Defense, defense, defense. Stopping opponents hasn't been the way the New England Patriots have won the past few seasons, but it's the most glaring weakness the team needs to address in the 2012 NFL Draft.
Sports Illustrated's Andrew Perloff wrote a 2012 NFL Mock Draft during which he projected that the Patriots would make two first-round picks designed to fill two of the team's biggest holes -- pass-rushing and secondary play.
28. New England Patriots (From New Orleans Saints) -- Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina
The Patriots are never predictable, but you have to figure they'll go pretty heavy on defense in this draft. They've seemed hesitant to take a pass-rusher, but they need to improve in that area. Scouts are waiting to see how Ingram runs to see where he'll be slotted. New England could also look at Clemson DE Andre Branch here.
31. New England Patriots -- Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech
Hosley had nine interceptions in 2010, but was banged up last season and took a step back. The Pats have been using converted offensive players in their secondary; they need bodies.
Ingram had 10 sacks, 13 tackles for loss and 48 tackles during his senior season at South Carolina. He also had one of the most dominant performances of the season during a 16-13 loss against Auburn, racking up 11 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks on a single Saturday.
Hosley contributed three interceptions during his junior season at Virginia Tech, announcing after the Sugar Bowl that he would forego his senior season.
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