Todd McShay 2012 NFL Mock Draft: Hits and Misses from Expert's Latest

With the NFL Draft fast approaching, mock drafts and hard-hitting analysis on the future of the NFL fills the internet. Here are our thoughts on the latest from one of the best in the business. 

ESPN's Todd McShay has taken on the mammoth job of mocking the 2012 draft. And while prospects rise and fall regularly, his latest mock is a solid effort at predicting the always surprising NFL draft.

Here is his latest mock draft, which will no doubt continue to evolve until April 26th when the Indianapolis Colts are on the clock. 

As with any mock, there are spot on hits and some awful misses. Let's jump right in and see where McShay may be wrong in his assessment. 

1. Picks Nos. 1-3: 

It doesn't get any easier as Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III and Matt Kalil go in that order. 

2. Pick No. 6: St. Louis Rams take Justin Blackmon: 

Hit - Some have the Rams taking a player other than Blackmon, which boggles the mind. The pick has been the star receiver since they traded down, and will remain so until draft day. They have to get Sam Bradford some help down field. 

3. Pick No. 8: Miami Dolphins take Ryan Tannehill: 

Miss - This pick continues to make me shake my head. I will forgive McShay for one reason—the Dolphins are very likely to take Tannehill. In that sense, you have to place him at No. 8 for how things are presumed to go down. 

My issue is that McShay thinks this is a great pick this high in the draft:

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Tannehill has all kinds of upside with his athleticism and arm talent, and he played under new Miami offensive coordinator Mike Sherman in college. Getting him is the best-case scenario whether the Dolphins stay put or trade up.

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I agree that he showed flashes of brilliance, but he also proved to be a work in progress in games against Oklahoma, Arkansas and Oklahoma State last year. In those games combined, he threw 4 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

This is a reach.

4. Picks No. 14: Dallas Cowboys take Dontari Poe: 

Miss - The rest of the draft focuses on players that aren't terrible fits for their presumed teams, but I see Poe as a bit out of place on the Cowboys. 

I am in love with Poe and his ability after a stunning combine, but the Cowboys could use a safety and the best one in the nation is still on the board in Mark Barron. 

There is no way they skip a player that can fill that need and comes in with skills to be an immediate-impact player. 

5. Pick No. 29: Baltimore Ravens take Harrison Smith: 

Hit - True, Smith doesn't fill a need, but I like him going in the first round. 

Smith had a great combine and showed that he is a versatile player that doesn't have to be stuck playing safety. He moves well and opens up with a fluid motion. He is my favorite sleeper in the first round. 

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