NFL Draft 2012: Analyzing the Riskiest Mid-Round Defensive Prospects

Not every franchise is going to get to land a top-notch defensive prospect early in the 2012 NFL Draft, so planning for the mid-rounds is always a priority.

That being said, the middle rounds aren't home to many guaranteed lock selections. After all, the NFL draft is an inexact science.

Make no mistake about it, any prospect can have an impact but making sure of landing the right guy is vital to a team's success and philosophy.

Jamell Fleming: CB, Oklahoma

With average size for a corner at 5'11", 190 pounds, Oklahoma's Jamell Fleming was part of a defense that allowed 243 passing yards per game (ranked No. 83 out of 120 schools) but No. 4 in the Big 12.

That's just how terrible the entire conference was at defending the pass. So, by comparison, Fleming locked it down more than his Big 12 counterparts.

Now the man does have good speed and isn't afraid to get physical with any receiver he's guarding. However, Fleming is vulnerable to quick slants, outs, double moves and fades. He has straight line speed but lacks the ability to swiftly change directions when needed.

Fleming is a good tackler though, compiling 131 the last two seasons, while also nabbing seven picks. He also recovered two fumbles in 2011. So, the potential to contribute as a nickel or dime back as a rookie is there.

He is a better zone defender because of his physical toughness and reactionary skills when sitting and reading. Fleming still lacks strength by comparison and because of his aggressiveness, he could be susceptible to play-action and could get beat off the snap in press coverage.

DaJohn Harris: DT, USC

One of the best aspects about DaJohn Harris' game is capitalizing quickly on an offensive lineman's mistake.

Whether it's a slow burst off the snap, inconsistency in remaining balanced or not maintaining a low center of gravity, Harris has the strength to quickly use those mental errors to his advantage.

Unfortunately, Harris won't be have nearly the number of opportunities like that in the NFL, as pro linemen quickly lose their jobs because of poor performance.

Harris doesn't have quick feet and fails give 100 percent effort all the time. Because of that, Harris only recorded 22 tackles and 1.5 sacks in 2011 after having 35 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 2010.

Now it's clear that offenses did game plan for him more heading into 2011, but that's where good players are separated from the average, and the great players are separated from the good.

It's having an attitude of tenacity and the willingness to reach that next level. Harris not only failed to do that in 2011, he also didn't consistently carry out his assignment on every play.

Josh Kaddu: LB, Oregon

For an outside linebacker with great size and athleticism (6'3", 235 pounds), Oregon's Josh Kaddu has a lot of fundamentals to improve upon.

In 2011, Kaddu recorded 50 tackles and 6.5 sacks while being one of the Ducks better pass rushers.

However, Kaddu lacks the quick reactionary skills to consistently defend the run and the instincts needed for a solid pass rush. Also, he didn't sink into coverage very often at Oregon, so he needs to become more acclimated to jamming receivers and tight ends at the line.

With his speed and acceleration combo, more sacks and tackles for loss would be expected. The issue though, resides with being vulnerable to draws, screens and misdirection plays.

Kaddu is really aggressive and although teams wants that in a linebacker/strict pass rusher, opponents will simply use that against him and Kaddu will find himself out of position.

So in short, body control, change of direction and awareness of the offense's formation are all things Kaddu must improve upon. Otherwise, Kaddu will simply become a pass rusher that rarely applies quarterback pressure.

Brandon Taylor: Safety, LSU

When thinking of the LSU defense, safety Brandon Taylor is maybe the third defensive back that comes to mind.

Obviously, playing with studs like Morris Claiborne and Tyrann Mathieu, Taylor goes vehemently overlooked but then again, he was one of LSU's weaker defensive links.

Before the 2011 season began, Taylor had just 89 tackles, two picks and 12 passes defended.

However, Taylor had his best college season in 2011, compiling 71 tackles, two picks and seven passes defended. He also had 7.5 tackles for loss.

At 5'11", 200 pounds, Taylor does have good size for a safety but consistency is a concern. With all kinds of talent around him as a senior, Taylor displayed great ball skills, awareness and tackling. But before 2011, he displayed mediocre skills in those areas. 

Taylor's instincts definitely need to improve and teams need to be aware that just because he's from LSU doesn't mean he's going to be amazing. We'll learn a lot more about Taylor at the combine.

John Rozum on Twitter.