2012 NFL Mock Draft Pre-Combine
17. Cincinnati Bengals (from Oakland) Cordy Glenn, OL, Georgia
An extremely powerful offensive linemen to help the Bengals running game get back on track.
18. San Diego Chargers: Alshon Jefferey, WR, South Carolina
Last year the Chargers lost Rivers favorite play thing Darren Sproles, this year they could lose Rivers’ favorite WR with Vincent Jackson. They should look to add another big receiving target. We still like Jeffery and if he shows up in shape at the combine and runs fast he could get his stock back in the range it should be.
19. Chicago Bears: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin
Terrific center prospect (better than Mike Pouncey last year) who is the future center for the Bears and could play guard next year if they are not ready to move on from Roberto Garza yet.
20. Tennessee Titans: Nick Perry, DE, USC
.Titans need some pass rush, and Perry provides it. His stock could get even higher than this after the combine.
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Janoris Jenkins, CB, Northern Alabama
Jenkins character concerns and lack of size could cause him to slip more than this, but in this mock the Bengals take a chance and hold off on addressing running back until later, or they could do that in free agency.
22. Cleveland Browns (from Atlanta): Mike Adams, T, Ohio State
I think Adams will eventually go in the top 16 range, but not sure his stock is there yet. He has to answer questions about his athleticism and the Ohio State scandal, but for the Browns who need a RT not a LT there is no question Adams can exceed with them.
23. Detroit Lions: Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College
The anti-Lions player right now, a true leader. An instinctive, mature leader on the field to go with their talent on defense. The Lions though might resign Stephen Tulloch make this pick less likely though I think Kuechly can also play the weakside (better athlete than he’s commonly given credit for).
24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Devon Still, DL, Penn State
I’ve actually been looking for somewhere to put Devon Still since I didn’t select him with the Eagles pick, which I think his possible. The Steelers get a steal here.
25. Denver Broncos: Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi
I think the value here for the Broncos will be at defensive tackle when the draft comes about.
26. Houston Texans: Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers
Perhaps a bit of a reach here, but the Texans don’t need a number one wide receiver they need a good complement WR and Sanu has versatility to do a lot of different things.
27. New England Patriots (from New Orleans): Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois
The Patriots might have beaten the Giants if they could rush the passer with their front four in the final two minutes of a game, but that is not something they were able to do especially after the injury to Andre Carter. Belichick has shown time and time again that he is partial to veteran defensive linemen.
28. Green Bay Packers: Mark Barron, S, Alabama Crimson Tide
Barron is the highest player left on my board even though it is arguable that the Packers don’t need a safety, they don’t really need too much help at any position talent wise. Just better performances next year.
29. Baltimore Ravens:Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State University
This year’s Boom or Bust pick, the Ravens hope that Burfict can learn from Ray Lewis and Ed Reed about how to play both violent and under control. If they succeed, they’ll have their next Ray Lewis (well maybe not, but at least a suitable replacement).
30. San Francisco 49ers: Jamell Fleming, CB, Oklahoma Sooners
If Carlos Rodgers leaves via free agency then cornerback comes somewhat of a need here for the 49ers. I have Fleming over Dennard here even if most don’t agree. I think Fleming will impress at the combine and I think in the second half of the college football season looked every bit the part of a first rounder .
31. New England Patriots-Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina
The Patriots add another defensive back, even though that’s a position that they haven’t had a ton of success drafting cornerbacks I think they’d hit out of the park here with Gilmore.
32. New York Giants: Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson Tigers
Was looking for a different kind of pick here because this is becoming too much of a trend pick.