2012 NFL Mock Draft: Which Defensive Linesmen Will Anchor the First Round?

The NFL is a quarterback-driven, pass-happy, defensively-challenged league. 

Because of this, there's a new, extreme need for fast, physical and athletic defensive lineman that can rush the quarterback. 

You give just about any signal caller time in this league and you're looking at a 300-yard passing performance. 

The 2012 NFL draft class has a handful of defensive lineman that are ready to halt this offensive renaissance and will garner first-round selections...

Brandon Jenkins, Florida State

Jenkins is an ideal fit for any team running the 3-4 defensive alignment. 

At 6'3'', 265 he'll be utilized as a down-hill pass rusher and possesses enough bulk to hold up against the run. 

He had 13.5 sacks last season and has 3.5 this year along with 26 total tackles. 

His speed will make him a mid-first round pick. 

Quinton Coples, North Carolina

Coples is a hold-over from last year's UNC team that sent a ton of defensive prospects to the NFL. At 6'6'', 285 he has the size to play end in either the 3-4 or 4-3 and has shown the ability to make plays from that position in college, but has played on the interior as well. 

In 2010, he had 10 sacks and has 4.0 this season. 

His quick first-step is solid against the run. With more beef and polish, Coples has loads of potential. 

Jerel Worthy, Michigan State

Worthy is flying under some scout's radar's right now, but the beefy nose tackle's passion and high motor will be the reason he shoots up draft boards next spring. 

He has been extremely productive during his time at Michigan State and with the increased need for interior defensive lineman in the NFL, Worthy will be sought after.

The 6'3'', 310 pound tackle has three sacks this season and is a mainstay in his opponents backfield despite constant double teams.

A very menacing player.  

2012 NFL Mock Draft

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck	17. Tennessee Titans: Melvin Ingram
2. St. Louis Rams: Alshon Jeffery	18. Dallas Cowboys: Stephon Gilmore
3. Miami Dolphins: Landry Jones	19. Pittsburgh Steelers: Cordy Glenn
4. Kansas City Chiefs: Robert Griffin III	20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Dre Kirkpatrick
5. Denver Broncos: Trent Richardson	21. New York Giants: Janoris Jenkins
6. Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Martin	22. Washington Redskins: David DeCastro
7. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil	23. Cincinnati Bengals: Cliff Harris
8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Justin Blackmon	24. San Diego Chargers: Ronnell Lewis
9. Seattle Seahawks: Matt Barkley	25. Houston Texans: Alameda Ta'Amu
10. Carolina Panthers: Morris Claiborne	26. San Francisco 49ers: Nick Toon
11. Philadelphia Eagles: Vontaze Burfict	27. Buffalo Bills: Donte Paige-Moss
12. Cleveland Browns: Riley Reiff	28. New England Patriots: Courtney Upshaw
13. New York Jets: Jerel Worthy	29. New England Patriots: Quinton Coples
14. Cleveland Browns: Manti Te'o	30. Detroit Lions: Alphonzo Denard
15. Cincinnati Bengals: Lamar Miller	31. Baltimore Ravens: Luke Kuechly
16. Chicago Bears: Michael Floyd	32. Green Bay Packers: Brandon Jenkins