Mel Kiper Jr. Final 2012 NFL Mock Draft: 8 Things the Hairdo Botched

Mel Kiper is one of the most recognizable and respected names in the sports world. He’s the pioneer of the modern NFL draft craze that now annually sweeps the nation.

Kiper, also known as “The Hairdo,” has released his final mock draft as the 2012 NFL draft is set to begin. Kiper is one of the most respected when it comes to creating mock drafts. His simply releasing a mock spurs a creation of reaction pieces all around the web.

Kiper is credible, and typically correct in the majority of his selections. However, like the rest of us who attempt to predict the outcome of the draft, he’s not without fault.

This year is no different. There are eight glaring holes in his predictions that will simply turn out to not be true come draft day. Predicting the draft is an inexact science, so it’s understandable that even the draft guru himself will be wrong on some picks.

But these simply don’t make a whole lot of sense. Here are eight things “The Hairdo” botched in his final mock.

3. Minnesota Vikings: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

This is the first pick in the draft that isn’t set in stone, and Mel Kiper swings and misses badly. Morris Claiborne is an amazing prospect, but he’s not the best player the Vikings could or will take at this spot.

The Vikings secondary is horrendous, and that’s being merciful. Claiborne could upgrade it, but he isn’t the best fit schematically. This year features a ridiculously deep cornerback class, so the Vikings could find a better fit later in the draft.

The best—and only—pick here that makes sense for Minnesota is offensive tackle Matt Kalil out of USC. He’s a sure-fire franchise left tackle, which is a massive need. Kalil could protect the blindside of quarterback Christian Ponder for a very long time.

Add in the fact the tackle position isn’t very deep this year and the Vikings simply have to take Kalil here. It’s nice to go against the grain, but it doesn’t work here.

6. St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

This pick makes sense in a way. Justin Blackmon fills a massive need for the Rams in that he is a true receiving threat for struggling franchise quarterback Sam Bradford.

Problem is, Blackmon isn’t the best receiver in the draft.

That title goes to Notre Dame’s Michael Floyd. He’s more NFL-ready than Blackmon, taller and faster. Blackmon had the better stats in college but had the benefit of playing in a pass-happy offense.

Blackmon isn’t worthy of a selection this high. Only receivers such as A.J. Green, Calvin Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald deserve to go this high. Blackmon can’t compare.

Kiper seems to be going with the popular opinion here. That, or he’s too stubborn to admit he’s been wrong all along.

12. Seattle Seahawks: Chandler Jones, DE, Syracuse

Where to start?

First of all, Mel Kiper got the position correct here. The Seahawks really need a legitimate defensive end of the future, and this is a great place to get one.

However, Chandler Jones isn’t that player. In fact, he’s an outlandish selection here. His stock has inexplicably exploded in the past week, and there’s no reason for it. He’s a good prospect worth a second-round selection, not 12^th overall.

Why would the Seahawks take Jones in Kiper's mock when Melvin Ingram, Whitney Mercilus, Nick Perry, Courtney Upshaw and Quinton Coples are still on the board?

They wouldn't.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech

At 17 Mel Kiper has the Bengals taking guard Cordy Glenn, which is a solid pick that gives Cincinnati a starting right guard. The pick here needs to be cornerback, wide receiver or defensive end.

With corners Dre Kirkpatrick and Stephon Gilmore off the board that means the pick is wide receiver or defensive end.

Knowing head coach Marvin Lewis, this pick will likely be a pass-rushing defensive end. More specifically, the would-be Alabama defensive end Courtney Upshaw, a player the team has shown a huge amount of interest in this offseason.

If for whatever reason the team decides to go wide receiver here, it won't be a project pick like Stephen Hill. His stock dramatically ballooned because of a strong scouting combine, but he's a one-trick pony.

Better picks would be well-rounded receivers such as Kendall Wright, Alshon Jeffery and Mohamed Sanu.

22. Cleveland Browns: Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma St.

This pick doesn't make a whole lot of sense. There's no way the Browns organization is prepared to throw in the towel on quarterback Colt McCoy just yet. He hasn't had any talent at all around him, and the front office has to realize that.

At fourth overall the Browns landed Alabama running back Trent Richardson, who will drastically help McCoy's game. At this selection they can surround him with even more talent by selecting a receiver like Stephen Hill or an offensive lineman like Mike Adams.

The Browns are in a position to really improve the offense around McCoy. Taking a rookie quarterback will do the opposite.

23. Detroit Lions: Doug Martin, RB, Boise St.

Let’s get this out of the way first—Doug Martin is an amazing prospect. Unfortunately, he plays a position that has been drastically devalued around the league as of late, which is driving down his stock. He’s a second-round pick at best.

The Lions have a variety of more pressing needs including offensive line and cornerback. Martin could be there for the Lions in the second round, and reaching for him here doesn’t make sense. An impact offensive lineman or cornerback may not be available in the second.

This is a reach. If the Lions are intent on taking Martin, they will trade down or hope he falls to their second-round selection.

Omission of Baylor Wide Receiver Kendall Wright

Mel Kiper has Kendall Wright falling out of the first round. That won’t happen for a variety of reasons.

For one, Wright is one of the best receivers in this class. Yes, he’s a bit on the short side, but he plays much bigger than his height. He’s Baylor’s all-time leading receiver for a reason. Wright can run any route and especially prides himself in going over the middle and run-blocking.

Secondly, there are more than a handful of teams that could likely take him in the first round. Among those receiver-needy teams are Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, San Francisco and Houston.

The likelihood of Wright falling out of the first is zero to none. He’s a sure-fire first-round pick that somehow slipped Kiper’s mind when making this mock.

Omission of USC Defensive End Nick Perry

Mel Kiper also has Nick Perry falling out of the first round. That also simply won’t happen come draft day.

Perry is a gifted athlete who can get to the quarterback quickly. He’s ridiculously fast and strong for his size. Perry can play multiple positions on the defense and put pressure on the quarterback all the same.

In what is becoming mostly a passing league, elite pass-rushers are invaluable. Teams like Seattle, Arizona, the New York Jets, Cincinnati, San Diego, Tennessee, New England and Green Bay are in need of a player like Perry.

It’s hard to say why Kiper has Perry free-fall, but it likely won’t happen. The teams listed above will see to that.