2012 NFL Draft: 5 Defensive Studs the Green Bay Packers Can't Ignore

Coming off a Super Bowl win, the Green Bay Packers had high expectations heading into this year. After a 15-1 regular season, the Packers were eliminated in the Divisional round of the playoffs by the New York Giants.

The team did not play well in that game. However, it was clear throughout the season that the number one scoring defense in 2010 was not the same in 2011.

Let's take a look at who the Packers should have their eyes on for the upcoming draft.

1. Nick Perry

The Packers were 27th in total sacks this season with 31. Offenses were focused on Clay Matthews and tried to force any other player to create some pass rush.

Nick Perry would most likely go before the Packers have a chance to pick him with the 28th pick. However, trading up would not be a bad idea. The Packers are strong in a lot of areas. Giving up a draft pick or two would be a good move if it means getting a player like Perry.

Perry along with Matthew will be a dangerous combination for opposing teams to watch in the 2012 season. The rush on the outside by two players like that, along with the inside presence of B.J. Raji, would make a great defensive front for the Packers.

2. Whitney Mercilus

Staying with the theme of explosive outside linebackers, let's look at the sack leader in the NCAA for the 2011 season.

Whitney Mercilus is a an aggressive player. He had the reputation through his college career as someone who does not take any plays off. That is always someone that any team would look for. His style matches Matthews in that sense.

He was also very versatile in college. Lining up on both sides of the line and in the interior. In the NFL, these types of players seem to be everywhere now, and are key to a teams good defense. The Packers with Mercilus, or the before mentioned Perry, would make them significantly better on the defensive side of the ball.

They already have the ability to turn the ball over with their aggressive style in the secondary. Now if the Packers can have that kind of approach with an improved defensive line, they might be seeing themselves back in the Super Bowl.

3. Leonard Johnson

Leonard Johnson was a shutdown corner for Iowa State last year. The 5-foot-10-inch corner plays bigger than his size.

During his last performance in the Pinstripe bowl, Johnson held Rutgers All-Big East wide receiver Mohamad Sanu to just 67 yards on six catches. He also held future first-round pick Justin Blackmon to under 100 yards in Iowa State's upset win over Oklahoma State.

The Packers have some decisions to make heading into this offseason about the future of Charles Woodson. Much of this will depend on safety Nick Collins. If Collins, who is recovering from neck surgery, is not ready for the 2012 season Woodson may be asked to move to safety. Which will make cornerback a weak spot for the Packers.

With the addition of Johnson, the cornerback position can continue to have success for them. Johnson can make an immediate impact and will be ready to be a playmaker for this Packers' team.

4. Antonio Allen

Antonio Allen played a majority of his career at the outside linebacker position. However, he is being drafted as a safety.

This move will most likely take some time for Allen to adjust to. He is use to being in the middle of the action in almost every play. Now he would have to be away from it patrolling wide receivers.

This move should not be a problem for Allen though, as he was in the top 10 in interceptions in the SEC last year, while also accumulating four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.

Allen is just the type of player who can fit into the Packers' style of defense. He is a playmaker and a ball hog. He should be a solid strong safety in the league who can also make tackles and help stop the run game.

The health of Nick Collins might also play into what the Packers do in drafting a safety. Though if he is healthy, they still need to draft Allen to play opposite of Collins to have two play making safety's.

5. Andre Branch

Andre Branch's stock has been on the rise. He had a stellar senior season racking up 73 tackles and 10.5 sacks.

Branch is a big man at 6-foot-5 inches. He played defensive end in college but has the ability to switch to a 3-4 defense with his speed. He has shown improvements in all four years of this college career and will make a good fit for the Packers.

Physically, Branch has what it takes to make it as a pro. He has the ability to swat balls at the line of scrimmage with his quick hands and can also drop back for pass protection.

The reason the Packers need him, is the same as the other outside linebackers that were featured before. That is a need for them. Matthews needs help at the edge. Branch is another one that can fit into their system and have success.

The key this offseason for them will be to figure out who they want to take so they can adjust their other picks.

The Packers are one year removed from being the best scoring defense in the league. Finding what they had in 2010 should not be that hard. With the right pieces this defense will be back to where it was.