2012 NFL Mock Draft: Which Teams Will Take Biggest Risks in Draft?

The strategies employed by teams at the 2012 NFL draft will vary as much as their respective styles of play. However, some teams need to go all out in an attempt to land that final piece for their Super Bowl run or to procure the foundation needed to start competing.

Bad draft classes lead to pink slips for coaches and general managers. Due to the volatility of player prognostication, even the most well-reasoned draft can result in those responsible looking for new jobs.

The best approach for any team is to follow its convictions and hope for the best. 

The following teams will not be afraid to make a franchise-changing play. For their sake, let's hope it isn't the pump-and-go move.

Baltimore Ravens

Ray Lewis said he is coming back for another shot at the title. Thus, the Baltimore Ravens are in a difficult position.

The Ravens can either draft for the future, or they can take the chance on a high-risk, high-reward player who may put them over the edge.

The defense is aging at every position and championship windows don't come along often. Baltimore needs to strike while the iron is hot for the above-mentioned type of player.

The Ravens took a chance on Jimmy Smith last year, which has worked out well, and they can't hold back this year.

Cleveland Browns

The NFL revolves around quarterback play. Both teams in Super Bowl XLVI have advanced through the playoffs largely due to their respective signal-callers, Tom Brady and Eli Manning.

The Cleveland Browns need to embrace that Colt McCoy's ceiling is akin to Detroit Lions backup Shaun Hill. Hill is a solid player, but not one that is going to elevate a team to the next level.

Besides Robert Griffin III and Andrew Luck, the quarterbacking prospects this year are slim. Therefore, the Browns must be bold during this year's draft. With the picks they received from the Atlanta Falcons, Mike Holmgren should make the trade necessary to grab Griffin.

Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears have a quarterback in Jay Cutler. Now they need to get Cutler some help.

Last season, the Bear's top two wide receivers combined for 74 catches, or almost 50 fewer than Wes Welker.

Like the Baltimore Ravens, Chicago has the defense to contend, but its window is growing increasingly smaller. The Bears must make a move for a stud wideout that can push them over the top in an extremely tough division.

Notre Dame's Michael Floyd would be a great selection because he has the size to bail out Cutler when he is scrambling for his life. If Floyd is unavailable, the Bears need to strongly consider reaching for Alshon Jeffery.

San Diego Chargers

San Diego Chargers general manager A.J. Smith, aka "the Lord of No Rings," has been given a temporary stay on his seemingly inevitable execution, and coach Norv Turner is in a similar situation.

Thus, they need to roll the dice in order to stay gainfully employed with the Chargers.

San Diego could use some help along the offensive line, but as Bleacher Report's Matt Miller pointed out, the best route is to get an impact linebacker. At its draft position, that player is Vontaze Burfict. 

The young man has had some character issues to date. However, his talent level is well worth the risk.

Besides, what do Turner and Smith have to lose?

Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions have fought their way back to respectability by taking measured risks in both the draft and free agency.

Now is not the time to get conservative. 

General manager Martin Mayhew has demonstrated the capability to overlook supposed character concerns if the player is talented and fits the Lions scheme. Last year's selections of wide receiver Titus Young and defensive tackle Nick Fairley bear this out. 

Janoris Jenkins of North Alabama would be an interesting selection for the Lions. There are some troubling aspects regarding his past, but his skill level warrants the risk.