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2012 NFL Mock Draft: SI.com's Don Banks Predicts Patriots Will Select Michael Brockers, Dont'a Hightower

SI.com's Inside The NFL columnist Don Bank released his latest 2012 NFL Mock Draft Saturday, and he predicts that the New England Patriots will select LSU defensive tackle Michael Brockers with the No. 27-overall pick and then Alabama linebacker Dont'a Hightower with the 32nd pick. The Patriots, who will face the New York Giants in the 2012 Super Bowl, Feb. 5, have two picks in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft.

Here's what Banks says about Brockers:

"The Patriots need more talent in their defensive front seven, and they love interchangeable players who can play anywhere on the defensive line," says Banks. "Brockers is capable of penetrating the backfield and creating some havoc against both the pass and the run."

Banks' breakdown of Hightower:

"Again, the Patriots need more playmakers in their defensive front seven, and we know Bill Belichick tends to trust players who have been coached by either Nick Saban or Urban Meyer," says Banks.

For more New England Patriots coverage, visit our team page or our blog Pats Pulpit. For more on the 2012 NFL Draft, check out the SB Nation blog Mocking The Draft.