Mel Kiper Jr 2012 NFL Mock Draft: Expert's Most Questionable 1st-Round Picks

Earlier this week, ESPN NFL draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. released the fourth version of his mock. Per usual, Kiper had another good mock draft, as expected: However, there were some concerning selections as well.

To that end, let's take a look at Kiper's most questionable picks in his latest draft.

Complete view of Kipers latest mock draft.

Carolina Panthers: Dontari Poe, DT (Memphis)

Make no mistake about it: Dontari Poe is a first-rounder and is a fit for the Carolina Panthers, but not at No. 9 overall. Poe is a mid or late first-rounder and unless the Panthers want to trade down, he's a bit of a stretch inside the top 10.

Now, Poe is a solid run stopper, but he does get himself out of position at times. NFL offensive lineman will be able to isolate him one-on-one just by using his over-aggressiveness against him. Not to mention, but Poe's size of 6'4", 346 pounds is ideal to control the A-gaps as a nose guard in the 3-4.

He's strong enough to control two gaps but playing off the center will make it easier for offenses to seal him out of plays. Carolina needs a guy who can stop the run, apply quarterback pressure and dip inside.

Poe is too much of a one-dimensional player for the Panthers to address all their defensive needs.

San Diego Chargers: Chandler Jones, LB/DE (Syracuse)

Had Chandler Jones not missed five games in 2011 he'd be a legit first-rounder. So, for the Chargers to take him at No. 17 overall is not only a risk, but there are much better options available.

For one, San Diego must look to get the best available defensive end/tackle that's a better selection: Such as Fletcher Cox, Devon Still or Jerel Worthy. Cox has the size and speed to play defensive tackle or end, and he's one of the more complete defenders in the draft.

Worthy is more of a defensive tackle but is a constant menace in the backfield, whereas Still can play inside or out with his size and lateral quickness. The Chargers need a sound defender up front, because improving against the run (that cost them in 2011) and adding a pass rush is needed.

In the run-oriented AFC West, San Diego can make strides with an upgraded front wall as that creates a stronger and more consistent pass rush.

New England Patriots: Derek Wolfe, DE/DT (Cincinnati)

A versatile defensive lineman, Cincinnati's Derek Wolfe does fit needs for New England. Wolfe, however, is more of a late second/early third round pick as he's a bit undersized for nose-guard and lacks the acceleration to explode off the edge and get consistent quarterback pressure.

Wolfe is more of your ideal 4-3 defensive tackle, because he can get great interior pressure and has the ability to draw the occasional double-team. In New England, Wolfe would be a situation-specific player such as nose-guard on third-and-long or defensive tackle on short down-and-distances.

Provided that he lost five-to-10 pounds, Wolfe would definitely develop into a true defensive end. By then he'd be quicker, more agile and lighter on his feet to burst around the edge.

Instead, expect the Pats to look at upgrading the secondary to complement Kyle Arrington and Devin McCourty or snag a linebacker for depth.

2012 NFL First-Round Mock Draft

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB (Stanford)

2. Washington Redskins: (From STL): Robert Griffin III, QB (Baylor)

3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT (USC)

4. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson, RB (Alabama)

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne, CB (LSU)

6. St. Louis Rams (From WAS): Justin Blackmon, WR (Oklahoma State)

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Riley Reiff, OT (Iowa)

8. Miami Dolphins: Ryan Tannehill, QB (Texas A&M)

9. Carolina Panthers: Melvin Ingram, LB/DE (South Carolina)

10. Buffalo Bills: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB (Alabama)

11. Kansas City Chiefs: Michael Brockers, DT (LSU)

12. Seattle Seahawks: Luke Kuechly, LB (Boston College)

13. Arizona Cardinals: David DeCastro, OG (Stanford)

14. Dallas Cowboys: Quinton Coples, DE (North Carolina)

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Jonathan Martin, OT (Stanford)

16. New York Jets: Michael Floyd, WR (Notre Dame)

17. Cincinnati Bengals (From OAK): Stephon Gilmore, CB (South Carolina)

18. San Diego Chargers: Fletcher Cox, DT/DE (Mississippi State)

19. Chicago Bears: Nick Perry, DE (USC)

20. Tennessee Titans: Dontari Poe, DT (Memphis)

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Devon Still, DT (Penn State)

22. Cleveland Browns (From ATL): Courtney Upshaw, LB (Alabama)

23. Detroit Lions: Zach Brown, LB (North Carolina)

24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Dont'a Hightower, LB (Alabama)

25. Denver Broncos: Jerel Worthy, DT (Michigan State)

26. Houston Texans: Kendall Wright, WR (Baylor)

27. New England Patriots (From NO): Whitney Mercilus, DE (Illinois)

28. Green Bay Packers: Vinny Curry, DE (Marshall)

29. Baltimore Ravens: Cordy Glenn, OG (Georgia)

30. San Francisco 49ers: Stephen Hill, WR (Georgia Tech)

31. New England Patriots: Mark Barron, SS (Alabama)

32. New York Giants: Doug Martin, RB (Boise State)

John Rozum on Twitter.