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
Jim Harbaugh likes smart, physical, versatile skill players, and because he had Fleener for four years at Stanford (including Fleener's redshirt season of 2007), no coach knows a player in this draft better. Fleener isn't as athletic as Vernon Davis, but he did gain 17.8 yards per reception in his last two seasons for the Cardinal.
31 PATRIOTS
WILL PICK
Nick Perry, DE, USC
SHOULD PICK
Shea McClellin, OLB, Boise State
All those who know what the Patriots are going to do with this pick, raise your hands. O.K., anybody besides Mike Mayock? After losing Mark Anderson in free agency and without knowing whether soon-to-be 33-year-old Andre Carter will be back—those two combined for 20 of the Pats' 40 sacks in 2011—New England needs an edge rusher. Perry's my best guess.
32 GIANTS
WILL PICK
Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame