2012 NFL Mock Draft: Full First-Round Predictions

The 2012 NFL draft is all about who will land the first pick and the rights to Andrew Luck. Luck is by far the top available player. He is considered a can't-miss prospect with tremendous upside. The hype on Luck is so rabid that a slogan has been created: "Suck for Luck."

Luck is not the only talented player in the 2012 NFL draft. He is joined by a few other top-level quarterbacks, such as Landry Jones and Matt Barkley. Both of these quarterbacks are more raw than Luck but possess a lot of potential.

This draft also features a trio of excellent middle linebackers, a position that has been recently weak.  Vontaze Burfict, Manti Te'o and Luke Kuechly should all be selected in the first round. Burfict and Te'o have a chance to develop into true defensive forces.

At this point in the season, the draft order is anything but certain. However, I have used Bleacher Report's Matt Miller's power rankings. These are not normal power rankings, as they also project the teams' final records. There might not be a better place to get a projected draft order.

No. 1 Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, Quarterback, Stanford

The injury to Peyton Manning is just the latest example of how important the quarterback position is to a team. The Indianapolis Colts are having a horrid season, struggling to replace the injured Manning. They have a very good shot at landing the top pick.

If Indianapolis lands the top selection, it will have to make a very tough decision. Manning will return from this injury, likely playing four or five more seasons. Are the Colts really prepared to use the No. 1 overall pick on a player that will sit for five years?

The Colts have a lot of needs that could be filled by trading out of the top spot. Teams will be lining up to find a way to acquire Andrew Luck. I think we would all be shocked at the type of compensation the Colts would receive.

On the other side, franchise quarterbacks are very difficult to find. By drafting Luck, Indianapolis would have its next franchise quarterback. It would transition from the Peyton Manning era into the Andrew Luck era.

Ultimately, I feel the decision will come down to the health of Manning. If the Colts feel he has four or five years left, they will trade the pick. They would acquire a ton in return, which would likely include several draft picks. Indianapolis could then use those picks to draft a developmental quarterback.

No matter what happens, Andrew Luck will be the first player selected in the 2012 draft.

No. 2 St. Louis Rams: Alshon Jeffery, Wide Receiver, South Carolina

Thus far, this has been a very disappointing season for the St. Louis Rams. Many predicted that they would win the NFC West and make the playoffs. However, they suffered a string of injuries that impacted their play on the field. The injuries are only part of the issue, as they just have not been playing good football.

This team has several needs, but finding a No. 1 wide receiver has to be at the top of that list.  Quarterback Sam Bradford needs a go-to target if the Rams want him to be successful.

Alshon Jeffery is not having the season he had hoped, but he is still a terrific prospect. He possesses a rare combination of size and leaping ability. At 6'4", 229 pounds, Jeffery has the size to box out defenders and make tough catches.

His size wouldn't be as effective if he didn't have great body control. Jeffery can make great adjustments on the football. His size is also enhanced by his leaping ability. Jeffery always attacks the ball at its highest point. He is rarely out-jumped for the football.

Jeffery is the type of receiver that constantly makes his quarterback look good. His abilities allow him to make plays on throws others can't. Sam Bradford would be very happy with this selection.

No. 3 Miami Dolphins: Landry Jones, Quarterback, Oklahoma

The Miami Dolphins are a tough team to figure out. They have a lot of talent but are unable to put it all together. On offense, they have good line play, talented receivers and decent running backs. Defensively, they are coming off a year where they played excellent football.

However, this team is just not playing winning football. The only logical explanations are that the quarterback is to blame or it's a coaching issue. I honestly believe it is a combination of the two, but only time will tell.

At this point, Chad Henne appears unlikely to return as the Dolphins quarterback. He has been unable to hammer down the starting gig, making the quarterback position the Dolphins' biggest need.

All of Miami is hoping the Dolphins land Andrew Luck, but in this mock he is already off the board. The next best option is Landry Jones, who is a step below Luck but still talented.

Jones is going a great job leading a high-powered Oklahoma offense. He matches his on-field production with great physical skills. Jones possesses the arm strength to make all the necessary NFL throws. He has also shown the ability to deliver an accurate football.

Landry Jones is not a sure thing, but his talent and production make him worthy of the third pick.

No. 4 Kansas City Chiefs: Matt Kalil, Offensive Tackle, USC

If the Kansas City Chiefs don't turn their season around, they will have a tough decision to make. An unsuccessful season will raise questions about the future of quarterback Matt Cassel. As mentioned over and over again, the NFL is a quarterback-driven league. It takes a great quarterback to be a consistent Super Bowl contender.

Kansas City will be considering the available quarterbacks if it selects in the top five. However, in this mock both Andrew Luck and Landry Jones are off the board. I don't see Matt Barkley as a top-five quarterback.

Offensive tackle isn't a big need for the Chiefs, but Matt Kalil is too talented to pass up. The addition of Kalil would allow the Chiefs to slide Branden Albert to right tackle, probably his more natural position.  This selection would improve two offensive line spots, both left and right tackle.

The Chiefs' success is tied to their ability to run the football. A strong running game starts up front with the offensive line.

No. 5 Denver Broncos: Morris Claiborne, Cornerback, LSU

Morris Claiborne is one of the fastest-rising prospects in the entire country. He is part of a dominating LSU defense that has led the Tigers to an undefeated start to the season.

Claiborne's rise is directly tied to his ability to make plays. He is constantly around the football, showing the ability to create turnovers. Claiborne has a lot of experience playing bump-and-run coverage. His physical style of play is something that will be attractive to defensive coordinators.

Claiborne's experience has come against top-level SEC competition. He has shown the ability to stick with all different types of receivers. His most impressive skill is his quick burst, which allows him to click and close on the ball.

Denver needs to continue to improve on the defensive side of the ball. It is being coached by the defensive-minded John Fox, who will no doubt push for more defensive talent. Claiborne would be a good long-term replacement for Champ Bailey.

No. 6 Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Martin, Offensive Tackle, Stanford

The Arizona Cardinals made a big investment in quarterback Kevin Kolb in both money and assets. They need to ensure that Kolb is protected by upgrading the offensive line. Thus far this season, both Levi Brown and Brandon Keith have struggled.

Brown is a former top pick but appears out of position at left tackle. Next season, Brown is due a big salary bump, making him a release candidate. Even if Brown returns, the Cardinals should look to bring in someone to play left tackle.

Jonathan Martin is battling Matt Kalil for the honor of top-rated offensive tackle. At this point, I have Kalil rated slightly higher. However, Martin is a very good tackle prospect who is more than capable of protecting the quarterback.

He has proven to be above average both pass- and run-blocking. The Cardinals would be wise to make Martin their selection.

No. 7 Minnesota Vikings: Justin Blackmon, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma State

The Minnesota Vikings would love to see either Matt Kalil or Jonathan Martin fall into their lap. However, in this scenario both of the top-rated tackles are off the board. Fortunately, Minnesota has several areas that can use a talent upgrade.

The Vikings offense has not looked the same since the loss of Sidney Rice. They just don't have enough talent at the wide receiver position. Percy Harvin is a playmaker but not suited to play on the outside. He has also been in and out of the lineup due to migraines.

Justin Blackmon would bring an explosive element to the Vikings offense. His presence could really open things up for Adrian Peterson. Blackmon is a big target with the quickness to attack the deep part of the field.

Blackmon's presence would force the defense to commit more defenders to pass coverage, which would help open running lanes.

Another reason for Minnesota to consider Blackmon is its recent addition of quarterback Christian Ponder. Ponder was its 2011 first-round selection and will need plenty of weapons to be successful.

No. 8 Jacksonville Jaguars: Quinton Coples, Defensive End, UNC

The Jacksonville Jaguars seems to be on a never-ending search for a pass-rusher. They have added the likes of Derrick Harvey and Aaron Kampman but have found little success. However, this is still a vital need for the Jaguars. The answer to the problem isn't to avoid it, making Quinton Coples a great addition.

Coples is off to a slow start, but has the potential to be a dominant pass-rusher. The college football world is very aware of Coples, resulting in a lot of extra blockers. Coples' limited production can be directly tied to the added attention.

The struggles facing double-teams are a bit concerning, as all the best pass-rushers must deal with extra attention. However, Coples is too talented not to consider in the early part of the draft. I feel as the season progresses Coples will be able to find his stride.

Jacksonville will likely target a pass-rusher, but don't count out the addition of a receiver. If someone like Alshon Jeffery or Justin Blackmon is available, he would look very tempting.

No. 9 Seattle Seahawks: Matt Barkley, Quarterback, USC

I don't see Matt Barkley has a top-10 quarterback, but the Seattle Seahawks have shown they will reach on a prospect. Their drafting of James Carpenter shows they are very decisive and know who they want to select.

Barkley has ties to Seahawks head coach and decision-maker Pete Carroll. Carroll was heavily involved in Barley's recruitment to USC. This familiarity increases the likelihood of Barkley ending up in Seattle.

The Seahawks have a major need at the quarterback position; they are currently counting on Tarvaris Jackson and Charlie Whitehurst. Neither Jackson nor Whitehurst is considered the long-term answer at the position. I have little doubt that Seattle will be targeting a quarterback early in the 2012 NFL draft.

Barkley is an experienced quarterback who has shown a lot of potential. He has experience in a pro-style offense, which will help with his transition to the NFL. His lack of elite arm strength is what will limit his draft stock.

Typically, the top-rated quarterbacks feature great arm strength. Barkley doesn't have a bad arm; it is just not elite. This doesn't mean that he can't be a successful NFL quarterback. There are plenty of great quarterbacks that don't possess elite arm strength, but the draft is about potential.

No. 10 Carolina Panthers: Brandon Thompson, Defensive Tackle, Clemson

I will admit that this might be a little high for Brandon Thompson. However, he is one of the fastest-rising prospects in the country. He is a very versatile player who can fit into any defensive system. That versatility means he will be an option for every team looking for a defensive lineman.

The Carolina Panthers are a team looking to continue improving the roster. They have a bright future due to the play of Cam Newton. Ideally, they would like to continue to surround Newton with weapons, but the defense also needs work.

Carolina's biggest issues are along the defensive line. Currently, the Panthers are starting rookies Terrell McClain and Sione Fua at defensive tackle. They have done a decent job, but neither has the upside of Brandon Thompson.

Defensive lines are only as good as their depth. The most successful lines have a great rotation of players, keeping everyone fresh. The best example of this is the Detroit Lions, who rotate as many as nine defensive linemen.

Thompson is a big and strong defensive tackle who also possesses good quickness. During his career, he has shown the ability to penetrate the pocket and wreak havoc in the backfield. NFL defensive coordinators are always looking for someone to create pressure.

The ability to create pressure isn't Thompson's only strength. He has a good, strong anchor, allowing him to play two-gap football.

No. 11 Philadelphia Eagles: Vontaze Burfict, Linebacker, Arizona State

The Philadelphia Eagles are the NFL's most disappointing team. They have struggled on both sides of the football, but the defense might be the biggest issue. The defensive struggles have been blamed on the young and ineffective linebacking corps.

The linebacking unit is in a state of flux with a constant rotation of players. The current starting lineup includes Brian Rolle, Jamar Chaney and Moise Fokou with Casey Matthews also in the rotation. This unit is part of a defense surrendering 140 rushing yards per game.

Adding Vontaze Burfict seems like the perfect solution to the Eagles' problems. Burfict is a big and nasty middle linebacker who will strike fear into offensive coordinators. He has a real mean streak and wants nothing more than to inflict pain.

Burfict combines his size with excellent quickness, showing the ability to cover sideline to sideline. He is the type of run-stuffer the Eagles desperately need. Burfict would immediately be the best linebacker on the Eagles roster.

No. 12 Cleveland Browns: Manti Te'o, Linebacker, Notre Dame

The Cleveland Browns are in their first year of running their new 4-3 system. Making the adjustment from a 3-4 defense to a 4-3 takes time. Every defensive system needs different types of personnel. In the 2011 draft, Cleveland used two early picks to add defensive linemen Phil Taylor and Jabaal Sheard.

Cleveland can still use another defensive end, but none would equal the value of the 12th pick. However, it has the opportunity to land a potentially great middle linebacker, Manti Te'o. Te'o would replace the oft-injured D'Qwell Jackson.

Te'o currently plays for Notre Dame, one of the college teams people from Cleveland follow. He is a terrific football player and possesses the necessary size and speed to play linebacker. His quickness allows him to cover sideline to sideline. Te'o has a nose for the football, as he allows his instincts to guide him to the play.

Playing middle linebacker in the NFL is a tough job, but Te'o has the bulk to take the beating. Adding Te'o would not only bring talent, but also leadership. The most successful defenses get great leadership from the middle linebacker position.

No. 13 New York Jets: Trent Richardson, Running Back, Alabama

Rex Ryan wants the New York Jets to play a hard-nosed style off football. He wants to "ground and pound" his way through opposing defenses. However, the Jets have been unable to establish a consistent running game. Some of these struggles are because of the offensive line, but running back Shonn Greene hasn't exactly played great football either.

Trent Richardson would be a great addition to the New York Jets. He would immediately be the most talented running back on the roster. Richardson is a tough inside runner who would be able to "ground and pound."

Richardson is not only a physical running back but also possesses excellent speed. Many expect Richardson to post a sub-4.4 40-yard dash. He is really a complete running back, capable of carrying a heavy workload.

If Rex Ryan wants to be a run-first team, he needs to add a dynamic running back. Even if Greene finishes with a strong season, Richardson should still be the choice. The NFL has developed into a dual running back league.

No. 14 Cleveland Browns (via Falcons): Michael Floyd, Wide Receiver, Notre Dame

Hopefully the failure of Brady Quinn is a distant memory because I have the Browns selecting two players from Notre Dame. The Cleveland Brown decision-makers don't care where a player went to college, but fans might. However, at this point in the draft Cleveland should think about adding more offensive playmakers.

Michael Floyd has had his ups and downs, but he is having a terrific senior season. Floyd is a big-bodied receiver who excels at attacking the deep part of the field. He uses his size to gain position and make the catch.

Floyd doesn't have elite speed but is able to make plays because he is a quick-twitch athlete. His burst and ability to change speed often catches defenders off guard.

However, Floyd's best attribute is his size and leaping ability. He is able to go up and get the ball at its highest point. Floyd is rarely out-battled for a jump ball.

No. 15 Cincinnati Bengals: Dre Kirkpatrick, Cornerback, Alabama

The Cincinnati Bengals were a little shocked when Johnathan Joseph decided to sign with the Houston Texans. After Joesph's departure, the Bengals decided to add veteran Nate Clements, who has played well this season.

Clements is 31 years old and on the downside of his career. He also might be better suited to play a nickel or dime role. Alabama's Dre Kirkpatrick would be a nice replacement for Clements. He is a fast-rising prospect who is finally living up to his potential.

Kirkpatrick's best attribute is his ball skills, as he is always a threat to come down with the interception.  He also possesses very good athletic ability, which allows him to stick with receivers. Kirkpatrick also has had the opportunity to learn under Nick Saban, a great defensive mind.

I think Cincinnati would love to see Trent Richardson at this spot, but he is already off the board.

No. 16 Chicago Bears: Riley Reiff, Offensive Tackle, Iowa

The Chicago Bears might be the team with the most obvious need. Their offensive line is likely the worst in the entire NFL. They have been unable to protect their quarterback, with Jay Cutler constantly taking vicious hits. It would not be a bad idea for the Bears to use their entire draft on offensive linemen.

The Bears' biggest need is a left tackle; they just drafted Gabe Carimi to play on the right side. Riley Reiff would be a good option as the Bears' left tackle of the future. He has the athleticism and size to hold down the left side of the line.

Heading into the season, I felt that Reiff had a lot of holes in his game, but he has made big improvements. A tackle tandem of Reiff and Carimi would be a good start to fixing the Bears' offensive line problems.

No. 17 Tennessee Titans: Jerel Worthy, Defensive Tackle, Michigan State

Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Munchak feels that the key to winning football games is the play of the line. As a Hall of Fame offensive lineman, Munchak expects his team to play physically and dominate the line of scrimmage.

The offensive line is one of the strengths of the Tennessee Titans. However, the defensive line could use some top-level talent. As it stands, Shaun Smith and Jurrell Casey are the starting defensive tackles.  Both are solid but neither are very disruptive.

Jerel Worthy is the top-rated defensive tackle and has good size and athletic ability. He entered the season as a player to watch and has not disappointed. His ability to penetrate the pocket is something all defensive coordinators covet.

Wreaking havoc in the backfield is only part of Worthy's game. He also does a good job eating up space and playing two-gap football. However, he is at his best when asked to create pressure.

No. 18 Dallas Cowboys: Cordy Glenn, Offensive Lineman, Georgia

The Dallas Cowboys and Jerry Jones know the importance of having a good offensive line. Over the years, Jones has made every effort to ensure the offensive line was full of talent.

However, the unit is currently going through a bit of a rebuilding stage. It has three new starters in Tyron Smith, Bill Nagy and Phil Costa. Of those three, only Smith is guaranteed a long-term starting position.

Nagy has done a decent job this season, but he just isn't a player who can consistently win individual battles. Adding a player like Cordy Glenn would bring size and strength to the offensive line. Glenn is a massive player who also possesses quick feet.

Glenn has the skills to step in and start from day one. He also has the ability to fill in at one of the tackle position. That versatility is an invaluable asset, likely something that will increase his draft stock. The addition of Glenn would make the Cowboys offensive line one of the younger and more talented in the league.

No. 19 Pittsburgh Steelers: Alameda Ta'amu, Defensive Tackle, Washington

Casey Hampton has been in the middle of the Pittsburgh Steelers defense for the past 11 seasons. He doesn't get as much attention as James Harrison but is equally important. Hampton plays the all-important nose tackle position. The nose tackle is asked to occupy blockers so the linebackers can flow to the football.

Hampton is starting to wear down, meaning the Steelers need to start considering replacements. Alameda Ta'amu is a massive defensive tackle capable of playing the nose tackle position. He has both the size and strength to hold at the point of attack and occupy blockers.

The Pittsburgh Steelers defense is starting to age; it is time to starting infusing some young talent.  Ta'amu could be the Steelers nose tackle for the next 11 season.

No. 20 Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Zach Brown, Linebacker, UNC

The Tampa Bay defense is one of the few areas where the Buccaneers need to continue to build. The linebacker unit has talent, but Brown would be a good addition. I think Tampa could look to add a cornerback, but the Bucs seem convinced that their current unit is fine.

Zach Brown is one of the many North Carolina defenders that could be selected in the 2012 NFL draft.  He is an extremely athletic linebacker who would be a nice fit for the Cover 2 system.  Brown is still learning the ins and outs of the game, but he has great potential.

No. 21 New York Giants: Luke Kuechly, Linebacker, Boston College

The New York Giants are still searching for a replacement for middle linebacker Antonio Pierce. Pierce has not played for a few seasons, meaning this has been a long-lasting problem. New York has tried several different players at the position, including Jonathan Goff and Greg Jones.

Jones and fellow rookie Mark Herzlich are both intriguing players but are unlikely to develop into stars. The middle linebacker position is too important to leave up to average players. Luke Kuechly has all the skills necessary to finally fill the position.

Kuechly might be the most instinctive player in the entire 2012 draft class. He is always around the football due to his ability to read his keys. Kuechly is not an elite athlete but has enough quickness to make plays sideline to sideline.

No. 22 Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III, Quarterback, Baylor

Is Mike Shanahan willing to take a chance on a developmental quarterback? Yes, Shanahan is confident enough to think he can make any quarterback a star, even John Beck. Robert Griffin III isn't just any quarterback. He is a once in a lifetime athlete who happens to have the ability to play quarterback.

Prior to the season, Griffin wasn't really seen as a legitimate quarterback prospect. However, his early-season play has put him into the first-round discussion. Griffin is not just an athlete; he also has an excellent arm and good accuracy.

Griffin plays in a spread attack, which inflates his numbers, but he has shown a high skill level. He is not a finished product and will need time to continue his development, but the sky is the limit.

If selected by the Redskins, Griffin would be able to sit behind a Rex Grossman and learn the offense. He would also have the opportunity to learn under the offensive guru Mike Shanahan.

As well as Grossman has played, he shouldn't be considered the long-term answer at quarterback.

No. 23 Oakland Raiders: David DeCastro, Guard, Stanford

The Oakland Raiders have become known as the team that is obsessed with speed. However, they have also made the offensive line a draft-day focus. The Raiders have become a running football team, featuring the talented Darren McFadden.

If Oakland wants to remain a run-oriented team, it needs to continue to beef up the offensive line. The entire NFL knows the Raiders want to run the football, so it is imperative that they have a strong offensive line.

Oakland drafted Stefen Wisniewski to play somewhere along the offensive line. He is currently the starting left guard but will eventually be moved to center. Moving Wisniewski would leave a hole at the guard position—a hole that could be filled by David DeCastro, out of the nearby school of Stanford.

DeCastro is a hard-nosed offensive guard who excels in the run-blocking game. He plays with great leverage and technique, which permits him to effectively open running lanes. If Oakland wants to continue running the ball, adding DeCastro would be a great idea.

No. 24 San Diego Chargers: Janoris Jenkins, Cornerback, North Alabama

Janoris Jenkins was extremely close to entering the 2011 NFL draft but was persuaded to return to school. If Jenkins entered the draft, he would have likely been a first-round selection. However, he returned to school and was cited for possession of marijuana. His citation led to his dismissal from Florida, and he eventually landed at North Alabama.

Despite his off-field issues, Jenkins is one of the better cornerback prospects in the 2012 NFL draft.  He possesses great instincts and short area burst, which allows him to break on the football. Jenkins' best fit would be in zone coverage, where he can read the quarterback's eyes.

Jenkins' skill set allows him to make plays on the football. He possesses good ball skills, which makes him a threat to create a turnover.

No. 25 Houston Texans: Jeff Fuller, Wide Receiver, Texas A&M

Andre Johnson is a great wide receiver but has suffered several nagging injuries. The Texans offense is not the same with Johnson out of the lineup. He is their only real consistent receiving threat. When he is out of the lineup, Houston has to turn to Kevin Walter and Jacoby Jones. While Jones and Walter are nice players, neither is a consistent threat.

Adding a playmaker like Jeff Fuller would greatly improve the offense. When Johnson is out of the lineup, Fuller would be able to step in and provide a consistent threat.

Fuller would not only help when Johnson is out of the lineup. He would provide another threat on the field to draw coverage away from Johnson. Andre Johnson is productive despite facing constant double-teams.

No. 26 San Francisco 49ers: Alfonzo Dennard, Cornerback, Nebraska

Jim Harbaugh and the San Francisco 49ers are trying to build a hard-nosed football team. They have made efforts to build in the trenches but now need to work on the skill positions. Defensively, the 49ers need to add some help to the secondary.

Carlos Rogers and Tarell Brown are the current starters at the cornerback position. While they are playing solid football, neither is considered the long-term answer at the position. San Francisco will likely target the cornerback position early in the 2012 draft.

Alfonzo Dennard is a highly rated cornerback prospect out of Nebraska. He is a physical cornerback who loves to get up and play bump-and-run coverage. That physical type of play would be a perfect fit for what the 49ers want to accomplish.

Adding a cover man like Dennard would help the 49ers pass rush, as it would take longer for receivers to come open. His ability to play bump-and-run would permit the 49ers to bring more pressure.

No. 27 Buffalo Bills: Ronnell Lewis, Defensive End/Linebacker, Oklahoma

The Buffalo Bills have a lot of nice pieces in place on the offensive side of the ball. However, they need to find more talent for the defense. Buffalo runs a 3-4 defensive alignment but lacks a true edge rusher. It took a gamble on Shawne Merriman, but he hasn't been able to overcome a string of injuries.

The Bills are currently starting Chris Kelsay and Danny Batten at the outside linebacker positions. Neither Kelsay nor Batten has registered a sack, and the entire Bills defense only has four total sacks. They are just not creating enough pressure to be an effective defense.

Ronnell Lewis is a fast-rising prospect who looks to be a great fit as a 3-4 outside linebacker. He is an undersized defensive end who excels at attacking the edge. His quick burst off the ball allows him to get into the backfield and create pressure.

Lewis would immediately be the best pass-rusher on the Buffalo Bills roster.

No. 28 New England Patriots (via Saints): Kendall Reyes, Defensive Tackle, UConn

The New England Patriots have made a defensive change, moving to more of a 4-3 base system. New England has traditionally been a 3-4 defensive team. However, Bill Belichick felt that his personnel was a better fit for the 4-3.

In order to run a 4-3 alignment, a defense must have the proper personnel. It is very important to have a strong front four capable of creating pressure. While the defensive ends are expected to bring the majority of the pressure, a push from the middle is also needed.

During the offseason, New England took a gamble on Albert Haynesworth. However, he hasn't been able to remain healthy, limiting his on-field impact. If New England wants to make a permanent defensive switch, it needs to add help at defensive tackle.

Kendall Reyes would be a great fit as a three-technique defensive tackle. He has a great burst off the line of scrimmage, which allows him to penetrate the pocket. Reyes also possesses violent hands that keep blockers off his body. 

Reyes offers versatility, as he would also be able to play the five-technique. His versatility would allow the Patriots to still use the 3-4 alignment.

No. 29 New England Patriots: Brandon Jenkins, Outside Linebacker, Florida State

So far this season, the New England Patriots have been mainly running a 4-3 defensive alignment. This is due to the fact they don't have a great pass-rushing linebacker. In order for the Patriots to effectively run a 3-4, they need to have an outside edge rusher.

Brandon Jenkins has the quickness off the edge to create pressure. He would be a good addition, as he can play either outside linebacker or defensive end. However, his best position might be outside linebacker.

Jenkins' versatility would give the Patriots some options, allowing them to rotate between a 4-3 and 3-4.  Bill Belichick loves versatile defenders, as it allows him to be creative. Of course, New England is always looking to add extra picks, meaning this could be a potential trade spot.

No. 30 Baltimore Ravens: Courtney Upshaw, Linebacker, Alabama

Courtney Upshaw is just one of the handful of talented Alabama linebackers expected to be selected in the 2012 draft. He is arguably the most talented, combining good size and quickness. Upshaw is a very versatile linebacker, capable of playing either inside or out.

Upshaw would be able to play any of the linebacker positions in the Baltimore Ravens defense. He would be able to spell a Jarret Johnson, Jameel McClain or even Terrell Suggs. Every defensive coordinator would appreciate the talent and versatility of Upshaw.

The Ravens would not have a hard time finding playing time for Upshaw. As I mentioned, he has the ability to provide rest to any number of players. However, he could be an option as the long-term replacement to Ray Lewis. At 6'2", 263 pounds, Upshaw has the size and strength to play in traffic.

No. 31 Detroit Lions: Stephon Gilmore, Cornerback, South Carolina

The Detroit Lions are having a great season, playing at a high level on both offense and defense. This team may be playing well, but it still has several holes to fill. It could use some offensive line depth, a true power runner (Mikel Leshoure's injury is a concern) and secondary help. Of those needs, adding help in the secondary is the most pressing.

The Lions are able to hide their questionable secondary with a good pass rush. However, the corner position could use some young talent. Chris Houston and Eric Wright have done a nice job, but both are at the limit of their talent.

Stephon Gilmore is an excellent athlete who is coming into his own as a cover man. He still needs some time to develop, but the sky is the limit.

Adding Gilmore to the secondary mix will greatly improve the Lions defense. Now offenses are looking at having limited time to throw the ball into tight coverage.

No. 32 Green Bay Packers: Bruce Irvin, Outside Linebacker, West Virginia

The Green Bay Packers don't have a ton of needs but could use another pass-rusher. Clay Matthews III is one of the league's top pass-rushers, and he receives the attention that comes with that billing. Opposing offenses are very aware of Matthews and his ability to bring pressure. Teams spend countless hours finding a way to block him.

Adding another pass-rushing threat would make it virtually impossible to slow the Packers defense. Bruce Irvin has the type of explosiveness to develop into an excellent NFL pass-rusher. He is still developing and is actually quite raw.

At West Virginia, the majority of Irvin's snaps come at defensive end. However, he doesn't have to size or strength to play that position in the NFL. Irvin will need to make the adjustment to outside linebacker, likely in a 3-4 system.

Irvin is a very athletic player, more than capable of adjusting to outside linebacker. However, in my opinion he should only be in consideration for 3-4 defenses.