2012 NFL Draft: Ranking Ideal Landing Spots for Dre Kirkpatrick

Last season, Dre Kirkpatrick was part of the elite Alabama Crimson Tide defense that won the BCS Championship.

Now, Kirkpatrick is a potential first-round draft pick.

Cornerback is a crucial position in the NFL, especially as we enter a more pass-friendly league. A good shutdown corner can change the entire game and make the game difficult for the quarterback, no matter who it is.

Kirkpatrick is ranked below Morris Claiborne and Stephon Gilmore on draft boards, however, may just be the best one to take.

The Alabama star was coached by Nick Saban, which means he has the discipline that a player needs in the NFL.

Also, Kirkpatrick is the most physical corner in the draft. All of his hits are hard and will make a receiver think twice before going over the middle. He can play zone or man very well and is excellent at bump-and-run coverage.

The question now becomes where would the best places for Kirkpatrick to land?

Philadelphia Eagles

With the Eagles trading Asante Samuel, the Eagles may be looking for a new cornerback.

Kirkpatrick would be a perfect fit to play the slot behind Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Before the trade, those three players could not exist together as they were used to playing all the time and not playing the slot position.

Kirkpatrick will be a fresh face in the league and will not mind playing the slot. He has the physical tools and can be very reliable for the Eagles. With his hard hits, he will be a great player to use on a corner blitz.

It remains unclear whether the Eagles will go after a corner in the first round, but if they do, Kirkpatrick is the guy they need.

Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals are an upstart team ready to make another push at the AFC North division title. Led by Andy Dalton and A.J. Green on the offensive side, they seem to be ready to make that push.

However, it may be Cincinnati's aging secondary unit that holds them back.

The secondary needs to get some youth into their roster. Kirkpatrick will fit right into the Bengals' secondary and can become the starter by training camp.

Last season, the Bengals were ranked ninth in passing defense, and the addition of Kirkpatrick will only help them have a better chance of making the playoffs again.

Detroit Lions

The Lions have one of the best offenses in the league. The same can't be said about their defense.

Detroit was in the bottom third in yards and points allowed last season and need help in their secondary desperately.

Picking 23rd, Kirkpatrick may not be available for the Lions to grab, especially since the Bengals pick twice in the first round and need to improve their cornerback position, too.

However, if he's there, the Lions should not hesitate in picking Kirkpatrick.

In the NFC North, the Lions have to deal with quarterback to receiver combinations such as Aaron Rodgers to Greg Jennings and Jay Cutler to Brandon Marshall.

If the Lions want to win the NFC North and make a deep run in the playoffs, they will need to get a shutdown corner that can cover these top receivers.

Where ever Kirkpatrick does end up, that team will be grateful to land an immediate impact player on the field.