2012 NFL Mock Drafts: Five Favorites from the Titans

Spring is in the air, and that means love.

Not the blossoming love between a man and a woman, but the unholy dark affection that America feels for mock drafts. With the NFL draft still weeks away, there are literally hundreds of people desperate to tell you who your favorite team should pick.

Where would we be without sites like WalterFootball.com to compile all of them for us?

I've already told you who I think the Titans South should pick, but what does the rest of the internet say?

All week, I'll be looking at the five most popular choices for each team according a broad survey of mock drafts. I've looked at dozens of the best to find the most popular choices for each team.

1. Whitney Mercilus-DE Illinois

16 sacks. Nine forced fumbles. Do I really need to say more?

Mercilus is among the commonly named players for the Titans because of his extreme productivity rushing the passer.

2. Stephon Gilmore-CB South Carolina

Gilmore seems to be the alternative to the "Titans must draft a pass-rusher" crowd. He's smart, physical and was highly productive in college. He would add a playmaking dimension to an already solid secondary.

3. Michael Brockers-DT LSU

Brockers is a bit of a project, having really only one solid year of tape on the books. He has real talent, however, and could be a pass-rushing force inside.

4. Nick Perry-DE USC

Perry has bulked up to try and play 4-3 end, but a lot of scouts have him pegged as a 3-4 outside linebacker.

The Titans could be very interested in him if they are convinced he can play with his hand on the ground.

5. Dontari Poe-DT Memphis

Poe was a fast riser at the combine, and the Titans would be thrilled to have him. I'll be shocked if he's still on the board anywhere near where the Titans pick.

It's not a guarantee that the Titans will draft a pass-rusher in the first round, but everyone clearly expects it. This is one of the rare occasions when need and availability seem to sync perfectly.

The Titans need to improve their pass rush, and this draft is loaded with talented big men who can get after the quarterback.

It should be a great April for the Titans.