Todd McShay 2012 Mock Draft: Most Surprising 1st-Round Picks from ESPN Analyst

Late last week, and with less than a month to go before the 2012 NFL draft, ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay posted his fourth mock draft of the offseason. With free agency finally factoring in, McShay's mock makes a lot of sense from many different angles.

However, there were a handful of picks that made me scratch my head. Here are four of the surprises from McShay's mock 4.0:

Jacksonville Jaguars: OT Riley Reiff, Iowa

Reiff is good value at No. 7, as offensive tackles that can play right away in the NFL are typically difficult to find. But the Jaguars have invested three high picks—Eugene Monroe in the 2009 first round and Eben Britton and Will Rackley in the 2009 second and 2011 third, respectively—over the last three NFL drafts.

Monroe, Britton and Rackley may not comprise the top trio of tackles in the NFL, but it does give the Jaguars depth and potential at the position. Taking a pass-rusher or playmaker on offense, even if they have to reach slightly, might make more sense at No. 7 overall. 

Denver Broncos: DT Michael Brockers, LSU

Brockers to Denver isn't a surprise because of the fit or need, but most mocks currently have Brockers as a top-15 pick. Potential interior pass-rushers are gold in the NFL draft, and I'm not sure I can see 24 teams passing up on the ceiling of Brockers.

But to be perfectly honest, Brockers is still a project player, and there may be worries after a sub-par NFL combine performance. Denver would get a nice addition late in the first if Brockers fell. 

New England Patriots: LB/DE Chandler Jones, Syracuse

Jones is a versatile athlete and could be the kind of raw pass-rusher that the Patriots want to mold into a hybrid player in the NFL.

But the fit here is interesting more so because New England also has the option of taking USC's Nick Perry, who is also scheme-versatile and might be more polished as a pass-rusher right now. Jones might be a reach late in the first. 

New York Giants: OLB Lavonte David, Nebraska

With other more pressing needs on the roster, the Giants simply don't need to reach on a player who may need to switch positions at the next level.

Coby Fleener, Zach Brown, Perry and several defensive tackles are all available in McShay's mock when the Giants pick at No. 32. Offensive line also makes a lot of sense with the last pick in the first round. 

The Giants would really have to be sold on David as an impact outside linebacker to pull the trigger here.