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

48. New England Patriots Jayron Hosley, Cornerback, Virginia Tech
While the Patriots could benefit from adding another pass rusher with this selection, I believe that the team will target a cornerback with the 48th pick. Due to the fact that New England was forced to use wide receiver Julian Edelman as a defensive back Several times during the 2011 season (including multiple times during the postseason), adding a player like Hosley could potentially be very beneficial. If nothing else, he would add depth to a position that is in clear need of it.

49. San Diego Chargers Dwayne Allen, Tight End, Clemson
While there are several other teams that have shown interest in the best tight end in the draft, I believe that the Chargers will have the honors of pulling the trigger. San Diego is a team that has run their passing game through current star tight end Antonio Gates for the past decade. However, with Gates nearing the end of his career (in terms of being a dominate force in the Chargers passing game), a player with Dwayne Allen’s position could provide the team with another potential staple. Additionally, with both Gates and Allen on the same roster, the team could provide quarterback Philip Rivers with a duel tight end attack much like the run in New England during the last few years of Gate career.

50. Chicago Bears Bobby Massie, Offensive Tackle, Ole Miss
Assuming that the Bear hold true to my predictions and draft a wide receiver in the first round (I have them selecting Michael Floyd with the 19th overall pick), then the team will almost certainly be looking to boast their offensive line in the second round. Bobby Massie would be a good fit to help protect current quarterback Jay Cutler, and should still be on the board at the 50th pick.