2012 NFL Mock Draft: Identifying the Best 4-3 Defensive End Prospects

Having a variety of talented defensive ends that can consistently get to the quarterback and disrupt plays in the backfield is of the utmost importance in today's pass-happy NFL.

The New York Giants have made that obvious.

There are a few perfect 4-3 defensive end prospects in the 2012 draft class, and the cream of the crop is outlined below.

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/DE, USC

Perry is a prototypical 4-3 defensive end, although he possesses the elite athleticism to drop into coverage in a 3-4 scheme if need be. He accumulated 21.5 sacks in his three years with the Trojans and was a force especially late in the 2011 season. Perry is 6'3'', 250 pounds and can be a solid starter for years to come in the NFL while excelling as a pass-rusher. 

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

At 6'4'' and 265 pounds, Mercilus has ideal size to play in the 4-3 alignment. He exploded for the Fighting Illini in 2011 with 16 sacks to lead the nation in that category. However, in 2009 and 2010 combined, he only totaled two quarterback takedowns. The junior displayed a good burst off the ball and wasn't a liability against the run this season. He has a few countermoves, but mainly relies on his speed to get into the backfield. With good coaching, he could become a force at the next level. 

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

Ingram is in that Lamar Woodley/Chris Long mold. At nearly 6'2'' and 276 pounds, he's a bigger, more physically imposing 4-3 defensive end and can get to the quarterback with pure strength and power. However, he's a special athlete with quick feet, capable of getting around the edge to catch running backs on pitches and stretching plays to the outside. A tenacious pass-rusher that was the staple of consistency for the Gamecocks during his career seems to be a safe selection in the middle of Round 1. 

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

Coples has the most overall talent of any 4-3 defensive end in the class. However, after a disappointing senior season in which some say he lacked effort and drive on some plays, he could drop into this late stage of Round 1. At 6'5'' and 281 pounds, he already has an NFL body and is a terrific athlete who can rush the quarterback with ease, play the run well and shed blocks better than most players entering the league in 2012. 

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

(Jan. 18 update. Next update coming after Senior Bowl.)

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