2012 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting Where the Top DBs Will Land

With teams like the Green Bay Packers, New England Patriots and New Orleans Saints dominating virtually any opposing pass defense, opponents need some upgrades.

That being said, the 2012 NFL Draft has quite a bit of talent in the secondary that can immediately improve those in need.

So, here are some of college football's best DBs you'll see going pro this spring.

Carolina Panthers: Morris Claiborne, LSU

Thanks to rookie QB Cam Newton, the Carolina Panthers' offense has been one of the most exciting units to watch this season.

And although the Panthers are just 5-9, because of Newton, Carolina has been in some close games despite coming up short. Well, a big reason for that is their defense and namely the pass defense.

The rush defense does rank worse, however, with teams trying to burn the clock late. That's where it suffers the most, as the pass defense get exploited early.

Therefore, LSU's Morris Claiborne can help them improve. He's a sure tackler (46), physical and is one of the better DBs in the country when we're talking awareness (six picks).

Also, his playmaking skills with the rock are arguably his best attribute (173 interception return yards). When playing teams like New Orleans and Atlanta twice a season, slowing down their passing game while also changing the field position is crucial.

Morris has the ability to start right away and be a solid complement to Chris Gamble. Add in LB Jon Beason and pass-rusher Charles Johnson, and the Panthers are one giant step closer to becoming a complete team.

Kansas City Chiefs: Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama

By drafting Alabama's Dre Kirkpatrick, the Kansas City Chiefs could arguably have the NFL's best secondary in 2012.

Despite having lost Eric Berry this season, CB Brandon Flowers and Co. have held up the fort quite well—namely because sack-master Tamba Hali (easily one of the best names of all time) doesn't allow any QB time to throw.

Insert Kirkpatrick opposite Flowers with Eric Berry behind them, and very few teams, if any, will have success throwing the ball against the Chiefs. Dre has good footwork and isn't afraid to stick his nose in for run support.

Against the bigger receivers, he has an advantage because he possesses such long arms. This allows him to not only get a good jam in press coverage, but also makes it more difficult for the receiver to get off the line quicker.

In turn, his quickness and reach make him a solid tackler and give him the luxury to catch up whenever beaten on a route. There won't be many completions against him, but if he does let one slip through, there will be very few yards after the catch.

Dallas Cowboys: Alfonzo Dennard, Nebraska

Thanks to a vulnerable pass defense, the Dallas Cowboys are once again disappointing and fighting for their playoff lives.

Had it not been for a solid front seven that includes DeMarcus Ware, Anthony Spencer, Shawn Lee and Jay Ratliff, the pass defense would be ranked worse than No. 19 (allow 235 yards per game).

The Cowboys have been able to stop the run and get good QB pressure all season, which does assist those in coverage. Unfortunately, if QB pressure is not applied, they get exposed.

Therefore, Nebraska's Alfonzo Dennard would be a great addition. Alfonzo is arguably the most physically imposing DB in the country, as his best attribute is keeping receivers at the line. On top of that, whenever he does help with run support, he always produces.

Now, he's not too well-known, as the Cornhuskers play in the Big Ten—a conference not known for big-name WRs and passing offenses. However, Alfonzo has taken away half the field every game, so that contributes quite a bit to the Big Ten not having as much success through the air.

In Dallas, Dennard would be perfect since his ability to shutdown a No. 2 WR would enable the Cowboys to double-team their opponents' No. 1 WR. Against teams like the Giants and Eagles, who spread the ball around, blanketing the No. 2 target and doubling the No. 1 guy will only give Big D an advantage.

Denver Broncos: Chase Minnifield, Virginia

Right now, despite sitting at 8-6 and atop the AFC West, the Denver Broncos can use a lot of help.

First off, they do need some WRs capable of stretching the field, but the pass defense is their weakest link.

For starters, Brian Dawkins usually plays up near the box like a monster-back anyway, so it puts guys like Champ Bailey and anyone else in man-coverage on an island. Now, Champ and Dawkins are both stud veterans, but they have to retire at some point.

And whenever that day comes, a potential CB such as Virginia's Chase Minnifield is a solid long-term replacement. Currently, Denver's defense ranks No. 20, allowing almost 240 yards per game.

Minnifield would only improve that, as he can really help their man-coverage woes on slot WRs. He's quick enough and has good enough awareness to shut down anything across the middle and is arguably better in zone coverage.

There, he could be used as a CB or safety, as his instincts are some of the best in the country. Sitting him in cover-two back deep or zoning down over a No. 2 WR will be where he's most productive.

In turn, because of the Broncos' veterans in the secondary, Minnifield will be gradually molded before becoming a full-time starter.

New England (From N.O.): Jayron Hosley, Virginia Tech

As mentioned in the intro, the New England Patriots have one of the NFL's most prolific passing offenses. Unfortunately, they also have one of the NFL's worst pass defenses.

Well, that's where Jayron Hosley of Virginia Tech comes into play. The man led the nation with nine picks as a sophomore and hasn't been tested too much in 2011 (but still has three picks and two forced fumbles).

He simply has a knack for finding the football and making tackles in the secondary. It's something the Patriots really need. Their defense may not give up too many points once backed up inside its own red zone. However, it's getting backed up that's the problem.

When opposing offenses can consistently move the ball, they will score at some point, and it's cost the Pats a few times this season. Additionally, we've seen it cost them in the postseason quite often.

That said, Hosley's ball skills and football IQ will do wonders for coach Bill Belichick. New England hasn't had a young stud DB with the potential to step up in a while (otherwise, they wouldn't have such a poor pass defense every year), and in 2012, that man is Jayron Hosley.

2012 First-Round NFL Mock Draft

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB (Stanford)	17. Chicago Bears: Nick Toon, WR (Wisconsin)
2. St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon, WR (Oklahoma State)	18. Tennessee Titans: Kendall Wright, WR (Baylor)
3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT (USC)	19. New York Giants: Jonathan Martin, OT (Stanford)
4. Jacksonville Jaguars: Alshon Jeffery, WR (South Carolina)	20. Cincinnati Bengals: Riley Reiff, OT (Iowa)
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Trent Richardson, RB (Alabama)	21. Dallas Cowboys: Alfonzo Dennard, CB (Nebraska)
6. Cleveland Browns: Michael Floyd, WR (Notre Dame)	22. New York Jets: Brandon Thompson, DE (Clemson)
7. Miami Dolphins: Matt Barkley, QB (USC)	23. Denver Broncos: Chase Minnifield, CB (UVA)
8. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin, QB (Baylor)	24. Detroit Lions: Zach Brown, LB (UNC)
9. Carolina Panthers: Morris Claiborne, CB (LSU)	25. Houston Texans: Devon Still, DT (Penn State)
10. Philadelphia Eagles: Courtney Upshaw, LB (Alabama)	26. San Francisco 49ers: Mark Barron, S (Alabama)
11. Buffalo Bills: Janoris Jenkins, CB (North Alabama)	27. Cleveland (From ATL): Vontaze Burfict, LB (ASU)
12. Kansas City Chiefs: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB (Alabama)	28. New England Patriots: Cam Johnson, DE (UVA)
13. San Diego Chargers: Luke Kuechly, LB (Boston College)	29. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Adams, OT (Ohio State)
14. Arizona Cardinals: David DeCastro, G (Stanford)	30. New England Patriots (From NO): Jayron Hosley, CB (Virginia Tech)
15. Seattle Seahawks: Quinton Coples, DE (UNC)	31. Baltimore Ravens: Dont'a Hightower, LB (Alabama)
16. Cincinnati (From OAK): Cordy Glenn, OG (UGA)	32. Green Bay Packers: Melvin Ingram, DE (South Carolina)

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