2012 NFL Mock Draft: The Best and Worst of Todd McShay's Latest Mock

ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay put out his fifth 2012 NFL mock draft Wednesday. Let's break down a number of his best and worst picks among the top 32 selections: 

BEST

Trent Richardson to the Cleveland Browns (No. 4)

Since the Washington Redskins moved up to No. 2 overall, thus taking away the chance of the Browns getting Robert Griffin III, the smart pick for Cleveland has been Richardson.

A workhorse back with an Adrian Peterson-like skill set, Richardson can ease much of the pressure that's sure to fall on Colt McCoy's shoulders next season. 

Kendall Wright to the Cincinnati Bengals (No. 21)

Adding playmakers with the skills of Kendall Wright and A.J. Green in back-to-back drafts is franchise-changing. Eventually, the duo of Wright and Green could prove to be the NFL's very best.

Taking a running back here, like many have suggested, wouldn't have the same kind of impact for Cincinnati.

Courtney Upshaw to the Detroit Lions (No. 23)

The Lions already possess one of the game's top defensive lines, but adding Upshaw to the mix makes a lot of sense. Not only is Kyle Vanden Bosch entering the twilight of his career but Cliff Avril is only locked up for one year on the franchise tag.

If the veteran begins to regress and/or Avril leaves, a hole opens up on what has become the Lions' lone defensive strength. Upshaw could also play a little outside linebacker in certain packages.

Riley Reiff to the Buffalo Bills (No. 10)

There's a growing consensus that Buffalo will take a receiver with the 10th overall pick, but it's hard to see the team passing up on Reiff if he's still available.

The Bills now have a pressing need at left tackle since Demetress Bell left town, and Reiff is many analysts' No. 2 overall tackle behind Matt Kalil. Reiff just works here.

WORST

Michael Floyd to the Arizona Cardinals (No. 13)

I've found Floyd to be one of the hardest players to mock in the last few months, and I think McShay suffers from that quandary here. The Cardinals could certainly use another receiver, but I'm not sure selecting one with their first pick is the best choice.

In such a deep draft at this position, Arizona should look to the offensive line or at a pass-rusher in the first round, and then find a receiver to plug in opposite Larry Fitzgerald later on. 

Chandler Jones to the New York Jets (No. 16)

To date, this is the highest I have seen Jones going in the first round. McShay has obviously been much higher on the Syracuse pass-rusher than most, but even this fit doesn't seem to add up.

You would assume head coach Rex Ryan sees considerably more value in a guy like Courtney Upshaw, who is accomplished against both the pass and run. Jones is more of a one-trick pony. 

Jonathan Martin to the Cleveland Browns (No. 22)

Right tackle is a need for the Browns, and it's rare that you find Day 1 starters on the outside without using a first- or second-round pick on one. But the Browns have other areas to fill, and Martin may be better-suited to play on the left side. Of course, All-Pro Joe Thomas is firmly entrenched on that side.

Taking a top receiver here might make more sense for the playmaker-starved Browns. 

Andre Branch to the Green Bay Packers (No. 28)

I like the idea, but hate the fit. While Branch is probably an upgrade over anything the Packers have to place opposite Clay Matthews, Branch doesn't look like a player who fits what GM Ted Thompson looks for.

But even more worrisome with this pick is that both Shea McClellin and Whitney Mercilus remain on the board. Thompson could get more out of either player than he likely will with Branch.