WHO-DEY-BENGALS_18
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Feb 10, 2008
- Messages
- 16,192
- Reaction score
- 296
NFL Mock Draft - 1/8/2012 -- Rob Rang
Round 1
1. Indianapolis Colts
Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford: A year ago at this time, it would have seemed ridiculous to think that the Colts would have the No. 1 pick and be drafting a replacement for Peyton Manning. Unless the Colts are somehow assured that Manning will overcome his three neck surgeries to return to an All-Pro level in his 15th NFL season, however, they can't possibly pass up such a "lucky" opportunity to invest in their future.
2. St. Louis Rams
Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State: Sam Bradford is a franchise quarterback -- I believe it, and more important, the Rams believe it. Don't expect them to draft another passer, though trading the pick to a QB-desperate team is certainly a strong possibility. The Rams need receiver help for Bradford desperately and may look to the back to back Biletnikoff winning Blackmon -- though he'd provide much greater value outside of the top five rather than as the No. 2 pick of the draft.
3. Minnesota Vikings
Matt Kalil, OT, Southern California: Considering the pass rushers in the NFC North division, high-caliber blindside tackles are required. The Vikings aren't likely to pass on an opportunity to draft a future Pro Bowler. That's exactly what Kalil represents. Scouts would like to see Kalil play with more consistent technique, but he's been able to dominate at the collegiate level based only on his size (6-6, 295) and athleticism.
4. Cleveland Browns
Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor: Browns head coach Pat Shurmur's off-hand comments that Robert Griffin III is a "tremendous talent" and "good player" is certain to create buzz in Cleveland that he could fit in their current West Coast Offense because, as Shurmur noted, "good players fit in every offense." Even Colt McCoy's biggest proponents can't help but wonder if Griffin's dazzling combination of mobility and accuracy can bring a Heisman Trophy to Baylor, what could it do for a franchise that seems perennially snake-bitten.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama: With a powerful running game complementing Josh Freeman and their young receivers, the Bucs caught the NFL by surprise in 2010. A year later the Bucs saw feature runner LaGarrette Blount run for approximately 25 percent less yardage despite starting twice as many games. Running back isn't the biggest area of concern for Tampa Bay, but Richardson is among the truly elite talents in the draft and an obvious upgrade over Tampa's current stable of backs.
6. Washington Redskins
Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU: The Redskins would love to see Griffin slide to them, but that isn't likely. Considering how owner Daniel Snyder and head coach Mike Shanahan have enjoyed making draft-day splashes in the past, don't be surprised if the team engineers a trade up to get the Heisman winner. Otherwise the Redskins could take Claiborne -- the 2011 Thorpe Award winner -- who would give the Redskins more consistent play than veteran DeAngelo Hall.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars
Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama: In averaging an NFL worst 259.2 yards per game and only slightly better (28th) in points per game (15.3), clearly the Jaguars' biggest needs are on the offensive side of the ball. That said, general manager Gene Smith isn't likely to panic and take an offensive prospect in the blind hopes that a rookie receiver or offensive tackle will light a spark. Smith, who quietly is well respected throughout the league, is more likely to draft the best player available, press corner Dre Kirkpatrick.
8. Carolina Panthers
Devon Still, DT, Penn State: Carolina owes the fact that they are currently slated to have a top ten pick due to an inability to stop the run. The 6-4, 310-pound Still hasn't always played with the consistency scouts would like but emerged as a leader and difference-maker as a senior for the Nittany Lions, earning recognition as the Big Ten's Defensive Player of the Year.
9. Miami Dolphins
Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa: The Dolphins have a lot of talent on the offensive line, not the least of which is Pro Bowl left tackle Jake Long. An upgrade over journeyman Marc Columbo will be a priority for the Dolphins regardless of who winds up coaching them. The 6-6, 300-pound Reiff is physical enough to handle the move to the strongside and provides better value here than reaching to fill other positions of need.
10. Buffalo Bills
Quinton Coples, DT, North Carolina: The Bills began the 2011 season as a 3-4 team but ran more of new defensive coordinator Dave Wannestadt's preferred 4-3 scheme. Coples is gamble on greatness but pairing his talent with defensive tackles Marcell Dareus and Kyle Williams and the Bills could enter 2012 with the scariest front in the AFC East.
11. Kansas City Chiefs
Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford: Like the Miami Dolphins, the Chiefs have individual talent up front. Barry Richardson at right tackle, however, is a weak spot that might be addressed should one of the top three tackles still be on the board. Some scouts think Martin is the most talented pass blocker in the draft. Furthermore, his mobility makes him a natural fit in the Chiefs' current zone-blocking system.
12. Seattle Seahawks
Nick Perry, DE, Southern California: Having captured a full third of Seattle's 33 sacks in 2011, Chris Clemons has quietly emerged as one of the NFL's most productive pass rushers. His statistics are inflated due to the matchups presented by Seattle's LEO position, a hybrid pass-rushing role. Carroll recruited Perry to Southern Cal three years ago to fill precisely this role. The 6-3, 255-pound Perry led the Pac-12 with 9.5 sacks as a junior and may be just scratching the surface of his potential. Whether serving as a complement to Clemons or as his eventual replacement, Perry's speed and pass rushing potential will be highly valued come draft day.
13. Arizona Cardinals
Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor: The Cardinals surprised many when they stuck to their board and took cornerback Patrick Peterson with the fifth pick overall last April when they had bigger areas of need. Similarly, if there were a pass rusher or offensive tackle worthy of consideration here the Cardinals would obviously be interested but with none of value available, Arizona could be forced to look at alternative options. One attractive possibility would be adding a playmaker opposite Larry Fitzgerald like Wright.
14. Dallas Cowboys
Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska: The Cowboys' defense made gains under Rob Ryan, but inconsistencies in the secondary led to plenty of breakdowns. Sources tell me the Cowboys were very intrigued last year with Nebraska cornerback Prince Amukamara. Perhaps they'll pull the trigger on a Husker cornerback this time around with the short but physical Dennard, who many scouts are giving a higher grade to this season than they did his former teammate at this same time last year.
15. Philadelphia Eagles
Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College: Juan Castillo was a convenient scapegoat for the fact that the Eagles didn't have a middle linebacker play with any kind of consistency in 2011. Philadelphia may be perfectly positioned to nab the most productive linebacker in recent college football history. More decorated than a wedding cake, Kuechly is the reigning Butkus, Nagurski, Lombardi and Lott Impact Trophy Award winner and has more career tackles (532) than any other linebacker in the country. That's saying something considering he's leaving after his junior season.
16. NY Jets
Mark Barron, SS, Alabama: For all of the talent the Jets boast outside at cornerback, the play down the middle has been significantly less impressive this season. The Jets have struggled against tight ends this season and could use an instinctive, big hitting safety to fall into their lap. While the team certainly has other needs to consider, if Alabama's Mark Barron is available, perhaps it might be wise to take the easy way out.
17. Cincinnati Bengals (from Oakland)
David DeCastro, OG, Stanford: The strong play from rookies Andy Dalton and A.J. Green has hidden the reality that the Bengals remain a team that prides itself on running the football. DeCastro is earning comparisons to former Oakland Raider great Steve Wisniewski for his size and physical play.
18. San Diego Chargers
Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama: This is a bit higher than Upshaw should likely go, but if San Diego general manager A.J. Smith has proven anything over the course of his career it is that he is willing to stick with his own team's grades rather than follow the herd. Upshaw, experienced at defensive end and outside linebacker, may be able to provide the consistent pass rush that 2009 first round pick Larry English has thus far been unable to give the Chargers.
19. Chicago Bears
Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame: With Mike Tice and not Mike Martz heading the Chicago Bears' offense, expect a focus on adding receivers with size and the strength to contribute as downfield blockers. The 6-3, 224-pound Floyd is an ideal match and would be a significant upgrade over veteran Roy Williams at split end.
20. Tennessee Titans
Melvin Ingram, OLB, South Carolina: Rookie defensive tackle Karl Klug led the Titans with seven sacks in 2011. Only two other Tennessee defenders registered more than three sacks. The 6-2, 270-pound Ingram lacks the size scouts would prefer and as such could be more heavily pursued by 3-4 teams looking for outside linebackers than a 4-3 team like Tennessee looking for help at defensive end. Ingram is a natural pass rusher, however, who'll make an immediate impact.
21. Cincinnati Bengals
Lamar Miller, RB, Miami (Fla.): If there is a running back in the country capable of leaping into the first round to join Alabama's Trent Richardson, it is likely the 'Canes' redshirt sophomore, Miller. Possessing big play speed to go with his 5-11, 212-pound frame, Miller could prove to be a difference-maker and insurance for the Bengals behind the bruising Cedric Benson.
22. Cleveland Browns (from Atlanta)
Zach Brown, OLB, North Carolina: Despite featuring two of the bigger, stronger defensive tackles in the NFL in 2011 first-round pick Phil Taylor and veteran Ahtyba Rubin, the Browns currently rank 31st in run defense. Part of the reason for this is a lack of speed and playmaking ability on the flanks. Brown, 6-2, 230 pounds, has been North Carolina's most consistent defender this season and is expected to wow scouts in workouts, leading to a jump up the board.
23. Detroit Lions
Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama: Jenkins has top 20 talent, but his off-field problems could leap him to slip. The Lions were lauded for snatching up Nick Fairley when he dropped last year and could get better immediate dividends from the playmaking Jenkins.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers
Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia: The Steelers seemingly patch up their offensive line annually, only to struggle with injuries and consistency up front. Glenn lacks the consistency to earn a first round grade from all clubs, but the 6-5, 350-pounder has the size the Steelers prefer upfront and, as a rare four-year starter with experience at left tackle, left guard and right guard he has the durability and versatility the team prioritizes on draft day. Roethlisberger was sacked five times against the Broncos.
25. Denver Broncos
Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State: Due to the terrific play on the outside by Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil and the big hitting up the middle by D.J. Williams, the Broncos have been surprisingly stout this season against the run despite a relative lack of size and talent at defensive tackle. Worthy is a gamble as he lacks consistency, but he could be a star -- especially when protected by the type of talent John Fox has already on this roster.
26. NY Giants
Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford: The Giants are among the more talented teams in the league but their maddening inconsistency is sure to result in changes in the offseason. One obvious area in which the team could improve would be to add a tight end capable of making big plays down the middle. The 6-6, 250-pound Fleener averaged 20.2 yards per reception for Stanford in 2011, leading the team with 10 touchdowns. Considering the other weapons on this offense, Fleener could make an immediate impact in a similar role as what that the Patriots and Saints run with Rob Gronkowski and Jimmy Graham.
27. Houston Texans
Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis: The Texans have emerged as one of the NFL's best teams, but run defense remains a concern as the team doesn't have a dominant nose guard. Poe, at 6-5 and 350 pounds, possesses a rare combination of size, strength and athleticism and would surely intrigue the Texans and any other teams in search of a nose guard, should he leave Memphis early.
28. New England Patriots
Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State: Cox will appeal to Bill Belichick for various reasons, not the least of which is the fact that the 6-4, 295-pound junior is just scratching the surface of his potential. And make no mistake, the potential is there for Cox to be a star. The Bulldog defensive tackle earned the SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week four times this season and is highly regarded by scouts because of his size, strength and ability to play inside or out in multiple fronts. That type of versatility will also certainly intrigue Belichick.
29. Baltimore Ravens
Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin: Veteran Matt Birk has played reasonably well for the Ravens but will be entering his 15th season in 2012. Guard Ben Grubbs, a former first-round pick and arguably Baltimore's most consistent offensive lineman, is scheduled for free agency. General manager Ozzie Newsome won't go through the 2012 draft without addressing the interior of his offensive line. Should Konz elect to leave Madison early, he'd be a prize at this point in the draft.
30. San Francisco 49ers (from New Orleans)
Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers: The injury to Josh Morgan and relative disappointment that Michael Crabtree has been since being the 49ers' 2009 first-round pick makes wide receiver an area of concern. A prototypical receiver for the West Coast system, Sanu's size, physicality and toughness make up for a lack of elite speed.
31. New England Patriots
Andre Branch, DE, Clemson: A defensive end for the Clemson Tigers, Branch's value could rise exponentially if the 6-4, 260-pound senior proves as fluid in workouts as he appears when chasing down ballcarriers. The Patriots received some pretty strong play this season from veterans Andre Carter and Mark Anderson but in Branch the team would have a pass rusher capable of lining up at defensive end or rushing the passer from the two point stance should the Patriots revert back to Belichick's customary 3-4 defense in 2012.
32. Green Bay Packers
Jared Crick, DE, Nebraska: General manager Ted Thompson loves to use high-round picks to fortify his lines. A disappointing senior season and torn pectoral muscle could push Crick down the board a bit, but a year ago he would have rated as a possible top 20 pick. Few talent evaluators are better at finding slipping talents like Thompson, who might envision the 6-4, 285 pound Crick as a perfect candidate to compete inside and out for the Packers.
Round 1
Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford: A year ago at this time, it would have seemed ridiculous to think that the Colts would have the No. 1 pick and be drafting a replacement for Peyton Manning. Unless the Colts are somehow assured that Manning will overcome his three neck surgeries to return to an All-Pro level in his 15th NFL season, however, they can't possibly pass up such a "lucky" opportunity to invest in their future.
Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State: Sam Bradford is a franchise quarterback -- I believe it, and more important, the Rams believe it. Don't expect them to draft another passer, though trading the pick to a QB-desperate team is certainly a strong possibility. The Rams need receiver help for Bradford desperately and may look to the back to back Biletnikoff winning Blackmon -- though he'd provide much greater value outside of the top five rather than as the No. 2 pick of the draft.
Matt Kalil, OT, Southern California: Considering the pass rushers in the NFC North division, high-caliber blindside tackles are required. The Vikings aren't likely to pass on an opportunity to draft a future Pro Bowler. That's exactly what Kalil represents. Scouts would like to see Kalil play with more consistent technique, but he's been able to dominate at the collegiate level based only on his size (6-6, 295) and athleticism.
Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor: Browns head coach Pat Shurmur's off-hand comments that Robert Griffin III is a "tremendous talent" and "good player" is certain to create buzz in Cleveland that he could fit in their current West Coast Offense because, as Shurmur noted, "good players fit in every offense." Even Colt McCoy's biggest proponents can't help but wonder if Griffin's dazzling combination of mobility and accuracy can bring a Heisman Trophy to Baylor, what could it do for a franchise that seems perennially snake-bitten.
Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama: With a powerful running game complementing Josh Freeman and their young receivers, the Bucs caught the NFL by surprise in 2010. A year later the Bucs saw feature runner LaGarrette Blount run for approximately 25 percent less yardage despite starting twice as many games. Running back isn't the biggest area of concern for Tampa Bay, but Richardson is among the truly elite talents in the draft and an obvious upgrade over Tampa's current stable of backs.
Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU: The Redskins would love to see Griffin slide to them, but that isn't likely. Considering how owner Daniel Snyder and head coach Mike Shanahan have enjoyed making draft-day splashes in the past, don't be surprised if the team engineers a trade up to get the Heisman winner. Otherwise the Redskins could take Claiborne -- the 2011 Thorpe Award winner -- who would give the Redskins more consistent play than veteran DeAngelo Hall.
Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama: In averaging an NFL worst 259.2 yards per game and only slightly better (28th) in points per game (15.3), clearly the Jaguars' biggest needs are on the offensive side of the ball. That said, general manager Gene Smith isn't likely to panic and take an offensive prospect in the blind hopes that a rookie receiver or offensive tackle will light a spark. Smith, who quietly is well respected throughout the league, is more likely to draft the best player available, press corner Dre Kirkpatrick.
Devon Still, DT, Penn State: Carolina owes the fact that they are currently slated to have a top ten pick due to an inability to stop the run. The 6-4, 310-pound Still hasn't always played with the consistency scouts would like but emerged as a leader and difference-maker as a senior for the Nittany Lions, earning recognition as the Big Ten's Defensive Player of the Year.
Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa: The Dolphins have a lot of talent on the offensive line, not the least of which is Pro Bowl left tackle Jake Long. An upgrade over journeyman Marc Columbo will be a priority for the Dolphins regardless of who winds up coaching them. The 6-6, 300-pound Reiff is physical enough to handle the move to the strongside and provides better value here than reaching to fill other positions of need.
Quinton Coples, DT, North Carolina: The Bills began the 2011 season as a 3-4 team but ran more of new defensive coordinator Dave Wannestadt's preferred 4-3 scheme. Coples is gamble on greatness but pairing his talent with defensive tackles Marcell Dareus and Kyle Williams and the Bills could enter 2012 with the scariest front in the AFC East.
Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford: Like the Miami Dolphins, the Chiefs have individual talent up front. Barry Richardson at right tackle, however, is a weak spot that might be addressed should one of the top three tackles still be on the board. Some scouts think Martin is the most talented pass blocker in the draft. Furthermore, his mobility makes him a natural fit in the Chiefs' current zone-blocking system.
Nick Perry, DE, Southern California: Having captured a full third of Seattle's 33 sacks in 2011, Chris Clemons has quietly emerged as one of the NFL's most productive pass rushers. His statistics are inflated due to the matchups presented by Seattle's LEO position, a hybrid pass-rushing role. Carroll recruited Perry to Southern Cal three years ago to fill precisely this role. The 6-3, 255-pound Perry led the Pac-12 with 9.5 sacks as a junior and may be just scratching the surface of his potential. Whether serving as a complement to Clemons or as his eventual replacement, Perry's speed and pass rushing potential will be highly valued come draft day.
Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor: The Cardinals surprised many when they stuck to their board and took cornerback Patrick Peterson with the fifth pick overall last April when they had bigger areas of need. Similarly, if there were a pass rusher or offensive tackle worthy of consideration here the Cardinals would obviously be interested but with none of value available, Arizona could be forced to look at alternative options. One attractive possibility would be adding a playmaker opposite Larry Fitzgerald like Wright.
Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska: The Cowboys' defense made gains under Rob Ryan, but inconsistencies in the secondary led to plenty of breakdowns. Sources tell me the Cowboys were very intrigued last year with Nebraska cornerback Prince Amukamara. Perhaps they'll pull the trigger on a Husker cornerback this time around with the short but physical Dennard, who many scouts are giving a higher grade to this season than they did his former teammate at this same time last year.
Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College: Juan Castillo was a convenient scapegoat for the fact that the Eagles didn't have a middle linebacker play with any kind of consistency in 2011. Philadelphia may be perfectly positioned to nab the most productive linebacker in recent college football history. More decorated than a wedding cake, Kuechly is the reigning Butkus, Nagurski, Lombardi and Lott Impact Trophy Award winner and has more career tackles (532) than any other linebacker in the country. That's saying something considering he's leaving after his junior season.
Mark Barron, SS, Alabama: For all of the talent the Jets boast outside at cornerback, the play down the middle has been significantly less impressive this season. The Jets have struggled against tight ends this season and could use an instinctive, big hitting safety to fall into their lap. While the team certainly has other needs to consider, if Alabama's Mark Barron is available, perhaps it might be wise to take the easy way out.
David DeCastro, OG, Stanford: The strong play from rookies Andy Dalton and A.J. Green has hidden the reality that the Bengals remain a team that prides itself on running the football. DeCastro is earning comparisons to former Oakland Raider great Steve Wisniewski for his size and physical play.
Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama: This is a bit higher than Upshaw should likely go, but if San Diego general manager A.J. Smith has proven anything over the course of his career it is that he is willing to stick with his own team's grades rather than follow the herd. Upshaw, experienced at defensive end and outside linebacker, may be able to provide the consistent pass rush that 2009 first round pick Larry English has thus far been unable to give the Chargers.
Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame: With Mike Tice and not Mike Martz heading the Chicago Bears' offense, expect a focus on adding receivers with size and the strength to contribute as downfield blockers. The 6-3, 224-pound Floyd is an ideal match and would be a significant upgrade over veteran Roy Williams at split end.
Melvin Ingram, OLB, South Carolina: Rookie defensive tackle Karl Klug led the Titans with seven sacks in 2011. Only two other Tennessee defenders registered more than three sacks. The 6-2, 270-pound Ingram lacks the size scouts would prefer and as such could be more heavily pursued by 3-4 teams looking for outside linebackers than a 4-3 team like Tennessee looking for help at defensive end. Ingram is a natural pass rusher, however, who'll make an immediate impact.
Lamar Miller, RB, Miami (Fla.): If there is a running back in the country capable of leaping into the first round to join Alabama's Trent Richardson, it is likely the 'Canes' redshirt sophomore, Miller. Possessing big play speed to go with his 5-11, 212-pound frame, Miller could prove to be a difference-maker and insurance for the Bengals behind the bruising Cedric Benson.
Zach Brown, OLB, North Carolina: Despite featuring two of the bigger, stronger defensive tackles in the NFL in 2011 first-round pick Phil Taylor and veteran Ahtyba Rubin, the Browns currently rank 31st in run defense. Part of the reason for this is a lack of speed and playmaking ability on the flanks. Brown, 6-2, 230 pounds, has been North Carolina's most consistent defender this season and is expected to wow scouts in workouts, leading to a jump up the board.
Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama: Jenkins has top 20 talent, but his off-field problems could leap him to slip. The Lions were lauded for snatching up Nick Fairley when he dropped last year and could get better immediate dividends from the playmaking Jenkins.
Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia: The Steelers seemingly patch up their offensive line annually, only to struggle with injuries and consistency up front. Glenn lacks the consistency to earn a first round grade from all clubs, but the 6-5, 350-pounder has the size the Steelers prefer upfront and, as a rare four-year starter with experience at left tackle, left guard and right guard he has the durability and versatility the team prioritizes on draft day. Roethlisberger was sacked five times against the Broncos.
Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State: Due to the terrific play on the outside by Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil and the big hitting up the middle by D.J. Williams, the Broncos have been surprisingly stout this season against the run despite a relative lack of size and talent at defensive tackle. Worthy is a gamble as he lacks consistency, but he could be a star -- especially when protected by the type of talent John Fox has already on this roster.
Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford: The Giants are among the more talented teams in the league but their maddening inconsistency is sure to result in changes in the offseason. One obvious area in which the team could improve would be to add a tight end capable of making big plays down the middle. The 6-6, 250-pound Fleener averaged 20.2 yards per reception for Stanford in 2011, leading the team with 10 touchdowns. Considering the other weapons on this offense, Fleener could make an immediate impact in a similar role as what that the Patriots and Saints run with Rob Gronkowski and Jimmy Graham.
Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis: The Texans have emerged as one of the NFL's best teams, but run defense remains a concern as the team doesn't have a dominant nose guard. Poe, at 6-5 and 350 pounds, possesses a rare combination of size, strength and athleticism and would surely intrigue the Texans and any other teams in search of a nose guard, should he leave Memphis early.
Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State: Cox will appeal to Bill Belichick for various reasons, not the least of which is the fact that the 6-4, 295-pound junior is just scratching the surface of his potential. And make no mistake, the potential is there for Cox to be a star. The Bulldog defensive tackle earned the SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week four times this season and is highly regarded by scouts because of his size, strength and ability to play inside or out in multiple fronts. That type of versatility will also certainly intrigue Belichick.
Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin: Veteran Matt Birk has played reasonably well for the Ravens but will be entering his 15th season in 2012. Guard Ben Grubbs, a former first-round pick and arguably Baltimore's most consistent offensive lineman, is scheduled for free agency. General manager Ozzie Newsome won't go through the 2012 draft without addressing the interior of his offensive line. Should Konz elect to leave Madison early, he'd be a prize at this point in the draft.
Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers: The injury to Josh Morgan and relative disappointment that Michael Crabtree has been since being the 49ers' 2009 first-round pick makes wide receiver an area of concern. A prototypical receiver for the West Coast system, Sanu's size, physicality and toughness make up for a lack of elite speed.
Andre Branch, DE, Clemson: A defensive end for the Clemson Tigers, Branch's value could rise exponentially if the 6-4, 260-pound senior proves as fluid in workouts as he appears when chasing down ballcarriers. The Patriots received some pretty strong play this season from veterans Andre Carter and Mark Anderson but in Branch the team would have a pass rusher capable of lining up at defensive end or rushing the passer from the two point stance should the Patriots revert back to Belichick's customary 3-4 defense in 2012.
Jared Crick, DE, Nebraska: General manager Ted Thompson loves to use high-round picks to fortify his lines. A disappointing senior season and torn pectoral muscle could push Crick down the board a bit, but a year ago he would have rated as a possible top 20 pick. Few talent evaluators are better at finding slipping talents like Thompson, who might envision the 6-4, 285 pound Crick as a perfect candidate to compete inside and out for the Packers.
