2012 NFL Mock Draft: Prospects Mel Kiper Jr Is Overrating

In early March, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. revealed the third installment of his 2012 NFL mock draft. As always, Kiper put out a good mock and has each franchise addressing areas of need.

However, there are also some players he has overrated and getting selected higher than expected. Therefore, let's take a look at the prospects Kiper has going sooner than anticipated.

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Carolina Panthers: Dontari Poe, DT (Memphis)

He's no doubt a first-round selection, but Memphis defensive tackle Dontari Poe is going at No. 9 overall in Kiper's mock. The Panthers do need to spruce up the defense, however, a big reason why they struggled last season was due to the absence of linebacker Jon Beason.

In the pass-happy NFC South, Carolina needs to improve the pass rush or pass defense. Poe on the contrary, can't provide much of an interior pass rush and would be limited even if the Panthers blitzed up the middle.

With a developing pass-rusher in Charles Johnson off the edge, Carolina needs to add a complement pass rush presence or a stud cornerback. Poe is a better fit for a defense in a run-oriented division and best fits a 3-4 front.

Carolina on the other hand, runs a 4-3 and Poe's skill set would get restricted when lined up off the center.

Dallas Cowboys: Mark Barron, Safety (Alabama)

If anything, the Dallas Cowboys need to land a top pass-rushing prospect to help out DeMarcus Ware. The Cowboys upgraded the pass defense via free agency and although Alabama's Mark Barron is a fit, he has durability concerns.

Expected to workout this week, according to Gil Brandt of NFL.com, Barron must significantly impress if he's going to be a top-15 selection.

He's a hard-hitter, has great field awareness and an excellent football IQ. However, as the case remains with any prospect, sitting on the sideline doesn't help a franchise. The Cowboys need to improve their pass rush and look in the mid-rounds to help the pass defense.

The secondary, especially corners in general, are the deepest position this draft, so passing on Barron isn't the worst of ideas. We also have to remember: Barron had other stud defenders in Courtney Upshaw, Dont'a Hightower and Josh Chapman playing in front of him.

Let's not forget about Dre Kirkpatrick at corner. All that talent allowed Barron to roam and make plays. It'll be interesting to see him in the NFL with more responsibility when dropping back and rolling down.

Chicago Bears: Mike Adams, OT (Ohio State)

The Bears could go a few ways with the No. 19 pick and the offensive line is certainly a need. Still, Ohio State's Mike Adams is a late first-rounder at best; as he was exposed against some tough competition in the Senior Bowl.

Adams is a sound athlete with good quickness and balance, however, his pass-blocking does have concerns. The Bears need a guy who can totally wall off Jay Cutler's blindside to target Brandon Marshall downfield, otherwise he won't last the full year just like 2011.

Adams also, is susceptible when put in one-on-one situations against stud rushers. Guys like Minnesota's Jared Allen and Green Bay's Clay Matthews will work their inside moves all day.

If the Bears do go offensive line here, a better fit would be Georgia guard Cordy Glenn as pounding the rock to setup the pass will pay more dividends. Or, the Bears could address the pass defense which ranked No. 28 last season.

New England Patriots (via N.O.): Kendall Reyes, DT (UConn)

With Vince Wilfork still dominating the A-gaps for Bill Belichick, New England must now look to fill the void on the outside.

Veteran Andre Carter has yet to be re-signed, and the Pats also saw Mark Anderson join Mario Williams in Buffalo, according to ESPN last week. Therefore, replacing Anderson is needed and although Kendall Reyes can provide inside pressure, the Pats need a true 3-4 end/'backer to also sink into coverage.

If the Pats get a guy like Reyes, the run defense will be great in any short yard situations. However, opponents will just run outside, thus setting up play-action and working against Belichick's vulnerable pass defense.

Drafting Reyes doesn't address the need for edge pressure and his inconsistent explosion at the snap won't benefit Belichick's front seven.

Although he has the ability to draw double-teams, Wilfork is a well-established vet and adding depth to the defensive tackle/noseguard position can happen in the mid-rounds.

John Rozum is on Twitter.