PETER KING'S MOCK DRAFT
PETER KING
April 23, 2012
The top two selections are all but locked in, but there's plenty of intrigue attached to the decisions of the next 30 teams on the clock in the first round. As the league's offensive explosion continues, protecting the passer—and finding him targets to throw to—will be among the top priorities when it comes time to make the call
SHOULD PICK
David DeCastro, G, Stanford
Like Tampa, Jacksonville has a major hole at cornerback, and I hear the Jags like Gilmore a ton, which would have to be the case for them to reach for him here. Still, I'd solve a position of need for the next 10 years with the second-best offensive lineman in the draft—and a guy with the mean streak Jacksonville's O-line needs—then take the corner in round 2.
8 DOLPHINS
WILL PICK
Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M
SHOULD PICK
Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M
If you're going to trust the coach you hired (Joe Philbin) to energize the offense and the coordinator you hired (Mike Sherman, who coached Tannehill in college) to tutor the quarterback, you've got to pick the triggerman they want. But you can't panic by moving up to take Tannehill, because that would most likely cost at least a second-rounder. Not worth it.
9 PANTHERS