2012 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting Trenton Robinson and the Underrated Safeties

With so many stud cornerbacks in the 2012 NFL draft, it's not surprising to see why the safeties aren't getting much recognition.

After all, a shutdown corner takes away half the field, whereas a dominant safety helps more with run support. That said, in a now pass-happy league, the safeties are more important than ever.

So, here's some top-notch safeties going under the radar because of a cornerback-heavier draft.

Detroit Lions: Trenton Robinson, Michigan State

Michigan State's Trenton Robinson accounted for 156 tackles, 18 defended passes and eight interceptions in the past two seasons.

He was challenged much less as a senior in 2011, so his ability to help with run support earned more exposure.

And a great spot for him to go is the Detroit Lions near the back end of round four. There, Robinson will be a hometown favorite, have an opportunity to help improve one of the worst pass defenses in 2011 and play with a solid front seven.

His ability to lurk in the secondary to breakup or pick off passes will be clutch, as will his ability to roll down as an edge run-blitzer or to cover the slot receiver.

Anyway the Lions slice it, Trenton Robinson is a win-win draft pick for them.

Dallas Cowboys: Tramain Thomas, Arkansas

If LSU and Alabama didn't exist, Arkansas' Tramain Thomas would have received and extreme amount of national recognition.

That being said, the stud now becomes a mid-round steal, as Tramain's sure tackling ability sets him a part on a Razorback team not very well known for defense.

In the past three seasons, Thomas picked off 12 passes for 131 yards return yards. Averaging over 10 yards per interception return can really help out an offense, so a team like the Dallas Cowboys will welcome his playmaking skills.

Not to mention, Thomas recorded 174 tackles the past two seasons while also forcing five fumbles. So, with the Cowboys, Thomas can roll down to fill the zone for a blitzing linebackers, man on the slot receiver or sit back in cover-3 and wait to break on a pass.

Since Tramain played in the SEC, Dallas can't go wrong with taking a defender from college football's best conference.

Green Bay Packers: Matt Daniels, Duke

Although he's a bit small for a hard-hitting strong safety, Duke's Matt Daniels still recorded 126 tackles and defended 16 passes in 2011.

He's obviously going overlooked being that he played at Duke, but Daniels is a sure tackler that can cover any running back, tight end or slot receiver.

Now, he's more proven as a run defender thanks to compiling 176 tackles between 2009 and 2010, so in most nickel/dime situations Daniels will be a force.

There, Daniels can line up over the slot and react to the run, get physical with the receiver and drop underneath any crossing route in the zone. The Green Bay Packers would be fitting, as they lack in stopping the run, the intermediate passing game and simple tackling.

Daniels would provide youth and talented-depth to a defense desperately needing to improve at tackling, as well as reading the run consistently.

Minnesota Vikings: Sean Baker, Ball State

Easily going overlooked solely because he plays in the MAC, Ball State's Sean Baker is considered a seventh-rounder at best.

Well, perhaps his career numbers of 338 tackles, 18 picks, six forced fumbles and 39 defended passes will turn some heads before late April.

Arguably the most consistent defender in the MAC, Baker is a reliable tackler and can read while in coverage quite well.

With excellent instincts and the ability to break on the ball quickly, Baker would definitely help improve the abysmal pass defense of the Minnesota Vikings. Whether it's sitting in cover-3 or rolling over the top to help double a No. 1 receiver, Baker's football IQ can only help the Vikings in a pass-happy division.

Provided that he is invited to the combine and has a strong pro day, Baker could go as high as late round six with some recognition.

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)

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