2012 NFL Mock Draft: Predicting Where the Defensive Monsters Land

Despite being overshadowed by Andrew Luck, Trent Richardson and Justin Blackmon, there are a handful of beastly defenders with first-round talent in the 2012 NFL draft class. 

Let's take a look at where the defensive monsters will land. 

Devon Still, DT, Penn State

Still is probably the closest thing to a Marcell Dareus-type defensive tackle in this year's class. At 6'5'' and 310 pounds, the Penn State product has ideal size as a penetrating interior defensive lineman in the NFL. 

His best attribute is the pure power he often displays, but he is one of those bulky guys that moves much better than his body would suggest. 

He totaled 8.5 sacks in his last two seasons with the Nittany Lions. 

Many teams are in dire need of a disruptive guy like Still, and although a tackle in a 4-3 defense is his ideal position, he's athletic enough to play end in a 3-4 alignment. 

To help alleviate double teams from edge-rushers Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil, Still would be a nice fit in Denver. 

The Broncos ranked 22nd against the run in 2011.  

Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama 

Upshaw is a 6'2'', 265-pound defender that gives it his all on every play. He's a vital piece on arguably the best defense in the nation and has displayed great versatility during his career. 

While he typically lines up at end in the Crimson Tide's 3-4 defense, he projects as a 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL. 

He had 8.5 sacks in 2011 and 7.0 in 2010. 

Not the quickest off the ball, Upshaw makes up for any lack of sudden burst with superior strength and proper technique when rushing the passer. 

The Buffalo Bills have promoted Dave Wannstedt to defensive coordinator, who has solely run a 4-3 alignment in his career, but they have drafted for a 3-4 defense the last two seasons. 

Because of Upshaw's great skill set and athletic ability, he'd be a great fit in the Bills defense that will most likely be a hybrid in 2012.  

Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State 

In terms of size, strength and speed, Burfict is the most NFL-ready inside linebacker. He's 6'3'' and weighs 250 pounds and has demonstrated outstanding sideline-to-sideline quickness during his time with the Sun Devils. 

A ferocious hitter, Burfict easily struck fear into opposing quarterbacks and running backs during his collegiate career. 

However, the desire to make the big, highlight-reel hit can hurt him on occasion, when he over-pursues.

The Philadelphia Eagles desperately need a leader in the middle of their defense, and at No. 14, Burfict represents good value.

2012 NFL Mock Draft

1. Indianapolis Colts—Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

2. St. Louis Rams—Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

3.  Minnesota Vikings—Matt Kalil, OT, USC

4.  Cleveland Browns—Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

5.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers—Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

6.  Washington Redskins—Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

7.  Jacksonville Jaguars—Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

8.  Carolina Panthers—Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

9.  Miami Dolphins—Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

10.  Buffalo Bills—Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama

11.  Seattle Seahawks—Nick Perry, DE, USC

12.  Kansas City Chiefs—Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

13.  Arizona Cardinals—Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

14.  Dallas Cowboys—Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

15.  Philadelphia Eagles—Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State

16.  New York Jets—Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina

17.  Cincinnati Bengals (From Oakland Raiders)—Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama  

18.  San Diego Chargers—David DeCastro, OG, Stanford  

19.  Chicago Bears—Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

20.  Tennessee Titans—Ronnell Lewis, LB, Oklahoma

21.  Denver Broncos—Devon Still, DT, Penn State

22.  New York Giants—Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia 

23.  Cincinnati Bengals—Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

24.  Houston Texans—Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama

25.  Cleveland Browns (from Atlanta Falcons)—Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina

26.  Detroit Lions—Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

27.  Pittsburgh Steelers—Cordy Glenn, OL, Georgia

28.  Baltimore Ravens—Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

29.  New England Patriots (from New Orleans Saints)—Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson

30.  San Francisco 49ers—Alameda Ta'amu, DT, Washington

31.  New England Patriots—Mark Barron, S, Alabama

32.  Green Bay Packers—Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois

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