2012 NFL Mock Draft: Which Defensive Stars Will Have Biggest Impact?
We're getting closer and closer to the 2012 NFL draft, and that means it's time to really start narrowing down the first-rounders.
There are plenty of defensive prospects this season that figure to make a major impact in the NFL, and one of them plays for the No. 1 LSU Tigers.
Here are three defensive stars who will have the biggest impact in the NFL.
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3. Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina
North Carolina's Zach Brown may go before Melvin Ingram in the draft, but in terms of game-changing ability, I'd give that to Ingram.
Brown is a good all-around linebacker, which means he can help out in multiple areas, but Ingram is a better pass-rusher, racking up 8.5 sacks and 12 tackles for a loss this season.
He's quick, strong, explosive and athletic, which likely means he will be a handful in the NFL for years to come.
2. Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State
Vontaze Burfict has strength, vision and a mean streak, and he's been one of the most intimidating defensive players in college football this season.
He's a cant-miss middle linebacker prospect and he's not going to make a lot of friends in the NFL...that's a good thing.
When this guy is coming at you with a full head of steam, he can do some damage.
1. Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU
Morris Claiborne is not only a top cover cornerback, he has the height and strength to muscle the bigger receivers.
This season, he's been a big part of LSU's vaunted defense, and a main reason why the Tigers are going to the BCS Championship Game.
Some are even calling Claiborne a better prospect than former Tiger, and current Arizona Cardinal, Patrick Peterson was.
| 1. | Indianapolis Colts (1-13) | Andrew Luck, QB |
| 2. | St. Louis Rams (2-12) | Justin Blackmon, WR |
| 3. | Minnesota Vikings (2-12) | Matt Kalil, OT |
| 4. | Jacksonville Jaguars (4-10) | Alshon Jeffery, WR |
| 5. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-10) | Morris Claiborne, CB |
| 6. | Cleveland Browns (4-10) | Trent Richardson, RB |
| 7. | Buffalo Bills (5-9) | Vontaze Burfict, LB |
| 8. | Miami Dolphins (5-9) | Robert Griffin III, QB |
| 9. | Washington Redskins (5-9) | Matt Barkley, QB |
| 10. | Carolina Panthers (5-9) | Zach Brown , LB |
| 11. | Philadelphia Eagles (6-8) | Michael Floyd, WR |
| 12. | Kansas City Chiefs (6-8) | Riley Reiff, OT |
| 13. | Seattle Seahawks (7-7) | Landry Jones, QB |
| 14. | San Diego Chargers (7-7) | Jonathan Martin , OT |
| 15. | Arizona Cardinals (7-7) | Cordy Glenn, G/T |
| 16. | Tennessee Titans (7-7) | Melvin Ingram, DE |
| 17. | Cincinnati Bengals (via OAK) (7-7) | Lamar Miller, RB |
| 18. | Chicago Bears (7-7) | Mike Adams, OT |
| 19. | Cincinnati Bengals (8-6) | Dre Kirkpatrick, CB |
| 20. | New York Giants (7-7) | David DeCastro, G |
| 21. | Detroit Lions (9-5) | Stephon Gilmore, CB |
| 22. | New York Jets (8-6) | Quinton Coples, DE |
| 23. | Denver Broncos (8-6) | Devon Still, DT |
| 24. | Dallas Cowboys (8-6) | Alfonzo Dennard, CB |
| 25. | Houston Texans (10-4) | Dontari Poe, NT |
| 26. | Pittsburgh Steelers (10-4) | Luke Kuechly, LB |
| 27. | Cleveland Browns (via ATL) (9-5) | Kendall Wright, WR |
| 28. | New England (via NO 11-3) | Jared Crick , DE |
| 29. | Baltimore Ravens (10-4) | Dont'a Hightower, LB |
| 30. | San Francisco 49ers (11-3) | Nick Toon, WR |
| 31. | New England Patriots (11-3) | Peter Konz, C |
| 32. | Green Bay Packers (13-1) | Courtney Upshaw, DE/LB |
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