Mel Kiper 2012 NFL Mock Draft: Analyzing Kiper's Questionable Selections

Earlier this week ESPN's Mel Kiper released his latest mock of the 2012 NFL Draft.

For the most part, Kiper addressed the top priorities of most of the franchises but also went with some other areas as well.

That being said, let's take a look at some questionable selections that Kiper made in version 2.0.

Carolina Panthers: Michael Brockers, DT (LSU)

There is no doubt that the Carolina Panthers need to improve at defending the run.

Last season they allowed an average of 130.8 rush yards per game, ranking them No. 25 in the NFL. Thing is, Carolina was without stud middle linebacker Jon Beason all season and he is one of the better run-stuffers in the game.

With a healthy Beason in the middle for 2012, taking a defensive tackle like Michael Brockers will definitely help, but not to the extent of a defensive end.

In addition to having a poor rush defense, the Panthers also ranked No. 24 against the pass and allowed almost 250 passing yards per game. Not to mention they only recorded 31 sacks as a unit.

So, finding that complement for Charles Johnson is needed because applying pressure on guys like Drew Brees and Matt Ryan is crucial to contending the NFC South. The Panthers can go with a defensive tackle and significantly improve against the run.

However, a defensive end like North Carolina's Quinton Coples or USC's Nick Perry will assist the horrendous pass defense from 2011. In a passing league, getting pressure must happen for defenses to stand a chance.

Philadelphia Eagles: Fletcher Cox, DT (Mississippi State)

This Philadelphia Eagles most definitely need to improve at stopping the run.

Also, their underneath pass coverage on intermediate routes was arguably their weakest point in 2011, because the pass rush and secondary proved legit.

Here, Kiper has the Eagles taking Mississippi State's Fletcher Cox, a defensive tackle who fits a 3-4 front. Well, last season the Eagles ran a 4-3 front and with defensive ends like Trent Cole and Jason Babin (combined for 29 sacks and 84 tackles) you don't switch to a 3-4 look.

Now, Cox would certainly provide Philly with the luxury of potentially becoming more dynamic in using both a 3-4 and 4-3 front, but that still restricts the production of Babin and Cole because neither are 3-4 type ends.

Instead, the Eagles need to take a linebacker here whether it's Courtney Upshaw or Luke Kuechly. Both have excellent instincts at defending the run and have great awareness when shielding the crossing routes as well as those sitting between the zones.

Or, the Eagles could snag a backer via free agency and then take an offensive lineman here to improve Michael Vick's protection in the pocket. Although they didn't give up a lot of sacks, Vick's and Vince Young's mobility played a big role in having/buying time to throw.

Cleveland Browns (From ATL): Kendall Wright, WR (Baylor)

Here we have an interesting pick but not the ideal one.

Baylor's Kendall Wright would certainly improve the Cleveland Browns passing game but he's only 5'10", 190 pounds.

What Cleveland needs is a taller receiver who can develop into a No. 1 guy. Wright does have excellent potential but is more of a No. 2 or slot target and had it not been for Robert Griffin III, he may not even be a first-round pick.

That said, in the beginning of the draft Cleveland should try to make a move for Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon. If Blackmon is taken or the Browns aren't able to trade up, going defense or trading down are some other options.

With their second first-round pick though, defense players like Vontaze Burfict or a receiver like Michael Floyd (if he's still available) is a good fit. Burfict would not only provide Cleveland with the ability to play a 4-3 and 3-4 front, but he can play both inside and outside linebacker.

Paired with D'Qwell Jackson (if they re-sign him) in Dick Jauron's linebacking core, the Browns would significantly improve on their No. 30 ranked rush defense that allowed almost 150 rush yards per game.

In the AFC North, having those linebackers to shut down rushing offenses is key. Much like the Ravens and Steelers have done consistently the past decade.

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

Make no mistake about it, the Green Bay Packers desperately need to improve on defense. But Notre Dame's Harrison Smith late in Round 1 is a bit high.

For starters, the Packers only recorded 29 sacks in 2011 and allowed an average of 4.7 rushing yards per carry. Therefore, Green Bay needs to address the front seven to help apply quarterback pressure and stop the run.

Provided he's available, South Carolina's Melvin Ingram is the perfect fit as his versatility complements the Packers' 3-4 scheme. Ingram can rush, set the edge, chase down on the backside and drop into coverage when needed.

If he's not available, then Illinois' Whitney Mercilus, Alabama's Dont'a Hightower or North Carolina's Zach Brown also work. Harrison Smith would certainly improve the secondary as he recorded 181 tackles and defend 24 passes between 2010 and 2011.

But with better defensive lineman and linebackers potentially available ahead of him, Green Bay needs to address their Vince Lombardi roots and get back to controlling the line of scrimmage.

2012 First-Round NFL Mock Draft

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB (Stanford)	17. Cincinnati Bengals (From OAK): Janoris Jenkins, CB (Northern Alabama)
2. St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon, WR (Oklahoma State)	18. San Diego Chargers: Riley Reiff, OT (Iowa)
3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT (USC)	19. Chicago Bears: Dwayne Allen, TE (Clemson)
4. Cleveland Browns: Morris Claiborne, CB (LSU)	20. Tennessee Titans: Alshon Jeffery, WR (South Carolina)
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Trent Richardson, RB (Alabama)	21. Cincinnati Bengals: Cordy Glenn, OG (Georgia)
6. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III, QB (Baylor)	22. Cleveland Browns (From ATL): Vontaze Burfict, LB (ASU)
7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Michael Floyd, WR (Notre Dame)	23. Detroit Lions: Zach Brown, LB (UNC)
8. Miami Dolphins: David DeCastro, G (Stanford)	24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Adams, OT (Ohio State)
9. Carolina Panthers: Quinton Coples, DE (UNC)	25. Denver Broncos: Alfonzo Dennard, CB (Nebraska)
10. Buffalo Bills: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB (Alabama)	26. Houston Texans: Jerel Worthy, DT (Michigan State)
11. Kansas City Chiefs: Nick Perry, DE (USC)	27. New England Patriots (From NO): Whitney Mercilus, DE (Illinois)
12. Seattle Seahawks: Devon Still, DT (Penn State)	28. Green Bay Packers: Melvin Ingram, DE (South Carolina)
13. Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Martin, OT (Stanford)	29. Baltimore Ravens: Dont'a Hightower, LB (Alabama)
14. Dallas Cowboys: Luke Kuechly, LB (Boston College)	30. San Francisco 49ers: Kendall Wright, WR (Baylor)
15. Philadelphia Eagles: Courtney Upshaw, LB (Alabama)	31. New England Patriots: Mark Barron, S (Alabama)
16. New York Jets: Michael Brockers, DT (LSU)	32. New York Giants: Coby Fleener, TE (Stanford)

John Rozum on Twitter.