2012 NFL Mock Draft: Mocking Need Picks for Every NFC East Team, Round 1

With the 2012 NFL Draft on April 26, we will look at some solid prospects that fit needs for each NFC East team, in each round of the draft, from now until then. This is the first-round edition. Check back at the NFC East blog for updates and more rounds each week leading up to the draft.

Washington Redskins

Needs: QB, C/G, CB

The pick: Morris Claiborne, CB LSU

Most pundits believe the Redskins should trade up for Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III, but we're going to take a step outside the box and assume that won't happen.

Despite tying for 10th in the NFL with 41 sacks, the Redskins gave up the league's 25th worst passer rating at 87.4. That is indicative of a need for talent in the secondary. The Redskins' "best" defensive back, DeAngelo Hall, didn't look so great in coverage in 2011; for that matter, no cornerbacks in a Redskins uniform looked particularly good.

Claiborne has a reputation for blanketing some of the best receivers the SEC has to offer. At an even 6'0" and with sub-4.5 speed, Claiborne looks up to the challenge in the NFL as well. He is widely considered a top-five talent, and if the Redskins can't trade up for RG3, this should be a nice consolation prize.

Dallas Cowboys

Needs: DB, C/G, ILB

The pick: Mark Barron, S Alabama 

The Cowboys face a similar dilemma to what ails the Redskins: a front seven that can get pressure with a secondary that can't cover. Mike Jenkins and Orlando Scandrick may or may not be the answers at cornerback, but the team has issues at safety. No offense to Abram Elam and Gerald Sensabaugh but the Cowboys could do better in terms of talent at safety.

If Barron can improve in coverage, he'd be a great addition for the Cowboys in the secondary. As it is, he'll be a "good" addition until he improves.

Philadelphia Eagles

Needs: MLB, RT, DT

The pick: Vontaze Burfict, LB Arizona State

What the Eagles need more than anything is help at linebacker. As mentioned previously, they have used five picks on linebackers in the past two years but none higher than a fourth-round pick. They need to devote the resources there that maybe they should have.

Burfict is versatile across the second level and able to play inside or outside in the 4-3 alignment. His size is ideal—6'3" and 250 pounds. He has the tools as both a blitzer and in coverage, but some character concerns have drawn red flags. The Eagles have looked past it in the past, and if they like the prospect of filling a big need, they could do so again with Burfict.

New York Giants

Needs: OL, OLB, TE

The pick: Orson Charles, TE Georgia

Taking a page out of B/R draft guru Matt Miller's mock on this one. It makes perfect sense. The Giants are losing both Travis Beckum and Jake Ballard to ACL injuries in the Super Bowl. With uncertainty around them, as well as free-agent wide receiver Mario Manningham, it's time to stock up on pass-catchers once again.

Charles is a great route-running tight end who can stretch the seam with solid speed for his position. At 6'3" and 242 pounds, he's not the biggest tight end in the league but will cause some matchup problems for defenses.

Eli Manning has done some great work with tight ends in the past, and Charles would give him another solid pass-catching threat over the middle of the field to pair with receiver Victor Cruz and even take some of the pressure off of him.

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