2012 NFL Draft: Latest News and Rumors from Around the League

With the 2012 NFL draft less than a month away, let's take a look at what some NFL draft analysts are saying about prospects such Doug Martin, Peter Konz, Whitney Mercilus and Justin Blackmon. 

Martin a First-rounder?

According to Russ Lande of the Sporting News, Boise State running back Doug Martin is comparable to the Ravens' Ray Rice and could be in consideration at the end of the first round. 

"

Martin is a strong, powerful back who has uncommon quickness and big-play ability. He is similar to the Baltimore Ravens' Ray Rice and will be either a late first-round or early second-round pick.

Expect both the Green Bay Packers (No. 28 overall) and New York Giants (No. 32) to consider taking Martin in the first round. The Packers won a Super Bowl without an elite back, but they would like to get a strong and physical runner who can stay on the field for three downs. The Giants released Brandon Jacobs because he would not take a pay cut and could use a power back to pair with Ahmad Bradshaw.

"

The Packers may have bigger needs than running back, but the Giants are an interesting fit after losing Brandon Jacobs to free agency. 

Konz steadies his stock?

There were question marks at the NFL combine when Wisconsin center Peter Konz put up just 18 reps at 225 pounds, but he likely quieted many of the fears when he increased his total at UW's pro day Wednesday. 

According to Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Konz put up 23 reps and appeared over an ankle injury that hampered him over the last several months. 

"

On Wednesday, at UW's McClain Center, Konz needed to quell fears. And for the most part, he seemed to do that. Konz did not run the 40-yard dash, but he did improve his bench to 23 reps. He also appeared quick and explosive in a series of drills.

"

Konz has likely solidified his first-round status as the best center in the 2012 class. Teams want to draft healthy players, and it looks as if Konz is inching closer and closer to 100 percent.

Mercilus in the top-20?

Pass-rushers are worth their weight in gold these days in the NFL, so it's no surprise that teams are looking more and more at finding potential pressure players early in the first round.  

Illinois defensive end Whitney Mercilus appears to be a player that is likely to be picked in the top-20 this month. 

According to Lance Zierlin of the Houston Chronicle, Mercilus is expected to be taken that high, and there could be a team or two willing to move up to get him. 

"

Mercilus will be taken inside the first 20 picks and now I’m hearing rumors about a couple of teams who are interested in trading up for Mercilus.  Mercilus is very raw but has all the tools a team wants.  He can play in a 4-3 or a 3-4 (OLB), but teams are banking on projecting his talent more than on his production on the college level.

"

Teams such as the Packers, New England Patriots and Detroit Lions are all teams in the mid-to-late 20s that could be in the market for a move up. A number of GMs in the mid-to-late teens will also be taking a long look at Mercilus.  

Split Decisions on Blackmon and Floyd

Charley Casserly and Charles Davis of NFL Network had several opinions on first-round receivers Justin Blackmon and Michael Floyd Wednesday. 

Both mostly agreed that Blackmon deserved to be the first receiver taken.

From Casserly: 

"

I think (Blackmon’s) hands are better, though Floyd’s hands are good too. And I think his run after the catch is better there. Because he’s smoother, and that’s where I think that he has the edge there. It’s not a great edge, but I think it is an edge.

"

Davis:

"

I just like the fact that Blackmon’s been that number one receiver, with all coverages tilted to him, as Floyd has been, throughout his college career, and still puts up the big production, especially in big games.

"

It remains possible that both Blackmon and Floyd are taken in the top-10, as the Cleveland Browns, St. Louis Rams, Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills each have needs at receiver.