicago Bears – Brandon Washington (G): Miami

The Bears need to upgrade their offensive line further, and in taking a wide receiver in the first round they will be deciding to take a franchise left tackle next year. Therefore, in the second round they will try to get better inside. Brandon Washington played tackle and guard for Miami, but as a pro he would have to be an interior player. He is a powerful and mobile player who is at his best as an in-line run blocker. However, in tight quarters he has the long arms, lateral quickness and power to deal to most pass-rushers. He may not start in his first season, but could develop into a star guard.

41. Philadelphia Eagles – Audie Cole (LB): North Carolina State

Cole may not come from a big name school, but he cuts an imposing figure, and would be able to take over the reins of the Eagle’s middle linebacker position in his rookie season. He is at his best stopping the run, and has enough speed and power to make plays inside and outside the box. He is also good enough in zone coverage to not be a liability against the pass, and is a smart player with great instincts and understanding of the game. His presence would stiffen the Eagles run defense and give them some size behind their pass rushing defensive line. 

42. Cincinnati Bengals – Lamar Miller (RB): Miami

Miller is one of the top 25 players in the draft, but the degrading of his position and his poor end to the season will push him into the second half of the second round, however the Bengals would scoop him up without a second thought to pair with Cedric Benson. Miller is a smooth runner with great vision, burst and speed. He may struggle to break a lot of tackle or make people miss in the NFL, but his all-round game is second to none. 

43. Tennessee Titans – Cam Johnson (DE): Virginia

Johnson was impressive at the Senior Bowl, and showed an explosive element to his game that went largely unnoticed during the season. This suits the Titans, who will be looking for an athletic edge rusher to pair with their first round defensive tackle. Johnson showed good burst and the ability to use the bull rush to take advantage of off-balance tackles. He is also a decent run defender to boot. 

44. Atlanta Falcons – Brandon Thompson (DT): Clemson

The Falcons need to get better at defensive tackle to help their linebackers, and though Thompson lacks the athleticism to be an every down stud player, he has the ability to contribute as a run stopping 3-technique in a rotation. Thompson does not have great burst, but he is strong, plays with good leverage and can penetrate the double team. 

45. Detroit Lions – Brandon Boykin (CB): Georgia

The Lions need to get better and younger at cornerback, with their second best cornerback Eric Wright likely to leave in free agency. Also, their scheme really would benefit from getting a press corner who can jam receivers at the line. Boykin is a great athlete who impressed at the Senior Bowl. He is fluid, fast and has the burst to excel. He is also well built, can contribute against the run and shows great skills in press and zone coverage. He would be able to contribute immediately to the Lions secondary, probably as a nickel corner. 

46. Pittsburgh Steelers – Senio Kelemete (G): Washington

The Steelers are in desperate need of new guard to replace their current under performers. They are the lowest graded tandem on Pro Football Focus and are not that young either. Kelemete would suit the hard nosed mantra of Pittsburgh perfectly. He is decent in pass protection, but live to run block, where his power, leverage and mobility allow him to be a great blocker on the move and at the second level. 

47. Denver Broncos – Nick Foles (QB): Arizona

Tebow-maniacs may cringe at this pick, but the simple truth is that Tebow cannot continue to win football games consistently unless he gets better as a passer. One of the best ways to do this is to bring in some competition, and Foles is a quarterback that in his own right could develop into a starter. He has a strong arm and prototypical size, and at the Senior Bowl was impressive in his ability to lead a team and play before the snap. He will be a project, but could replace Tebow in 2013 if he fails to develop or become trade bait if he does. 

48. Houston Texans – Alameda Ta’amu (DT): Washington

The Texans need a new nose tackle, and Ta’amu, with his ability to penetrate, is the perfect one. Wade Smith defenses are always looking for 1-technique nose tackles like Jay Ratliff who can make plays in the backfield, and Ta’amu combines his athleticism with huge strength and prototypical size. He needs some work on his technique to make the most of his talents, but when he does he will add another great defender to the Texans roster. 

49. New Orleans Saints – Mike Martin (DT): Michigan

The Saints may have the best offense in the NFL, but their defense has let them down for two straight seasons. A big part of this is the performance of the linebacker corps. However, the only linebacker worth taking here is Audie Cole, and he projects as a middle linebacker. As Jonathan Vilma is the incumbent there, that pick seems unlikely. Instead, the Saints could deal with another need, defensive tackle, which would also help the linebackers.

With Shaun Rogers and Aubrayo Franklin likely to be leaving this year, New Orleans will need a new 4-3 nose tackle. Martin could challenge Stephen Paea’s combine bench press record, and has great anchor strength against he run. He also has enough burst to be a threat as a pass-rusher, although his game is limited in that regard. 

50. Green Bay Packers – Vinny Curry (OLB): Marshall

The Packers need to get another ouside linebacker who can rush the passer to make life easier for Clay Matthews. Curry would be able to do this in his rookie season. He may not have experience at linebacker, but he shows the flexibility to drop into coverage and has a knack for getting to the quarterback despite his limited athleticism. 

51. Baltimore Ravens – Ronnell Lewis (OLB): Oklahoma

The Ravens need to find a new outside linebacker to play opposite Terrell Suggs. Jarrett Johnson may be moving on this offseason, and he never provided much of a pass rush anyway. Ronnell Lewis is one of the most talented pass-rushers in this draft, and has dropped because of his injury history and lack of performance in the run game.

However, he combines speed, burst and power better than most rushers in the draft, and if he can put it together he could be as good as Suggs. 

52. San Francisco 49ers – Josh Chapman (DT): Alabama

The 49ers have one of the best defensive front sevens in the league, but they could improve at nose tackle. Chapman is a typical space eating tackle who offers little in the passing game but can eat up double teams and make plays against inside runs. His presence should make Patrick Willis and Navorro Bowman even better, and propel them to the best defense in the league. 

53. New England Patriots – Joe Adams (WR): Arkansas

The Patriots receiving corps is effectively one player, and if they fail to get Wes Welker back this offseason, or if his play declines they will need a replacement for him. Joe Adams is being hailed as the nest Wes, and his speed, quickness and safe hands were on full display at the Senior Bowl. When he polishes his route running he should become an even tougher player to cover that Welker ever was because of his deep speed. 

54. New York Giants – Coby Fleener (TE): Stanford

The Giants suffered a bunch of injuries to their tight ends in the Super Bowl, and they need an upgrade at the position anyway. Fleener will have to deal with questions about whether his performances were due to Andrew Luck.

However, he still has a good frame, safe hands, underrated athleticism and the ability to beat people with his route running. He would give Eli another great target in the middle of the field, and he is a decent run blocker as well.

Third Round

39. Indianapolis Colts – Nigel Bradham (LB): Florida State

40. St. Louis Rams – Marcus Forston (DT): Miami

41. Minnesota Vikings – Nick Toon (WR): Wisconsin

42. Cleveland Browns – Mitchell Schwartz (OT): California

43. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – LaMichael James (RB): Oregon

44. Washington Redskins – James-Michael Johnson (LB): Nevada

45. Jacksonville Jaguars – Jarius Wright (WR): Arkansas

46. Buffalo Bills – Juron Criner (WR): Arizona

47. Miami Dolphins – Dwayne Allen (TE): Clemson

48. Chicago Bears – Sean Spence (LB): Miami

49. Kansas City Chiefs – Ben Jones (C): Georgia

50. Seattle Seahawks – Chris Polk (RB): Washington

51. Philadelphia Eagles – Dwight Bentley (CB): UL Lafayette

52. New York Jets – Billy Winn (DE): Boise State

53. San Diego Chargers – Andrew Datko (OT): Florida State

54. Chicago Bears – George Iloka (S): Boise State

55. Arizona Cardinals – Chandler Jones (OLB): Syracuse

56. Dallas Cowboys – Shea McClellin (OLB): Boise State

57. Tennessee Titans – Mike Brewster (C): Ohio State

58. Cincinnati Bengals – Lavonte David (LB): Nebraska

59. Atlanta Falcons – Nate Potter (OT): Boise State

60. Detroit Lions – Brandon Brooks (OG): Miami (OH)

61. Pittsburgh Steelers – Jayron Hosley (CB): Virginia Tech

62. Denver Broncos – Isiah Pead (RB): Cincinnati

63. Houston Texans – David Molk (C): Michigan

64. New Orleans Saints – Demario Davis (LB): Arkansas State

65. Green Bay Packers – Michael Egnew (TE): Missouri

66. Baltimore Ravens – Jeff Allen (RT/OG): Illinois

67. San Francisco 49ers – Josh Norman (CB): Coastal Carolina

68. New England Patriots – Robert Lester (S): Alabama

69. New York Giants – Kevin Zeitler (OG): Wisconsin