2012 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting Mark Barron and the Hardest-Hitting Prospects

To give the defense an edge in a pass-oriented league, having a player who can bring the pain on every play as well as attitude is key.

As for the 2012 season, the NFL Draft has some great defensive talent and some hard hitters to boot. That being said, here are the hardest-hitting defenders to watch this spring.

San Francisco 49ers: Mark Barron, SS (Alabama)

Along with Donte Whitner and Carlos Rodgers in the secondary, the San Francisco 49ers can really take their defense to another level with the addition of Alabama's Mark Barron.

After picking off seven passes and defending a total of 18 as a sophomore in 2009, Barron was rarely challenged again in the SEC, so he had to revert to laying the wood.

Well, 'twas a great decision as evidence by the video, and the next two seasons, he combined for 97 solo tackles with eight being for a loss.

And if there's any weakness on the 49ers defense, it's defending the pass (although it's still very good) because their front seven is quite stellar.

Cleveland Browns (From Atlanta): Vontaze Burfict, LB (Arizona State)

Arizona State's Vontaze Burfict is just the answer for the Cleveland Browns defense.

They lack an intimidating presence that brings attitude with every hit to an opponent. Think about other AFC North defenses such as Pittsburgh and Baltimore.

The Steelers have James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley, and the Ravens have Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs. Who does Cleveland have that's an intimidating factor?

No one.

Sure, D'Qwell Jackson is a sure tackler and Joe Haden is a lockdown corner, but neither are presenting that dominating attitude with every hit.

Burfict can provide that for the Browns, which is something they've lacked for quite some time.

Carolina Panthers: Markelle Martin, FS (Oklahoma State)

The video is Markelle Martin smacking the opposing quarterback, who's trying to make a play after throwing an interception.

That said, Martin also knocked the helmet off of Stanford's Ty Montgomery in the 2012 Fiesta Bowl.

As for his place in the pros, the Carolina Panthers could use an intimidating/aggressive presence such as Markelle.

For one, they need to improve against the pass and run significantly, so Martin's ability to roll down with run support will help.

His no-fear hitting will be a factor against pass-oriented offenses like New Orleans and Atlanta, because if you can't get quarterback pressure, decleating a receiver is the next best option.

That way, those receivers will be concerned about staying in one piece as opposed to making a catch then turning up field.

An expected late second/early third-rounder, Martin will land with Carolina as the first free safety off the board.

Washington Redskins: Tank Carder, LB (TCU)

As you can tell by the picture, Wisconsin quarterback Scott Tolzien is feeling the presence of TCU linebacker Tank Carder.

Also, if your name begins with the word "Tank," you have no choice in life but to crack skulls as a linebacker in football.

That said, Carder is only considered a sixth-round pick, so with the aging London Fletcher, the Washington Redskins are a great fit.

For one, although Carder is an outside backer, he has the football IQ to play inside in a 3-4 defensive front.

Also, he's a sure tackler that knows how to read the run and will thrive with Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan on the outside.

Let's put it this way, Carder will have talent around him and numerous opportunities to welcome opponents to the house of pain in our nation's capital.

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.