WalterFootball.com: 2012 NFL Mock Draft by Charlie Campbell - Round 6

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Last update: Thursday, April 26, 2012. - Round 6 added.
2012 NFL MOCK DRAFT - WALT'S | CHARLIE'S ROUND 1 | CHARLIE'S ROUND: 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Charlie Campbell was a senior writer at PewterReport.com.
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St. Louis Rams: Ronnie Hillman, RB, San Diego State
The Rams grab some running back depth and have hosted Hillman on a visit.

Hillman ran well (a 4.41 in the 40) at the Combine, but he has small hands that make fumbling a concern at the next level. Hillman ran for 1,711 yards (5.5 average) with 19 touchdowns this year. He also caught 24 receptions for 270 yards and a score.

Hillman has some speed to rip off yards in chunks, but he didn't play as well against his top competition compared to big games against the lesser opponents. In the NFL, Hillman projects to be part of a stable of backs and not a three-down starter. He could be a speed scat back as part of a good running back rotation. Hillman ran for 1,532 yards and 17 touchdowns as a freshman in 2010.

Philadelphia Eagles: Ryan Miller, G, Colorado
The Eagles definitely need to add some depth on the offensive line. They brought Miller in to Philadelphia for a closer look.

Miller (6-7, 321) is a powerful run blocker and a good athlete. He is extremely quick at getting to the second level of the defense. Miller has the strength and speed to compete in the NFL. Some teams might consider him at right tackle as a pro, but he struggled at right tackle in the East-West Shrine practices.

Miller would need to be developed to play right tackle. He needs to work on his pad level and knee bend, which are the sources of his inconsistency. At times, Miller is a road grader, and other times, he stands up too high and is burned with a speed or bull rush. Miller ran well at the Combine and showed his unique athleticism.

Washington Redskins: Vontaze Burfict, ILB, Arizona State
The Redskins take the gamble on Burfict. Bruce Allen and Mike Shanahan both believe in giving players second chances. They also have a veteran in London Fletcher that can show Burfict how to be a professional.

No player may have done more damage to his draft stock at the NFL Scouting Combine than Burfict. Reportedly, he interviewed poorly with teams, and compounded that negative impression by performing poorly on the field. Burfict ran two unofficial 40-yard dashes in horrible times of 4.93 and 5.10. Plus, the early-entry passed on doing the bench press, even though he is said to be healthy. The Sun Devil bombed at his pro day as well.

Burfict didn't play the same this year and therefore wasn't as productive in run defense compared to his first two seasons. He seemingly restrained his play to try to avoid penalties, yet was still flagged. The junior had 69 tackles with seven tackles for a loss, five sacks, three passes broken up and an interception in 2011. An underrated pass defender, Burfict does pretty well in zone coverage, and in space, he can be an excellent blitzer.

Before this past season, Burfict (6-1, 248) ran around the field like a heat-seeking missle who was constantly looking to knock out an opposing player. He had 90 tackles (54 solo) with 8.5 tackles for a loss and two forced fumbles in 2010. Burfict was an excellent run defender who intimidated opposing players through his violent play. He was a fast and physical presence. Who knows what an NFL team is going to get in Burfict?

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Trenton Robinson, S, Michigan State
The Buccaneers need help at safety badly.

Robinson had 80 tackles with four interceptions in 2011. He did not have a very good game against Notre Dame, but played well against Wisconsin. Overall, Robinson had a solid senior season. He is a quality defender in run support who operates well in zone coverage. Robinson had 76 tackles with eight passes broken up and four interceptions in 2010, his first full season as a starter.

Robinson had a good showing at the Combine, helping himself with a fast 40 time. He looks like a mid-round pick who will be a backup and special teams player. Robinson does have some developmental potential to be a starter in the future. He ran the 40 at his pro day in 4.42.

Minnesota Vikings: Marcus Forston, DT, Miami
The Vikings have veterans at defensive tackle so landing a couple youngsters to develop would be a good idea.

The 6-foot-3, 300-pound Forston is built like a three-technique. He is able to push the pocket, and has some speed and athleticism to penetrate his gap. Forston recorded 12 tackles for a loss with three sacks in 2010. He missed the previous season due to injury, but played well as a true freshman in 2008.

Forston was suspended for the first game of the 2011 season. He played in three games before going down for the season with a knee injury. Forston had five tackles with a sack in those three contests.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Evan Rodriguez, TE, Temple
Jacksonville adds a backup tight end.

Rodriguez (6-3, 250) was Temple's leading receiver in 2011, making 35 receptions for 479 yards and two touchdowns. He is a fluid receiver who picks up yards after the catch. Rodriguez was used in the same manner that Florida used tight end Aaron Herndandez under former Gators assistant and current Temple head coach Steve Addazio. Rodriguez looked good in that role as he is a quality blocker and a good athlete as a receiver.

The knocks on Rodriguez are that he is a little smaller and slower than teams would prefer. Rodriguez put up a 4.58 in the 40 at the Combine. He had a quality week at the East-West Shrine. Rodriguez recorded 21 receptions for 247 yards and two touchdowns in 2010.

Arizona Cardinals: Joe Looney, G, Wake Forest
The Cardinals grab another offensive linemen for depth.

Looney (6-3, 309) is very experienced as a four-year starter. He is a tough run blocker who moves well. Looney is more athletic than one might expect and gets to blocks on the second level. He needs to improve as a pass protector for the NFL. Looney is a sleeper prospect who could transition to a zone-blocking system or a power-man scheme.

Buffalo Bills: Jeff Fuller, WR, Texas A&M
The Bills could use a wide receiver for depth.

Fuller could end up being a tremendous value if he lands with the right team due to his starting potential. Fuller had quality freshman and sophomore seasons before breaking out as a junior. He hauled in 72 passes for 1,066 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2010. Fuller almost entered the 2011 draft, but he decided to return to the Aggies.

It looks like that was a bad idea as Fuller had a rough season in 2011. He played through injuries, including a pulled hamstring, a concussion and turf toe. Fuller also had a lot of dropped passes and it looked like the injuries were affecting him mentally as well. Late in the season, he started coming around. In the final two games, Fuller caught 14 passes for 226 yards and two touchdowns. He made 70 receptions for 828 yards and six touchdowns in 2011. The 6-foot-4, 215-pounder has the size to contribute quickly as a Z receiver. Fuller also is a quality blocker in the ground attack.

New Orleans Saints: Rishaw Johnson, G, California-PA
The Saints could use depth on the O-line and have brought Johnson in for a visit.

Johnson (6-3, 313) had a good week of practice at the East-West Shrine. He was gritty blocker who showed a combination of power and quickness. Johnson received a late invitation to the Senior Bowl, and he had some struggles with the increased competition. Johnson took some snaps at center, but did not perform well at all snapping the ball, so he should be viewed as a guard only. Johnson had some off-the-field problems that got him kicked out of Ole Miss after he had already received multiple suspensions.

Carolina Panthers: DaJohn Harris, DT, USC
The Panthers get a defensive tackle for depth.

Harris (6-3, 306) had a strong week at the East-West Shrine, but wasn't able to work out at the Combine because an exam found a hole in his heart. After undergoing more tests, his cardiologist and doctors ruled it okay for him to continue playing football in the NFL.

Harris worked out fully at his pro day with a nice 40 time. At the East-West Shrine, he was tough in practice and played well in the actual game. Harris totaled 22 tackles with seven tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks and six passes batted downin 2011. He had 35 tackles, 5.5 tackles for a loss and 3.5 sacks in 2010.

It is curious that Harris didn't produce more as a redshirt senior, especially with a good edge rusher in Nick Perry forcing quarterbacks to step up in the pocket.

Seattle Seahawks: Donnie Fletcher, CB, Boston College
Seattle grabs a corner for some depth.

The 6-foot, 201-pound Fletcher recorded five interceptions with 58 tackles and three passes broken up in 2010. He missed the first game of 2011, against Northwestern, and he played through some injuries throughout the season. Fletcher had 35 tackles, two interceptions and five passes broken up this year. Though the Senior Bowl was a mixed outing for him, he has some tools for an NFL team to work with.

Fletcher has a decent combination of size and speed, but he looks tight in the hips.

Pick change; previously Winston Guy, Jr., S

Kansas City Chiefs: Jordan White, WR, Western Michigan
The Chiefs have brought White in for a visit and could use depth at receiver.

Jordan White was one of the most productive receivers in college football in 2011. The 6-foot, 215-pounder plays bigger than his listed measurements. Plus, he has phenomenal body control with quality quickness and strong hands.

White totaled 140 receptions for 1,911 yards and 17 touchdowns in this year. He led college football in receptions and receiving yards. White was second in touchdown receptions. He caught 94 passes for 1,378 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2010. White didn't have the necessary 40 time at the Combine to help his stock.

San Diego Chargers: Brandon Lindsey, DE/OLB, Pittsburgh
A 3-4 team like the Chargers can always use depth at outside linebacker.

Lindsey filled the void when Greg Romeus went down with injuries in 2010. The 6-foot-2, 250-pounder broke out with 10 sacks, 51 tackles, 18 tackles for a loss and three forced fumbles.

Lindsey was held in check by Iowa left tackle Riley Reiff this year. If he had played better against Reiff, Lindsey's draft stock would be much higher. As a senior, he recorded 54 tackles with 8.5 sacks and 11 tackles for a loss. Lindsey did not stand out at the East-West Shrine.

Chicago Bears: Cordarro Law, DE, Southern Miss
The Bears grab another pass rusher to develop behind their aging veterans.

Law (6-2, 261) was productive in 2011. He had 64 tackles with 22 tackles for a loss, 9.5 sacks and four forced fumbles. Law had big games against Louisiana Tech and Rice, but versus Marshall and Virginia, he was held in check. Law had a monster performance in the conference championship versus Houston. He has a nice combination of size and speed. Law had 11.5 tackles for a loss and 5.5 sacks in 2010. His numbers in 2009 were excellent. He had 7.5 sacks and 14.5 tackles for a loss.

Law is a sleeper prospect who could reward the team that drafts him. He looks like a potential fit in the 3-4. The key with Law is for him to stay motivated and improving on his motor. He did not participate in the Combine.

Arizona Cardinals: Asa Jackson, CB, Cal Poly
Arizona could use more depth in the defensive backfield.

Jackson (5-10, 190) ran well at the Combine and that should help his stock. He is a quick corner who looks like a nickelback candidate for the NFL. His size could hurt him when lining up against bigger receivers. Jackson improved his 40 slightly at this pro day into the high 4.4s.

Jackson did well enough at the Senior Bowl to help his stock. He totaled 54 tackles, two interceptions and seven passes broken up this year. Jackson had eight career picks. At very least, he could be a special teams contributor.

Dallas Cowboys: Tauren Poole, RB, Tennessee
Felix Jones could be done with the Cowboys after the 2012 season. Dallas adds a running back for depth.

Poole (5-10, 205) performed well at the East-West Shrine and at the Combine. He ran for 693 yards and five touchdowns as a senior in 2011. Poole's best season was his junior year when he ran for 1,034 yards and 11 touchdowns.
New York Jets: Joe Long, OT, Wayne State
The Jets get some depth for their O-line with Long, who they had in for a visit.

Long (6-5, 308) was another player who helped himself at the East-West Shrine practices. Long is a fitting name for him since he has long arms that help him defend the edge. He was selected as the Gene Upshaw Division-II lineman of the year for 2011. Long has NFL bloodlines as his older brother, Jake, is the starting offensive tackle for the Miami Dolphins and was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft.

Joe Long started 45 straight games in college. He is a sleeper prospect who could be versatile enough to move inside to guard or center. Long did not work out at the Combine.

Denver Broncos: Ryan Lindley, QB, San Diego State
The Broncos need a backup to Peyton Manning. Lindley is a big-armed signal-caller who could be developed behind the future Hall of Famer. Denver hosted Lindley at a workout and are interested in him.

Lindley (6-4, 229) has the arm and physical tools to be a starter, but he has a hard time hitting his mark. Lindley displayed his typical inaccuracy at the Senior Bowl and he did not improve on that reputation at the Combine.

Lindley did not have the senior year that he needed to improve his draft stock. He completed only 53 percent of his passes for a total of 3,153 yards with 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He completed 58 percent of his passes in 2010 after logging 54 and 57 percent in the previous two seasons.

Oakland Raiders: Tony Dye, S, UCLA
The Raiders grab some secondary help. They've had Dye in for a visit.

Dye (5-11, 204) recorded 23 tackles with .5 tackles for a loss and zero interceptions in only five games in 2011. He missed eight games with a neck injury. In 2010, he led UCLA with 96 tackles and nine passes broken up with one interception. He recorded 73 tackles in 2009, his first year as a starter.

Tennessee Titans: Sean Richardson, S, Vanderbilt
The Titans get some more safety depth.

Richardson (6-2, 216) had a good Combine performance with a faster than expected 40-yard dash. He had 63 tackles with 6.5 tackles for a loss, one interception and three passes broken up in 2011. Richardson had nice production as a junior with 99 tackles, seven tackles for a loss and five passes broken up. He totaled 84 tackles as a sophmore, his first year as a starter.

Richardson doesn't seem to have much in terms of ball skills as he has only one career interception despite being a three-year starter.

Cincinnati Bengals: Tydreke Powell, DT, North Carolina
The Bengals get a backup tackle.

Powell (6-3, 310) is decent run defender at the line of scrimmage. He had 47 tackles with 2.5 sacks and three tackles for a loss in 2010. Powell totaled 46 tackles with 4.5 tackles for a loss and a sack as a senior. He is a run plugger and has the potential to fit as a 3-4 defensive end. However, Powell looks better as a good nose tackle in a 4-3 to eat up double teams and hold the line of scrimmage.

Atlanta Falcons: Danny Trevathan , OLB, Kentucky
The Falcons could use some linebacker depth after losing Curtis Lofton.

The 6-foot, 237-pound Trevathan added some bulk this year without losing his speed. He is a physical and explosive linebacker who routinely made splash plays for the Wildcats. Trevathan had 143 tackles with 11.5 tackles for a loss, three sacks, four interceptions, five forced fumbles and three passes broken up in 2011. He was fourth in the nation in total tackles at the end of the regular season and didn't get a chance to improve on that since Kentucky failed to become bowl-eligible, so his ranking fell to sixth for the year.

Trevathan finished 2010 with 144 tackles, enough for him to rank as the seventh-most productive player in the country. He also had three sacks with four forced fumbles and 16 tackles for a loss. With his speed, Trevathan has excellent pursuit skills that make him a good blitzer. He is a violent player who hits ball carriers and quarterbacks hard. Trevathan is an underrated prospect.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Greg Childs, WR, Arkansas
The Steelers have shown interest in Childs in the form of a pre-draft visit.

Childs (6-3, 219) offers some size and good quickness. He had 48 receptions for 894 yards and seven scores as a sophomore. Childs was having another fine season in 2010, with 46 catches for 659 yards and six scores through eight games, but a patellar tendon injury knocked him out for the final five contests. He had a slow start this year, but looked better at the end of the season and at the East-West Shrine. Childs caught 21 passes for 240 yards in 2011. He blazed a fast 40 at his pro day with a time at 4.39.

Philadelphia Eagles: Jarius Wright, WR, Arkansas
The Eagles could use depth at receiver, and Wright is a nice value.

Wright was very reliable for Arkansas. He was Tyler Wilson's No.1 receiver in 2011 and totaled 66 receptions for 1,117 yards and 12 touchdowns. The senior had a massive game against Texas A&M with 13 receptions for 281 yards and two touchdowns.

Wright had 42 receptions for 788 yards and five scores in 2010. He had 41 catches for 681 yards and five scores his sophmore year. The 5-foot-10, 180-pound Wright has good speed, runs precise routes and has good hands. His slight frame and smaller size push him into the third day.

Houston Texans: Nick Jean-Baptiste, NT, Baylor
The Texans go with the best player available, landing a backup nose tackle

Jean-Baptiste was one of the few Baylor defensive players who had a good 2011 season, and he carried that over into an impressive week at the East-West Shrine Game. The 6-foot-1, 335-pound was like a bowling ball, rolling through offensive linemen and causing disruption in the backfield. Every lineman who went against him had problems with his bull rush.

Jean-Baptiste has natural pad level, and the low man wins. Consistently, he gets underneath the pads of offensive linemen and pushes them straight back. Jean-Baptiste also has some quickness with the ability to dart by them when he uses leverage to create a crease.

As a senior, Jean-Baptiste totaled 36 tackles with 8.5 tackles for a loss, four sacks and three passes broken up. He could be a nose tackle in a 4-3 or a 3-4 defense at the next level. Jean-Baptiste is an underrated player who could move up draft boards much like former teammate Phil Taylor. Right now, Jean-Baptiste looks like a third-day pick.

Miami Dolphins: Julian Miller, DE/OLB, West Virginia
The Dolphins get a steal by taking Miller in the sixth round.

Over the past few years, Miller has shown the ability to rush the passer, totaling a combined 17 sacks as a sophomore and junior. He entered his senior season with 20.5 career sacks. West Virginia didn't do Miller any favors by moving him around the line, including some time at defensive tackle. That isn't the best fit for the 6-foot-3, 256-pounder.

Miller should stay at end in a 4-3 defense. He had 57 tackles with 11 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles and six sacks in 2011. Miller is quick and physical, plus he has a lot of moves to go along with an excellent motor. His versatility could have a real appeal to teams that run the 3-4.

Green Bay Packers: Nick Foles, QB, Arizona
The Packers grab a backup quarterback.

Foles is a pocket passer who has the frame (6-5, 244) and powerful arm to be a starter in the NFL. He completed 69 percent of his passes this year for 4,334 yards and 28 touchdowns with 14 interceptions. Arizona had a rough season, forcing the Wildcats quarterback to carry the team on a weekly basis.

Foles threw for 3,191 yards with 20 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 2010, completing 67 percent of his passes. That was consistent with his sophomore production when he tossed 19 touchdowns and nine interceptions.

Foles' pocket presence and high-powered arm are very alluring to NFL coaches. He has to work on his field vision and making progressions through his reads. Helping him develop those skills will be the highest priority for his NFL coaching staff.

Baltimore Ravens: Aaron Henry, S, Wisconsin
The Ravens could easily draft a safety for depth since Ed Reed is aging.

Henry had 62 tackles with three tackles for a loss, four interceptions and three passes broken up in 2011. He was solid for the Badgers with big games against Nebraska and Illinois. Henry played well against Michigan State in the Big Ten Championship. He did not receive an invite to the Combine or Senior Bowl, but played decently at the East-West Shrine.

Henry recorded 58 tackles last season with seven passes broken up and one forced fumble in 2010, his first year as a starter. He also had two interceptions, both of which he brought back for touchdowns.

San Francisco 49ers: Quentin Saulsberry, C, Mississippi State
The 49ers could use a young center to groom.

Saulsberry (6-2, 304) didn't perform well at the East-West Shrine and was beaten regularly in the one-on-ones. His lack of quickness and his inability to anchor were exposed by the defensive linemen. He had a merely average performance at the Combine.

Saulsberry was an All-SEC honorable mention for the 2011 season. He did a good job of blocking for running back Vick Ballard. Saulsberry is a versatile player who has logged time at four of the five offensive line positions. He was the starter at right guard in 2010 and left guard in 2009. Saulsberry was the starter at right tackle as a freshman.

Philadelphia Eagles: Trevin Wade, CB, Arizona
The Eagles get another cornerback who is the best player available.

Wade had a rough 2011 game against Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon, but rebounded to play very well against Stanford, quarterback Andrew Luck and wide receiver Chris Owusu. The Arizona defense was awful, and Wade did not get a lot of help, but he stood out above his teammates.

Wade had 52 tackles with 13 passes broken up and two interceptions for the season. He did not stand out at the East-West Shrine. Although Wade was solid at the Combine, he didn't perform well enough to give his stock a boost. Wade sat on his Combine numbers at his pro day. He recorded 47 tackles with an interception and three passes broken up in 2010. Wade had nine passes broken up and five interceptions as a sophomore.

New York Giants: Austin Davis, QB, Southern Miss
As Walt pointed out, New York doesn't have a young quarterback to groom behind Eli Manning. The team has brought in Davis for a visit.

Davis (6-2, 219) had a mixed outing at the East-West Shrine, and he didn't stand out at the Combine. Davis completed 60 percent of his passes for 3,848 yards with 30 touchdowns and 11 interceptions this season. At times, he displayed some quality arm strength and accuracy. Davis came up with a huge game to upset Houston on the road in the conference championship, but the senior played poorly in the Hawaii Bowl against Nevada. He could be a sleeper prospect worth developing.

Davis broke into the lineup as a freshman and threw for 3,128 yards with 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions. An injury cost him half of his sophomore season. He returned to throw for 3,103 yards with 20 touchdowns and six interceptions in 2010.
New York Jets: B.J. Cunningham, WR, Michigan State
The Jets get another wide receiver who is a worthwhile value.

Cunningham (6-1, 211) was decent at the Combine, but his small hand measurement (8 1/8 inches) is a real negative. He had decent collegiate production despite the fact that Michigan State doesn't throw the ball that much. After a good game against Wisconsin, Cunningham was shut out by Nebraska and cornerback Alfonzo Dennard.

Cunningham had 79 receptions for 1,306 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2011. He has good hands, runs good routes and can make tough catches. The big concern about Cunningham, aside from the hand size, is whether or not he has the quickness to get separation from NFL defensive backs. Cunningham had a solid week at the East-West Shrine.
New York Jets: Najee Goode, ILB, West Virginia
The Jets need depth at linebacker, and Goode is a nice value here.

Goode (6-0,244) had 87 tackles with 14 tackles for a loss, five sacks, one interception and one forced fumble in 2011. He flashed at times this season, but needed to be more consistent. Goode did not total much production in his four seasons of playing time. He was solid at the East-West Shrine and at the Combine.
Cleveland Browns: Brian Stahovich, P, San Diego State
The Browns have been showing interest in Stahovich.

Stahovich averaged 44 yards per punt in 2011. He has pre-draft visits with Cleveland, Indianapolis, St. Louis and the New York Jets. Stahovich averaged 45.4 yards per punt in 2010 and was a first-team All-MWC selection. He had 16 kicks over 50 yards with 18 punts inside the 20-yard line.
Cleveland Browns: T.J. Graham, WR, North Carolina State
The Browns could use more weapons and big-play threats on offense.

Graham (5-11, 188) had a nice week at the Senior Bowl. He was a quick receiver who showed the ability to be a slot receiver in the NFL. Graham performed well at the Combine also, putting up one of the fastest 10-yard splits at 1.47. His 40 was timed at 4.41.

Graham had 46 receptions for 757 yards and seven scores in 2011. He also returned 44 kicks averaging 22 yards per return. His highest reception total in any of his previous three seasons was 25. Graham is one of the better returners in the draft and that helps his stock.
Indianapolis Colts: Desmond Wynn, G, Rutgers
Another offensive lineman for the Colts.

Wynn (6-6, 303) had an impressive week of practice at the East-West Shrine. He is a stronger and more physical run blocker than one might think at his lower weight. Wynn was a two-year starter at Rutgers. His run blocking is further along, and he will need to improve his pass protection. In the NFL, Wynn could be developed at center as well as guard. He is a sleeper prospect who could be better than expected as a pro.
Carolina Panthers: Matt McCants, OT, UAB
Carolina could use some depth at tackle.

McCants has enough athleticism to have a shot at being a developmental project. He had a mixed week at the Senior Bowl. Overall though, the week in Mobile helped McCants' stock considering that he was making a big leap in the quality of his competition.