2012 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting Every First-Round Selection

Dan Hope's 2012 NFL Mock Draft 1.0

The wait has been too long, but finally, it is time for the release of my first of many mock drafts leading up to the start of the 2012 NFL draft on April 26.

Making the entire process quite interesting this year is the unpredictability of the entire draft. While it is almost certain that Andrew Luck will go to the Indianapolis Colts with the first overall pick, it is very uncertain who will be selected with the second overall pick, and which team will actually end up drafting with that pick.

This slideshow details my initial projections for this year’s NFL draft.

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

Rank among my Top 300 Prospects: No. 1

The Peyton Manning era for the Indianapolis Colts organization appears to be approaching its end. Manning missed the entire 2011 season coming off of neck surgery, and has a $26 million roster bonus due on March 8.

The Colts cannot be certain of whether Manning will ever return to form, so they are expected to release him before he receives that roster bonus. Additionally, with the top overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft, the Colts cannot pass up the opportunity to draft one of the greatest quarterback prospects in quite some time, Stanford’s Andrew Luck.

Luck is virtually a unanimous choice as the top prospect in this year’s draft. He has no significant weakness in his game, and has all the tools, ability and intangibles to be a franchise quarterback for many years to come.

Manning is one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, but now is the time for the Colts to move on. They have the opportunity to go from one superstar quarterback to another, and all indications suggest the Colts are going to make that move.

2. St. Louis Rams: Matt Kalil, OT, USC

Rank: No. 2

With little question as to what the Colts will do with the first overall selection in the 2012 NFL draft, the St. Louis Rams hold the key to how the rest of the first round will play out with the second overall selection.

The Rams are going to be faced with a very difficult decision of whether to draft USC left tackle Matt Kalil or to trade down from this spot in the draft.

This draft class is very thin on talent at the top, but the Rams have the opportunity by staying put to draft one of this year’s few truly elite prospects in Kalil. Kalil has everything one should covet in a franchise left tackle; he has ideal size, terrific technique, strength and great footwork.

The Rams missed badly in the 2009 NFL draft the last time they selected an offensive tackle, picking Baylor’s Jason Smith with the second overall draft pick, but Kalil should be much more successful at the next level. The Rams need to upgrade at left tackle to provide better protection for quarterback Sam Bradford, and Kalil is the best prospect on the board.

That said, the Rams should receive multiple offers from teams looking to trade up for the second franchise quarterback in the 2012 NFL draft, Baylor’s Robert Griffin III. Both the Cleveland Browns and Washington Redskins are likely to explore the possibility of moving up to this draft choice, and if they end up having to outbid each other, the Rams could end up trading down and getting a very valuable package in return.

Given the lack of elite prospects at the top of this draft, my initial hunch is the Rams will stay put at second overall and select Kalil. That said, they are certain to have trading opportunities, and they would be making a huge mistake not to stay open to the possibility of a trade if a team offers them a package too good to refuse.

Whether the Rams trade this pick will shape the entire first round, and it is a decision that I am going to continue to debate before April’s draft comes around.

3. Washington Redskins (from Minnesota): Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

Projected Trade: The Minnesota Vikings trade the third and 99th overall selections in the 2012 NFL draft to the Washington Redskins in exchange for the sixth overall selection, 39th overall selection, 70th overall selection and their fourth-round selection in the 2013 NFL draft

Rank: No. 3

The Vikings’ decision with the third overall selection hinges directly upon what the Rams with the second overall draft pick.

If the Rams trade down to a team who moves up to select Robert Griffin III, then the Vikings should fill a major need at left tackle and draft the best player available in USC’s Matt Kalil. However, if the Rams stay put at second overall, then the Vikings should look to trade down.

Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan, who won two Super Bowls with the Denver Broncos led by legendary quarterback John Elway, needs to bring a franchise quarterback to D.C. With the Cleveland Browns sitting at fourth overall and primed to select RG3, I expect the Redskins to make a big move up to the third spot in the draft and select the second of the two franchise quarterbacks to be had in this draft class.

Trading down makes sense here for the Vikings. With Kalil off the board, the Vikings can move down three spots and still have an opportunity to draft one of the class’ top left tackles in Stanford’s Jonathan Martin or Iowa’s Riley Reiff. If available, Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon and LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne also remain possibilities.

The Redskins are known to trade away large packages of picks to acquire a player they covet, so I would not be surprised to see the Vikings to come away with a big package from Washington in a deal.

While the Redskins have many needs, this is a move that they could very well make. Simply put, neither Rex Grossman nor John Beck can lead this team back to success. The Redskins need to upgrade at the quarterback position, and the best option is Griffin.

4. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Rank: No. 8

The Cleveland Browns, believed to be targeting Robert Griffin III, could have their entire draft plans destroyed if this scenario plays out. That said, if they do not trade up and Griffin is selected within the first three draft choices, they will be left to decide between Alabama running back Trent Richardson and LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne.

Claiborne is this draft’s top defensive prospect and best player available at this point, and the Browns could certainly use another playmaker in their secondary to line up across from Joe Haden.

That said, head coach Pat Shurmur and newly hired offensive coordinator Brad Childress certainly recognize the need for an offensive playmaker, and if they miss out on RG3, then I believe they will settle on working with Colt McCoy at quarterback for another season, and go with Richardson.

Childress’ offense from his time with the Minnesota Vikings revolved around superstar running back Adrian Peterson, and by drafting Richardson at fourth overall, he will have the potential to replicate that in Cleveland’s offense. The Browns ranked 28th in the NFL last season in team rushing yardage, and Peyton Hillis is expected to leave via free agency. While the passing game has its concerns, McCoy would certainly benefit from having a premier running back to work with offensively.

Oklahoma State’s Justin Blackmon is also a possibility with this selection, but running back is a bigger need than wide receiver, and the Browns used the 59th overall selection in last year’s draft on receiver Greg Little, so it is unlikely they invest such a high selection on a wide receiver this year.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

Rank: No. 4

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers suffered a complete free fall this past season, in large part due to the horrendous play of their defense. The Buccaneers lost the final 10 games of their season, with a defense that ranked 30th in total yards allowed and worst in the league in scoring defense.

The Buccaneers really need to upgrade their secondary, and LSU’s Morris Claiborne is the best defensive player in the 2012 draft class. He can become the No. 1 cornerback the Buccaneers need, and is the best value pick the Bucs can make with this pick.

If Claiborne were off the board, then Alabama running back Trent Richardson would also be a great pick here if he were available. That said, with Richardson off the board, Claiborne is one of the most clear-cut decisions of the entire first round.

6. Minnesota Vikings (from Washington Redskins): Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma

Rank: No. 7

The Minnesota Vikings have committed to Christian Ponder as their quarterback, so their focus in the first round will be in bringing Ponder some help on offense, in the form of either a left tackle to better protect their quarterback or a big weapon at wide receiver for the passing game.

The Vikings’ biggest need is at left tackle, so Stanford’s Jonathan Martin would be the best pick here, and could very well be the direction that the Vikings take. However, the Vikings also need to find a big weapon for the passing game at wide receiver, and my hunch is that they would select Oklahoma State’s Justin Blackmon.

Blackmon is not as talented of a prospect as last year’s top wide receiver prospects, A.J. Green and Julio Jones, but he is the best wideout in this year’s draft class and a player who would immediately become a big playmaker in the Vikings offense. With the Vikings believing in Ponder as their option at signal-caller, they must bring in another playmaker for him to work with in the passing game, and Blackmon would be a great choice here.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

Rank: No. 13

The Jacksonville Jaguars desperately need help at wide receiver, but with Justin Blackmon taken off the board one pick earlier, they will be forced to decide between selecting South Carolina’s Alshon Jeffery or going in another direction.

While Jeffery has star potential, he is coming off of a very disappointing junior season. Jeffery also faces concerns over his speed. If he runs well at the combine, he should be a top-10 pick. However, Jeffery is one player who I could easily see falling down the draft board, and I think the Jaguars will pass upon him at the seventh overall pick.

Therefore, the Jaguars should look to another major need, defensive end, and draft a player with huge upside in North Carolina’s Quinton Coples. Coples may be a slight reach as a top-10 draft selection, but he has the potential to be a terrific defensive end, and the Jaguars need a playmaker on their defensive front. Coples is the best defensive end in the 2012 draft class, and a player who could really fit what the Jaguars need to improve in their defense.

8. Carolina Panthers: Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

Note: Picks No. 8 and 9 will be determined by a coin flip between the Carolina Panthers and Miami Dolphins, as both teams tied with the same record and strength of schedule this season

Rank: No. 14

Pass-rushers have become a premium in the National Football League, so it would not come as a surprise if the Panthers continued a mini-run on pass-rushers at the eighth overall selection and get a much-needed upgrade to their defensive line by drafting South Carolina’s Melvin Ingram.

At 6’2’’, some teams may be reluctant to draft Ingram as a defensive end, but I foresee that the Panthers will overlook that to bring in one of this year’s most talented and explosive prospects in the defensive front seven. The Panthers already have one talented pass-rusher in Charles Johnson, but would certainly benefit by adding another playmaker to their defensive front.

The Panthers could also look for a defensive tackle with this pick in Michigan State’s Jerel Worthy, or add another playmaker to the offense in South Carolina wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, but Ingram seems like a good fit here.

9. Miami Dolphins: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

Note: Picks No. 8 and 9 will be determined by a coin flip between the Carolina Panthers and Miami Dolphins, as both teams tied with the same record and strength of schedule this season

Rank: No. 11

Joe Philbin, the new head coach of the Miami Dolphins, comes over from being the offensive coordinator of the Green Bay Packers, where he worked with former Iowa Hawkeye offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga as his right tackle. While the Dolphins have one of the NFL’s elite left tackles in Jake Long, they need an upgrade at right tackle, and another Iowa lineman would fit the bill at the ninth overall selection.

Reiff is a very talented offensive lineman, but probably a better fit at right tackle than left tackle. In a combination with Jake Long, the Dolphins could have one of the NFL’s elite offensive tackle combinations for many years to come by adding Reiff. Reiff is one of the best players available and he fits a need, so he makes great sense as a selection here.

The Dolphins could also go with Stanford offensive tackle Jonathan Martin, but Reiff is probably a better fit. South Carolina wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, Alabama linebacker Courtney Upshaw and Michigan State defensive tackle Jerel Worthy are all also possibilities.

10. Buffalo Bills: Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama

Rank: No. 5

The Buffalo Bills used the third overall pick on a stud defensive player from Alabama in defensive tackle Marcell Dareus last season. If the Bills have the opportunity to do so again this year and select Crimson Tide linebacker Courtney Upshaw, they should not pass up the opportunity.

Upshaw is an all-around defensive stud who would line up as an outside linebacker in a 4-3 defense, but also has the versatility to play defensive end or middle linebacker situationally. The Bills could certainly use a playmaker in the linebacking corps after losing Paul Posluszny via free agency last year, and Upshaw has a knack for making big plays defensively.

The Bills also have a need on the offensive line, and left tackle Demetrius Bell is a free agent, so Stanford’s Jonathan Martin would also be a tremendous choice here. However, Upshaw’s value is tough to pass up.

11. Seattle Seahawks: Luke Kuechly, MLB, Boston College

Note: Picks No. 11 and 12 will be determined by a coin flip between the Seattle Seahawks and Kansas City Chiefs, as both teams tied with the same record and strength of schedule this season

Rank: No. 9

David Hawthorne and Leroy Hill are both good linebackers, but both are unrestricted free agents and the unit could definitely benefit from an upgrade. Fortunately for the Seahawks, Boston College’s tackling machine Luke Kuechly is still on the board, and one of the best players available.

Kuechly, who led the NCAA in total tackles in each of his past two seasons (and was second in the NCAA as a freshman), is a tremendous middle linebacker with great instincts and tackling ability. Kuechly lacks the athleticism to be a star middle linebacker at the next level, but he will be able to contribute immediately, and should be a very steady middle linebacker for many years to come. He would be a great choice here for Seattle.

The Seahawks could also make an effort to upgrade their pass rush by selecting a defensive end in either USC’s Nick Perry or Illinois’ Whitney Mercilus. That said, Kuechly is a much better value selection.

12. Kansas City Chiefs: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

Note: Picks No. 11 and 12 will be determined by a coin flip between the Seattle Seahawks and Kansas City Chiefs, as both teams tied with the same record and strength of schedule this season

Rank: No. 6

For a team with serious room for upgrade on the offensive line, Stanford offensive tackle Jonathan Martin’s value is much too good to pass up here.

Branden Albert is a steady left tackle, but an upgrade is needed at right tackle. With the addition of Martin, he could start immediately at right tackle, and as he develops, Albert could potentially be moved over to right tackle or inside to guard as Martin becomes the team’s franchise left tackle.

Martin is one of the top prospects in this draft class, and is a terrific value who fills a need at this point. It would be hard to see the Chiefs pass him up.

13. Arizona Cardinals: Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

Rank: No. 16

Levi Brown is much better suited to play right tackle, so the Arizona Cardinals need to find a true left tackle to protect the quarterback. The Cardinals are certainly hoping to be in position to draft Iowa’s Riley Reiff or Stanford’s Jonathan Martin, but with both of those players off of the draft board, it would not come as a shock if the Cardinals continue a run on offensive tackles and draft Mike Adams to be their new left tackle.

The Cardinals offensive line was overmatched last season, giving up the second-most sacks in the National Football League. The need to draft a left tackle is imperative, and as the last starting-caliber left tackle in the draft, Adams fits the bill and would be a very good choice here for the Cardinals.

The Cardinals could also look for a pass-rusher in USC’s Nick Perry or Illinois’ Whitney Mercilus, or add another cornerback in Alabama’s Dre Kirkpatrick, but Adams is the best choice.

14. San Diego Chargers (from Dallas Cowboys): Cordy Glenn, T/G, Georgia

Projected Trade: The Dallas Cowboys trade the 14th and 50th overall selections to the San Diego Chargers in exchange for the 18th, 46th and 82nd overall selections

Rank: No. 17

The Dallas Cowboys have many options with the No. 14 overall pick, but with the players remaining available, trading down may actually be their best option. Meanwhile, the San Diego Chargers are in serious need of an offensive tackle, and with a serious run on offensive tackles preceding this draft pick, the Chargers would be smart to make a move up the draft board to secure the best offensive lineman available, Georgia’s Cordy Glenn.

Left tackle Marcus McNeill’s career has been unfortunately derailed by injuries, and he is expected to either retire or be released. The Chargers will likely make a strong effort to re-sign Jared Gaither, but that would still leave Jeromey Clary as a very subpar starting right tackle.

The Chargers may not be able to get an upgrade at left tackle in this Draft, but Glenn has the ability to play both right tackle and guard at the next level, and would be a great fit to upgrade the Chargers offensive line.

If the Dallas Cowboys stay put at this draft selection, they would likely select the best value and draft Stanford guard David DeCastro.

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Dont'a Hightower, MLB, Alabama

Rank: No. 18

The Philadelphia Eagles linebacker corps horribly underperformed last season, making it the team’s greatest need this offseason. It will come as a surprise if the Eagles do not use their first-round draft pick on a linebacker, and the best available at this selection is Alabama’s Dont'a Hightower.

While the Eagles do have two promising young rookies in Oregon’s Casey Matthews and Ohio State’s Brian Rolle, neither is likely to be the answer as a starting middle linebacker in the National Football League. The Eagles really need a playmaker in their linebacker corps, and Hightower can be that guy.

North Carolina’s Zach Brown would be a major reach in the middle of the first round, but he is an athletic linebacker whose stock is likely to rise following the 2012 NFL scouting combine. He is also a potential draft selection here, but Hightower is the pick that makes the most sense.

16. New York Jets: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

Rank: No. 19

I am under the expectation that future Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning will be under center for the New York Jets next season (expect an article on that very soon). That said, whether Manning or current quarterback Mark Sanchez is the signal-caller for the Jets next season, the Jets need to find their quarterback more playmakers to work with.

The Jets could really use a big downfield receiver, and South Carolina’s Alshon Jeffery fits the bill. While Jeffery could slide down the draft board coming off of a poor junior season, he is a tremendous playmaker who could also establish himself as a top-10 draft pick if he performs well in his workouts, and is a good value here.

If the Jets are not sold on Jeffery, they could also upgrade at running back by drafting Miami’s Lamar Miller or at safety with Alabama’s Mark Barron. However, he is the biggest impact player they can get at this point.

17. Cincinnati Bengals (from Oakland Raiders): David DeCastro, G, Stanford

Rank: No. 12

(The Cincinnati Bengals received this draft pick from the Oakland Raiders during the 2011 season as part of a package in exchange for quarterback Carson Palmer.)

The Cincinnati Bengals could be in position to hit the jackpot yet again for the second consecutive draft. The Bengals are in need of an upgrade on the interior line, and with the pick they acquired in their trade with the Raiders, they are looking at an opportunity to get a tremendous value selection in Stanford guard David DeCastro.

DeCastro is a tremendous interior line prospect who should rank among the NFL’s top guards for many years to come. Lining up DeCastro next to Whitworth on the Bengals offensive line would give the Bengals a tremendous left side of the offensive line.

Two Alabama defensive backs, cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick and safety Mark Barron, are also options here. That said, the Bengals should not pass up DeCastro if they have the chance to select him.

18. Dallas Cowboys (from San Diego Chargers): Michael Brockers, DE/DT, LSU

Rank: No. 31

LSU defensive lineman Michael Brockers is a high-risk selection in the middle of the first round, but he has huge upside. Dallas Cowboys president and general manager Jerry Jones is never afraid to take risks, and after trading down, the Cowboys will feel more comfortable with taking the chance on Brockers and adding a potential high-impact player to their defensive line.

Cornerback is the Cowboys’ biggest need, so Alabama’s Dre Kirkpatrick would be the best selection here, but Brockers could be exactly the player that the Cowboys need on their defensive front. Brockers played defensive tackle at LSU, but with his tremendous combination of size and athleticism, he projects very well to playing the 5-technique defensive end in the Cowboys 3-4 defense, while he can also line up alongside the Cowboys’ tremendous defensive tackle, Jay Ratliff, in four-man-front situations.

Brockers is a good fit for the Dallas Cowboys organization, and they can likely find an adequate cornerback with their upgraded second-round draft selection.

19. Denver Broncos (from Chicago Bears): Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State

Projected Trade: The Chicago Bears trade the 19th overall selection to the Denver Broncos in exchange for the 25th overall selection, 89th overall selection and their fifth-round draft pick

Rank: No. 10

For a team that made the NFC Championship one year earlier, the Chicago Bears sure have an abundance of needs. With major needs at wide receiver, offensive line, tight end and the secondary, the Bears can use all the picks within the first three rounds that they can get. Without great value on the board, it makes for them to move a few spots down the draft board and pick extra draft choices.

Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos have a major need for a defensive tackle, and a tremendous value is still on the draft board in Michigan State’s Jerel Worthy. Worthy is knocked for a questionable motor and inconsistent play, which are valid concerns, but he has the potential to be a dominant interior player and is worth making a move up in the draft to get at the 19th overall selection.

20. Tennessee Titans: Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois

Rank: No. 26

The Tennessee Titans, who ranked 31st in the NFL in sacks last season, are in desperate need of pass-rushers. Illinois defensive end Whitney Mercilus is somewhat of a reach at the 20th overall selection, but given their need for an impact player in the defensive front seven, this choice should come between Mercilus and USC defensive end Nick Perry.

The Titans drafted defensive end Derrick Morgan with the 16th overall selection in the 2010 NFL draft, but he has been a major disappointment thus far, and even with Morgan, the Titans need another defensive end. Between Mercilus and Perry, Mercilus is coming off of a better season and is a better fit for the Titans defense.

For his sheer value, Alabama cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick would also be a tremendous choice here, but the Titans can address their greatest need and get one of the draft’s best pass-rushers by selecting Mercilus here.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

Rank: No. 15

If the draft plays out this way, the Cincinnati Bengals are going to be the big winners of the first round. Alabama’s Dre Kirkpatrick is a very talented cornerback who could easily be drafted within the top 20 selections, but if he slides down the draft board, the Bengals should pounce upon drafting him with the 21st overall selection.

The Cincinnati Bengals struggled last season with the task of replacing their star cornerback, Jonathan Joseph, who left for the Houston Texans via free agency. Their other top cornerback, Leon Hall, is coming off of a torn Achilles tendon. Kirkpatrick is a physical cover corner who would really help to shore up the Bengals defensive backfield.

The second-best option here for the Bengals would be another player from the same collegiate secondary, Alabama safety Mark Barron. The Bengals could also go with a running back in Miami’s Lamar Miller, but are more likely to address that need in the second round.

22. Cleveland Browns (from Atlanta Falcons): Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

Note: The Cleveland Browns acquired this draft pick from the Atlanta Falcons as part of a package in exchange for the sixth overall selection in the 2011 NFL draft

Rank: No. 25

If the Cleveland Browns are to give Colt McCoy another year to prove himself, as they should, they need to give him more tools to work with offensively so he can perform at his best. The Browns have an abundance of team needs, leaving them in a position to draft on value, but they can add a big playmaker to their offense who is also a solid value at this point in Baylor’s Kendall Wright.

Of the top receivers in the 2012 draft class, Wright is the speed threat of the group. While the Browns may come one-half short of bringing the Griffin-Wright combination from Baylor straight to the Browns, Wright is the type of impact receiver that Colt McCoy needs to have in his offense.

The Browns have numerous other strong options here, including South Carolina cornerback Stephon Gilmore, Clemson defensive tackle Brandon Thompson and USC defensive end Nick Perry, but the potential to add two impact playmakers in Richardson and Wright will be tough for the offensively challenged Browns to pass up.

23. Detroit Lions: Zach Brown, OLB, North Carolina

Rank: No. 34

The Detroit Lions have done a great job building up their defensive line, but now must focus on upgrading their linebackers. North Carolina’s Zach Brown is a slight reach as a first-round draft pick, but his tremendous upside warrants his selection here.

Brown is a terrific athlete who could develop into a great playmaker at the linebacker position. He is an inconsistent tackler, but he has tremendous athleticism which enables him to track down players in space and drop into coverage. While Brown is not the best linebacker in the 2012 draft class, he has the most upside of anyone at his position.

The Detroit Lions also need to upgrade at the cornerback position, so South Carolina’s Stephon Gilmore is another good option here, but Brown would be the expected choice.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

Rank: No. 23

As Demaryius Thomas scored an 80-yard touchdown to win in overtime of Tim Tebow’s first playoff game, the Pittsburgh Steelers secondary was getting burned, showing that an upgrade at cornerback should be one of the team’s focuses in this draft. South Carolina’s Stephon Gilmore is the top cornerback available, and one of the best players available on the board.

Gilmore has a great combination of size and athleticism, very good ball skills and is physical in coverage. Gilmore does not receive the attention that Claiborne and Kirkpatrick, but like his SEC counterparts, he has the skill set to be a terrific starting cornerback at the next level.

Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor, although he was burned on that play, will remain a starter in the Steelers secondary, but he is better to be a second cornerback. Gilmore has the skill set to develop into a top cornerback in the NFL, and would be a great selection here for the Steelers.

The Steelers’ biggest need, as has been the case for quite some time in the organization, is on the offensive line, but there are no offensive tackles or guards available who have any business being first-round draft picks. Therefore, Gilmore is the best choice.

25. Chicago Bears (from Denver Broncos): Mark Barron, SS, Alabama

Rank: No. 21

The Chicago Bears have many major needs, so after trading down, they should be in position to pick the best player available who fills a need with the 25th overall selection. Safety is one of the Bears’ major needs, and Mark Barron is the second-best player available at this point in the draft, so he would be a terrific pick for them here.

In a very weak safety class, Barron could potentially be the only safety selected within the first three rounds of the 2012 draft, let alone first round. That certainly increases his value, and makes him a tremendous value selection after trading down. Barron is best suited to play strong safety, but could play either position as he would team up with current starting safety Major Wright next season.

The Bears could also fill a major need on the offensive line by selecting Wisconsin center Peter Konz, at wide receiver by drafting Wisconsin’s Nick Toon or Notre Dame’s Michael Floyd, or upgrade at tight end by bringing in Clemson’s Dwayne Allen, but Barron is the best all-around choice.

26. Houston Texans: Devon Still, DT/DE, Penn State

Rank: No. 27

The Houston Texans had a complete defensive turnaround last year. Under new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, the Texans switched to a 3-4 defense and drafted two terrific players in the first two rounds with 5-technique defensive end J.J. Watt and pass-rushing outside linebacker Brooks Reed. That said, while Watt emerged immediately as a rookie as a tremendous fit for the Texans defense, they could still use more talent on their defensive line.

What the Texans really need is a true nose tackle, so Memphis’ Dontari Poe is a definite possibility with this selection. However, while the massive 350-pounder is the draft’s only top true nose tackle, he would be a reach as a first-round selection. Instead, I expect the Texans to draft a versatile defensive lineman who is a better value in Penn State’s Devon Still.

Still would probably play the 5-technique defensive end spot opposite Watt in the Texans defense, but may possess the strength and power to play at nose tackle in their dynamic defense. Nonetheless, he would be a good fit, a good value selection and find a spot to make an impact in the Texans defense.

27. New England Patriots (from N.O. Saints): Brandon Thompson, DT/DE, Clemson

Note: The New England Patriots acquired this draft pick in the 2011 NFL draft along with the 56th overall selection in that draft from the New Orleans Saints in exchange for the 27th overall selection in that draft

Rank: No. 20

Yes, the Patriots desperately need help in their secondary, but Bill Belichick always maximizes the value of the draft. At this point in the draft, any defensive back would be a significant reach, but the Patriots could also use another impact player in their defensive front. Clemson’s Brandon Thompson is the best player available on the board, and would be a great fit for the Patriots defense.

Brandon Thompson is a talented defensive lineman with high upside, who would be able to play at defensive tackle when the Patriots line up in a four-man front, and at defensive end when they line up in a three-man front. Thompson would be a very good fit to line up alongside Vince Wilfork in the Patriots defense.

28. Green Bay Packers: Fletcher Cox, DE, Mississippi State

Rank: No. 36

With many of the 3-4 defensive teams situated near the bottom of the 2012 NFL draft, a run on 5-technique defensive ends should continue with the Green Bay Packers. The Packers really need to upgrade at the spots next to B.J. Raji on their three-man defensive front, and Fletcher Cox is a good fit to play the position at the next level.

For a man near 300 pounds, Cox has terrific quickness at the line of scrimmage. He should be able to make the transition to playing defensive end in the three-man front, and be an impact player on an NFL defensive front.

The Green Bay Packers could also take a chance on a cornerback and draft North Alabama’s Janoris Jenkins, or bring in a pass-rushing linebacker in USC’s Nick Perry, but either way, the Packers need to address their defense and Cox is the best choice they have.

29. Baltimore Ravens: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

Rank: No. 24

With Matt Birk contemplating retirement, it is time for the Baltimore Ravens to find his successor at the center position. The board falls perfectly for the Ravens in this scenario, as the draft’s best center, Wisconsin’s Peter Konz, is still available.

In a draft where offensive linemen are expected to go early and often, the Ravens should not hesitate to make this selection if Konz is still on the board. While Birk would likely return to the Ravens if he chooses not to retire, next season would likely be his last. Konz is a very good center who would be the perfect fit to replace him.

The Ravens could also use another pass-rusher to start opposite Terrell Suggs, so USC’s Nick Perry is a definite possibility here as well, but the Ravens should not pass up Konz in this scenario.

30. San Francisco 49ers: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

Rank: No. 41

Under first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh, Alex Smith had his best season as a quarterback, so the 49ers should be expected to re-sign him. But even if Smith were to leave via free agency, the 49ers have a potential starting quarterback already on the roster in Colin Kaepernick. But regardless of who the quarterback is, the 49ers need to help them out by bringing in a wide receiver.

The 49ers’ decision here should come between Wisconsin’s Nick Toon and Notre Dame’s Michael Floyd. I believe that Floyd is overrated as a prospect, and will not be the top-20 draft pick that many prognosticators think he will with his off-field troubles hurting his stock. That said, he has the upside to develop into the No. 1 wideout that Michael Crabtree has not become in San Francisco, so the 49ers are likely to take a chance on him here.

Although the 49ers had the best defense in the NFL last season, they need to upgrade at nose tackle, so Memphis’ Dontari Poe is also a possibility here. With Carlos Rogers as an unrestricted free agent, the 49ers could also take a chance on North Alabama cornerback Janoris Jenkins. That said, Floyd is the most likely pick here.

31. Arizona Cardinals (from New England Patriots): Nick Perry, OLB, USC

Projected Trade: The New England Patriots trade the 31st overall selection to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for the 77th overall selection and their 2013 first-round draft selection

Rank: No. 37

The New England Patriots seem to do it every year—they have two first-round picks from a trade they made the year before, then trade one of their two first-round picks to acquire a first-round pick in the next year’s draft, creating a cycle that continues to reap tremendous value for the Patriots. If the Patriots do not see adequate value on the board, they prefer to trade out, and with poor value on the board at this selection, I expect the Patriots to do just that.

The team that I see biting on the Patriots’ trade and moving up is the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals already got the left tackle they needed, but they also need a pass-rusher and are without a second-round draft pick as a result of their 2011 trade with the Philadelphia Eagles for quarterback Kevin Kolb.

With USC’s Nick Perry still available, the Cardinals could be inclined to sacrifice their 2013 first-round selection to draft a player who could make a big pass-rushing impact for them. Perry’s play never lived up to his potential collegiately, but he still has big upside as a pass-rusher, and is a good fit to convert to play outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense at the next level. He would fill a need and would be worth the move into the first round for the Cardinals.

32. New York Giants: Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson

Rank: No. 22

While the New York Giants achieved ultimate glory for this past NFL season by winning Super Bowl XLVI, they did suffer one unfortunate setback for next season in that game. Starting tight end Jake Ballard, who had a breakout season, suffered a torn ACL, which could put next season in jeopardy for him.

Even with Ballard, the Giants could use another playmaker at the tight end position. Working out perfectly for the Giants is that Clemson’s Dwayne Allen is the best player available on the draft board, so he makes an obvious choice here. Allen is a well-rounded tight end who can be a dangerous threat in the passing offense but is also a strong blocker.

Georgia’s Orson Charles is also a very good tight end prospect who is a possibility here, but the Giants should opt for Allen over him.

Thanks for reading!

For more analysis of the 2012 NFL draft, follow me on Twitter @Dan_Hope.