2012 NFL Mock Draft: Dangerous Defenders Sure to Shine Immediately

While most teams draft players based on what they will become years down the road, it is always an added bonus when those players contribute right away. Last season, four of the top five picks were Pro Bowlers, so younger players are becoming stars much sooner than they used to.

That isn't the case with every player, but there seems to be a lot of immediate star potential in 2012 class. That is especially true on the defensive side of the ball, as most positions are quite deep and should produce some elite players. With so many teams wanting to turn things around quickly, a player's readiness to contribute right away will likely be a major consideration on draft day.

Along with a full first-round mock draft, here are three defensive studs that will be NFL stars from day one.

1. Indianapolis Colts (2-14): Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

With Peyton Manning's release official, any drama that remained is now gone. The Colts are sure to take Luck first overall.

2. Cleveland Browns (4-12): Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor (projected trade w/ STL)

The Rams continue to shop the No. 2 pick, and once the asking price comes down I expect the Browns to swoop in so they can take Griffin.

3. Minnesota Vikings (3-13): Matt Kalil, OT, USC

Without a left tackle quarterback Christian Ponder will get destroyed next season, so Kalil is the logical selection.

4. St. Louis Rams (2-14): Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State (projected trade w/ CLE)

Trading down was a no-brainer for the Rams as they are able to pick up some additional draft choices and still get a weapon for Sam Bradford.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12): Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

The Buccaneers have all kinds of needs on both sides of the ball, but a lock-down corner like Claiborne is a great piece to rebuild with.

6. Washington Redskins (5-11): Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

This may seem a bit early for Floyd, but if the Redskins sign Peyton Manning as I expect them to, they'll be eager to get him a big target.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11): Quinton Coples, DE, UNC

Perhaps no player helped his draft stock more at the Senior Bowl than the freakishly-athletic defensive end out of North Carolina, Quinton Coples. He had an up-and-down senior season that left his draft value in limbo, but after being dominant in the Senior Bowl practices and the game itself, he reestablished himself as the best pass-rusher in the draft.

The first team on the board that would really benefit from his services is the Jacksonville Jaguars. Aaron Kampman may be on his way out and the Jags have little to speak of along the defensive line, so Coples will probably get the chance to play often immediately.

He has the size, speed and power to excel at the next level, so if given the opportunity, he should be a difference-maker right away.

8. Miami Dolphins (6-10): Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

Despite the presence of Jake Long at left tackle, the Dolphins' offensive line needs some upgrades, making Reiff a smart pick.

9. Carolina Panthers (6-10): Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

The Panthers have needed a viable defensive tackle ever since their last Super Bowl appearance, so they'll roll the dice on the explosive Brockers.

10. Buffalo Bills (6-10): Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

The Buffalo Bills have had some good pass-rushers over the years, but since the departure of Bruce Smith well over a decade ago, they have struggled to generate pressure on the quarterback most years.

Aaron Schobel was a Pro Bowl-caliber player, but he has come and gone, and the Bills are left with a barren cupboard in terms of sack artists.

Buffalo tried to turn things around a few years ago by drafting Aaron Maybin, but by shifting back and forth between a 4-3 and 3-4, it essentially ruined any chance he had to become a contributor for the Bills. It appears as though Buffalo is committed to a 4-3 this season, and that makes South Carolina defensive end Melvin Ingram a great choice.

Not only does Ingram have the size to play in that system at 276 lbs., but he is one of the quickest ends in the draft. He's the total package and that should be apparent quite quickly.

11. Kansas City Chiefs (7-9): Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

With many top players returning from injury, the Chiefs are back on the ascent and would really benefit from a stout tackle like Martin.

12. Seattle Seahawks (7-9): Courtney Upshaw, DE, Alabama

The Seahawks really struggled to get to the quarterback last season, but Upshaw and Chris Clemons would give them a nice pass-rushing tandem.

13. Arizona Cardinals (8-8): Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College

Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly may not be the fastest or strongest linebacker to enter the draft in recent years, but he may ultimately be one of the best. Kuechly was perhaps the most productive defensive player in college football over the past three seasons as he racked up at least 150 tackles in each of those campaigns.

Kuechly did put a lot of questions to rest regarding his physical tools at the combine as well, as he was sixth-best among linebackers in the bench press and third-best in the 40-yard dash. When you add that to his fantastic instincts and ability to wrap up the ball-carrier, he looks to be the total package.

The Arizona Cardinals have been looking for an inside linebacker since letting Karlos Dansby walk, so Kuechly will start immediately and should be among the league's best tacklers in no time.

14. Dallas Cowboys (8-7): Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

With Terence Newman reaching the end of the line, the Cowboys would benefit from a playmaking corner like Kirkpatrick.

15. Philadelphia Eagles (8-8): Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

The Eagles franchised DeSean Jackson, but if they trade him as I expect, Wright would be able to fill his role quite nicely.

16. New York Jets (8-8): Whitney Mercilus, DE/OLB, Illinois

There has been a lot of talk about the Jets' issues on offense, but the defense took a step back as well, so Mercilus should be the pick.

17. Cincinnati Bengals (via OAK 8-8): Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Richardson falls this far due to a lack of need at the running back position, and the Bengals scoop him up with glee.

18. San Diego Chargers (8-8): Nick Perry, DE/OLB, USC

The Chargers continue to look for Shawne Merriman's replacement. Perry has a chance to be an elite pass-rusher.

19. Chicago Bears (8-8): Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

Quarterback Jay Cutler can only do so much without a legitimate go-to receiver, so he will be happy to see Jeffery in the fold.

20. Tennessee Titans (9-7): David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

Titans running back Chris Johnson struggled early last season, and so did the offensive line. DeCastro would be a solidifying force.

21. Cincinnati Bengals (9-7): Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

The Bengals should probably stop drafting players with character issues, but Jenkins' talent is too good to pass up at this point.

22. Cleveland Browns (via ATL 10-6): Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

Robert Griffin won't be able to do everything himself, so the Browns will get him a target in Sanu to speed up his progression.

23. Detroit Lions (10-6): Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

Jeff Backus is a free agent, so the Lions will likely look for a younger, cheaper and more athletic option like Adams.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4): Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia

Even in the Steelers' recent Super Bowl years, their offensive line has been shaky. Glenn will round out a very strong interior line.

25. Denver Broncos (8-8): Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

A good center is extremely important in the Broncos' option attack, so they'll take the unquestioned best on in the draft in Konz.

26. Houston Texans (10-6): Mark Barron, S, Alabama

The Texans have quickly gone from having one of the worst defenses in the league to one of the best. Barron will complete that transformation.

27. New England Patriots (via NO 13-3): Vinny Curry, DE/OLB, Marshall

The Patriots always find ways to win, but they need a more consistent pass rush if they are going to remain an elite team.

28. Green Bay Packers (15-1): Devon Still, DE/DT, Penn State

Green Bay has a lot of needs on defense, and with Still available this late in the first, it won't hesitate to pounce on him.

29. Baltimore Ravens (12-4): Dont’a Hightower, OLB, Alabama

The Ravens' linebacker corps is getting up there in age, so Hightower will be the pick to learn from Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs.

30. San Francisco 49ers (13-3): Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech

Hill helped himself more than any other player at the combine. The 49ers will be happy to take him as their new deep threat.

31. New England Patriots (13-3): Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

The Pats managed to make it to the Super Bowl despite their struggles against the pass. Dennard will be a big improvement in the defensive backfield.

32. New York Giants (9-7): Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson

Tight end Jake Ballard's 2012 season is very much in doubt, so the Super Bowl Champion Giants would be well served to take a look at Allen.