2012 NFL Draft: Sleeper Defenders with Biggest Upside

Selecting that mid-round defensive gem in the NFL draft can really even the odds despite pro football being an offense-oriented league.

Whether it's a guy with versatility or a player who specializes in one aspect, defensive prospects will go under the radar more than offensive players.

By that token, let's take a look at defenders to hope your team considers after Round 1.

Brandon Boykin: CB, Georgia

Arguably the most versatile player in the 2012 draft, Brandon Boykin was as consistent of a performer for Georgia as any defender in the nation.

With 27 total defended passes in his final three years, Boykin also registered nine picks, two forced fumbles and 153 tackles during that span.

He possesses great top speed, is laterally quick and maintains excellent body control when changing directions. That athleticism allowed Boykin to contribute as a return man, where he accounted for over 2,600 yards and four touchdowns on kickoffs throughout his career.

In addition, Boykin gained 180 punt return yards and one touchdown, as well as 174 total offensive yards with three touchdowns in 2011.

Boykin is undoubtedly undersized and must get stronger, but his football IQ and reliability against the run will pay great dividends in the pros.

Aaron Henry: FS, Wisconsin

One of the more underrated safeties in the draft, Wisconsin's Aaron Henry accounted for 125 tackles, six picks and 17 defended passes between 2010 and 2011.

With the Big Ten being a run-oriented conference, Henry was subject to limited opportunities at defending the pass while the Badgers offense also slowed games down. Nonetheless, Henry has good size at 6'0", 208 pounds and great speed to react once the ball is in flight.

In the pros, Henry will likely begin as a Cover 3 or Cover 4 safety in strict passing situations when the strong safety rolls down to fill in for a blitzing linebacker.

As he gains more exposure to constantly defending the pass, Henry will earn more playing time in Cover 1 and Cover 2 schemes.

Cam Johnson: DE, Virginia

A solid three-year contributor for the Virginia Cavaliers, Cam Johnson recorded 12 sacks, 123 tackles (30 for loss), three forced fumbles and six defended passes from 2009 to 2011.

He's not the most intimidating presence coming off the edge, but Johnson can be quite effective against the run or pass. He possesses impressive speed and body control at the snap, but he does need to improve at changing direction faster and smoother.

Johnson possesses solid No.-2 pass-rusher potential, as he can dominate when put in one-on-one situations. Perhaps most notably, Johnson has active hands to get off blocks and make plays at the line or in his gap.

Provided that he develops more lateral athleticism, Johnson will emerge as a complete and true No. 1 pass-rusher.

Demario Davis: LB, Arkansas State

A fast and agile linebacker, Demario Davis recorded 212 tackles, seven sacks, four picks and five forced fumbles from 2009 to 2011 at Arkansas State.

Davis comes in at 6'2", 235 pounds and despite appearing undersized, he is a sure tackler and reads well against the run and pass.

The downside, however, is that Davis has the tendency to get himself out of position since he's such an aggressive playmaker.

Still, he's a great fit to play a 4-3 or 3-4 outside linebacker, and if he were to lose 10-12 pounds, moving to strong safety is possible.

With his track record of forcing turnovers, Davis has the ability to make an immediate impact in strict passing situations.

John Rozum on Twitter.