2012 NFL Mock Draft: Assessing the Top Defenders on the Board

The 2012 NFL Draft class has a ton of great prospects. There are more than a handful of defenders capable of stepping in and making an instant impact. Few of the prospects could potentially develop into perennial All-Pro selections.

We could see as many as five defenders selected inside of the top 10. It is also possible that two middle linebackers crack the top 10. The next few slides breakdown the top defenders on my draft board, followed by a full first-round mock draft.

No. 1 Morris Claiborne, Cornerback- LSU

Projected draft position: No. 6 Jacksonville Jaguars

LSU’s Morris Claiborne is a terrific athlete, who plays the game with a lot of passion. He possesses a lot of versatility, capable of playing in either man or zone coverage. His ball skills make him a threat to produce game changing interceptions.

NFL defenses need to mix up and disguise their coverages, which makes it key that players are able to fit many roles. Claiborne is the type of defender, who will allow defensive coordinators to really mix up the defensive calls.

Top ten defensive backs need to be able to change a game. Claiborne can change the game with both his coverage and ball skills. He is more than capable of locking down a team’s top target.

No. 2 Manti Te’o, Linebacker- Notre Dame

Projected draft position: No. 7 Arizona Cardinals

Notre Dame’s Manti Te’o will immediately step in and contend for the team lead in tackles. He is a tenacious player, who also possesses the necessary physical skills. Te’o is a rangy player, who can cover sideline to sideline.

One of his biggest strength’s is his ability to attack the line and hold at the point of attack. His size and strength are what allow him to employ this effective technique. Te’o is also a very instinctive player, who quickly identifies developing plays.

He has the ability to immediately improve the entire defense.

No. 3 Vontaze Burfict, Linebacker- Arizona State

Projected draft position: No. 8 Kansas City Chiefs

So much of playing good defense is about attitude and toughness. Arizona State’s Vontaze Burfict is a very intense and intimidating player. His intensity is capable of raising the level of the entire defense. This is a quality that separates him from the rest of the defensive class.

Burfict isn’t all attitude, he also possesses great physical gifts. He has the quickness to make plays all over the field, covering sideline to sideline. His size and strength allow him to hold at the point of attack and shed blocks.

A team looking to change the attitude of their defense needs to consider adding Burfict.

No. 4 Quinton Coples, Defensive End- North Carolina

Projected draft position: No. 10 Cleveland Browns

North Carolina’s Quinton Coples is the top defensive lineman in this draft class. He uses his length and quickness to attack the edge. His quick burst off the line allows him to beat the blocker to the edge and create pressure.

A defensive end capable of creating pressure is a very coveted asset. It allows defensive coordinators to drop more men in coverage, while still impacting the timing of the offense. Coples is not just a speed rusher. He also possesses the balance to employ several counter moves, including a bull rush.

All teams using a 4-3 defense will consider adding Coples. He is a complete player, who will immediately contend for a starting role.

Full 1st Round 2012 NFL Mock Draft

1. Indianapolis Colts- Andrew Luck, Quarterback- Stanford

2. St. Louis Rams- Jonathan Martin, Offensive Tackle- Stanford

3. Minnesota Vikings- Matt Kalil, Offensive Tackle- USC

4. Carolina Panthers- Justin Blackmon, Wide Receiver- Oklahoma State

5. Miami Dolphins- Matt Barkley, Quarterback- USC

6. Jacksonville Jaguars- Morris Claiborne, Cornerback- LSU

7. Arizona Cardinals- Manti Te'o, Linebacker- Notre Dame

8. Kansas City Chiefs- Vontaze Burfict, Linebacker- Arizona State

9. Washington Redskins- Robert Griffin III, Quarterback- Baylor

10. Cleveland Browns- Quinton Coples, Defensive End- North Carolina

11. San Diego Chargers- Riley Reiff, Offensive Tackle- Iowa

12. Philadelphia Eagles- Luke Kuechly, Linebacker- Boston College

13. Seattle Seahawks- Landry Jones, Quarterback- Oklahoma

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Dre Kirkpatrick, Cornerback- Alabama

15. Buffalo Bills- Zach Brown, Linebacker- North Carolina

16. Tennessee Titans- Alshon Jeffery, Wide Receiver- South Carolina

17. Denver Broncos- Trent Richardson, Running Back- Alabama

18. New York Jets- Courtney Upshaw, Linebacker- Alabama

19. New York Giants- David DeCastro, Guard- Stanford

20. Detroit Lions- Alfonzo Dennard, Cornerback- Nebraska

21. Cincinnati Bengals- Janoris Jenkins, Cornerback- North Alabama

22. Cleveland Browns (from ATL)- Michael Floyd, Wide Receiver- Notre Dame

23. Chicago Bears- Mike Adams, Offensive Tackle- Ohio State

24. Pittsburgh Steelers- Cordy Glenn, Offensive Line- Georgia

25. Cincinnati Bengals (from OAK)- Brandon Thompson, Defensive Tackle- Clemson

26. Dallas Cowboys- Melvin Ingram, Linebacker/Defensive Line- South Carolina

27. Baltimore Ravens- Mark Barron, Safety- Alabama

28. New England Patriots (from NO)- Devon Still, Defensive Tackle- Penn State

29. Houston Texans- Alameda Ta'amu, Nose Tackle- Washington

30. San Francisco 49ers- Peter Konz, Center- Wisconsin

31. New England Patriots- Ronnell Lewis, Linebacker- Oklahoma

32. Green Bay Packers- Kendall Reyes, Defensive Line- Connecticut