2012 NFL Mock Draft Weekly Update #3

Published: 29th Sep 11 4:57 pm
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by Chris Ransom
New England Patriots and Dallas Stars Featured Columnist

Only a few teams remain winless while only a few teams are off to 3-0 starts.  This years NFL season has been very competitive and unpredictable so far.  Here is how my Weekly NFL Mock draft looks through 3 weeks.  Teams who I predicted to finish with lower records will receive tiebreakers over other teams in terms of rankings with the standings.

Round 1

1. Kansas City Chiefs 0-3 Andrew Luck Quarterback Stanford Junior Redshirt I believe this Sunday’s rematch of Super Bowl 4 between the Minnesota Vikings and Kansas City Chiefs is going to determine who picks #1 overall in 2012.  The Vikings play in a tough NFC North division while the Chiefs have looked like the leagues bottom feeder so far.  Ironically enough, I have both the Chiefs and Vikings picking #1 and #2 overall in this mock draft.  I am going out on a limb saying that this Sunday’s Vikings VS Chiefs contest will set the stage for one of these teams to start the year 0-4 putting themselves in prime position to land the top pick.  If Minnesota loses then I may mock Luck to the Vikings without seeing Ponder play simply due to Luck’s talent as a collegiate prospect.

Through 3 games the Kansas City Chiefs have been the bottom feeder of the NFL.  The Chiefs have allowed a league high 109 points while scoring a league low 27 points.  Being outscored 109 to 27 in 3 NFL games is almost as painful as loosing 100 to 0 in a high school basketball basketball game.

Last year when most draft critics including myself thought Jimmy Clausen would succeed my dad went out on a limb and stated that the Panthers would have the leagues worst record and the #1 pick in 2011 and that is exactly what happened.  I on the other hand idiotically thought that Carolina could become a legit team with Clausen until week 7 when I realized that I was wrong about Clausen.

About a month ago my dad asked me who the Chiefs quarterback is when we were watching a preseason game over the summer?  I told him their starter was Matt Cassel.  He replied, “Cassel” in a very distasteful manner like he wasn’t the guy for Kansas City in the long term.  Then he stated that the Chiefs will have the top pick in the 2012 NFL Draft shortly after.  I laughed out loud because I thought the Chiefs would get 7 wins and push the 8 win Chargers for the AFC West Division.

Right now the Chiefs have been outscored 109 to 27 through 3 games allowing more points and scoring fewer points than any other NFL team in the league.

My dad was right about Carolina last year, so I am starting to think my dad is hiding a magic 8 ball in his office that determines who gets the #1 pick in the NFL Draft every year.

I really believe that the NFL would want Kansas City to have the top pick the most among the current winless teams because the Chiefs have rarely gotten a chance to take someone with the top pick.  The AFC West is one of the weaker divisions and adding a player like Luck makes their division more competitive.

The Chiefs had one of the best drafts in 2011 bolstering the defense with younger players who could contribute for the Chiefs down the road.  The departure of Charlie Weis along with season ending injuries to key players like running back Jamaal Charles, tight end Tony Moeaki, and strong safety Eric Berry has really set the Chiefs back.

The Chiefs have some core players in place on both sides of the football.  Scott Pioli should hire the quarterback coach that coached Matt Cassel in New England to be the Chiefs head coach.  New England Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O Brien is in his first year as the Patriots offensive coordinator.  Bill O Brien was a quarterback coach for the Patriots when Cassel filled in for Tom Brady and he was the receivers coach for New England the last two years before Bill Belicheck relinquished complete play calling control.  In 2010 Bill Belicheck was the HC, OC, and DC all at the same time.  Now Bill O Brien is the Patriots offensive coordinator in his first year after being a receiver coach the last 2 seasons for New England.

New England Patriots Pro Bowl quarterback Tom Brady has thrown for a mind boggling 1327 passing yards in 3 games while Belicheck has focused on the defensive aspects of this team.

Bill O Brien could draft Andrew Luck with the #1 overall pick and keep Cassel as a developmental backup to Luck or he could part ways with Matt Cassel.  Bill O Brien knows that Cassel is not  a franchise quarterback because he didn’t get New England to the playoffs with a legit supporting cast that Brady had the previous season when the Patriots had their 18-1 season.

Bill O Brien would likely draft Luck as his guy and part ways with Matt Cassel or make him the backup who mentors Luck on the sideline holding the clipboard showing 3rd stringer Ricky Stanzi what it takes to succeed in this league.  2011 late round pick Ricky Stanzi of Iowa would likely get promoted from 3rd stringer to Luck’s backup under the Bill O Brien regime in Kansas City if the Chiefs part ways with Cassel.

If the Chiefs want a defensive minded coach they could get Bill Cowher as a head coach and maybe Ken Whisenhunt as an offensive coordinator if the Cardinals decide to part ways with him.  I don’t think Arizona will give up on Whisenhunt, but if the Chiefs get Cowher to come out of retirement they should get an offensive coordinator to who can help Andrew Luck.

Can you imagine how scary this Chiefs offense would be if they had Luck and everyone back in 2012?  Andrew Luck at quarterback, Jamaal Charles at running back, pro bowl wide receiver Dwayne Bowe, 2011 first round pick wide receiver Jonathan Baldwin, and Tony Moeaki at tight end.  The Chiefs would have a Super Bowl caliber offense if they draft Luck while keeping everyone  healthy because Luck is the best quarterback prospect in a long time.  Luck would classify himself as that once in a generation prospect who is clear cut lock to go #1 overall once every 15 years.

Chiefs GM Scott Pioli shifted the Chiefs defensive philosophy from the 4-3 to the 3-4.  Many Chiefs fans questioned this decision at first, but they did not give Pioli the time to adapt his scheme and philosophy.

Pioli used the 2010 and 2011 NFL Drafts to model the Chiefs defense after a younger version of the Pittsburgh Steelers 3-4 defense which could overtake the Steelers as the top 3-4 defense in the league if the Chiefs coaches can continue to develop this defense.

Most of the pieces to this defensive puzzle are in place.  The Chiefs are just waiting for these players to reach their peak and break out into a defense that intimidates.  The Pittsburgh Steelers defense established itself as one of the leagues best in Troy Polamalu’s 3rd year when he tallied 91 tackles, 3 sacks, and 6 interceptions when the Steelers won Super Bowl 40.  Eric Berry had 92 tackles, 2 sacks, 4 interceptions, and a forced fumble which are very similar to Polamalu’s numbers when he won Super Bowl 40.

I know I sound like I am crazy, but if the Chiefs get Andrew Luck I could see them having a 15-1 type season similar to that 2004-2005 Pittsburgh Steelers season when Ben Roethlisberger was a rookie.

I could see this Chiefs team topping that 2004-2005 season the Steelers had if they are lucky enough to draft Andrew Luck because the Kansas City Chiefs have the pieces in place.  The Chiefs just need a quarterback like Luck.  Then this team can contend on both sides of the football when the players stay healthy.

The problem is the Chiefs need a new quarterback.  Matt Cassel was a temporary fix in the early years of the Pioli era in Kansas City.  Cassel is not the long term answer for Pioli’s team Andrew Luck is.

Luck is the best quarterback prospect since Peyton Manning.  Luck can move out of the pocket and scramble if necessary just like Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.  Luck primarily focuses on reading progressions and pocket passing before taking off and running.

Even though the Chiefs have had numerous quarterbacks besides Len Dawson, none of those quarterbacks have gotten the job done.  Since 1993 the Chiefs have had Joe Montana, Elvis Grbac, Rich Gannon, Trent Green, Damon Huard, Brodie Croyle, Tyler Thigpen, Ingle Martin, Quinn Gray, Matt Cassel, Tyler Palko, and they drafted Iowa quarterback Ricky Stanzi in the 5th round of the 2011 NFL Draft.  This makes a total of 12 quarterbacks within 2 decades.

The Chiefs have brought in a dozen quarterbacks within 20 years and only 2 of those quarterbacks were drafted by the Chiefs.  Those quarterbacks were Brodie Croyle and Ricky Stanzi.

I know the Chiefs didn’t draft Len Dawson and that Dawson led the Chiefs to the promise land when the Chiefs acquired Dawson through free agency in 1962.  The Chiefs have modeled their organization after signing free agent quarterbacks rather than building through the NFL Draft to obtain a franchise signal caller with a 1st round pick for the past 60 years.

Scott Pioli realizes this trend has to end soon.  If  this Chiefs tradition of obtaining a quarterback by free agency or trade rather than building through draft continues for much longer than Pioli will become more senile and decrypt than division rival Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis.

With Matt Cassel failing to get the job done I think Pioli will realize that he has to take a quarterback like Luck #1 overall.

Besides quarterback and offensive line depth the Chiefs have nearly every other piece in place to contend.  Quarterback is the most important position and Luck would solve nearly all of the Chiefs problems.

It took the Detroit Lions 50 years to find a franchise signal caller after Bobby Lane left the Lions.  The Chiefs had other quarterbacks who performed well.  None of them delivered a Super Bowl or NFL Championship like Dawson did.

It took the Pittsburgh Steelers nearly 35 years to find a quarterback who possessed a similar Super Bowl winning aurora that Terry Bradshaw had in the 1970′s.

Drafting Andrew Luck gives the Chiefs their first relevant long term face of the franchise since Len Dawson.

2. Minnesota Vikings 0-3 Jonathan Martin Left Tackle Stanford Junior Redshirt Minnesota will have more options with this pick then one would realize.  Matt Kalil seemed like a lock to go to Minnesota.  USC’s offensive line performed really sloppy against Arizona State.  I liked Martin better than Kalil for a while.  Kalil’s performance against Arizona State is enough to convince me that Martin is the top blindside prospect in this draft class. Earth to draftniks Jonathan Martin is the best left tackle since Joe Thomas not Matt Kalil.

Minnesota could also considering adding Quinton Coples as a 4-3 left end to compliment Jared Allen if they draft the best available player.  Minnesota may also want to add a receiver like Justin Blackmon for Christian Ponder to throw to if none of the left tackle options entice the Minnesota Vikings.

At the end of the day I see Minnesota drafting for need rather than going with the best player available.  The Vikings need Jonathan Martin and I am convinced that Martin hands down the top left tackle prospect in this draft.

3. Indianapolis Colts 0-3 Matt Barkley Quarterback USC Junior The Colts need to groom a successor for Manning.  The Colts should not resort to getting their blue chip player that can anchor Manning unless they know they cannot obtain Luck or Barkley.  Quarterback is clearly the Colts biggest need and its not every day when they get the chance to pick in the top 3.

4. Miami Dolphins 0-3 Robert Griffin III Quarterback Baylor Junior Redshirt I heavily considered the premature idea of moving Robert Griffin ahead of Matt Barkley on my NFL Draft board after Barkley’s performance against Arizona State.

Robert Griffin III has gone 70/82 with 962 passing yards, an 85.4 completion percentage 13 touchdowns, and no interceptions through 3 games.

Baylor’s 6 foot 2 220 pound signal caller may be slightly undersized to a certain degree.  He compensates for this with his dual threat ability, pinpoint accuracy, 4.0 GPA, and high football IQ.  I have had Griffin in the first round of every mock draft I posted this season.

While most fans are starting to wonder if Griffin can be a first round pick, I am already one upping those fans by putting Robert Griffin III in the top 5 of my 2012 NFL Mock Draft.  I strongly considered leapfrogging Griffin ahead of Barkley, but came to the conclusion that this is premature on my part.

5. St. Louis Rams 0-3 Dre Kirkpatrick Cornerback Alabama Junior The Rams need a cornerback with premium shutdown talent.  Dre Kirkpatrick is a beast with his hard hitting ability and 6 foot 3 height.  I want to say that Kirkpatrick reminds me of Mel Blount because their both 6 foot 3 hard hitting cornerbacks.  At the same time its a downright insult to compare Kirkpatrick to Blount because Blount influenced a generation of NFL fans in the 1970′s.

Blount had an impact on the game when our grandparents took pride in watching NFL games before the NFL became a quarterback league.

Plus, I do not want to make a former NFL head coach like Nick Saban who left the NFL after 2 years blush by raving about one of his highly coveted prospects.

Kirkpatrick is going to be a special player in this league if he applies himself.  If Patrick Peterson can go in the top 5 then you could make the same case for Dre Kirkpatrick.

6. Cincinnati Bengals 1-2 Trent Richardson Running Back Alabama Junior Trent Richardson would allow the Bengals to stabilize their running game.  Trent Richardson is a really special running back prospect.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars 1-2 Quinton Coples Right End North Carolina Senior Coples is a top 5 talent.  The teams picking at the top of this mock draft do not need defensive ends which is why Coples draft stock falls to #7 overall.

8. Denver Broncos 1-2 Landry Jones Quarterback Oklahoma Junior Redshirt I would not draft Landry Jones in the first 2 rounds of the NFL Draft.  I really believe that Landry Jones will be the 2012 version of Jimmy Clausen.

I think Tebow  will be a better quarterback than Newton.  Newton was Tebow’s backup at Florida.  Tebow deserves a shot to prove he is worth living up to the hype.

Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway stated that he wants a pocket passer.  Landry Jones is a pocket passer and he seems like an upgrade over Tim Tebow in the eyes of John Elway.

I would not draft Landry Jones with this pick.  Denver needs to put some faith in Tebow and address some key needs on defense.  If Tebow screws up as a full time starter in 2012 when his supporting cast is at full health then we can begin the discussion as to who should replace him in Denver in 2013.  Until then, Tebow deserves to be considered Denver’s quarterback of the future.

I would go with Arizona State middle linebacker Vontaze Burfict.  Burfict is playing like a man on a mission and Denver’s linebacking core would be unstoppable with Von Miller and Vontaze Burfict anchoring WILL and MIKE roles for the next decade in Denver.

At the end of the day this will be a business decision for Denver.  John Elway’s desire to find a pocket passer who entices him will trump any needs that Denver may consider.

Teams reach for quarterbacks in this league.  We saw 4 quarterbacks go in the top 12 in 2011.  2012 is a much stronger quarterback class so it really would not shock me if 4 quarterbacks went in the top 8 overall.

9. Arizona Cardinals 1-2 Matt Kalil Left Tackle USC Junior Redshirt Kalil moves down to #9 in this mock draft after his performance against Arizona State.  Arizona’s offensive line is anemic.  The Arizona Cardinals need a left tackle and will find it very difficult to pass on Matt Kalil if he falls this far.  Ironically enough Kalil’s bookend tackle Tyron Smith was also selected 9th overall.

10. Carolina Panthers 1-2 Justin Blackmon Wide Receiver Oklahoma State Junior Redshirt With breakout games this season against Arizona and Texas A&M, Justin Blackmon is starting to emerge as a top 5 prospect.  Carolina gets incredible value with Blackmon at #10 overall unless Blackmon fails to live up to his potential at the next level in the NFL.  Blackmon gets put into a situation where he will become Newton’s flanker of the future in Carolina.

11. Seattle Seahawks 1-2 Vontaze Burfict Middle Linebacker Arizona State Junior The Seattle Seahawks need a middle linebacker ever since they released Lofa Tatupu.  Vontaze Burfict is a top 10 talent.  The Seahawks should draft Burfict with this pick if all of the first round quarterback prospects are gone.

12. Chicago Bears 1-2 Michael Floyd Wide Receiver Notre Dame Senior Jay Cutler has quality receivers like Roy Williams, Johnny Knox, Devin Hester, Earl Bennett, and Dane Sanzenbacher.  None of these receivers have the upside of a blue chip flanker that has the ability of a complete wide receiver who can stretch the field, use their size, and create double teams.  Michael Floyd has that ability as a wide receiver and he could really allow these other Bears receivers to contribute more by creating double teams.

13. Philadelphia Eagles 1-2 Ricky Wagner Right Tackle Wisconsin Junior Redshirt Ricky Wagner has the ability of a top 10 overall prospect.  The problem is there are so many top 10 prospects competing with each other for top 10 picks right now that were bound to see some players fall in this draft.

Michael Vick throws with his left hand.  This means that the right tackle on the Eagles offensive line would be his blindside.  There were talks that the Eagles would take Gabe Carimi last april.  Philadelphia would be smart to draft Ricky Wagner with this draft pick.

14. Cleveland Browns from Atlanta Falcons 1-2 Alshon Jeffery Wide Receiver South Carolina Junior Cleveland gets a flanker receiver with Alshon Jeffery’s 6 foot 5 237 pound size who can stretch the field.  Jeffery would really manage to create mismatches allowing Cleveland’s other receivers to get open stretching the field.

Cleveland was considering the idea of drafting Julio Jones with the 6th overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft before the Browns made Cleveland an offer they could not refuse.

15. Washington Redskins 2-1 Luke Kuechly 3-4 Middle Linebacker Boston College Junior Washington needs a 3-4 middle linebacker.  This is about the right range for Kuechly to get drafted.

16. Tennessee Titans 2-1 Jayron Hosley Cornerback Virginia Tech Junior Jayron Hosley is the best player available.  He is the only top 10 prospect left on my draft board.  The Titans have to take him if he falls this far.

17. Oakland Raiders 2-1 Morris Claiborne Cornerback LSU Junior Can you envision Al Davis making the following statement?  ”Morris Claiborne is an extrraaoorrdinnaarrry playyya.  The Oakland Raiders must have him.”

I can see Raiders owner Al Davis making this statement plus the Raiders do have a glaring need at cornerback now that Nnamdi Asomugha is gone.  For those of you wondering about why extraordinary was spelled incorrectly its because that’s how Al Davis pronounces the word.

18. Cleveland Browns 2-1 Mante Te’o Right Outside Linebacker Notre Dame Junior The Cleveland Browns need a weak side linebacker to address their outside linebacker issues.  Mante Te’o provides quality value with this pick.

19. New York Jets 2-1 Riley Reiff Right Tackle Iowa Junior Redshirt Riley Reiff can play left tackle or right tackle.  The Jets can make Reiff Debrickishaw Ferguson’s bookend solving their problem at right tackle.

20. New York Giants 2-1 Michael Brewster Center Ohio State Senior David Baas is not a long term starter at center.  Michael Brewster is arguably the top center in this draft.  The Giants have to draft Brewster if he is falls this far.  Adding a center would really help solidify some of the Giants offensive line woes.

21. Dallas Cowboys 2-1 Stephon Gilmore Cornerback South Carolina Junior The Dallas Cowboys need a cornerback to boost their secondary.  Gilmore struggled in the opener against East Carolina which is why he drops to #21 overall.  Dallas will draft Gilmore if they get the chance.

22. Houston Texans 2-1 Robert Lester Free Safety Junior Redshirt The Texans need upgrades at the safety position.  Adding a free safety like Robert Lester would really help the Texans secondary head in the right direction.

23. San Francisco 49ers 2-1 Chase Minnifield Cornerback Virginia Senior Redshirt The 49ers need to add a cornerback to bolster their secondary.  Chase Minnifield could really boost the 49ers secondary.

24. San Diego Chargers Courtney Upshaw 3-4 Right Outside Linebacker Alabama Senior The San Diego Chargers need a 3-4 right outside linebacker to bolster their defensive line.  Courtney Upshaw could really boost the Chargers pass rush.

25. Pittsburgh Steelers 2-1 Andrew Datko Left Tackle Florida State Senior Andrew Datko is a 6 foot 6 321 pound left tackle.  The Steelers have to get a left tackle who can protect Ben Roethlisberger’s blindside.  Jonathan Scott surrendered 21 sacks last year and has had 10 consecutive games with a holding penalty.  Scott only got a second chance in Pittsburgh because he managed to stay healthy.

Steelers GM Kevin Colbert will realize his error of passing on a left tackle in round 1.  Bill Polian made the same mistake in 2010 and took Costanzo in the 2011 NFL Draft.  Ironically enough Costanzo also attended an ACC school in Boston College.

26. New England Patriots from New Orleans Saints 2-1 Brandon Jenkins Right End Florida State Junior Brandon Jenkins can be utilized as a 4-3 right end or a 3-4 right outside linebacker.  Bill Belicheck’s primary need is to find a hybrid pass rusher.  Brandon Jenkins is a 4-3/3-4 pass rusher who could really blend in with New England.  The Patriots want to have the personnel to run a 4-3 and 3-4 at the same time.  New England will draft a pass rusher this April because they got rid of some of their pass rushers who could have contributed.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2-1 Janoris Jenkins Cornerback Northern Alabama Senior The Tampa Bay Buccaneers need a cornerback.  When Ronde Barber retires this team will need a #1 cornerback because Aqib Talib may not stay out of trouble and Myron Lewis is not capable of being the teams #1 cornerback.

28. Baltimore Ravens 2-1 Donte Hightower 3-4 Middle Linebacker Junior Redshirt The Ravens need a 3-4 middle linebacker to succeed Ray Lewis for when Lewis retires.  Baltimore Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome has hinted that the Ravens will take a 3-4 middle linebacker in round 1.  Hightower is the last first round prospect left so the Ravens should address a need by drafting him.

29. New England Patriots 2-1 Mark Barron Strong Safety Alabama Senior Patrick Chung has moved from strong safety to free safety.  Josh Barrett is starting at strong safety.  Barrett is not the answer at strong safety and is the main reason why the Patriots pass defense ranks near the bottom of the league.

30. Detroit Lions 3-0 Mike Adams Left Tackle Ohio State Senior Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford took 5 sacks on sunday.  Detroit needs to get a left tackle to protect Stafford’s blindside.  Right end Jared Allen and left end Brian Robison both combined for 5 sacks on sunday.  Allen recorded 3 sacks while Robison tallied 2 sacks.  The Detroit Lions need to address a left tackle with this pick.

31. Buffalo Bills Bruce Irvin 3-0 3-4 Left Outside Linebacker West Virginia Senior The Bills need a 2nd pass rusher to compliment Merriman.  Bruce Irvin could become that pass rusher for the Buffalo Bills.  Irvin can play either side on the left or right as a 4-3 or 3-4 pass rusher.

32. Green Bay Packers 3-0 Brandon Lindsey 3-4 Right Outside Linebacker Pittsburgh Senior Redshirt I mocked 3-4 right end Kheeston Randall to the Packers in my previous mock draft.  Jarius Wynn has tallied 3 sacks in 3 games at the 3-4 right end spot.  Wynn can replace Cullen Jenkins presence in Green Bay.  Mike Neal will start for Green Bay at the 3-4 right end spot once he recovers from an injury.  This will allow Wynn to move to the 3-4 left end role.  Ryan Pickett can start or be used for depth at the 3-4 left end role.

Green Bay has the luxury of taking the best player available with this pick.  Green Bay usually drafts based on need.  The Packers could use a pass rusher to compliment Clay Matthews.  Clay Matthews is a 3-4 left outside linebacker.  Adding a bookend at the 3-4 right outside linebacker like Brandon Lindsey would really boost the Packers pass rush.

Round 2

33. Kansas City Chiefs 0-3 Matt Reynolds Left Tackle BYU Senior Redshirt The Kansas City Chiefs will need a blue chip left tackle to protect Andrew Luck’s blindside.  Branden Albert is better suited to start at right tackle for Kansas City.

34. Minnesota Vikings 0-3 Travis Lewis Right Outside Linebacker Oklahoma Senior Redshirt I have both Oklahoma outside linebackers Travis Lewis and Ronnell Lewis graded out as first round prospects.  Travis Lewis plays the weak side role at the right outside linebacker spot.  The Vikings have a glaring hole at the weak side position and drafting Travis Lewis would allow the Minnesota Vikings to address that hole.

35. Indianapolis Colts 0-3 David DeCastro Right Guard Stanford Junior Redshirt The Colts will need to add an offensive lineman to protect Manning.  DeCastro is considered by many to be a first round prospect.  Ryan Diem moved inside from right tackle to right guard.  DeCastro is better suited as a right guard than Diem.  The Colts would be very smart to consider the idea of drafting David DeCastro as a starting right guard.

36. Miami Dolphins 0-3 Tyler Eifert Tight End Notre Dame Junior Tyler Eifert is actually eligible for this years 2012 NFL Draft as a junior.  I just found out the fact that Eifert is junior today even though some people are saying that Eifert is a sophomore redshirt.  Eifert did a fantastic job filling in for Kyle Rudolph as a tight end during his sophomore year.  Eifert had a monster game against Pittsburgh last week and he should be a first round pick if he comes out in 2012.  Eifert falls to round 2 in this mock draft because of the depth of first round prospects.

37. St. Louis Rams 0-3 Brandon Thompson Defensive Tackle Clemson Senior The Rams could use an upgrade at defensive tackle.  Brandon Thompson has 1st round talent at the defensive tackle spot.

38. Cincinnati Bengals 1-2 Jerel Worthy Defensive Tackle Michigan State Junior Redshirt The Bengals could use another defensive tackle.  Jerel Worthy could end up being a mid first round pick in terms of value.  If Worthy falls to round 2 this pick will be considered an excellent value pick.

39. Jacksonville Jaguars 1-2 Cliff Harris Cornerback Oregon Junior The Jaguars need a second cornerback to compliment Rashean Mathis.  Harris is considered a late first round prospect so he could provide the Jaguars good value if he gets selected in this range.

40. Denver Broncos 1-2 Jeff Fuller Wide Receiver Texas A&M Senior The Broncos will need a wide receiver for Landry Jones to throw to if the Broncos decide to draft a quarterback in round 1.

41. Philadelphia Eagles from Arizona Cardinals 1-2 Ronnell Lewis Left Outside Linebacker Junior The Eagles get a SAM linebacker for their 4-3 defense.  Lewis has already stated that he will declare for the 2012 NFL Draft.  The Eagles will draft Lewis with their 2012 NFL Draft pick from Arizona if he falls this far.

42. Carolina Panthers 1-2 Marcus Forston Defensive Tackle Miami FL Junior Redshirt The Carolina Panthers could use depth at defensive tackle.  Marcus Forston is a first round prospect who provides incredible value if he falls to round 2.

43. Seattle Seahawks 1-2 Nick Foles Quarterback Senior Redshirt The Seattle Seahawks will get a quarterback with the skill set of Nick Foles in round 2 if they cannot draft a quarterback in round 1.

44. Chicago Bears 1-2 Casey Heyward Cornerback Vanderbilt Senior The Chicago Bears love drafting prospects from Vanderbilt.  Casey Heyward is starting to emerge as a late first round prospect.  If Heyward falls to round 2 the Chicago Bears may consider drafting him.

45. Philadelphia Eagles 1-2 Kheeston Randall Defensive Tackle Texas Senior The Eagles have the luxury of taking the best player available with this pick.  Kheeston Randall is capable of playing the 5 technique in the 3-4 or the 3 technique at defensive tackle.

46. Atlanta Falcons 1-2 Melvin Ingram Right End South Carolina Senior Redshirt The Falcons can draft a first round prospect like Melvin Ingram with this pick.  The Falcons can sit Ingram on the bench for a few years before developing him.

47. Washington Redskins 2-1 Mohammed Sanu Wide Receiver Rutgers Junior The Washington Redskins draft the final first round prospect with the 47th overall pick in the 2nd round.  Sanu could be another effective receiving option for Washington.

48. Tennessee Titans 2-1 Devin Taylor Left End Junior Redshirt Derrick Morgan will likely be the Titans 4-3 right end of the future because of the fact that the Titans took him in round 1.  The Titans need a defensive end across from Morgan.  4-3 left end Devin Taylor would make a great addition to the Titans.

49. New England Patriots from Oakland Raiders 2-1 Kevin Zietler Right Guard Wisconsin Senior New England may want to add a right guard for depth in case Marcus Cannon fails to make a full recovery.

50. Cleveland Browns 2-1 Andre Branch Right End Clemson Senior Redshirt The Cleveland Browns draft a 4-3 right end with this pick.  Jabaal Sheard has already moved back from right end to left end.  This means that the Browns no longer have faith in Sheard as a 4-3 right end.  Cleveland will draft their 4-3 pass rusher for the future at the right end spot with this pick.

51. New York Jets 2-1 Donte Paige Moss 3-4 Right Outside Linebacker North Carolina Junior The New York Jets could use another pass rusher for depth behind Calvin Pace and Bryan Thomas.  Donte Paige Moss was once a top 10 prospect.  Donte Paige Moss provides amazing value in round 2.

52. New York Giants 2-1 Zach Brown Right Outside Linebacker North Carolina Senior The New York Giants could use a weak side linebacker to boost New York’s linebacking core.  Zach Brown provides excellent value if he falls out of the top 50 overall.

53. Dallas Cowboys 2-1 TJ McDonald Free Safety USC Junior The Dallas Cowboys need to upgrade both safety spots.  TJ McDonald provides amazing value if he falls to #53 overall.  Some people consider TJ McDonald the top safety in the 2012 Draft Class.

54. Houston Texans 2-1 Alameda Ta’amu Nose Tackle Washington Senior Alameda Ta’amu is 6 foot 3 337 pounds.  The Houston Texans need a nose tackle for their 3-4 scheme.  Alameda Ta’amu is graded out as a 2nd round prospect on my draft board.  Despite this some people believe Ta’amu could sneak into the late first round.

55. San Francisco 49ers 2-1 Ryan Broyles Wide Receiver Oklahoma Senior Redshirt The 49ers need a wide receiver.  Braylon Edwards and Michael Crabtree are both injured right now.  This team cannot rely on Josh Morgan and Ted Ginn Jr. as their top 2 passing targets.

56. San Diego Chargers 2-1 Bobby Massie Right Tackle Ole Miss Junior The Chargers need to draft a right tackle who can challenge Jerome Clary for the starting job in San Diego.  Clary looked really sloppy against New England’s pass rush in week 2.

57. Pittsburgh Steelers 2-1 Shayne Skov 3-4 Middle Linebacker Stanford Junior Shayne Skov would make a great 3-4 middle linebacker for Pittsburgh’s defense.  James Farrior turns 37 in January.

58. New Orleans Saints 2-1 Levi Adcock Right Tackle Oklahoma State Senior Redshirt The Saints have a glaring hole at right tackle that needs to be addressed.  New Orleans needs a right tackle who can give Brees more time in the pocket.

59. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2-1 Chris Polk Running Back Washington Junior Redshirt Unless Chris Polk declares Trent Richardson will be the only running back drafted in the first 2 rounds at running back.  Adding Polk would give Tampa Bay a complimentary running back for their backfield.

60. Baltimore Ravens 2-1 Ray Ray Armstrong Strong Safety Miami FL Junior The Ravens could use a strong safety for depth on their roster.

61.New England Patriots 2-1 Alfonzo Dennard Cornerback Nebraska Senior Every year since the 2008 NFL Draft, the Patriots have drafted a cornerback in the first 2 rounds.  With New England’s pass defense ranked near the bottom of the league I cannot see that changing.

62. Detroit Lions 3-0 Desmond Trufant Cornerback Washington Junior The Lions need a #1 shutdown cornerback.  Desmond Trufant is the best player available.  The Lions have to take Trufant with this pick because he is the best player available along with the fact that Trufant addresses a critical need.

63. Buffalo Bills 3-0 Juron Criner Wide Receiver Arizona Senior The Buffalo Bills need a #2 receiver to pair up with next to Stevie Johnson.  Juron Criner is the best 2nd round receiver available.

64. Green Bay Packers 3-0 Omar Bolden Cornerback Arizona State Senior The Green Bay Packers have to add a cornerback for depth to boost their pass defense.  I know Green Bay just drafted Davon House, at the same time the Packers have one of the worst pass defenses in the league and you can never have too much depth at cornerback.

Round 3

65. Kansas City Chiefs 0-3 Eddie Whitley Free Safety Virginia Tech Senior The Chiefs need a free safety.  Eddie Whitley is a 2nd round prospect.  The Kansas City Chiefs have to draft Eddie Whitley if he falls to the top of round 3.

66. Minnesota Vikings 0-3 Jared Crick Defensive Tackle Nebraska Senior Redshirt The Vikings need a defensive tackle for depth.  Jared Crick provides amazing value with this pick at the top of round 3.

67. Indianapolis Colts 0-3 Baker Steinkuhler Defensive Tackle Nebraska Junior Redshirt The Colts add another defensive tackle for depth.  Baker Steinkuhler provides amazing value at the top of round 3.

68. Miami Dolphins 0-3 Nico Johnson 3-4 Left Outside Linebacker Alabama Junior Nico Johnson can play either the 3-4 right outside linebacker or the 3-4 left outside linebacker role.  Nico Johnson can challenge Koa Misi for the starting job in Miami.  Nico Johnson has the major upside and potential to beat out Nico Johnson for the 3-4 left outside linebacker starting job.

69. St Louis Rams 0-3 Kenny Tate Free Safety Maryland Senior The Rams need a free safety to replace OJ Atogwe.  Kenny Tate would be an excellent value pick in round 3.

70. Cincinnati Bengals 1-2 Jonathan Massaquoi Left End Troy Junior Redshirt The Bengals could add a 4-3 left end for depth.  Massaquoi is the best available 4-3 left end at this point.

71. Jacksonville Jaguars 1-2 Rashard Hall Free Safety Clemson Junior Redshirt Hall is likely to declare as a 3rd round prospect.  The Jaguars need a free safety so they should consider drafting Hall here.

72. Arizona Cardinals 1-2 Elvis Fisher Right Tackle Missouri Senior Redshirt The Cardinals need a right tackle along with their left tackle.  Elvis Fisher is the best offensive tackle prospect available at this point.

73. Denver Broncos 1-2 Tyrdreke Powell Defensive Tackle North Carolina Senior The Broncos need a defensive tackle to boost their defensive line.  Powell is a 2nd round prospect who could end up falling to round 3.

74. Chicago Bears from Carolina Panthers 1-2 Aaron Henry Free Safety Wisconsin Senior Redshirt Our Bears blogger Jonathan made an excellent point about how the Chicago Bears rushed Major Wright into the starting free safety role way too early.  The Chicago Bears should use this draft pick on a free safety that they can slowly groom into a starter at free safety.

75. Seattle Seahawks 1-2 Donnie Fletcher Cornerback Boston College Senior When 2nd year cornerback Walter Thurmond cannot beat out a former CFL player like Brandon Browner for the starting cornerback job, you know your secondary has issues.

76. Chicago Bears 1-2 Kelechi Osmele Left Guard Iowa State Senior Redshirt Kelechi Osmele plays left tackle at Iowa State.  Osmele is 6 foot 5 350 pounds and does not display the footwork to be a blindside.  Osmele could blend in nicely as an interior offensive lineman at the left guard spot.  Osmele is very good in pass protection and would give Cutler more time to throw the football.

77. Philadelphia Eagles 1-2 Nate Potter Left Guard Boise State Senior Redshirt Nate Potter is a left tackle who will likely plug into a left guard role.  2011 Eagles first round pick Danny Watkins will turn 27 in November.  The Eagles may as well use a day 2 selection on Nate Potter adding more depth to their offensive line.

78. Atlanta Falcons 1-2 Dwayne Allen Tight End Clemson Junior Redshirt Dwayne Allen is a 2nd round talent.  The fact that most teams are set at tight end causes Dwayne Allen to fall to Atlanta with this pick.

79. Washington Redskins 2-1 Kirk Cousins Quarterback Michigan State Senior Redshirt Kirk Cousins is a 3rd round prospect at quarterback.  If the Redskins cannot secure Nick Foles in round 2 then they have to wait until round 3 to draft their quarterback of the future.  Cousins has the ability of a backup quarterback, but he could develop into a starter down the road.

80. Tennessee Titans 2-1 Michael Egnew Tight End Missouri Senior Michael Egnew is a 2nd round prospect.  If Egnew falls this far the Titans may take a flyer on Egnew hoping he serves as an upgrade over Craig Stevens and Jared Cook Jr.

81. Cleveland Browns 2-1 Coryell Judie Cornerback Texas A&M Senior Redshirt The Browns use this pick to add another cornerback for depth on their roster.

82. New York Jets 2-1 Jerrell Harris 3-4 Left Outside Linebacker Alabama Senior Jerrell Harris can only play the 3-4 left outside linebacker role in the 3-4.  The Jets should draft Harris as a 3-4 left outside linebacker for depth.

83. New York Giants 2-1 Jaye Howard Defensive Tackle Florida Senior Redshirt The Giants use this pick to add more depth at defensive tackle.  Jaye Howard is a good defensive tackle prospect that is worth taking a flyer on at this point in round 3.

84. Dallas Cowboys 2-1 William Vlachos Center Senior Redshirt William Vlachos is a 2nd round prospect.  If Vlachos falls this far the Cowboys have to take him.  Vlachos is the final 2nd round prospect available.

85. Houston Texans 2-1 Dwight Jones Wide Receiver North Carolina Senior Dwight Jones would make a great #2 receiving option for Andre Johnson.

86. San Francisco 49ers 2-1 Josh Chapman Nose Tackle Alabama Senior Redshirt The 49ers need to get a nose tackle who can fill a void on the defensive line.

87. San Diego Chargers 2-1 Brandon Boykin Cornerback Georgia Senior The Chargers need a nickel corner that they can groom into a starter for depth with Quentin Jammer aging.

88. Pittsburgh Steelers 2-1 Kerry Murphy Nose Tackle Alabama Junior Redshirt The 2012 draft class is pretty weak at nose tackle.  The Steelers need a successor to Casey Hampton.  The Steelers will draft a nose tackle for depth hoping he pans out once Hampton retires.

89. New Orleans Saints 2-1 Sean Spence Right Outside Linebacker Miami FL Senior The Saints need a right outside linebacker for their 4-3 defense.  Sean Spence is a 3rd round prospect who could end up playing the weak side for the New Orleans Saints down the road.

90. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2-1 Tony Dye Strong Safety UCLA Senior I feel like Tampa Bay could use an upgrade from Sean Jones at strong safety.  Tampa Bay could use a strong safety like Tony Dye to boost their secondary.

91. Baltimore Ravens 2-1 Delano Howell Free Safety Stanford Senior The Ravens need to draft a free safety who can become a successor to Ed Reed.

92. New England Patriots 2-1 Jake Bequette Left End Arkansas Senior Redshirt The Patriots draft a 4-3 left end that can be used for depth behind Jermaine Cunningham.

93. Detroit Lions 3-0 Vince Browne Right End Northwestern Senior Redshirt The Lions could use a right end for depth that could develop into a successor behind Kyle Vaden Bosch.

94. Buffalo Bills 3-0 Brandon Weeden Quarterback Oklahoma State Senior Redshirt The Buffalo Bills draft a temporary backup in case Ryan Fitzpatrick declines in 2012.  Brandon Weeden had an amazing game against Texas A&M.  The Bills would be smart to spend a late 3rd round pick on Weeden.

95. Green Bay Packers Billy Winn 3-4 Left End Boise State Senior Redshirt The Packers draft a 3-4 defensive end for depth in round 3.  The Packers are set at the right end spot for their 3-4 defense.  Adding a 3-4 left end for depth could help the Green Bay Packers.

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