Mel Kiper Jr 2012 NFL Mock Draft: Carolina Panthers Take LSU DL Michael Brockers

ESPN's NFL draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. has released his second mock draft, and he has the Carolina Panthers selecting LSU defensive lineman Michael Brockers with the No. 8 overall pick. 

This is one of the more popular selections in many of the mock drafts I've seen on the Internet. The collective thought here is that Brockers would be an ideal addition to the Panthers 25th-ranked run defense that allowed more than 130 yards on the ground per game in 2011. 

Brockers is an extremely versatile defender that can play any position across the defensive line and obviously, at 21 years old, has a ridiculous amount of upside. He has a little Richard Seymour in him blended with the disruptive ability of Ndamukong Suh. Yes, Suh.  

Kiper Jr. said the following about the Panthers' selection of Brockers: 

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The Carolina defense in 2011 wasn't helped by injuries, but the result was a unit that couldn't stop the run, but also had a tough time generating consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. It starts up front, where the Panthers simply need to add talent. Brockers is a high-ceiling defensive tackle, a player who will thrive in any scheme, but could be particularly effective as a penetrator in the 4-3. The Panthers had to make do rotating a pair of rookies on the defensive interior last season, and really need to add talent and depth. The offense is going to be there—they have to find some stoppers.

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Carolina's current defensive line is extremely young, but let's face it—Antwan Applewhite, Frank Kearse, Jason Shirley and Greg Hardy aren't really scaring another. 

Brockers brings that intimidation factor and, like quarterback Cam Newton, has loads of potential to grow as a player and will relegate one of those guys to a situational role. 

He has a high motor and rarely takes plays off, another major plus to his game.

Although many Panthers fans want to see more talent infused into the offense for Newton, defense is more important at this phase, especially being in a division with Drew Brees and Matt Ryan. 

Brockers is the logical pick for Carolina, a team with plenty of upside itself. 

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