Breaking Down the Best and Worst of Mel Kiper's NFL Mock Draft

There are some fantastic and some downright awful picks in Mel Kiper Jr.'s fourth mock draft of the 2012 pre-draft season. 

ESPN's draft guru went a full two rounds in this most recent mock draft, so I've got plenty of gripes and a fair share of wholehearted agreements. 

(As usual, I'm staying away from the blatantly obvious picks. Yes, Andrew Luck to the Colts is a good one.)

Let's start with the selections he nailed. 

Agreement No. 1 

No. 6 overall - St. Louis Rams: WR Justin Blackmon 

Kiper says: The possibility remains that St. Louis could move off this spot, but if the Rams stay here and get Blackmon, they'll immediately upgrade a huge weakness, which is the lack of talented options for Sam Bradford in the passing game. Blackmon's speed is adequate, but his smarts, ball skills, route running and work habits translate to a guy who can contribute immediately, which is what this offense desperately needs.

My take: No trade back, get your guy. Now. 

Roster holes are aplenty for the St. Louis Rams, but their most glaring need is at wide receiver, especially with Brandon Lloyd now a New England Patriot. 

Their offensive line must be fortified, but at this point in the draft, Blackmon's value far outweighs any offensive tackle. 

Blackmon isn't a Calvin Johnson or Larry Fitzgerald-type; he's more of an Anquan Boldin. 

That's still pretty damn good. 

Sam Bradford finally gets a premier talent out wide. Like Mel said, he desperately needs it. 

Agreement No. 2 

No. 8 overall - Miami Dolphins: QB Ryan Tannehill

Kiper says: We know Miami lacks a long-range plan at quarterback, and while Tannehill isn't a guy I'd endorse as an immediate starter, his ceiling is so high you can take him here with a plan in place because of his rate of growth. His already sound mechanics and skill set imply a bright future. The talent isn't in question. 

My take: My agreement with Tannehill to the Dolphins is a bit tricky, so listen up. I'm not the biggest fan of him as a future franchise quarterback (risky), and because I believe he's got a long way to go before he could even become a quality starter in this league, he shouldn't be a first-rounder. 

However, I understand how important the quarterback position is and realize that Tannehill does have many redeeming qualities—his size, arm strength and overall athleticism. 

If I'm reaching on any position in Round 1, it's quarterback. 

Secondly, and most importantly, who better to groom him than former Texas A&M coach and current Dolphins offensive coordinator Mike Sherman? 

No one. 

The Dolphins need a signal-caller who represents the future. Tannehill's a great fit, regardless of when they have to draft him. 

Disagreement No. 1 

No. 10 overall- Buffalo Bills: OL Riley Reiff 

Kiper says: Buffalo has passed on offensive line options in recent years, but Reiff would be a good option to buck the trend. The Bills have made big strides on the defensive side of the ball this offseason, and that allows them to focus on shoring up the offense. Reiff will help protect, but is a complete player and will provide a spark in the running game as well.

My take: Reiff is a solid offensive line prospect, but I'm not even sure his best fit is at offensive tackle, the spot in which the Bills would like to add a starter. 

This isn't necessarily against Reiff's prospectus; it's more about what, right now, is the more pressing need for Buffalo. 

Chan Gailey's system is predicated on quick passing and the running game. A tattered offensive line that lost starting left tackle Demetress Bell and stout pivot Eric Wood allowed the least amount of sacks in football (23) last season. 

The lack of elite receiving talent was far more evident during the team's downward spiral in 2011 than the need for an offensive tackle. 

Michael Floyd in Round 1 makes way more sense.

Disagreement No. 2 

No. 30 overall - San Francisco 49ers: WR Stephen Hill

Hill was the talk of the NFL world after his ridiculous combine showing. Some said he was a top-20 pick. That insanity has thankfully gone to rest. I'd be fine with this pick had the 49ers not addressed their downfield passing attack with Randy Moss and Mario Manningham. 

Adam Snyder left in free agency and they need a quality guard to fill his vacancy. 

Wisconsin's Kevin Zeitler played in a power running scheme throughout his collegiate career and would be ideal blocking on San Fran's youthful offensive front for Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter. 

Hill's more of a novelty item, and yes, the 49ers' roster isn't loaded with holes, but grabbing an offensive lineman makes much more sense at this juncture. 

(Dont'a Hightower to the Pittsburgh Steelers is an absolute home run, too.)

Round 2 agreements:

No. 36 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers: OLB Lavonte David 

No. 44 - Kansas City Chiefs: DT Devon Still 

No. 56 - Pittsburgh Steelers: OL Kelechi Osemele

Round 2 disagreements: 

No. 38 - Jacksonville Jagaurs: WR A.J. Jenkins

No. 50 - Chicago Bears: WR Rueben Randle

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