We are moving closer and closer to the end of the first round of our Big Blue View 2012 Community Mock Draft. Pick No. 23 belongs to the Detroit Lions, meaning 'CCE718' is up to bat. Here is the selection, and the rationale.
No. 23, Detroit Lions -- Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin
This draft really put the Lions into a tough spot. When Kirkpatrick fell, our War Room celebrated a bit too early. We began to get excited when Cordy Glenn was available, but was snagged just a few picks before. The discussion began with BPA and whether we could combine need and BPA. Our secondary and offensive line are in desperate need of upgrade. We have three targets: Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alambama; Mark Barron, S, Alambama; and Peter Konz, C/OG, Wisconsin. Our corners really need the most upgrade, but Jenkins' stock has fallen recently. He is probably pro-ready, but the Lions already have one big trouble maker and are turned off by Jenkins. We like Barron, but question how he will handle the passing attacks of the Packers and soon to be Bears. The thought of trading back would come to mind here, to target one of the second round DBs or O-Linemen and get better value, but that cannot happen here. So, with the 23rd pick, the Detroit Lions select Peter Konz, C/OG, Wisconsin.
A lot of draft boards, especially mine, have Konz right around the early to mid 20s pick. The interior o-line needs some help and Konz could be that upgrade. A big, strong, smart offensive lineman. He will most likely start at guard, but will be Raiola's eventual replacement at center. -- 'CCE718'
-- 'NYG_Slater' is now on the clock for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
First Round
1. Indianapolis Colts -- Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford [Drizzzy's Explanation]
2. Washington Redskins (from St. Louis Rams) -- Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor [Woogie 526's Explanation]
3. Minnesota Vikings -- Matt Kalil, OT, USC [Tito's Explanation]
4. Cleveland Browns -- Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama [NYG 28's Explanation]
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU [Carmine5520's Explanation]
6. St. Louis Rams (from Washington Redskins) -- Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State [Pataroons' Explanation]
7. Jacksonville Jaguars -- Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa [Ed Valentine's Explanation]
8. Miami Dolphins -- Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M [Ed Valentine's Explanation]
9. Carolina Panthers -- Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina [JINTSGM's Explanation]
10. Buffalo Bills -- Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame [bigbluethruandthru's Explanation]
11 Kansas City Chiefs -- David DeCastro, G, Stanford [Jason Pierre Pwned's Explanation]
12. Seattle Seahawks -- Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina [TNYFBG's Explanation]
13. Arizona Cardinals -- Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama [ManningHam and Cheese's Explanation]
14. Dallas Cowboys -- Fletcher Cox, DE, Mississippi State [Simms-McConkey's Explanation]
15. Philadelphia Eagles -- Luke Kuechly, MLB, Boston College [JimmyK's Explanation]
16. New York Jets -- Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis [Plaxico Burress' Explanation]
17. Cincinnati Bengals (via Oakland Raiders) -- Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina [GiantStep's Explanation]
18. San Diego Chargers -- Whitney Mercilus, DE, University of Illinois [CharlesL's Explanation]
19. Chicago Bears -- Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford [Pat19's Explanation]
20. Tennessee Titans -- Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama [apingicer's Explanation]
21. Cincinnati Bengals -- Cordy Glenn, OL, Georgia [GiantStep's Explanation]
22. Cleveland Browns (via Atlanta Falcons) -- Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State [NYG 28's Explanation]
23. Detroit Lions -- Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin [CCE718]
24. Pittsburgh Steelers -- NYG_Slater
25. Denver Broncos -- daddyzander
26. Houston Texans -- #AHoustonGiant
27. New England Patriots (via New Orleans Saints)
28. Green Bay Packers -- Flynner
29. Baltimore Ravens -- Larry Soprano
30. San Francisco 49ers -- RealLT
31. New England Patriots -- Ryan Valentine (first round only); Second Round -- nysoldier
32. New York Giants -- Ed Valentine