Mel Kiper 2012 NFL Mock Draft: 5 Under-the-Radar Picks in Kiper's Mock 2.0

ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper released his second mock draft of the 2012 NFL draft season last week, so let's take a quick look at five of the most under-the-radar, but sensible picks in his first 32 selections.

OT Riley Reiff (Iowa) to Miami Dolphins

What Kiper said:

"

The Dolphins will be adding a quarterback, and Reiff helps them finish what could be a solid offensive line in 2012. Reiff's tape was exceptional this past season, and given how complete he is right now, stepping in immediately on the right side shouldn't be a problem. Outside linebacker also makes some sense here, but Miami knows its offense is really close, and Reiff makes the quarterback situation that much more appealing, regardless of who takes the snaps. The Dolphins aced their first-round pick last year, also hitting the O-line. Wouldn't hurt them one bit to double down.

"

Why it makes sense:

Smart money is still on free-agent quarterback Matt Flynn picking Miami as his No. 1 destination. If that's the case, the Dolphins can cross a huge need off their offseason checklist. It will also give the Dolphins the ability to look elsewhere in the first round.

Combining Reiff, who should be a plug-and-play prospect at right tackle, with All-Pro left tackle Jake Long gives the Dolphins the premier young tackle combination in the NFL.

DE Melvin Ingram (South Carolina) to Seattle Seahawks

What Kiper said:

"

Some see the Seahawks looking at a QB this high, but the value doesn't make a lot of sense for me just yet. On the defensive side of the ball, the big need is help for the pass rush. Ingram has enough size to hold up in the 4-3, and will provide an upgrade. The Seattle defense is really fast, and could become dynamic if it can generate more pressure on opposing passers. If Kuechly is still here, I can also see that pick, but the development of K.J. Wright makes Ingram a good target.

"

Why it makes sense:

I've said since midway through the 2011 season that the Seahawks are just a piece or two away from having one of the NFC's best defenses. Picking Ingram would add one of those pieces, as Seattle needs more pass rush opposite Chris Clemons.

If Ingram could be a 10-sack guy in his rookie season, the Seahawks might have enough defensively to compete for a playoff spot in the NFC.

OT Mike Adams (Ohio State) to Chicago Bears

What Kiper said:

"

We know the Bears will be looking for help at wide receiver, but just because the offensive line could be characterized as semi-adequate doesn't mean they should make the mistake of neglecting it and letting it fall apart again. Mike Tice knows as well as anybody that Jay Cutler can be successful in the passing game first if he's not getting hit on every play. Adams is a guy who I've come around on, because he simply knows how to protect the pocket. He can slide his feet and doesn't get beat inside, but he has the length and technique to protect the edge.

"

Why it makes sense:

Bears fans will harp for a receiver in the first round, and it's hard to blame them with such an obvious need at that position. But if the decision comes down to a left tackle or a receiver, the Bears should do the smart thing and take the left tackle.

Impact receivers can be found in almost any round of the draft, but starting left tackles are a rare commodity. Buy Jay Cutler some extra time in the pocket with Adams, and then nab a second-tier receiver in the next couple of rounds.

G David DeCastro (Stanford) to Cincinnati Bengals

What Kiper said:

"

I have guard as one of the top needs for the Bengals, and they won't do any better than DeCastro at this spot. A player who plays with exceptional awareness, DeCastro is the kind of guard who helps you crack off bigger gains in the run and screen game because he gets a great initial punch, but will also get to the second level and throw great blocks out in space. Again, I don't think Cincy gets enough value here at running back, but DeCastro helps the run game, too.

"

Why it makes sense:

Would the Bengals even need their allotted time to send in DeCastro's name in this scenario? I think Bengals management might Jerome Simpson flip over Roger Goodell to get this pick on the record.

The fit and value would simply be far too much for the Bengals to pass over. Guard is an offseason need and DeCastro is considered the consensus top player at that position in this draft.

WR Kendall Wright (Baylor) to Cleveland Browns

What Kiper said:

"

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.

"

Why it makes sense:

Forget taking Justin Blackmon early if the Browns can get a quarterback at No. 4 and Wright late in the first round. While somewhat of a one-year wonder at Baylor, Wright displayed the rare ability to be productive both in the slot and as a vertical threat.

Think Mike Wallace, but more refined playing underneath. Wright could be one of the top rookies in the right situation.