NFL Draft 2012: 8 Widely-Mocked Picks That Just Don't Make Sense

With the 2012 NFL draft inching its way ever closer, the validity of long-held predictions found in mock drafts is about to be put to the test. Certain widely mocked picks seem destined to prove wrong, due to the fact that they make little sense to begin with. 

The idea of the St. Louis Rams adding an every-down runner like Trent Richardson, in spite of the presence of Steven Jackson, seems to stretch the limits of reality. As does the notion that the Tennessee Titans will ignore cornerback in favor of a pass-rusher with the 20th overall pick.

Matt Kalil to the Minnesota Vikings and Morris Claiborne to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have long been regarded as certainties, but how much sense do these picks actually make?

Here are eight widely mocked picks, some of which appear dubious and some that simply don't make a lot of sense.

1. Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois to Tennessee Titans

Yes the Tennessee Titans need a pass-rusher and Illinois defensive end Whitney Mercilus and his nation leading 16 sacks certainly fits the bill. Mercilus is a common mock selection for the Titans by many, including Foxsports.com's Peter Schrager.

However, the Titans also have a glaring need at cornerback, following the free-agent loss of Cortland Finnegan.

The Titans added Kamerion Wimbley and may not be ready to give up on youngster Derrick Morgan just yet. Not to mention the fact that Tennessee's defense can call on a decent interior pass-rush, led by tackle Karl Klug's team-topping seven sacks in 2011.

With Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson already in the AFC South and Andrew Luck sure to form an effective partnership with Reggie Wayne, the Titans should draft a corner.

Stephon Gilmore would be an excellent choice with the 20th overall pick and would give the secondary the pure speed it has been lacking.

2. Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama to St. Louis Rams

The thought of St. Louis Rams looking to add Trent Richardson to a rushing attack that already features the league's best back seems like a risky move. Cbssports.com has indicated that Richardson could be the favored choice of the new regime in St. Louis.

Although Steven Jackson has reached veteran status, there is still plenty left in his tank. If Jeff Fisher wants to provide a rotation partner for Jackson, he would be best served looking to the middle rounds, where there are a number of running backs who could contribute immediately.

Robert Turbin or Chris Polk would be excellent choices. Waiting until after the first round to strengthen a position that usually offers good value in the middle rounds, would allow the Rams to fix bigger issues with the No. 6 pick.

Defensive tackle and wide receiver are both more pressing concerns for a team that has won only 15 games in five seasons. 

3. Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU to Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Morris Claiborne landing in Tampa Bay has been a widely mocked pick since the end of the season. Certainly Tampa's 21st-ranked pass defense could use a boost.

However, the team signed Eric Wright during its high-profile free-agency binge and brought back incumbents Aqib Talib and the great Ronde Barber. Given the depth of the 2012 cornerback class, the Buccaneers should be able to find help outside the first round.

Adding a receiver like Justin Blackmon to partner Vincent Jackson or a dynamic runner like Richardson to add more big plays to a lethargic offense could be the better move for new coach Greg Schiano.

4. Matt Kalil, OT, USC to Minnesota Vikings

Along with Andrew Luck to the Colts, no other pick has been regarded as a certainty as much as the Minnesota Vikings grabbing USC tackle Matt Kalil with the third overall pick.

It is only recently that buzz has begun to generate that the Vikings may have an interest in trading this pick, and if they can, they should. NFL.com's Jason La Canfora has suggested that opinion is split over whether or not going after Kalil is the best move for the NFC North cellar-dwellers.

Christian Ponder may need a blindside protector, but in the opinion of this author, pass defense remains the Vikings' biggest problem.

It defies belief that a defense able to lead the league in sacks can still manage to rank 26th against the pass. The problem lies in a subpar secondary.

A trade would enable the Vikings to move back and select one of the many talented cornerbacks in this year's draft and use the additional picks to fix the safety positions and still address the offensive line.

5. Cordy Glenn, OL, Georgia to San Diego Chargers

Offensive line depth may be an issue for the San Diego Chargers, but bolstering depth does not warrant a first-round pick. Cordy Glenn is big and versatile, and NFL.com's Brian Baldinger is one of many who have the Chargers using the 18th overall pick on the Georgia standout. However, the Chargers have more important needs.

Adding a pass-rusher alongside the underrated Antwan Brooks would seem like the best option for the AFC West outfit. With the prospect of facing Peyton Manning twice a year looming large, the Chargers can't have enough skilled pass-rushers.

Selecting a pass-rusher for the outside would allow Shaun Phillips to move back to the middle of the defense. Phillips would form a fearsome interior tandem with veteran Takeo Spikes.

6. Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State to Cleveland Browns

Even though the jury is still out on Colt McCoy, the Cleveland Browns should not use on of their two first-round picks on a quarterback.

That's no slight on Brandon Weeden, whom Cbssports.com has going to the Browns at 22. The 29-year-old Oklahoma State passer's talent should easily outweigh any concerns about his age.

However, until the Browns upgrade the supporting cast and skill positions, it won't matter who they have at quarterback. McCoy spent most of 2011 without star runner Peyton Hillis, without a stud wideout to throw to and behind a shaky offensive line.

This author would love to meet the quarterback capable of putting up prolific numbers under those circumstances. The Browns should draft Trent Richardson fourth overall and add a wide receiver, or even an offensive lineman, with the 22nd pick.

7. Shea McClellin, DE, Boise State to Green Bay Packers

Rather than look at prospects who could convert to 3-4 outside linebacker, the Green Bay Packers should draft a pocket-collapsing defensive lineman instead.

Boise State defensive end Shea McClellin has risen up draft boards and has become a unanimous pick for the Packers in many mock drafts, including NFL.com's latest projections. However, it is pressure up the middle that Green Bay's defense is missing the most.

The Packers' fearsome defense suffered its biggest blow when defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins bolted in free agency. Dom Capers' schemes rely on a push inside to force quarterbacks out of the pocket and into the waiting arms of Clay Matthews and blitzing defensive backs.

For a team that rarely spends time in a base 3-4 look, finding a bookend outside linebacker to complement Matthews seems like a waste of a first-rounder. Capers regularly deploys the Packers in a 2-4-5 nickel and relies on power and penetration inside.

Green Bay should opt for a player like Chandler Jones or Devon Still to provide a more dynamic alternative alongside B.J. Raji.

8. The Detroit Lions Drafting Offensive Line over Cornerback

After long being regarded as a lock to select a corner with the 23rd overall pick, recent mock drafts have the Detroit Lions instead addressing the trenches.

The Lions are now widely thought to be considering targeting the offensive line. The New York Times has them selecting Stanford offensive tackle Jonathan Martin. Sports Illustrated columnist Peter King has them trading back with the Baltimore Ravens and taking Midwestern State lineman Amini Silatolu.

However, the NFC North runners-up cannot afford to overlook their need for quality reinforcements at the cornerback position. Selecting Dre Kirkpatrick or Stephon Gilmore would seem the smarter choice in a division featuring Aaron Rodgers and Jay Cutler.

Drafting is obviously not an exact science and that is reflected in the way some mock selections are dramatically changing in the last week before all questions will finally be answered.