2012 NFL Mock Draft Second Round Featuring the Tar Heel Inside Scoop

42. Carolina Panthers Vontaze Burfict, Linebacker, Arizona St.
After suffering an unprecedented amount of injuries on the defensive side of the ball last year, the Panthers will undoubted be looking to add depth to the unit. After standout linebacker Thomas Davis suffered his third ACL tear in the last three years, it is highly questionable as to whether or not he will be able to continue his NFL career. A talent like Burfict would provide the team with a player that could potentially replace (and in time, even surpass) Davis at the outside linebacker position. Additionally, he would be a phenomenal fit in head coach Ron Rivera’s defense. If Burfict falls to Carolina at the 42nd pick, the team would be ecstatic to have him.

43. Seattle Seahawks Brandon Weeden, Quarterback, Oklahoma St.
While current Seahawks quarterback Tavaris Jackson did play solid during the latter half of the season, it’s clear that head coach Pete Carroll is not sold on him as a building block for the future. A quarterback with Weeden’s experience, could potentially become a starter fairly quickly, and provide his team with a potential franchise player.

44. Kansas City Chiefs Ronnell Lewis, Linebacker, Oklahoma
While the Chiefs currently have a solid linebacking core, I believe that the team will look to add depth with the 44th pick. If Kansas City were to add player like Ronnell Lewis, to play alongside of Tamba Hali and Derrick Johnson, the team could potentially boast one of the best linebacking units in the NFL. However, it is also worth noting that the team may elect to use this pick on their defensive line (in this case Clemson DE Andre Branch).