2012 NFL Mock Draft featuring the Tar Heel Inside Scoop
26. Houston Texans: Jerel Worthy, Defensive Tackle, Michigan State
After many years of waiting, the Houston Texans finally made their first postseason appearance during the 2011 NFL season. Even with the loss of Pro-Bowl Quarterback Matt Schaub, the team was still able to ride their stellar defense to a postseason berth and an opening round victory. I believe that the Texans will look to improve on their defensive unit by adding Jerel Worthy to their roster with the 26th overall pick.
27. New England Patriots: Michael Brockers, Defensive Tackle, LSU
The Patriots offensive is currently running as good as it has in recent years. While the defensive side of the ball is clearly in most need of improvement, it is the defensive line that deserves special attention. Last season, the team had issues rushing the opponents quarterback and stopping the run in key situation. A player like Michael Brockers would help sure up the team’s obvious need. However, judging by head coach Bill Belichick’s recent drafting strategies, there is a good chance that the team will trade this pick before they actually use it.
28. Green Bay Packers: Stephon Gilmore, Cornerback, South Carolina
After a dominate 2011 regular season, the team saw their Super Bowl aspirations come of an end in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. The Packers pass defense was question several times throughout the year, but they never exposed to the extent they were than in their matchup with the Giants in their last game of the season. Considering the talent that Green Bay currently has on their roster, it seems obvious that they will look to fix their biggest flaw. As a result, I believe that the Packers use the 28th pick to draft Stephon Gilmore to help sure up their secondary.
***From this point forward, the draft order is projected according to my predictions.***
29. San Francisco 49ers: Mohammed Sanu, Wide Receiver, Rutgers
After a phenomenal 2011 season, the 49ers showed that they have very few weaknesses on their football team. While they do have the flexibility to add a number of different players, from several different positions, I believe that they will look to add another option to their wide receiving corps. While the unit did play fairly well last season, it stands to reason that the team will look to add a player to help eliminate some inconsistency issues. Despite his lack of speed, Mohammed Sanu’s combination of size and strength could compliment quarterback Alex Smith very nicely.
30. Baltimore Ravens: Peter Konz, Center, Wisconsin
With the defense in Baltimore rapidly ageing, it stands to reason that the team will target a player like Ray Lewis or Ed Reed later down the line. However, the way the Ravens are currently playing, I believe the team will be looking to win now, more than they will be looking toward the future. The biggest need that they team had last year been their offensive line. While the team could target a player like OT Mike Adams out of Ohio State, I believe that Peter Konz will be the selection when the Ravens go on the clock.