2012 NFL Draft: Previewing the Best Second-Round Defensive Prospects

Round 2 of the NFL draft is where a lot of underrated talent can be found. These prospects have motivation to prove they should have been a first-round selection and bring that chip on their shoulder as well.

Well, in an offense-oriented league, obviously the offensive prospects will generate more exposure. So, let's take a look at the best second-round defenders that can really upgrade a defense in 2012.

Jayron Hosley: CB, Virginia Tech

A versatile player, Virginia Tech's Jayron Hosley always finds himself around the ball. In three seasons for Frank Beamer, Hosley defended 34 total passes (32 between 2010 and 2011) and recorded 12 picks and 109 tackles.

Hosley also served as the Hokies' punt returner with 824 yards and two touchdowns, while averaging almost 13 yards per return. Albeit being undersized, Hosley has great instincts and dissects plays quickly to react in a flash.

Now, he does need to improve his fundamental techniques to learn more body control, as Hosley can be reckless at times. Nonetheless, he's a playmaker who brings attitude to a defense and will at the very least make an impact as a nickel/dime back this season.

Lavonte David: LB, Nebraska

Perhaps the most impressive aspect about Lavonte David was how big and quick of an impact he made for the Cornhuskers in 2010.

After junior college, David came on the Big 12 scene for Bo Pelini and recorded 152 tackles, six sacks and defended eight passes. And despite Nebraska's move the to Big Ten in 2011, David remained consistent with 133 tackles, 5.5 sacks, one interception and three forced fumbles.

Davis is a laterally quick defender and possesses top-of-the-line awareness to the developing play. Certainly a great fit at outside linebacker in any 4-3 or 3-4 front, David only comes in at 6'1", 233 pounds.

Therefore, with his pass defense, speed and agility, David could transition to a strong safety if he loses five-to-10 pounds. His experience at linebacker will benefit on blitzes to roll down and his instincts provide great coverage in Cover 2 or Cover 3.

Bobby Wagner: LB, Utah State

One of the most consistent players at his position, Utah State's Bobby Wagner recorded 445 tackles during his career and defended 11 total passes.

A sure tackler, Wagner added pass-rusher to his repertoire in 2011 with four sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss. Wagner relies on quick reaction skills and the ability to maintain a low center of gravity when playing up to the run.

Defending against the pass is not Wagner's strength, but he still brings solid recognition skills to adjust to developing routes over the middle and just on the outside of the seams. With four career picks and snagging one in the Senior Bowl, Wagner proved he can continue to develop in coverage.

As a 4-3 or 3-4 outside 'backer, Wagner will have to jam the tight end or slot receiver at the line to help the pass rush. Doing so also allows him to read the run faster and make plays at the line.

Georga Iloka: FS, Boise State

Boise State safety Georgia Iloka comes in at 6'4", 225 pounds and is much more agile than meets the eye.

Iloka possesses impressive body control, speed, quickness and change of direction athleticism to make plays all over the field. A consistent four-year performer, Iloka accounted for 231 tackles, seven picks, 24 defended passes and two forced fumbles.

The man can play back in a Cover 1, 2 or 3 look and also roll down for a blitzing linebacker to take a tight end, slot receiver or running back one-on-one. In the NFL, Iloka's combination of size, speed and control will provide any number of coverage uses and help the front seven against the run.

A defense can also stack him on the outside of the box as a monster back when the offense goes with multiple tight ends to blitz or take away screens and one-receiver slants.

John Rozum on Twitter.