2012 NFL Mock Draft: Michael Brockers and the Best Defensive Tackle Prospects

When LSU's Michael Brockers declared for the NFL draft yesterday, he instantly became the best defensive tackle prospect in the 2012 class. 

Let's take a closer look at him and the rest of the premier interior defensive lineman that will get their name's called in late April. 

Michael Brockers, LSU

The sophomore sensation from Houston, Texas is extremely versatile and can play anywhere on the defensive line despite projecting best as a pass-rushing defensive tackle. 

He's powerful enough to overwhelm offensive lineman with a bull rush but displayed good speed to the outside and utilizes the proper technique to bend around tackles to pressure the quarterback. 

Against the run, he doesn't exactly fire off the snap, but he's quick enough to frequently surprise offensive lineman with pure power and is vicious when trying to get off blocks.  

Even when he is blocked, Brockers tends to get his hands on the running backs in an attempt to at least slow them down or force a change in direction. 

However, he's only 21, and must add more bulk to his 6'6'' frame. Right now he's a shade above 300 pounds.

Brockers only has one year as a starter under his belt. While he comes with loads of upside, it'll take time for him to develop.

Teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, New York Jets or Denver Broncos are viable options. He could be a great addition to an already solid defense that could bring him in situationally early in his career.

Devon Still, Penn State

Still probably wasn't too happy about Brockers' decision. While Still was much more consistent and showed good production over his last two seasons with the Nittany Lions, he's simply not as athletic and doesn't come with as much star potential. 

He's a great disruptive defensive tackle and combined for 8.5 sacks in 2010 and 2011. At 6'5'' and 310 pounds, Still already has an NFL-ready body and is strong enough to beat professional offensive tackles next season.

Expect him to fall into the late stages of the first round to possibly the Pittsburgh Steelers or New England Patriots.

Brandon Thompson, Clemson

At 6'2'', 310 pounds, the Clemson standout occupies double teams on most snaps, but has the ability to be a force moving the line of scrimmage back on running downs. In 2011, he tallied 6.5 tackles for loss. 

He had 3.5 sacks during his senior campaign, but isn't an elite pass-rushing defensive tackle.

However, he'll still eat up blockers and allow guys on the edge to get to the quarterback.

He should be a late-first or early second-round pick.   

2012 NFL Mock Draft (Jan. 10 Update)

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

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

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: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

9.  Miami Dolphins: Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois

10.  Buffalo Bills: Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama

11.  Seattle Seahawks: Nick Perry, OLB, USC

12.  Kansas City Chiefs: Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama

13.  Arizona Cardinals: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

14.  Dallas Cowboys: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

15.  Philadelphia Eagles: Vontaze Burfict, LB Arizona State

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

17.  Cincinnati Bengals (from Oakland Raiders): Lamar Miller, RB, Miami  

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

19.  Chicago Bears: Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

20.  Tennessee Titans: Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina

21.  Cincinnati Bengals: Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

22.  Cleveland Browns (from Atlanta Falcons): Ronnell Lewis, LB, Oklahoma

23.  Detroit Lions: Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

24.  Pittsburgh Steelers: Cordy Glenn, OL, Georgia

25.  Denver Broncos: Devon Still, DT, Penn State

26.  Houston Texans: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

27.  New York Giants: Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

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

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

30.  San Francisco 49ers: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

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

32.  Green Bay Packers: Chris Polk, RB, Washington

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