Richie’s 2012 NFL Mock Draft Picks 9-16

9. Carolina Panthers – DE/OLB Melvin Ingram – South Carolina

Offense really took off last season with Newton, so now it’s time to improve the defense. They do need a WR and a CB, but there don’t seem to be any worth taking here. Ingram is a very good pass rusher and would not be a bad pick at all for a team like Carolina.

 

10. Buffalo Bills – WR Michael Floyd – Notre Dame

Unlike the Bills of previous years, they actually completed two of their biggest off-season needs/goals. First, they re-sign WR Stevie Johnson and then they make a splash by signing the coveted DE Mario Williams. The signing of Williams opens up the draft again for the Bills, as getting a pass-rusher is no longer a priority. Even with Stevie back, they still need a 2^nd receiver and Floyd would be a great fit.

 

11. Kansas City Chiefs – DT Dontari Poe – Memphis

Definitely in need of an offensive tackle, but to me there’s none worth taking here. A solid defensive tackle would be a great pick for the Chiefs who might surprise some people next season with Charles and Berry returning. A linebacker is also a very realistic option here.

 

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

Tavaris Jackson is not the answer at quarterback, but the question is whether there is one worth taking here. Re-signing RB Marshawn Lynch takes care of that need, but they are clearly looking for a franchise QB. They tried for Peyton, but after missing out its either Matt Flynn in free agency or draft one.

 

13. Arizona Cardinals – OT Jonathan Martin – Stanford

Offensive line a major need for Arizona, but so is a pass rusher. I think they’ll take the offensive lineman though, and Martin is a very nice tackle that would help out whoever Arizona has at quarterback.

 

14. Dallas Cowboys – G David DeCastro – Stanford

No question Dallas filled a huge hole in their secondary with the signing of corner Brandon Carr. They could easily draft Mark Barron, a safety, instead of him, but I think a guard would greatly improve their offensive line.

 

15. Philadelphia Eagles – ILB Luke Kuechly – Boston College

The Eagles’ defense was not as bad as people make it sound, as they were 8^th in opponent’s yards per game. That being said, linebacker was definitely an issue, and they definitely would be happy if Kuechly was still available here.

 

16. New York Jets – S Mark Barron – Alabama

Apparently they believe Sanchez is the man at quarterback, as they signed him to an extension this off-season. Safety is a need for the Jets, and Barron is the best one in the draft so why not take him here.

 

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