2012 NFL Draft Grades: Evaluating the Best Mid-Round Defensive Improvements

Through the early rounds of the NFL draft, a team can only improve so much as most don't own multiple picks until the middle rounds. That is where we see teams hold sometimes two picks for each round, if not more, and really address areas of need.

The Buffalo Bills are a great example as they managed to get LSU corner Ron Brooks late in Round 4. And we're talking before the compensatory selections, so the Bills made a big add here because Brooks can play opposite of Stephon Gilmore in the secondary.

We'll get more in-depth about Brooks later on as he's not the only impressive mid-round defensive improvement. So, let's see who else took advantage of a mid-round opportunity to upgrade the defense in an offensive-oriented league.

(Round 3) Minnesota Vikings: Josh Robinson, CB (Central Florida)

In 2011 the Minnesota Vikings ranked No. 26 against the pass and allowed an average of 251 pass yards per game. The Vikings also allowed an average of 28 points per game (ranked No. 31), so it's no surprise Minnesota finished 3-13.

Even worse, the Vikings play in the pass-happy NFC North where they went 0-6 last season. Well, the selection of Central Florida corner Josh Robinson was the perfect solution to improving the pass defense.

While at UCF, Robinson defended 46 passes and recorded 10 picks in just three seasons. He's solid as a perimeter run defender and has the top speed to take on No. 1 receivers in a Cover 1 or Cover 3 scheme.

Include his knack for making plays in zone coverage and it wouldn't be surprising to see Robinson contribute a little bit at safety as well.

(Round 3) Dallas Cowboys: Tyrone Crawford, DE (Boise State)

Along the defensive line but opposite of DeMarcus Ware, the Dallas Cowboys desperately needed a dominate player that could be a constant menace in the backfield.

Well, Big D got just that in Boise State's Tyrone Crawford who collected 27 tackles for loss between 2010 and 2011 for the Broncos. Possessing good size to play the 3-4 defensive end, Crawford has great acceleration and body control to beat his blocker at the snap.

Having forced four fumbles at Boise and recording 13.5 sacks, Dallas needed a complement to Ware as a pass-rusher. In 2011, the Cowboys recorded 42 total sacks but 19.5 were from Ware, so presenting two stud rushers only enhances the Dallas front seven.

With an improved secondary in Brandon Carr and rookie cornerback Morris Claiborne, Crawford will have an exceptional 2012 campaign.

(Round 4) Buffalo Bills: Ron Brooks, CB (LSU)

It wasn't surprising to see Ron Brooks fall to the back end of Round 4 as he was significantly overlooked as part of a dominant LSU secondary. For one, there was top 10 selection in Morris Claiborne (Dallas) and then 2011 Heisman Trophy finalist Tyrann Mathieu.

Still, Brooks produced well during the 2010 and 2011 seasons with 63 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 12 defended passes, three forced fumbles and more impressively; taking all three of his interceptions back for touchdowns.

He was Buffalo's second corner taken in the draft after getting South Carolina's Stephon Gilmore in Round 1. Include the Bills upgrading their front seven to a stellar level and Brooks will reap great benefits as a rookie in 2012.

A proven playmaker, Brooks will be a great nickel/dime back early in the year and then a sound complement to Gilmore at corner. Buffalo clearly wants to shutdown the Patriots for the AFC East title and enhancing the defense via the SEC is never a bad decision.

(Round 5) Atlanta Falcons: Jonathan Massaquoi, DE (Troy)

Veteran defensive end John Abraham will be 34 years old before the 2012 season begins, so Atlanta did itself a big favor by selecting Troy's Jonathan Massaquoi in Round 5 of the 2012 draft.

For two seasons at Troy, Massaquoi accounted for 18.5 sacks, 128 tackles, 31 tackles for loss and 12 quarterback hurries. If you take out Abraham's production from the Falcons, Atlanta finished with only 23.5 sacks last season.

So, getting Massaquoi immediately helps boost the rush opposite of Abraham and provides longevity at the position in regards to near future. Also, the Dirty Birds play in the pass-oriented NFC South; therefore, adding talented depth to the front four was imperative anyway.

Provided that Massaquoi can continue to improve his explosion at the snap, he'll make a quick transition into the pros. Already having solid strength to defend the run, the Falcons' upgraded secondary will allow him that little extra time to get pressure and ultimately develop throughout the season.

John Rozum on Twitter.