Mel Kiper Jr. 2012 NFL Mock Draft: Biggest Issues with Expert's Latest Analysis

Soon, mock drafts will make way for the real deal, but there is still plenty of time to debate one of the best classes we have seen in years, and that is what we do with Mel Kiper's latest. 

The ESPN expert knows his stuff, but that doesn't mean we can't take a look and give some opinions on the picks we have issues with. 

As you will see, some of these picks aren't all his fault and are made to illustrate some teams heading toward disaster on draft day. 

One caveat before we begin: The latest and greatest from the slick-haired Kiper is dated April 4th and is already a couple weeks old. We understand his newest will feature changes, so consider these thoughts on where he should be headed. 

Here are the things we find troublesome from Mel Kiper's latest. 

Pick No. 8 - Miami Dolphins take Ryan Tannehill

We had issues with this pick when it was made weeks ago, and we hate it now. The fear for Dolphins fans is that this pick doesn't seem to be changing, and could very well be the one made on draft day. 

If we were grading this pick for accuracy, we would give Kiper an A+, but from a value standpoint, this pick stinks. 

Tannehill is nowhere near a top-10 pick and would be better served in the second round. I just don't see Miami talking themselves out of this one, though. 

Pick No. 9 - Carolina Panthers take Dontari Poe

Here is a pick I am confident will be changed in the next mock by Kiper. The hangover from the combine has been cleared away and we can see Poe with sober eyes. 

Poe put up ridiculous numbers that just aren't supported by his play at Memphis. I am not about to call him a bust, but it seems the market is evening out after seeing his stock soar to record heights after a week of workouts. 

Pick No. 31 - New England Patriots take Derek Wolfe

I will forgive a reach in what is really only a mock draft, but I don't expect to see Wolfe in the next iterations of Kiper's draft. 

He doesn't have the foot speed or explosiveness to be considered in the first round. Wolfe would be an awful reach considering other players like Jerel Worthy are out there. 

All in all, a solid draft with minor tweaks and some debatable picks, but that's what mock drafts are for—to start the discussion. We thank Kiper for his ability to constantly ignite debate. 

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