2012 NFL Mock Draft: Identifying the Most Dangerous Ball Hawks

In 2011, the New England Patriots, Green Bay Packers and San Francisco 49ers once again reminded NFL fans how much of an equalizer interceptions can be. 

These are the top ball hawks in the 2012 draft class who will definitely be hot commodities in April. 

Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

Claiborne is the unquestioned top cornerback in the 2012 class. Although scouts are enamored by his all-around game, the 6'1'', 190-pound junior definitely displayed great ball skills during his time with the Tigers. 

He had six interceptions in 2011 after tallying four in 2010. 

A few of his picks came in man coverage, and he showed the football IQ to make breaks on passes while in zone coverage. 

Mo Claiborne, a top-5 stud.

Chase Minnfield, CB, Virginia 

After being arrested, there's a good chance Dre Kirkpatrick will not be the second defensive back selected. That player could be Virginia's Chase Minnifield. 

He possesses good size at 6'0'' and 185 pounds and is rangy and athletic.

His best attribute his ability to lock onto receivers and use his tremendous ball-hawking skills. He hauled in 13 interceptions in his four years with the Cavaliers, including six in 2010.

Opposing teams mainly threw away from Minnifield in 2011, but he still managed three picks.

Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech 

Hosley is the next premier corner from Virginia Tech to enter the pro ranks, joining DeAngelo Hall and Brandon Flowers, who have carved out solid careers in the NFL. 

As a sophomore in 2010, he erupted with nine interceptions en route to a first-team All-ACC selection. He isn't the biggest corner at 5'10'' and 170 pounds, but he's fluid, extremely athletic and plays with great instincts, often baiting quarterbacks into throws.

In 2011, the ball wasn't thrown his way as much, but he did pick off three passes. 

A true playmaker.

2012 NFL Mock Draft (Jan. 18 Update, post-Kirkpatrick arrest)

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: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

8.  Carolina Panthers: Michael Brockers, DE/DT, LSU

9.  Miami Dolphins: Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama

10.  Buffalo Bills: Nick Perry, OLB, USC

11.  Seattle Seahawks: Whitney Mercilus, DE/OLB, Illinois

12.  Kansas City Chiefs: Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

13.  Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

14.  Dallas Cowboys: David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

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: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa 

19.  Chicago Bears: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

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

21.  Cincinnati Bengals: Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

22.  Cleveland Browns (from Atlanta Falcons): Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama 

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

24.  Pittsburgh Steelers: Cordy Glenn, OL, Georgia

25.  Denver Broncos: Chris Polk, RB, Washington

26.  Houston Texans: Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor 

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

28.  Baltimore Ravens: Quinton Coples, DE, UNC

29.  New England Patriots (from New Orleans Saints): Devon Still, DT, Penn State

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

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

32.  Green Bay Packers: Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia

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