2012 NFL Mock Draft: Analyzing Marcus Forston and DTs with the Most to Prove

When it comes to having a defense that can really dominate on a consistent basis, look at the defensive line—more specifically, the defensive tackles.

Just like how the offensive linemen are the most important unit to any offense, the defensive line plays the same role on the dark side.

As for the interior linemen, not much credit is given for run stuffs and drawing double-teams as it is for sacks, tackles and passes defended. There's plenty of talent in the 2012 NFL draft at defensive tackle. However, some still have a lot to prove.

So, let's check 'em out.

DaJohn Harris, USC

Despite having a strong showing at the East-West Shrine Game back in January, USC's DaJohn Harris still has a lot of work to totally impress scouts.

For one, he saw limited production with just 22 tackles and 1.5 sacks a senior. As a junior, Harris recorded 35 tackles and 3.5 sacks, which is way better considering that he played in just one more game that season.

It's the inconsistency that really put a damper on Harris's draft value, which also showed in regards to his attributes. When playing with sound technique, Harris has proven to be quick, strong and disciplined.

However, he's lacked in maintaining a good base, ball awareness and on multiple occasions will take himself out of position to make a play. With a lot of raw talent to provide, Harris needs to buff out the rough spots.

Otherwise he'll likely be nothing more than a career backup.

Marcus Forston, Miami (Fla.)

When healthy, Miami's Marcus Forston was a reliable defender in the trenches for the Hurricanes.

In his two most productive seasons (2008, 2010), Forston recorded 55 tackles, six sacks and had 16.5 tackles for loss.

Unfortunately, Forston never reached his potential in college and played in just six total games between the 2009 and 2011 seasons. Deciding to forgo another college year, Forston has the athleticism to really be a solid NFL defensive tackle.

He's more agile than given credit for and has good basic skills, such as keeping a low center of gravity and using his hands to get off blocks and make plays. The downside, however, is that Forston can be easily fooled by play-action and misdirection runs.

Include his injury concerns as well as occasional getting beat at the snap and being a consistently reliable run defender will reduce his appeal. So, unless Forston can prove his durability and play recognition skills, he'll rarely see the field, even in short-yardage situations.

Josh Chapman, Alabama

One of the biggest knocks we can take from Alabama's Josh Chapman is that he played on a defense surrounded by first-round talent.

Which is true, as the Crimson Tide could have as many as four defenders taken in Round 1 this April. Chapman, on the other hand, is considered a fifth-rounder and will either be a big steal late or just your average NFL defensive tackle.

While playing for coach Nick Saban, Chapman recorded 88 tackles, 2.5 sacks and had 16 tackles for loss. Obviously, his numbers are going to be down, courtesy of the Tide's linebackers Dont'a Hightower and Courtney Upshaw.

Still, Chapman does need to work at exploding quicker off the snap to apply more interior pressure. If anything, Chapman has brute strength that will benefit him in the pros, but his inability to control a gap will create running lanes.

Because of his solid foundation and strength, though, Chapman can draw double-teams in short-yard situations. Provided that he develops more initial quickness and lateral agility, he will then see more playing time.

Hebron Fangupo, BYU

This is a guy who has moved on more than one occasion, but has yet to really get himself in position to showcase the skill set.

Beginning at the junior college level in 2007 and 2008, BYU's Hebron Fangupo transferred to USC in 2009. With the Trojans, Fangupo dealt with injuries on more than one occasion, which put a damper on his college career in Southern California.

There, Fangupo recorded just six tackles and didn't even play a full season worth of games between two years. Needing to prove his durability and talent, Fangupo spent the 2011 campaign with BYU, where he collected 26 tackles, six tackles for loss and three quarterback hurries.

Certainly providing some closure to his college days, Fangupo is an expected late fourth-rounder despite all his health flags.

Fangupo's play-recognition instincts are quite impressive despite his lack of playing experience and he also possesses great body control. In the NFL, though, that alone won't fly.

Without improved explosion, lateral quickness and durability, Fangupo will rarely see the field. In other words, he must prove the ability to control both A-gaps, provide a more consistent pass rush from the inside and remain consistently healthy.

2012 First-Round NFL Mock Draft

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB (Stanford)	17. Cincinnati Bengals (From OAK): Trent Richardson, RB (Alabama)
2. Washington Redskins: (From STL): Robert Griffin III, QB (Baylor)	18. San Diego Chargers: Alshon Jeffery, WR (South Carolina)
3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT (USC)	19. Chicago Bears: Dwayne Allen, TE (Clemson)
4. Cleveland Browns: Justin Blackmon, WR (Oklahoma State)	20. Tennessee Titans: Kendall Wright, WR (Baylor)
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne, CB (LSU)	21. Cincinnati Bengals: Cordy Glenn, OG (Georgia)
6. St. Louis Rams (From WAS): Riley Reiff, OT (Iowa)	22. Cleveland Browns (From ATL): Courtney Upshaw, LB (Alabama)
7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Michael Floyd, WR (Notre Dame)	23. Detroit Lions: Quinton Coples, DE (North Carolina)
8. Miami Dolphins: David DeCastro, G (Stanford)	24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Adams, OT (Ohio State)
9. Carolina Panthers: Nick Perry, DE (USC)	25. Denver Broncos: Stephon Gilmore, CB (South Carolina)
10. Buffalo Bills: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB (Alabama)	26. Houston Texans: Dontari Poe, DT (Memphis)
11. Kansas City Chiefs: Melvin Ingram, LB (South Carolina)	27. New England Patriots (From NO): Whitney Mercilus, DE (Illinois)
12. Seattle Seahawks: Devon Still, DT (Penn State)	28. Green Bay Packers: Zach Brown, LB (North Carolina)
13. Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Martin, OT (Stanford)	29. Baltimore Ravens: Dont'a Hightower, LB (Alabama)
14. Dallas Cowboys: Janoris Jenkins, CB (Northern Alabama)	30. San Francisco 49ers: Mark Barron, S (Alabama)
15. Philadelphia Eagles: Luke Kuechly, LB (Boston College)	31. New England Patriots: Jerel Worthy, DT (Michigan State)
16. New York Jets: Michael Brockers, DT (LSU)	32. New York Giants: Coby Fleener, TE (Stanford)

John Rozum on Twitter.