Don Banks 2012 NFL Mock Draft: 5 Interesting Picks from SI's Most Recent Mock

Like so many of his colleagues that are bearing down on Indianapolis for the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine, Sports Illustrated's Don Banks put out his pre-combine mock draft on Wednesday. 

Let's take a look at five of Banks' most interesting picks:

Robert Griffin III to Cleveland Browns, via trade

What Banks said:

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When all is said and done, Griffin will be going in this slot to someone, and the Browns still make the most sense in terms of their need at quarterback and their good fortune to own two first-round picks in 2012. Trust me on this one: The NFL is about to fall in love with Griffin, and the top of the draft is all about quarterbacks. The Browns should jump on this deal—and this player—with gusto, because they're not getting the ultra-impressive Griffin if they sit tight at No. 4. If Cleveland doesn't move on Griffin, Washington might.

"

What makes it interesting:

Trading up to get Griffin isn't some novel idea for the Browns' 2012 NFL draft. But it's interesting that Banks says the "NFL is about to fall in love with Griffin." If he blows away the combine and pushes himself into Andrew Luck range, the Browns might be the only team with a draft pick package (No. 4 and No. 22 overall picks) that can get up to the No. 2 spot. The Redskins won't have nearly as much to offer. 

Ryan Tannehill to Seattle Seahawks

What Banks said:

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An immediate disclaimer to hopefully ward off frantic calls from Seattle radio stations: I don't know for a fact that Pete Carroll is high on Tannehill, but I do know the Seahawks have to find competition for Tarvaris Jackson in the first or second round (barring a big signing in free agency), and more NFL scouts all the time tell me that Tannehill will end up in the first round before this thing is done. I'm connecting dots here, folks.

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What makes it interesting: 

Luck and Griffin will likely go 1-2, but free agency will have a big say on what teams draft quarterbacks in the early rounds after the top two. The Dolphins could pursue Tannehill if Matt Flynn doesn't work out in free agency, and the Seahawks, whom Banks points out need competition for Jackson, could pull the trigger on the rising Texas A&M prospect. We'll find out how much Carroll trusts his quarterback situation in the coming months, both during free agency and the draft.  

Stephon Gilmore to Dallas Cowboys

What Banks said:

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This may look a bit high for Gilmore at the moment, but he's a slightly off-the-radar junior who some believe is going to fly up teams' draft boards once they see him work out at the Combine. He's got good size, plenty of speed, tackles well and plays strong press coverage. He also doesn't have the character issues that plague North Alabama cornerback Janoris Jenkins, the ex-Gator who's got a bevy of red flags attached to his resume.

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What makes it interesting:

I only find this interesting because few mocks have Gilmore going as high as No. 14. As Banks notes, Gilmore could really improve his draft stock in Indianapolis this week. Teams could also sour on Jenkins once they get the opportunity to grill him on the problems he faced while at Florida. The Cowboys need to find a cornerback prospect in one of the first three rounds in April. 

Dontari Poe to Tennessee Titans

What Banks said:

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If there's a consensus choice to come out of the Combine riding a wave of first-round upward mobility, it's Poe, a 6-5, 350-pound freakishly good athlete who has no business moving around as well as he does for a guy his size. When the Titans study him, they're going to see a young, play-making Albert Haynesworth, without the attitude and poor work ethic.

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What makes it interesting:

Love the Albert Haynesworth comparison. Even if defensive tackle isn't the Titans' biggest need coming into this draft, Banks might be onto something here. Poe needs to show at the combine just how good an athlete he is. His stock could really rise if he's as impressive as some think.  

Peter Konz to Green Bay Packers

What Banks said:

"

Why do the Packers seem willing to hold their ground in contract talks with center Scott Wells, even if it means letting him walk away in free agency? Maybe because they've got the highly-regarded Konz in their backyard, perhaps ready to slide right into the lineup? If Konz is still on the board, Green Bay would look plenty shrewd for cutting ties with Wells.

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What makes it interesting:

The Packers' need for pass-rushing help is no secret. But I think they could really be in a bind at No. 28 if Konz falls into their lap and Wells has moved on. With no future player at the position, center would become a huge need for the Packers. Konz is the consensus top center.