Mel Kiper Jr 2012 NFL Mock Draft: Picks That Will Come Back to Bite Kiper

ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. came out with his first 2012 NFL mock draft in January, making some adept picks and some questionable ones.

Whether it be placing a prospect who lacks in desire in the Top 10 or putting an undersized middle linebacker in the middle of the first round, there are certainly some "red flags" when assessing Kiper's latest mock draft.

Here are picks that will come back to bit Kiper down the line.

3. Zebrie Sanders, OT, Florida State

First of all, I wouldn't use a first-round pick on Zebrie Sanders. He needs to add considerable bulk to be a difference-maker at the next level and I've seen him lunge too many times, consequently losing leverage in his blocking.

To me, he's a second-round prospect.

But, beyond that, Kiper has him going to the New York Giants in the late first round. I understand the Giants need some help on the line, but their primary need is at inside linebacker. They must address that position in the first round.

2. Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

We all know about Luke Kuechly's instincts, range and tackling ability. But to be successful as an inside linebacker at the next level, you have to have adequate strength and size at the position.

Kuechly simply doesn't have that.

Even in college, Kuechly had trouble working through the interior getting to ball carriers. What makes Kiper think he's not going to have trouble in the big and bad NFL?

Kiper has Kuechly going 15th overall to the Philadelphia Eagles. They do need an inside linebacker, but Kuechly is a reach at that spot. He's not a first-round prospect in my opinion.

1. Quinton Coples, DE/DT, North Carolina

I continue to be shocked by how so many NFL experts have Quinton Coples in the top 10.

He's not even a first-rounder in my opinion.

There's no doubt that Coples' athleticism and strength could make him a game-changer in the NFL, but his work ethic is sorely lacking. Despite putting up good numbers in his last year at UNC, anyone who watched this guy play knows he took downs off. He didn't consistently bring it.

To be a difference-maker at defensive end or defensive tackle in the NFL, you have to constantly be working and be a warrior on the line. I just don't see that from Coples.

Kiper has him going seventh overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars.