2012 NFL Draft: 10 Instant Impact Defensive Prospects

NFL teams typically use the draft to build towards the future. However, that doesn't mean they don't expect to see an early return on their investment. Each year, we see more rookies making a major impact on their football team. This year, we have seen guys like Von Miller lead his team in sacks.

Defensive players are almost expected to get early playing time, due to the different packages and rotation of players. For example, the Detroit Lions rotate nine different defensive linemen in and out of the game.

The upcoming slides break down several players who appear ready to have an instant impact. I stayed focused on the defensive side of the ball.

You can find my instant impact offensive players here.

I evaluated these prospects based on a few factors including experience, talent level and production. The prospects position also played a factor in this list. Often times, specific positions like quarterback have a longer adjustment period.

Quinton Coples, Defensive End (North Carolina)

Any defensive line prospect has a great chance to see the field early. The defensive line is one the few positions where you will see a lot of players, as part of a rotation. The popular thought is that a defensive lineman is more effective when he has fresh legs.

North Carolina's Quinton Coples is one of the top prospects in the 2012 NFL draft. He is widely considered the top defensive line prospect. Coples has the ideal build and skills to play a rush end in the 4-3 system.

During his career, Coples has flashed the ability to attack the edge and create pressure.

Coples' ability to rush the quarterback will provide him with the opportunity to earn early playing time. NFL teams are always searching for someone who can create pressure. I could see Coples making a push for a double-digit sack rookie season.

Vinny Curry, Defensive End (Marshall)

The best way to slow down an NFL offense is by getting into the backfield and creating pressure. The majority of pressure players come from the defensive end or outside linebacker positions. These players are typically the ones expected to register sacks.

Marshall's Vinny Curry is one of the nation's top pass-rushers. He possesses an excellent first step, which allows him to attack the edge. His quickness puts pressure on the offensive line, as it attempts to protect the quarterback.

Curry has the skills to lead all rookies in sacks. Even if he doesn't start, Curry will see plenty of time in passing situations.

Kendall Reyes, Defensive Tackle (Connecticut)

The impact of a defensive tackle can be felt on every play. They are asked to do multiple tasks on each and every down. Defensive tackles do not always stuff the stat sheet, but that doesn't mean they don't have a major impact.

Connecticut's Kendall Reyes has the ability to be an instant starter in the NFL. He is a versatile player, capable of playing in any system. His good size and lower-body strength help him hold at the point of attack. These skills mean he can play two-gap football. Reyes also has an explosive first step, making him a threat to penetrate the pocket.

Reyes will make an impact in both the run and passing game. He can either eat up blockers or penetrate and create havoc. Either way, Reyes will be an impact player in the NFL.

Jerel Worthy, Defensive Tackle (Michigan State)

All defenses strive to stop both the run and passing game. They are always looking for well-rounded players, capable of attacking the quarterback and holding at point of attack. These players are not easy to find, but carry a lot of value.

Michigan State's Jerel Worthy is a versatile player capable of stuffing the run and creating pressure. He has excellent size, with the ability to anchor. His strong lower half allows him to hold at the point and eat up blockers. This allows the massive defensive tackle to be an effective run-stuffer.

Worthy is not only a run-stuffer, as he can also penetrate the pocket. He uses his violent hands and quick first step to attack the ball. Worthy is capable of quickly disengaging and making a play.

Billy Winn, Defensive Tackle (Boise State)

NFL teams running a 4-3 defensive system typically like to feature a 3-technique defensive tackle. It is the job of this player to fire off the ball and penetrate. He should be able to get into the backfield and disrupt the timing of the offense. 3-techniques often register a lot of sacks and tackles for loss.

Boise State's Billy Winn is one of the top 3-technique prospects in the draft. He has a very explosive first step, which allows him to shoot the gaps. His ability to quickly locate the football makes him a threat to always make a play.

At times, Winn looks unblockable and very disruptive.

Winn is the type of player who can easily crack the opening day starting lineup. At the very least, he will be a major part of the defensive line rotation.

Brandon Thompson, Defensive Tackle (Clemson)

Last defensive tackle, I promise! In my opinion, defensive tackle is one of the most important positions on the field. They play a vital role in every aspect of the game. Often times, the team that controls the line of scrimmage wins the game.

Clemson's Brandon Thompson is the type of player capable of dictating the flow of a game. He has the ability to hold at the point of attack, slowing a team's running attack. His ability to occupy blockers while also creating a push is very disruptive. An offense will struggle to be effective if a defender is constantly in the backfield.

Thompson might not register a ton of tackles, but he allows linebackers to flow and clean up. However, he does a nice job disengaging, making him a threat to make the tackle.

Manti Te'o, Linebacker (Notre Dame)

The best way for a defender to make a noticeable impact is by making tackles. Middle linebackers are the guys expected to lead their teams in tackles. They have the opportunity to read the play and flow to the football.

The best ones are three-down players, able to hold up and make plays in coverage.

Notre Dame's Manti Te'o is a playmaker who is always around the football. He possesses great instincts, with the ability to quickly diagnose a developing play. His instincts are complemented by his athletic ability and quickness. Te'o covers a lot of ground, making plays sideline to sideline.

Te'o is a plug-and-play prospect, able to step in and start from day one.

Vontaze Burfict, Linebacker (Arizona State)

Defensive coordinators love players with attitude and a mean streak. These players are the guys you constantly see flying to the football and laying down a big hit. Often times, those big hits lead to turnovers—another important ability.

Arizona State's Vontaze Burfict has a nasty disposition, someone always looking to inflict some pain. He is a tenacious player, always in pursuit of the football. Burfict is known for his ability to deliver a big hit, with the possibility of dislodging the football.

Burfict isn't all attitude, as he has the athletic ability to match. He has an explosive first step, which allows him to react and attack. Burfict is a sideline to sideline player.

Luke Kuechly, Linebacker (Boston College)

The ability to make an early impact in the NFL has a lot to do with a player's football IQ. Having the ability to quickly pick up and understand information makes for an easier transition.

Possessing good instincts is especially important for linebackers.

Boston College's Luke Kuechly is one of the most instinctual players in college football. He possesses great knowledge of the game, quickly reading his keys and working towards the ball. Kuechly combines his knowledge with good athletic ability. He isn't an elite athlete, but is more than capable of covering sideline to sideline.

Kueckly is going to be an immediate starter, while making a push to lead his team in tackles.

Morris Claiborne, Cornerback (LSU)

Cornerbacks typically hear their name called for making a mistake. The TV announcers are quick to call out a player's name when they bit on a double move or commit pass interference.

Unfortunately, the best cornerbacks rarely hear their name mentioned.

LSU's Morris Claiborne might be the exception to the above rule. He has the ability to shut down a receiver, while also making electrifying plays. Claiborne is the type of player who, when challenged, can create a big turnover.

Claiborne plays with a ton of explosiveness, especially when he breaks on the football. He could very easily led the NFL in interceptions at some point in his career.