2012 NFL Mock Draft: Which Defensive Backs Are Locked in First Round?

Guys like Darrelle Revis, Joe Haden and Leon Hall are becoming more and more valuable in today's NFL. 

Offensive systems are spread out with four- and five- receiver sets becoming the norm. 

Because of the aerial explosion we've seen of late, top cornerbacks will be sought after in the 2012 NFL draft. 

These are the top guys that will garner first-round selections...

Morris Claiborne, LSU

Right now, Claiborne is the consensus top cornerback in the 2012 draft class. At 6'1'', he has the height to play with the bigger receivers in the NFL, but needs to add bulk to his 185-pound frame.

He is extremely athletic and has the top end speed to run with wideouts down the field. Although teammate Tyrann Mathieu has made the most headlines with his propensity to create the big turnover, Claiborne can do the same. He has three interceptions this season. 

A lock for the first round.

Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama

LSU and Alabama arguably boast the two best defenses in the country. Both have elite cornerbacks.

Dre Kirkpatrick has emerged has a true shut-down cornerback in his second season playing for the Crimson Tide. He's huge for his position at 6'2'' and 192 pounds, and not only does he lead his team with eight pass break-ups this season, he has forced two fumbles.

Like Claiborne, Kirkpatrick would increase his draft stock by adding weight to his frame to allow him to play bump-and-run coverage with success against the bigger more physical receivers in the NFL. 

If he decides to enter the draft next April, he'll be a first-round pick. 

Janoris Jenkins, North Alabama

Jenkins was kicked off the Florida Gators team following off-the-field issues, but his true abilities cannot be ignored.

His instincts at the corner spot are second to none and, just like seemingly every skill position player that's ever worn a Gator's helmet, he's ridiculously athletic and has track-star speed. 

Because of his problems at the U of F, it's likely this top-10 talent will drop to the middle-to-late stages of the first round. 

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