22. Cleveland Browns: Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor
After all I’ve explained about the Browns earlier and Wright during the last selection, this pick is all but guaranteed. Wright is a perfect fit, in the perfect slot, and will go to a team that is desperate to have him. He’ll provide the Browns offense a deep threat is had been lacking for a long, long time
23. Detroit Lions: Stephon Gilmore, CB, S Carolina
The need at cornerback isn’t a major one for this team, but we consistently saw coach Jim Schwartz yelling at Alphonso Smith and Chris Houston last season. It is pretty clear the Lions need to improve in the pass defense phase of the game, given their run stuffers upfront. Gilmore can come in and they Lions can ease him along given their depth at the position. This team doesn’t really have a major need at any position. They are picking for depth in this entire draft.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Adams, OT, Ohio St
The Steelers dealt with a beat up offensive line all season in 2012. Upgrading here is a must at some point in this draft and given that they are picking late in rounds, they must go with value picks. Adams could very well be off the board at this point, but offensive line is just such a glaring need for the Steelers, I will find it very surprising if they address depth with their first pick of this draft.
25. Denver Broncos: Devon Still, DT, Penn State
Having just lost Broderick Bunkley to the Saints, replacing him in this draft is must for the Broncos. We all know they made the high profile move on offense, so its time to address the defense. Still is 6’5, an absolute monster, who can step in day one and start in the trenches for Denver. DT is a major need position for the Broncos.
26. Houston Texans: Dont’a Hightower, LB, Alabama
With the sudden and unexpected trade of DeMeco Ryans, filing a need in the 3-4 defense is something I expect the Texans to do. Hightower is a perfect fit in the 3-4 with his ability to control the run. Linebackers in general should be an immediate need for the Texans in this draft.
27. New England Patriots: Whitney Mercils, DE, Illinois
The bane of my existence: Patriots pass rusher/defensive lineman situation for the last 5 years. This team is so desperate for a pass rusher and Mercilus is a great fit. The Patriots have enough size upfront with Wilfork and Kyle Love to mask Mercilus and use him better than any other team can by allowing him to focus on the quarterback
28. Green Bay Packers: Nick Perry, DE, USC
The Packers could use some pass rush help with teams looking at Clay Matthews more and more. Perry can play both on the ground and standing up and should be a great asset for the Packers defense which was ranked at the bottom of the league last year. Their ability to get to the passer was a huge strength when they won the Super Bowl but when teams chipped Mathews at the line, they were exposed in the secondary. Addressing their depth here should be the move.
29. Baltimore Ravens: Andre Branch, DE/OLB, Clemson
Outside of Haloti Ngata, the Ravens are quietly thin at the defensive end position. Branch also gives them the versatility of being able to stand up or be in the 3-point stance. This selection can totally make up for the absolute miss that Sergio Kindle was 3 years ago.
30. San Francisco 49ers: Jerel Worthy, DT, Mich State
Trying to find a good selection and fit with the 49ers was definitely the hardest part of this mock. This team is deep across the board, has very little needs, but has this first round pick. So I was essentially forced to go with best available. And on my list that’s Worthy.
31. New England Patriots: Janoris Jenkins, CB, N Alabama
This pick just feels right. Jenkins is a top-10 talent that has red flags all over the place character-wise. But I get the feeling a nice conversation will take place between Bill Bellichick and Urban Meyer, who recruited Jenkins to Florida and this will result in Meyer giving Jenkins a thumbs up. Pats are desperate for a ball hawk in the secondary. This move will allow Kyle Arrington to slide back to his more natural nickel position.
32. New York Giants: Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford
Having lost both Jake Ballard and Travis Beckum to knee injuries in the Super Bowl was a devastating blow to the Giants offense. They will need to make for this loss, and signing underachieving Martellus Bennett is not the solution. Fleener is a good red zone target with great hands. Look for the Giants to go offense with this pick.
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