ESPN's Mel Kiper has released his "final" 2012 NFL mock draft. The reason I put final in quotes is because he is going to "post updates based on new information." He thinks there will be a lot of trades that shake everything up, so really this is the final edition that will be the basis for what he works off of in the next 24 or so hours.
For the Detroit Lions, Kiper has Boise State running back Doug Martin going 23rd overall. A running back in the first round? I just cringed at the thought of it. Here's Kiper's reasoning for the pick:
The Lions went with a running back last year when we were sure they'd go after an offensive lineman or corner. I think they could trade down if they don't see the value they want here in the secondary, but this is a team that really needs a complete back, and Martin is the best one in the draft after Richardson. If Mikel Leshoure isn't back at 100 percent -- a legit question -- the Lions are back where they were last year in Week 1.
I'm assuming Kiper is referring to the Lions' second-round pick last year, because Leshoure wasn't taken in the first round. Even so, I just don't see the value in selecting yet another running back with a high pick. I'd much rather look for a talented back later in the draft and go into camp with that pick, Leshoure, Kevin Smith, Jahvid Best and Joique Bell. Yes, there are a lot of injury concerns surrounding the backs on the roster, but to me the Lions would be better off taking care of a bigger need with the 23rd overall pick.
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