2012 NFL Mock Draft: Stock Watch for Biggest Defensive Playmakers

Every team needs defensive playmakers—that's obvious. 

Players to counter the offensive explosion we've seen at the pro level are in great need thanks to guys like Aaron Rodgers and Calvin Johnson.

These three prospects are among the best defensive playmakers in the 2012 class.  

Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

Claiborne is this year's top cornerback. He's on the best team in the country that boasts arguably the best defense. 

At 6'1'', he's got ideal height to match up with bigger receivers at the next level. However, he must add weight to his 185-pound frame to be effective against the run. 

He has four interceptions on the year and has blanketed every team's top receiver all season long. 

While Tyrann Mathieu gets the publicity for his game-breaking plays, Claiborne is a much more clean prospect. 

He possesses good recovery and is capable of playing man coverage close to the line. 

Reminds me of Eagles cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha. 

After his big game against the Crimson Tide, Claiborne's stock is rising.

Manti Te'o, LB, Notre Dame

Arizona State's Vontaze Burfict was grabbing the majority of the headlines at the start of the season. However, to me, Te'o has had a better year. 

He has 82 total tackles this season and four sacks for the Fighting Irish. 

I love Te'o's leadership skills and his instincts as a linebacker in the middle of the field. 

He isn't tremendous in one area, but he is solid in all phases of the game. 

With ideal size at 6'2'' and 255 pounds, as well as decent speed and the ability to deliver a crushing hit, Te'o should make an instant impact on Sunday's next year. 

Te'o had five tackles in Notre Dame's last game against Wake Forest, so I'd say his stock is dropping a bit. 

His game against Stanford—a team that's loaded with NFL prospects—will give us the best indication of how ready Te'o is for the next level.

Brandon Jenkins, OLB/DE, Florida State

Hybrid pass-rushers are trendy in today's NFL, with many teams switching to the 3-4 defense that is more confusing for opposing quarterbacks. 

Jenkins brings it on every down. At 6'3'' and 265 pounds, he'll fit in on the outside of any 3-4 alignment. 

He had 13.5 sacks last year and has only mustered 3.5 this season, but teams know his potential coming off the edge. 

Don't sleep on Jenkins—he could go in the late stages of the first round and make a ton of plays for a good team next season. 

Still, his stock is plummeting with his low sack number compared to 2010.

2012 NFL Mock Draft

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck	17. Cincinnati Bengals: Lamar Miller
2. Miami Dolphins: Landry Jones	18. Chicago Bears: Michael Floyd
3. St. Louis Rams: Alshon Jeffery	19. Baltimore Ravens: Luke Kuechly
4. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III	20. Cleveland Browns: Manti Te'o
5. Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Martin	21. New York Giants: Janoris Jenkins
6. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil	22. Philadelphia Eagles: Dont'a Hightower
7. Denver Broncos: Trent Richardson	23. Oakland Raiders: 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. Kansas City Chiefs: Cordy Glenn	27. Buffalo Bills: Donte Paige-Moss
12. Cleveland Browns: Vontaze Burfict	28. New England Patriots: Courtney Upshaw
13. Tennessee Titans: Melvin Ingram	29. Pittsburgh Steelers: David DeCastro
14. Dallas Cowboys: Stephon Gilmore	30. Detroit Lions: Alphonzo Denard
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Dre Kirkpatrick	31. New England Patriots: Quinton Coples
16. New York Jets: Jerel Worthy	32. Green Bay Packers: Brandon Jenkins