2012 NFL Mock Draft: Latest Stock Report for College Football's Top DBs

Before we get to the defensive backs, the mock draft has change. According to Rob Rang of CBS Sports, USC's Matt Kalil may return to the Trojans as opposed to entering the 2012 NFL Draft:

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"Southern California left tackle Matt Kalil is 'set to return' for his senior season according to a source close to the situation. A high-ranking NFL scout confirmed that he'd also heard Kalil was 'definitely leaning towards returning' and that the decision surprised he and his scouting peers, as well."

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That said, we can expect other top prospects such as the following four defensive backs to garner even more attention (provided that Kalil does in fact head back to school). Nonetheless, pass defenses need improving and these four studs can help.

Vikings: Morris Claiborne, LSU

Currently Minnesota ranks No. 26 in pass defense and allows over 250 yards per game through the air. Even Tim Tebow was able to shred them for 200 yards and two touchdowns, so although Timmy's improved, the Vikings clearly need help.

So, LSU's Morris Claiborne can be of service as arguably the nation's best all-around cornerback. He's got great size, is physical, and has excellent hands. As a rookie, it's going to be difficult taking away half the field, but much like Patrick Peterson is learning in Arizona, it can be done.

And that is even more imperative for Minnesota as they play Green Bay and Detroit twice a year. Turning those four games from 0-4 to even 1-3 or 2-2 makes a big difference on the final record. Also, as long as Jared Allen keeps eating quarterbacks, Claiborne will have time to get settled in.

Chiefs: Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama

With Eric Berry at safety and Brandon Flowers at cornerback in 2012, the addition of Alabama's Dre Kirkpatrick will give Kansas City one of the NFL's best secondaries.

What's also great about Dre is that he stands at 6'2", so unlike most defensive backs, Kirkpatrick will be able to match a lot of wide receivers in height. That then makes man-coverage that much easier.

He's a bit lanky, but Dre uses that to his advantage with quickness and long arms to make plays. Kirkpatrick is also good for run support on the edge, something that Kansas City does need help with as their interior is solid.

Bills: Janoris Jenkins, Northern Alabama

Definitely one of the better defensive backs in ball awareness even in man-coverage. A former Florida Gator, Jenkins was a first team All-SEC (media) in 2010, but transferred to Northern Alabama because of off the field issues.

Nonetheless, still being considered a first-round pick despite playing in NCAA Division II shows how much raw talent he has. Buffalo's defense loves to force interceptions however, Jenkins is also good at keeping the wide receiver at the line, and then reacting to help with run support.

The Bills defense needs to improve in all areas, whether zone/man coverage, tackling, and football IQ. Jenkins brings all that and some much needed swag if they want to compete with the Jets and Patriots.

Broncos: Alfonzo Dennard, Nebraska

We know at some point that Champ Bailey is going to have to retire. Both he and Brian Dawkins only have so many years left, so the Broncos need to replenish that experience with talented youth as soon as possible.

Mainly because it's better for them to have a year or two (at least) under the supervision of some savvy vets. That said, Nebraska's Alfonzo Dennard is a perfect fit for Denver's improving defense.

He plays physical like a linebacker, but is quick like any cornerback. In turn, that allows him to keep receivers from getting off the line and blanking them in single coverage. Not to mention he's great for run support, even though those opportunities are limited as Alfonzo's left on an island quite a bit.

In any event, his toughness and Big Ten attitude would bring a lot of intensity to a defense that is only getting better, which is scary.

2012 First Round NFL Mock Draft

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

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