2012 NFL Mock Draft: Teams That Can't Afford Draft Failure

The NFL draft is obviously an important process for every team, as it has a huge effect on the future. With that said, there are some teams that need a good draft more than others. The league's top teams can afford a couple slip-ups, the lower-level teams simply can't.

There is no question that the best and quickest way for struggling teams to get back into contention is by drafting well. It isn't easy for bad teams to attract free agents, so the draft is often their only chance to make major improvements.

In addition to a first-round mock draft, here are three teams that can't afford to fail in the 2012 draft.

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

There's a sticky situation in Indy with Peyton Manning's health still in question. Regardless of what happens, though, the Colts can't pass up a generational talent like Luck.

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

The 2011 season was an absolute disaster for the St. Louis Rams, as they finished with just two wins one year after falling just short of the NFC West title. Quarterback Sam Bradford took a big step backward in his second season, as he was perpetually injured and poorly protected by the offensive line.

St. Louis showed a great deal of promise in 2010, so it's vital that it has a good draft in order to get back to where it was two seasons ago. A new head coach is in place in the form of Jeff Fisher, so there is some optimism for the 2012 season. In order to build on that, though, the Rams must hit on the No. 2 pick.

With that in mind, the obvious pick is Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon. He was incredibly productive at the college level, has great size and speed and may be the surest thing in the draft. Bradford really has nobody to throw to, especially if Brandon Lloyd doesn't re-sign. Getting a top-notch weapon like Blackmon for Bradford should do wonders.

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

While getting rid of Bryant McKinnie was likely the right thing to do, it left the Vikings with a big hole at left tackle. I think they'll address that need by nabbing Kalil.

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

It has been quite some time since the Cleveland Browns were considered to be a force to be reckoned with in the NFL, so with two first-round picks, the Browns absolutely have to make them count. There is a lot that Cleveland needs to improve upon in order to compete in the stacked AFC North, especially on offense.

Quarterback Colt McCoy has been a disappointment, and while some may say that he deserves another year as the starter, he simply isn't anything more than a mediocre NFL quarterback. Because of that, Baylor signal-caller and Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III should be the pick at No. 4. There is obviously some risk involved since it isn't known how RGIII will translate to the next level, but that can be said for any quarterback.

Cam Newton transitioned seamlessly to the NFL as a dual-threat quarterback last season, so there is reason to believe Griffin can do the same. The Browns need to be dynamic on offense in order to make progress against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens, and Griffin would be a big help in that regard. If they can add a quality weapon like wide receiver Alshon Jeffery later in the round, the Browns will be in business.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12): Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

In a lot of ways, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' decline has been like that of the St. Louis Rams. The Bucs looked like a team on the rise in 2010, as they won 10 games and nearly made the postseason. Instead of building on that, however, the Buccaneers regressed in a big way, as they went 4-12, losing their final 10 games on the year.

Head coach Raheem Morris was fired and replaced with Greg Schiano, who has certainly been a polarizing choice. The Buccaneer faithful can't be happy with the way things have gone over the last year, so a good draft is a must. What was once a promising offense looked lost in 2011, as quarterback Josh Freeman, wide receiver Mike Williams and the entire offensive unit struggled.

In order to get back to basics, Alabama running back Trent Richardson should be the pick. LeGarrette Blount is an exclusive-rights free agent this offseason, but Tampa doesn't seem committed to him over the long haul. Blount is a bit of a one-trick pony as a power back, while Richardson is an every-down guy who can do a little bit of everything. Richardson's presence would truly rejuvenate the entire offense.

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

Rex Grossman and John Beck aren't going to cut it, so the Redskins need a quarterback. Taking Tannehill this high is a major risk, but he has all the tools, so Washington may be willing to take that risk.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11): Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

The Jaguars have a lot of issues on both sides of the ball, so they are in a best-player-available situation. Claiborne is undoubtedly the best cornerback in the draft, so he should be the pick.

8. Carolina Panthers (6-10)*: Quinton Coples, DE, UNC

Carolina hasn't had a reliable pass rusher since losing Julius Peppers in free agency. In order to change that, the Panthers should turn to another North Carolina Tar Heel in Quinton Coples.

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

Left tackle Jake Long is among the best offensive lineman in football, but the Dolphins have issues everywhere else along the line. Reiff can step in and excel as a right tackle immediately.

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

Buffalo made a curious decision prior to the season, switching to a 3-4 defense despite having no pass-rushers to speak of. Upshaw is by far the best hybrid pass-rusher in the draft, so the Bills must grab him.

11. Seattle Seahawks (7-9)*: Devon Still, DT, Penn State

The Seahawks were in the middle of the pack defensively last season, so some improvements can certainly be made. Still has the potential to be a dominant defensive tackle at the next level.

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

The Chiefs drafted offensive tackle Branden Albert in the first round a few years back, and he hasn't worked out. Martin has much less bust potential, though, and should be a fine pick.

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

The Cardinals have a lot of issues on defense, but middle linebacker is probably the biggest. They have been unable to replace Karlos Dansby to this point, but Kuechly should fill the void.

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

Dallas has a no-name offensive line, and while it was solid at times, it was also prone to breakdowns. DeCastro should serve as a stabilizing force both in the running and passing games.

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

Wide receiver DeSean Jackson seems to have overstayed his welcome in Philadelphia, meaning the Eagles need a replacement. Floyd would make a nice complement to Jeremy Maclin.

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

While the offense shouldered a lot of the blame for the Jets' shortcomings in 2011, the defense struggled as well. A pass-rusher is needed, and Ingram is the best left on the board.

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

With two picks in the first round, the Bengals have the luxury of taking some chances. Kirkpatrick has character concerns, but if he can mature then he would form one of the best corner tandems in the league with Leon Hall.

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

The Chargers linebacker corps has been depleted in recent years thanks to the departures of Shawne Merriman and Kevin Burnett. Perry should be a nice complementary pass rusher to Shaun Phillips.

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

The Bears offensive line was bad to begin with, and losing center Olin Kreutz certainly didn't help matters. Konz is the best center in the draft and should help fill the void.

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

Since losing the now-terrible Albert Haynesworth in free agency a couple years ago, the Titans have been looking for somebody to anchor their defensive line. Brockers has that kind of potential.

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

It has become quite apparent that running back Cedric Benson is on his last legs, so the Bengals need new blood in the backfield. Miller is the most explosive back in the entire draft.

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

Provided the Browns nab quarterback Robert Griffin III early in the first round, they'll need to get him a premier weapon. Jeffery has elite talent, so he could be a major steal at No. 22.

23. Detroit Lions (10-6): Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

The Lions certainly have needs on defense, but the offensive line can be improved as well. Jeff Backus is getting up there in age and Gosder Cherilus is nothing special, so Adams is a logical selection.

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

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was beaten and battered relentlessly this season, so the Steelers need to address their offensive line issues. Glenn will provide a solid, steady presence.

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

The Broncos arguably have the best pass-rush duo in the league with Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil, but they need some help from the defensive line. Cox can take up blockers and free up the fearsome tandem.

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

Houston orchestrated one of the finest year-to-year defensive turnarounds in recent memory this season. The final piece of the puzzle is a playmaking safety, and Barron is just that.

27. New England Patriots (via NO 13-3): Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

It's no secret that the Patriots need help in the secondary, as they ranked 31st against the pass this season. Jenkins has some character concerns, but he is a top-10 talent, making him a steal here.

28. Green Bay Packers (15-1): Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

The Packers truly had issues all over the defense this past season, particularly when it came to defending the pass. Dennard would certainly toughen up the Green Bay defensive backfield.

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

Burfict certainly has enough talent to go in the top 10-15 picks, but he seems to be a bit of a head case. If anyone can help him reach his potential, it's Ray Lewis and the Ravens.

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

The 49ers have a great defense and running game, but the passing game is lacking. A speed threat who can stretch the field would really open up the offense, so Wright would be an ideal fit.

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

The Giants defense was ravaged by injuries this season, especially at linebacker. Brown would give the G-Men excellent depth and would likely receive significant playing time immediately.

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

Quarterback Tom Brady has an embarrassment of offensive weapons, but he could use an outside threat at wide receiver. Sanu could eventually replace Deion Branch in that role.