2012 NFL Mock Draft: Stock Watch for College Football's Best Defensive Linemen

Although 2012 won't be nearly as much of a defensive-heavy draft, that doesn't mean there aren't any stud defensive linemen. That said, here are four DLs that get drafted in Round 1.

Carolina Panthers—Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

Much of LBs Kevin Reddick and Zach Brown's success can be attributed to DE Quinton Coples taking on multiple blockers to free them up. Coples is a 6'6", 285 pound DE that runs a 4.7 second 40-yard dash and has great athleticism and acceleration.

On the year he has 4.5 sacks, 37 total tackles and one forced fumble. And if there's anyone who can help the Panthers' pass rush and run defense, Coples is the guy. Not to mention Carolina will have LB Jon Beason back in 2012.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers—Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson

Currently Tampa Bay ranks No. 29 against the rush and No. 28 against the pass. Therefore, they can use any kind of help they can get on defense. So, drafting Brandon Thompson out of Clemson will suffice.

He's a DT that gets solid pressure on the QB and is quick enough to stop the run inside the gaps. Along with the rest of the youth in Tampa Bay, Thompson will fit right into the Bucs' defensive growth and development.

New England Patriots—Cam Johnson, DE, Virginia

Besides help on the pass defense, what the the Pats really need is a solid pass rusher. It's something that's plagued them the past few seasons, but also something that Virginia's Cam Johnson can help with.

Last season Johnson had 6.5 sacks and 54 tackles; thus far in 2011 he has four sacks and 25 tackles. If Bill Belchick wants to improve his defense, a pass rusher is needed.

Green Bay Packers: Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

Perhaps the most impressive aspect about South Carolina's Melvin Ingram is that he gives a complete effort. He doesn't stop until the whistle is blown, which is proven by his three TDs in 2011.

The man has a knack for finding the football and if there's anything that can help the Packers defense, a player like Ingram would do wonders. Through eight games in 2011, Ingram has 6.5 sacks (nine in 2010) and two INTs. Put him opposite Clay Matthews and let the dominance ensue.

2012 NFL First Round Mock Draft

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB (Stan.)	17. Buffalo Bills: Janoris Jenkins, CB (N. Ala.)
2. Miami Dolphins: Landry Jones, QB (Okla.)	18. New York Jets: Riley Reiff, OT (Iowa)
3. Carolina Panthers: Quinton Coples, DE (UNC)	19. Cleveland (From ATL): Jeff Fuller, WR (Tex. A&M)
4. Arizona Cardinals: Trent Richardson, RB (Ala.)	20. Cincinnati Bengals: David DeCastro, G (Stan.)
5. Seattle Seahawks: Matt Kalil, OT (USC)	21. Detroit Lions: Kevin Reddick, LB (UNC)
6. Cleveland Browns: Vontaze Burfict, LB (ASU)	22. Cincinnati (From Oak): Jonathan Martin, OT (Stan.)
7. St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon, WR (Okla. St.)	23. Dallas Cowboys: Jarvis Jones, LB (Georgia)
8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Michael Floyd, WR (N.D.)	24. Chicago Bears: Nick Toon, WR (Wisc.)
9. Minnesota Vikings: Morris Claiborne, DB, (LSU)	25. New York Giants: Mike Adams, OT (Ohio St.)
10. Washington Redskins: Brandon Weeden, QB (Okla. St.)	26. New England Patriots: Mark Barron, S (Ala.)
11 .Philadelphia Eagles: Manti Te'o, LB (N.D.)	27. Pittsburgh Steelers: Cliff Harris, S (Oregon)
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Brandon Thompson, DT (Clem)	28. N.E. (From N.O): Cam Johnson, DE (Virginia)
13. San Diego Chargers: Courtney Upshaw, LB (Ala.)	29. Baltimore Ravens: Luke Kuechly, LB (B.C.)
14. Denver Broncos: Alfonzo Dennard, CB (Neb.)	30. San Francisco 49ers: Brandon Boykin, CB (Georgia)
15. Kansas City Chiefs: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB (Ala.)	31. Houston Texans: Jeff Fuller, WR (Tex. A&M)
16. Tennessee Titans: Alshon Jeffery, WR (So. Car.)	32. Green Bay Packers: Melvin Ingram, DE (S. Car.)

Be sure to check out John on Bleacher Report. 

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