2012 NFL Mock Draft: Stock Watch for Notable First-Round Defenders

With the East-West Shrine game having been played and the Senior Bowl on Saturday, stocks are definitely changing in the first-round of the 2012 NFL Draft.

In addition to the games, stock changes regardless as some players receive more and/or less recognition than their peers.

Here, let's focus on some defensive first-rounders this spring.

Kansas City Chiefs: Nick Perry, DE (USC)

Stock Up

Gradually rising up the draft boards, USC's Nick Perry has earned some strong praise after getting 9.5 sacks and 55 tackles in 2011.

With the Kansas City Chiefs, Perry is a solid fit to be the opposite pass rusher of Tamba Hali and on the line with Glenn Dorsey.

Worst case-scenario is that Perry adds talented depth to K.C.'s front seven and is used primarily in passing situations. His ability to quickly progress, as he did in 2011, showcases how focused and dominant Perry can be.

And when facing a passing team like San Diego as well as a mobile quarterback in Tim Tebow, making the pass rush stronger will only increase the Chiefs' odds at contending for the division title.

Seattle Seahawks: Devon Still, DT (Penn State)

Stock Down

According to Rob Rang of CBS Sports, Penn State's Devon Still is sitting out of the Senior Bowl.

That being said, Still's stock will drop to roughly a mid first-rounder instead of a top 10 pick, however, Devon has other chances to move back up the board.

The NFL Combine and his pro day will be most beneficial.

With Seattle, Still is an excellent complement to stud pass rusher Chris Clemons along the defensive line. Devon can plug gaps consistently against the run and is a better pass rushing defensive tackle than given credit for.

At worst, he'll cause pile-ups and take on multiple blockers to let the linebackers roam free to make plays inside and out.

The Seahawks have a solid defense across the board but could really propel into a top five defense with some talented depth in the trenches. After all, improving against the run and getting quarterback pressure will only make Seattle contenders once again.

Cincinnati Bengals (From OAK): Dre Kirkpatrick, CB (Alabama)

Stock Down

According to a staff report on the Sporting News, Alabama corner Dre Kirkpatrick has a slightly dropped draft stock:

"

Kirkpatrick, 22, was arrested early Tuesday in Palmetto, Fla., which is north of Bradenton and south of Tampa-St. Petersburg. The charge against him is a misdemeanor for possessing what was detailed in the arrest report as fewer than 20 grams of cannabis.

"

That being said, Kirkpatrick will still be a first-rounder and has time to win back the minds of NFL scouts and teams everywhere with a strong showing at the Combine and pro day.

For one, Kirkpatrick is the lock down corner a lot of teams would love to have and is quick enough to be the No. 1 defensive back. He's a complete package and isn't afraid to help with run support while also being on an island.

Chances are Dre's stock goes back up and he gets drafted in the top 10, however, if nothing between now and then changes, Kirkpatrick will at worst be a mid first-rounder.

New England Patriots (From N.O.): Janoris Jenkins, CB (North Alabama)

Stock Down

Janoris Jenkins' stock is only slightly down because he played for North Alabama, an NCAA Division II school, in 2011.

So, Janoris hasn't been challenged like the days he spent with the Florida Gators in 2008, 2009 and 2010.

With that in mind however, Janoris has an opportunity to really increase his draft stock with a strong showing in the Senior Bowl. Still currently an expected late first/early second-rounder, Jenkins can move up quickly between now and April.

He has raw and natural talent, excellent instincts and awareness and is better with run support than advertised. Jenkins also has great ball skills and closing speed, so interceptions and big plays are common from him.

We'll learn a lot more about how not playing against FBS and BCS talent affected him in 2011 this weekend but regardless, Janoris will still be an early rounds draft pick.

2012 First-Round NFL Mock Draft

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB (Stanford)	17. Cincinnati (From OAK): Dre Kirkpatrick, CB (Alabama)
2. St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon, WR (Oklahoma State)	18. San Diego Chargers: Riley Reiff, OT (Iowa)
3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT (USC)	19. Chicago Bears: Alshon Jeffery, WR (South Carolina)
4. Cleveland Browns: Morris Claiborne, CB (LSU)	20. Tennessee Titans: Mohamed Sanu, WR (Rutgers)
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Trent Richardson, RB (Alabama)	21. Cincinnati Bengals: Cordy Glenn, OG (Georgia)
6. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III, QB (Baylor)	22. Cleveland (From ATL): Vontaze Burfict, LB (ASU)
7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Michael Floyd, WR (Notre Dame)	23. Detroit Lions: Zach Brown, LB (UNC)
8. Miami Dolphins: David DeCastro, G (Stanford)	24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Zebrie Sanders, OT (Florida State)
9. Carolina Panthers: Alfonzo Dennard, CB (Nebraska)	25. Denver Broncos: Stephon Gilmore, CB (South Carolina)
10. Buffalo Bills: Quinton Coples, DE (UNC)	26. Houston Texans: Kendall Wright, WR (Baylor)
11. Kansas City Chiefs: Nick Perry, DE (USC)	27. New England Patriots (From NO): Janoris Jenkins, CB (North Alabama)
12. Seattle Seahawks: Devon Still, DT (Penn State)	28. Green Bay Packers: Melvin Ingram, DE (South Carolina)
13. Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Martin, OT (Stanford)	29. Baltimore Ravens: Dont'a Hightower, LB (Alabama)
14. Dallas Cowboys: Luke Kuechly, LB (Boston College)	30. San Francisco 49ers: Mark Barron, S (Alabama)
15. Philadelphia Eagles: Courtney Upshaw, LB (Alabama)	31. New York Giants: Jerel Worthy, DT (Michigan State)
16. New York Jets: Brandon Thompson, DE (Clemson)	32. New England Patriots: Chase Minnifield, (UVA)

John Rozum on Twitter.