2012 Round One NFL Mock Draft: Super Bowl Edition

The 2012 NFL offseason is about to begin with the final six picks being settled in Indianapolis. The New York football Giants earned the last pick in the draft with their 21-17 win over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI, while the last four are pending a pair of coin flips at the NFL scouting combine later in the month (presumably).

There have been some nice surprises this season (Robert Griffin, III), some unexpected outcomes (both Matt Barkley and Landry Jones returning to college) and some major disappointments (several defensive linemen and an on-field scuffle between two top players).

The NFL Combine and player workouts will give several draft hopefuls an opportunity to get back into the first round. 

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

Preseason Pick: 25. Nick Foles, QB, Arizona

The Indianapolis Colts are in a position they are somewhat familiar with -- they are sitting atop the league and showing it will be very difficult to catch them.

What they aren't familiar with is not being a sign of proficiency. The Colts have been synonymous with success since Peyton Manning got his NFL legs under him. Without him they just stink.

Before word started to spread about Manning's health, I had them grabbing a quarterback at the end of round one. Then again, I had them grabbing a quarterback (Ryan Mallett) in round two of my 2011 mock draft.

Their new draft position would likely allow them to grab Foles at the start of round two if they opted to trade the top pick. That is extremely unlikely, though. Instead, look for them to grab a future playmaker at the wide receiver position with their second pick.

The Colts built a franchise on the back of their last quarterback and will do the same with Andrew Luck.

With recent reports leaning towards Peyton Manning's return to the gridiron in 2012, the Colts might be best served trading this pick. They could likely command at least six early-round draft picks.

The extra draft capital would allow them to re-build the team and likely put them in position to be able to draft Matt Barkley in 2013. 

2. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin, III, QB, Baylor

Preseason Pick: 4. Matt Barkley, QB, USC

While the second pick belongs to the St. Louis Rams and the Washington Redskins are slated to pick in the sixth spot, I can't see either team standing pat at those picks.

The Rams need an offensive tackle and a wide receiver, not a quarterback. Unless they have their heart set on either Matt Kalil, Justin Blackmon or Alshon Jeffery, it only makes sense for them to move back and secure a few extra picks to help expedite their rebuild.

The Redskins need a quarterback more than any other team in the NFL. They have neither a serviceable starter nor a young prospect. A lack of free agent options will send them after the best option available in the 2012 offseason.

The Colts are not going to part with Andrew Luck, leaving the Redskins to go after Griffin. He has a strong arm, throws a great deep ball and can scramble and throw on the run. It just might make Mike Shanahan think of another quarterback.

3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT, Southern California

Preseason Pick: 10. Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

The Minnesota Vikings appear to have several needs to address. They need a serious bump at wide receiver, could use some help on the defensive line, and need to address cornerback and the aging linebacker group at some point.

The Vikings may have trade offers from teams looking to get into position to draft Griffen or possibly even Trent Richardson. This move would help Minnesota acquire picks to get to work on several of the other needs and still be able to draft Martin a little later on.

GM Rick Spielman was asked in an NFL Network interview about the potential of trading back from the third spot.

 “It will be, I think, very busy on draft day," Spielman said. "We’re the third overall pick, so we’ll be looking at all the options. If someone wants to come up and get our pick, we’re going to be more than willing to listen.”

The Vikings biggest need is long-range planning to protect Christian Ponder. Signing Charlie Johnson to take over for the bloated Bryant McKinnie may not even qualify as short-range planning. They also need a transition plan for guard Steve Hutchinson, so look for the Vikings to take a guard on the third day of the draft.

Last season the story of offensive-line brotherhood came with Mike Pouncey following his brother from Florida to the NFL.

Imagine if Mike Pouncey was much, much better than he actually is. That is the story of Matt Kalil. 

Ryan Kalil is a Pro Bowl center in the NFL and his brother is primed to make a huge splash of his own. The only concern with Kalil's game is if he has the quickness and fluidity to keep up with the elite defensive ends in the NFL.

4. Cleveland Browns: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

Preseason Pick: 12. Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

Predictions for the Cleveland Browns are all over the board. Some believe they will make a play for Robert Griffin, III while others see them taking a running back. The Browns did have issues at both positions, but Colt McCoy will be monumentally better if he has an actual NFL-quality receiver to throw to.

While some consider Blackmon a risk due to a DUI arrest, others are concerned with Cowboys receivers making the transition to the NFL. Dez Bryant has done just fine in the NFL, though, and look for Blackmon to do the same.

I've had Blackmon in a revolving door for the top receiver in this draft with Alshon Jeffery. Just when it looked like Jeffery was going to secure the top spot with a huge game against Nebraska, an ill-advised fight led to an ejection...and dropping to second in the draft.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

Preseason Pick: 18. Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona St.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have many needs to fill. They need youth and talent in the secondary, Josh Freeman would benefit from an elite pass-catcher, and the ground game could use a more complete running back.

Cornerback, wide receiver and running back are both fairly deep in this draft. The decision will likely hinge on who will have the biggest impact and which position has the biggest dropoff in round two or beyond.

Morris Claiborne could anchor a secondary for years to come. He's valuable in man, press and zone coverage and has the size and speed to support in run coverage. He will step in replace Ronde Barber and Tampa Bay will turn their attention to wide receiver and running back in rounds two and three.

6. St. Louis Rams: Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

Preseason Pick: 21. Cliff Harris, CB, Oregon

I'll admit it...I was wrong. I thought the Rams would have enough personnel coming back at wide receiver to fix their issues from last season. I also thought they'd be able to rebound from an inevitable poor start to the season and squeak their way into the NFC West division title. For the trifecta, I thought the 49ers had too much turnover on defense to have the continuity they'd need to finally make it back to the playoffs.

The Rams are currently looking at the second pick, but look for them to move back so they can acquire a few more players to help with their rebuild.

This could include some additional help on the offensive line, but they aren't as bad off there as people think. They struggled in '09 and '11 due to injuries, but the 2010 offensive line was solid. There is a huge correlation to the health and success of the offensive line and the team as a whole. Look for them to add depth to the offensive line, not an early draft pick.

The Rams need to find Sam Bradford an elite receiver. 

I almost like Alshon Jeffery with this pick. After struggling to reach his potential in 2011, a huge game against Nebraska was pushing him back up draft boards. Then an ill-advised fight led to an ejection...and dropping to perhaps the fourth wide receiver. He might even be available in the second round.

The receiver on the other end of Jeffery's fall is Kendall Wright. Working with Robert Griffin, III he amassed 1,663 yards on 108 receptions. With the potential to notch a 4.4 40-time at the combine, he could begin to rival Justin Blackmon for top honors.

While Wright lacks the size of some elite wide receivers, he makes up for it with quickness and route skills that create separation. He is a legitimate deep-play threat and would open up the Rams' offense.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Quinton Coples, DE/DT, North Carolina

Preseason Pick: 11. Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech

Jacksonville has a young quarterback and a powerful running back. They have some talent on their offensive line, and their defense is fairly decent. They could use a defensive end to fill the role they hoped Aaron Kampman would fill, and they also are in dire need of a wide receiver.

Their secondary could be in even worse condition, and a solid pass-rush can only do so much to mask deficiencies.

The Jaguars will have a tough decision to make. There will still be a few solid pass catchers waiting for them in round two.

I actually like Stephon Gilmore as a first-round talent and am tempted to place him here. He is a more physical corner than Dre Kirkpatrick, but he could possibly be there in round two.

I'm not as sold on Kirkpatrick's physical tools as others, but his potential could have him moving off the board early. Then again, he could follow the suit of Prince Amukamara and fall into the last half of the first round...unless his marijuana possession charges push him into the second round.

Jacksonville needs a playmaker on defense and Quinton Coples is just that at the defensive end position. It 

Coples' 2011 campaign left some questioning his heart and talent. But the move to defensive tackle due to team needs had a big impact on his production. He was still productive when working from the edge.

His showing at the Senior Bowl further proved that he deserves to be a top-10 pick.

8. Carolina Panthers: Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

Preseason Pick: 2. Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

While Steve Smith made an amazing turn in his career in 2011, he isn't a long-term answer at wide receiver. The Panthers will need to address this position early in the draft. However, with the top two wide receivers off the board, Carolina may look at the other side of the ball.

Quinton Coples and Stephon Gilmore are both options here. Carolina needs some help in run defense, pressuring the quarterback and in the secondary, and both of these players would fill a need.

Cam Newton and the offense will be the face of the franchise. That isn't going to happen if he doesn't have a target to throw the ball to, but with the top two receivers off the board, the Panthers would likely go a different direction.

Michael Brockers was a surprise announcement to enter the 2012 draft, as he's only played one season as a starter. Perhaps he realized the pickings at defensive tackle were slim in this class and opted to capitalize.

Devon Still has been move consistent and also has the experience to prepare him to be a starter in 2012. However, the Panthers rebuild has a bit longer horizon, and Brockers has a much higher ceiling. He could become the focal point of the Panther defense in years to come.

8. Miami Dolphins: Riley Reiff, Offensive Tackle, Iowa

Preseason Pick: 14. Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

The Miami Dolphins have numerous options to consider at this slot. They could look to add their future offensive star in Trent Richardson. They may also look to find a blocker for whomever ends up at quarterback and see if Reggie Bush can continue his resurgence. 

The Dolphins could also look at defensive end, as it looks as though Joe Philbin wants to convert the defense to a 4-3 front. Cameron Wake will hold down his end of the line, but Miami needs another pass rusher.

Defensive ends will be more plentiful in free agency than starting offensive tackles. Look for Philbin to find a potential star in either Riley Reiff of Jonathan Martin.

I am leaning towards Martin being the second tackle taken in this draft, as he seems to be a more fluid blocker and better fit for a starting left tackle in the NFL. Reiff could be relegated to the right side in the NFL, but he is becoming the en-vogue pick at the position.

10. Buffalo Bills: Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama

Preseason Pick: 3. Quinton Coples, DE/DT, North Carolina

I liked Coples enough before the season to mock him third overall. There is still a chance he is still available for the Buffalo Bills.

Buffalo has several needs to address, but the biggest issue is their pass rush. If Coples is off the board expect them to look at OLB to fill the void.

Courtney Upshaw should be able to step in and do just that. 

11. Cincinnati Bengals: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Preseason Pick: 1. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

Trade: The Cincinnati Bengals send their 2012 first and fourth round picks and their 2013 first round pick to the Seattle Seahawks.

Obviously, the Cincinnati Bengals performed well above my expectations this season. A.J. Green made a huge impact and Andy Dalton showed promise as a rookie quarterback.

Even more surprising, the defense and several new faces came together and helped carry the team. They were top-10 in yards and points allowed.

For the Bengals to step up their performance in 2012, they will need help at running back. They can either sit and wait to draft Lamar Miller, or they can move up and grab Richardson. 

The Bengals have the luxury of doing the latter, as they will have an extra early pick in 2013 from the Oakland Raiders for Carson Palmer. 

11: Kansas City Chiefs: David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

Preseason Pick: 17. Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia

The Kansas City Chiefs have a lot of work to do in this draft, and don't figure to have the picks to do it. They need offensive line help and have a few free agents they may need to replace...like Dwayne Bowe. 

Jon Baldwin was drafted to move into that role, but I don't see him working with Steve Breaston and creating a feared receiving duo.

The Chiefs may also be looking at a big, strong running back to work with Jamaal Charles and could use to draft a quarterback. Then there is the defensive side of the ball.

Jonathan Martin is also an option here, but David DeCastro is difficult to ignore. Offensive guards aren't always highly praised, but DeCastro has star power written all over him.

13. Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

Preseason Pick: 8. Matt Kalil, OT, Southern California

Early returns on the Cardinals' trade to bring Kevin Kolb to the desert are getting mixed reviews. Some argue it is hard to not have more passing yards and touchdowns when Larry Fitzgerald is catching the ball.

There are two things most of us can agree on, though:

1. The trade was worth it for Arizona if that is what prompted Fitzgerald to sign away the rest of his productive playing days to the Cardinals.

2. The Cardinals' offense is in desperate need of several upgrades on the offensive line.

This is where Martin comes in. The left tackle position was a major source of concern for Arizona in 2011...as was the rest of the line. Expect the Cardinals to select offensive linemen early and often in this draft. If Martin is their first pick, they'll be well on their way.

14. Dallas Cowboys: Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

Preseason Pick: 13. Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

The Dallas Cowboys have several issues to address this offseason. They need to shore up their blocking, particularly on the interior of the line. If David DeCastro was still on the board he could be the pick here.

The Cowboys had a top-five pass defense in 2008. They have been in the 20's the last three years, though. Expect the Cowboys to take a chance on one off the fastest cornerbacks in the draft.

Jenkins doesn't have the size of some of the corners available in 2012. He makes up for it with quickness and is solid in press coverage as well.

Most draft boards aren't as enamored with Jenkins as I am, but there is only one that matters...and that one is in front of Jerry Jones.

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College

Preseason Pick: 27. Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College

The Philadelphia Eagles have distinct needs at linebacker and likely wide receiver, pending the outcome of free agent DeSean Jackson. But given the Eagles were still passable on offense even when Jackson was doing his disappearing act, the linebacker position is a bit more important.

There is some rumblings that the Eagles are going to pursue Stephen Tulloch in free agency, thus freeing them up to draft a top-end outside guy. That could be Zach Brown or Courtney Upshaw. They will also turn to a wide receiver-heavy free agent market for help in the passing game.

These steps will help the Eagles get back to the kind of performance the team is accustomed to.

Unless the Eagles grab a starting middle linebacker in free agency, Luke Kuechly makes a lot of sense for Andy Reid's team. He's not the most athletically gifted linebacker in the class, but he is a hard-nosed run defender that will help shore up the middle of the Eagles defense.

16. New York Jets: Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina

Preseason Pick: 24. Devin Taylor, OLB, South Carolina

The New York Jets have more holes to fill than one would have thought heading into the 2011 season. They need an upgrade at running back and have issues at wide receiver.

However, if the Jets are going to beat the New England Patriots, they have a bigger need...getting pressure on Tom Brady. 

Bryan Thomas' status for 2012 is uncertain following an achilles tear in early October. He provided much of their pass rush last season and was missed after going out. He is also a free agent.

Courtney Upshaw might be available here, but if not, Melvin Ingram is a solid option. He has the quickness to get around offensive tackles and has also shown a great inside move.

Should Ingram also be off the board, the Jets could grab another player from USC...but the California version. Nick Perry lacks the size of Ingram but has better speed.

17. Cincinnati Bengals: Cordy Glenn, G, Georgia

Preseason Pick: 15. Pick acquired from Oakland Raiders as part of Carson Palmer trade.

This is normally where we would insert a joke about the draft issues the Oakland Raiders have had in recent years. Instead of finding a way to mess up a pick without Al Davis' assistance, they decided to over-spend for Carson Palmer.

The Bengals will have a difficult decision with this pick. They could use some help on the offensive line, need a wide receiver to replace Jerome Simpson and have issues in the secondary.

Leon Hall's Achilles injury puts him at risk next season, and Nate Clements wasn't any more consistent than he was in San Francisco.

All three positions look to have solid depth that will be available in the second round so the Bengals will have options based upon which player is on the board. 

With the earlier selection of Trent Richardson, look for the Bengals to get a big body to bust open holes. Cordy Glenn stands 6'5" and 350 lbs and will fit right in with Cincinnati's big line.

These two moves could give the Bengals a threatening offense, and make fans glad the team opted to part ways with Carson Palmer.

18. San Diego Chargers: Mark Barron, SS, Alabama

Preseason Pick: 22. Brandon Jenkins, OLB, Florida State

The San Diego Chargers have been attempting to piece together pieces of their defense, most notably their linebackers and safety positions. 

Last offseason they brought in two former linebackers from the San Francisco 49ers, following defensive coordinator Greg Manusky. They also risked an early roster spot on Bob Sanders, which didn't turn out well.

Mark Barron is one of my favorite parts of the Alabama defense. I've been more impressed with his work than that of Dre Kirkpatrick, whose recent troubles have kept me from placing him in the first round of the draft.

The strong safety position may be under-rated, particularly in the first round of the draft, but Barron is worthy of the slot. He will help change the fortunes of the Chargers pass protection issues.

19. Chicago Bears: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

Preseason Pick: 16. Jeff Fuller, WR, Texas A&M

An inconsistent season has moved Jeff Fuller from a possible first-round selection to late in the draft. However, the Chicago Bears still need a wide receiver for Jay Cutler to throw the ball to.

Michael Floyd could very well be off the board well before this, but there is a lot of talent that needs to filter through team needs and scouting perceptions. There is also a lot of depth at the position, which could drive teams to hold off on drafting a receiver until the second or third round.

The Bears need a healthy Cutler, to re-sign Matt Forte and get healthy, and a few more bodies on the offensive line. Then they are just lacking two starting wide receivers to have the makings of a good offense.

Floyd should be able to step in and start as a rookie.

20. Tennessee Titans: Devon Still, DT, Penn State

Preseason Pick: 6. Alshon Jeffrey, WR, South Carolina

Devon Still is seen by many as the top defensive tackle in the 2012 draft and has seen the top-10 of many a draft board. He's certainly more pro-ready than Michael Brockers, but he doesn't seem to have the same potential. 

Analysts tend to place players in the draft based on need and the players ranking. Pro scouts will be a touch more discerning, which could lead to Still being available for the Titans.

While Still can be a punishing tackler, he seems to lack the speed and quickness to be a top defensive tackle in the NFL. He is too often blocked by one man in college, which makes it hard to envision him collapsing more that a single gap in the NFL.

He will likely prove to be a quality hole-plugger, but not the explosive talent some expect him to be.

21. Seattle Seahawks: Nick Perry, DE/OLB, USC

Preseason Pick: 9. Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma

Pick acquired in a trade with the Cincinnati Bengals.

The decision to trade out of the top of the draft, and thus walk away from what looks to be an elite running back, will not be easy. Seattle did the same thing in their second season and let the Dallas Cowboys draft Tony Dorsett. 

The Seahawks did little with their opportunity in 1977, but don't expect the same in 2012.

Most would expect the Seahawks to grab a quarterback with this spot, which could be Ryan Tannehill or Nick Foles. However, Seattle will likely make a free agent signing that will lessen the need to grab a quarterback in the first round.

Seattle has two starting linebackers hitting the free agent market. They figure to come to terms with David Hawthorne who manned the middle most of the last three seasons, but Leroy Hill doesn't have the speed to fill the needs at the position in Seattle.

This could lead Seattle to take Zach Brown of North Carolina or Dont'a Hightower of Alabama. I worry about the speed of the latter, though, and how well he'd fit with the Seahawks needs.

Speaking of needs...their biggest one on defense is generating a pass rush. 

Pete Carroll likes versatile players, and Nick Perry will give him that. He can rotate into the defensive end spot in passing downs and has the speed to work from an outside linebacker position in run situations. 

Perry is also an ideal candidate to replace Chris Clemons at the Leo end position when the time comes. Clemons will be a 31-year-old free agent at the end of the 2012 season. 

22. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Adams, Offensive Tackle, Ohio State

Preseason Pick: 28. David DeCastro, G, Stanford

Trade: The Pittsburgh Steelers send their first pick (24) and fifth-round to the Cleveland Browns for the 22nd pick, which they received in a 2011 trade with the Atlanta Falcons.

The Pittsburgh Steelers definitely need an infusion of youth. They have aging players on their defense, and their offensive line has issues at guard and left tackle.

The Steelers won't be able to fill many of their holes in this draft, but would be wise to leap over the Detroit Lions to draft Mike Adams.

Max Starks was brought back to Pittsburgh in a desperate move in October. The 30-year-old is hardly the future since the Steelers didn't even see him as the present this summer.

The big three offensive tackles are off the board, but Mike Adams is a pretty good consolation prize. He has the size the Steelers should like (6'6", 320 lbs), but does lack the quickness of some smaller tackles. 

He'll rely on his strength and long arms to bail him out in pass protection and should be a very good run blocker in the NFL.

23. Detroit Lions: Dont’a Hightower, ILB, Alabama

Preseason Pick: 19. Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

I've been discussing the need for the Detroit Lions to use a first-round pick on an offensive tackle for several seasons. They keep looking in different directions, but 2012 could be the year they plan to make their move.

If so, they should consider trading up a few spots to make sure they get Mike Adams.

Their simply isn't an offensive tackle left on the board that has value here. The Lions may very well be in the hunt for a middle linebacker, as Stephen Tulloch was signed to just a one-year deal. He played well for the Lions, but didn't live up to lofty expectations.

Dont’a Hightower will give them a solid presence in the middle of their defense, showing well against the run and adequate in pass protection.

24. Cleveland Browns: Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois

Preseason Pick: 29 Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson

Pick acquired in a 2010 trade with the Atlanta Falcons.

Having answered the concern with wide receiver early in the draft, look for the Browns to turn their attention to their pass rush concerns. 

Whitney Mercilus was a premier sack artist in 2011 for Illinois and would fill a profound hole opposite Jabaal Sheard. He has the speed to take on NFL tackles and enough size to be solid in run defense.

The Browns are working on transforming their team and grabbing a solid defensive end will speed them on their way.

25. Denver Broncos: Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State

Preseason Pick: 5. Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State

Many thought the Broncos should have selected a defensive tackle last April. Von Miller was a bigger impact player in their eyes, and so far he is exceeding expectations.  Worthy could make them forget all about Dareus...was that his first name or last?

As Denver continues to work on their new 4-3 front, adding a big body on the defensive line should make a big impact. Jerel Worthy hasn't exactly lived up to expectations for his junior season, but he is still an impact player.

I liked him for the Broncos before the season and believe he makes even more sense now.

26. Houston Texans: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

Preseason Pick: 20. Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

While the Houston Texans may still want to target a wide receiver early in the draft, the temptation for Peter Konz will be too much. Chis Myers is a 30-year-old free agent and may not be the best fit with the Texans ground game.

Konz is far and away the best center in this draft class and is a power blocker that will help pave running lanes for Arian Foster. 

There will be a few wide receivers available that will prove to be tempting. It wouldn't be surprising to see the Texans try to grab hold of their current window and part with their first round pick from 2013 and their second or third round selection from 2012 to get another late-first-round spot.

27. New England Patriots: Fletcher Cox, DL, Mississippi State

Preseason Pick: 27. Ben Jones, C, Georgia

This is the selection the Patriots acquired from the New Orleans Saints in the 2011 draft.

The New England Patriots are at the front of a new approach to defensive fronts. While they've traditionally run a 3-4 set, they have been adjusting their look to a 4-3 depending on their personnel, opponent and game situation.

The biggest challenge with their defense is finding players that have the flexibility to carry off the different sets.

Fletcher Cox has shown the ability to do just that.

The 6'4", 295 lb Cox can line up at the three-technique in a 4-3 set or play defensive end. He will step in and fill the void expected to be left by Shaun Ellis.

The Patriots also have issues in the secondary. They may choose to address that with their second first-round pick, but there could be a quality starter left in the second round.

28. Green Bay Packers: Chris Polk, RB, Washington

Preseason Pick: 29. Jared Crick, DE, Nebraska

The Green Bay Packers have a lot of talent in their secondary, yet they still gave up passing yards in bunches. 

They either need to add more talent in their pass defenders or get someone that can help with pressuring the quarterback. Expect the Packers to opt for the latter...but not in the first round round of the draft.

Jared Crick may have fallen off a few radar screens after missing most of the 2011 season following a torn pectoral muscle suffered against Washington. He had two very good seasons in 2009 and 2010 but isn't the elite pass rusher the Packers will be looking for.

The only option at linebacker that has value this high is Zach Brown, but he lacks the size to step into a 3-4 backer position.

A player that does fill a big need for the Packers is Chris Polk. He is an every down back that runs with power and speed.

While the Packer passing offense is usually clicking, they need some balance from the ground game. With Polk, opposing defenses wouldn't be able to sit back in coverage. 

Polk is just too dangerous. He can bust through the line and make plays in the open field.

29. Baltimore Ravens: Vontaze Burfict, ILB, Arizona State

Preseason Pick: 30. Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

The Baltimore Ravens seem to have found a second receiver in Torrey Smith to pair with Anquan Boldin. This will free them up to address another issue in the first round...namely an aging defense.

Ed Reed will be 34 years old when the seasons starts and Ray Lewis is about to turn 37. They need to begin to plan for the transition, starting with a player that could be the next Ray Lewis.

There are numerous concerns with Vontaze Burfict. He is too reckless on the field and can be a liability in pass protection. However, he is also a lethal enforcer in run defense and can apply pressure on the quarterback. 

I don't expect working with Ray Lewis to tame the beast, but he should be able to teach him the discipline to harness his energy and apply it where appropriate.

The Ravens could also use some help in the interior of their offensive line, as Matt Birk doesn't have many years left. They could also be looking at offensive guard if they are not able to re-sign Ben Grubbs.

30. San Francisco 49ers: Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

Preseason Pick: 7. Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

The San Francisco 49ers finally shed the tag of underachievers, piecing together a few rookies and free agents as they overhauled their defense. Their offensive personnel was pretty much the same as in 2010, and little has changed on that side of the ball performance-wise.

The 49ers have a distinct need at wide receiver, as Michael Crabtree has done little to show he is a true number one option. The ranks get even thinner threafter.

Look for San Francisco to address that need in free agency, as there is a deep crop of pass catchers this season. Their first pick in the draft can then be used to protect them at the cornerback position.

Carlos Rogers was a solid free agent acquisition last year, but only signed a one-year contract. Tarell Brown and Chris Culliver are their other options, which leaves the 49ers in need of drafting a solid cover man.

Stephon Gilmore could go much higher than this if paired with the right team need, and the 49ers simply can't let him get by. 

31. San Francisco 49ers: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

Preseason Pick: 31. Greg Childs, WR, Arkansas

Trade: The San Francisco 49ers send their second-round pick and 2013 first-round selection to the New England Patriots for the 32nd pick in the 2012 draft.

It might be a stretch for the 49ers to trade away their first-round selection in 2013, but they need to act while their window is open. The Patriots may opt to keep their second first-round pick in several seasons, though, as Alshon Jeffery could fill a void for them as well.

Wide receiver is a huge area of need for the 49ers...both at the starting position and depth. They have Ted Ginn, Jr. and Josh Morgan entering free agency, while Braylon Edwards performed so poorly that he was dropped before the season was over.

Michael Crabtree hasn't proven worthy of a number one target. The 49ers need to make a move if they plan on getting their offense off the ground in 2012.

Jeffery has a high risk/reward attached to him. His 2011 season didn't match up to expectations, but he rallied against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the Capital One Bowl. He posted an impressive 148 yards on four receptions and a touchdown on first-round hopeful Alfonso Dennard in first three quarters.

He was looking like he would rally back up draft boards...until a sideline scuffle with Dennard included pushing and punches thrown and both players being ejected.

The altercation will likely hurt Dennard's draft status more than Jeffery's as he was the instigator in the altercation. Dennard was clearly frustrated with Jeffery's performance on the day, even though the officials were allowing a lot of down-field contract by the cornerback.

A solid performance at the combine will reassure teams that Jeffery has the speed to be an elite receiver. He would be a big addition for the 49er offense in 2012.

32. New York Giants: Kelechi Osemele, OL, Iowa State

Preseason Pick: 23. Zach Brown, OLB, North Carolina

The New York Giants have a few ways they can go with this pick. Much of that will depend on what they are able to do in free agency, and the rest depends on who falls to the end of the first round.

Kelechi Osemele is strong and agile and looks like he'll be a very good guard in the NFL. It is possible that he could perform well at right tackle as well.

The Giants struggled with their ground game last season. The issue lies more on their blockers than their backs.

Orson Charles is a big-play tight end and would fill a big need as well. While Jake Ballard put together a solid season, the Giants could certainly upgrade the position.