2012 NFL Draft Projections: Where Top Linebackers Will Land Outside of Round 1

In Round 1, we can expect top linebackers such as Alabama's Courtney Upshaw, Dont'a Hightower and Luke Kuechly to get selected.

However, there remains other impressive talent at linebacker later on. Here, we look at the projected landing spots for the top non-Round 1 'backers.

(Round 2) St. Louis Rams (via WAS): Bobby Wagner, Utah State

St. Louis needs to seriously upgrade its ability to defend the run. And in the NFC West where stud running teams like San Francisco and Seattle exist, getting a guy like Utah State's Bobby Wagner will suffice.

In four years, Wagner accumulated 445 tackles (394 between 2009 and 2011) and had 11.5 tackles for a loss last season. With excellent ball-awareness and play recognition skills, Wagner will improve the Rams and immensely help Chris Long in the front seven.

Provided that he can gain some top speed and become a more effective pass-rusher, Wagner will make a big, immediate impact in 2012.

(Round 2) New York Jets: Lavonte David, Nebraska

Gang Green could use a solid outside linebacker to complement the rest of its front seven. And Nebraska's Lavonte David brings a solid skill set.

Having compiled 285 tackles (24.5 for loss), 11.5 sacks and three forced fumbles in just two seasons. David is simply on a roll. The man has top of the line intangibles, is a sure-tackler, reacts quickly and knows how to bring the pain with every hit.

In short: David is a Rex Ryan type linebacker with great coverage skills and instincts. The Jets need an outside linebacker like David, because jamming tight ends like Rob Gronkowski and Anthony Fasano at the line is imperative to slow down divisional opponents.

(Round 3) Detroit Lions: Nigel Bradham, Florida State

Nigel Bradham is one of the faster and more consistently reliable linebackers in the draft. While at Florida State, Bradham, between 2009 and 2011, recorded 276 tackles (20.5 for loss), nine sacks, three picks and 14 defended passes.

With his acceleration and football IQ, Bradham would take the Lions front seven to new heights in the pass-happy NFC North. He can blanket slot receivers, running backs and tight ends one-on-one and will fill any open lane against the run.

If anything, Bradham's aggressiveness will blow up lead-blockers and draw double-teams. Doing so, simply allows the rest of Detroit's front seven to get quarterback pressure and the secondary to have more time reading in zone coverage.

(Round 4) Carolina Panthers: Demario Davis, Arkansas State

Carolina's front seven will likely be near complete provided the Panthers select a defensive end or outside linebacker in Round 1. But, adding depth to that position is needed and Demario Davis can do just that.

Having recorded 212 tackles, seven sacks, four picks and 11 defended passes between 2009 and 2011. Davis possesses the speed and size to make an impact in strict passing situations. Also, if he were to lose about 10-12 pounds, Davis could transition to safety.

After all, the man averaged 28 yards per interception return and also forced five fumbles. He'll be ideal in a nickel or dime package and if moved to safety, simply adds to his versatility: thus, giving the Carolina defense a distinct defensive advantage in the NFC South.

John Rozum on Twitter.