Mel Kiper Jr. 2012 NFL Mock Draft: 7 Picks Where Kiper Nailed It

The 2011 draft was relatively lackluster for Mel Kiper Jr. Only four of his top 10 predictions turned out to be correct. After Cam Newton, he flip-flopped Marcell Dareus and Von Miller. He also overestimated Nick Fairley and didn't realize how badly the Titans longed for Jake Locker. 

Less than 48 hours stand between Kiper and his opportunity to put last year behind him. The top ten picks are the most important to choose correctly, however the whole first round is what he will be judged on. 

Predicting draft picks for any sport is an inexact science. The only thing sillier in my opinion, is predicting which of someone else's predictions will be correct. So bear with Christopher Nolan and I on this "Inception" slideshow of Kiper's NFL Draft picks. 

(1) Andrew Luck and (2) Robert Griffin III to Indianapolis and Washington

This forgone conclusion should get King Kiper off to a nice and easy start Thursday evening. 

Last season was a bit more of a guess after Cam Newton was selected. Both the Broncos and Bills were looking for defensive help and both Marcell Dareus and Von Miller were near-guarantees. 

In 2012, the Indianapolis Colts have already made public their selection of Andrew Luck, which leaves QB-turnstile Washington with Robert Griffin III at number two. 

Kiper has a very solid chance of opening 5/5 this year. His only definite question mark is what Minnesota plans to do with the third pick.

A trade there could screw up his perfect start as a team would move up to nab either Trent Richardson or Morris Claiborne from clutches of Cleveland and Tampa Bay.

(6) Justin Blackmon to Saint Louis

The Saint Louis Rams can't afford to waste more of Sam Bradford's development years.

He came in like gangbusters as a rookie and nearly led them to the playoffs. Last season was marred by multiple injuries and a subpar receiving corps. 

Drafting Blackmon is a no-brainer for the Rams. He is an instant injection of offense and will be the focal point of a very promising draft for Saint Louis.

Should Kiper slip up somewhere in the first five, Blackmon to Saint Louis should get him back on track. Bradford will be returning to form in 2012. It would be nice of management to pick out a "welcome-back" present for him.

(9) Dontari Poe to Carolina

The Panthers' youth movement should continue with the selection of Dontari Poe in the nine spot. The Memphis standout will join a starting line that won't feature a player older than 25.

Carolina experienced an offensive resurgence last season behind Cam Newton and Steve Smith. With this draft, Kiper sees them keying on the defensive side of the ball, especially since their defensive side was non-existent last season. 

Some experts have Fletcher Cox and Michael Brockers ranked ahead of Poe. However, like Kiper, Carolina has fallen in love with Poe's massive size and deceptive speed.  

(10) Riley Reiff to Buffalo

Mel Kiper Jr has pegged this former Iowa Hawkeye in the ten-hole.

Riley Reiff is a good fit for the Buffalo Bills and should prove to be a good value pick. Buffalo has spent their offseason on the defensive side, signing some big name free agents.

However, their elite defense won't amount to much unless QB Ryan Fitzpatrick is kept upright and on the field. Reiff fills a need on the O-line for the Bills and he'll be Fitzpatrick's new best friend come training camp.

Also, with his size, Reiff won't have any trouble surviving the upstate New York winters. Buffalo's selection of Reiff here should help Kiper come out of the top ten relatively unscathed. 

(19) Whitney Mercilus to Chicago

Not only does he look like a Chicago Bear defender, but the name "Whitney Mercilus" sounds like a Midway Monster in the making.

He is the logical pick for the Bears at 19. Their defense is still among the league's best, but guys like Brian Urlacher, Julius Peppers and Lance Briggs aren't getting any younger. Here, Kiper sees Mercilus learning from some of the best and improving over a year or two before leaping into the spotlight.

Mercilus is every bit as big and fast as Melvin Ingram and a good selection for the Bears. Kiper knows everyone will love this pick. Well, except Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Stafford.

(24) Dont'a Hightower to Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers experienced a rough and abrupt end to last season, bowing out in the first round of the playoffs to Denver. However, the Steelers remain among the elite teams in the AFC and, with good health, will contend for another Super Bowl trip. 

In recent years, the Steelers have become more of a high-flying team with three speedy receivers and Big Ben's big arm. Dont'a Hightower will come in and have an immediate impact on the Pittsburgh defense. With this pick, Kiper is banking on the Steelers reverting back to what earned them two rings recently—defense.

The Alabama linebacker will be able to compete for playing time right away. Also having a Lott Trophy finalist lining up with some of the most questionable players, integrity-wise, in the league (looking at you, James Harrison) can't be a bad thing.