2012 NFL Mock Draft Round 2: Surprise Players Who Will Slip out of Round 1

Tomorrow, the 2012 NFL draft will begin, which unfortunately means no more mock drafts.

So, I'm going to take this last bit of time we have and deliver a Round 2 mock draft, paying special attention to players with first-round potential who could fall to Day 2.

33. St.Louis Rams: Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State

With his strength and quick first step, the 6'2", 309-pound Worthy is great against the run. The Rams certainly need help in that department, as their defense finished 31st in the NFL last year in rushing yards. It wouldn't be a huge shock to see him available here, but many project him as a late first-round pick.

34. Indianapolis Colts: Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford

Coby Fleener has long been regarded as a first-rounder, but now more than ever it appears that he could very well fall to the second round due to a recent negative evaluation of him by a scout. The Colts can benefit from that and grab the pass-catching TE for Fleener's teammate at Stanford, Andrew Luck.

35. Minnesota Vikings: Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame

Smith is a hard-hitting physical safety and fills a glaring hole for the Vikings. He is also regarded as someone with great leadership skills and a high-motor. In a division with QBs Aaron Rodgers, Jay Cutler and Matt Stafford, the Vikings could really use a guy like Smith. 

36. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Doug Martin, RB, Boise State

Grabbing Martin in the second round would be a smart move by the Bucs, considering the trouble they had running the ball a season ago (30th in the NFL in rush yards). Martin isn't the biggest back, but he has great power, as evidenced by his running back-best 28 bench-press reps at the NFL combine. Some believe the Broncos will take him in Round 1, but I see the Broncos waiting to grab an RB in Round 2. That's good news for the Bucs.

37. Cleveland Browns: Rueben Randle, WR, LSU

Some have declared Colt McCoy a bust given the ineptitude of the Browns' passing game recently (24th in passing yards in 2011). But it's hard to put the blame solely on him, considering the lack of talent the Browns have on the outside. Along with his great hands, Randle is 6'3" and possesses the type of deep-threat ability the Browns the need.

38. Jacksonville Jaguars: Alshon Jeffery, WR, Jaguars

The Jaguars have one of the leagues' worst receiving corps, so spending an early-round pick on a wideout is a must for the team. Jeffery is strong, fast and has no difficulty winning jump balls, which will help him become a red-zone threat in the NFL. 

39. St. Louis Rams: Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

Adams' length and quickness contribute to his excellence at pass protection, which specifically the Rams need to improve upon for Sam Bradford to stay on the field and grow in his third NFL season. This would be a great value pick for the Rams because he is certainly a first-round talent.

40. Carolina Panthers: Lavonte David, LB, Nebraska

In David, the Panthers would get a high-energy player with excellent instincts and solid ball coverage. And while undersized, David has a knack for wrapping up the ball-handler (133 tackles in 2011). Carolina needs to improve its defense in the draft if they want to contend in the South next year, and adding a talent and high character guy like David would be a step in the right direction.

41. Buffalo Bills: Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

The Bills have the very talented Steve Johnson; however, they could use some more depth at the position, so Sanu makes sense here. He posted 115 catches in 2011 for 1,206 yards, and has the build of an NFL receiver with his long arms and height. Sanu may not be the greatest deep threat, but he has great hands and can be productive at the next level.

42. Miami Dolphins: Andre Branch, DE, Clemson

Many mock drafts have Branch going to the Dolphins, and it makes sense—not only because of his talent (10.5 sacks in 2010), but because he will fit very well in their defensive scheme. 

43. Seattle Seahawks: Janoris Jenkins, North Alabama, CB

While some think Jenkins can overcome his off-the-field issues and still manage to get picked in the first round, I do not. This becomes a nice value pick for the Seahawks, given Jenkins would likely be a top-15 pick if it weren't for his off-the-field issues. Jenkins is a physical corner with quick instincts, and if he can stay out of trouble, he could have a long productive career.

44. Kansas City Chiefs: Kendall Reyes, DL, Connecticut

With his speed, length and pure strength, Reyes would greatly help a Kansas City rush defense that finished 26th in 2011. He could be selected in the first round, but it seems likely he falls here.

45. Dallas Cowboys: Devon Still, DT, Penn State

He is a physical specimen with his overwhelming strength along with a quick first step. Scouts have negatively graded him on his tendency to not give it his all on some plays. That, and the other great DTs in the draft should keep him out of the first round and create a nice value pick for the Cowboys.

46. Philadelphia Eagles: Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina

Although the Eagles acquired Demeco Ryans, they still need to improve their LB corps. Brown is incredibly athletic, running a 4.50 40-yard dash at the combine. He is also a solid tackler, racking up 105 of them in 2011. This is a need-based pick for Philly.

47. New York Jets: Bobby Massie, OT, Mississippi    

The Jets are in need of a right tackle, so naturally Massie makes sense. Massie is an intimidating presence at 6'6", 316 pounds, and possesses excellent pure strength. And for his size, Massie is actually quite nimble. This would be a great pick by the Jets.

48. New England Patriots: Vinny Curry, DE, Marshall

Curry would give the Patriots much-needed improvement in terms of their pass rush. He is known for his great work ethic and top-notch strength. It is very likely he will leave the draft as a Patriot. 

49. San Diego Chargers: Kelechi Osemele, OT, Iowa State

The Chargers need to address their O-Line in this year's draft. Marcus McNeill and Kris Dielman are no longer with the team, which is a big blow. Also, the unit was beat up last year with injuries, so adding some more depth to the position in case history repeats itself seems smart.

50. Chicago Bears: Kevin Zeitler, G, Wisconsin

The Bears are another team that should use an early-round pick on the offensive line. Zeitler provides strong run-blocking and above average pass-blocking. He is also regarded as someone with extremely high character. If he makes it here, the Bears should snag him.

51. Philadelphia Eagles: Josh Robinson, CB, Central Florida

The Eagles officially traded Asante Samuel today, and that leaves the door open for the team to select the electric Robinson. The Central Florida product ran a 4.33 40-yard dash, which was the best time at the combine. He is another player who is a bit raw, but he has great potential.

52. Tennessee Titans: Bobby Wagner, LB, Utah State

The versatile linebacker recorded 147 total tackles in 2011. The Titans need to improve at linebacker, and Wagner is a quick, high-motor player who would do very well for them. 

53. Cincinnati Bengals: David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech

The Bengals will want to improve their running back depth, and Wilson is the best one still on the board. He's only 5'9", but he was a handful for defenders to tackle in college due to his power running style.

54. Detroit Lions: Brandon Brooks, OG, Miami (OH)

Brooks would be a huge asset for the Lions, as he is one of the best run-blockers of this year's class. The team needs an improved running game to reach its potential this season, so this seems like a no-brainer. It is very likely he is available, too.

55. Atlanta Falcons: Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson

Tony Gonzalez is retiring at the end of this upcoming season, and the Falcons can grab his replacement here. Allen is a top-notch, pass-catching TE, and should be an asset for the Falcons' future.

56. Pittsburgh Steelers: Amini Silatolu, OG, Midwestern State

Silatolu is versatile with the ability to play guard and tackle, and gives the Steelers some much-needed depth on the line. 

57. Denver Broncos: Lamar Miller, RB, Miami

Miller is an extremely explosive back and represents a nice complement to Willis McGahee. He would also be nice insurance if McGahee were to go down at some point.

58. Houston Texans: Orson Charles, TE, Georgia

The Texans will be looking to replace Joel Dreessen in the draft, and Charles seems to fit the bill of someone who could. He has nice hands and is the best available TE on the board.

59. Green Bay Packers: George Iloka, S, Boise State

The well-built and hard-hitting Iloka would likely replace FS Nick Collins, who the Pack released earlier today. He's a nice fit and should be available.

60. Baltimore Ravens: Mychal Kendricks, LB, California

Kendricks is versatile, hard-hitting and is another guy known for his superb effort. With Ray Lewis nearing the end, it seems like the right time to grab a replacement. 

61. San Francisco 49ers: Jeff Allen, OG, Illinois

The 49ers are likely to look for someone to fill their hole at right guard, and the great pass-blocker Allen could be the answer.

62. New England Patriots: Trumaine Johnson, CB, Montana

Johnson would be a steal here for the Patriots. His size and excellent ball skills should translate into a solid NFL career. Plus, the Patriots must improve their secondary.

63. New York Giants: Chris Polk, RB, Washington

Polk gives the Giants some needed depth at RB, as Brandon Jacobs is now in San Francisco. He doesn't go down easy and rarely fumbles. He would especially be an asset for the Giants in the passing game.