2012 NFL Mock Draft: 2 Players Who Would Excel at a New Position in the NFL

Changing positions from college to the NFL is never an easy thing to do, and it's not something I'd necessarily advocate, but sometimes, it pays major dividends for a player and the team he's on. 

I've identified these two guys as potential position-movers at the next level. They don't have to make the switch, but they could excel in their new spots. 

Riley Reiff, OL, Iowa  

Guard

Reiff is being projected by many as an offensive tackle at the next level. His 6'6'', 313-pound frame would initially suggest that's where he belongs. 

He played left tackle for the Hawkeyes the last three years, and although he didn't dominate, he was a consistent performer. 

However, Reiff does have relatively "short" arms by NFL tackle standards. 

At the combine, they measured in at 33.25" inches. Compare that to the reaches of USC's Matt Kalil (34.50") or Georgia's Cordy Glenn (35.25"), and you'll understand the basis of my reasoning. 

Former Iowa tackle standout Robert Gallery struggled playing tackle in the NFL but has become a serviceable player after making the switch inside to guard. 

While Reiff would need to add strength to play against the bigger and bulkier interior defensive linemen, he could really excel as an astounding pass-blocking guard that's also a strong run blocker. 

After the combine, DraftInsider.net reported that some teams have moved him to "guard" on their draft boards. 

Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina 

Safety

I have no evidence that any teams are thinking about moving Brown to safety, but with his elite speed and athletic ability, why wouldn't they? 

He's not the surest tackler but is willing to throw his body around in the box. He has a track background and really flourishes as a defender in space. 

I'm worried that he'll get overpowered by pulling guards and edge offensive linemen at the pro ranks playing linebacker.

By being slotted to safety, his strengths could be utilized. Brown can run with any tight end in the NFL and most receivers. 

That's especially important today. 

He's 6'1'' and 244 pounds right now. 

I'm not even sure he needs to shed any weight, but if he did, he'd be even more of a dynamic cover safety that could occasionally return to his linebacker roots against the run. 

2012 NFL Mock Draft (March 1, Post-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, Southern California

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

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

6. St. Louis Rams (trade with Washington Redskins): Dontari Poe, NT, Memphis

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame  

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

9. Carolina Panthers: Michael Brockers, DL, LSU

10. Buffalo Bills: Nick Perry, DE, Southern California 

11. Seattle Seahawks: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

12. Kansas City Chiefs: Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

13. Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

14. Dallas Cowboys: David DeCastro, OG, Stanford 

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

16. New York Jets: Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina 

17. Cincinnati Bengals: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

18. San Diego Chargers: Cordy Glenn, OL, Georgia

19. Chicago Bears: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina 

20. Tennessee Titans: Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama 

22. Cleveland Browns (from Atlanta): Fletcher Cox, DL, Mississippi State  

23. Detroit Lions: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa 

25. Denver Broncos: Devon Still, DT, Penn State 

26. Houston Texans: Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor 

27. New England Patriots (from New Orleans): Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

28. Green Bay Packers: Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

29. Baltimore Ravens: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

30. San Francisco 49ers: Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech 

31. New England Patriots: Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois

32. New York Giants, Kelechi Osemele, OL, Iowa State

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