2012 NFL Mock Draft: A Look at Mel Kiper Jr.'s Most Surprising Picks

Mel Kiper Jr. had three somewhat stunning draft picks at the end of the fourth edition of his 2012 NFL mock draft.

Let's take a look at this trio of guys who definitely have the chance to be selected in the first round of this year's draft.

I give my "totally expert opinion" after posting what Kiper Jr. had to say about each prospect.  

No. 27 overall—Green Bay Packers: OLB Shea McClellin, Boise State

Kiper Jr. says: A player who has moved up boards during the draft process, he played with a hand on the ground at Boise State, but has enough athleticism and the smarts to transition to standing up on the edge in this type of a system. The Patriots have to work on the front seven in the draft, and McClellin is the type of heady player Bill Belichick can work with.

My totally expert take: The stock of McClellin is inexplicably but probably deservedly seen a boost in his draft stock over the last few weeks.

Some of it has probably been due to Kiper Jr. slating him in the first round.

McClellin is an interesting prospect, that's for sure, and a guy who certainly has the skill, work ethic and athleticism to warrant a first-round selection.

He played with his hand on the ground in the defensive end role during his time with Boise State, but at 6'3'' and 260 he could play the outside linebacker position in a 3-4 alignment. 

Draft guru Greg Cosell had the following to say about this intriguing pass-rushing specialist: 

"What I liked immediately was his lateral agility and quickness. My sense is he will get better in the NFL with a chance to be a dynamic edge pass rusher."

I didn't see a ton of McClellin last year, but if he finds himself in the right situation, especially with the Green Bay Packers, he'll flourish. 

No. 30 overall—San Francisco 49ers: WR Stephen Hill, Georgia Tech

Kiper Jr. 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.

My totally expert take: Hill may not be as surprising as some, especially after his remarkably athletic showing at the combine this February, but he's still a relatively raw receiver prospect to be taken within the first 32 picks. 

If a team was in dire need of a big vertical threat, I'd be fine with taking a chance on Hill. However, the 49ers already addressed that hole during free agency when they added Mario Manningham and Randy Moss. 

Is Hill what they really need right now? 

A team like the Houston Texans or even the New York Giants would make more sense. 

No. 31 overall—New England Patriots: Derek Wolfe, DL, Cincinnati 

Kiper Jr. says: 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.

My totally expert take: Wolfe is a good prospect and a guy that fits perfectly into that 3-4 defensive end position.  

The only chance he has to be drafted in the first round is if the Patriots take him here, a team that is definitely looking to add more depth to their defensive line. 

Have to agree with Kiper Jr. on this one. 

Follow @ChrisTrapasso