2012 NFL Draft: Assessing Teams That Need the Most Defensive Help

With guys like Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, Arian Foster and Calvin Johnson leading the offensive renaissance in the NFL, teams can never have too many talented guys on defense. 

Let's assess which teams need the most help on defense and lay out what type of players they should be looking for in the 2012 draft. 

St. Louis Rams 

The Rams have a respectable pass rush, led by Chris Long, who tallied 13 sacks in 2011. But any positives from the defense end there. 

Their run defense was the second-worst unit in the league, allowing 152.1 yards per game. 

They were seventh against the pass, but that was in large part due to every team's success against them on the ground. 

A beefy, run-stuffing defensive tackle would be beneficial to the team's rebuilding process, as well as thumping, middle linebacker that can shed blocks and make plays at the line of scrimmage. Brandon Thompson, the interior defensive lineman from Clemson, or Dontari Poe, the nose tackle from Memphis, would be ideal at the top of the second round. 

New England Patriots 

The Patriots may be able to get by because of Tom Brady and his efficient offense, but you know Bill Belichick wants to get better on defense. 

Much better. 

Only the Packers gave up more yardage than the Patriots this season. 

The secondary is especially weak, and although Jerod Mayo has become a viable inside linebacker, the guys around him wouldn't necessarily be labeled as playmakers. 

Vince Wilfork is still a disruptive force in the middle of the defensive line, but he needs help against the run. 

With two picks in the first round, New England has the luxury to go in a variety of different directions. Nebraska's athletic corner Alfonzo Dennard or Virginia Tech's interception specialist Jayron Hosley are viable options. Michigan State's mammoth defensive tackle Jerel Worthy would be a great fit, too. 

Carolina Panthers 

After Cam Newton's historic rookie season, one has to believe that, with a bolstered defense, the Panthers could easily return to respectability in the NFC. 

Opposing teams threw for an average of 247 yards and ran for 131 yards against Carolina in 2011. That's not exactly going to cut it with the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons in the division. 

Their 31 sacks ranked them 25th in the league in that category. 

Chris Gamble is a underrated cornerback, but he needs some help, especially with more spread offenses popping up across the NFL. 

Although it is likely that they'll add a young receiver to add to the weapons at Newton's disposal, LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne would be an ideal selection in the top of the first round. 

Linebacker Jon Beason should return next season, but another young linebacker could go along way. Nebraska's Lavonte David seems reasonable in the second round, as do the aforementioned defensive tackles, Thompson and Poe.

Follow @christrapasso