2012 NFL Mock Draft: 6 Perfect First-Round Prospect and Team Matches

When selecting players in the first round, NFL teams almost always look to fill their most glaring need. However, clubs sometimes simply choose the best player available. Some fits are better than others.

The following matches would be absolutely perfect for both sides.  

2012 NFL Mock Draft (Pre-Combine Edition)

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

Nothing is set in stone just yet, but there are indications that Peyton Manning's time in Indianapolis is finished. Meanwhile, Luck is the perfect replacement. He has many of the same tools and skills that Manning hand when he entered the NFL and is clearly a more capable athlete in terms of his scrambling ability. 

The Colts are in the beginning stages of their organizational overhaul, and although they have a variety of holes on their roster, their biggest, most glaring need will be at quarterback if and when Manning departs. 

Luck has to be the way the Colts go with the No. 1 overall pick on April 26th. 

2. Washington Redskins (trade with St. Louis Rams): Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor 

3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT, USC

4. Cleveland Browns: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

Whether it's Colt McCoy, Matt Flynn, another free agent acquisition or a later 2011 draft pick, the Browns' quarterback will need more offensive weapons. 

Justin Blackmon has an NFL-ready body that shouldn't have trouble with physical press coverage at the next level. He's 6'1'' and a sculpted 215 pounds, with good hands and deceptive speed in the open field. He's the type of player desperately needed in Cleveland in order for the Browns to ascend from the AFC North basement.

He's the Browns' most logical choice at No. 4 overall.   

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

6. St. Louis Rams (trade with Washington Redskins): Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

8. Carolina Panthers: Michael Brockers, DL, LSU

9. Miami Dolphins: Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama

10. Buffalo Bills: Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

The Bills are officially making the move back to the 4-3 defense in 2012, with Dave Wannstedt as their new defensive coordinator. They'll almost certainly run some 3-4, too, after finishing the year 29th in sacks. They've traditionally had problems getting after the quarterback and cannot compete in the AFC without a solid pass rush.

Ingram is the most versatile defensive end in this year's class. He has loads of scheme and positional flexibility, which is perfect for the Bills' rebuilding defense that needs an intimidating edge-rusher. The senior had 19 sacks in his last two seasons as a member of the Gamecocks.  

11. Seattle Seahawks: Whitney Mercilus, DE/OLB Illinois

12. Kansas City Chiefs: Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

13. Arizona Cardinals: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

The Kevin Kolb experiment was a colossal failure in 2011, but that doesn't mean the Cardinals are ready to give up on their biggest offseason acquisition of last year. While adding a quality complement to Larry Fitzgerald is a top-priority, Arizona must upgrade their offensive line in order to create a situation conducive to success for their franchise quarterback.

Levi Brown is consistently one of the most victimized left tackles in the game and we all know the importance of a blindside protector in the NFL.

Reiff is arguably a Top-10 talent. He's polished and, at 6'6'' and 300 pounds, he possesses good size to play left tackle at the next level.

He's got that Big Ten nasty streak in him and has the strength to overpower defensive lineman, too. Playing against the San Francisco 49ers twice a year, the Cardinals need to solidify their offensive front and Reiff is the perfect option at No. 13.  

14. Dallas Cowboys: David DeCastro, OG, Stanford 

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State

16. New York Jets: Nick Perry, DE/OLB, Southern California 

17. Cincinnati Bengals: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

18. San Diego Chargers: Cordy Glenn, OL, Georgia

19. Chicago Bears: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

20. Tennessee Titans: Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina 

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

The Bengals' future is bright with youngsters Andy Dalton and A.J. Green leading the way. After promising rookie campaigns, Cincinnati looks to have the offensive basis to contend in the AFC North for many years to come. 

However, to actually win the division and make noise in the playoffs, Green needs a wide receiver counterpart. 

Like Green, Wright's a viable deep threat and will work wonders on underneath drag routes and bubble screens. This will take attention away from Green and allow the Bengals' coaching staff to become more creative in their play-calling. 

22. Cleveland Browns (from Atlanta): Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama 

23. Detroit Lions: Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford 

25. Denver Broncos: Doug Martin, RB, Boise State 

26. Houston Texans: Devon Still, DT, Penn State

27. New England Patriots (from New Orleans): Mark Barron, S, Alabama

28. Green Bay Packers: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

29. Baltimore Ravens: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

30. San Francisco 49ers: Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

The 49ers are a well-balanced team with a stupendous defensive core of Aldon Smith, Justin Smith, Patrick Willis, NaVorro Bowman and Carlos Rogers. Their running game is sound with the multi-faceted Frank Gore and spark plug backup Kendall Hunter. 

On offense, Alex Smith had a breakout season under the tutelage of head coach Jim Harbaugh and Vernon Davis is a premier tight end. 

Their is still a huge void at the wide receiver position, however. Michael Crabtree hasn't lived up to his draft position and Kyle Williams is far from reliable as a slot receiver. Sanu is a 6'2'', 215-pound, do-it-all wideout that has No. 1 receiver capabilities. 

He was the main weapon in Rutgers' offense last season, catching 115 passes for 1,206 yards and seven touchdowns.

Sanu's a tremendous athlete with great hands and sneaky speed. He's precisely the type of player the 49ers need.  

31. New England Patriots: Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia

32. New York Giants, Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

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