Mel Kiper 2012 NFL Mock Draft: Correcting His Biggest Mistakes

Instead of bashing Mel Kiper Jr. for the absurd selections he tends to make in his mock drafts, how about an article that gives alternative selections? 

Sound fair? 

I think so. 

ESPN's draft guru has released the fourth edition of his 2012 NFL mock draft and below are my three gripes along with the prospects I'd have taken if I had vampire hair and worked for the Worldwide Leader. 

No. 10 overall - Buffalo Bills

Kiper's pick: OT Riley Reiff 

He 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.

The correct pick: WR Michael Floyd 

The Bills need a supremely talented wideout. Period. Although Stevie Johnson has emerged as a somewhat reliable and productive receiver, he doesn't excel in any game-changing area. 

There's a reason he fell to the seventh round in 2008. 

David Nelson, another up-and-coming receiver, went undrafted. The same goes for Donald Jones and Naaman Roosevelt. 

They're all overachievers, but Buffalo needs a guy that can physically overmatch cornerbacks, can win down the field and haul in jump balls in traffic. 

The lack of elite receiving talent was far more evident than offensive line deficiencies during the team's downward spiral in 2011. 

Floyd makes much more sense for the Bills. 

No. 13 overall - Arizona Cardinals

Kiper's pick: WR Michael Floyd

He says: Another pick I'll stick with, Floyd is a great complement to Larry Fitzgerald and will help Arizona maximize the options for Kevin Kolb. The offensive line could use help, but Floyd has proved that he'd be a good value here. Think of Atlanta getting Julio Jones to take some pressure off Roddy White last year. Floyd could fill a similar role.

The correct pick: OG David DeCastro 

The Cardinals, for some reason, re-signed porous left tackle Levi Brown to a five-year contract during free agency. 

He's been one of the most inconsistent blind-side protectors in the league, but would possibly see improvement in his game playing next to offensive guard stalwart David DeCastro. 

Arizona can load up on receivers all they want, but if they can't protect Kevin Kolb or John Skelton, it won't matter. 

As a team, they've allowed 104 sacks over the last two seasons. That won't cut in a division with the likes of Justin Smith, Aldon Smith, Chris Long and Chris Clemons. 

DeCastro would instantly make Beanie Wells' life easier, too. 

No. 30 overall - San Francisco 49ers

Kiper's pick: WR Stephen Hill 

He says: Hill is the biggest home run threat in the draft when you combine his speed and size, and it's no secret the 49ers need some help at wide receiver, even with the additions of Randy Moss and Mario Manningham. He'll need an adjustment period as he gets used to doing more in terms of scheme than he was asked at Georgia Tech, but he's the kind of weapon this offense needs to expand.

The correct pick: OG Kevin Zeitler

Didn't the 49ers already address their stretch-the-field receiver issues in free agency with the acquisition of Randy Moss and Mario Manningham? 

Yes. 

San Fran did lose starter Adam Snyder in free agency, which leaves them with a hole at the right guard position. 

Zeitler was one of the main anchors in a power-running scheme at Wisconsin that finished 11th in the nation in rushing yards per game in 2011. 

Could there be a better fit for San Fran? 

No way. 

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