Round 2 NFL Mock Draft 2012: Top-Notch Prospects for Second Round Picks

With the first round over, NFL GMs have certainly already hammered out their strategies for the second round.

We will be watching to see which teams continue the momentum built from day one—both positive and negative.

In this mock draft, I will focus on teams that did well on day one, as well as offer the best pick for every second round slot.

(Spotlighted teams and players are italicized)

33. St. Louis Rams: Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech

I spoke to one fan that said the Rams blew it by not getting Michael Floyd or Justin Blackmon on day one.

I disagree.

The Rams were obviously not enamored with either player, and now they are in position to draft Hill with the first pick in the second round. They've also added more picks along the way to help the team improve.

In the end, we will see which receivers pan out. But as long as the Rams draft a wideout today, you can't argue with the approach.

  

34. Indianapolis Colts: Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford 

Fleener joining Luck seems like a no-brainer. This is the best move the Colts could make to increase Luck's chances for early success.

  

35. Baltimore Ravens: Peter Konz: C, Wisconsin 

The Ravens need to think about grabbing Ray Lewis' successor at some point, but for now getting Matt Birk's would be smart.

36. Denver Broncos: Devon Still, DT, Penn State

A run-stuffing DT does fit a need, but Broncos' fans will want a new weapon for Peyton Manning at some point.

37. Cleveland Browns: Rueben Randle, WR, LSU 

Alright, I will ease up on the Browns. Initially I was critical of their first-round philosophy. I still wouldn't have taken Trent Richardson at No. 4—and certainly not a No. 3.

But the drafting of Brandon Weeden shows me they are at least addressing the passing attack.

Weeden is 28 years old, so he isn't a QB of the future. If they use a first-round pick on him, they intend for him to play.

That said, the Browns still need a WR and Randle could be an excellent option for the rebuilt Browns' offense. 

38. Jacksonville Jaguars: Andre Branch, DE, Clemson 

I love the Justin Blackmon pick, and now they can address their pass-rushing needs. Originally I thought the Jags may go for Melvin Ingram on day one.

They did not.

But now they can still follow the philosophy of pass-rusher and WR.

Branch isn't as potentially dynamic as Ingram, but no WR they selected in the second round would be on par with Blackmon.

They may have just flip-flopped priorities.

  

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

This would be another pick in what is shaping up to be a very solid 2012 NFL draft for the Rams.

Although I'm not the biggest fan of Mike Adams, if they take him here, it means he graded out high for the Rams' scouts.

If they take Hill at No. 33 they can still make significant improvements on offense.

40. Carolina Panthers: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina 

Jeffery could be a complement to Steve Smith, and give Cam Newton an option in the red zone—besides himself.

41. Buffalo Bills: Zach Brown, OLB, North Carolina 

Brown has big time speed. He could flourish as a pass-rusher in Buffalo.

42. Miami Dolphins: Vinny Curry, DE, Marshall 

I've always liked Curry. He was one of my favorite players from a smaller Division I program. He could add depth behind Cameron Wake.

  

43. Seattle Seahawks: Chris Polk, RB, Washington 

Marshawn Lynch needs a backup, and Polk could offer tremendous depth for them at RB.

44. Kansas City Chiefs: Cordy Glenn, G, Georgia

I had originally tabbed Glenn as a first-round pick but that didn't materialize. The Chiefs would do well to snatch him up here.

  

45. St. Louis Rams: Lamar Miller, RB, Miami, FL

Here come the Rams again with their fourth pick in two rounds. If Steven Jackson is on the block—as reports indicate he is—then Miller could be his replacement.

He isn't as big, but he is very versatile.

He is a solid receiver, and underrated between the tackles.

  

46. Philadelphia Eagles: Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

Jenkins has the talent, but he also has some serious character concerns. The Eagles could be getting a major steal here, but this could also be a regrettable selection.

  

47.  New York Jets: Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

The Jets have a lot of uncertainty at WR. Sanu is a solid but less than spectacular prospect. 

  

48. New England Patriots: Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech 

Hosley reportedly failed drug tests prior to the draft. This could have caused him to slip a bit on draft boards. He does potentially help the Pats' secondary out.

49. San Diego Chargers: Mitchell Schwartz, OT, Cal

The Chargers could use some depth on the O-Line, especially if they are losing free agent Marcus McNeill.

50. Chicago Bears: Mychal Kendricks, LB, Cal 

Kendricks is an intense LB that loves to hit. If the Bears take him here, he may beat out Nick Roach at strong side LB.

51. Philadelphia Eagles: Kirk Cousins, QB, Michigan State: 

Philly has to address their backup QB situation, and I believe Cousins is the best QB prospect available.

52. Tennessee Titans: Josh Robinson, CB, Central Florida 

Robinson is a great athlete that could help on special teams right away. At the line of scrimmage, he could also help in the nickel package.

  

53. Cincinnati Bengals: Juron Criner, WR, Arizona 

Criner could play the role Jerome Simpson played in Cincy last year. He is a solid prospect and potentially could flourish with A.J. Green.

  

54. Detroit Lions: Trumaine Johnson, CB, Montana 

The Lions really need to upgrade at CB. They could have gone for a CB on day one but instead they took Riley Reiff to bolster the O-Line.

55. Atlanta Falcons: Kelechi Osemele, OT/OG, Iowa State 

Osemele is big and powerful. He could help restore the Falcons' power running game.

  

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

Silatolu could be the pick, especially if the Steelers continue their trend of drafting the best player available. At this stage of the draft, Silatolu fits the description.

57. Denver Broncos: LaMichael James, RB, Oregon 

James is a nice third down back. He has great hands out of the backfield and the speed to give linebackers trouble in coverage.

  

58. Houston Texans: Alameda Ta'amu, DT, Washington 

Ta'amu is a great fit as a run-stuffing DT. That is just what the Texans' defense asks of its lineman.

  

59. Green Bay Packers: Kendall Reyes, DE/DT, Connecticut 

Reyes impressed me at UConn. I watched him dominate the line of scrimmage in the Big East Championship against Cincinnati and—though it was in defeat—his performance really stood out.

He could be a beast in the Packers' system.

60. Baltimore Ravens:  Brandon Brooks, OG, Miami (OH): 

If the Ravens take Konz and Brooks, they will have significantly upgraded their O-Line for the long haul.

  

61. San Francisco 49ers: Courtney Upshaw, OLB

Upshaw is a day-one talent in my opinion. The Niners should be thrilled if he's there for them at this stage of the draft.

62. New England Patriots: Zebrie Sanders, OT, Florida State

With Matt Light retiring, the Pats have to think about rebuilding the unit that protects Tom Brady. Sanders is a solid prospect that still needs to develop a bit so that he can contribute regularly.

  

63. New York Giants: Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson

Jake Ballard suffered a leg injury in the Super Bowl and the G-Men need some depth at TE. Allen is a great athlete, but his football acumen has to catch up with his athleticism.

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