2012 NFL Draft: Melvin Ingram and Defensive Prospects Bound to Be Stars

With the Super Bowl behind us and the next logical step being the 2012 NFL draft, it’s time to dig right into the pile and discuss which defensive prospects are bound to be stars.

While offensive stars like Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III will steal all of the highlights, defensive juggernauts like Melvin Ingram will make an instant impact in the NFL.

Watch for all of the following players to step right onto the field with their new team and become instant stars in their roles.

Melvin Ingram

While many have given the South Carolina star defensive end grief over his height (6’2”), there is plenty of power in that frame for Melvin Ingram to cause trouble for offenses in the NFL.

With the issues over size possibly dropping him into the middle of the first round, the possibility of a defensive coach like Rex Ryan getting his hands of Ingram at No. 16 overall will mean trouble in paradise for the AFC East.

Not only can Ingram be an effective pass-rusher, his ability to stay in against the run or drop into coverage has made him a defensive juggernaut. He also has baby soft hands to intercept passes.

Morris Claiborne

The LSU Tigers may have come short in their pursuit of a national title, but cornerback Morris Claiborne’s sadness will be supplanted by his top seven selection.

It’s hard to tell which team will bite on the gifted corner, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Jacksonville Jaguars have the needs to snatch him up. With Ronde Barber’s age, I feel the Bucs taking Claiborne is a no brainer.

What will make Claiborne so effective wherever he goes is his ability to play whatever style the staff calls for. Zone, man or anything else a coach can throw at him, he will adapt and dominate.

Devon Still

The need for defensive tackles is great, but the supply in this draft is very low. That’s why Penn State middleman Devon Still will be the steal of the draft.

Still is a monster in the middle, and while he is already good, there is still so much room for him to grow mentally and physically. Get Still on a team like the Carolina Panthers or Seattle Seahawks that can turn him into a star, and he will be gold.

With the speed and power necessary to play as a defensive tackle in the NFL, Still will have to work hard, but should become a huge star. It’s all up to him and his desire to be the best now.

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