Reason for hope: Struggling teams could fill holes in 2012 draft

Reason for hope: Struggling teams could fill holes in 2012 draft


The season is only at the halfway point, but some teams are already looking at the college game for potential answers to their biggest concerns. While the 2012 draft order certainly will impact possible targets, let's examine which college players could be the most attractive to the 12 NFL teams currently sporting losing records:




Carolina Panthers (2-6)
Potential needs: CB, LB

Dre Kirkpatrick*, Alabama, CB: The Panthers need a corner capable of excelling in man coverage to allow Ron Rivera to utilize the blitz-heavy scheme he prefers. Kirkpatrick is a big, rangy corner adept at playing in press coverage with little help from the safety. If he decides to enter the draft after a solid junior season, he would certainly be an intriguing prospect.

Zach Brown, North Carolina, OLB: Brown is the most explosive outside linebacker in the 2012 class. His stock should continue to rise, especially when he puts his extraordinary athleticism on display at the NFL Scouting Combine. Brown has the skills to disrupt as a rusher or in coverage and would be an ideal fit for the Panthers.http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d823f284c/article/reason-for-hope-struggling-teams-could-fill-holes-in-2012-drafthttp://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d823f284c/article/reason-for-hope-struggling-teams-could-fill-holes-in-2012-draft