Pat Kirwan 2012 NFL Mock Draft: 5 Biggest Surprises in Kirwan's Newest Mock

Now that the 2012 NFL Combine is finally here, be prepared for wave after wave of new mock drafts from a variety of NFL analysts. To get a better grasp at how the NFL insiders think the 2012 draft will play out, we'll take a look at several mocks from the top draft dogs.

In this edition, we take a look at the mock draft of NFL.com/CBS Sports NFL insider Pat Kirwan. Here are five of his most surprising picks:   

QB Ryan Tannehill (Texas A&M) to Miami Dolphins

What Kirwan said:

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New Dolphins offensive coordinator Mike Sherman coached him in college and knows him well. I just watched two of his game tapes and it is amazing how poised and lively his arm is for a guy who was a college wide receiver until halfway through 2010. There's still a chance the Dolphins could go after Peyton Manning if he is deemed healthy, and Tannehill could learn from the bench for a few years. It didn't hurt Aaron Rodgers to develop that way. Of course if the Dolphins get Matt Flynn in free agency, this whole scenario goes away.

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Why it's surprising:

Kirwan's mock is one of the first I've seen that has the Dolphins drafting Tannehill in the first round. Of course, Kirwan points out the obvious connection between Tannehill and Miami offensive coordinator Mike Sherman, who coached Tannehill at Texas A&M. That helps makes this connection more plausible. But if the Dolphins don't acquire Matt Flynn in free agency, this becomes a real possibility.

OLB/DE Melvin Ingram (South Carolina) to Dallas Cowboys

What Kirwan said:

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The Cowboys need secondary help and may consider Mark Barron or Dre Kirkpatrick. But it all starts up front, and Ingram opposite DeMarcus Ware would give the Cowboys the same one-two punch the Steelers have with Harrison and Woodley.

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Why it's surprising:

This is one of the first mocks I've seen that has this connection, too. But that doesn't make it a bad pick by any means; The Cowboys would do well to grab a pass rusher of Ingram's caliber to plug in opposite DeMarcus Ware. There are needs in the secondary, but passing up Ingram wouldn't be a smart decision.

DE/DT Michael Brockers (LSU) to San Diego Chargers

What Kirwan said:

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The talented redshirt sophomore and it may all still be ahead of him. In a few games I watched he was subbed out more than I would like to see but when he turned it on he was a major force.

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Why it's surprising:

Can't argue with the value here for San Diego, but the Chargers did invest a first-round pick on Illinois defensive tackle Corey Luiget last April. Would San Diego be willing to use back-to-back top picks on the defensive line? Free agency could also drastically alter the Chargers needs, especially at receiver.

CB Janoris Jenkins (North Alabama) to San Francisco 49ers

What Kirwan said:

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Jenkins went to North Alabama after off-field issues at Florida. He will fall a bit in the first round and would be a value pick here. He had a solid week at the Senior Bowl but got caught on a double move in the game. At 5-foot-9 he may wind up being a slot corner. If he doesn't run well at the combine and convince GMs that his off the field issues are behind him he could slip out of the first round.

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Why it's surprising:

Again, another connection I haven't seen but one that I absolutely love. While many mocks have the 49ers taking a receiver in the first-round, Jenkins represents fantastic value at No. 30 and would immediately help cover a hole if free agent cornerback Carlos Rogers leaves San Francisco.

WR Mohamed Sanu (Rutgers) to New England Patriots

What Kirwan said:

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The Patriots have tapped into the Rutgers program before and may do it again. Sanu is a big outside receiver who would complement big inside passing game that features two tight ends and Wes Welker. Sanu had 115 receptions last year.

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Why it's surprising:

Does Sanu fit the Patriots' profile of the X-receiver they need in their offense? That's what you would have to consider if New England went receiver in the first round. Sanu was wildly productive but I'm not sure he has the top-end speed to stretch NFL defenses vertically.