Mel Kiper Jr. 2012 NFL Mock Draft: ESPN Analyst's Most Logical Picks

Be kind to ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. 

Though some of his mocks and draft ideologies can seem extremely flawed, he does his homework and has been at this NFL draft gig for quite a while. 

He recently released a three-round mock draft, outlining the "ideal scenario" for each team and split it up by division. 

It's not a traditional mock, but certainly an intriguing one. 

Let's take a look at his most logical first-round picks. 

(I'll try to step away from the really obvious ones.)

Dallas Cowboys - Mark Barron, S, Alabama 

Kiper says: The Cowboys need to shore up their coverage and get a lot of help here in the secondary and with an added piece in the pass rush. Barron makes too much sense. He has a good chance to be there at No. 14, and in this simulation he was. He provides an immediate upgrade.

My take: Kiper's right. Barron would be an instant-impact guy in the aggressive defensive scheme Rob Ryan is attempting to institute in Dallas. 

With Brandon Carr on the outside and Barron as the last line of defense, Dallas' secondary would be a much more formidable unit. 

Perfect. 

Green Bay Packers - Shea McClellin, OLB, Boise State 

Kiper says: I originally had Upshaw of Bama here, but I like the McClellin fit better and have moved Upshaw to New England because Green Bay picks first. McClellin might be a little big to drop and play in space like a traditional 3-4 outside linebacker, but if Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers allows him to make getting to the quarterback his primary goal, he has a chance to help early and develop in other areas. He's a really smart player and will pick things up quickly, and provides help for a pass rush that is desperate.

My take: McClellin has fortunately experience a late rise in his draft stock and a lot of people have slated him to the Packers. Based on everything I've read and the little I've actually seen of him, he'd be a great fit in Capers' system. 

If they believe McClellin can become a quality pass-rusher, then I'm all for the pick. Clay Matthews needs help. McClellin's presence could significantly aid the play of the secondary, too. 

Tennessee Titans - Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama 

Kiper says: Kirkpatrick is ready to start. The star out of Alabama has uncommon length at near 6-3 and plays with an edge. He'll come in willing to take on top receivers. 

My take: Not a ton of analysis from Kiper, but I couldn't say it any better myself. The team lost Cortland Finnegan to the St. Louis Rams in free agency and needs to find his replacement in this draft. 

Kirkpatrick would be instantly plugged in with Jason McCourty to make a youthful cornerback tandem loaded with upside.

Follow @ChrisTrapasso