2012 NFL Draft: Why Defense Should Dominate First Round

As the 2012 NFL draft currently shapes up, I have four of the first five picks being offensive players. While the top of the draft class definitely has some high-end offensive talent, the first round of April's draft should be dominated by defense.

Stanford's Andrew Luck, USC's Ryan Kalil, Baylor's Robert Griffin III, Alabama's Trent Richardson and Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon all project as offensive difference-makers who should be off the board within the first 10 picks of the draft. But after that, expect teams to get defensive and take advantage of a deep class on that side of the ball.

North Carolina defensive end Quinton Coples and LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne should both come off the board within the first seven picks, while edge rushers like Alabama's Courtney Upshaw, South Carolina's Melvin Ingram and USC's Nick Perry should not be far behind.

In fact, if your favorite team is in need of an upgrade to its pass rush, there are plenty of guys available who carry a first-round grade.

Meanwhile, the 2012 class is lousy with massive interior linemen like Penn State's Devon Still,  Memphis' Dontari Poe and LSU's Michael Brockers who are absolute studs. Then there is Michigan State's Jerel Worthy, who could end up being the best of the bunch in the right system.

This draft also has its fair share of traditional linebackers (read: not 3-4 outside rushers) like Boston College tackle machine Luke Kuechly, Arizona State's Vontaze Burfict and North Carolina's Zach Brown. Throw in a few solid cornerbacks and this year's draft is ridiculous if you're looking for high-end defensive talent.

While guys like Luck, Griffin and Richardson may dominate the headlines as draft day approaches, get ready to see a bunch of defenders come off the board early this April.