2012 NFL Mock Draft: Looking at the Draft's Best Pass Rush Prospects

The NFL and college football seasons are winding down, so let's take a quick look at some of the college game's best pass rushers who could make a difference at the NFL level.

Quinton Coples, UNC: Coples has experience playing at defensive end and tackle, which should make him an attractive prospect for teams running the 3-4 defense. 

Courtney Upshaw, Alabama: Upshaw is a pass-rushing outside linebacker in Alabama's 3-4, and he even has experience playing inside. He's a tremendous athlete for his size.

Brandon Jenkins, FSU: Jenkins plays with his hand down at Florida State, but his lanky frame and burst off the ball should allow him to transition into a stand-up linebacker in the 3-4. 

Vinny Curry, Marshall: Curry has put up big sack numbers, but his 245-pound frame will force him into a 3-4 defense as a rush linebacker. The athleticism is there for Curry to make the transition. 

Ronnell Lewis, Oklahoma: Lewis wins at the college level with quickness and leverage, but he's another guy that will likely have to make the transition to the 3-4 in the NFL because of size. 

Melvin Ingram, South Carolina: At almost 280 pounds, Ingram is big enough to play at defensive end in a 4-3 defense. 

Whitney Mercilus, Illinois: I think Mercilus might be one of the guys that really rockets up boards in the offseason. His lanky frame can still add weight, and his height makes it likely he'll stay at defensive end. He could be force at the next level.

Andre Branch, Clemson: Branch is a high-motor guy that could put on the additional weight needed to be an effective 4-3 defensive end. 

1.	Indianapolis Colts (0-11)	Andrew Luck, QB
2.	St. Louis Rams (2-9)	Justin Blackmon, WR
3.	Carolina Panthers (3-8)	Quinton Coples, DE
4.	Miami Dolphins (3-8)	Matt Barkley, QB
5.	Jacksonville Jaguars (3-8)	Michael Floyd, WR
6.	Arizona Cardinals (3-8)	Matt Kalil, OT
7.	Minnesota Vikings (2-9)	Jonathan Martin, OT
8.	Cleveland Browns (4-7)	Trent Richardson, RB
9.	Washington Redskins (4-7)	Landry Jones, QB
10.	Seattle Seahawks (4-7)	Morris Claiborne, CB
11.	Philadelphia Eagles (4-7)	Alshon Jeffery, WR
12.	San Diego Chargers (4-7)	Dre Kirkpatrick, CB
13.	Kansas City Chiefs (4-7)	Riley Reiff, OT
14.	Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-7)	Alfonzo Dennard, CB
15.	Buffalo Bills (5-6)	Robert Griffin III, QB
16.	Tennessee Titans (6-5)	Vontaze Burfict, LB
17.	Denver Broncos (6-5)	Lamar Miller, RB
18.	Chicago Bears (7-4)	Peter Konz, C
19.	Detroit Lions (7-4)	Luke Kuechly, LB
20.	New York Jets (6-5)	David DeCastro, OG
21.	New York Giants (6-5)	Zach Brown, LB
22.	Cincinnati Bengals (via OAK) (7-4)	Cordy Glenn, OG
23.	Cincinnati Bengals (7-4)	Janoris Jenkins, CB
24.	Cleveland Browns (via ATL) (7-4)	Jarvin Jones, LB
25.	Houston Texans (8-3)	Mark Barron, S
26.	Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3)	Dont'a Hightower, LB
27.	Dallas Cowboys (7-4)	Devon Still, DT
28.	New England (via NO 8-3)	Chase Minnifield, CB
29.	Baltimore Ravens (8-3)	Courtney Upshaw, DE
30.	San Francisco 49ers (9-2)	Kendall Wright, WR
31.	New England Patriots (8-3)	Mohamed Sanu, WR
32.	Green Bay Packers (11-0)	Brandon Thompson, DT