Mock Draft 4.0 (Post-Combine Edition, 3 Rounds): Steelers Select ILB Dont’a Hightower, NT Alameda Ta’amu, OG/OT Brandon Washington

23. Detroit Lions: Dre’ Kirkpatrick CB (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..

While Kirkpatrick may have some character issues, there’s no denying his fantastic ability.  Dre’ is massive for a Cornerback at 6’2″ 186 lbs., plays physical, and could instantly step in and help Detroit’s 22nd Ranked (in YPG) Pass Defense.  Selecting Kirkpatrick, or his teammate S Mark Barron would be the first step in making-over Detroit’s sub-par Secondary in 2012.

(Previous Selection: Mark Barron, S, Alabama)

24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Dont’a Hightower ILB (Alabama)

Unlike most college 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: Mark Barron S (Alabama)

With Brian Dawkins nearing retirement, Denver must be on the lookout for his replacement either this offseason or next.  If Pittsburgh passes on Mark Barron (if he is still on the board), Denver will likely select Barron at #25.

Not only is Barron (6’2″ 218 lbs.) the consensus #1 Safety in this 2012 Draft Class, but he fills a position of need for the Broncos and should be considered one of the BPA’s at #25.  Barron is an All-SEC player, has a knack for forcing turnovers, and established himself as the anchor on the Tide’s back end.

(Previous Selection: Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan 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.

28. Green Bay Packers: Andre Branch DE/OLB (Clemson)

I had been saying it all season long, but the Giants finally exposed the Packers’ Defense as the fraudulent bunch they are when they cannot effectively rush the passer/cause turnovers.  Green Bay found out this season that having one All-Pro OLB in the form of Clay Matthews is not enough, and they could thus be looking to upgrade in the pass rushing department.  Thus, the Packers should definitely look in Andre Branch’s direction if he is indeed available at the end of Round 1.

At 6’4″ and 259 lbs., Branch could be a versatile force if lined up across from Matthews, or even asked to pass rush off of the line of scrimmage in exotic formations on 3rd Downs.  Branch is a guy that can get to the QB, and that is exactly what the Packers’ Defense needs at this moment.  With double-teams being forced away from Matthews’ direction, Green Bay’s Defense could be even more formidable.

Previous Selection: (Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin)

29. Baltimore Ravens: Peter Konz C (Wisconsin)

Whether or not Center Matt Birk decides to retire this offseason, Baltimore should seriously consider upgrading there in the 2012 Draft.  With Cincinnati’s terrific DT rotation, Phil Taylor for Cleveland, and whichever NT the Steelers settle on after Casey Hampton leaves, Baltimore needs to have a competent Center that can hold his ground and pave the way for Ray Rice and the rushing attack.

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 Ravens want to continue pounding the rock efficiently like they have during Ray Rice’s tenure securing a player like Konz if he is still on the board 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 Baltimore, the DT’s in the A.F.C. North and the rest of the N.F.L. had better watch out for him.

(Previous Pick: Vontaze Burfict, ILB, Arizona State)

30. San Francisco 49ers: Stephen Hill WR (Georgia Tech)

Outside of Michael Crabtree, the 49ers are a team without a real field-stretching WR.  If San Francisco finds a way to re-sign Carlos Rogers, then they should be looking at the WR position in Round 1.  One guy in particular that they might target is Stephen Hill, a guy who has been shooting up draft boards since his impressive Combine workouts recently.

Much like Calvin Johnson and Demaryius Thomas before him, Stephen Hill is the next tall, field-stretching Yellow Jacket WR to emerge as one of the Draft’s top prospects.  While a bit raw in terms of route-running and understanding the nuances of playing the WR position, Hill is an absolute physical freak at 6’4” 205 lbs. with good hands, nice speed, and tremendous upside.

Even though he only caught 28 passes his Junior season in 2011, Hill amassed 820 Receiving Yards in Georgia Tech’s Triple Option Offense.  That’s 29.3 YPC which subseqently led the nation.  Hill, like Demaryius Thomas, could take a year/year and a half to learn how to play WR at the pro level.  However, a WR with his size and deep threat ability could be of good use to a team like San Francisco in search of a viable threat to stretch the field on the outside.

(Previous Selection: Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska)

31. New England Patriots: Fletcher Cox DT (Mississippi State)

Fixing the 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.

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.