2012 NFL Mock Draft: Full First and Second Round Predictions

The scouting combine has passed, franchise tags have been applied and now teams are prepping for the NFL free agency period. Free agency strategy for each team will of course hinge on what teams are expecting from the 2012 NFL Draft.

Now that teams have had a chance to see each prospect up close and personal, draft boards are beginning to take shape in each front office.

Free agency will alter the shape of each roster, but for now, mocks will still highlight the biggest needs for each team. The first and second rounds of the draft are the most critical as they provide teams with the opportunity to find starters at positions of need.

With that in mind, here are predictions for the first and second rounds of the upcoming 2012 NFL Draft:

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1. Indianapolis Colts

Andrew Luck, Quarterback, Stanford

No surprise here as Luck will likely be signed to a contract before the Colts are on the clock when the draft rolls around. He’s a no-brainer for a team that needs to rebuild every area of their roster.

Luck’s the best quarterback prospect to enter the draft since Peyton Manning, and his scouting combine performance didn’t hurt anything. He ran a 4.59 40-yard dash, which shows the athleticism needed to escape defenders because the Colts’ line will surely struggle.

The Colts are losing a lot of players this offseason as they revamp the franchise, but adding Luck ensures the most important piece has already been addressed.

2. Washington Redskins (via St. Louis)

Robert Griffin III, Quarterback, Baylor

The Redskins win the RGIII sweepstakes thanks to the tenacity of their owner. More importantly, they won’t be seriously considered by free agent Peyton Manning for a variety of reasons, including the fact that Manning doesn’t want to play his little brother twice a year.

Washington needs a franchise quarterback anyway, not a short-term solution. Griffin is mobile, eerily accurate when throwing on the run and a great leader. His scouting combine performance didn’t hurt either as he flashed ridiculous speed and had great interviews.

Breaking the bank for a draft prospect means the team better be sure they are taking a smart risk, and Griffin is easily worth whatever St. Louis demands from the Redskins.

3. Minnesota Vikings

Matt Kalil, Offensive Tackle, USC

The Vikings' roster has a plethora of holes to fill this offseason, but the most important piece could be protecting second-year quarterback Christian Ponder with the best tackle available in the draft.

Kalil has the rare combination of athleticism and strength that could make him a mainstay on the offensive line for more than a decade. His scouting combine performance did nothing to damage his status either.

There aren’t many positions more important in football than left tackle, which protects the blind side of most quarterbacks. Kalil won’t have a hard time transitioning to the NFL, and the Vikings can plug him in right away to become a better team.

4. Cleveland Browns

Justin Blackmon, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma State

The Browns didn’t want to give up too much for RG3, so their consolation prize is the best wide receiver in the draft, Justin Blackmon. Blackmon is a massive target that will give quarterback Colt McCoy something he was missing last year—a true No. 1 receiver.

Adding Blackmon also means Greg Little gets less coverage thrown his way, making him better as well. Blackmon disappointed some at the combine when he measured in smaller than most thought, but he’s still the selection here.

Blackmon relies more on power than speed to beat his opponents, and he shouldn’t have any issue doing that at the professional level. The Browns have a few holes that need fixing, but Blackmon fixes the most glaring weakness.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Morris Claiborne, Cornerback, LSU

Morris Claiborne is the best defensive back in the draft, and it’s not really close. Last year he out-shined fellow teammate Patrick Peterson, who is now a member of the Arizona Cardinals. He fills a massive need for the Buccaneers at this spot.

The Buccaneers face a problem at the position thanks to Ronde Barber’s age and Aqib Talib’s legal woes. The team would like to bring Barber back for one more season, and there isn’t a better player that Claiborne could learn from.

Claiborne enters the fold and starts immediately for Tampa Bay. He’s a skilled player that will be able to do whatever the Buccaneers ask of him.

6. St. Louis Rams (via Washington)

Riley Reiff, Offensive Tackle, Iowa

This won’t be a popular pick with fans, but it’s a smart pick for the Rams. The team has a large amount of needs, but chief among them is protecting oft-injured quarterback Sam Bradford. Bradford was a massive investment for the franchise who showed promise when actually standing upright.

Reiff is a tackle that can come in and start right away. His scouting combine performance solidified himself as the second-best tackle in the draft, and the Rams have to have him if they want to keep Bradford healthy.

While the Rams could have gone a multitude of ways with this pick, the safe and smart pick is Reiff. That is, unless they want to be in this position again next year looking for a quarterback.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars

Melvin Ingram, Outside Linebacker, South Carolina

The Jaguars quietly had one of the better defensive units in the league last year, but they struggled at getting to the quarterback. Jeremy Mincey, their best pass rusher, could leave during free agency.

Enter Melvin Ingram, a ferocious pass-rusher that can get to the quarterback from a variety of positions. In college, he lined up at outside linebacker, defensive end and defensive tackle and managed to notch 21 career sacks.

Ingram is an upgrade for an upstart defense, and his versatility is a golden opportunity for the Jaguars to take the next step defensively.

8. Miami Dolphins

Quinton Coples, Defensive End, North Carolina

Quinton Coples is a prototypical 4-3 defensive end that has seen his stock soar as of late. The Dolphins are making the transition to a 4-3 defensive scheme, and lining Coples up across from Cameron Wake will generate a solid pass rush.

Coples had the versatility in college to play defensive tackle as well, but has trimmed down and won’t be able to at the professional level. At the defensive end position, his long arms and quick first step off the snap will allow him to continue his success at terrorizing quarterbacks.

9. Carolina Panthers

Dontari Poe, Defensive Tackle, Memphis

Dontari Poe won the scouting combine in a big way. A man standing at 6’3” and weighing in at 345 lbs isn’t supposed to be able to run the way Poe does. Poe ran a jaw-dropping 4.8 in the 40-yard dash at the combine. Oh, and he bench pressed 225 lbs 44 times.

Poe didn’t play against the stiffest competition while playing at Memphis, which has some teams worried, but it’s hard to not select him this high if you’re Carolina. The Panthers need to improve in the trenches defensively, and Poe could be the answer.

If the Panthers can mold Poe into a force, he could be a home run like Can Newton was last year, but on the defensive side of the ball.

10. Buffalo Bills

Nick Perry, Defensive End, USC

Another team in the top 10 switching to a 4-3 defense, the Bills find themselves with—to be blunt—a lack of talent at the defensive end position. Nick Perry solves that issue right away in the talent department. The issue is whether the Bills can get the most out of his unlimited potential.

While Perry projects as more of a 3-4 player to most, if he adds a little bulk, he can easily fit what the Bills need at the defensive end spot. His raw athleticism and agility allow him to smoothly get around offensive linemen en route to the quarterback.

Perry is a massive risk this high, and the Bills have whiffed on ends recently, But Perry is a great talent that Buffalo can’t afford to pass on here.

11. Kansas City Chiefs

David DeCastro, Guard, Stanford

A guard being selected this high has to have the majority of the Chiefs’ fanbase collectively groaning, but DeCastro is a great pick here. He’s easily the best guard to enter the draft in a long time, and the Chiefs have a need at the spot.

Outside of the guard position, the Chiefs don’t have many glaring needs. Not only does DeCastro fit a need, he’s arguably the best player available at this point as well. He’ll easily open up running lanes with his downhill strength, and pass-protection for the Chiefs shouldn’t be an issue for him.

The smart pick is not always a crowd-pleaser, but it’s hard to complain if your team lands a potential Hall of Famer outside of the top ten.

12. Seattle Seahawks

Ryan Tannehill, Quarterback, Texas A&M

With Luck and Griffin off the board so quickly, the Seahawks are likely to reach for a quarterback, and the next best available is Ryan Tannehill, not exactly a ringing endorsement.

However, Tannehill is a pure athlete that has the ability to make any NFL throw. The knock is his lack of tenure at the position at the collegiate level, but if they coach him correctly, the Seahawks could get the final laugh out of this pick.

Tannehill isn’t a popular pick this high, but the Seahawks need a franchise quarterback. Another year of Tavaris Jackson isn’t going to cut it, especially with a great defense and the return of running back Marshawn Lynch ensured.

13. Arizona Cardinals

Courtney Upshaw, Outside Linebacker, Alabama

The Cardinals are in need of a pass-rusher as their best sack-artist from last season was fourth-round rookie Sam Acho. In what is becoming a passing league, only having one player to disrupt the timing of a passing league won’t work.

Courtney Upshaw has the ability to play outside linebacker for the Cardinals—and be a disruptive one to boot. His combination of speed and strength make him an effective rusher that fits in nicely with the Arizona defense.

Upshaw has a limitless motor that will vastly improve an already-on-the-rise defensive unit. Arizona needs an offensive tackle as well, but Upshaw is the only position of need at this spot that isn’t a reach.

14. Dallas Cowboys

Dre Kirkpatrick, Cornerback, Alabama

The Dallas Cowboys need help in the secondary and on the interior of the offensive line. They’ll likely use free agency to shore up both positions, so adding some young talent to the secondary in the form of Dre Kirkpatrick would be a smart play.

Kirkpatrick is a physical corner standing at 6’2” that has the potential to play safety as well. He disrupts receivers in man coverage and is good at reading plays. He’s also dominant when the ball is in the air—he won’t lose many jump-ball situations.

There are several solid options here for the ‘Boys, but Kirkpatrick is the way to go. He doesn’t have any off-field concerns (his marijuana charge was dropped), and he certainly hasn’t reached his potential yet.

15. Philadelphia Eagles

Michael Brockers, Defensive Tackle, LSU

The Eagles have a few options here, but for this spot, Michael Brockers is the best value. Head coach Andy Reid loves a rotation of defensive linemen, and Brockers can easily contribute his first year while receiving some much needed coaching.

Brockers is a raw talent that was a disruptive force in college at LSU, and that should translate over well to the NFL with proper coaching. He eats up blockers, which frees up linebackers to make plays.

An anchor along the defensive line is hard to find, but Brockers is it. He’ll be a force in the running game from the get-go and has the athleticism to improve as a pass-rusher as well.

16. New York Jets

Michael Floyd, Wide Receiver, Notre Dame

Wide receiver is beginning to be an issue for the Jets. Santonio Holmes won’t stop causing locker room problems, and the rest of the corps isn’t exactly worth mentioning. If the Jets truly believe Mark Sanchez is still their quarterback of the future, they need to find him a No. 1 receiver—and fast.

Michael Floyd can be that guy. He’s a 6’3” target that ran a 4.4 40-yard dash with extreme physicality and athleticism to boot. There have been concerns about off-the-field issues, but with him falling this far, it’s hard not to take him when he fits such a massive need.

The Jets also need help at inside linebacker, rushing the passer and potentially running back. However, Floyd could very easily be the best receiver to come out of this draft class, and Sanchez needs him. Floyd is the safest and smartest pick at this spot.

17. Cincinnati Bengals (via Oakland)

Trent Richardson, Running Back, Alabama

The biggest hole on the Bengals’ roster this offseason resides at the running back position. Regardless of whether or not the team brings in a free agent to fill the gap ,Cincinnati will still use a high pick on a back as they switch to a committee approach.

Since the committee approach is spreading throughout the league, that allows Trent Richardson to fall to Cincinnati here. He hasn’t helped his case by missing the scouting combine and Alabama’s Pro-Day because of knee surgery, either. The position is drastically being devalued, and Richardson takes a nose-dive as the other top backs in the draft have in recent years.

Richardson is potentially the best back to enter the draft since Adrian Peterson and completes a trifecta of great young talent on Cincy’s offense.

18. San Diego Chargers

Jonathan Martin, Offensive Tackle, Stanford

The Chargers’ offensive line is in shambles right now.  Marcus McNeil is on his way out, Jared Gaither is entering free agency and Kris Dielman had to retire prematurely. The Charges will need to tackle the line in free agency and the draft.

The best option at this point for the Chargers is to grab Jonathan Martin. Martin is a massive tackle with tremendous upside. He’s the most athletic tackle in the draft this year, and he’ll be able to play a variety of positions along the line if need be.

The Chargers are also in need of a pass-rushing specialist, since last year no member of the team had more than four sacks. With that being said, the offensive line has emerged as an even bigger need at this point.

19. Chicago Bears

Stephen Hill, Wide Receiver, Georgia Tech

The Bears and Jay Cutler have a need for a big receiver, and they’ll get one here in Stephen Hill. Chicago will certainly address the position in free agency, but giving Cutler more than one legit target is probably a great idea.

Hill is more of a developmental player at this point and was projected as a third-rounder at best before the scouting combine. At said combine, Hill, standing at 6’4” and weighing 215 lbs, ran an unofficial 4.3 40-yard dash. Hill is now a must-have for teams in need of a receiver, and Chicago needs him badly.

Hill can come in immediately and contribute for the Bears by stretching the field, opening up routes for other receivers and running lanes for the recently franchised Matt Forte. In time ,Hill has the potential to develop into an elite receiver, just like another Georgia Tech receiver drafted a few years ago to the NFC North.

20. Tennessee Titans

Whitney Mercilus, Defensive End, Illinois

The Titans need to upgrade their offensive line and pass rush, and in a hurry. Whitney Mercilus fills a void for Tennessee at the defensive end position as a solid all-around player. Mercilus is a versatile player that can stand up and rush the passer as well.

Mercilus led the nation last season in sacks, racking up 16 total quarterback takedowns. If the Titans are creative enough with where they have him rush from, Mercilus could do the same this year.

The only knock on Mercilus is that he was only a one-year starter at the collegiate level, but his combination of skill and versatility make him a great option for a team like the Titans.

21. Cincinnati Bengals

Stephon Gilmore, Cornerback, South Carolina

The other biggest need for the Bengals this offseason is at the cornerback position. Luckily for Cincinnati, they have two first-round picks that will come in and be immediate starters at positions of need.

With Nate Clements regressing and in the final year of his contract, Leon Hall bouncing back from an Achilles tear and anyone else notable entering free agency, the Bengals reinforce the position in a big way here with Stephon Gilmore.

Gilmore is exactly what the Bengals need—he’s tall (6’1"), physical and amazing at reading plays and getting to the ball at its highest point. Add in the fact that throughout his career he’s been known to have an impeccable work ethic and attitude, and it’s hard to imagine the Bengals passing on him. 

22. Cleveland Browns (via Atlanta)

Fletcher Cox, Defensive Tackle, Mississippi State

Another team with two first-round picks, the Browns went offense earlier with Blackmon, and here they address a need on the defensive side with Fletcher Cox. Cox is versatile for a big man—he played both defensive tackle and end while in college.

The Browns did a good job of upgrading the defensive line in last year’s draft with Jabaal Sheard, and Cox only makes the line better. Cox is a massive player that is still adding weight and strength to this day. He plugs up running lanes and gets to the quarterback as well.

Add in multiple blocked kicks during his college career, and the Browns may have another stud defensive line player on their hands. 

23. Detroit Lions

Janoris Jenkins, Cornerback, North Alabama

The Lions haven’t exactly done an exceptional job of upgrading the cornerback position in recent years, but they have to try to do so here. They also have needs along the offensive line, but Janoris Jenkins is a rare talent that would be hard to pass on here.

Jenkins, of course, has the well-publicized character flaws and reportedly didn’t do himself any favors at scouting combine interviews. Despite these flaws, some team has to take a risk on his enormous talent, and there’s no better franchise to do so than the Detroit Lions.

Jenkins could have potentially been the top corner in this class had he not been kicked off of the Florida team two years ago. On the field, he is as good as any corner in this draft, and the Lions have to take him based on that.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers

Luke Kuechly, Inside Linebacker, Boston College

The Pittsburgh Steelers recently parted ways with veteran linebacker James Farrior, so addressing that void here makes sense. The team needs someone next to Lawrence Timmons at the inside linebacker spot, and Luke Kuechly fits that need nicely.

Kuechly is the benefactor of inflated tackle numbers. He hasn’t shown that he can take on blockers, create separation and make a play, but that shouldn’t be an issue in Pittsburgh with all the talent on that defense.

While that doesn’t sound like a ringing endorsement, there are always those players that only succeed because of the system they go to. With the Steelers, Kuechly will be a very productive linebacker just like he was in college.

25.Denver Broncos

Devon Still, Defensive Tackle, Penn State

The Broncos need help on the defensive line. Outside of Brodrick Bunkley, the team was mediocre at the defensive tackle position, so taking Devon Still is a great move. Still provides depth and will fit into the rotation nicely.

Still is great at stuffing the run and taking up multiple blockers to allow those around him to make plays. He excels at disrupting the timing of a play by putting pressure on the quarterback. He won’t rack up a large amount of sacks, but he does enough to make a noticeable difference.

This is a pick that is really hard to figure out because the Broncos could go a variety of ways, including cornerback, running back and even quarterback. The smart pick here is grabbing Still, the best tackle available.

26. Houston Texans

Kendall Wright, Wide Receiver, Baylor

It’s been well known for a while now that the Texans are looking to take the best receiver available when they pick—and even confirmed by The Houston Chronicle. Kendall Wright is the best left at this point in the draft.

Wright had a bad combine in which he ran 4.6 40-yard dash, so his stock has been plummeting as of late. Fortunately for Wright, he’s the exact type of receiver the Texans need. Wright is fearless across the middle, catches anything thrown his way and is good at breaking away after catching a pass.

Wright certainly plays much, much faster than how he ran at the combine, and him lining up across from Andre Johnson will make for a fearsome duo next season.

27. New England Patriots (via New Orleans)

Andre Branch, Defensive End, Clemson

The Patriots need to revamp a defensive unit that allowed a massive amount of yards last year. Granted, they didn’t give up a lot of points, but defense needs to be the focal point of this year’s draft.

New England runs a hybrid defense that flusters opponents by mixing it up on every down. The team needs a dominant pass-rusher, and Andre Branch can be just that.

Branch has a rare combination of athleticism and speed for his size that will allow him to either rush the passer from the defensive end or the linebacker position.  

28. Green Bay Packers

Zach Brown, Outside Linebacker, North Carolina

It’s no secret that the Packers lacked a solid pass rush across from Clay Matthews last season. Matthews is one of the best, but he won’t be effective if there isn’t a threat anywhere else on the field and the offense can just focus on him.

Zach Brown is the smart move here. He excelled in coverage during his collegiate career because of his loose hips and extraordinary speed. At 6’1”, 244 lbs, Brown wowed scouts at the combine by running a 4.5 in the 40-yard dash.

Brown will easily transition to the professional level. He’ll be able to cover tight ends when asked, and even more importantly, he’ll be a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks when teamed up with Matthews.

29. Baltimore Ravens

Cordy Glenn, Guard, Georgia

The Ravens are likely to lose Ben Grubbs to free agency, and that opens up a huge void on the offensive line. Good thing for the Ravens that Cordy Glenn has taken a nose dive despite being the second-best guard in the draft.

Glenn is an absolute monster at 6’5” and 345 lbs, and he can step right in and do the dirty work for the Ravens in the trenches. He excels at run blocking, which is something running back Ray Rice will be glad to hear.

Glenn is the smart pick here. The Ravens could take a center, but Matt Birk is looking to play one more year and was effective enough last season.

30. San Francisco 49ers

Rueben Randle, Wide Receiver, LSU

The 49ers need a legitimate threat in the passing game besides tight end Vernon Davis. Michael Crabtree hasn’t been as good as advertised, so he needs someone across from him so he sees less coverage.

Rueben Randle is the answer the 49ers are looking for in the passing game. Randle is a great vertical threat and is willing to run any kind of route. He’s tall and fast enough to match up well with any corner, and he’ll require enough coverage that players around him could see less.

The 49ers could also use this pick on a corner since Carlos Rogers is a free agent, but for now this is the pick that makes the most sense.

31. New England Patriots

Mark Barron, Strong Safety, Alabama

As stated a few picks ago, the Patriots need a revamp on the defensive side of the ball. Safety was an issue last season, and Mark Barron has the potential to step right in and start next year.

Barron is a force in the running game, seeking out contact, shedding blockers and effectively putting an end to running plays. He struggles in coverage, but he can be coached to not make the silly mistakes he did in coverage.

Barron is the best safety in this draft class, but he falls this far because he couldn’t participate in the scouting combine or Alabama’s Pro-Day thanks to double hernia surgery. The Patriots will gladly scoop up the best safety this late.

32. New York Giants

Dwayne Allen, Tight End, Clemson

The New York Giants won the Super Bowl, but in doing so, they saw their tight end position get decimated by injuries. Both Travis Beckum and Jake Ballard suffered ACL injuries in the game. As a result, head coach Tom Coughlin has already stated the team wants to add a tight end this offseason.

That’s where Dwayne Allen comes into the picture. He’s the best tight end in this draft class thanks to his great array of intangibles. In college he lined up as a slot receiver and as a traditional tight end. He’s a great blocker and, of course, great at catching anything thrown his way.

Allen’s great work ethic and attitude aren’t a bad thing either. Allen will come in right away and find himself making major contributions in the passing game because of the coverage Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks demand.

33. St. Louis Rams

Lamar Miller, Running Back, Miami

Lamar Miller is too good of a value to pass up here. He’s a great second option behind Steven Jackson and a potential successor. Not a bad insurance policy to have on the chance Jackson gets hurt, either.

Miller is great at catching passes out of the backfield and has breakaway speed when rushing the ball. He forms a nice one-two with Jackson.

34. Indianapolis Colts

Peter Konz, Center, Wisconsin

The rebuilding process continues here as the Colts pick the best center in the draft to protect their new franchise quarterback. Konz replaces Jeff Saturday, and even if Saturday returns for one more season, Konz will get to learn from one of the best.

Peter Konz and Andrew Luck could combine play together for a decade or more. Not a bad first two rounds for a franchise undergoing drastic changes.

35. Minnesota Vikings

Alfonzo Dennard, Cornerback, Nebraska

The Vikings went offensive line in the first instead of taking corner Morris Claiborne, but they can’t ignore their secondary any longer. The play of the secondary last year was laughable, and it needs a major overhaul.

Alfonzo Dennard is the best corner left on the board. His stock has been falling as of late, but the Vikings can’t pass on him here.

36. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

David Wilson, Running Back, Virginia Tech

The Bucs got the best corner in the draft in the first and get a vastly underrated running back in the second.

Wilson is the perfect spell back to starter LeGarrette Blount. Wilson excels at catching passes and breaking away with his elite speed. The Blount/Wilson duo will do wonders to turn around the Bucs, who were horrible last season.

37. Cleveland Browns

Doug Martin, Running Back, Boise State

The Browns’ running back depth chart is a bit of an unknown commodity right now. Peyton Hillis is a free agent, and Montario Hardesty is coming off an injury and unlikely to be able to carry the load on his own.

The Browns get a great all-around back in Doug Martin here, who could easily turn out to be the best in this class. He’s a great runner, receiver and blocker. Whatever it is the Browns need him to do, Martin will do it well.

38. Jacksonville Jaguars

Alshon Jeffery, Wide Receiver, South Carolina

Alshon Jeffery has taken massive hits to his stock because of the perception that he is out of shape. So how does Jeffery respond? He shows up to the combine in great shape—but doesn’t run.

That didn’t help his stock. Jeffery was projected to be a first-rounder before all this, but he falls to the Jaguars here, who are more than happy to have a massive receiver with first-round talent for second-year quarterback Blaine Gabbert to throw to.

39. Washington Redskins

Mohamed Sanu, Wide Receiver, Rutgers

Washington broke the bank to trade up for RG3 but managed to hold on to this pick in the process. That savvy negotiating allows them to grab a wide receiver to go with their new franchise quarterback.

Mohamed Sanu had a bad combine, but the Redskins are fine with taking a guy like Sanu, who possess so much potential. He could easily develop into a No. 1 receiver, which is something Griffin is going to need to succeed.

40. Carolina Panthers

Trumaine Johnson, Cornerback, Montana

The Panthers continue to address their defensive woes here. The secondary was average last year, and they don’t really have anyone across from the regressing Chris Gamble.

Trumaine Johnson is another underrated prospect that could turn out to be a good player in the Panthers' scheme.

41. Buffalo Bills

Lavonte David, Outside Linebacker, Nebraska

The Bills add another defensive player here. Lavonte David isn’t the biggest name in the draft, and his stock has taken a hit as a result. He’s a solid all-around linebacker that should excel in the Bills’ scheme.

The Bills are serious about adding pass-rushers, and they do so in the first two rounds.

41. Miami Dolphins

Coby Fleener, Tight End, Stanford

Peyton Manning, Matt Flynn or Matt Moore is going to need a better tight end target than Anthony Fasano this upcoming season.

Coby Fleener is a massive target at 6’6” and has great hands. He won’t see much coverage at the beginning of the season thanks to Brandon Marshall, but he’ll demand more as the season progresses.

42. Seattle Seahawks

Jerel Worthy, Defensive Tackle, Michigan State

The Seahawks had one of the better defensive units last season, and it will only improve with the addition of the massive Jerel Worthy.

Worthy is a great all-around tackle that can contribute immediately in a rotation. He won’t put up amazing stats from his position, but he’ll be a force when it matters in the trenches.

44. Kansas City Chiefs

Kendall Reyes, Defensive Tackle, Connecticut 

The Chiefs go defense here after landing the best guard in the draft in the first round. Keeping with the strategy of addressing the trenches in the draft, the Chiefs find a gem in Kendall Reyes.

Reyes isn’t a big name and doesn’t need to be. He’s a versatile player that can come in and put pressure on the quarterback or eliminate running plays quickly.

45. Dallas Cowboys

Mike Adams, Offensive Tackle, Ohio State

The Cowboys' other main need outside of the secondary is along the offensive line, and they are happy to see Mike Adams fall this far. Adams can gain a starting spot in the offseason by doing what he does best—mauling away at the opposition in the trenches.

Adams has a checkered past with off-the-field issues, but he is worth the risk here. His 6’7”, 230 lb frame and incredible athleticism could see him turn out to be a franchise tackle.

46. Philadelphia Eagles

Dont’a Hightower, Inside Linebacker, Alabama

The upgrading of the Eagles defense continues here as they land the second-best middle linebacker in the draft. Dont’a Hightower is a great value here, and he’ll have a massive impact next season.

Hightower is great at reading plays, which allows him to use his elite athleticism to stuff the run and be effective in defending the pass. The Eagles desperately need to find starting linebackers, and Hightower is a great start.

47. New York Jets

Vinny Curry, Defensive End, Marshall 

The Jets need to do a better job of rushing the passer, and they’ll do just that by adding Vinny Curry. Curry is a versatile pass-rusher that can line up at defensive end or linebacker and get to the quarterback.

The Jets go a long way to improving their defense as a whole with this selection. Curry’s ability to disrupt plays will instantly upgrade the unit.

48. New England Patriots (via Oakland)

Brandon Boykin, Cornerback, Georgia

The defensive focus of the Patriots' draft strategy continues here as they look to upgrade the cornerback position this time. Brandon Boykin is the best corner left, and the Pats need as much help in the secondary as they can get.

Right now, Boykin is recovering from a broken bone in his leg that he suffered during the Senior Bowl. He’ll be able to play this upcoming season, but his stock has taken a massive hit. What Boykin offers is a great cover-corner with elite speed, so the Pats taking him here despite the injury is a great move.

49. San Diego Chargers

Ronnell Lewis, Outside Linebacker, Oklahoma

The Charges need help when it comes to pressuring the quarterback, and Ronnell Lewis is good at that. Lewis is known around the country for his massive hits, but what is lesser known is his all-around game.

Lewis is a solid player that will come in and be a special teams nightmare for opposing teams, which is always a plus. He will also be able to contribute on most downs and provide a much needed disruptive force.

50. Chicago Bears

Brandon Thompson, Defensive Tackle, LSU

The Bears need to upgrade the interior of the defensive line, especially when it comes to defending the run. Brandon Thompson is an immovable object that won’t allow anything past him.

Thompson takes up multiple blockers with ease, which will allow the regressing Brian Urlacher to make more plays next season. Thompson isn’t big on stats—he’s just the anchor on what will be a very formidable defensive line.

51. Philadelphia Eagles (via Arizona)

Kirk Cousins, Quarterback, Michigan State

The Eagles have done a great job in the draft thus far upgrading their defense. This time they look to the future to address a quarterback issue that could be happening sooner rather than later, with Michael Vick getting older.

Kirk Cousins is a solid option here as he can learn from the bench for a couple of years before taking over.

52. Tennessee Titans

Harrison Smith, Strong Safety, Notre Dame

The Titans tagged free safety Michael Griffin but could still use an upgrade at the strong safety spot. Harrison Smith is versatile enough to play either position and will do well next to Griffin in the back of the secondary.

Offensive line is also an option here, but free agency will likely see the Titans making a run at a solid starter. Smith shores up an above-average unit and potentially makes them contenders for the division next season.

53. Cincinnati Bengals

Kevin Zeitler, Guard, Wisconsin

The Bengals got their franchise running back in the first and vastly upgraded their secondary. This time they look to bolster a shaky interior offensive line. Bobbie Williams is a free agent, Clint Boling is an unknown commodity at this point and Mike McGlynn was laughably bad last season.

Kevin Zeitler goes to Cincinnati, where he finds an immediate starting gig and does well thanks to the solid pieces in place around him.

54. Detroit Lions

Kelechi Osemele, Guard, Iowa State

The Lions hit a major need in the first and come right back in the second to address another. Kelechi Osemele isn’t a huge name yet, but he’s a steal at this point. Osemele is unstoppable when run blocking, but a bit timid when pass blocking.

Osemele is one of the stronger players in the draft. He’s also an incredibly mean player that is absolutely ferocious until the whistle blows.

55. Atlanta Falcons

Chandler Jones, Defensive End, Syracuse

The Falcons are going to lose John Abraham to free agency, and that leaves a pretty big question mark for the team in terms of generating a pass rush. Chandler Jones is a raw, athletic talent that shouldn’t have any issues getting to the quarterback.

Jones missed five games last year with a knee injury which caused his stock to fall. The Falcons are extremely lucky to get him here; he’ll end up being one of the bigger steals of the draft.

56. Pittsburgh Steelers

Orson Charles, Tight End, Georgia

The Steelers—and, more importantly, Ben Roethlisberger—need another reliable target at the tight end position besides Heath Miller. The Steelers would be wise to adapt to a multi-tight end set, similar to what the New England Patriots are using so effectively.

Orson Charles is a great way to start. He excels at snagging any pass thrown his way and will be a very reliable target for when Roethlisberger extends plays with his feet.

57. Denver Broncos

Brian Quick, Wide Receiver, Appalachian State

The Broncos could use another solid receiver next season to help Tim Tebow through the process of adjusting to the NFL. Brian Quick is the most under-appreciated player in this draft simply because he didn’t play at a big name school.

Quick is a player that can do it all, and the Broncos could use him as the second receiver or in the slot. He’s not a big name yet, but he will be if Denver utilizes him correctly.

58. Houston Texans

Bruce Irvin, Outside Linebacker, West Virginia

The new philosophy in the NFL is a simple one—there is no such thing as having too many pass-rushers. The Texans are losing Mario Williams to free agency. Brooks Reed and Connor Barwin are sure to be great again next year, but adding the versatile Bruce Irvin won’t hurt.

Irvin is a ridiculous athlete that will cause opposing offense fits on passing downs. Nothing like adding yet another playmaker to an already elite defense.

59. New Orleans Saints

Cam Johnson, Defensive End, Virginia 

The Saints had serious issues getting to opposing quarterbacks last season, and that will continue next season unless they do something about it in the draft. Cam Johnson is a nice pick here to fix that problem.

Johnson is a bit of a work in progress here, but his upside is amazing. He will certainly see playing time next season as an effective pass-rusher and even more effective run-stopper.

60. Green Bay Packers

Isaiah Pead, Running Back, Cincinnati

The Packers are letting Ryan Grant test the free agent market—and rightfully so. Isaiah Pead is the type of running back the Packers need—great at catching passes, elusive and has elite speed.

The knock on Pead has been his smaller frame, and the fact that this is one of the deepest running back classes in recent memory hasn’t helped his stock. The Packers should be more than happy to find a starting running back this late in the round.

61. Baltimore Ravens

Vontaze Burfict, Inside Linebacker, Arizona State

Vontaze Burfict has had well-documented issues throughout his young career to date, culminating in a hilariously bad combine that has seen his stock free-fall to the third- or fourth-round range.

Luckily for Burfict, there is one team in the NFL that will take a risk on him early and get the most out of his unlimited potential—the Ravens. Burfict will learn to control his silly emotions under the guidance of Ray Lewis and eventually replace him when the Hall of Famer calls it quits.

62. San Francisco 49ers

Jayron Hosley, Cornerback, Virginia Tech 

As stated earlier, the 49ers need to address the concerns in the secondary with Carlos Rogers potentially leaving via free agency. Jayron Hosley is a great way to go about addressing the issue.

Hosley is undersized but displays the great confidence, ball skills and intelligence to be a starter at the next level. He also has great value as a kick returner right away should the 49ers lose Ted Ginn to free agency.

63. New England Patriots

Nick Toon, Wide Receiver, Wisconsin

Eventually the Patriots were going to have to address the offensive side of the ball, and the receiver position could definitely use an upgrade. Nick Toon is a great option for the Patriots here, providing Tom Brady with a massive reliable target.

Toon doesn’t lose one-on-one battles, has great hands and is extremely physical, which allows him to break away. He’s hard to tackle in the open filed, and combined with Wes Welker and the two tight end sets, Toon could find himself with amazing rookie stats next year.  

64. New York Giants

Ben Jones, Center, Georgia

The Giants need help on the offensive line after going offense in the first.  Ben Jones is an underrated prospect that could see starting time next year.

He’s versatile enough to play any spot on the interior offensive line, and the Giants will be really thankful for his leadership and grit a few years down the road.