NFL Draft 2012: Alabama Crimson Tide Defense Will Dominate First Round

The Alabama Crimson Tide are in the BCS championship game on the strength of their defense.

Not to disrespect their offense, but that unit has not been strong enough to carry them to a No. 2 ranking and a national championship appearance.

The defense is what defines this team and many of the players that make up the core of that group are projected to be first-round NFL draft picks.

Let’s take a look at some of these young men.

Dre Kirkpatrick

This cornerback prospect is nearly 6’3” and possesses amazing zone coverage ability while showing steady improvement when matched up.

He has a tendency to get too physical past the line of scrimmage and it could lead to whistles and flags more often at the next level.

Regardless, he’s very coachable and a smart player who will certainly be a star corner in the NFL soon.

Projection: Early First Round

Courtney Upshaw

Upshaw is an incredible pass rusher and could play DE or OLB in the pros.

He has a variety of moves he employs to get to the quarterback and has proven to be very effective at doing just that.

Projection: Early-to-Mid First Round.

Mark Barron

Barron is another standout member of the ‘Bama secondary and possesses a complete skill set.

He has great instincts against the run and pass, rarely giving up the big play and is the best safety in the draft.

Projection: Mid-to-Late First Round

Dont’a Hightower

Hightower is shooting up draft boards and plays an intense style of defense with his immense physique.

He’s a fringe first rounder right now and could easily find himself taken on Day 1 if he has a good BCS championship game and continues to crush the run.

Projection: Late First Round

Honorable Mention: Robert Lester

This dynamic playmaker had a down year and would be better off with another year of tutelage under Saban, but has an outside chance of being selected in the first round should he declare.

He had eight picks last season, but that number dropped to two and he proved that his instincts must catch up to his immense athleticism.

Projection: Stays in School.