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NFL Mock Draft 2012: Kansas City, San Diego Looking At Defense?

While the Denver Broncos look to enjoy the NFL playoffs for as long as they can, the rest of the AFC West is preparing for front office and coaching changes as well as for the NFL Draft. Of course, the Oakland Raiders can't be thinking about a first-round draft pick since they already traded their own to the Cincinnati Bengals in the Carson Palmer trade. However, the Sporting News' Russ Lande takes a stab at the Kansas Chiefs and the San Diego Chargers in his top 20 mock draft.


Related: Updated NFL Draft Order | SB Nation 2012 NFL Mock Draft

The Kansas City Chiefs will find out whether its pick is No. 11 or No. 12 at the NFL Combine when a coin flip settles the tiebreaker with the Seattle Seahawks. In his mock, Lande has the Chiefs going after North Carolina linebacker Zach Brown to add to the pass rush. Apparently Justin Houston, the team's rookie of the year, isn't good enough after recording 5.5 sacks in 2011.

The San Diego Chargers select USC defensive lineman Nick Perry with the No. 18 pick as a result of also needing a pass rusher. The Chargers haven't made up for the loss of Shawne Merriman, says Lande.

To learn more about the NFL Draft and the college bowl season head over to SB Nation NFL and SB Nation NCAA Football.