2012 NFL Mock Draft: Defensive Difference Makers Your Team Needs

Whether your favorite team is among the elite or is a bottom-feeder, the NFL draft is always an exciting time.

For elite teams, it's a chance to build on their success and make another run at the Super Bowl. For the Indianapolis Colts' of the world, it's an opportunity for the dawn of a new era.

This year. there are several 2012 NFL draft prospects that could revitalize a team's defense. Last year's crop of defensive playmakers has proven to be worth the hype, sporting such names as Von Miller, Marcell Dareus, Patrick Peterson, Aldon Smith, J.J. Watt and Ryan Kerrigan.

Here's my latest 2012 NFL mock draft, complete with the next star defenders in the NFL.

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

This is pretty much a no-brainer. Peyton Manning is getting old and is coming off two neck surgeries, and Andrew Luck is being called the best quarterback prospect since, well, Peyton Manning.

Even if you didn't watch Luck all season, you only had to watch his performance in the Fiesta Bowl against Oklahoma State to understand how brilliant he is.

2. St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

Justin Blackmon has exceptional strength, reminding some of Terrell Owens, and his yardage after the catch makes him dangerous on a simple slant pattern. He's an explosive athlete with the potential to be a star in the NFL. He uses his frame to shield defenders very well.

Rams quarterback Sam Bradford desperately needs a new receiver to throw the ball to. Blackmon would make his life a whole lot easier.

3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT, USC

Matt Kalil is the best offensive lineman in the 2012 draft class, and he is an even better prospect for his position than Blackmon is as a receiver.

Young quarterback Christian Ponder needs blindside protection. Enter Kalil. Enter blindside protection.

4. Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Trent Richardson is being called an Adrian Peterson-like prospect by some draft experts. I wouldn't go that far, but he is definitely an elite prospect that should develop into a star.

Richardson has everything you ask for in a running back: strength, speed, instincts, vision, explosiveness, smarts and the ability to change direction on a dime.

The Browns are going to need a replacement for Peyton Hillis. Here comes their next star.

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

Cornerback Aqib Talib has been a disappointment this season, in addition to having off-the-field legal issues, and Ronder Barber is old.

Enter Morris Claiborne.

Claiborne is a complete CB, with the coverage skills, strength, instincts and ability to play the run that makes him a special prospect. You could be looking at a player who makes multiple Pro Bowls during his NFL career.

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

Quarterbacks Rex Grossman and John Beck are bad.

Griffin has the arm strength, accuracy, decision-making, leadership, pocket poise and legs to become a franchise quarterback in the NFL.

Need I say any more?

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

There was some talk that Alshon Jeffery would slip out of the Top 10 before the Capital One Bowl against Nebraska.

Now, there should be no question that Jeffery is a top-10 prospect. Jeffery racked up 148 receiving yards and a touchdown against Nebraska, despite being matched up with top corner prospect Alfonzo Dennard.

He's a complete receiver and is able to create separation almost at will. He'd be a fine weapon for young quarterback Blaine Gabbert.

8. Carolina Panthers: Zach Brown, OLB, North Carolina

The Panthers need help all over the place on defense.

With Claiborne gone, I think they'll grab Zach Brown, who is the most complete linebacker in the draft class. He plays well against the run, is excellent in coverage and also adds a pass-rushing element to his game.

The kind of player who stands to play in the NFL for a long time given all he can offer.

9. Miami Dolphins: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

Reiff's one question mark is he's a bit undersized for the position, but he has outstanding strength, athleticism and technique.

The Dolphins won't be able to find an elite quarterback prospect here, so they'll find someone who can at least add some protection on the line.

10. Buffalo Bills: Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama

Courtney Upshaw may be one of this year's biggest risers. He's been a difference-maker for one of the top defenses in college football, and his athleticism and explosiveness make him a great pass rusher and tackler.

The Bills have been looking for an elite pass rusher for a while now, and they have to get more pressure on the opposing quarterback.

11. Kansas City Chiefs: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

Jonathan Martin has been the blindside protector for Andrew Luck throughout the years, becoming one of Luck's best friends on the field.

He displays solid technique, strength, athleticism and competitiveness. He'll spell Barry Richardson in KC.

12. Seattle Seahawks: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

The Seahawks would love a quarterback here, but after USC's Matt Barkley and Oklahoma's Landry Jones decided to return to school, I see the Seahawks shoring up their pass defense in 2012.

Dre Kirkpatrick has been another one of Alabama's star defenders this season. He has great size, is physical, can stop the run and is explosive. He'll work out just fine in Seattle.

13. Arizona Cardinals: Cordy Glenn, G/T, Georgia

Cordy Glenn is bigger and faster than Jonathan Martin, but he's more suited as a guard in the pros.

Nonetheless, a prospect of his caliber will be hard to pass up for the Cardinals, and he does have the potential to be a left tackle in the NFL due to his athleticism.

The Cardinals can only take so much more Levi Brown.

14. Dallas Cowboys: Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

Stephon Gilmore is not only an exciting prospect as a cornerback, displaying great strength, size, instincts and the ability to excel in multiple coverage schemes. He also can be a return man in the NFL.

Gilmore would help out the Cowboys defense and allow them to use Dez Bryant strictly as a receiver.

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

Michael Floyd doesn't have top-notch speed, but he can still be a threat due to his size, strength and leaping ability. He'll win plenty of balls up in the air and is physical enough to shed defenders on the line of scrimmage.

The Eagles aren't happy with DeSean Jackson, and they need to find their next star receiver.

16. New York Jets: Nick Perry, DE/OLB, USC

The Jets need a pass rush. Nick Perry would provide that for them.

Perry has explosiveness off the edge and elite speed, as well as surprising strength. He also uses his hands well and has developed a nice swim move.

This would allow head coach Rex Ryan to ease up on the blitzes.

17. Cincinnati Bengals (via OAK): Lamar Miller, RB, Miami (FL)

The Bengals need a successor to Cedric Benson. With their emerging offense, Lamar Miller would make life easier on Andy Dalton and Co.

Miller has the speed and versatility that has people comparing him to Philadelphia Eagles running back LeSean McCoy.

18. San Diego Chargers: Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

Alfonzo Dennard has the strength and leaping ability to be a solid cornerback in the NFL. He's also found the focus and drive that was lacking earlier this season.

The Chargers need help in their secondary, and Dennard would be a good choice.

19. Chicago Bears: Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

The Bears still need to improve their pass protection, and Mike Adams has the length, athleticism and technique to make a difference in the NFL.

20. Tennessee Titans: David DeCastro, G, Stanford

Titans head coach Mike Munchak has expressed concern with the offensive line this season, and David DeCastro is a great prospect.

DeCastro is a very good run-blocker, which should help out running back Chris Johnson, and he's a solid pass-protector as well.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

Janoris Jenkins has the coverage skills, physicality and fluidity to be a top-notch corner in the NFL. It's his numerous problems off the field that has seen him slide down draft boards.

Nonetheless, the Bengals have a history of ignoring character concerns for talent, and he would be a nice addition opposite Leon Hall if he can stay out of trouble.

22. Denver Broncos: Devon Still, DE/DT, Penn State

With the young Broncos defense coming together, the next step is to grab a defensive tackle that can open up holes for the rest of the defense.

Devon Still is one of few top-tier DTs in this year's draft, and his strength, burst and tenacity would make him a good fit in Denver.

23. Cleveland Browns (via ATL): Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

If the Browns draft Richardson and follow up with the speedy Kendall Wright, they'll instantly boost the offense surrounding quarterback Colt McCoy.

If McCoy doesn't excel in these circumstances, it's time to cut him loose. Wright has DeSean Jackson-like athleticism.

24. Detroit Lions: Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina

Melvin Ingram has shot up draft boards this season due to his quickness and strength, and he's coming off a nice performance in the Capital One Bowl.

He would add to the Lions' up-and-coming defense and set them up for another playoff run next season.

25. New York Giants: Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

Luke Kuechly is a bit undersized, but he makes up for it with outstanding instincts and tackling ability. He may be drafted earlier than this, but he's a steal for the Giants defense if he lands here.

26. Houston Texans: Dontari Poe, NT, Memphis

I've had Dontari Poe here for a while, and I'm not budging. His impressive size and strength has commanded double teams throughout college, and he projects to do the same in the NFL.

With him opening up the middle, that helps the Texans' rising defense even more.

27. Pittsburgh Steelers: Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama

The Steelers don't need an inside linebacker now, but their inside linebackers are aging and Hightower would be a solid long-term solution.

Hightower has a great combination of size and strength, which also makes him versatile at inside linebacker or outside linebacker.

28. San Francisco 49ers: Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

Braylon Edwards was a disappointment in San Francisco, and youngster Josh Morgan is entering free agency.

Mohamed Sanu hasn't gained much exposure at Rutgers, but he's legit. A big-time playmaker while at Rutgers, he's a versatile player with good height and strength whose competitive nature projects him to play above his measurables in the NFL. He's the kind of receiver you can expect to catch a ball in the middle of the field and take a big hit, which fits well with the 49ers' West Coast offense.

29. Baltimore Ravens: Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State

Vontaze Burfict is a very hot-headed player with character flags, and that's the only reason he's not a top-10 prospect. His combination of size, speed, strength, vision and instincts could make him a superstar in the NFL.

The Ravens have a history of developing players with character concerns. Burfict could be groomed under Ray Lewis' leadership to be his successor.

30. New England Patriots (via NO): Jared Crick, DE, Nebraska

The Patriots may shift to a 3-4 next season, which means Andre Carter would likely be moved to outside linebacker.

In that sense, picking up someone like Crick—who is a workhorse and reminds me a lot of J.J. Watt—would be a very good move to help out their pass rush.

31. New England Patriots: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

With Dan Koppen coming off a fractured ankle and approaching 33 years old, the Patriots need to find his next replacement.

Peter Konz has the tenacity and athleticism to be Tom Brady's next protector.

32. Green Bay Packers: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

Quinton Coples has not lived up to the hype this season on the field, but he has all the tools to be a star, with explosiveness, speed and quickness.

The Packers need a defensive end, and it will be hard to pass up Coples at this spot. He could emerge under the leadership of the Packers.