2012 NFL Mock Draft: Examining the 2011 Playoff Team's First-Rounders

Chris TrapassoJun 7, 2018

While we remain fixated on the top few selections in the 2012 NFL draft, let's not forget the upper echelon of the league. That is, those teams which made the playoffs a season ago and what they might do in Round 1.

A few of those teams are one or two draft picks away from contending for a Super Bowl, while the New York Giants will look to acquire some pieces to add to their championship defense.

Let's take a closer look at the 10 playoff teams with first-round picks and examine what they might do on April 26th.

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Cincinnati Bengals

Picks No. 17 and No. 21

My selections: RB Trent Richardson, WR Kendall Wright

It's unlikely that both of these dynamic offensive prospects fall to No. 17 and No. 21 respectively, but if they do, the Bengals will jump on the opportunity to draft them.

If these two players aren't available, I wouldn't be shocked if they pulled the trigger on Miami's electric sophomore runner Lamar Miller, especially if he has a good showing at the NFL Combine.

Cincinnati could also look to grab a top-flight cornerback to complement Leon Hall, who's coming off a season-ending injury in the secondary.

Alabama's Dre Kirkpatrick or North Alabama's Janoris Jenkins have NFL-ready skill sets and would work well in Mike Zimmer's aggressive system.

Detroit Lions

Pick No. 23

My selection: CB Dre Kirkpatrick

If head coaches and general managers deem that Kirkpatrick's arrest wasn't a true indication of his maturity level, he will most likely become a Top-20 pick.

However, the Lions desperately need cornerback help.

Remember the playoff game against the New Orleans Saints? Yeah, me too. Drew Brees threw for 466 yards through the air.

I like Kirkpatrick as a rangy athlete. However, if he's not available, South Carolina's Stephon Gilmore has a similar build and could become a ballhawk in a primarily zone scheme.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Pick No. 24

My selection: OT Mike Adams

At 6'7'' and 323 pounds, Adams already has ideal size and bulk to play either tackle position for the Steelers next season.

While Max Starks was a good stop-gap guy in 2011, he's not the future and protecting Ben Roethlisberger has to be the team's No. 1 priority going forward.

If the offensive lineman they like isn't available, there's an outside chance they add a cornerback or a future replacement for Casey Hampton.

Dontari Poe, the 6'5'', 350-pound behemoth nose tackle from Memphis is a possibility.

Denver Broncos

Pick No. 25

My selection: RB Doug Martin

The Broncos had the No. 1 rushing attack in the NFL last season, but are they ready to give the franchise running back duties to Willis McGahee? Former first-round pick Knowshon Moreno has dealt with a variety of injuries.

Martin would provide great versatility in the Broncos backfield, which would allow them to dedicate the majority of the remainder of their picks to defense.

If they aren't as enamored with the Boise State runner as I am (a distinct possibility), adding a premier defensive tackle like Penn State's Devon Still or Michigan State's Jerel Worthy would certainly benefit their 22nd-ranked run defense.

Houston Texans

Pick No. 26

My selection: DT Devon Still

To me, the Texans are in a total luxury situation. I think they'd love to grab a complementary piece to Andre Johnson for their receiving corps.

However, with the top wideouts gone, they will likely instead add to their strength—which is easily their defensive line—and grab Devon Still.

In which direction do you have them going in Round 1? Is a trade back a possibility?

New England Patriots

Picks No. 27 and No. 31

My selections: S Mark Barron, DE Whitney Mercilus

The Patriots clearly need help on defense. Lots of it. Bill Belichick knows that, but he won't rush anything. Barron would formulate a young and intimidating safety duo with Patrick Chung and Mercilus would provide more potency to their already semi-strong pass rush.

Virginia cornerback Chase Minnifield would also be a viable option at either one of their first-round picks. If any of the better receivers fall, there's also a realistic chance the Patriots could take them.

Green Bay Packers

Pick No. 28

My selection: CB Stephon Gilmore

As was made evident throughout the season, and especially in their stunning home playoff loss, the Packers secondary needs more talent.

Gilmore's the perfect choice.

At No. 29, he represents good value and is a ballhawking athlete with good size at 6'1'' and 193 pounds. This South Carolina star could learn the ropes from one of the best, Charles Woodson, early in his career and then blossom into a solid starter for the Packers.

Baltimore Ravens

Pick No. 29

My selection: C Peter Konz

The Ravens were a dropped/broken-up pass away from advancing to the Super Bowl, so they clearly don't have a ton of holes.

However, center Matt Birk, who's been one of the best offensive line anchors in the league for over a decade, is a free agent and will turn 36 in July.

Konz, from offensive line powerhouse Wisconsin, is the best center in this year's class and would be the ideal selection at No. 29.

There's a chance Baltimore will be looking for a middle linebacker to groom under Ray Lewis, which means Arizona State's Vontaze Burfict could land in the Ravens Nest.

San Francisco 49ers

Pick No. 30

My selection: WR Mohamed Sanu

To me, it's obvious. The 49ers need help on the outside at wide receiver. The rest of their team is set, especially if they can re-sign Carlos Rogers and/or Dashon Goldson.

Sanu is a deceptive athlete who did it all for Rutgers last season. At 6'2'' and 215 pounds, he possesses the type of body to become a No. 1 receiver and is a well-rounded prospect who's good in all facets of playing the receiver position.

New York Giants

Pick No. 32

My selection: OL Kelechi Osemele

The Giants would love to add more linebacker and offensive depth this offseason. Right tackle Kareem McKenzie is a free agent and is 32 years old. Unless they upgrade in free agency, a youthful injection to their offensive line would be smart.

Osemele played left tackle in college, but because he's not an amazing athlete, he's better suited to play on the right side or at guard in the NFL.

He's extremely multi-faceted and could play just about anywhere for the Giants. A nice guy to have on your roster.

2012 NFL Mock Draft (Last Pre-Combine Update)

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

2. Washington Redskins (trade with St. Louis Rams): Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT, USC

4. Cleveland Browns: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

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

6. St. Louis Rams (trade with Washington Redskins): Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

8. Carolina Panthers: Michael Brockers, DL, LSU

9. Miami Dolphins: Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama