2012 NFL Mock Draft: Analyzing Matt Miller's AFC North Picks

With quarterback Peyton Manning choosing the Denver Broncos as his new team, the first-round draft picture has seen a significant shift.

Let's take a look at Bleacher Report's senior NFL draft lead writer Matt Miller's post-Manning first round mock draft and what his projections are for the four AFC North teams.

Cleveland Browns (Round 1: Picks No. 4, 22)

Miller's projections: RB Trent Richardson, Alabama (No. 4); WR Kendall Wright, Baylor (No. 22)

I am in full agreement with both of Miller's projected picks for the Cleveland Browns, considering that offense is their biggest area of need this year. Running back Trent Richardson—the top prospect at the position—and wide receiver Kendall Wright could provide the team's offense with the shot in the arm they most certainly need.

Miller allows for the possibility that Cleveland could use the No. 4 overall pick on receiver Justin Blackmon instead, considering there are talented running backs they could land in the second round.

I do agree this could be an option for Cleveland (and almost certainly one of the many the team is currently considering), but when it comes down to it, Richardson can have a greater immediate impact than Blackmon.

If the Browns do pass on Richardson, there are two other, non-Blackmon options available for them. First, they could trade down and acquire even more picks. Second, they could use the pick on cornerback Morris Claiborne.

The latter seems pretty far-fetched at this point; the Browns already have one excellent cornerback in Joe Haden, and the re-signing of Dimitri Patterson to a relatively lucrative deal signifies he'll be a full-time starter rather than a nickle corner.

It's doubtful the Browns would select Morris to work the nickle, so if they're not after Richardson (or Blackmon) at No. 4 overall, a trade-down seems more likely.

Cincinnati Bengals (Round 1: Picks No. 17, 21)

Miller's projections: CB Stephon Gilmore, South Carolina (No. 17); RB Lamar Miller, Miami (FL) (No. 21)

The Peyton Manning ripple effect has little consequence to the Cincinnati Bengals, and as such, Miller's draft projections have gone unchanged this week.

I do agree that the Bengals need to make additions at cornerback, and they've already made one move in that direction by signing free agent veteran Jason Allen. They also hosted cornerbacks Aaron Ross and Tracy Porter last week and while Cincy lost out on Ross, they could still end up signing Porter.

Even if they do land Porter, I don't see it meaning that they will not necessarily go for a corner in the draft, but they may not choose to do so in the first round. Gilmore, however, is an excellent prospect who will fit well with the Bengals and bring some much-needed aggressiveness to their secondary.

As for the running back position, this year's draft has a variety of talented players that can go in practically any round. Miller has projected Miami's Lamar Miller to be the Bengals' second of two first-round picks, and it's hard to disagree.

Even if the Bengals land either Michael Bush or BenJarvus Green-Ellis, they'll still need someone fast to eat up chunks of yardage. Miller is nothing if not fast and also has the kind of good hands to make a serious contribution in the passing game.

Pittsburgh Steelers (Round 1: Pick No. 24)

Miller's projection: ILB Luke Kuechly, Boston College

Miller has said in past mock drafts that he's not terribly into Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly, but he recently placed him in the first round, although only if he went to the Baltimore Ravens at No. 29 overall.

This week, Miller has Kuechly to the Pittsburgh Steelers, citing the aging linebacker corps (most notably James Farrior) which needs replacements and Kuechly's speed as an asset.

Kuechly is fast, to be sure, but he has issues tackling up front and prefers the pursuit approach. While this could bring an added dimension to the Steelers in both run defense and pass rush, I don't see them taking Kuechly in the first round.

I like for Pittsburgh to go with Ohio State offensive tackle Mike Adams with this pick instead, if he's still on the board.

Baltimore Ravens (Round 1: Pick No. 29)

Miller's projection: OG Cordy Glenn, Georgia

A few weeks back, I wrote that Georgia offensive guard Cordy Glenn was in high demand all around the AFC North, with all four teams being linked to him by one draft expert or another.

Miller is one of those experts who has had Glenn going to practically every AFC North team in one mock draft or another, and this week it's the Baltimore Ravens' turn.

It's pretty simple really—the Ravens lost their starter, Ben Grubbs, to the New Orleans Saints and failed to bring on the Philadelphia Eagles' Evan Mathis as a replacement.

Though they could shift their current linemen around to fill Grubbs' spot, the draft would bear more fruit in both the short and long term. Glenn is one of a number of first-round offensive linemen, but one of the last projected to be available by the time the Ravens pick 29th overall.

It makes sense—Glenn is a highly talented player who fills a position of immediate need for the Ravens. If he hasn't been snapped up by another team, this would be Baltimore's ideal use of their first-round pick.

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