2012 NFL Draft: 7 Hardest Hitters Available

If there is one thing football fans love, it is hard hitters.

It's no coincidence that NFL players like Ray Lewis, Bob Sanders and Troy Polamalu have been fan favorites for years. Every fan desires a physical, dominating presence in the middle of the defense, not only for the physicality, but also for the fun.

Typically, the hardest hitters play either linebacker or safety, and it is no different in the 2012 NFL draft. The bigger question isn't what position each star plays, but whether he is from Alabama or not.

7. Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

A 6'3", 190-pound cornerback, Dre Kirkpatrick doesn't possess the bulk of the typical hard hitter. However, Kirkpatrick is incredibly physical and launches himself at ball-carriers.

Kirkpatrick's physicality is a huge part of why many think he could play cornerback, and he is strong enough to match up with tight ends.

In the open field, Kirkpatrick is difficult to pass, and he just might deliver a ball-jarring hit as well.

6. Nigel Bradham, LB, Florida State

Nigel Bradham isn't a highly touted prospect like the others, but he is a physical force nonetheless. The 6'2", 240-pounder is famous for a hit he unleashed on Ryan Perrilloux, and he hit Miami wide receiver LaRon Byrd even harder.

Bradham is an excellent athlete with a chiseled physique, but other than his athletic ability, he isn't a great football player.

However, Bradham's violent play and physical prowess will at least earn him a spot on special teams.

5. Mark Barron, S, Alabama

Though he is a pure strong safety, Mark Barron is likely a first- or second-round draft pick. At 6'2", 218 pounds, Barron is huge and can overpower the most physical of wide receivers and running backs.

Barron is nothing special in coverage, but he attacks with a reckless abandon and makes plays in run support. If it weren't for his size and hard-hitting play, Barron wouldn't be near the prospect he is.

4. Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama

The teammate of former No. 8 overall pick Rolando McClain, Dont'a Hightower is a physical beast. The 6'4", 260-pounder struggles some in space and isn't particularly fast, but he disengages from blockers and lights up opposing players.

Few linebackers fit the thumper mold more than Hightower does, and he is a perfect fit for the 3-4 defense. Hightower is a highly rated prospect only because of his size and strength, so he is certainly a hard hitter in the middle of a defense.

3. T.J. McDonald, S, USC

Though he is not as big as Taylor Mays, T.J. McDonald is just as big of a hitter as his former teammate. McDonald isn't huge at 6'3", 205 pounds, but he can pack a punch nonetheless.

The USC star occasionally suffers in coverage, but McDonald is great at attacking wide receivers. Any wideout is scared of crossing the middle with McDonald looming, and the defensive back will unleash a bone-crushing hit.

2. Ronnell Lewis, LB, Oklahoma

Though Ronnell Lewis currently plays defensive end, he is almost certain to play linebacker in the NFL. Most defensive linemen aren't well known for hard hits, but Lewis has gained a reputation for lighting up offensive players.

The 6'2", 244-pound Lewis is incredibly fast and explosive, and this only adds to his hit power. Be it a running back, quarterback, wide receiver or even an offensive lineman, Lewis can knock a player on his back with ease.

1. Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State

Of all the players to play college football in the past 10 years, Vontaze Burfict might be the most violent. At 6'3", 255 pounds, Burfict is a physical specimen with the strength to annihilate the toughest of players.

Burfict possesses the ability to kill, but more importantly, he is not afraid to get a little dirty in the process.

Opposing players are legitimately afraid of Burfict, and with good reason. The Arizona State linebacker earns multiple personal fouls a game, and boy, does he earn them.