Mel Kiper 2012 NFL Mock Draft: Detroit Lions Take CB Janoris Jenkins

In his second mock draft of the 2012 NFL draft season, ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper has the Detroit Lions selecting North Alabama cornerback Janoris Jenkins with the 23rd overall pick in the first round.

A first-round talent in the secondary seems to make a lot of sense for Detroit. 

The Lions defense started 2011 ranked in the Top-10 pass defenses but faded down the stretch. Injuries wore down Detroit's secondary and allowed the Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints to end the Lions' season by scoring 45 points in each of their final two contests.

Jenkins could potentially be a starter in 2012. At the very least, he would provide quality depth to help ensure a collapse on defense doesn't happen again in Detroit.

Here's what Kiper had to say on picking Jenkins at No. 23:

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At one time, Jenkins was destined to be a top-10 pick, and his talent level hasn't dipped. After exiting Florida, he spent a year at North Alabama, and is finally ready for the NFL. As a pure cover corner, in terms of pure instincts, ball skills and athleticism, you're looking at a potential Pro Bowl player. Jenkins is already a major threat in the return game. He has a history, but get him in the right system, and you could have a star. We know Detroit needs help at corner, and Jenkins might be too much value to pass up here.

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According to Pro Football Focus, starting cornerback Eric Wright finished the 2011 season with the fifth worst grade among eligible cornerbacks. Alphonso Smith and Brandon McDonald also had negative grades at the position in 2011.

Jenkins could potentially start over Wright and most certainly would be the Lions' opening day nickelback if drafted. He can also be a valuable return man if the Lions wanted to risk him on kicks and/or punts.

After a solid showing at the Senior Bowl, Jenkins has held steady among the top cornerbacks in the class.

National Football Post has Jenkins as their No. 3 cornerback, behind LSU's Morris Claiborne and Alabama's Dre Kirkpatrick. 

Here's NFP's short scouting report on Jenkins:

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If he can put it all together off the field, he's got the ability to develop into a very good cover man in the NFL and despite his size he's going to be a really tough guy to separate from in just about any scheme he plays in.

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The majority of mock drafts early in this process have the Lions taking a cornerback in the first round. If Jenkins falls to Detroit at No. 23, it would be hard to argue with the Lions making him their pick. Value plus need typically makes a solid first-round selection.