2012 NFL Draft Projections: Teams Who Will Load Up on Defense in Early Rounds

The following teams are all smart enough to see the obvious and they will bolster their defense in this draft. 

There are plenty of quality defensive players all through this draft. That is good news to these teams, as they desperately need the defensive help. 

Carolina Panthers

The Panthers offense vastly outperformed expectations last year. Cam Newton was light years ahead of where even his most ardent supporters expected him to be. This is a playoff-caliber offense. Now they just need some defense to go with it. 

They were 25th in yards allowed per rush and 24th in yards allowed per pass. That is not going to cut it. Their biggest weakness came along the defensive line. They didn't penetrate into the backfield to disrupt the running or passing game, and finished 25th in sacks. 

They must spend at least two of their early picks on the defensive line, while also keeping their eye out for a safety. 

Denver Broncos

Any offensive shortcomings the Broncos had just got a lot less worrisome with the addition of Peyton Manning. He is going to make every player on that offense better, and any upgrades the Broncos do make on offense should be focused on more veteran players that are ready to help right away. 

This leaves the Broncos attention to be turned to the defense. Both of their starting defensive tackles from last season are free agents. They are unlikely to bring both back and could definitely use a nice young DT in this draft. 

Denver must also address their aging secondary. Brian Dawkins' contract expired, and he is past the age where he can be depended on. Both of their starting corners last year will be 34 next season. 

New England Patriots

It was amazing that the Patriots made the Super Bowl last year. They really patched together their defense. Especially their secondary.

For much of the season they had a college QB, drafted to play WR, playing their nickel corner. 

They should try actually drafting a corner to play corner this year. They shouldn't stop there, either. It is time for New England to draft an explosive pass-rusher. Someone that is going to command double-teams and consistently wreak havoc. 

They also need to add youth in on their defensive line. A 3-4 end would be ideal. The Patriots have plenty of draft picks, and they need to use them on defense.