Mel Kiper Jr 2012 NFL Mock Draft: Surprising Prospects That Are in Version 2.0

Earlier on Wednesday, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. released his latest 2012 NFL Mock Draft. By comparison to his first version there are some similarities, but some new prospects find their way late into Round 1.

That being said, let's take a look at some late first-round surprises who made Mel's cut in version 2.0.

Green Bay Packers: Harrison Smith, Safety (Notre Dame)

Definitely a solid safety coming out of Notre Dame is Harrison Smith, but it is surprising to see him going late in Round 1 to the Packers.

Green Bay no doubt needs to desperately improve on pass defense, however, it's the lack of a pass rush that really hurt the cheese in 2011. Despite going 15-1, the Packers only totaled 29 sacks in 2011 and allowed an average of 4.7 yards per carry.

Smith on the other hand, is a sure-tackling safety but is prone to getting beat in man coverage as he tends to play a bit high. Now, he did record seven picks in 2010, but three came in the bowl game versus Miami (Fla).

Harrison Smith would definitely improve the Packers' secondary—Round 1 is just too high of a risk. Late in the second or third-round is more applicable to how Smith stacks up among the other prospects who fit Green Bay's needs.

San Francisco 49ers: Rueben Randle, WR (LSU)

LSU's Rueben Randle makes a good fit for the San Francisco 49ers as they desperately need a standout wide receiver. The question heading into 2012 though, is how Josh Morgan and Michael Crabtree pan out as both have dealt with injuries in the past, which obviously affected their production.

Randle however, also didn't have a developed quarterback tossing him the rock. It was either Jordan Jefferson or Jarrett Lee, both of which will be fortunate to get drafted.

Still, Randle caught 53 passes for 917 yards and eight touchdowns in 2011, thus averaging over 17 yards per reception. Provided that he does impress at the combine and pro day, seeing Randle go late in Round 1 is a solid pick.

He's got great size at 6'3" and weighs over 200 pounds, but has an excellent speed-acceleration combo. The 49ers need a threatening passing attack and this is step one.

New England Patriots: Kendall Reyes, DT (Connecticut)

The biggest concern about taking Kendall Reyes this high is not only how much he'll play, but how much the Patriots pass defense improves.

They may have ranked No. 31 against the pass in 2011, however, Bill Belichick saw great strides made in the postseason. As for 2012, there's only the anticipation of guys like Devin McCourty and Kyle Arrington improving, therefore allowing the pass rush more time.

In addition, nose tackle Vince Wilfork will be 31 years old by the middle of next season. So, looking for a future replacement isn't a bad idea. That being said, Reyes is slightly small to take on the 1-5-5, 3-4 nose tackle spot alone right now.

Then again, with the proper time to develop he can become Belichick's next immovable object. Right now though, Reyes is a questionable first-round pick as he didn't play top-notch competition each week and lacked the quick hand movements to consistently control the interior line.

However, if available, he's a good selection later in Round 2 as the Pats should address a safety with one of their two first-round picks (or trade down to stock up).

John Rozum on Twitter.