2013 NFL Draft: Power Ranking the Top Defensive Playmakers

Though offensive players generally receive the majority of attention, 12 of the first 20 2012 NFL draft picks were on the defensive side of the ball. In the 2013 NFL draft, this number could go up.

There are already several sure-fire top-dollar defensive players in 2013. Some of these guys are so explosive and dominant that they can't possibly fall far.

Which of these guys are the most explosive, the most dominant? Who will lead the defensive leaderboards in 2013?

10. Manti Te'o, LB, Notre Dame

A good, complete linebacker, Manti Te'o doesn't have many glaring weaknesses. He won't really take over a game, but Te'o is a good player nonetheless.

The Notre Dame star lacks the athleticism and explosiveness to be a true playmaker, but he will create some big plays and turnovers. Primarily, though, Te'o is a run-stopper who won't make many mistakes.

A future first-round pick, Te'o is a great fit in a 3-4 defense, but could play in a 4-3 scheme. 

9. T.J. McDonald, S, USC

A fantastic athlete, T.J. McDonald has playmaker written all over him. Few safeties ofter McDonald's combination of size and athleticism.

The 6'3", 205-pounder hasn't taken full advantage of his ability yet, but he could bust out at any time. McDonald's upside is simply through the roof.

8. Eric Reid, S, LSU

At 6'2", 210 pounds, Eric Reid has fantastic size. He is a good athlete, too, and could probably play either safety position.

Reid is superb in coverage and displays great ball skills. He has the ability to rack up interceptions in the NFL, though he hasn't really done so in college.

Reid's football skills and natural ability make him an exciting talent. If he continues to develop, Reid could be a high draft pick.

7. David Amerson, CB, North Carolina State

David Amerson's problem isn't his football skills, but rather his lack of natural quickness. At safety, Amerson is a potential star. At cornerback, a potential liability.

The 6'3", 195-pounder had 13 sacks in 2011, displaying his ball-hawking ability. He could also be a weapon at safety.

However, Amerson currently plays cornerback, but he struggles to run with quicker wideouts. He has huge upside at either position, but he's risky as well. 

6. Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama

Dee Milliner is making Alabama fans forget about Dre Kirkpatrick. Milliner is a tremendous athlete with natural coverage ability.

The 195-pounder is capable of shutdown coverage, but he can also haul in interceptions and make plays. Milliner is simply a complete player at cornerback.

With five pass deflections already, Milliner has shown his ball skills. It's difficult to beat him in coverage, and if the play is close, Milliner will knock it away or even intercept it.

5. Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State

A big, physical presence, Johnathan Hankins is nearly impossible to drive off the ball. The 6'3", 325-pounder is a potential nose tackle with the ability to make plays in the backfield.

In 2011, Hankins picked up 10 tackles for loss, showing that he isn't simply an unathletic run-stopper. He can penetrate as well.

Hankins' best trait is definitely his run-stopping ability, though. He clogs up holes and generally dominates interior linemen, making him a top defensive tackle prospect. 

4. Sam Montgomery, DE, LSU

Sam Montgomery picked up nine sacks in 2011 while displaying great burst and pass-rushing ability. The 6'4", 255-pounder isn't particularly big, but has shown the always-valuable ability to get after the quarterback.

Montgomery needs to improve his pass-rush repertoire and add strength, but his upside is undeniable. There is huge playmaking ability here.

If he builds upon 2011 with a solid 2012 campaign, Montgomery could be a top-five draft pick. 

3. Barkevious Mingo, DE, LSU

At just 6'5", 240 pounds, Barkevious Mingo clearly needs to bulk up. However, he has incredible ability as a pass-rusher and could become a dominant player.

Mingo utilizes his length and lightning-fast first step to get by offensive tackles. His pass-rush moves are well-above average, though he is too frequently overpowered. 

As a complete defensive end, Mingo may be somewhat limited. Fortunately, his pass-rushing ability is more than good enough to make up for it. 

2. Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah

A 6'3", 320-pound defensive tackle, Star Lotulelei can play any interior defensive line position. He is a safe pick and a potential star.

Lotulelei utilizes great strength and excellent quickness to dominate. It's hard to even find a weakness in the Utah star's game.

Most defensive tackles aren't really playmakers, but Lotulelei is frequently in the backfield, initiating huge defensive plays. He is, without a doubt, a playmaking force. 

1. Jarvis Jones, LB, Georgia

The Von Miller comparison is unavoidable. At 6'3", 240 pounds, Jarvis Jones is a pass-rushing outside linebacker whose best fit may come in a 4-3 defense. 

However, Jones is an incredible pass-rusher, utilizing a variety of moves and unbelievable burst. He had 13 sacks in 2011, playing in Georgia's 3-4 defense.

In the NFL, Jones will be a pass-rushing demon, constantly attacking the quarterback. However, he should also be adept in coverage and at stopping the run.

Jones should, quite simply, be an absolute beast.