Mel Kiper 2012 NFL Mock Draft: Arizona Cardinals Take Stanford's Jonathan Martin

ESPN's NFL draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. has released his second mock draft, and he has the Arizona Cardinals picking Stanford left tackle Jonathan Martin with the No. 13 overall pick. 

This choice is a relatively popular one in many mock drafts, mainly due to Martin's overall competency playing on the edge, and the fact that the Cardinals allowed 54 sacks in 2011: the second highest total in the league. 

Kiper Jr. said the following about the Cardinals' selection of Martin:

"

As I've noted before, Arizona hasn't drafted an offensive lineman before the fifth round since 2007 -- and it's about time. Martin may start on the right side, but he has the physical tools to become the blindside tackle here. Questions remain about what the Cardinals will do at quarterback -- my guess for now is they simply stick with Kevin Kolb and hope that investment pays off -- but there's no question they have to be better up front regardless of who is back there. Martin has a lot of athleticism, is a very good run blocker, and should continue to improve his game.

"

Although USC's Matt Kalil and even Iowa's Riley Reiff have been graded by many as better offensive tackle prospects, I love Martin's heady style of play and fleetness of foot.

He's a special athlete for his 6'6'' and 305-pound frame, and by adding more bulk and overall strength, he has everything you'd want in a left tackle that can handle the bull rush, while stymieing the speed rushers with deceptive quickness.

The Cardinals' current tackle, Levi Brown, is one of the worst blindside protectors in the league, and Martin could make a smooth transition to that spot next season.

To help the development of quarterback Kevin Kolb, Arizona must protect him, and Martin is the ideal selection.

He's already a premier run blocker that will pave holes for punishing runner Beanie Wells, who has the talent to alleviate pressure for the Cardinals' signal-caller.

A fine first-round choice for Arizona. 

Follow @ChrisTrapasso