Mock Draft 3.0 (Pre-Combine Edition, 2 Rounds): Steelers Select ILB Dont’a Hightower and OG Kevin Zeitler
23. Detroit Lions: Mark Barron S (Alabama)
In the event that the Lions decide to build upon their success in 2011, they need to realize that to be the N.F.C.’s representative in future Super Bowls that they must find a way to stop the aerial shows led by the likes of Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Eli Manning, etc..
Mark Barron (6’2″ 218 lbs.) is the consensus #1 Safety in this 2012 Draft Class, and fills a position of need for the Lions while in turn being considered one of the BPA’s at #21. Barron is an All-SEC player, has a knack for forcing turnovers, and established himself as the anchor on the Tide’s back end. Round 1 and the selection of Baron would provide the Lions with the perfect place to start their Secondary makeover.
(Previous Selection: Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska)
24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Dont’a Hightower ILB (Alabama)
Unlike most collegiate football teams, Alabama not only runs an N.F.L. style of Defense, they are one of they few teams that actually run a N.F.L. style 3-4 system. Because the Steelers are in desperate need of help at the ILB position, and Dont’a Hightower is one of the best available players on the board, this pick makes too much sense if the Steelers decide not to trade down.
Hightower (6’4″ 260 lbs.) had a highly successful career at Alabama where he started 40 games, and last season led the Tide’s #1 Ranked Defense in Tackles in addition to being named a 1st Team All-American. G.M. Kevin Colbert has done a fantastic job in the 1st Round during his career in Pittsburgh, and Hightower could be the next in a long line of players to become 1st Round success stories.
(Previous Selection: Cordy Glenn, OG/OT, Georgia)
25. Denver Broncos: Jerel Worthy DT (Michigan State)
It’ll be Year 2 in Denver’s transition from a 3-4 to a 4-3 and the Broncos will be looking to acquire more personnel to fit their new scheme. In need of a 1-Technique or even a 3-Technique, Denver could find a solid pick in the form of Jerel Worthy now. At 6’3” and 310 lbs., Worthy could be that force in the middle that the Broncos are looking for in Year 2 of their 4-3 set. Worthy turned in dominating performances during his 4 years in East Lansing, and started 37 games in the 3 seasons after his redshirt campaign.
Ryan McBean, Marcus Thomas, and Broderick Bunkley are definitely not the answers at either Defensive Tackle spot. Sure they’re great guys to have around for depth purposes. But for the top three in the rotation? No thanks. Denver needs to upgrade the center of their Defensive Line, and pronto.
(Previous Selection: Michael Brockers, DT, Louisiana State)
26. Houston Texans: Kendall Wright WR (Baylor)
Andre Johnson has basically done it “all by himself” when it comes to his career with the Houston Texans and his role in their passing game. Maybe the Front Office will wise-up this offseason and give Johnson as well as Matt Schaub some more help to bolster their terrific Offense.
Wright was Robert Griffin III’s main-man at Baylor (108 grabs for 1663 yards and 14 TD’s in 2011) and had himself a whale of a collegiate career while Baylor experienced a football “Renaissance” period. Speedy and possessing good hands, Wright (5’10” 190 lbs.) could consistently burn teams underneath when they decide to key on Andre Johnson. Wright also has big-play ability and would just give Matt Schaub and the Houston Offense another terrific weapon to work with.
27. New England Patriots: Whitney Mercilus DE/OLB (Illinois)
The Patriots must improve their Defense if they wish to grab Tom Brady a couple more Super Bowl rings before he finishes his career. If New England really wants to wreak havoc on the Defensive side of the ball, they had better find some guys that can rush the passer from the OLB position. Thus, if a guy like Whitney Mercilus is there at #27, New England has to at least consider drafting him.
An incredible “One-Year Wonder,” Mercilus tallied 16.0 Sacks and amassed 9 Forced Fumbles in 2011 at Illinois. At 6’4″ and 265 lbs. Mercilus has a decent frame to work with as a Defensive End and/or an Outside Linebacker. And if Bill Belichick values anything on the Defensive side of the ball it’s versatility. Mercilus could come off the edge as a down lineman or rush from the stand up position in a 3-4 set, and could give Defensive Coordinators fits with his speed.
(Previous Selection: Vontaze Burfict, ILB, Arizona State)
28. Green Bay Packers: Peter Konz C (Wisconsin)
If Center Scott Wells is not given the Franchise Tag, he could be getting lucrative Free Agent offers to take his services elsewhere. While Green Bay does have big holes on the Defensive side of the ball, if Wells does indeed depart, the Packers would be wise to draft his replacement. Luckily for them, his replacement played his college ball right in the Packers’ back yard.
Konz anchored the Badgers’ outstanding Offensive Line in 2012, and has the experience and grit to step in by at least the middle of Year 1 and start. If the Packers want to give the illusion that they are at least a threat to run the ball effectively, securing a player like Konz if Wells departs is an absolute must. Konz was a huge reason behind Heisman Finalist Montee Ball’s success last season in Madison, and if he brings his 6’5″ 314 lb. frame to Green Bay, the DT’s in the N.F.C. North and the rest of the N.F.L. had better watch out for him.
Previous Selection: (Vinny Curry, DE/OLB, Marshall)
29. San Francisco 49ers: Alfonzo Dennard CB (Nebraska)
If San Francisco decides not to upgrade the WR position in Round 1 of 2012, I could see them targeting a CB with the 29th overall pick or trading back into the early 2nd Round for multiple selections. Today’s version of the Mock has the 49ers going with a CB however. In the event San Francisco cannot re-sign Pro Bowler Carlos Rodgers, the CB position could use a bit of depth with Terrell Brown and Chris Culliver being the likely starters if Rodgers departs elsewhere.
Alfonzo Dennard (An All-Big 12 Performer in 2010) had a solid career at Nebraska and teamed with Prince Amukamara to form one of the best CB duos in college football during their time together. The scrappy 5’10 205 lb. Dennard could immediately entrench himself near the top of the CB depth chart, and help the 49ers already improving Pass Defense for seasons to come.
(Previous Selection: Alshon Jeffrey, WR, South Carolina)
30. Baltimore Ravens: Vontaze Burfict ILB (Arizona State)
This pick has “Baltimore Ravens” written all over it, and it makes me angry because I believe Burfict is one of the more talented players in this Draft. I’ve watched almost all of Burfict’s college career at A.S.U., and if it wasn’t for his bad (somewhat undeserved) reputation as a supposed “dirty” or “undisciplined” player, he would go in the Top 15. He is prone to over-pursuit and over-aggressive play though, but I feel that is something which can be honed and channeled into a strength by solid Coaching.
Baltimore G.M. Ozzie Newsome knows talent when he sees it, and he also understands that some players are worth taking a chance on if they have some issues (Jimmy Smith last season). If Burfict impresses during interviews and he falls to 30, the Ravens will jump at the chance to take Ray Lewis’ replacement.
(Previous Pick: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin)
31. New England Patriots: Fletcher Cox DT (Mississippi State)
Fixing theie Defense must be New England’s top priority this offseason, no ifs ands or buts. If the Patriots do indeed decide to hold on to their two 1st Round picks in 2012, they will likely go with two Defensive difference makers. One of the two selections could be a Defensive Linemen like Fletcher Cox.
With Gerard Warren and most importantly Vince Wilfork creeping into their early and mid 30’s, New England could lessen the blow and keep those guys fresh by drafting a player like Cox. At 6’4″ 295 lbs. Cox can play a 4-3 Defensive Tackle or even a 3-4 Defensive End for a Defense that has multiple alignments like New England’s. But one of Cox’s best attributes is that he can get to the QB and can make plays behind the line of scrimmage. Cox racked up 14.5 Tackles For Loss and 5 Sacks in 2011 while earning First Team All-SEC honors from the A.P.. If New England wants to fix their Defense they should be targeting some Defensive Linemen with their multitude of early picks.
(Previous Selection: Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers)
32. New York Giants: Coby Fleener TE (Stanford)
While they are the 2011 N.F.L. Champions, the Giants still have some holes to fill, and depth to acquire. Losing Travis Beckum and Jake Ballard in the Super Bowl was bad enough, and H-Back Bear Pascoe cannot be counted on to shoulder the load at TE in 2012. Thankfully , the most N.F.L. ready TE is available for them to select at the bottom of the 1st Round: the (6’6″ 245 lb. TE) Coby Fleener.
In 2011 alone, Fleener racked up 36 catches for 667 yards and 10 TD’s. That’s a 19.6 yard average for those of you scoring at home! Without any big play threats at WR in 2011, Andrew Luck used his weapons at TE like Fleener to perfection. And to his credit, Fleener responded with some great catches all season long while he worked in all areas of the field and kept producing.