2012 NFL Mock Draft: Analyzing the Best Defensive Late-Round Non-BCS School Gems

As is the case with all NFL draft prospects: We won't know exactly how legit all of them are until the pads get put on when a new season kicks off.

This allows for the non-BCS school talents, even in the later rounds, to have opportunities at making an impact in the pros. To that end, here are a few expected late-round defenders from non-AQ schools that warrant consideration.

Scott Solomon: DE, Rice

A strong and consistent performer at Rice through four legit seasons (missed 2010 due to injury), Scott Solomon recorded 24 sacks, 207 tackles and forced four fumbles during his career.

Each year, Solomon improved and displayed constant quickness and the occasional ability to split double-teams in getting to the quarterback. Slightly undersized at 6'3", 260 pounds, Solomon has brute strength, excellent hand techniques and just an attitude about playing defense.

He's the perfect fit in a 3-4 defensive front and playing the pass-rush outside linebacker. Solomon can beat tackles at the snap and has the wherewithal to react against play-action, screens, draws and tosses to his side.

He does need to expand the repertoire at making moves and getting to the ball-carrier, but that will develop with more experience.

Kelcie McCray: SS, Arkansas State

A solid three-year contributor at Arkansas State, Kelcie McCray defended 19 passes (10 of which were picks) and made 207 tackles during that span.

He has good field awareness and ball skills, as he averaged 12 yards per interception return. Perhaps McCray's best attribute, though, is his 6'2", 202-pound frame that allows a defense to roll him into the box.

There, McCray can single up on a running back, No. 2 or slot receiver and play press coverage. That's also the best bet for McCray, because he does need to improve at play recognition and adjusting to the offense before the snap.

Still, with the right system, McCray's innate coverage skills will benefit in a Cover 2 or Cover 3 look. Expect him to contribute as a dime back in long down-and-distance situations, if anything, as a rookie.

Adrian Robinson: LB/DE, Temple

At 6'1", 237 pounds, Adrian Robinson as the size and athleticism combo to play anywhere in the front seven. While at Temple, Robinson began as a linebacker, recording 12 sacks, 46 tackles and forcing five fumbles as a sophomore.

Moving to the trenches as a junior, Robinson added 10 sacks, 90 tackles and forced three more fumbles combined during 2010 and 2011.

It's obvious that Robinson was more comfortable and productive on an average basis as a linebacker, but his versatility to set the edge on the line is appealing to franchises. Robinson is also a very disciplined player and reads his keys to a T.

Provided that he can develop more against the pass, Robinson will become a more complete 4-3 'backer. However, he certainly has the instincts to play in the 3-4 or 1-5-5 front, so just be aware that Robinson's dynamics aren't going unnoticed.

2012 First-Round NFL Mock Draft

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB (Stanford)	17. Cincinnati Bengals (From OAK): Janoris Jenkins, CB (Northern 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: Stephon Gilmore, CB (South Carolina)
4. Cleveland Browns: Justin Blackmon, WR (Oklahoma State)	20. Tennessee Titans: Dontari Poe, DT (Memphis)
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Trent Richardson, RB (Alabama)	21. Cincinnati Bengals: Cordy Glenn, OG (Georgia)
6. St. Louis Rams (From WAS): Morris Claiborne, CB (LSU)	22. Cleveland Browns (From ATL): Courtney Upshaw, LB (Alabama)
7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Riley Reiff, OT (Iowa)	23. Detroit Lions: Zach Brown, LB (North Carolina)
8. Miami Dolphins: David DeCastro, OG (Stanford)	24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Adams, OT (Ohio State)
9. Carolina Panthers: Melvin Ingram, LB (South Carolina)	25. Denver Broncos: Fletcher Cox, DT (Mississippi State)
10. Buffalo Bills: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB (Alabama)	26. Houston Texans: Kendall Wright, WR (Baylor)
11. Kansas City Chiefs: Michael Brockers, DT (LSU)	27. New England Patriots (From NO): Whitney Mercilus, DE (Illinois)
12. Seattle Seahawks: Devon Still, DT (Penn State)	28. Green Bay Packers: Nick Perry, DE (USC)
13. Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Martin, OT (Stanford)	29. Baltimore Ravens: Dont'a Hightower, LB (Alabama)
14. Dallas Cowboys: Quinton Coples, DE (North Carolina)	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 Floyd, WR (Notre Dame)	32. New York Giants: Dwayne Allen, TE (Clemson)

John Rozum on Twitter.