In SB Nation's latest 2012 NFL Mock Draft, Ryan Van Bibber projects that linebacker Luke Kuechly of Boston College will be selected by the Arizona Cardinals with the 13th pick of the 2012 NFL Draft.
Passing on a talent like Kuechly would be ill advised for the Cardinals, even with needs on their offensive line and pass rushers available with this pick. Next to Daryl Washington, Kuechly solidifies the middle of the field for the Cardinals.
Kuechly declared for the draft after his junior season with little else to prove at the NCAA level. In just three seasons, Kuechly established BC and ACC career tackle records with 532 tackles and came within 13 tackles of breaking the all-time NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision record.
Mocking The Draft ranks Kuechly No. 14 in its 2012 NFL Draft Overall Rankings, noting that Kuechly is NFL-ready but might not have as high a ceiling as other prospects "because he's not the strongest or a natural athlete."
For more BC Football coverage, visit our team page and blog, BC Interruption.