2012 NFL Mock Draft: Analyzing Dontari Poe and Other Non-BCS Defenders

There's obviously a lot of hype surrounding top BCS defensive prospects like South Carolina's Melvin Ingram, LSU's Morris Claiborne and USC's Nick Perry.

However, there's also some really impressive early-round defensive prospects from non-BCS schools that can make a name for themselves in the NFL.

So, here's a look (with video) of some defensive studs deserving of more props.

Dontari Poe: DT, Memphis

His strength is unmatched and his lateral agility is better than the credit he has received.

Memphis's Dontari Poe is expected to be a first-rounder, but nonetheless, he'll be no worse than an early second-rounder.

Poe has brute strength, is quick at the snap, and is rather nimble for a guy his size. At 6'4" and 245 pounds, Poe is your prototypical 3-4 or 1-5-5 nose guard.

He can plug gaps, cause piles to create traffic in the trenches, and draw double-teams to free up the linebackers.

We also can't expect a guy of Poe's size to try and make plays on the edge or outside of the offensive tackle. Poe is a between-the-tackles defender and will also provide occasional pressure on the quarterback.

However, using him in strict passing situations is highly unlikely.

In any short or medium yard range, Poe will fit any defense. His strength and acceleration are distinct advantages in gaining control of the line of scrimmage.

Vinny Curry: DE, Marshall

Another guy from the Conference USA, Marshall's Vinny Curry recorded 26.5 sacks over the past three seasons and is arguably the most raw and talented pass-rusher in the draft.

Curry is a guy who comes off and around the edge with an attitude. His combination of good size (6'4", 263 pounds) and his jolt of energy at the snap will make Curry an immediate presence in applying pressure on quarterbacks.

He's also a great run-defender, as evidenced by his 59 tackles in 2009, 94 tackles in 2010, and 77 tackles in 2011.

Curry simply knows how to find the football and when he does, there's no escape, as he's a sure tackler.

Plus, Curry forced seven fumbles in 2011, which displays ball awareness when making a play. Curry knows how to deliver a hit with his body while knocking the ball loose with his helmet or hands.

With turnovers having such a major impact on the game, Curry, much like Poe, could sneak into the first round.

Bobby Wagner: LB, Utah State

It would be really easy to discount Utah State's Bobby Wagner from being a legit early-round selection, because after all, the Aggies play in the WAC, and Wagner is a bit undersized.

That, however, is just more evidence as to why he is not, should not, and will not go past the second round in April.

For his career, Wagner collected 445 tackles, picked off four passes, and in 2011, recorded four sacks.

Perhaps Wagner's most interesting asset, though, is that if he did lose about 10 pounds or so, he would make for a solid free safety as well.

Wagner already possesses excellent play recognition and field awareness skills, while also having a knack for finding the ball. The only difference as a safety, though, would be more as a pass defender than a run defender.

Right now, the most suitable fit for Wagner would be as a middle linebacker in passing situations. There, he could mirror the running back while getting depth in coverage and playing up to screens and draws.

Arguably his best attribute, Wagner is consistent at getting off blocks or positioning himself from getting blocked to make plays.

Trumaine Johnson: CB, Montana

Coming in at 6'3", 210 pounds for a cornerback, Montana's Trumaine Johnson is a beast. Period.

With 15 interceptions, 46 defended passes, and 152 tackles between 2009 and 2011, Johnson was slated to be a mid-fourth-rounder after his senior campaign. Then came the NFL combine and his pro day, and Johnson is now a potential early second-rounder.

Even more impressive, Johnson, for his size, can maintain a low center of gravity, which allows him to change directions on a dime while not losing momentum. He has great body control, field awareness, ball skills and closing speed.

In the NFL, Johnson would also make for a dominant free or strong safety. He has the preparedness to sit back and read, or the ability to roll down (because of his size) and blanket slots, tight ends, or No. 2 receivers in man coverage.

Johnson would thrive in a 1-5-5 defense as a hybrid monsterback (linebacker, safety mix), because this positions him for blitzing off the edge and defending against the run.

All that said, expect him to contribute more as a corner, since locking down the bigger, stronger, and faster No. 1 receivers will need to be his forte.

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: Kendall Wright, WR (Baylor)
4. Cleveland Browns: Justin Blackmon, WR (Oklahoma State)	20. Tennessee Titans: Dontari Poe, DT (Memphis)
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: Fletcher Cox, DT (Mississippi State)
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: Stephen Hill, WR (Georgia Tech)
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: Dwayne Allen, TE (Clemson)

John Rozum on Twitter.