2012 NFL Draft: 4 Defensive Studs New York Giants Could Take at No. 32

Lost in their impressive postseason showing is the fact that the Giants' defense ranked 27th during the regular-season campaign. This could encourage Jerry Reese to address the unit with the final pick in the draft's first round.

Reese would have a clutch of intriguing prospects to choose from. Penn State behemoth Devon Sill would answer the need for an active interior run stuffer, while Alabama's Dont'a Hightower would finally solve the middle linebacker problem.

Yet other areas of Perry Fewell's defense may receive surprise attention as well. Outside linebacker could certainly be strengthened and Reese may be unable to resist adding another hybrid pass-rusher to his deep defensive front.

Here are the four best defensive studs who could fall to the G-Men at No. 32.

1. Chandler Jones, DL, Syracuse

Jones has the versatile skill set the Giants covet in their defensive linemen. He has the length, physicality and deceptive speed to operate as interior disruptor, or an open-side defensive end.

The Syracuse star is blessed with a high degree of natural athleticism. In this video, he chases down a number of screen plays from behind. Jones' first-step quickness and brute force strength allows him to consistently push the pocket.

He played a variety of techniques at the collegiate level, ranging from wide-3, wide-5 and wide-6 alignments. Jones can be guilty of jumping inside too often, but he has a nose for the ball and a knack for producing the big play.

He could provide another quality option at end, especially if Dave Tollefson departs in free agency, and could also operate as a dangerous pass-rushing tackle in certain packages.

His draft stock has risen lately, but he is still a strong candidate to be taken at the end of the first round. If Jones is available at No. 32, the G-Men may find his blend of athleticism and scheme flexibility too good to overlook.

2. Dont'a Hightower, ILB, Alabama

Grabbing Hightower with the 32nd overall pick would be a dream scenario for the Giants. The Crimson Tide standout has all the attributes to man the middle of Big Blue's defense.

Hightower is another defender whose versatility and hybrid skills will appeal to the Giants' front office. He is smart player with the ability to read the game and direct the defense.

His experience playing in Nick Saban's multiple schemes would serve him well in Fewell's complex array of fronts. At 6'2" and 265 pounds, Hightower can plug the middle and be a force against the run.

His range instincts also enable him to be an asset in underneath coverage, an area of particular weakness for the Giants linebackers.

Hightower is also a very effective blitzer and can even be a dangerous outside pass-rusher, a rarity for a middle linebacker.

Hightower would bring the level of playmaking potential Big Blue needs from the linebacker position. If he is still on the board at No. 32, the Giants simply can't overlook him.

3. Zach Brown, OLB, North Carolina

While a lot of attention has rightly been given to how the Giants will address middle linebacker, the problems at the position also extend to the outside. That makes North Carolina's Zach Brown a draft prospect worth considering.

Brown is the best 4-3 outside linebacker in this draft class. He has tremendous speed and lateral agility, and utilizes excellent instincts and timing in both zone and man coverage.

In a division featuring tight ends Jason Witten, Brent Celek and Fred Davis, along with elusive running backs LeSean McCoy and Roy Helu, Big Blue could use a linebacker as quick as Brown.

The main criticism leveled against Brown is his tackling ability, but he is tough to escape in space and can be coached to improve his technique.

Speed and fluidity are the most important attributes that a 4-3 outside linebacker must possess. Along with Jacquian Williams, drafting Brown would give the G-Men two coverage 'backers on the edge with sideline-to-sideline capability.

4. Devon Still, DT, Penn State

NFL.com's Chad Reuter has the Giants picking Still in his latest mock draft. The Penn State defensive linchpin would certainly add a lot to New York's front.

Still has the size and tenacity to be the run stuffer Big Blue needs at the heart of the defensive line. His power and first-step quickness allows Still to excel at achieving quick penetration and disrupting running plays in the backfield.

Still utilizes excellent hands technique to out-think and out-muscle interior offensive linemen. He can become the inside-pocket collapsing force the Giants need.

Youngsters Linval Jospeh and Marvin Austin have yet to prove themselves consistently and the run defense certainly missed the presence of Barry Cofield. With Rocky Bernard and Jimmy Kennedy set for free agency, grabbing Still could be a smart move for a team that loves drafting to its strengths.

Questions on Offense Can't Overshadow Holes on Defense for Big Blue

While key injuries at the running back and tight end position may well push the Giants in the direction of offense with the 32nd pick, the team can't risk ignoring its deficiencies on defense.

Granted injuries played their part in 2011, but the unit was still badly exposed too many times last season. Issues in the middle at both linebacker and defensive tackle remain.

With a solid core still in place on an offense led by the brilliant Eli Manning, the Giants might be able to justify drafting defense first for the third straight year.