2012 NFL Mock Draft: 50 Mock Drafts Results Compiled into 1

We are just a week away from the 2012 NFL draft, and there is nothing left for us to do but wait for the commissioner to start the proceedings.

The combine is long gone, pro days too, and teams will be putting the finishing touches on their big boards as they prepare for a Thursday night of madness to kick off the draft. We know there will be twists and turns, surprise picks and risers and fallers, but it doesn't stop us from being enticed by mock drafts.

So here is what I've done. Last year, I took the results of 50 mock drafts and compiled them into one, making a super mock draft. I wrote about it, and people seemed to enjoy it, so i figured I'd do it again this year.

So here is how it goes. I will record the results of 50 professional mock drafts. The player with the most selections at each pick will be the consensus pick and will therefore be the most popular or most likely selection in the eyes of draftniks. Simple! Now let's get started with the mother of all drafts.

1st Pick: Indianapolis Colts

Consensus Pick

Andrew Luck, Quarterback, Stanford, 50 Selections

There isn't really much that I can add to how sensible this pick is. Though there may be rumors that RG3 may have a shot at the first overall pick, Luck is one of the best prospects to come of college in a long, long time. No-brainer; take Luck.

2nd Pick: Washington Redskins (from St. Louis Rams)

Consensus Pick

Robert Griffin III, Quarterback, Baylor, 50 Selections

RG3 himself put it best while appearing on Gruden's QB Camp, saying that the Redskins didn't trade to take him second overall. Luck will be pick 1A, and Griffin will be pick 1B. Both quarterbacks will have ample amounts of success in the NFL.

3rd Pick: Minnesota Vikings

Consensus Pick

Matt Kalil, Offensive Tackle, USC, 50 Selections

Great pick for Minnesota: You draft your potential franchise QB last year in Christian Ponder, and now you give him a franchise left tackle to protect him twice a year from Julius Peppers, Cliff Avril and Clay Matthews.

4th Pick: Cleveland Browns

Consensus Pick

Trent Richardson, Running Back, Alabama, 28 Selections

Other Picks

Ryan Tannehill, Quarterback, Texas A&M, 10 Selections

Justin Blackmon, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma State, Eight Selections

Morris Claiborne, Cornerback, LSU, Three Selections

Melvin Ingram, Defensive End, South Carolina, One Selection


Peyton Hillis is gone, and in a division containing three of the top defenses in the league, you need to be able to establish the run to prevent eight-man fronts against Colt McCoy.

Richardson is a hard-nosed runner who doesn't go down easily. It's far too high to go for Ryan Tannehill here, but you can expect the Browns to be looking for a quarterback with their picks later in the draft.

5th Pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Consensus Pick

Morris Claiborne, Cornerback, LSU, 33 Selections

Other Picks

Trent Richardson, Running Back, Alabama, 16 Selections

Riley Reiff, Offensive Tackle, Iowa, One Selection


Safest pick possible. Claiborne has the potential to be the next shutdown corner in the league. New Orleans, Atlanta and Carolina all have a great aerial attacks, and though the Bucs went out and signed Eric Wright to bulk up their secondary, Ronde Barber doesn't have much left in the tank, and Aqib Talib is a legal liability.

6th Pick: St. Louis Rams (from Washington Redskins)

Consensus Pick

Justin Blackmon, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma State, 25 Selections

Other Picks

Morris Claiborne, Cornerback, LSU, Nine Selections

Trent Richardson, Running Back, Alabama, Two Selections

Riley Reiff, Offensive Tackle, Iowa, One Selection

Michael Floyd, Wide Receiver, Notre Dame, One Selection

Fletcher Cox, Defensive Tackle, Mississippi State, One Selection

Devon Still, Defensive Tackle, Penn State, One Selection

Sam Bradford and the Rams are in desperate need of a playmaking receiver. The combination of the Oklahoma quarterback and the Oklahoma State receiver could be the next big combination in the league. The Rams have the future draft picks to build a team which can contend for years to come, and it starts with Blackmon

7th Pick: Jacksonville Jaguars

Consensus Pick—Quinton Coples

Jacksonville really needs to upgrade their pass rush, which is why you see two pass-rushing defensive ends at the top of the chart.

However, new head coach Mike Mularkey may want to stick to the offensive side of the ball and draft a playmaking wide receiver to help Blaine Gabbert's development, and the likes of Rueben Randle, Alshon Jeffery and Mohamed Sanu will be there at the top of the second. 

Player	Position	College	Selections
Quinton Coples	Defensive End	North Carolina	15
Melvin Ingram	Defensive End	South Carolina	14
Michael Floyd	Wide Receiver	Notre Dame	6
Riley Reiff	Offensive Tackle	Iowa	6
Justin Blackmon	Wide Receiver	Oklahoma State	4
Morris Claiborne	Cornerback	LSU	2
Nick Perry	Defensive End	USC	1
Fletcher Cox	Defensive Tackle	Mississippi State	1
Dontari Poe	Defensive Tackle	Memphis	1

8th Pick: Miami Dolphins

Consensus Pick—Ryan Tannehill

Look back at the mock drafts before the end of the season, and you wouldn't find Tannehill here. You can't win in the NFL if you don't have a quarterback. Need proof? Look at what happened to the Bears when Jay Cutler went down. Is this a reach for Tannehill? Yes. Is this a bad pick? Not a chance.

Player	Position	College	Selections
Ryan Tannehill	Quarterback	Texas A&M	37
Quinton Coples	Defensive End	North Carolina	4
Michael Floyd	Wide Receiver	Notre Dame	4
Riley Reiff	Offensive Tackle	Iowa	2
Morris Claiborne	Cornerback	LSU	1
Justin Blackmon	Wide Receiver	Oklahoma State	1
Dontari Poe	Defensive Tackle	Memphis	1

 

9th Pick: Carolina Panthers

Consensus Pick—Dontari Poe

Carolina could really do with an upgrade on the defensive line. Charles Johnson didn't produce like the Panthers thought he would following the huge new contract, and they were weak in run defense last year.

Whether you want to attribute that to season-ending injuries to key linebackers or poor play on the defensive line is up to you. Mock drafters decided that it was poor play up front, hence the selection here of Dontari Poe.

Personally, I don't think Poe is worthy of a top-10 pick. He's a big man and with great speed, but he doesn't produce on the field. The potential is there, but the production is lacking. The words 'workout' and 'warrior' come to mind.

Player	Position	College	Selections
Dontari Poe	Defensive Tackle	Memphis	14
Quinton Coples	Defensive End	North Carolina	10
Michael Brockers	Defensive Tackle	LSU	8
Fletcher Cox	Defensive Tackle	Mississippi State	7
Riley Reiff	Offensive Tackle	Iowa	3
Morris Claiborne	Cornerback	LSU	2
Dre Kirkpatrick	Cornerback	Alabama	2
Luke Kuechly	Linebacker	Boston College	2
Michael Floyd	Wide Receiver	Notre Dame	1
Melvin Ingram	Defensive End	South Carolina	1

10th Pick: Buffalo Bills

Consensus Pick—Riley Reiff

The Bills went out and made a huge splash in free agency, landing Mario Williams. They also signed Mark Anderson from the rival Patriots to strengthen up the defensive line. Not re-signing Demetrius Bell was a huge indication on how the Bills intend to use this pick.

Riley Reiff is widely regarded as the second-best offensive tackle in the draft behind Matt Kalil and comes from a factory of good offensive linemen in Iowa. Consider Reiff a solid blind side protector for The Amish Rifle for years to come.

Player	Position	College	Selections
Riley Reiff	Offensive Tackle	Iowa	28
Michael Floyd	Wide Receiver	Notre Dame	8
Jonathan Martin	Offensive Tackle	Stanford	4
Dre Kirkpatrick	Cornerback	Alabama	3
Luke Kuechly	Linebacker	Boston College	3
Trent Richardson	Running back	Alabama	2
Quinton Coples	Defensive End	North Carolina	1
Melvin Ingram	Defensive End	South Carolina	1

11th Pick: Kansas City Chiefs

Consensus Pick—David DeCastro

Stick with me on this one.

Though Dontari Poe has more selections than David DeCastro, Poe is already off the board after being taken by Carolina at No. 9. And yes, you may point out that Poe has more selections at Kansas City than he does at Carolina, but ultimately, no team will let a player slide just because you want him more.

Don't be too downhearted, though, KC fans. DeCastro looks to be a stud guard and a future Pro Bowler. It's very rare that a guard would be considered for an early first-round pick, but if they are, you know they must be pretty phenomenal.

Player	Position	College	Selections
Dontari Poe	Defensive Tackle	Memphis	18
David DeCastro	Offensive Guard	Stanford	14
Luke Kuechly	Linebacker	Boston College	9
Michael Brockers	Defensive Tackle	LSU	2
Jonathan Martin	Offensive Tackle	Stanford	2
Riley Reiff	Offensive Tackle	Iowa	2
Melvin Ingram	Defensive End	South Carolina	2
Dre Kirkpatrick	Cornerback	Alabama	1

12th Pick: Seattle Seahawks

Consensus Pick—Luke Kuechly

The Seahawks draft an absolute tackling machine with their first-round pick after addressing the quarterback situation with the signing of Matt Flynn. Kuechly racked up over 100 solo tackles last year and was a standout player in the Boston College defense.

Though he is a highly-touted prospect, be aware that Bleacher Report's own Matt Miller produced a scouting report of Kuechly and rated him as a third-rounder. Melvin Ingram is still on the board here, and it wouldn't surprise me at all if Ingram would be the choice ahead of Kuechly.

Player	Position	College	Selections
Luke Kuechly	Linebacker	Boston College	16
Melvin Ingram	Defensive End	South Carolina	9
Quinton Coples	Defensive End	North Carolina	8
David DeCastro	Offensive Guard	Stanford	4
Jonathan Martin	Offensive Tackle	Stanford	4
Nick Perry	Defensive End	USC	3
Whitney Mercilus	Defensive End	Illinois	1
Dont'a Hightower	Linebacker	Alabama	1
Justin Blackmon	Wide Receiver	Oklahoma State	1
Michael Floyd	Wide Receiver	Notre Dame	1
Andre Branch	Defensive End	Clemson	1
Stephon Gilmore	Cornerback	South Carolina	1

13th Pick: Arizona Cardinals

Consensus Pick—Jonathan Martin

The Cardinals need a drastic improvement from their offensive line if they are going to challenge the 49ers for the NFC West crown. Jonathan Martin makes an easy transition from Cardinals to Cardinals and gives Stanford their third pick in the top 13.

Another point: You may notice that Melvin Ingram hasn't been selected yet. Simple explanation: Instead of mock drafters giving him to just one team, they have (annoyingly for me) spread him out so he isn't the consensus pick.

If you take the 15 selections to Jacksonville, the nine selections to Seattle and the eight selections here, you come up with 32 selections. If he falls to the Cardinals at 13, expect him to be picked ahead of Martin.

Player	Position	College	Selections
Jonathan Martin	Offensive Tackle	Stanford	11
Melvin Ingram	Defensive End	South Carolina	8
David DeCastro	Offensive Guard	Stanford	8
Michael Floyd	Wide Receiver	Notre Dame	5
Riley Reiff	Offensive Tackle	Iowa	4
Luke Kuechly	Linebacker	Boston College	2
Andre Branch	Defensive End	Clemson	2
Quinton Coples	Defensive End	North Carolina	2
Dont'a Hightower	Linebacker	Alabama	1
Justin Blackmon	Wide Receiver	Oklahoma State	1
Ryan Tannehill	Quarterback	Texas A&M	1
Dre Kirkpatrick	Cornerback	Alabama	1
Trent Richardson	Running Back	Alabama	1
Courtney Upshaw	Linebacker	Alabama	1
Nick Perry	Defensive End	USC	1
Cordy Glenn	Offensive Guard	Georgia	1

14th Pick: Dallas Cowboys

Consensus Pick—Dre Kirkpatrick

Even with the addition of Brandon Carr, the Cowboys could still do with additional help at the cornerback position. With the Cowboys up against Eli, Vick and potentially RG3, they are going to need to be able to defend against three potent passing attacks twice a year.

You can never have too many good cornerbacks in this passing league, which is why the Cowboys take Kirkpatrick here.

Player	Position	College	Selections
Dre Kirkpatrick	Cornerback	Alabama	13
David DeCastro	Offensive Guard	Stanford	9
Mark Barron	Safety	Alabama	6
Fletcher Cox	Defensive Tackle	Mississippi State	4
Dontari Poe	Defensive Tackle	Memphis	2
Janoris Jenkins	Cornerback	North Alabama	2
Quinton Coples	Defensive End	North Carolina	2
Michael Brockers	Defensive Tackle	LSU	2
Melvin Ingram	Defensive End	South Carolina	2
Courtney Upshaw	Defensive End	Alabama	2
Dont'a Hightower	Linebacker	Alabama	1
Peter Konz	Center	Wisconsin	1
Riley Reiff	Offensive Tackle	Iowa	1
Kendall Wright	Wide Receiver	Baylor	1
Cordy Glenn	Offensive Guard	Georgia	1
Stephon Gilmore	Cornerback	South Carolina	1

15th Pick: Philadelphia Eagles

Consensus Pick—Fletcher Cox

The Eagles look to reestablish themselves as a playoff team by strengthening their middle-of-the-pack run defense.

Fletcher Cox is a fast-rising prospect who may be gone by the time the Eagles are on the clock. The Eagles solidified their tackle position with the signing of Demetrius Bell to cover for the absence of Jason Peters, meaning the Eagles are free to address the defensive line.

Player	Position	College	Selections
Fletcher Cox	Defensive Tackle	Mississippi State	15
Luke Kuechly	Linebacker	Boston College	7
Michael Brockers	Defensive Tackle	LSU	6
Jonathan Martin	Offensive Tackle	Stanford	5
Dontari Poe	Defensive Tackle	Memphis	4
Devon Still	Defensive Tackle	Penn State	4
Mark Barron	Safety	Alabama	3
Melvin Ingram	Defensive End	South Carolina	2
Quinton Coples	Defensive End	North Carolina	1
David DeCastro	Offensive Guard	Stanford	1
Cordy Glenn	Offensive Guard	Georgia	1
Mike Adams	Offensive Tackle	Ohio State	1

16th Pick: New York Jets

Consensus Pick—Courtney Upshaw

At the start of each season, every team has one set goal: win your division. To win the AFC East, the Jets have to find a way to topple the reigning champion New England Patriots. How do you do that? You find a way to get to Tom Brady. If you can stop Brady, you go a long way to stopping the Patriots.

Courtney Upshaw has the ability to get pressure and sacks in the NFL, something the Jets were lacking last year, finishing with a pedestrian 35 sacks.

Player	Position	College	Selections
Courtney Upshaw	Defensive End	Alabama	25
Michael Floyd	Wide Receiver	Notre Dame	7
Mark Barron	Safety	Alabama	3
Kendall Wright	Wide Receiver	Baylor	3
Luke Kuechly	Linebacker	Boston College	3
Whitney Mercilus	Defensive End	Illinois	2
Melvin Ingram	Defensive End	South Carolina	2
Jonathan Martin	Offensive Tackle	Stanford	1
Fletcher Cox	Defensive Tackle	Mississippi State	1
David DeCastro	Offensive Guard	Stanford	1
Dont'a Hightower	Linebacker	Alabama	1
Cordy Glenn	Offensive Guard	Georgia	1

 

17th Pick: Cincinnati Bengals (From Oakland Raiders)

Consensus Pick—Cordy Glenn

Similar to the Kansas City Chiefs, the player with the most selections is off the board, with Dallas taking Dre Kirkpatrick at No. 14. Next on the board for Cincinnati is Cordy Glenn, who is still on the board.

As you'll see in the next couple of picks, Glenn is a high commodity, but the Bengals get to lock him up first. Solid improvement along the offensive line with Glenn, who can play either tackle or guard.

Player	Position	College	Selections
Dre Kirkpatrick	Cornerback	Alabama	13
Cordy Glenn	Offensive Guard	Georgia	7
David DeCastro	Offensive Guard	Stanford	6
Stephon Gilmore	Cornerback	South Carolina	6
Janoris Jenkins	Cornerback	North Alabama	5
Kendall Wright	Wide Receiver	Baylor	4
Michael Floyd	Wide Receiver	Notre Dame	2
Dontari Poe	Defensive Tackle	Memphis	1
Whitney Mercilus	Defensive End	Illinois	1
Trent Richardson	Running back	Alabama	1
Fletcher Cox	Defensive Tackle	Mississippi State	1
Jonathan Martin	Offensive Tackle	Stanford	1
Stephen Hill	Wide Receiver	Georgia Tech	1
Riley Reiff	Offensive Tackle	Iowa	1

18th Pick: San Diego Chargers

Consensus Pick—Nick Perry

Like I said, Cordy Glenn is a hot commodity. With Glenn off the board, the Chargers turn to the next best player in Nick Perry. The Southern Cal prospect will be able to generate some sacks for a Chargers team that finished 23rd in sacks.

Larry English can be now called a bust, so the Chargers look to rejuvenate their pass rush.

Player	Position	College	Selections
Cordy Glenn	Offensive Guard	Georgia	8
Nick Perry	Defensive End	USC	6
Courtney Upshaw	Defensive End	Alabama	6
Mark Barron	Safety	Alabama	5
David DeCastro	Offensive Guard	Stanford	4
Dre Kirkpatrick	Cornerback	Alabama	3
Jonathan Martin	Offensive Tackle	Stanford	3
Stephon Gilmore	Cornerback	South Carolina	3
Michael Brockers	Defensive Tackle	LSU	3
Whitney Mercilus	Defensive End	Illinois	2
Melvin Ingram	Defensive End	South Carolina	1
Mike Adams	Offensive Tackle	Ohio State	1
Michael Floyd	Wide Receiver	Notre Dame	1
Fletcher Cox	Defensive Tackle	Mississippi State	1
Quinton Coples	Defensive End	North Carolina	1
Devon Still	Defensive Tackle	Penn State	1
Coby Fleener	Tight End	Stanford	1

19th Pick: Chicago Bears

Consensus Pick—Michael Floyd

Let me be the first to say there is no way Michael Floyd will drop to the Bears at No. 19. Personally, I don't see him getting past New York at No. 16. Should Floyd fall to Chicago for some reason, they should take him in a split second.

I see the Bears going defensive end with this pick. Facing Aaron Rodgers and Matt Stafford twice a year means that if you want to win this division, you have to get to the quarterback. And Julius Peppers and Henry Melton can't do that all by themselves.

Chicago was poor in pass defense last year, and the blame mainly lies on not getting enough pressure.

Player	Position	College	Selections
Cordy Glenn	Offensive Guard	Georgia	8
Jonathan Martin	Offensive Tackle	Stanford	5
Michael Floyd	Wide Receiver	Notre Dame	5
Whitney Mercilus	Defensive End	Illinois	4
Peter Konz	Center	Wisconsin	4
Nick Perry	Defensive End	USC	4
Fletcher Cox	Defensive Tackle	Mississippi State	3
Mike Adams	Offensive Tackle	Ohio State	2
Devon Still	Defensive Tackle	Penn State	2
Coby Fleener	Tight End	Stanford	2
Courtney Upshaw	Defensive End	Alabama	1
Dre Kirkpatrick	Cornerback	Alabama	1
Alshon Jeffery	Wide Receiver	South Carolina	1
Lavonte David	Linebacker	Nebraska	1
Stephen Hill	Wide Receiver	Georgia Tech	1
Kendall Wright	Wide Receiver	Baylor	1
Stephon Gilmore	Cornerback	South Carolina	1
Quinton Coples	Defensive End	North Carolina	1
Mark Barron	Safety	Alabama	1
David DeCastro	Offensive Guard	Stanford	1
Michael Brockers	Defensive Tackle	LSU	1

20th Pick: Tennessee Titans

Consensus Pick—Whitney Mercilus

Two years ago, the Titans were getting ready to pick at No. 16 in the draft. They ended up taking Derrick Morgan, who has yet to show production since being drafted. The player drafted one spot ahead of Morgan? Jason Pierre-Paul. Ouch.

The Titans are yet again on the lookout for another defensive pass-rusher, and the best pass-rusher available is Whitney Mercilus, who led the nation in sacks last year with 16.

Though his single year of production is a worry, Mercilus has shown glimpses of being the player the Titans had hoped Derrick Morgan would have been.

Player	Position	College	Selections
Whitney Mercilus	Defensive End	Illinois	6
Peter Konz	Center	Wisconsin	5
Devon Still	Defensive Tackle	Penn State	4
Quinton Coples	Defensive End	North Carolina	3
Nick Perry	Defensive End	USC	3
Cordy Glenn	Offensive Guard	Georgia	3
Janoris Jenkins	Cornerback	North Alabama	3
Dre Kirkpatrick	Cornerback	Alabama	3
Alshon Jeffery	Wide Receiver	South Carolina	2
Michael Brockers	Defensive Tackle	LSU	2
Luke Kuechly	Linebacker	Boston College	2
Stephon Gilmore	Cornerback	South Carolina	2
Mark Barron	Safety	Alabama	2
Dontari Poe	Defensive Tackle	Memphis	2
David DeCastro	Offensive Guard	Stanford	1
Kendall Wright	Wide Receiver	Baylor	1
Stephen Hill	Wide Receiver	Georgia Tech	1
Courtney Upshaw	Defensive End	Alabama	1
Chandler Jones	Defensive End	Syracuse	1
Fletcher Cox	Defensive Tackle	Mississippi State	1
Dont'a Hightower	Linebacker	Alabama	1

21st Pick: Cincinnati Bengals

Consensus Pick—Janoris Jenkins

If any team is willing to a gamble on Janoris Jenkins in the first round, it's the Bengals. They have a track record for overlooking a player's character and drafting players on ability and potential.

If Jenkins had a clean past and no character issues, he'd be a top-15 pick based on ability alone. But because of his issues, there is strong argument that he isn't worth a first-round pick. If the Bengals want to play it safe, they can take the fast-rising corner Stephon Gilmore.

Player	Position	College	Selections
Janoris Jenkins	Cornerback	North Alabama	6
Cordy Glenn	Offensive Guard	Georgia	6
Kendall Wright	Wide Receiver	Baylor	5
Dre Kirkpatrick	Cornerback	Alabama	4
Michael Floyd	Wide Receiver	Notre Dame	4
Lamar Miller	Running Back	Miami (FL)	4
Stephon Gilmore	Cornerback	South Carolina	4
David Wilson	Running Back	Virginia Tech	3
Doug Martin	Running Back	Boise State	2
Luke Kuechly	Linebacker	Boston College	2
Mark Barron	Safety	Alabama	2
Stephen Hill	Wide Receiver	Georgia Tech	2
Andre Branch	Defensive End	Clemson	1
Nick Perry	Defensive End	USC	1
Jonathan Martin	Offensive Tackle	Stanford	1
Michael Brockers	Defensive Tackle	LSU	1
Devon Still	Defensive Tackle	Penn State	1
Mike Adams	Offensive Tackle	Ohio State	1

22nd Pick: Cleveland Browns (From Atlanta Falcons)

Consensus Pick—Kendall Wright

The Browns need playmakers. Drafting Trent Richardson with the fourth overall pick gives them someone who can carry the load. Kendall Wright gives them a home-run hitter and Colt McCoy's new best friend.

The Browns already have a strong defense, but they also have three of the strongest defenses in the league in the AFC North. To crawl out of the bottom of that division, they need some offense. Richardson and Wright provide that.

Player	Position	College	Selections
Kendall Wright	Wide Receiver	Baylor	18
Stephen Hill	Wide Receiver	Georgia Tech	6
Mike Adams	Offensive Tackle	Ohio State	5
Courtney Upshaw	Defensive End	Alabama	4
Lamar Miller	Running Back	Miami (FL)	3
Michael Floyd	Wide Receiver	Notre Dame	2
Jonathan Martin	Offensive Tackle	Stanford	2
Brandon Weeden	Quarterback	Oklahoma State	2
Whitney Mercilus	Defensive End	Illinois	2
Alshon Jeffery	Wide Receiver	South Carolina	1
Coby Fleener	Tight End	Stanford	1
Ryan Tannehill	Quarterback	Texas A&M	1
Zach Brown	Linebacker	North Carolina	1
David Wilson	Running Back	Virginia Tech	1
Jonathan Martin	Offensive Tackle	Stanford	1

23rd Pick: Detroit Lions

Consensus Pick—Stephon Gilmore

Anyone who debates that the Lions shouldn't draft a cornerback with their first pick should kindly rewatch the Lions' final two games of the season, where they gave up 946 passing yards.

Detroit can't afford to be giving up so many yards, because the Packers and the Saints are the types of teams they will need to beat if they want to become top dog.

Gilmore is a fast-rising prospect who could be off the board before the Lions pick, but should he fall to No. 23, you can bet the Lions will be very interested.

Player	Position	College	Selections
Stephon Gilmore	Cornerback	South Carolina	9
Janoris Jenkins	Cornerback	North Alabama	9
Dre Kirkpatrick	Cornerback	Alabama	5
Cordy Glenn	Offensive Guard	Georgia	4
Mark Barron	Safety	Alabama	3
Nick Perry	Defensive End	USC	2
Kelechi Osemele	Offensive Guard	Iowa State	2
Alfonzo Dennard	Cornerback	Nebraska	2
Peter Konz	Center	Wisconsin	2
Jonathan Martin	Offensive Tackle	Stanford	2
Kendall Wright	Wide Receiver	Baylor	1
Mike Adams	Offensive Tackle	Ohio State	1
Jayron Hosley	Cornerback	Virginia Tech	1
Courtney Upshaw	Defensive End	Alabama	1
Lamar Miller	Running Back	Miami (FL)	1
Melvin Ingram	Defensive End	South Carolina	1
Quinton Coples	Defensive End	North Carolina	1
Riley Reiff	Offensive Tackle	Iowa	1
Zach Brown	Linebacker	North Carolina	1
Luke Kuechly	Linebacker	Boston College	1

24th Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers

Consensus Pick—Dont'a Hightower

James Farrior won't be back in black and yellow next season, leaving a big hole next to Lawrence Timmons at inside linebacker. Dont'a Hightower goes from a very strong defense in Alabama to a very strong defense in Pittsburgh.

Though the success rate of first-round linebackers isn't particularly high (see Rivers, Keith and Curry, Aaron), you could argue that there isn't a better place for a rookie linebacker to go than Pittsburgh, with a great supporting cast in Timmons, Woodley and Harrison, and a great defensive coordinator in Dick LeBeau.

Player	Position	College	Selections
Dont'a Hightower	Linebacker	Alabama	20
Mike Adams	Offensive Tackle	Ohio State	7
Courtney Upshaw	Defensive End	Alabama	3
Dontari Poe	Defensive Tackle	Memphis	3
Janoris Jenkins	Cornerback	North Alabama	3
Stephon Gilmore	Cornerback	South Carolina	2
Cordy Glenn	Offensive Guard	Georgia	2
Jerel Worthy	Defensive Tackle	Michigan State	2
Jonathan Martin	Offensive Tackle	Stanford	1
David Wilson	Running Back	Virginia Tech	1
Andre Branch	Defensive End	Clemson	1
Luke Kuechly	Linebacker	Boston College	1
Alameda Ta'amu	Defensive Tackle	Washington	1
Brandon Thompson	Defensive Tackle	Clemson	1
Amini Silatolu	Offensive Guard	Midwestern State	1
Melvin Ingram	Defensive End	South Carolina	1

25th Pick: Denver Broncos

Consensus Pick—Michael Brockers

Draftniks all seems to believe that the Broncos need to address the defensive tackle position, hence the selection of Michael Brockers. Brockers needs a bit of work but should turn into a quality run stuffer for the Broncos.

However, don't be shocked if the Peyton Manning factor kicks in and the Broncos add to their offense. Remember the first-round draft selections of the Colts when they had Peyton? They were typically offensively heavy. Denver could take a player like Coby Fleener or Kendall Wright if they are still available.

Player	Position	College	Selections
Michael Brockers	Defensive Tackle	LSU	12
Devon Still	Defensive Tackle	Penn State	8
Fletcher Cox	Defensive Tackle	Mississippi State	5
Jerel Worthy	Defensive Tackle	Michigan State	5
Dontari Poe	Defensive Tackle	Memphis	4
Kendall Wright	Wide Receiver	Baylor	4
Stephen Hill	Wide Receiver	Georgia Tech	2
Alfonzo Dennard	Cornerback	Nebraska	2
Cordy Glenn	Offensive Guard	Georgia	1
Coby Fleener	Tight End	Stanford	1
Brandon Thompson	Defensive Tackle	Clemson	1
Dont'a Hightower	Linebacker	Alabama	1
David Wilson	Running Back	Virginia Tech	1
Stephon Gilmore	Cornerback	South Carolina	1
Lamar Miller	Running Back	Miami (FL)	1
Janoris Jenkins	Cornerback	North Alabama	1

26th Pick: Houston Texans

Consensus Pick—Stephen Hill

The Texans are in a luxury spot here, with no drastic improvements needed. Though right tackle may be an issue following the release of Eric Winston, the one area it looks like they may want to address is the position opposite Andre Johnson.

A weapon opposite Johnson would give Houston one of the best offenses in the league. And possibly the only flaw in Johnson's game is that he's a bit too injury-prone.

Though Stephen Hill is raw, he's from the same school which produced Megatron and Demaryius Thomas. Not bad. Johnson can take Hill under his wing and make him a weapon opposite Johnson like they haven't had before.

Player	Position	College	Selections
Stephen Hill	Wide Receiver	Georgia Tech	15
Rueben Randle	Wide Receiver	LSU	6
Dont'a Hightower	Linebacker	Alabama	5
Kendall Wright	Wide Receiver	Baylor	4
Alshon Jeffery	Wide Receiver	South Carolina	4
Whitney Mercilus	Defensive End	Illinois	3
Coby Fleener	Tight End	Stanford	2
Vinny Curry	Defensive End	Marshall	1
Nick Perry	Defensive End	USC	1
Mark Barron	Safety	Alabama	1
Luke Kuechly	Linebacker	Boston College	1
Michael Floyd	Wide Receiver	Notre Dame	1
Michael Brockers	Defensive Tackle	LSU	1
Fletcher Cox	Defensive Tackle	Mississippi State	1
Melvin Ingram	Defensive End	South Carolina	1
Lavonte David	Linebacker	Nebraska	1
Zach Brown	Linebacker	North Carolina	1
Alameda Ta'amu	Defensive Tackle	Washington	1

27th Pick: New England Patriots (From New Orleans Saints)

Consensus Pick—Devon Still

With both Perry and Mercilus off the board, the Patriots turn to revamping their defensive line. Their defense was one of the worst in the league last year, so there is ample room for improvement, and where else to start but up front?

Devon Still will be able to give the Patriots plenty of depth on the defensive line, but most importantly, he's a space-eater. He can take up double-teams and can give room for linebackers to make plays.

Player	Position	College	Selections
Whitney Mercilus	Defensive End	Illinois	9
Devon Still	Defensive Tackle	Penn State	5
Nick Perry	Defensive End	USC	5
Mark Barron	Safety	Alabama	5
Fletcher Cox	Defensive Tackle	Mississippi State	4
Andre Branch	Defensive End	Clemson	3
Michael Brockers	Defensive Tackle	LSU	3
Janoris Jenkins	Cornerback	North Alabama	3
Melvin Ingram	Defensive End	South Carolina	2
Stephon Gilmore	Cornerback	South Carolina	2
Vinny Curry	Defensive End	Marshall	1
Shea McClellin	Defensive End	Boise State	1
Luke Kuechly	Linebacker	Boston College	1
Dont'a Hightower	Linebacker	Alabama	1
Jerel Worthy	Defensive Tackle	Michigan State	1
Chase Minnifield	Cornerback	Virginia	1
Chandler Jones	Defensive End	Syracuse	1
Courtney Upshaw	Defensive End	Alabama	1
Cordy Glenn	Offensive Guard	Georgia	1
Dontari Poe	Defensive Tackle	Memphis	1

28th Pick: Green Bay Packers

Consensus Pick—Andre Branch

Again, Whitney Mercilus and Nick Perry are off the board, which leaves the Packers taking Andre Branch from Clemson. It's clear that the Packers need some kind of edge rusher opposite Clay Matthews, and Branch can bring that to Green Bay.

Though Green Bay finished with an awful pass defense record last year, they also finished 27th in sacks. The problem doesn't lie with the defensive backs; it's the pass rush.

Player	Position	College	Selections
Nick Perry	Defensive End	USC	10
Whitney Mercilus	Defensive End	Illinois	7
Andre Branch	Defensive End	Clemson	6
Peter Konz	Center	Wisconsin	3
Devon Still	Defensive Tackle	Penn State	2
Stephon Gilmore	Cornerback	South Carolina	2
Josh Robinson	Cornerback	Central Florida	2
Courtney Upshaw	Defensive End	Alabama	2
Chandler Jones	Defensive End	Syracuse	2
Mark Barron	Safety	Alabama	2
Janoris Jenkins	Cornerback	North Alabama	1
Vinny Curry	Defensive End	Marshall	1
Vontaze Burfict	Linebacker	Arizona State	1
Shea McClellin	Defensive End	Boise State	1
Alfonzo Denard	Cornerback	Nebraska	1
Jerel Worthy	Defensive Tackle	Michigan State	1
Kendall Reyes	Defensive Tackle	Connecticut	1
Michael Brockers	Defensive Tackle	LSU	1
Lamar Miller	Running Back	Miami (FL)	1
Cordy Glenn	Offensive Guard	Georgia	1
Amini Silatolu	Offensive Guard	Midwestern State	1
Doug Martin	Running Back	Boise State	1

29th Pick: Baltimore Ravens

Consensus Pick—Peter Konz

This is a simple pick. The Ravens lost Ben Grubbs to the Saints. They tried to replace him with Evan Mathis, but he re-signed with the Eagles. Now the Ravens have a hole at guard.

Peter Konz is the best interior lineman available at this point in the draft and comes from a factory of good offensive linemen in Wisconsin. Konz can also play center, which means he could be the heir apparent to Matt Birk when he decides to retire.

Player	Position	College	Selections
Peter Konz	Center	Wisconsin	14
Dont'a Hightower	Linebacker	Alabama	12
Mark Barron	Safety	Alabama	2
Mike Adams	Offensive Tackle	Ohio State	2
Kevin Zeitler	Offensive Guard	Wisconsin	2
Alfonzo Dennard	Cornerback	Nebraska	2
Kendall Wright	Wide Receiver	Baylor	2
Stephen Hill	Wide Receiver	Georgia Tech	2
Whitney Mercilus	Defensive End	Illinois	1
Lavonte David	Linebacker	Nebraska	1
Mohamed Sanu	Wide Receiver	Rutgers	1
Michael Floyd	Wide Receiver	Notre Dame	1
Harrison Smith	Safety	Notre Dame	1
Courtney Upshaw	Linebacker	Alabama	1
Andre Branch	Defensive End	Clemson	1
Jared Crick	Defensive End	Wisconsin	1
Brandon Washington	Offensive Guard	Miami (FL)	1
Michael Brockers	Defensive Tackle	LSU	1
Devon Still	Defensive Tackle	Penn State	1
Zach Brown	Linebacker	North Carolina	1

30th Pick: San Francisco 49ers

Consensus Pick—Coby Fleener

Not necessarily a pick I agree with, but I can understand the logic behind it. Jim Harbaugh likes to use two tight end sets, and he also like Coby Fleener, who happens to be a tight end. Throw into the mix that Fleener played in Harbaugh's offense at Stanford, and you can start to see the connection.

However, the 49ers already have a solid tight end in Vernon Davis, and the 49ers like to use backup tight end Delanie Walker in a variety of different ways. Though Fleener would give Alex Smith a reliable target, this pick almost seems to be because of the Stanford connection rather than addressing a need.

Player	Position	College	Selections
Coby Fleener	Tight End	Stanford	11
Stephen Hill	Wide Receiver	Georgia Tech	4
Peter Konz	Center	Wisconsin	4
Kevin Zeitler	Offensive Guard	Wisconsin	3
Alshon Jeffery	Wide Receiver	South Carolina	3
Kelechi Osemele	Offensive Guard	Iowa State	2
Janoris Jenkins	Cornerback	North Alabama	2
Kendall Wright	Wide Receiver	Baylor	2
Mike Adams	Offensive Tackle	Ohio State	2
Nick Perry	Defensive End	USC	2
Stephon Gilmore	Cornerback	South Carolina	2
Cordy Glenn	Offensive Guard	Georgia	2
Mohamed Sanu	Wide Receiver	Rutgers	1
Andre Branch	Defensive End	Clemson	1
Lamar Miller	Running Back	Miami (FL)	1
Devon Still	Defensive Tackle	Penn State	1
Rueben Randle	Wide Receiver	LSU	1
Trumaine Johnson	Cornerback	Montana	1
Alameda Ta'amu	Defensive Tackle	Washington	1
Jonathan Martin	Offensive Tackle	Stanford	1
Fletcher Cox	Defensive Tackle	Mississippi State	1
Amini Silatolu	Offensive Guard	Midwestern State	1
Jerel Worthy	Defensive Tackle	Michigan State	1

31st Pick: New England Patriots

Consensus Pick—Mark Barron

After adding Devon Still with the 27th pick, the Patriots continue to improve their defense by adding the best safety in the draft in Mark Barron. Barron is the clear-cut best option to improve a weak secondary in New England.

He was part of one of the strongest defenses in NCAA history and played in arguably the toughest conference, so he's got the experience and has proven himself at a high standard. He's a plug-in-and-play guy and some would say one of the safest picks in the draft.

Player	Position	College	Selections
Mark Barron	Safety	Alabama	5
Janoris Jenkins	Cornerback	North Alabama	5
Andre Branch	Defensive End	Clemson	5
Nick Perry	Defensive End	USC	4
Devon Still	Defensive Tackle	Penn State	4
Jerel Worthy	Defensive Tackle	Michigan State	4
Michael Brockers	Defensive Tackle	LSU	4
Kendall Reyes	Defensive Tackle	Connecticut	4
Whitney Mercilus	Defensive End	Illinois	3
Vinny Curry	Defensive End	Marshall	2
Mohamed Sanu	Wide Receiver	Rutgers	2
Peter Konz	Center	Wisconsin	1
Harrison Smith	Safety	Notre Dame	1
Fletcher Cox	Defensive Tackle	Mississippi State	1
Doug Martin	Running Back	Boise State	1
Leonard Johnson	Cornerback	Iowa State	1
David Wilson	Running Back	Virginia Tech	1
Cordy Glenn	Offensive Guard	Georgia	1
Mike Adams	Offensive Tackle	Ohio State	1

32nd Pick: New York Giants

Consensus Pick - Mike Adams

And to finish of the first round and day one of the 2012 NFL Draft, the New York Giants select Mike Adams, offensive tackle, Ohio State. The Giants come into the draft in a great position with the final pick in the draft and hardly and holes or needs to address. The Giants could do with some solid depth at the tackle position. They addressed the lack of quality at linebacker by trading for Keith Rivers and now they can help solidify an offensive line. Don't be surprised if the Giants go with a running back here, Tom Coughlin likes to have a running back committee and Ahmad Bradshaw is left on his own with the departure of Brandon Jacobs.

Player	Position	College	Selections
Mike Adams	Offensive Tackle	Ohio State	8
Coby Fleener	Tight End	Stanford	7
Peter Konz	Center	Wisconsin	5
David Wilson	Running back	Virginia Tech	3
Doug Martin	Running back	Boise State	3
Lamar Miller	Running back	Miami (FL)	3
Kelechi Osemele	Offensive Guard	Iowa State	2
Lavonte David	Linebacker	Nebraska	2
Chris Polk	Running back	Washington	2
Mark Barron	Safety	Alabama	2
Dwayne Allen	Tight End	Clemson	2
Orson Charles	Tight End	Georgia	1
Amini Silatolu	Offensive Guard	Midwestern State	1
Cordy Glenn	Offensive Guard	Georgia	1
Courtney Upshaw	Linebacker	Alabama	1
Bobby Wagner	Linebacker	Utah State	1
Reuben Randle	Wide Receiver	LSU	1
Billy Winn	Defensive End	Boise State	1
Kendall Wright	Wide Receiver	Baylor	1
Devon Still	Defensive Tackle	Penn State	1
Jonathan Martin	Offensive Tackle	Stanford	1
Jerel Worthy	Defensive Tackle	Michigan State	1