NFL Mock Draft 2012: Ideal Pick for Every Team

Now that a majority of the first-round order has been set, it makes perfect sense to come up with my second mock draft of the season. You will see a few changes from my initial version a couple weeks ago, while others remain the same. 

Of course, we are extremely early in the process. Some players have not declared for the draft just yet, while others surprised a great deal by returning to college. Further, he NFL Scouting Combine, Senior Bowl and Pro Days have yet to take place. 

Still, we should have a pretty good idea what teams will be looking for, and the players scouts expect to top the heap. 

This particular mock will take into account playoff seeding. So, the final four picks of the first round will be the teams with first-round byes...and so forth. 

Note: My next mock draft will include Round 2 selections...stay tuned. 

1. Indianapolis Colts

Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford 

The departure of Bill Polian from the Indianapolis Colts front office might shake things up a little here. I have a strong feeling that he didn't see eye-to-eye with Jim Irsay on the future of the team.

Considering Polian is known for selecting franchise quarterbacks, there might be an underlying belief within the Colts ownership group they should go another direction in the 2012 NFL Draft. 

Of course, that is pure speculation. 

The Colts would be dumb to pass up on one of the most exceptional quarterback prospects in recent history. Andrew Luck can make every throw, has tremendous poise in the backfield, and is as intelligent as they come. 

In short, he is the perfect pro prospect. 

2. St.Louis Rams

Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State 

The Fiesta Bowl affirmed my opinion that the St. Louis Rams will look for the all-everything wide receiver from Oklahoma State.

While Blackmon may struggle against bump-and-run coverage at the next level, he is a legitimate Calvin Johnson-type prospect. 

Some mocks have the Rams going offensive tackle here (Matt Kalil), but I just don't see that.

The recent firings of Bill Devaney and and Steve Spagnuolo indicate that the Rams are going to move in a new direction, but that direction should be with Sam Bradford at quarterback. 

If so, they are going to have to get a playmaker on the outside for the struggling QB. Blackmon would come in and immediately be the Rams' No. 1 wide receiver and a top red-zone threat.

Pretty much a no-brainer if you ask me. 

3. Minnesota Vikings

Morris Claiborne, CB, Louisiana State 

I am mixing it up a little bit with this pick. The Minnesota Vikings do need an offensive tackle to help protect Christian Ponder, as Charlie Johnson just didn't get it done this season.

They can also use a wide receiver on the outside but with Blackmon gone there is no value here at wideout.

Offensive line is incredibly deep in this draft, and Minnesota could find a solid one in the second round. 

The drop-off from Morris Claiborne to other corners in this draft is steep, so I look for the Vikings to go both value and need at No. 3.

4. Cleveland Browns

Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

Pat Shurmur will not commit to Colt McCoy next season. And for good reason.

The former Texas Longhorns star has struggled to maintain any resemblance of being more than a pedestrian starter at this level. The Browns offense has been adversely affected by McCoy's lack of arm strength. 

Now, I do understand Cleveland has a ton of needs on the offensive side of the ball, but I believe they will look to build from the ground up, and that starts with Robert Griffin III. 

He might be a year away from starting, but RGIII possesses every single skill you look for in an elite quarterback.

He has the arm strength to make every throw, has the touch to get the ball between defenders, and the pocket awareness to recognize defensive schemes. 

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

LeGarrette Blount can be a solid running back in the NFL but he doesn't have what I see in Trent Richardson.

That is the ability to dominate the trenches in the run game and not just break tackles in between the hashes, but take it the distance on any given play. 

With Raheem Morris out, the new coach might look to add another dimension to the offense. Richardson will bring that. 

This despite the fact that Tampa Bay needs a tremendous amount of help on the defensive side of the ball. 

6. Washington Redskins

Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma

I seriously considered going with Michael Floyd here but couldn't see any value other than need in that pick for the Washington Redskins. 

While the same may ring truhttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/1012264-landry-jones-oklahoma-announces-qb-e with the selection of Landry Jones—who I have as the No. 20 overall draft prospect—the Redskins are desperate for a quarterback of the future. 

There are a lot of things in Jones' game that really bothers me. He tends to struggle in the pocket under pressure, doesn't look past his initial read too much, and throws the ball into tight windows far too often. 

Still, he has the talent it takes to be a good quarterback at the next level. Look for Washington to try to trade out of this slot if the draft plays out like I have indicated. After all, there are a ton of talented offensive linemen available. 

If they are forced to select here, Washington will go with Jones. 

Update: Oklahoma has announced Jones will be returning for his senior season.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars

Dre' Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

Even with Matt Kalil and Jonathan Martin on the board here, I think the Jaguars will go with need instead of best player available.

While they could use an upgrade at right tackle, it seems relatively early to pick a player there. Additionally, David DeCastro would fill a void, but selecting a guard at seven doesn't make much sense either. 

Enter into the equation Dre' Kirkpatrick, who is incredibly overrated and will struggle early on in his career, but has tremendous upside.

With Rashean Mathis set to be a free agent, corner is a huge need for the Jaguars. 

8. Carolina Panthers

Devon Still, DL, Penn State

I could see the Carolina Panthers going David DeCastro here to help open up lanes in the run game and protect the talented Cam Newton, but they have huge holes to fill on defense.

I projected the Panthers to go with Jerel Worthy in my last mock, but have since moved off that for multiple reasons.

I really like the way Still plays the game and he can be a major cog in the interior of the Panthers defensive line—something they desperately need. 

9. Miami Dolphins

Matt Kalil, OT, Southern California 

No team would be happier for Landry Jones to go in the top six than the Miami Dolphins, as it would mean Matt Kalil would fall to them at nine.

Along with Jonathan Martin, he is a great OT prospect that will help solidify the Dolphins line for years to come. 

Just imagine Jake Long and Matt Kalil anchoring the Dolphins line for the next decade. Now that is scary for opposing defenses. 

Of course Miami does need help at other positions (quarterback anyone?) but it doesn't make sense to reach for a Ryan Tannehill-type of player here. 

10. Buffalo Bills

Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

Obviously the Buffalo Bills need a ton of help on defense, but I just don't see a great fit for them on defense with the 10th overall pick.

Additionally, this is a deep draft when it comes to defense, so the Bills can address those holes in later rounds. 

Enter into the equation Jonathan Martin, who gives them both value and need here. With Demetrius Bell set to be a free agent (and injury prone), they need help at OT. 

Jonathan Martin would come in and immediately become the dominant blindside blocker for Ryan Fitzpatrick from day one. He is my No. 1 rated offensive tackle prospect over Matt Kalil. 

11. Seattle Seahawks

Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

The Seattle Seahawks have a tremendously talented young football team but are missing a few "impact" players at core positions.

If Landry Jones was available here I could easily see them going quarterback, but he is off the board. 

Last season they attempted to—and pretty much succeeded—upgrading across the O-line. So the top remaining prospects on that unit are probably not of concern for Seattle. 

Quinton Coples gives them that young 4-3 defensive end that can anchor their front seven for years to come. He is an athletic beast that possesses a dominating pass-rush move and is pretty solid against the run as well. 

Chris Clemons has played well, but the rest of the Seahawks defensive end rotation leaves a lot to be desired.

Peter Carroll and Co. would be extremely happy with the value and services Coples brings.

12. Kansas City Chiefs

Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

The Kansas City Chiefs could use multiple upgrades along the offensive line.

David DeCastro is a strong option here as well because Ryan Lilja isn't getting it done at guard. But it's hard to pass up a franchise offensive tackle outside the top 10.

This is what Riley Reiff is. 

He will be able to come in and immediately dominate opposing defensive ends. While Reiff's ceiling might not be as high as Martin or Kalil, he might be the surest bet for a stable offensive tackle.

Look for the Chiefs to go with the safe pick here. 

13. Arizona Cardinals

David DeCastro, G, Stanford

The run of offensive linemen continues here with David DeCastro going to the Arizona Cardinals.

He is the best guard prospect since Mike Iupati in 2009 and might even be a better all-around prospect. 

DeCastro is great in both pass-protection and run-blocking, and has paved the way for a variety of Stanford running backs the past couple seasons. 

The Arizona Cardinals are without an impact offensive linemen and adding DeCastro will help off-set the great front sevens of Seattle and San Francisco. The Cards get both value and need here. 

14. Dallas Cowboys

Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

This is a need and high-ceiling pick here. I have no doubt that the Dallas Cowboys will go defensive back with their first-rounder, but there remains a ton of options at corner here. 

The philosophy of Jerry Jones and Co. leads me to believe they will take a chance on one of the most elite athletes in the entire draft.

Janoris Jenkins has what it takes to be a dominating corner at the next level. However, character concerns continue to haunt him.

At this point I have Dre' Kirkpatrick, Alfonzo Dennard and Jenkins with the same first-round grade. Kirkpatrick is gone, so the Cowboys go with upside at 14. 

15. Philadelphia Eagles

Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

The Philadelphia Eagles are in desperate need of someone who can actually tackle. They get their man in Luke Kuechly here. He is a tackling machine. 

While the Boston College product will not be seen in the offensive backfield too much and struggles to an extent in coverage, he plays with great speed and recognition up the middle, and would fill a huge need for the Eagles. 

16. New York Jets

Whitney Mercilus, LB, Illinois

The New York Jets need some youthful infusion on the defensive side of the ball.

Who better to get than a linebacker that plays extremely well standing up, swarms to the ball, and can get into the offensive backfield with the best of them?

I absolutely love the way Mercilus plays and think that he will be an All-Pro performer when all is said and done. It might take him a season or two to adjust to the next level, but when he does, watch out. 

17. Cincinnati Bengals

Lamar Miller, RB, Miami

Lamar Miller is one of my favorite prospects in the draft. I absolutely love his burst of speed and field awareness.

He is going to be a great back at the next level and the Bengals fill a major need moving forward. 

Cedric Benson will probably not return to the Bengals in 2012, and Cincy currently has no one to fill that void.

18. San Diego Chargers

Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

The San Diego Chargers get an absolute steal here.

Michael Floyd is a physically dominating receiver and will help Philip Rivers a great deal in the red zone—eliminating the perception that Antonio Gates is his only real target down there. 

Of course San Diego could use help along their defensive front seven and on the offensive line, but they cannot pass up on the supremely talented Floyd here. 

It also doesn't hurt that Vincent Jackson might not be back in San Diego next season. Meaning this pick would fill a huge hole. 

19. Chicago Bears

Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

Jerry Angelo avoided drafting wide receivers in the first round. The Bears' next general manager, whoever he is, won't.

They need a true No. 1 for Jay Cutler on the outside and this current corps just isn't getting it done. 

With Alshon Jeffery they get an extremely raw wide receiver with probably the most upside of any player in the entire draft. He has soft hands, gets separation at the line, and finds the ball in the air. 

It might take a season or two for the South Carolina star to become a No. 1 receiver, but it will happen. Great value at a need position here. 

20. Tennessee Titans

Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

Alfonzo Denanrd's stock drops a little after his subpar performance against the aforementioned Alshon Jeffery in Monday's Capital One Bowl.

That said, he still has everything it takes to be a shutdown corner at the next level. He is extremely good in bump-and-run, throws receivers off balance early, and spots the ball in the air. 

Tennessee needs to get younger in the defensive backfield and look to replace Cortland Finnegan. In Dennard, they get a player with tremendous upside who will come in and contribute immediately. 

21. Denver Broncos

Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina 

The Denver Broncos need to find an eventual replacement for Champ Bailey and have no one on the roster to fill that hole.

Stephon Gilmore is a big corner that can shut down opposing teams' top wideouts. He is also an exceptional return man, which will fill another hole on the Broncos roster. 

Value and need in the 20's—can't ask for much more than that. 

22. New York Giants

Barrett Jones, OL, Alabama

With a combination of impending free agents, aging veterans, and under-performing players along the unit, the New York Giants are going to have to address multiple offensive line spots over the course of the next two years or so.

While they have performed pretty damn well in 2011, it is hard to imagine this will continue.

In Barrett Jones, the Giants get the best of both worlds. A player I project to be a great tackle at the next level, but one that could also dominate inside if it doesn't work outside. Both areas of need for the Giants. 

23. Cincinnati Bengals

Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State

While I do think that there is a solid chance Burfict ends up a bust at the next level, it is hard to deny the talent that he possesses.

With the right coaching and some maturity, Burfict could easily end up being a NaVorro Bowman-type linebacker (high praise at this point). 

The Bengals simply continue to build their team with young talent. 

24. Houston Texans

Dontari Poe, NT, Memphis

I flirted with going wide receiver here to help complement Andre Johnson, and I am sure the Texans will too.

That said, they do not have a true net tackle to anchor the front of their new 3-4 defensive scheme. 

Poe might not be that well-known, but he sure can clog the middle. Which is certainly going to help the Texans' young stable of pass-rushers.

Great value and need here. 

25. Cleveland Browns

Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson 

The Cleveland Browns could go multiple different directions in this pick acquired from the Atlanta Falcons. They have holes at running back, wide receiver and linebacker. 

That said, I look for them to go with a safety valve for Robert Griffin III here.

Dwayne Allen has the soft hands of Jimmy Graham and the blocking ability of Vernon Davis. He is a great all-around tight end and will make whatever quarterback he plays with better. 

Additionally, he represents much greater value than running back or wide receiver towards the back end of the first round. 

26. Detroit Lions

Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin 

There is no doubt in my mind the Detroit Lions will address the O-line with this pick. After all, they could use upgrades at tackle, guard and center. 

This is where Peter Konz comes in play. He is by far the best center prospect and can anchor the interior of their line for the foreseeable future. 

Dominic Raiola isn't getting any younger and should be replaced relatively soon. 

27. Pittsburgh Steelers

Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

The Steelers will definitely address their offensive line in this draft, and it doesn't hurt the draft is incredibly deep at tackle.

Mike Adams will be the first senior at this position off the board—which will help him come in and start immediately. 

I love his lateral movement and pass protect ability against speed rushers on the outside. This is something the Pittsburgh Steelers desperately need. 

28. New England Patriots

Jared Crick, DL, Nebraska

Jared Crick can play both at defensive end or defensive tackle depending on the specific scheme the Patriots utilize on certain downs.

This is a type of player that a hybrid scheme defense needs. 

Crick has the ability to get to the passer and is extremely strong against the run. 

29. Baltimore Ravens

Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina

In Zach Brown the Ravens get a player that will either eventually replace Ray Lewis or play opposite Terrell Suggs. He is a multi-dimensional linebacker that translates well to both positions. 

This pick also enables the Ravens to groom Brown and allow him to gain the weight necessary to be a starter at the next level.

There is absolutely no questioning the ability of Zach Brown, and he fits Baltimore's defense to a tee. 

30. San Francisco 49ers

Courtney Upshaw, LB, Alabama

Why go linebacker when you already have the best LB unit in football? Why go linebacker when you just drafted Aldon Smith last season?

The answers are pretty simple: The San Francisco 49ers have the ability to go best player available towards the end of the first round and I have Upshaw at a mid-first grade. 

Additionally, the 49ers are attempting to build a Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers 3-4 defense. As we have seen in the past, those defenses are built in the front seven. 

Just imagine a front seven with Justin Smith, Ray McDonald, Aldon Smith, Patrick Willis, NaVorro Bowman and Upshaw. That is enough to scare the collective jockstraps off opposing offenses. 

31. New England Patriots

Mark Barron, S, Alabama

The New England Patriots get the consensus top safety and address a need position with Mark Barron here.

He is great in coverage and plays center field extremely well. More than that, the Alabama safety makes all DBs around him better. 

This is a match made in heaven for a Patriots team that needs to retool one of the worst secondaries in football.

They could look corner here as well, but expect New England to go best player available and address corner in Round 2.

32. Green Bay Packers

Nick Perry, LB, Southern California

The Green Bay Packers, like many teams selecting in the ladder half of the first round, are in the enviable position of drafting best player available. 

It just so happens that they add another great outside linebacker (and fellow former Trojan) opposite Clay Matthews.

Nick Perry has an amazing first burst, multiple pass-rushing moves, and can dominate opposing linemen with exceptional physical ability. 

Perfect match!