2012 NFL Draft Grades: Teams Who Wisely Grabbed Top Defensive Players

When you draft a top defensive player, and he fits what you are trying to do, you deserve applause.

Sometimes, even when a player is considered an elite prospect, he is the wrong fit for your organization. The New York Jets, for example, drafted a strong and speedy pass-rusher in Quinton Coples, but a prospect with character concerns was the last thing the Jets needed.

Here is a look at the teams who chose wisely when addressing their needs on defense.

Philadelphia Eagles, No. 12 overall: Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State

Grade: A

A run-stopper in the middle is exactly what the Eagles needed. The Eagles' lack of size in the middle was exposed in 2011, giving up 4.4 yards per carry. Fletcher Cox was generally considered the top defensive tackle in the draft. He has an excellent combination of size, speed and length, and he performed very well at the combine. Cox could be the Eagles' anchor for years to come.  

San Diego Chargers, No. 18: Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina

Grade: A

The Chargers needed to address their pass rush and may have landed the top pass-rusher in the draft—at No. 18 overall no less. Melvin Ingram is an athletic, fluid player with good strength and versatility. He should make an instant impact in San Diego.

New England Patriots, No. 21: Chandler Jones, DE, Syracuse

Grade: B+

I only give the Patriots a "B+" because Chandler Jones shouldn't have gone this high. But the fact of the matter is he was still a legit first-rounder and the Patriots needed a pass-rusher who could make a significant impact. He has good size, quickness and plays big. He also has a non-stop motor, which should make him a favorite in Boston.

Houston Texans, No. 26: Whitney Mercilus, DE/OLB, Illinois

Grade: A

Whitney Mercilus, with his pass-rushing ability, could have gone as early as the mid first round. Instead, he somehow fell all the way to No. 26 overall, and the Texans were able to find someone who could immediately help fill the loss of Mario Williams. Mercilus is incredibly athletic and quick, versatile and simply knows how to find the ball.  

Green Bay Packers, No. 28: Nick Perry, DE, USC

Grade: A

Headed into the draft, a lot of people thought the Packers were just a pass-rusher away from getting back to the Super Bowl. Nick Perry could be one of the steals of the draft. He's surprisingly fast, agile and explosive, and he recorded 10-yard split times faster than several cornerbacks at the NFL combine. If he meets his potential, the Packers could very well make it back to the Super Bowl next season.

Follow me on Twitter. We can talk about football together.