2012 NFL Mock Draft: Where Does Mel Kiper Place Top WRs in First Round?

Last week, ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper came out with his second mock draft of the 2012 NFL draft season. Long known for being among the top draftniks around, Kiper broke down all 32 picks of the first round for our viewing enjoyment. If you have ESPN Insider, you can check out Kiper's mock here.

To help break down Kiper's mock draft 2.0, let's break down the four receivers he has being selected in the first round.

Justin Blackmon (Oklahoma State) to St. Louis Rams

What Kiper said:

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I've said before this pick could be in play. Cleveland, Washington or maybe even Miami could slide into this spot if they want to make a move at quarterback, but Blackmon goes here in this mock because I'm not able to reflect trades. It will be interesting to see if Blackmon is willing to run in Indy. He could bypass it and wait for his pro day given his current status. St. Louis is in desperate need of a weapon in the passing game, and will get one with one of its first two picks. Remember, it could also lose Brandon Lloyd in free agency.

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Analysis:

The Rams have several needs to address this offseason, and receiver certainly ranks near the top of the priority list. While Kiper can't predict trades, it is widely assumed that the Rams will trade down from No. 2. If they move down a couple of slots and still get Blackmon, who realistically might not have No. 2 overall pick value, the Rams would be setting themselves up for a successful start to their important draft.

Michael Floyd (Notre Dame) to San Diego Chargers

What Kiper said:

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What happens with Vincent Jackson obviously could have an effect on this selection, but even if Jackson remains, the Chargers could use another player who can create matchup problems in the passing game. Floyd showed me a lot this year -- he cut his weight some and played lighter than 230 pounds, and it really made him a more explosive player. He can make plays all over the field in the passing game. The Chargers also must get some help on the offensive line, and could go that route here if they really like a player.

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Analysis:

This pick only makes sense if Jackson bolts in free agency. Kiper points out that the Chargers could use another game-breaking receiver, but I don't think they'd bite on Floyd in the first round if they invested a boatload of money in Jackson before the draft. Floyd is a natural fit to replace Jackson, however, and there's plenty of uncertainty surrounding his status in San Diego.

Kendall Wright (Baylor) to Cleveland Browns

What Kiper said:

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Cleveland needs help at wide receiver but may not be able to get it in free agency, and Wright is a player who can provide an element the Browns don't have right now. The pick makes sense on both need and value. Wright quietly had a season that almost matched Blackmon's in the Big 12. Greg Little was inconsistent but certainly showed a lot of promise as a rookie, and Wright is a good complement. He's smaller at about 5-10, 190 pounds, but adds a speed threat this offense really needs. He'll stretch the field with speed. The Browns need weapons, and Wright fits the profile.

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Analysis:

Wright to the Browns has become a popular pick at No. 22, and for good reason. Cleveland desperately needs to add team speed and a vertical receiving threat. Wright provides both, plus the ability to win matchups in the slot.

His stock is starting to rise beyond the late first round, so it's possible Wright might not be around here. But if he is, you couldn't blame the Browns for pulling the trigger on such a dynamic prospect at a need position.

Rueben Randle (LSU) to San Francisco 49ers

What Kiper said:

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Randle could be a steal. This is a guy who, in a more dynamic passing offense, could have been far more productive. Obviously, the combine will tell us a lot, but Randle could be preferred over Alshon Jeffery of South Carolina, because he has the length, but will be a lot quicker into and out of his breaks because he's got a leaner frame. He's better suited to beat opposing defenses over the top. The Niners need a big target in the passing game outside of Vernon Davis, and Randle could be that guy.

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Analysis:

If there is any surprise pick among the first-round receivers, it's Randle to the 49ers. He wasn't a big name in terms of production at LSU, but part of that was due to the inconsistencies at the quarterback position in Baton Rouge. Given the opportunity with a more stable quarterback, Randle could shine.

Remember, most counted out Denarius Moore as a legitimate receiver prospect last April because the production wasn't there at Tennessee. He then played well during his rookie season in Oakland when his quarterback position settled down with the Raiders.