The SB Nation two-round NFL mock draft continues along with each lead NFL team blogger making the pick for their team. We're into the second round and the Miami Dolphins are back up with the No. 42 pick.
2012 SB Nation NFL Mock Draft: Round 2, Pick 42
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With the 42nd pick in the 2012 SB Nation NFL Writers Mock Draft, the Miami Dolphins select Clemson defensive end Andre Branch.
Kevin Nogle of the Phinsider didn’t get his pick in so I did this selection and have some explanation below. But for more on the Dolphins, make sure to check out thePhinsider.com.
Branch would fit the role as an outside pass rusher for the Dolphins. Cameron Wake is one of the best pass rushers in the league, but he needs someone to lessen the attention he receives. It's a similar thing to what the Redskins did by adding Ryan Kerrigan across from Brian Orakpo. A college defensive end, some question whether Branch can covert to linebacker. But there were the same questions last year about Kerrigan and he was excellent. Branch has some experience dropping in coverage, both with his hand down and from a linebacker stance.
Pass rushing is Branch's specialty, though. He uses an excellent dip to turn the corner on linemen and pressure the quarterback. Coming out of college, Branch is a far better player than Koa Misi, who has struggled with the Dolphins.
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