Mel Kiper 2012 NFL Mock Draft: Analyzing Kiper's Biggest Value Picks and Reaches

ESPN NFL draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. released his latest 2012 mock draft earlier this week, and for the first time this year Kiper extended his projected picks to include the draft's first two rounds.

As is the case with any mock draft, some of Kiper's picks would be excellent values for the NFL team that made them, while others would likely leave draft-day pundits scratching their heads.

Here's a look at some of Kiper's biggest value picks and reaches from the draft's first two rounds.

Reach: Chandler Jones, DE/OLB (Syracuse); San Diego Chargers, 1.18

What Kiper Says

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Listed as a defensive end at Syracuse, Jones has the talent, upside and a great frame to make the move to OLB in a pass-rushing role. He's still a little raw, but the instincts are there and offensive linemen have a really tough time getting their hands on him. Could blossom into a star for the Chargers.

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Why the Pick Is a Reach

There's no question that the San Diego Chargers need help in the pass rush, as the Bolts finished 23rd in the National Football League in sacks a season ago.

However, with players such as NCAA sack leader Whitney Mercilus of Illinois and Pac-12 sack leader Nick Perry of USC still on the board here, the selection of Jones is a curious one; the 6'5", 266-pound senior had only 10.5 sacks the past three seasons.

Value: Jonathan Martin, OT (Stanford); Detroit Lions, 1.23

What Kiper Says

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The Lions can't go wrong with either the best corner or tackle option here. In this scenario, Martin fits what they'll be looking for to bring the O-line up to par. An athletic tackle, he should develop into a great pass protector for Matthew Stafford. Jeff Backus has played forever, the Lions have enough pieces elsewhere and must target the line.

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Why the Pick Is a Value

The Lions have a large need in the defensive backfield, which was a weak spot even before the loss of Eric Wright in free agency.

That said, any time you can get a versatile tackle with Martin's pedigree this late in the first round, it's an opportunity you have to capitalize on. The 6'5", 312-pound Stanford standout would be a fine successor to Jeff Backus.

Value: Michael Brockers, DT (LSU); Denver Broncos, 1.25

What Kiper Says

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The LSU defense in 2011 was the kind of unit that makes you rewind the tape a lot. So many guys made so many plays, you have to go back and look at where it started. In many instances, it was with the disruptive Brockers, who can create havoc from the inside, blowing up the run and penetrating against the pass. Denver needs to strengthen the inside to complement a solid group of pass-rushers.

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Why the Pick Is a Value

The interior of the Denver defensive line was the Achilles' heel of the Broncos' 22nd-ranked run defense in 2011, so upgrading at the defensive tackle spot is a must for the team.

LSU defensive tackle Michael Brockers saw his draft stock take a hit after a relatively poor showing at the combine in February, but the athletic potential that made him a top-10 pick in some pundits' eyes remains there for the taking.

There's a bit of risk involved, but if Brockers can play to that potential, the 6'5", 322-pounder could represent the steal of the draft's first round.

Reach: Derek Wolfe, DT (Cincinnati); New England Patriots, 1.31

What Kiper Says

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Will fit best as a 3-4 DE, where he can use his size (6-5, 295) to become a disruptive pass-rusher. Not considered explosive in terms of foot speed, he plays with great leverage and can disrupt pockets by driving linemen back, demanding extra help. Another good fit for the Patriots as they add pieces up front.

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Why the Pick Is a Reach

Calling this pick a reach isn't a knock on Wolfe's considerable talents; the 6'5", 295-pound senior was the Big East Defensive Player of the Year after racking up 70 tackles and 9.5 sacks in 2011.

The Patriots have bigger needs in the secondary, however, and even if the Patriots were to go with a defensive tackle in this spot, Penn State's Devon Still would probably be a better fit for New England's multiple-front defense given his superior quickness.

Value: Andre Branch, DE (Clemson); Miami Dolphins, 2.10

What Kiper Says

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A great fit in Miami's adjusted scheme, Branch offers late-first-round value at this spot.

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Why the Pick Is a Value

With the Miami Dolphins switching to a 4-3 defensive front, the team badly needs to find a defensive end to pair with Cameron Wake.

Clemson's Andre Branch tallied 77 tackles and 9.5 sacks for the Tigers in 2011. The 6'4", 259-pound Branch has the versatility to kick outside to linebacker if the Dolphins choose to feature some 3-4 looks.

Reach: Trumaine Johnson, CB (Montana); Detroit Lions, 2.22

What Kiper Says

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One of the more underrated players in the draft, Johnson dominated at Montana. Detroit has a huge need here.

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Why the Pick Is a Reach

There's no denying that Trumaine Johnson had an excellent collegiate career at Montana or that the Lions badly need to upgrade at cornerback after being shredded by the Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints the last two games of the 2011 season.

That said, some pundits believe that the 6'2", 204-pound two-time FCS All-American would be best served by a switch to safety in the NFL. That, combined with some red flags in his past and questions about the level of competition he faced at Montana, makes Johnson a risky play in the second round.