2012 NFL Mock Draft: Picks 17-32 of First Round of NFL Draft
The NFL draft is almost here and after a breakdown of the first half of round 1 of the draft yesterday, today we are going to breakdown the second half of round 1. We start today's mock draft at pick number 17.
17. Cincinnati Bengals - Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina
18. San Diego Chargers - Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina
.png?w=256)
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
With the departure of wide receiver Vincent Jackson, the Chargers should find his replacement in this years class, and Jeffery would fit that hole at wide receiver.
19. Chicago Bears - Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois
The Bears could go a number of directions with the 19th overall pick, but they need help at pass rusher opposite Julius Peppers. They could also address the offensive line with this pick in draft.
20. Tennessee Titans - Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
After losing cornerback Cortland Finnegan to the St. Louis Rams, the Titans need to consider drafting a cornerback in the first round. Look for them to target, former Alabama defensive back, Dre Kirkpatrick.
21. Cincinnati Bengals - Gordy Glenn, OG, Georgia
If the Bears do not choose an offensive lineman at number 19, look for the Bengals to draft Gordy Glenn with their second selection in the first round of the NFL draft.
22. Cleveland Browns - Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor
I had the Browns taking Ryan Tannehill with their first selection in the first round, and if Kendall Wright falls to them at number 22 the Browns should not pass him up. The Browns need play-makers for Tannehill to throw to and Wright would be a great start.
23. Detroit Lions - Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State
The Detroit Lions could also select a cornerback with this selection, as Drew Brees and the Saints offense exploited their secondary in the playoffs last year. However, if the Lions do not like any of the defensive backs that are still on the board at number 23, look for them to draft an offensive lineman.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers - Dont'a Hightower, SLB, Alabama
This would be a steal for the Steelers at number 24. The Steelers are aging on the defensive side of the ball, and drafting a guy like Dont'a Hightower would make a lot of sense.
25. Denver Broncos - Peter Konz, OG, Wisconsin
After picking up Peyton Manning in the offseason, the Denver Broncos should focus on keeping him upright this season. Drafting the best available offensive lineman would make Peyton Manning a happy quarterback.
26. Houston Texans - Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech
The Texans lost a number of key performers on the defensive side of the ball during free agency, however, they still don't have a number two receiver to complement Andre Johnson. With a healthy Matt Schaub this season, look for the Texans to draft a wide receiver in the first round of the draft.
27. New England Patriots - Andre Branch, DE, Clemson
The Patriots upgraded the offensive side of the ball during free agency this off season, signing Brandon Lloyd, but after losing defensive end Mark Anderson to the Buffalo Bills, the Patriots should look at the defensive line in this year's draft.
28. Green Bay Packers - Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska
Charles Woodson is getting up their in age, and the Packers should look to find a replacement for him sooner rather than later.
29. Baltimore Ravens - Zebrie Sanders, OT, Florida State
The Baltimore Ravens are in need for an upgrade on the offensive line, and offensive tackle Zebrie Sanders would fit that need.
30. San Francisco 49ers - Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College
The 49ers had a great season a year ago, but they should look to upgrade their linebacker position in the draft, and Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly, would fit that need
31. New England Patriots - Janoris Jenkins, CB, Florida
After the Patriots address their defensive line with their first selection in round 1, they should look to upgrade their secondary, and Janoris Jenkins would be a steal at number 31.
32. New York Giants - Zack Brown, OLB, North Carolina
The Giants had great pass rush a season ago, and in this year's draft they should look to upgrade the linebacker position.
In case you missed it, here is the first half of round 1.
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
