Mel Kiper 2012 NFL Mock Draft: 5 Corrections His Latest Mock Needs

ESPN's draft guru Mel Kiper, Jr. released his fourth 2012 NFL mock draft just over two weeks ago, which means that his fifth and final mock is set to be released sometime in the next week. With that in mind, we looked back at his fourth mock to see what picks could use some correction ahead of the final mock.

Old pick: Memphis DT Dontari Poe to Carolina Panthers (No. 9 overall)

Correction: Mississippi State DT Fletcher Cox

Poe's combine showing—which saw the 350-pounder run like a tight end and lift like an Olympian—bolted the defensive lineman up boards and mock drafts at a rate that would've made even the late Al Davis dizzy. But as you look back at the tape of Poe at Memphis, you're hard-pressed to find top-10 talent.

Instead of making the age-old mistake of failing in love with a workout warrior, Carolina should take a player like Cox, whose tape backs up this high of selection. I expect Kiper to knock Poe out of his final top 10.

Old pick: Notre Dame WR Michael Floyd to Arizona Cardinals (No. 13)

Correction: Stanford G David DeCastro

The idea of teaming Floyd with Larry Fitzgerald is certainly tempting, and I can see the Cardinals envisioning an Anquan Boldin/Fitzgerald duo with Floyd in hand. But it is even easier to recognize how flawed the Cardinals are up front, and passing on a player as sure as DeCastro isn't smart.

While it certainly wouldn't be as sexy a pick as taking Floyd, DeCastro makes more sense for fixing what ails the Cardinals offense. Until they get better up front, Arizona will be a team stuck in the middle of the pack. There will be a receiver or two available in the second round for the Cardinals to snag if the front office is dead set on adding another playmaker out wide.

Old pick: Syracuse OLB Chandler Jones to San Diego Chargers (No. 18)

Correction: Georgia G/T Cordy Glenn

The Chargers need another pass-rusher, so I can see where Kiper is coming from with an outside linebacker here. But Jones at No. 18 overall? That could be a big reach—one I can't see the Chargers making.

Instead, the team can buck its trend of avoiding first round offensive linemen and take Glenn, who would be an immediate starter and upgrade at a spot on the Chargers' offensive line. In a best-case scenario, Glenn becomes an elite right tackle at the next level while replacing a below average one in Jeromey Clary. 

Old pick: Georgia G/T Cordy Glenn to Cleveland Browns (No. 22)

Correction: Baylor WR Kendall Wright

Glenn is worthy of this pick, and the Browns need a right tackle to play opposite Joe Thomas. But is it that pressing of a need to pass on one of the draft's most electric receivers?

Teamed with Trent Richardson, who Kiper mocks to the Browns at No. 4 overall, Wright could be the kind of play-making pass-catcher that the Cleveland offense desperately needs. Suddenly, the Browns would have two very dangerous offensive players to build around—even if Colt McCoy isn't the long-term option at quarterback.  

You need quality blockers up front like Glenn, but Wright is too special to pass on here.

Old pick: Georgia Tech WR Stephen Hill to San Francisco 49ers (No. 30)

Correction: Penn State DL Devon Still

The 49ers are a team that many are mocking a receiver to, and there's good reason for it. But why reach on a guy that many hadn't even heard of before his showing at the combine? Again, you don't want to get sucked into the combine whirlwind and reach on a guy who may not deserve to go as high as some projected. 

Instead, the 49ers can get good value in a player like Devon Still, who could fortify a strength for the 49ers and give the defense another solid disruptor in the front seven. The 49ers can win a lot of games with what they do well—there's no need to make a winning team into something it's not.