2012 NFL Mock Draft: Analyzing Mike Mayock's AFC East Picks in His Mock Draft

NFL Network's draft guru Mike Mayock correctly predicted 26 of the 31 first-round picks in 2011 and correctly picked the slotting for seven. His track record speaks for itself in terms of evaluating picks, knowing fits and being a draft insider.

So, when he puts out a mock draft, everyone listens. Especially when there's a one-hour special on television. 

All jokes aside, his opinion is one of the most respected in the business, which leaves analysts like myself waiting on the edge of our seat for his one and only mock draft of the season.

Well, it's here.

And here's my analysis of his AFC East picks.

8. Miami Dolphins: Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M

Usually, when everyone's singing in chorus, the team ends up taking the player that has been agreed upon by the media. Besides Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III, both of which are a given to be selected Nos. 1 and 2, Tannehill is the prime example of group think in this year's draft.

The Dolphins have been searching for a quarterback since 2000 and have had 16 starting quarterbacks in and out the door since Dan Marino retired that year. There's no guarantee that Tannehill would be No. 17, at least not in his first year, but the potential is there for him to be a top-15 quarterback in the NFL.

Is Tannehill exactly what they're looking for at quarterback? If yes, then he's the pick.

10. Buffalo Bills: Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

This is a home run pick in my opinion. Kuechly instantly upgrades the run defense, an area of weakness for the Bills recently, and provides a great deal of versatility in their linebacking corps. He's a capable leader from the middle, but has the athleticism to be a jack of all trades wherever he lines up. 

With four pieces for the future on the defensive line, the Bills could add a long-term piece to their linebacking corps with the No. 10 pick. That could potentially solidify their front seven for the next three to four years. 

In this draft, the No. 1-rated linebacker is worth a higher pick than the No. 2-rated receiver.

Mayock's mock leaves Michael Floyd on the board, but not for long.

16. New York Jets: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

Interesting selection; in fact, I traded up for Floyd in the B/R Blogger Draft. In Floyd, the Jets would land a playmaking threat on the outside. 

The Jets want to return to the ground-and-pound, which would lend itself to an offensive linemen or *gasp* trading up to grab Trent Richardson.

One solid way to improve the running game, though, is to add a wide receiver capable of contributing dynamic plays in the passing game. That, in turn, forces the defense to respect the pass and the numbers begin to play into the favor of the running game.

Mark Sanchez's heart might even skip a beat now that the Jets have a legitimate threat outside the numbers. 

27. New England Patriots: Nick Perry, DE, USC

Pass-rushers are hard to come by, and the Patriots have a golden opportunity to get one of the draft's best at No. 27 in Mayock's mock. Though there are some questions about his exact positional fit in the NFL, there's no question about his ability to get after the quarterback.

The Patriots will be asking themselves whether or not he can remain disciplined and play within the system. That will be a determining factor behind whether or not they pull the trigger on the USC pass rusher, but he could immediately fill the Mark Anderson role. With some polish on his technique and gap discipline, he could even contribute in the running game.

His ability to contribute on passing downs would make him a great start toward fixing a depleted position on the roster. The Patriots get a solid developmental piece at a position of need.

31. New England Patriots: Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame

At 6'2" and 213 pounds, Smith has the frame to cover the new breed of receiving tight ends in Dustin Keller, Scott Chandler and Anthony Fasano.

The Patriots could have a sound safety if they put Matthew Slater on the field, but that's not what they need; they need a playmaker and a guy who can cover. Smith could give them that, but he comes with some downside.

He's similar to former Patriots safety Brandon Meriweather in several facets of his game, and for that reason alone, I find him a very odd fit for the Patriots. He is too much of a freelancer, not a sound tackler, plays off instinct to a fault, has too many personal foul penalties and too often goes for the big hit.

But Meriweather was different in that he didn't want to change. If Smith can give into change, he could be a great fit for the defense. 

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