21. Cincinnati Bengals: Cordy Glenn, G, Georgia
Assuming the Bengals address cornerback with their first pick, they have several options they can go with here. Help at safety is needed, but there isn’t anyone worthy of being drafted at this pick. Cordy Glenn is a versatile four year starter who can play guard or tackle if needed, and will help improve the running lanes for Benson or whomever they decide to start at running back. Another option to be drafted here is Lamar Miller, the running back from Miami (FL).
22. Cleveland Browns via ATL: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford
The Browns will want to invest in keeping their new quarterback healthy. Jonathan Martin was considered a top 10 pick in this draft at one point, and will be a great addition to the right side of the line. Assuming Eric Steinbach returns healthy (or even if he doesn’t, Jason Pinkston played well enough), the Browns will have a very solid line.
23. Detroit Lions: Whitney Mercilus, DE/OLB, Illinois
The Lions linebacking corps was the clear weakness on the team this year. Having Mercilus at outside linebacker would allow Cliff Avril, Kyle Vanden Bosch, and Ndamukong Suh to wreak even more havoc upon the opponent’s offense. Mercilus can play linebacker, or on the end.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Dont’a Hightower, ILB, Alabama
While the offensive line appears to be the most pressing need, I believe the Steelers go with a middle linebacker here. The Steelers seem content with letting Big Ben get battered around, and some of the fault goes to Roethlisberger for holding the ball too long (which will cause him to get hit no matter who is on the line). The middle linebacker position appears to be a more pressing issue. One middle linebacker spot will be set with Lawrence Timmons, but in the other spot is an old Larry Foote, an even older James Farrior, and an unproven Stevenson Sylvester. Hightower would be an excellent complement to Timmons in the middle of the field.
25. Denver Broncos: Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska
With Champ Bailey’s age, it is likely he will have to move to safety. This will leave a void at the cornerback position that is already weak. Alfonzo Dennard is considered by many to be a better draft prospect than Prince Amukamara, who was drafted 19th overall.
26. Houston Texans: Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor
Surprisingly, the Texans defense was stronger than their offense. The Texans running game is set, with one of the best running back tandems in the NFL. However, past Andre Johnson and Owen Daniels, the receiving corps for the Texans leave much to be desired. Kendall Wright starting opposite of Johnson would give Houston a much needed boost in the passing game.
27. New England Patriots via NO: Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia
The Patriots need to add some playmakers on the defensive side of the ball. The Patriots gave up 308.7 passing yards per game in the regular season. Minnifield is a ballhawk who can help the Patriots defense get Tom Brady on the field as soon as possible.
28. Green Bay Packers: Andre Branch, DE, Clemson
The Packers don’t have a clear draft need, but the defensive end spot could use an upgrade as Gary Neal can’t seem to stay healthy. Andre Branch is a versatile player who will be able to fit that role while also helping bring pressure on the quarterback.
29. Baltimore Ravens: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin
Besides Michael Oher, the Ravens offensive line is old. Andre Gurode was signed by Baltimore to take the place of injured 36 year old center, Matt Birk, and is now playing guard. Gurode however, is 32. Bryant McKinnie is 32 as well. Konz will add some youth to a rapidly aging offensive line.
30. San Francisco 49ers: Mohammad Sanu, WR, Rutgers
The 49ers don’t need to do anything drastic on the defensive side of the ball, where they played lights out the entire year. Alex Smith could use another weapon however if they would like to keep their defense from having to carry them to victory.
31. New England Patriots: Nick Perry, DE/OLB, USC
At this point in the draft, Nick Perry would be a steal for the Patriots. Perry can play OLB or DE depending on the scheme New England decides to run. The Patriots should spend both of their first round picks on improving their defense, which finished last overall in the NFL.
32. New York Giants: Chandler Jones, DE, Syracuse
The Giants could possibly lose both Osi Umenyiora and Mathias Kiwanuka this year. The Giants love to have a surplus of athletic defensive ends that can also play other positions. Chandler Jones is the type of player the Giants like to use.
That concludes my first round mock, in the future I will update it and add further rounds. If you have any suggestions or comments please let me know! @bossaus.
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