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
Jonathan Martin, T, Stanford
Love this pick. Right tackle is a trouble spot for Cleveland—waiver pickup Oniel Cousins is the nominal No. 1 on the depth chart right now—and Martin, who helped protect Andrew Luck, should be able to win the job in camp. If not, the Browns can take their time and groom him to be Joe Thomas's bookend. Not a sexy choice, but a smart one.
23 RAVENS FROM LIONS
WILL PICK
Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama
SHOULD PICK
Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama
For years Baltimore has wanted a top-shelf playmaking linebacker to be trained by Ray Lewis. Here he is. I see the Ravens swapping first-round spots with Detroit (who'll receive a third-rounder too) to sneak in front of the Steelers, because Hightower is a Dick LeBeau special—heavy and fast. Another positive: He was a two-year captain for Nick Saban.
24 STEELERS