NFL Combine 2012: Defenders That Impressed in a Major Way

The 2012 NFL Scouting Combine is winding down, and Monday's action saw several defenders doing their part to solidify their draft stock with superb performances. 

Of course, the defensive backs will go tomorrow, so the top defenders at the combine are sure to switch up some.

Still, the linebackers and defensive linemen put on a show, showcasing their athletic skills in a big way. 

Here are three defenders that had very impressive outings at the 2012 combine. 

Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis

There may not have been a more impressive performer the entire weekend than Poe. 

With a weaker-than-normal defensive tackle group in the 2012 NFL Draft class, Poe needed to stand out in a big way at the combine. He did not disappoint. 

Poe posted an unofficial 40-yard-dash time of 4.87. His official was 4.98, which is still incredible for a guy that is 6'4" and 346 lbs. He did that right after he put up a combine-best 44 reps in the 225 lb. bench press.

He also had an unofficial 1.70 10-yard split, which shows you how explosive he can be getting off the line. 

Poe's draft stock increased tenfold with his stellar outing.

Nick Perry, DE, USC 

On Perry's official Trojans bio page, he's listed at 6'3", 250 lbs. 

When he showed up at the combine 20 pounds heavier, the assumption was that he wasn't going to be as explosive. 

As Arash Markazi of ESPNLA.com points out via Twitter, Perry did all he could to debunk the preconceived notions.

"

USC's Nick Perry just got paid. A 6-3, 271-pound defensive end ran a 4.50 in the 40-yard dash.

— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) February 27, 2012"

Perry also did 35 reps on the bench press, showing he is a strong defender ready to thrive in the NFL. 

This USC Trojan was scoffed at by some for departing early, especially considering how good USC could be in 2012. However, Perry solidified his first-round status with a dominant combine.

Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina 

The defensive end from the other USC also stood out in a major way on Monday. 

Ingram displayed great quickness, never got flustered in position drills and excelled in the 40-yard dash.

He's a surefire lock for the first round, especially since he blew everyone away by running under 4.7 in his first attempt in the 40. He finished with an official time of 4.79 seconds. 

Ingram was also the top performer in the cone and shuttle drills, posting a time of 6.83 in the three-cone drill and 4.18 in the 20-yard shuttle. 

Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College 

Regarded as one of the top linebackers in the draft, Kuechly kept his draft stock in great standing with his showing.

He was the third-fastest linebacker in the 40, posting a time of 4.58 (which is faster than some wide receivers with first-round grades).

The Boston College star was also a top performer in the vertical and broad jumps (38 and 123 inches, respectively).

Kuechly is a tackling machine, recording 532 tackles in just three years at Boston College. He more than showcased his athletic ability at the combine, ensuring a top selection come draft day. 

Bruce Irvin, DE/OLB, West Virginia 

Checking in at 6'3" and 245 lbs., Irvin isn't as widely known as other defenders. He needed a big day at the combine to get his name out there and boost his draft stock. 

Once he ran the 40-yard dash, Irvin turned a lot of heads with his blazing speed. An unofficial time of 4.43 seconds for a defender isn't unheard of, as defensive backs run that with ease.

But, Irvin projects as a linebacker in the NFL, and his spectacle in the 40 will definitely have more teams looking his way. 

Irvin had a drop-off his senior season, but he did record 14 sacks as a junior. He'll fit in well with a team in need of a pass-rusher, as rushing off the edge is his specialty. After his performance in Indy, Irvin is sure to climb the draft boards.