2012 NFL Mock Draft: GMs Who Need Big Drafts to Save Their Jobs

Being an NFL general manager is a thankless job. When you construct a championship team the players and coaches receive all the credit. When the team struggles to live up to expectations it's your fault for failing to put together a strong enough roster.

That's just part of the gig, though. There's no way GMs can focus on that aspect of things because they already have enough on their plate. One of the most important being the NFL draft, which holds the key to job security for several of them.

Here's a complete mock draft of the first round featuring three picks by general managers who will be on the hot seat if their teams don't improve in 2012.

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

Luck is the future for the Colts after relying on Peyton Manning for more than a decade.

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

It won't be long before Blackmon develops into a perennial Pro Bowl talent.

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

Every team needs an offensive line anchor. Kalil would serve that purpose for Minnesota.

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

Tom Heckert was challenged with making the Browns a contender in the always competitive AFC North. The Steelers and Ravens are perennial contenders, and now the Bengals have the pieces to be right there as well. That makes Cleveland seem like the odd team out.

Even though the Browns have bigger needs than quarterback, Heckert simply couldn't pass on the opportunity to select Griffin if he were on the board. He's the type of player who can turn the fortunes of a franchise around in short order.

If general managers are going to be on the hot seat, they're much better off putting their faith in a highly visible player like Griffin than an offensive lineman. Not to mention Griffin would be the top overall pick in many other seasons, so he provides good value at No. 4.

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

Richardson is exactly the type of running back Tampa Bay needs to turn things around/

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

The Redskins really don't have much other choice than to take Tannehill and hope he's ready.

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

Gene Smith took over as the Jaguars GM in early 2009. While the team has shown glimpses of being a contender during his tenure, it has never been able to get over the hump and even took a step backward this season. That's never good for a general manager.

One of the biggest problems for Jacksonville was a lack of playmakers on defense. Claiborne, who has separated himself from Dre Kirkpatrick in the race to become the first corner drafted, would be able to make an immediate impact.

Now that the Indianapolis Colts' stranglehold over the division appears to be over, at least until Luck develops, Jacksonville needs to start looking like a contender or Smith's job security will start to fade. Claiborne is a terrific start to a draft class that could turn things around.

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

Coples is an explosive pass rusher and knows the Carolina environment after his college career.

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

The case of Jeff Ireland is an interesting one. It always seems like the Dolphins have enough talent to contend for a Wild Card spot, but one glaring weakness always does them in. For example, this season's flaw was poor quarterback play.

Nevertheless, Ireland needs to have a good draft to keep his name out of the headlines. While he would love to get a franchise quarterback at this spot, there isn't one worth taking. So upgrading the offensive line becomes the top priority.

The Dolphins are one of several teams linked to Peyton Manning should the Colts release him, which would be a signing that gives Ireland a big boost. Otherwise he's going to have to make a couple smaller moves to get the team back on track.

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

Switching back to the 4-3, the Bills need a versatile stud like Upshaw to attack the quarterback.

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

Still should be the pick based purely on overall value even though the Seahawks have other needs.

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

The Chiefs aren't going to find another tackle like Martin later on or in free agency, so they need to jump on him.

13. Arizona Cardinals (8-8): Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

Arizona needs to upgrade their pass defense to get that unit back to an elite level.

14. Dallas Cowboys (8-8): Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

Kuechly isn't the most exciting player in the draft, but he's solid and consistent, which is exactly what the Cowboys need.

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

Floyd is going to be an awesome red-zone target wherever he lands.

16. New York Jets (8-8): David DeCastro, G, Stanford

The Jets would love to land a lineman like DeCastro who would instantly boost their running game.

17. Cincinnati Bengals (via OAK 8-8): Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina

Cincinnati's front office deserves more credit for drafting well. Ingram would be another steal.

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

Perry will take some time to transition to the NFL, but he has all the tools to be a star.

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

After a successful career at Wisconsin, Konz will thrive in Chicago.

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

The Titans are hoping Brockers will still be available at No. 20, but a strong combine might boost his stock even further.

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

After a surprisingly good season, Miller would give Andy Dalton another piece to utilize in his normally efficient manner.

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

The Browns can't afford to go another offseason without adding offensive skill players.

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

Adams has become one of the draft's underrated players.

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

Ben Roethlisberger needs more time in the pocket than most quarterbacks, which is why Glenn is a perfect fit.

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

Cox has the potential to become a truly dominant tackle, but there's a lot of work to do first.

26. Houston Texans (10-6): Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

Andre Johnson would love to have support in the form of Wright on the opposite side.

27. New England Patriots (via NO 13-3): Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

Dennard is a physical corner, something the Patriots continue to sorely lack.

28. Green Bay Packers (15-1): Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

The Packers would benefit greatly from adding a playmaker like Jenkins on the back end.

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

Baltimore's roster is full of emotional players like Burfict. There isn't a better landing spot for him.

30. San Francisco 49ers (13-3): Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

There's no reason for San Francisco to look anywhere else than wide receiver with this pick.

31. New England Patriots (13-3): Mark Barron, S, Alabama

Another secondary addition for the Patriots, who will be a force next season if both guys excel.

32. New York Giants (9-7): Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson

Picking last is a luxury because it means you won the Super Bowl and your needs are minimal, so the Giants will be able to take a chance on a high-upside player like Allen.