2012 NFL Fan Mock Draft

Greetings all,

Welcome to the 2012 NFL Spin Zone Fan Mock Draft. This is the second year overall that we have done a fan mock draft, but the first for the website. This year’s has surpassed last year’s draft in every way imaginable. We have representatives from at least 14 different states and one from New Zealand (Thanks, Chris). The demand to enter the field has never been higher; so much so that I almost considered adding a second round so more fans could be heard (Might be on next year’s agenda, so RSVP early). So thank you to Josh Sanchez of NFL Spin Zone and Mike Margittai of Football Alliance for allowing this endeavor to blossom.

Here are the rules; they are very simple. Each person will act as the general manager for their respective favorite team and select the player that they feel would be the best choice for their team. Upon giving the pick, each GM is required to provide a detailed reason for their selection so as to provide the site with insight and opinion. Also, list your name (first and last preferrably, Kevin G.) and the city you call home.

There are no trades allowed. Sadly, it would get a bit confusing. And it would force the Patriots out of the first round.

The point of this exercise is two-fold. One, to provide a unique perspective on the draft. Any figurehead draft guru can come up with his own mock draft, but ultimately, the NFL is about the fans. The draft is for the most hardcore of them all, and by your collective enthusiasm, it’s safe to say, you breathe, sleep and eat the NFL to the degree which I do. Congratulations. Secondly, it’s to determine accuracy. Last year wasn’t great to say the least (Cam Newton went No. 5). But hey, that’s how it works sometimes. Go with your gut. Do what you want. And let’s see how closely it resembles the real thing.

1. Indianapolis Colts – Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford 

“With the first pick in the 2012 NFL Draft the Colts select … Andrew Luck, QB out of Stanford. Although the media has tried to put RG3 in the running, there’s no way that the Colts were ever thinking of anyone else after trading the one, the only, Peyton Manning. Andrew Luck is the best quarterback prospect since Manning, and with a depleted offensive line, aging wide receiver core, and no feature back, I see him having a tough road ahead. But with that being said, his leadership and approach to the game should bring success in years to come, Luck should be a perennial Pro Bowler by year 3, and with the new interest in defense founded by our new GM, I see the playoffs coming a lot sooner than most expect. Go Colts! !“ – Scott Maxfield (Indianapolis, IN)

2. Washington Redskins – Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

“With the second pick in the 2012 Draft the Washington Redskins select Robert Griffin III out of Baylor University. RG3 is the obvious choice after the Skins gave away three first-round picks to move up to No. 2. His combination of passing and athleticism provides the potential to be the next Mike Vick. QB is one of the toughest positions to fill in the NFL and the Skins have been suffering from poor QB [play] for a few years now. RG3 has Hall of Fame upside and is the most polished passing dual-threat QB to enter the league in some time.” – Mark LaBalbo (Oviedo, FL)

3. Minnesota Vikings – Matt Kalil, OT, USC

“With the third pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings select Matt Kalil, offensive tackle out of the University of Southern California. It appears that the trade chatter surrounding this pick has died down, making it likely that no one is willing to trade up to the 3 spot to take a shot on Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill. The Vikings have several gaping holes to fill in their roster, and need to bolster their secondary, receiving corps, offensive line … and potentially even their backfield (Here’s one Vikings fan who is expecting Adrian Peterson to be a shell of his former self when he returns from the ever dreaded second ACL surgery). Yet, the team announced today that it has narrowed its list of players to take at the third position to three: Kalil, Justin Blackmon, and Morris Claiborne. All three players fill team needs, but it seems Kalil is the most likely choice. At 6’7″and 300 pounds, Kalil should fill in nicely at the left tackle spot, allowing Phil Loadholt to stay entrenched at right tackle. Kalil is ridiculously quick for a player his size, and should be a starter on the Vikes line for the next 10 years, barring a major injury … or barring a Bryant McKinnie-style weight gain escapade. Claiborne is also a possibility as head coach Leslie Frazier is a defensive-minded man, but reports have surfaced that the Vikes may be targeting former University of Florida standout and pot head Janoris Jenkins with their second round pick to fill the void in the secondary.

Kalil appears to be a relatively safe pick, yet I suspect in five years people will look back on this draft and talk about Trent Richardson as the best player to come off the board in 2012. With the Vikings off the clock, we move to the only NFL team with a more tormented fan base than the Minnesota faithful … the Cleveland Browns. Good luck … at least you know LeBron is never going to win a title in Miami.” – Ryan Weaver (Gainesville, FL)

4. Cleveland Browns – Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

“With the fourth pick in the NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns select Trent Richardson, running back out of the University of Alabama. In the past, the Cleveland Browns have had the most success when they could rely on their run game. In recent history the Browns have had very few stints where their running back could be relied on consistently. If you think we haven’t had bad luck with RB’s, I would point out [Peyton] Hillis (now that he is no longer with the Browns, I am sure he will develop into the best RB in the NFL). That is just how bad our luck is. Anyway, being a career college football player and offensive lineman (currently playing semi-pro arena football), I know the role the run game plays in opening up the rest of the offense. Even though the Browns are discussing multiple other options (like Ryan Tannehill – I will throw my TV out of the window if we pick him), I believe they will ultimately make the best selection with Richardson.

With the Browns current offense, it would only make sense to solidify the backfield. I believe anything would be an upgrade to third string RB Chris Oby??? Ya I don’t know his name either out of North Carolina [EDITOR’S NOTE: His name is Chris Ogbonnaya and he went to Texas]. Our receiving corps has been upgraded with Greg Little. Also, we have [Josh] Cribbs and [Mohamed] Massaquoi. They are not superstars by any stretch, but together they can make some noise. Also, do not forget about the underrated Ben Watson at TE. [Colt] McCoy has had his struggles but proven effective when given protection. A solid run game will take some pressure off of Colt. We are also half an offensive line away from being complete. [Joe]Thomas and [Alex] Mack have been the foundation there for a while. The Browns will hopefully turn their luck around this year. I appreciate the LeBron comment, Ryan. He can go be the King with no rings in South Beach. The Bucs are on the clock. Side note, we traded Kellen Winslow to you guys about 2 days after I bought a Browns Winslow jersey.” – Chad Hounshell (Pittsburgh, PA)

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

“With the fifth pick in the NFL Draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers select Morris Claiborne, cornerback out of LSU. After a terrible 0-10 run at the end of last season, the Bucs have began addressing many of their needs, two of the most prominent being RB and CB. With the Browns selecting Trent Richardson, the best move to make is simply the best corner in the draft. The signing of Eric Wright did address some of the issues at this position, but with a corner like Aqib Talib who has a knack for getting into trouble a young No. 1 CB will only help the Bucs as they rebuild under [Greg] Schiano.” – Alex Herrera (Cooper City, FL)

6. St. Louis Rams – Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

“With the sixth pick of the NFL Draft, the St. Louis Rams select Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa. Get used to saying it … Riley Reiff the Ram. I know Jeff Fisher built a great offensive line in his years coaching the Titans. On top of that, Rams new offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer built a great offensive line with the Jets, so now it’s time to build a great offensive line to help Sam Bradford and the Rams grow. I am completely sold on Riley Reiff being the next great tackle for the Rams franchise to help protect Bradford. More time to throw means that someone will get open, and Bradford, who the Rams have invested so much him, will be protected and possibly finish a season. As tempting it is to land Justin Blackmon, I think the Rams will find some talent in this very deep WR class, especially with their two early second-round picks.” – Max Strauss (Mercersburg, PA)

7. Jacksonville Jaguars – David DeCastro, G, Stanford

“With the seventh pick of the 2012 NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars select David DeCastro, G, Stanford. The pick certainly isn’t a sexy pick, and it goes against the flashiness that new owner Shad Khan has promised, but it makes sense, and it is safe and solid. The Jaguars need to protect their investment in QB Blaine Gabbert. While giving him the flashy target of Justin Blackmon seems to be expected, Blackmon’s diva mentality and the fact that he doesn’t have game-breaking speed will deter the Jaguars from drafting him. The pick also gives the offensive line great flexibility. DeCastro could start at either guard position, which would shift the current guards to center, allowing the team to cut ties with the aging Brad Meester. DeCastro also could move to center. DeCastro will be a Pro Bowl lineman for many years to come, and his addition to the line could make the Jaguars offensive line one of the top groups in the league, something Gabbert would certainly appreciate.” – Michael Clinton (Jacksonville, FL)

8. Miami Dolphins – Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

“With the eighth pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins select Melvin Ingram, defensive end from South Carolina. The Dolphins need a pass rusher on the opposite side of Cameron Wake and Wake, as it stands now, is a free agent next year. Ingram’s the best player available, highly productive and a freak athlete. His only knock is height.” – J.D. Bernstein (Orlando, FL)

9. Carolina Panthers – Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

“With the ninth selection in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers select Quinton Coples, defensive end from UNC. One of the worst defenses in the NFL needs an upgrade. None of the cornerbacks left are deserving of this pick. Coples’ motor has been questioned, but he is worth the risk. He can be an every down DE and give the Panthers a good bookend to go along with Charles Johnson. Justin Blackmon is tempting, but DE is a bigger need.” – Jarrett Bailey (Mocksville, NC)

10. Buffalo Bills – Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

“With the 10th overall selection in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills select CB Stephon Gilmore, South Carolina. Based on the way that Buddy Nix prefers his offensive linemen, Cordy Glenn would be the choice, but knowing that it’s much too early for Glenn the Bills take the best available player on their board which I think will be Stephon Gilmore or Dre Kirkpatrick. Gilmore is the hot name now and fits the mold of what the Bills are looking for. You can’t rule out Michael Floyd here either, but Nix has hammered on how much he likes the WR depth in this class, which lends me to believe that the Bills will be looking for WR later.” – Jesse Bartolis (Candor, NY)

11. Kansas City Chiefs – Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis

“With the 11th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs select Dontari Poe, nose tackle from Memphis. I am sure a lot of Chiefs fans do not want the club to select another defensive lineman, since many feel Glenn Dorsey and Tyson Jackson have not panned out. Well, nose tackle is the most important position in a 3-4. With Kelly Gregg not under contract and probably retiring, the Chiefs need someone to clog up the middle of the line. Dorsey is coming off his best year and he and Jackson are really defensive ends in a 3-4. A lot of people have the Chiefs drafting Luke Kuechly here. Kuechly would be a solid choice, but Jovan Belcher is serviceable. The much more important need is nose tackle and Poe is the guy.” — Brandon Naidus (Parkland, FL)

12. Seattle Seahawks – Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M

“With the 12th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select … Ryan Tannehill, quarterback from Texas A&M. Pete Carroll is reportedly in love with Ryan Tannehill, and with the signing of Matt Flynn this offseason, that will give Tannehill time to sit on the bench and let Carroll tweak some of his mechanics, footwork, etc. Tannehill should be a good fit for the West Coast offense Carroll runs in Seattle, and with the time he gets to develop on the bench, he should be able to become the franchise quarterback that people envision him to be. And even if Carroll were to decide to start Tannehil right away, he could always trade Matt Flynn to someone who is still in need of a quarterback (Miami).” – John Carey (Navarre, FL)

13. Arizona Cardinals – Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

“With the 13th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Arizona Cardinals select … Michael Floyd, wide receiver from Notre Dame. The Cardinals have been in dire need of a No. 2 receiver ever since Anquan Boldin left a couple of years ago. Larry Fitzgerald has still had a couple of decent seasons, but they could have been so much better had a number two receiver been in place. Floyd has great size and strength. He returned to full form after his 2009 clavicle surgery. He has the tools to be a consistent producer. Guys like Andre Roberts and Early Doucet just have not been consistent enough to fill that role. Floyd can be that consistency they’ve been missing. Sure, fans will ask what about the offensive line, however at 13, with the guys off the board, anyone at this point would be considered a stretch. There will be plenty of middle-of-the-road guys to select from in later rounds. Floyd is the best option at 13.” – Scott Allen (Mesa, AZ)

14. Dallas Cowboys – Fletcher Cox, DE, Mississippi State

“With the 14th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys select … Fletcher Cox, defensive tackle, Mississippi State. While the possibility of adding Mark Barron, the top prospect at a serious position of need, may be enticing, the Cowboys bring in the most versatile defensive lineman in this year’s draft class.

Cox has the ability to play five-technique in the Cowboys 30 front. As a 3-4 DE, Cox does better at controlling gaps and playing the outside run. He also brings an ability to get to passer from the position. He has tremendous upside and his versatility will make Jerry Jones a happy man.

It’s tough for Dallas to pass on Barron, but Cox is seeing his draft stock rise and could be picked in the top ten picks. If he falls into Dallas’ laps, they have to pull the trigger.

The Philadelphia Eagles are on the clock.” – Josh Sanchez (Somerset, PA)

15. Philadelphia Eagles – Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

“With the 15th overall selection in the 2012 NFL draft, the Philadelphia Eagles select ILB Luke Kuechly from Boston College. Even though the Eagles solidified the middle of their defense by trading for stud linebacker DeMeco Ryans, they are still a bit weak on the outside. Though Kuechly can man the middle, he will be suited for the SAM just fine. By putting him with someone who has experience like Ryans, he can learn at a faster pace and grow with Ryans for the next half decade. It would make the Eagles weakest position into one of their strongest. Kuechly is the best overall tackler in the draft and he, with the addition of Ryans, will put a stop to other teams running the ball down our throats.
I was thinking about selecting Mark Barron, safety from Alabama but decided against it as Nate Allen is the starter at free safety and Jaiquawn Jarrett will have his first offseason to learn the defense. He was last year’s second round pick and deserves another year [before] replacing him. Also, Justin Blackmon dropped to here, which I think is ridiculous but the Eagles resigned DeSean Jackson so there is no need for another big-time WR.

Kuechly fits as one of the top players available as well as one of their top needs to fill out the center of their D. I would like the see the Eagles take a DT in the second round or package both of their second-rounders for bottom 1st rounder to take an elite DT with Kuechly, but, sadly, I am not the Eagles and just hope they do the right thing and select someone who will benefit them this year and not a project who will sit on the bench.

New York Jets on the clock.” – Zach Wishnov (Boca Raton, FL)

16. New York Jets – Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

“With the 16th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the New York Jets select Justin Blackmon because he’s the best receiver in the draft and the Jets are in need of a vertical threat lining up opposite of Tone Time [Santonio Holmes].” – Frankie Carbone (Orlando, FL)

17. Cincinnati Bengals (from Oakland) – Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

“With the 17th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals select CB Janoris Jenkins, from the University of Whatever The Hell Division II school he transferred to. Look, here in Cincinnati, we don’t care what kind of character flaws you may have. All we need is for you to say “hey, I won’t do it again,” and we’re fine with it. And with the talent that Jenkins has, I’m fine with it also. Leon Hall ruptured his Achilles at the end of last season; we let Jonathan Joseph walk; and the rest of the roster is filled with past-their-prime former first-round picks (Nate Clements, Jason Allen, Terence Newman, Adam “don’t call me PacMan” Jones) who can fill in for a year while Jenkins learns the system. The safer pick is Dre Kirkpatrick, I guess, since he only got busted with pot once instead of three times, but I think the Bengals look past all the issues to get the player who many scouts consider to be the best cover-corner in the draft: Janoris Jenkins.” – Ian Jacobson (Cincinnati, OH)

18. San Diego Chargers – Mark Barron, S, Alabama

“With the 18th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft the San Diego Chargers select S Mark Barron, Alabama. I think the Chargers did pretty well in FA with guys to fill in for the loss of V-Jax. A good pick may be to pick a RB or LB, but I think we could get both of those later on in the draft. And with the pickup of Bob Sanders last year not panning out, I think Barron and Eric Weddle would be pretty legit together back there at the safety positions.” – Jason Craig (Long Beach, CA)

19. Chicago Bears – Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois

“With the 19th pick in 2012 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears select DE Whitney Mercilus, Illinois. With Courtney Upshaw, Chandler Jones and Nick Perry still on the board, this was a tough choice. I would be happy with any of these four, as each brings something different to the table. With that said, the Bears need to establish someone across from Julius Peppers and generate a pass rush. Mercilus led the nation in sacks last season with 16 1/2, but the thing that was most impressive was the nine forced fumbles he had. As you know, Lovie’s defense prides itself on causing turnovers and Mercilus has shown he has a knack for that already. He is still developing and, with the help of Rod Marinelli, he will only get better with his technique and add more pass rush moves. He’s got natural pass-rush instincts and moves. Mercilus won’t have to come in and start right away, as he would likely rotate with Israel Idonije. He also has some versatility as he can stand up on occasion and rush the passer from the linebacker position. I feel he has a similar skill set to Aldon Smith and could have a role like Smith had for the 49ers a year ago. BEAR DOWN!!!” – Theddy Aime (Chicago, IL)

20. Tennessee Titans – Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

“With the 20th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans select CB Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama. If the board falls like this, I think this pick would be between Michael Brockers or Kirkpatrick. While defensive line is probably the bigger need, I think that Kirkpatrick is the best player available at this point. The loss of Cortland Finnegan in free agency opens up a spot in the secondary that hasn’t been filled yet. While Jason McCourty and Alterraun Verner are capable starters, Verner is better suited as the nickel. Kirkpatrick can step in and start immediately.” – Tyler Griffin (Oviedo, FL)

21. Cincinnati Bengals – Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

“With the 21st pick, the Cincinnati Bengals select Kendall Wright, WR/KR, Baylor. The Cincinnati Bengals have a bunch of spots they need to improve in but none more so than wide receiver. A.J. Green has already proven to be a good acquisition, but with Jordan Shipley coming back from injury as the only other recognized receiver on the team, this is an area of dire need. Wright would match up very well across from Green and would draw coverage his way, which was one of the biggest problems Green had in 2011. Wright is a very talented wideout himself and was at one time believed to be a favorite of many teams. He’s also one of the better returners in this draft class and would likely be the No. 1 return man on the team, supplanting fellow wide receiver Brandon Tate.

Other options here include: Courtney Upshaw, OLB/DE, Alabama who if taken would likely be a Mike Brown pick as opposed to a Marvin Lewis pick; Donta Hightower, LB, Alabama who for me is one of the most underrated talents in this draft; Cordy Glenn, OL, Georgia who is one of the better technical offensive lineman in this draft and can play both guard and tackle but has a weight problem; and Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford who would give the Bengals a legitimate receiving threat and would allow them to use a two TE tandem along with 2010 first rounder TE Jermaine Gresham but could leave them vulnerable in their wide receiver depth. I also considered Vinny Curry, Michael Brockers and Devon Still.” – Chris Smith (Dunedin, New Zealand)

22. Cleveland Browns – Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

With the 22nd pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns select Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford.

The previous favorite at 22 was Mike Adams, OT, out of Ohio State until the criminology major tested positive for Marijuana prior to the combine. He knew he would be tested, and this shows an ego/character issue that prevents him from being taken at 22, and probably the first round.

Oneil Cousins is currently No. 1 in the depth chart at right tackle, and Jonathan Martin should win the job in camp easily. It’ll be nice to have Thomas, Mack and Martin together, and hopefully the Browns re-sign Eric Steinbach at left guard. Jason Pinkston will be serviceable filling the gap at right guard.

This pick could also have gone to Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech. The Browns need as many playmakers they can get, but with drafting Trent Richardson at No. 4, it makes sense to shore up the O-line to block the way for the projected elite back.

Brandon Weeden is an option here as well, but the Browns will wait until 37 and see if he drops. The Browns have the third hardest strength of schedule next season, and I anticipate them drafting high again next year, and [they] can grab their QB in the 2013 draft.” – Paul Blakeley (Painesville, OH)

23. Detroit Lions – Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

“With the 23rd pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions choose CB Alfonzo Dennard from Nebraska. The Lions started 2011 strong in pass defense but fell apart horribly the second half of the season. The last two games of the season, they gave up over 900 yards in the air. Cornerback play needs to improve massively for the Lions to be considered a real playoff threat.

Dennard has few holes in his game and is a solid corner. He doesn’t get beat deep often and even has an ability to help out in run defense as well. He is a physical player who doesn’t shy away from contact, which will be necessary to compete against receivers at the next level.” – Robert Ordway (Bellevue, NE)

24. Pittsburgh Steelers – Donta Hightower, LB, Alabama

“With the 24th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers select LB Donta Hightower from Alabama. With the release of James Farrior, the Steelers need some youth in the middle of their defense. A DT to eventually replace the aging Casey Hampton, or an offensive lineman to plug up the porous line that has troubled the Steelers the last few years are also possibilities here. However, Hightower is one of the best ILBs in this class, and has the size, speed and physicality to thrive in the middle of Dick LeBeau’s 3-4 defense, making him the best choice at this point in the draft.” – Sean Sonnenberg (Fort Lauderdale, FL)

25. Denver Broncos – Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

“With 25th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos select DT Michael Brockers from LSU. Brockers would be the Broncos ideal choice at DT unless Cox fell to them or Kirkpatrick is there for them at CB. I think if Brockers is gone, it’s going to be a trade down. Brodrick Bunkley was someone they really wanted to keep in free agency, but he signed with the Saints. Brockers will instantly fill that void left behind. He will be an instant success stopping the run and will develop into a pass rusher down the line.” – Kevin G. (Seattle, WA)

26. Houston Texans – Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech

“With the 26th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft the Houston Texans will select … Stephen Hill, the WR out of Georgia Tech. The Texans defense ranked No. 1 in the league last season and many of the players were young and [are] returning. So, I feel the Texans will have to look to the WR position. They need another WR threat on the other side of the field to help Andre Johnson out. Kevin Walter and Jacoby Jones are decent but have not been able to really take any of the pressure off Andre. I would love to see Kendall Wright fall to this spot but if he doesn’t Hill would still be a great addition.” – Christian Peterson (Danville, VA)

27. New England Patriots (from New Orleans) – Nick Perry, DE, USC

“With the 27th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots select Nick Perry, DE, USC. I feel this is a fabulous spot for Perry as he can work both in a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme, and New England uses both a lot. He has good first-step quickness and is a good pass rusher. He plays smart and disciplined. Although he is a little small for DE at 6-3 and 270, he may see time as a linebacker in an NFL system.” – Mark Merriam (Bristol, CT)

28. Green Bay Packers – LaMichael James, RB, Oregon

“With the 28th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers select LaMichael James, RB out of Oregon. Though not expected to get picked until the 2nd or 3rd round, he is without a doubt way underrated due in large part to his size (listed at 5 foot, 9 inches). But, that’s not fooling the Packers organization. James, who is Oregon’s all-time leader in rushing yards (5082), rushing touchdowns (53), and scoring (342) in just three years CRUSHES Trent Richardson’s three-year stats.

The Packers are a deadly threat through the air, everyone knows that but lack the double threat approach which is having a strong run game. With Grant being a free agent and currently testing the free agent waters, that really only leaves James Starks and Alex Green in the backfield. LaMichael James could really shine in Title Town. Many see him as a Darren Sproles-type, and I agree except I see him doing far better than Sproles. He’ll make an impact his first year, guaranteed.” – Jonathan Lovato (Canyonville, OR)

29. Baltimore Ravens – Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

“With the 29th pick of the 2012 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens select Peter Konz. This pick is a no-brainer. Immediate need meets incredible value. If Konz is on the board and the Ravens go in another direction, it would come as a shock to not only the fans but to the entire draft community.” – Kyle Morris (Pittsburgh, PA)

30. San Francisco 49ers – Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford

“With the 30th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers select Coby Fleener; tight end, Stanford. Fleener addresses the biggest problem that the Niners had last year, having capable receivers, and also helps out greatly with another one: At 6’6″, Fleener is a huge red zone threat. Another ex-basketball player, Fleener has the potential to be the next Antonio Gates, Tony Gonzalez or Jimmy Graham. Fleener is an excellent receiving TE, likely the best one in the draft, with mid-4.4 speed and WR-like body awareness and hands. He could work on his separation and ability to avoid CB/LB press coverage, but will still greatly bolster the Niners’ receiving game. As far as blocking goes, Fleener has a lot of work to do but is not a train wreck by any means. A hard worker with ties to Harbaugh, and the Stanford-imported Niners coaching staff, Fleener just makes sense. The Niners can always draft another guard in the later rounds, and can even shift around current personnel to find their RG of the future, but Fleener is a one-of-a-kind talent.” – Andrew Ng (Sunnyvale, CA)

31. New England Patriots – Courtney Upshaw, LB, Alabama

“With the 31st pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots select Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama. While considering several selections at this position (I now know why the Pats trade down so often), the Patriots went with the top defensive player available. Upshaw is a player that fits the team’s need to shore up the defense and solidify the pass rush.” – Jeffrey DeLuca (Council Bluffs, IA)

32. New York Giants – Cordy Glenn, OT/G, Georgia

“Before we get to the final pick of this mock draft, I would like to sincerely thank all of you for taking part. For the most part, this entire event has gone smoothly, and most importantly, in a timely manner. We were able to meet the goal of finishing the mock draft before the real draft begins. We will be doing this again next season if any of you would like to RSVP. I believe next year we will start earlier and have multiple rounds. Be sure to show your friends and continue to keep up to date with NFL Spin Zone for more content throughout the football season.

And now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for…

With the 32nd pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Super Bowl-champion New York Giants select Cordy Glenn, offensive tackle and guard from the University of Georgia. Glenn is a massive man at 6-foot-5 and 348 pounds, yet can move well and has nimble feet. He started four seasons for a top SEC program going against the best competition in America each week. Glenn also offers the versatility of being able to play multiple positions well. He can protect the blind side in pass protection and stood out when moved to guard in the run game. The Giants have a severe need for offensive linemen with the loss of Kareem McKenzie, the team’s starting right tackle for both Super Bowl runs. Will Beatty has struggled in limited action and James Brewer, a fourth-round pick last season, has not seen the field. GM Jerry Reese has a track record for drafting the best player available, regardless of position. It’s hard to imagine that Glenn won’t be the top man on the Giants’ board at this point.

I also considered a couple of stud defensive players in Nebraska LB Lavonte David and Syracuse DE Chandler Jones. But, Glenn is too good of a value and eliminates a huge hole in the depth chart.” – Chris Boyle (Oviedo, FL)