2012 NFL Mock Draft: Latest Stock Watch for Non-BCS, Mid-Round Defensive Backs

Because pro football has become heavily reliant on the passing attack, defenses have no choice but to address the coverage to accommodate for the movement.

That being said, the 2012 NFL Draft is loaded with great talent in the secondary at the BCS, non-BCS and FCS levels.

Here, we have the latest stock watch for some non-BCS/FCS mid-rounders that are worth a look this April.

George Iloka: Safety, Boise State

Before the college football and NFL offseason began, Boise State's George Iloka wasn't considered an early to mid-round draft selection.

After all, Boise State is mainly known for its offense, led by quarterback Kellen Moore and running back Doug Martin.

Well, Iloka has earned more recognition for his efforts, and rightfully so, because he's a 6'4", 220-pound safety who is an intimidating factor himself.

Still, Iloka had a solid showing at the Senior Bowl and finished his college career with 231 tackles, seven picks and 24 passes defended.

Early on, Iloka was more of a pass defender, but he became a rolling-down safety as he developed. In the pros, any safety who can roll down for run support while proving the ability to cover No. 2/slot receivers and tight ends will see the field.

And because of his size, although it's a stretch, Steve Atwater comes to mind.

Stock Up

Duke Ihenacho: Safety, San Jose State

Perhaps the most interesting aspect about San Jose State's Duke Ihenacho is that he made the transformation from an All-Conference linebacker to becoming an All-Conference safety.

It's quite an impressive accomplishment, especially at the FBS level. Although he's only considered a mid-fifth-rounder, Ihenacho's football IQ is as good as it gets.

For his career, Ihenacho recorded 268 tackles, defended 30 passes, made seven picks (five in 2008, two returned for touchdowns) and forced seven fumbles.

Being that he's a former linebacker, Ihenacho's 6'1", 210-pound frame makes him an idealistic nickel/dime back right away. What gives the defense an advantage here is that putting him in any situation will work.

So, whether it's 1st-and-10, 3rd-and-short or 4th-and-goal, Ihenacho's versatile experience will pay dividends throughout the numerous specific situations of a game.

If a linebacker is having trouble in coverage, you can sub him in, and he'll also help against the run. If a safety is lacking in coverage, send him back deep and let his ball awareness take over, which, in turn, will increase the chance of a turnover.

Across the board, Duke Ihenacho is one of the most complete defensive players in the draft.

Stock Same

Trumaine Johnson: CB, Montana

Here's a guy who, if he develops properly, could become an All-Pro at both the cornerback and safety positions during his NFL career.

Montana's Trumaine Johnson is a 6'2", 205-pound cornerback that has potential to shut down any No. 1 receiver given the proper time to develop.

And because of his great size for a corner, Johnson is a great run defender on the edge and makes for an effective blitzer as well.

In 2011, he accumulated 54 tackles while defending 14 passes, which upped his numbers from 2010. In 2010, Johnson recorded 44 tackles, defended 11 passes. However, he also recorded four interceptions and returned them for 88 yards.

Regardless of when he's drafted, Johnson will contribute effectively as a No. 2 corner to start and will, in time, will become a No. 1 corner.

That said, it wouldn't be surprising to see him see some time at safety with his size, speed and ability to break on the ball.

Stock Slightly Up

Josh Norman: CB, Coastal Carolina

Another big and quick corner from the FCS level, Coastal Carolina's Josh Norman who is 6', 200 pounds and a lockdown defender, if anything.

As a senior, Norman deflected 12 passes, picked off two, forced two fumbles and led the Chanticleers with 62 total and 49 solo tackles.

A year earlier, Norman defended nine passes and made 56 tackles, giving him 117 in the past two seasons.

He's expected to be selected late in the third round or early in the fourth round, which is great, considering how deep the cornerback position is in the draft. At the pro level, Norman does need to improve his ball awareness once in man coverage as making more plays will be necessary.

Now, he does have solid instincts to read and react quite well, as evidenced by all the pass deflections. However, not snagging picks will only make him more appealing to quarterbacks.

To that end, he'll likely start out as a nickel/dime back and then get molded to locking down smaller receivers. Norman's quickness is good to shield in zone over the middle, but his size may pay more dividends at safety.

Depending on where he goes, Norman's skill set will benefit back deep or reading from the outside.

Stock Slightly Down

2012 First-Round NFL Mock Draft

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB (Stanford)	17. Cincinnati Bengals (From OAK): Janoris Jenkins, CB (Northern 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: Dwayne Allen, TE (Clemson)
4. Cleveland Browns: Morris Claiborne, CB (LSU)	20. Tennessee Titans: Alshon Jeffery, WR (South Carolina)
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 Browns (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: Mike Adams, OT (Ohio State)
9. Carolina Panthers: Quinton Coples, DE (UNC)	25. Denver Broncos: Alfonzo Dennard, CB (Nebraska)
10. Buffalo Bills: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB (Alabama)	26. Houston Texans: Kendall Wright, WR (Baylor)
11. Kansas City Chiefs: Nick Perry, DE (USC)	27. New England Patriots (From NO): Whitney Mercilus, DE (Illinois)
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: Kendall Wright, WR (Baylor)
15. Philadelphia Eagles: Courtney Upshaw, LB (Alabama)	31. New England Patriots: Mark Barron, S (Alabama)
16. New York Jets: Michael Brockers, DT (LSU)	32. New York Giants: Jerel Worthy, DT (Michigan State)

John Rozum on Twitter.