2012 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting the Landing Spot for CB Stephon Gilmore

The cornerback pecking order in the 2012 NFL draft may be in a for a change as the draft nears and pro days come and go.  

According to NFL Network's Mike Mayock via Pro Football Talk, cornerback Stephon Gilmore may be a "top 10 to top 15" pick in April's draft after putting together an impressive showing Wednesday at the South Carolina pro day.

“Trust me, six-foot corners with long arms are rare, especially when they run 4.4 with his movement skills,” Mayock said. “I’ve got him as the No. 2 corner for a reason. I think he’s a Top 10 to Top 15 pick. Not a lot of people have him that high, but I saw it again today.”

Not everyone is in the camp with Gilmore being a top-15 pick, but there are fits for him in that slot. Let's take a look at where the emerging cornerback may land next month. 

2012 NFL Mock Draft

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

While Griffin is tempting, Luck should be the Colts' pick. 

2. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor (via trade with St. Louis Rams)

Mike Shanahan and Co. didn't give up several picks to move up for anyone else.

3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT, USC

The Vikings need to keep Christian Ponder from taking the punishment he did during his rookie year. 

4. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Quarterback doesn't look like a viable option at No. 4, so Cleveland needs to surround Colt McCoy with more weapons. 

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

With Aqib Talib's status for 2012 still up in the air, Claiborne fits both in value and need.

6. St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State (via trade with Washington Redskins)

The Terrell Owens comparisons might be a little too much, but Blackmon is the kind of player the Rams' offense desperately needs.  

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

The Jaguars smartly re-signed defensive end Jeremy Mincey, but the team still needs improvement in the pass rush. Ingram would provide the potential for 10 sacks right away in 2012. 

8. Miami Dolphins: Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M

After missing out on several free-agent quarterbacks, the Dolphins can't strike out again at the position. 

9. Carolina Panthers: Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

With Cam Newton holding down the offensive side of the ball, Carolina should look defense. 

10. Buffalo Bills: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

With pass-rusher crossed off the Bills' list during free agency, the team can now look to add a franchise tackle.  

11. Kansas City Chiefs: Dontari Poe, NT Memphis

Luke Kuechly is an option here, but Poe gives the Chiefs a top defensive line in their 3-4.  

12. Seattle Seahawks: Nick Perry, DE, USC

There's an obvious connection with Pete Carroll as head coach but also a need for a pass-rusher opposite Chris Clemons. 

13. Arizona Cardinals: David DeCastro, G, Stanford

DeCastro is arguably the top offensive lineman available, which is exactly what the Cardinals need up front.

14. Dallas Cowboys: Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

It's hard to find a better fit for Gilmore in the first 15 picks. While the Cowboys spent big money on free-agent Brandon Carr, taking Gilmore would allow the Cowboys to feel confident using nickel packages. A press corner, Gilmore would fit right in with Rob Ryan's defense. He can also give the special teams in Dallas a spark if need be. 

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Quinton Coples, DL, North Carolina

The rich get richer on the defensive line, as the Eagles stop Coples' mini-free fall. 

16. New York Jets: Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama

Rex Ryan has to be looking at a premier pass-rusher in the first round. 

17. Cincinnati Bengals: Cordy Glenn, G, Georgia

A run-mauling interior lineman, Glenn will help pave the way for a new-look Bengals' rushing attack in 2012.

18. San Diego Chargers: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

Left tackle was solidified when San Diego re-signed Jared Gaither, but there's still question marks on the right side.

19. Chicago Bears: Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois

Adding the local product gives Chicago the pass-rusher it's coveted since free agency began.

20. Tennessee Titans: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

After striking out on a free-agent center this offseason, the Titans can add the top player in the 2012 class at the position here.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Lamar Miller, RB, Miami

Miller gives the Bengals a top young offensive trio with quarterback Andy Dalton and receiver A.J. Green. 

22. Cleveland Browns: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

I doubt Floyd falls this far, as there should be a team or two who moves up into the teens to grab the talented receiver.

23. Detroit Lions: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

Cornerback depth is an issue in Detroit after Eric Wright bolted in free agency.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

Can the Steelers really trust Willie Colon to stay healthy for 16 games?

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

The Broncos are a player or two away from taking the next step defensively, and interior defensive line is still one hole. 

26. Houston Texans: Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor  

Wright can win in the slot and make plays vertically, which would give the Texans another scary element to their already stacked offense.

27. New England Patriots: Mark Barron, S, Alabama

The Patriots need a new starter at the back end, and that's exactly what the top safety in the 2012 class would bring. 

28. Green Bay Packers: Fletcher Cox, DL, Mississippi State

Green Bay would love an outside linebacker here, but there's no value in reaching for one when so many talented defensive linemen remain on the board.

29. Baltimore Ravens: Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

I doubt Kuechly gets this far, but the Ravens will gladly take him to eventually replace Ray Lewis. 

30. San Francisco 49ers: Brandon Thompson, DL, Clemson

San Francisco used free agency to fill holes on offense, freeing up the draft to serve as a replenisher defensively.

31. New England Patriots: Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

Would the Patriots be confident enough in their locker room to take such an impressive on-the-field talent? 

32. New York Giants: Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama

One of the more versatile players in the draft, Hightower could solve a big need at linebacker for the Giants.