2012 NFL Draft: Underrated Defensive Mid-Rounders with the Most Potential

In league dominated by offense, it only makes finding those defensive gems that much more important. Here, we look at projected mid-round defenders that possess the most potential to develop in the NFL.

Take current Philadelphia Eagles' defensive end Trent Cole for example. The man was a fifth-round selection, but has been selected to two Pro Bowls since his rookie year in 2005. With 68 sacks, 12 forced fumbles and 421 tackles in seven years, he was easily underrated.

To that end, let's take a look at what the 2012 NFL draft has in store for us.

Cam Johnson: DE, Virginia

Cam Johnson isn't getting as much attention as other defensive ends because his stats aren't sexy. In four years at Virginia, Johnson recorded 12 sacks, 130 tackles, 32 tackles for loss and forced three fumbles.

Certainly not dominating numbers by any means, but the Cavaliers defense had success because Johnson was able to draw the occasional double-team and keep the pressure coming in the backfield. His athleticism allows for Johnson to play a 3-4 defensive end or outside linebacker, or a true 4-3 defensive end.

He's fast at the snap, explodes through blockers and is a sure-tackler. Any defense needing an outside presence with the ability to set the edge and apply pressure, which forces turnover opportunities will take Johnson into strong consideration.

Nigel Bradham: LB, Florida State

An impressively consistent performer at Florida State, Nigel Bradham recorded 305 tackles, defended 14 passes and forced two fumbles during his tenure with the Seminoles.

Possessing great top speed, acceleration and reactionary skills, Bradham can defend the run from any linebacker position in a 4-3 or 3-4 front. He's even better at defending the pass, because Bradham's size allows him to take on tight ends but his athleticism can blanket slot receivers over the middle.

Perhaps the best fir for Bradham is a 3-4 inside linebacker or 4-3 outside linebacker. He can take on blocks and make plays inside in the 3-4 or shutdown the perimeter ground game on the outside in a 4-3 front.

As for the pass, Bradham can be used anywhere against the intermediate game; because his dynamics create mismatches favoring the defense.

Dwight Bentley: CB, Louisiana-Lafayette

It's quite easy to overlook a cornerback such as Louisiana Lafayette's Dwight Bentley, especially with all the talent from the SEC.

However, Bentley proved his consistency for the Ragin' Cajuns by collecting 232 tackles, seven picks (three of which returned for touchdowns), defending 26 passes and forcing three fumbles.

Now, Bentley is undersized at only 5'10, 182 pounds, but his field awareness skills and reaction to the ball in flight warrants stronger recognition. Bentley is a fast player that plays physical and provides solid press coverage.

He'll likely get a chance to contribute as a nickel/dime back in 2012, but if Bentley maintains his ball skills (198 interception return yards) then a move into the No. 2 corner spot is possible before the end of the season.

Aaron Henry: FS, Wisconsin

In 2011, the Wisconsin Badgers ranked No. 3 against the pass and No. 47 against the rush. Considering there are 120 FBS schools, the Badgers were stellar against the pass and slightly above average against the run.

Still, safety Aaron Henry is only an expected late-fourth/early fifth-round selection. The man has good size and impressive awareness; as evidence by his 125 tackles, six picks and 17 defended passes between the past two seasons.

Henry brings better-than-advertised speed to the position, excellent leaping ability and impressive ball skills (163 interception return yards, two taken back for touchdowns). Provided that Henry gets a little stronger, he can also contribute to strong safety, which adds marketability.

Courtesy of his instinctive play, Henry has the potential to make an immediate impact in the right system.

John Rozum on Twitter.