2012 NFL Mock Draft: 3 Teams That Must Take a QB in First Round

The Indianapolis Colts' latest front office moves scream of complete overhaul. With a new GM comes a new coach. With a new coach typically comes a new quarterback.

When Peyton Manning is the quarterback who is potentially being replaced, the new GM and coach better be damn sure he can play football.

Fortunately for the Colts, they have the opportunity to land the best and most complete quarterback prospect in quite some time.

It is, in fact, safe to say that they must draft Andrew Luck or trade away the pick entirely.

This Colts team is not the only one that needs a signal caller, but there are only three worth taking in the first round.

Here is a look at the latest mock update with an emphasis on which teams need quarterbacks.

1. Indianapolis Colts (2-14): Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

Things are changing quickly in Indianapolis, and with change comes a new face of the franchise.

Owner Jim Irsay and new GM Ryan Grigson have to decide whether or not to part ways with Peyton Manning. Unless they trade this pick away for more picks and pieces to chase one more title with Manning, they must draft Andrew Luck.

The Stanford quarterback is ready to contribute immediately if needed and will eventually be one of the best in this league.

2. $$ Cleveland Browns (2-14): Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

-- TRADE --

The Browns tried and tried with Colt McCoy, but ultimately, their need for a quarterback will be too great to ignore.

With Mike Holmgren around, they are certainly a threat to get after Matt Flynn of the Packers in free agency, but they also have two first round picks to work with and a huge popularity boost to gain from the addition of Heisman winner Robert Griffin III.

The Rams, who originally sat at No. 2, have little need for the pick and benefit greatly from dropping down a few spots. They're likely to target Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon and will likely receive calls from a number of teams regarding the No. 2 pick.

Cleveland's No. 4 slot all but assures them a crack at Blackmon. Should they deal with the Washington Redskins at No. 6, the Rams run the risk of losing Blackmon to the Bucs at No. 5 and then they're back where they were last year with no receiver worth reaching for at No. 6.

The Browns know that RG3 is a work in progress, but he can still make plays with his legs and arms when things get out of control that McCoy simply isn't capable of making.

3. Minnesota Vikings (3-13): Matt Kalil, OT, USC

The Vikes have big needs on the offensive line and in the defensive secondary. A tough choice between Kalil and Morris Claiborne ends with them protecting their quarterback and helping their franchise running back.

4. $$ St. Louis Rams (4-12): Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

-- TRADE -- 

By way of trade, the Rams land the player they need most in Justin Blackmon. The draft's top receiver is simply a playmaker and will be Sam Bradford's best friend.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12): Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

The Bucs have a tough decision here between Claiborne and running back Trent Richardson. As good as the Bama back is, shutdown cornerbacks are much more difficult to come by, and they have a huge need at the position.

6. Washington Redskins (5-11): Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M

After losing out on the RG3 sweepstakes, Washington is going to be forced into a tight corner, assuming they didn't already hit the free agent/trade market.

Big-spending owner Daniel Snyder is a definite threat to get involved for Matt Flynn and, should he find the open market, Peyton Manning. Should he not land either one of them and miss out on RG3, coach Mike Shanahan will have a very difficult decision to make.

This team desperately needs a quarterback, though, and it is without a doubt their biggest need.

Tannehill is an extremely intriguing prospect whose size and athleticism have excited a lot of people. Unfortunately, he suffered an injury and won't be able to workout until at least the scouting combine or possibly later.

This is a complete and total reach at No. 6, but the Redskins could opt to select him here or trade down. Another team is going to get involved with him at some point in the first round even if he doesn't carry a first round grade.

The Redskins have to find a way to get a new quarterback, and the way things fall in this scenario makes this their best bet.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11): Quinton Coples, DE/DT, UNC

The Jags are no stranger to reaching, and one of the more physically intriguing prospects of this draft is Coples. He could slide down the board, but the Jags (or Bills) are optimal choices to snag him in the top 10.

8. Carolina Panthers (6-10)*: Devon Still, DT, Penn State

This team could opt to land a playmaker for Cam Newton if available, but they're also run by a defensive-minded coach who needs to stop the run. Still is the draft's top defensive lineman available.

9. Miami Dolphins (6-10)*: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

The Miami Dolphins do need a quarterback, but in this scenario, there isn't one worth drafting.

If the Redskins don't get after Tannehill, he would then become an option for this ball club, but they could also get themselves involved for someone like Matt Flynn.

Should they be faced with making a decision not involving a QB, it would come down to an offensive tackle opposite Jake Long or a pass rusher opposite Cameron Wake.

10. Buffalo Bills (6-10): Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama

The Bills could be interested in a quarterback and have a clause that gets them out of the Ryan Fitzpatrick contract, but there isn't anything to see here that makes that likely.

Courtney Upshaw is the best available pass rusher, though.

11. Seattle Seahawks (7-9)*: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Will the Seahawks really continue with Tarvaris Jackson under center? They'll have to if they aren't presented with a better option.

Fortunately for them, they can give him the draft's best running back in Trent Richardson, who fell out of the top 10 from the trade fallout. 

12. Kansas City Chiefs (7-9)*: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

The Chiefs are likely going to keep riding with Matt Cassel, but could've seriously considered a quarterback had they lost a few more games. Instead, they'll work on protecting the overpaid signal caller.

13. Arizona Cardinals (8-8): Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

Best available defensive player can help the Cardinals rid themselves of Stewart Bradley.

14. Dallas Cowboys (8-7): David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

The draft's best interior lineman is a perfect for a Cowboys team that was inconsistent in their run game and also let Tony Romo have it too many times.

15. Philadelphia Eagles (8-8): Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

There is certainly a case to be made for the Eagles exploring another option at quarterback sooner or later, but for now, they're stuck with $100 million man. Floyd is the draft's No. 2 receiver and the big-bodied target the Eagles lack.

16. New York Jets (8-8): Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina

Another team that could certainly entertain the idea of a new quarterback, Jets coach Rex Ryan needs more of a legitimate pass rush without having to send the house. Ingram can help them do that.

17. Cincinnati Bengals (via OAK 8-8): Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

The Bengals may opt to stay away from the recently-arrested Kirkpatrick, but history suggests they have trouble avoiding troubled talent.

18. San Diego Chargers (8-8): Nick Perry, DE/OLB, USC

Perry is an intriguing pass rusher with potential to rise up the board. The Chargers have yet to find that genuine force off the edge for too many years now.

19. Chicago Bears (8-8): Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

Chicago had to mess with their o-line far too often and can bring some stability to the interior with the massive center from Wisconsin.

20. Tennessee Titans (9-7): Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

This is a bit of reach pick, but where I think Brockers maxes out in terms rising up the draft board. If coached right, he could be a steal, though.

21. Cincinnati Bengals (9-7): Lamar Miller, RB, Miami

Things in Cincy are turning around, and all they need is a top-notch running back to give them their own version of the Colts' old "triplettes." Miller is a speedy, all-purpose back who could be damn good.

22. Cleveland Browns (via ATL 10-6): Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

This pick could very well belong to the Rams, in which case it is unlikely they'll take another receiver. If the Browns somehow hold on to the pick, Jeffery would be an ideal potential No. 1. That is assuming he takes his career seriously and develops his great physical gifts.

If it is the Rams picking look for them to bolster their o-line or secondary.

23. Detroit Lions (10-6): Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

The Lions could go cornerback or d-line here. Either way, it will be someone who helps defense. Dennard is a solid all-around cornerback who can play immediately.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4): Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia

The massive Bulldog lineman can play guard or tackle. The Steelers consistently need help up front, and he can do it at as many as three positions.

25. Denver Broncos (8-8): Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State

Cox is a super-versatile d-lineman with impressive agility for a man almost 6'4", 295 pounds. He'll help the Broncos immediately.

26. Houston Texans (10-6): Mark Barron, S, Alabama

There is a good chance Mark Barron goes higher than this, but should he fall, he won't get past the Texans.

27. New England Patriots (via NO 13-3): Andre Branch, DE, Clemson

Although the Pats are still going strong, they desperately need help on the defensive side of the ball. Branch is one of the best players on the board and can help them with his size pass rush skills.

28. Green Bay Packers (15-1): Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State

Green Bay will take best available player and it may not be Worthy by the time the draft rolls around. He flashes brilliance, but will need a kick in the rear end to keep it going.

29. New York Giants (9-7): Zach Brown, OLB, UNC

The Giants can't go wrong with adding a super athlete at linebacker that allows them to shift Michael Boley inside for the next few years. Brown does exactly that with great speed for the position.

30. Baltimore Ravens (12-4): Vontaze Burfict, LB, ASU

The freak athlete from Arizona State is A maniac, but has a ton of potential. He can learn from Ray Lewis before taking over.

31. San Francisco 49ers (13-3): Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

A more consistent deep threat with the potential to develop into an elite receiver cannot hurt the Niners one bit.

32. New England Patriots (13-3): Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

The 6'2", 215-pound Sanu is simply too talented and too promising to fall out of the first round.

*Order determined by coin flip at NFL Scouting Combine

$$Potential Trade

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