2012 NFL Mock Draft: New England Focusing on Defense

It's been quite a busy offseason.

Teams are either frantically trying to sign players that they believe will help their team win, or they are sitting back and letting everything play out.

Either way, players have left teams to join new ones, been re-signed and even come out of retirement to play again. This mock draft will look a lot different than the previous ones.

1. Indianapolis Colts

Andrew Luck (QB) - Stanford

Any speculation of Luck not getting chosen first has evaporated after his impressive pro day. Although he is not joining an offense with a ton of offensive weapons, expect the Colts to build around his skill set for the years to come.

2. Wahington Redskins

Robert Griffin III (QB) - Baylor

As much as the Redskins might have gambled on this pick, RGIII will make everything worth it. He'll excel in the bootleg pass and throwing the deep ball. Washington recently grabbed Josh Morgan and Pierre Garcon off the market, giving Griffin players to work with. His intelligence and arm strength is exactly what Mike Shanahan and the Redskins have been looking for since who knows when.

3. Minnesota Vikings

Matt Kalil (OT) - USC

Kalil is clearly the top offensive lineman in the draft. I don't believe the hype about picking Claiborne here or possibly trading with another team so they can be assured Ryan Tannehill. Matt Kalil is a franchise-caliber player who will be a top performer for years to come.

4. Cleveland Browns

Justin Blackmon (WR) - Oklahoma St.

Uh-oh. This would put St. Louis in a pickle. I doubt this is why Blackmon is chosen here, though.It's probably to early to pick Ryan Tannehill, and draft Trent Richardson as another offensive weapon at No.4 would make some uncomfortable. Blackmon is the best wideout in the league, and an awesome performance at the combine and his pro day secured his spot.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Morris Claiborne (CB) - LSU

The Bucs have already signed Eric Wright from free-agency, and Ronde Barber is back for another year. Acquiring Vincent Jackson takes away a need for Blackmon if he's still available. Claiborne is a stand-out player and the best defensive player available. Remember, the Bucs play in a division with Drew Brees, Matt Ryan and Cam Newton.

6. St. Louis Rams

Dontari Poe (DT) - Memphis

The Rams have had their first misfortune of the 2012 Draft with the Browns picking up Blackmon. Not too much to worry about though, as Poe is just about as big of a playmaker on the other side of the ball. His size, speed and strength all come together to create a force not to be reckoned with. 

7. Jacksonville Jaguars

Riley Reiff (OT) - Iowa

With the way things are looking, Blaine Gabbert will be the starting quarterback next season for the Jags. Finally giving him some pass protection sounds like a good idea. Wide receiver Michael Floyd might even make an appearance here. Some predict Reiff won’t get picked this early, but this spot is perfect for a strong guy who can stop just about anyone. 

8. Miami Dolphins

Ryan Tannehill (QB) - Texas A&M

After losing out on Peyton Manning and Matt Flynn in free-agency, the Dolphins finally grab the quarterback they always wanted. Tannehill is familiar with the pro-style offense that he and Miami’s offensive coordinator Mike Sherman ran back in the day at Texas A&M. Let’s face it: Matt Moore or David Garrard is just not going to cut it.

9. Carolina Panthers

Melvin Ingram (DE) - South Carolina

Working on the pass rush has been a significant priority this offseason for Ron Rivera and the Panthers. Enter Melvin Ingram, who has outstanding athleticism and is one of the top players at his position in the draft. He’ll be a Pro Bowl contender right from the start.

10. Buffalo Bills

Quinton Coples (DE) - North Carolina

Yes, the Bills have just signed Mario Williams. Buffalo is already considered as having the top defensive line in the league, and picking up Coples here would put them a mile above everyone else. There are some concerns about his speed, but he has shown that he can get to the quarterback easily. 

11. Kansas City Chiefs

Trent Richardson (RB) - Alabama

Too high? Too low? Predicting where a running back will go in the draft is the toughest. Although Richardson is by far the most productive back in the league, I still can’t see him popping up in the top ten. Falling to Kansas City at No. 11 is a dream come true, for Richardson will get playing time right away and prove why a running back should be taken so early.

12. Seattle Seahawks

David DeCastro (OG) - Stanford

Signing Matt Flynn last week has slimmed the chances of Seattle picking a quarterback here at No. 12, so they go with the top-rated guard prospect. Robert Gallery and Steve Hutchinson are not returning to Seattle for another season, so line coach Tom Cable should be preparing him to start in 2012. 

13. Arizona Cardinals

Luke Kuechly (ILB) - Boston College

The rising Arizona defense still has some holes to fix, and picking Luke Kuechly here will help at depth and athleticism. Considered by some as the top linebacker in the draft, Kuechly should have no trouble producing outstanding numbers as soon as he gets the chance to. 

14. Dallas Cowboys

Janoris Jenkins (CB) - North Carolina

Janoris Jenkins has really proved that he should be up on the boards next to Dre Kirkpatrick, who could also fall to the Cowboys at No. 14. Jenkins has a lot to prove off the field, but come game time he will end up to be an excellent complement to Brandon Carr. He produced big plays on a weekly basis at North Alabama with his awareness and coverage skills. 

15. Philadelphia Eagles

Michael Brockers (DT) - LSU

As the Eagles look to work on their defense for next season, Michael Brockers could be the perfect fit in Philadelphia. He is big enough to gobble up the run, but athletic enough to get to the quarterback. If he’s still available here, defensive coordinator Juan Castillo should feel very comfortable with the future of his defensive unit.

16. New York Jets

Michael Floyd (WR) - Notre Dame

Michael Floyd has worked his way up to be in consideration of being the second best wide receiver in the draft. If Floyd played in a wide-open offense like Blackmon did at Oklahoma St, then he might just have been as productive. Expect him to play on the outside and be a deep threat for Sanchez (or Tebow) to throw to. 

17. Cincinnati Bengals

Dre Kirkpatrick (CB) - Alabama

Unless South Carolina’s Stephon Gilmore passes him up by April, Dre Kirkpatrick is the next best available corner. His size and toughness is going to be key as he transitions into the NFL. He just might what Cincinnati needs to compete with division rivals Baltimore and Pittsburgh on defense. 

18. San Diego Chargers

Mark Barron (S) - Alabama

If he’s available still, this offer might be just too much to pass up on. San Diego is also looking for a pass rusher, and there are still many talented players remaining. Barron’s instinct and awareness will make Peyton Manning think twice before throwing the ball his way. 

19. Chicago Bears

Courtney Upshaw (DE/OLB) - Alabama

Whitney Mercilus might be a more comfortable option for Chicago if Upshaw’s mediocre athleticism is too much of a concern. Some mock drafts even leave Upshaw into the second round, but after re-watching his game tape from last season, there is a remarkable player inside of him that deserves this spot.

20. Tennessee Titans

Whitney Mercilus (DE) - Illinois

There is some worry about how Whitney Mercilus will perform in the NFL after just one great season. But boy, was it great. He led the nation with 15 sacks, and this is a risk the Titans should feel comfortable making. Finding a next-level pass rusher has been a top priority for Tennessee for a few years now, and finally, they have their chance. 

21. Cincinnati Bengals

Andre Branch (DE/OLB) - Clemson

This offseason should be almost all about defense for the Bengals, and they have already snagged Dre Kirkpatrick earlier in the draft. Branch will be a big playmaker in 2012 with his speed and explosiveness that makes him dangerous off the edge. His ability play the outside linebacker position makes him an even better prospect.

22. Cleveland Browns

Jonathon Martin (OT) - Stanford

Now that the Browns have Blackmon they could pick his teammate, quarterback Brandon Weeden. The chemistry and familiarity might actually be huge if he can beat McCoy for the starting role. Cleveland recently released right tackle Tony Pashos, so picking Martin would be the safer choice. And Weeden should still be available in the second round.

23. Detroit Lions

Stephon Gilmore (CB) - South Alabama

This is a position the Lions desperately need to fill since Eric Wright became a free agent, and Stephon Gilmore is the best player available. He had a terrific season at South Carolina last year and is more pro-ready than most would think. He’s over six feet and runs a sub 4.4 40, so he should have no trouble keeping up with even the most talented receivers.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers

Mike Adams (OT) - Ohio St.

Pittsburgh might even go with a defensive tackle here. In the past, the Steelers have enjoyed having huge tackles to block on the edge. His stock has significantly dropped since the combine, where he only produced average numbers. 

25. Denver Broncos

Coby Fleener (TE) - Stanford

Denver's goal with this pick is that Peyton Manning will turn him into a Dallas Clark type of guy. Fleener has consistently been considered as the top tight end in the draft, and an impressive pro day made teams rethink about picking him up in the first round. After New England tore the league up last year with the duo of Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, Denver isn't the only team interested. 

26. Houston Texans

Kendall Wright (WR) - Baylor

After releasing Eric Winston, the right tackle position is another priority. If Kendall Wright is available here, this might be too good of an offer to pass up. Wright significantly helped his draft stock by improving his 40 time from 4.61 at the combine to a 4.4 at his pro day. His speed and ability to find open areas will make him a big threat all over the field. 

27. New England Patriots

Dont'a Hightower (ILB) - Alabama

New England almost finished dead last in overall defense last year, and they have many holes to fill. Hightower had a very successful season last year, whether it was inside or blitzing from the edge. He looks natural on the field and plays good short-yard coverage. He should fit in perfectly with Bill Belichick and the Patriots defense as a rushing linebacker in the new 4-3 defense.

28. Green Bay Packers

Chandler Jones (DE) - Syracuse 

After recently signing Jeff Saturday, Wisconsin's Peter Konz is out of the picture with this pick. Chandler Jones, who was barely even heard of before his performance at the combine and his pro day, has worked himself up into the first round. Jones is a very versatile player that can work in many different positions. He will be a nice partner-in-crime for Clay Mathews in the pass rush. 

29. Baltimore Ravens

Peter Konz (C) - Wisconsin

Matt Birk has recently signed a new three-year contract with the Ravens. That is why if there is any other big-time player available that fits Baltimore's needs—like an inside linebacker or guard—then they should feel free to pass on Konz. Baltimore does need to face reality and see that Birk is getting quite old, and Konz would definitely make a fine replacement.

30. San Francisco 49ers

Stephen Hill (WR) - Georgia Tech

Yes, San Francisco has already picked up Randy Moss from retirement and Mario Manningham from free agency. What if Stephen Hill, who ran a 4.3 40, was another deep threat that Alex Smith could take advantage of? San Francisco would no more be a time that relies on its defense—their offense would be considered one of the scariest forces to play against.

31. New England Patriots

Fletcher Cox (DT) - Mississippi St.

There's a high chance that Cox doesn't even make it this far. If he's still team-free, then he should be the best defensive player available at this point. New England's draft should be all about defense, and whats better than a player who can stuff the run with his size and get to the quarterback quicker than you can say "wow"? 

32. New York Giants

Jerel Worthy (DT) - Michigan St.

New York has one of the toughest defensive lines in the NFL, and Jerel is Worthy of playing on the squad. Jason Pierre-Paul and Justin Tuck are both young players that will be great mentors. I was already scared before I made this pick, but now it's on a whole new level. Worthy impressed many at his pro day and will play great in New York.