2012 NFL Mock Draft: Washington Redskins and Clubs Sure to Botch Their Pick

There are some teams in the NFL who draft well on a yearly basis, such as the New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens. It's no coincidence that those teams are always among the best in the league. Unfortunately, there are many teams who aren't as proficient.

Generally speaking, the teams who are usually in or near the basement have a difficult time evaluating talent in the draft. That doesn't mean that they are doomed to do so every single year, but it has become an obvious trend for some teams.

Here are three organizations that are sure to botch their first-round picks in the 2012 NFL 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 Rams have a lot of issues, but perhaps the biggest is a lack of offensive weapons. Quarterback Sam Bradford needs a target if he is going to bounce back from a dismal 2011 campaign, and Blackmon would certainly help.

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 (4-12): Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

Perhaps Colt McCoy needs more time to prove he can be a NFL quarterback, but he doesn't seem to have it. With that said, the Browns need a spark and Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Robert Griffin III will provide that.

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

After an embarrassing 2011 season in which they regressed to just four wins, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a lot of work to do this offseason. Tampa finished 10-6 as a young team in 2010, so there is obviously talent on the roster. Head coach Raheem Morris was fired and Greg Schiano was hired, so it will be interesting to see if that makes a difference.

The Bucs have holes on both sides of the ball, but the defense was truly a mess. The offense has talent such as quarterback Josh Freeman, running back LeGarrette Blount and wide receiver Mike Williams. I'm inclined to believe that the Buccaneers will go with the best available player in this slot and that could very well be Alabama running back Trent Richardson.

Richardson figures to have a solid NFL career, but there are a couple problems with such a selection. For one, the Bucs already have Blount who is an adequate if unspectacular back. He may have some character concerns, but he is good enough for now. Also, running backs can be found late in drafts and as undrafted free agents with relative ease, so a bad team taking a back so early isn't a great idea.

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

Despite the fact that they often spend mercilessly in free agency and attempt to attract as much top-flight talent as possible, the Washington Redskins haven't been relevant in a very long time. Perhaps that could change, though, with a strong 2012 draft. Washington tends to trade its picks away quite often, but maybe it has turned over a new leaf.

It's no secret that the Redskins are in desperate need of a quarterback. Neither Rex Grossman nor John Beck are the answer, so Washington would love to get its hands on Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin III. Luck clearly isn't going to happen and Griffin is highly unlikely unless the 'Skins can find a way to trade into the top three.

With that in mind, I could see the Redskins turning to Texas A&M signal caller Ryan Tannehill. While Tannehill seems to have all the tools to succeed at the next level, he is a very risky pick at this juncture. The Minnesota Vikings went off the board with Christian Ponder early last season and there already seems to be some buyer's remorse. I anticipate Washington making a similar mistake.

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

Charles Johnson has filled in admirably since defensive end Julius Peppers left in free agency, but the Panthers need another pass rusher. They'll look to hit pay dirt with another Tar Heel in Coples.

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

Left tackle Jake Long is among the best offensive linemen 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)*: Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

With Matt Cassel, Jamaal Charles and Tony Moeaki returning on offense next season, the Chiefs seem set on that side of the ball. Adding a tackling machine like Luke Kuechly could really improve the defense, though.

13. Arizona Cardinals (8-8): Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

Even when the Cardinals went to the Super Bowl a few seasons ago, their offensive line was lacking. Either Kevin Kolb or John Skelton could use a blindside protector and Jonathan Martin fits the bill.

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

It would probably be accurate to say that Alabama cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick is the consensus No. 2 defensive back in the 2012 draft. Because of that you might think that the Cincinnati Bengals would be thrilled to get him with the 17th pick. When it comes to Kirkpatrick, though, there is more to worry about than just talent.

Kirkpatrick was arrested following the college football season on marijuana charges and that has certainly dropped his draft stock. I understand that a lot of people discount marijuana-related arrests, but the Bengals are a team that can't afford any more bad publicity. Their history of rostering troublesome players is well documented and it has earned them a bad reputation across the league.

Linebacker Rey Maualuga was recently arrested in a bar fight, so things aren't getting any better for Cincinnati on that front. Perhaps Kirkpatrick will have a great NFL career, but for the Bengals it simply isn't worth the risk as another misstep will make the organization look even more foolish.

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

The Browns have a ton of holes on offense, and the most glaring may be at receiver. Greg Little emerged last season, but he still needs a complement, and Jeffery could be a great one.

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

The Ravens' defense has been among the league's best for over a decade due to the organization's ability to revitalize the talent pool. They'll do it again by taking Burfict to learn under Ray Lewis.

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 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.

32. 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.