2012 NFL Draft Results: Questionable Selections That Bode Well for the Future

Throughout the 2012 NFL draft there were the obvious great selections that improved franchises. However, there were also more than a few questionable selections that raised some eyebrows.

Still, of those questionable selections we have to keep in mind that teams are building for the future; not just the upcoming season. Take LaMichael James to San Francisco for example. Certainly, this was a questionable pick as the 49ers already present Frank Gore and Brandon Jacobs in the backfield.

Well, James wasn't the only odd pick that appears unfitting, but you can expect him and the following players to pan out just fine with their new teams.

(Round 1) Chicago Bears: Shea McClellin, LB/DE (Boise State)

Shea McClellin was a reach for the Chicago Bears at No. 19 overall, as there were other defensive prospects like Chandler Jones, Whitney Mercilus or Nick Perry that were available.

Not to mention, but McClellin comes from Boise State and didn't play nearly as difficult of competition by comparison. Nevertheless, McClellin fits a versatile need for the Bears because he can rush the passer as a 4-3 or 3-4 defensive end, or a 3-4 outside linebacker.

Chicago lacked a pass rush in 2011 with only 33 sacks and aren't getting any younger either. McClellin may be somewhat undersized, but he's consistently in the backfield (20.5 sacks, five forced fumbles) and can defend well against quick passes.

In the pass-heavy NFC North, the Bears did well with McClellin because applying constant quarterback pressure gives the defense a supreme advantage.

(Round 2) Seattle Seahawks: Bobby Wagner, LB (Utah State)

It's definitely reasonable to question Seattle's first two picks with Bruce Irvin and Bobby Wagner. The good news is that Wagner has much better potential than Irvin, since he can immediate contribute as an every-down player.

Although the competition at Utah State wasn't top-notch, Wagner proved dominant with 445 career tackles, 11 defended passes and four picks. The Seahawks need a fast and instinctive linebacker to defend well against the run, because the NFC West has impressive running backs to hit the trenches.

Now, Wagner does need to improve against the pass, but he's serviceable in zone and will benefit in strict passing situations as Irvin and Chris Clemons provide the rush.

If anything, Wagner's reliability as a tackler and quick reaction skill set will pay the most dividends. Seattle needs another second-level defender that can read well against the run with Leroy Hill, and it's the Seahawks' best chances at competing with San Francisco for the division.

(Round 2) San Francisco 49ers: LaMichael James, RB (Oregon)

Fans of the San Francisco 49ers, meet the next Roger Craig, LaMichael James. Yes, that's a stretch by comparison, but James' addition to San Francisco makes sense as the 49ers need a complete ball carrier that can take the reins within the next three or four years.

Frank Gore will be 29 and Brandon Jacobs will be 30 years old before the 2012 season kicks off. And at the running back position in pro football, time is now of the essence.

As a rookie, expect James to contribute mostly on third-downs, however, he's a more powerful back than given credit for. In three seasons at Oregon, James compiled over 5,000 rushing yards and scored 53 touchdowns.

Let's face it; you don't have that kind of production without consistently running downhill.

In addition to the ground game, James is a reliable pass blocker and receiver. During college, James caught 51 passes for 386 yards and four touchdowns.

San Francisco needs a back that provides the total package like James because his speed, acceleration and vision only makes the play-action more dangerous.

(Round 4) San Diego Chargers: Ladarius Green, TE (Louisiana-Lafayette)

With other tight ends such as Antonio Gates, Randy McMichael and Dante Rosario on the roster, San Diego's selection of Ladarius Green appeared irrelevant.

And Green isn't a run-blocking specialist either, he's a receiving tight end and the Chargers already have that in Gates and McMichael has some skill in that area as well. The thing is, Gates hasn't played a full season since 2009 and will be turning 32 years old before this season.

McMichael, on the other hand, will be 33 before the 2012 season so getting Green solidifies the position long-term. While at Louisiana-Lafayette, Green caught 149 passes for 2,201 yards and scored 22 touchdowns.

The man averaged almost 15 yards per reception, runs smooth routes and has reliable hands to make plays anywhere on the field. Green's athleticism will dominate when single covered and his size provides Philip Rivers a giant target in the red zone.

In San Diego's pass-first spread offense, Green fits the mold to a "T" and his presence as a receiver will prevent defenses from stacking the box against Ryan Mathews; who's one of the better, yet underrated every-down running backs in the game.

John Rozum on Twitter.