2012 NFL Mock Draft featuring the Tar Heel Inside Scoop
10. Buffalo Bills: Quinton Couples, Defensive Tackle, UNC
The main issue with the Buffalo Bills is the same now as it has been recent years. The team has been unable to stop the run. Taking that into consideration, it seems as though the team will look to once again sure put their defensive line. The situation with their pick is very similar to the one with the Carolina Panthers. While the position of target is clear, the actually player is put for some speculation. Considering that the top two defensive tackles in the draft are Devin Still and Quinton Couples, I believe that the team will choose whichever player that the Panthers do not select. In this case, I believe that that player will be Quinton Couples.
TAR HEELS INSIDE SCOOP: After dominating the 2011 NCAA Football season with 58 tackles and 10 sacks, Quinton Couples has proven himself to be one of the best prospects in terms of defensive linemen. He was a rock in the middle in the Tar Heels defense last season and, while he does lack a little in the weight department for a defensive tackle (6ft 6in, 275lbs), he makes up for it with his speed and agility. This gives him the potential to develop into a great pass rusher, as well as a respectable force against the run.
11. Kansas City Chiefs: Jonathan Martin, Offensive Tackle, Stanford
Kansas City’s pick has the most uncertainly surrounding it so far. The team has a number of needs that they could use their eleventh pick to fix. At this point, it seems as though the offensive and defensive lines are the most likely targets. I believe that the team will make their O-Line a priority and draft Jonathan Martin in order to help keep their quarterback upright. Another possible selection could be Nick Perry, DE out of USC.
12. Seattle Seahawks: Nick Perry, Defensive End, USC
While it is within the realm of possibility that the Seahawks could take a gamble on Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill, I believe that they will select the aforementioned USC defensive end Nick Perry. Combined with surprise talent Chris Clemmons, the Seahawks could potentially begin to build an identity as a pass rushing defense.
13. Arizona Cardinals: David DeCastro, Offensive Guard, Stanford
With the Cardinals defense coming together in the manner that they did at the end of last season, it looks as though the team will look to improve their offensive unit. Considering the fact that their offensive line has been notably weak in recent year, David DeCastro looks to be the idea selection with the 13th overall pick.
14. Dallas Cowboys: Dre Kirkpatrick, Cornerback, Alabama
Last year proved that the Dallas Cowboys have their share of issues. While the team seemed out of sync last year, their main flaw on the field was their secondary. I believe that Dallas will target a cornerback (in this case Dre Kirkpatrick) in order to help sure up their coverage issues. It is also possible that the team will select CB Alfonzo Dennard out of Nebraska.
15. Philadelphia Eagles: Melvin Ingram, Linebacker, Boston College
The main reason that the Eagles were unable to live up to their preseason potential was the fact that their linebacking core was severely depleted. I would be very surprised if Philadelphia targeted anything other than a linebacker with their 15th overall pick. My projection is that they will select Melvin Ingram, but they could also go after LB Luke Kuechly out of Boston College, or LB Courtney Upshaw out of Alabama.