2012 NFL Draft Projections: Potential Destinations for Draft's Top Defenders

The 2012 NFL Draft class is loaded with talented defenders, from shutdown cornerbacks to vicious linebackers to elite D-linemen. 

The league is currently in a Golden Age for quarterbacks, which means the need for top-tier defensive players is higher than ever. Luckily for a few teams, they will be able to add one in the first round of this year's draft.

Here are likely destinations for the five best defenders in the draft class of 2012.

Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

Claiborne wasn't even the best defensive back on his own team last season, but he's the best draft-eligible corner in the country.

Even with Tyrann Mathieu grabbing all the headlines, Claiborne still earned first team All-American honors as a junior.

Minnesota needs help in the secondary, and they will look at Claiborne with the third overall pick. However, I'm expecting them to trade down. If that happens, Tampa Bay will gladly select him at No. 5.

Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

Kirkpatrick has great size (6'2", 190 pounds) and cover skills. He doesn't have blinding speed, but he'll keep up with NFL receivers because of his length, balance and natural instincts.

If the Vikings draft Claiborne, the Bucs will grab Kirkpatrick at No. 5. If Tampa Bay gets Claiborne, Jacksonville, Miami and Carolina will all consider Kirkpatrick.

Either way, he won't fall out of the top 10.

Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

Coples' draft stock slipped after an unimpressive 2011 season. Still, he's an exceptional talent, and I expect him to be drafted in the top 15.

Coples is a dynamic D-lineman, excelling in both pass rushing and run stopping.

A few teams in the top 10 will look at him, but I think he falls to Seattle at No. 12. The Seahawks will have a gaping hole at defensive end if Red Bryant leaves via free agency, and Coples would be the perfect replacement. 

Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College

Kuechly doesn't have ideal speed, but he makes up for it with his great natural instincts and play-recognition skills.

He diagnoses plays quickly, which helps him rack up an insane amount of tackles. In 2011, he averaged 15.92 per game.

A few teams need linebackers, but I expect Kansas City to snatch up Kuechly at No. 11. A Kuechly-Derrick Johnson combo would be one of the best linebacker duos in the league.

Vontaze Burfict, ILB, Arizona State

Burfict has all the tools necessary to become the next great linebacker out of Ball So Hard University.

He has excellent size (6'3", 252 pounds), elite speed and is a violent tackler. His work ethic has been questioned, but if he's surrounded by strong veteran presences, he will develop into a Pro Bowl linebacker.

He would be a great fit with the Philadelphia Eagles, who have the 15th-overall pick. If the Eagles pass on him, the Jets will gladly select him at No. 16.