2012 NFL Draft: Bruce Irvin and the Most Overrated Defensive Prospects

Every draft pick is a risk, but it's those who are overrated that are even a bigger risk. An organization is investing its future with every selection and one wrong choice can be extremely detrimental.

Here, we look at the most overrated defensive players because, in an offense-driven league, no dark side can afford to be vulnerable.

Bruce Irvin: OLB, West Virginia

Bruce Irvin is a true pass-rusher, but fails to produce anywhere else.

In the past two seasons, Irvin recorded 22 sacks and forced five fumbles, but not much more. As a hybrid defensive end/linebacker, Irvin needs to develop as a run-defender and occasionally sink into coverage.

Irvin accounted for only 61 tackles and, other than sacks, didn't have any tackles for a loss in 2010. Provided he gets selected into the right 3-4 system, Irvin has potential to become a complete player.

Andre Branch: DE, Clemson

Pass-rushing is Andre Branch's best attribute, but he's not consistent enough at applying pressure. In strict passing situations, Branch could be a solid contributor, though, because he's not strong enough to be an every down run-defender.

Plus, Clemson barely defended the run as its defense allowed so many yards and points per game. As for Branch, he recorded 15.5 sacks the past two years but had long, unproductive stretches between solid games.

Kendell Reyes: DT, Connecticut

Of the players listed here, Kendall Reyes may have the most potential. He recorded 4.5 sacks and 46 tackles in 2011, but was isolated against better competition.

Now, Reyes is your prototypical defensive tackle/nose-guard with his size, but isn't quick enough to beat double-teams at the snap or strong enough to sit and control gaps. If Reyes can improve his initial burst off the ball and maintain a low center of gravity, he has promise.

Jamell Fleming: CB, Oklahoma

In 2011, Oklahoma finished with the No. 83 ranked pass defense and allowed an average of almost 250 pass yards per game. Cornerback Jamell Fleming may have defended 30 passes and made 131 tackles between 2010 and 2011, but the Sooners failed to be even mildly consistent on defense.

Fleming was their most consistent performer in the secondary and he's a steep decline in talent when compared to other top corners in the draft.

A better fit at safety since he can tackle, Fleming still needs to improve his field awareness and assignment discipline before becoming a weekly contributor in the pros.

2012 NFL First-Round Mock Draft

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB (Stanford)

2. Washington Redskins: (From STL): Robert Griffin III, QB (Baylor)

3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT (USC)

4. Cleveland Browns: Justin Blackmon, WR (Oklahoma State)

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Trent Richardson, RB (Alabama)

6. St. Louis Rams (From WAS): Morris Claiborne, CB (LSU)

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Riley Reiff, OT (Iowa)

8. Miami Dolphins: Ryan Tannehill, QB (Texas A&M)

9. Carolina Panthers: Melvin Ingram, LB/DE (South Carolina)

10. Buffalo Bills: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB (Alabama)

11. Kansas City Chiefs: Michael Brockers, DT (LSU)

12. Seattle Seahawks: Luke Kuechly, LB (Boston College)

13. Arizona Cardinals: David DeCastro, OG (Stanford)

14. Dallas Cowboys: Quinton Coples, DE (North Carolina)

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Jonathan Martin, OT (Stanford)

16. New York Jets: Michael Floyd, WR (Notre Dame)

17. Cincinnati Bengals (From OAK): Stephon Gilmore, CB (South Carolina)

18. San Diego Chargers: Fletcher Cox, DT/DE (Mississippi State)

19. Chicago Bears: Cordy Glenn, OG (Georgia)

20. Tennessee Titans: Dontari Poe, DT (Memphis)

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Devon Still, DT (Penn State)

22. Cleveland Browns (From ATL): Courtney Upshaw, LB (Alabama)

23. Detroit Lions: Zach Brown, LB (North Carolina)

24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Dont'a Hightower, LB (Alabama)

25. Denver Broncos: Jerel Worthy, DT (Michigan State)

26. Houston Texans: Kendall Wright, WR (Baylor)

27. New England Patriots (From NO): Whitney Mercilus, DE (Illinois)

28. Green Bay Packers: Nick Perry, DE (USC)

29. Baltimore Ravens: Kevin Zeitler, OG (Wisconsin)

30. San Francisco 49ers: Stephen Hill, WR (Georgia Tech)

31. New England Patriots: Mark Barron, SS (Alabama)

32. New York Giants: Doug Martin, RB (Boise State)

John Rozum on Twitter.