2012 NFL Draft Projections: Potential Destinations for Draft's Top Defenders

The need for quality defensive players was stressed this past NFL season, as offenses put up jaw-dropping numbers on a consistent basis.

The tired cliche of "defense wins championships" may not apply anymore, but if you're facing guys like Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady and Eli Manning on a weekly basis, you better have some damn good defenders.

Luckily, the 2012 NFL draft class is loaded with quality defensive prospects. Here are some potential destinations for the best of the best.

Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

Coples is a monster athletically, and despite a disappointing senior season, I'd be shocked if he falls out of the Top 10.

He struggled when facing extra attention throughout the year, and will need to improve against double-teams and chip blocks. Still, he's the most talented defensive prospect available.

I'm expecting the Jaguars to pick him at No. 7.

Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

Claiborne has all the tools necessary to be a shutdown corner in the NFL. With his size, speed, balance and instincts, he should be a Pro Bowl regular over the next decade.

I'd be surprised if Tampa Bay passes on him at No. 5. Ronde Barber is ancient and the Bucs need a new heir to his throne in the secondary.

Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

Kirkpatrick doesn't have the same elite cover skills as Claiborne, but then again, very few people do. Kirkpatrick is still incredibly talented though, and he should enjoy a successful career at the next level.

If the Washington Redskins don't find a way to get Robert Griffin III, they could snag Kirkpatrick with the sixth overall pick. If they pass on him, he will probably fall to either Dallas at No. 14 or Cincinnati at No. 17.

Also, don't be shocked if the Patriots use their two first-round picks to trade up and draft him. Their secondary is god-awful, and Kirkpatrick is a better long-term solution than any of their current defensive backs.

Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

Ingram was an animal at times last season, as evidenced by his 11-tackle, three-and-a-half-sack game against Auburn in October. He isn't as talented as Coples, but he will still make a major impact in the NFL.

The Seahawks, who will have either the 11th or 12th pick (based on a coin flip), would be a solid option for Ingram. However, I think the Dolphins will select him eighth overall.

Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College

Kuechly is a tackling machine who has the potential to be the best defensive player in this year's class. He isn't exceptionally fast, but he has great timing, instincts and tenacity.

Last season, he racked up double-digit tackles in every game but one, including an absurd 23 tackles against Duke (I know, it's Duke, but still).

The Chiefs, who will be engaging in the coin flip with Seattle, would be smart to pick him up. Kuechly and Derrick Johnson would immediately form one of the best linebacker duos in the league.