2012 NFL Mock Draft: Teams That Will Be Forced to Reach in Round 1 to Fill Need

There are several NFL teams in desperate need of talent at specific positions this offseason.

The Miami Dolphins need a quarterback and will most likely make a run at Peyton Manning through free agency rather than trading up for a shot at Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin III.

For other teams, the draft provides the rare opportunity to address a critical need by selecting a specialized player at any point. Although filling needs is crucial, some teams will have to reach and sacrifice talent in order to boost their areas of weakness.

Join Bleacher Report as we run through the entire first round of day one and take a look at teams that will be forced to reach in the first round.

No. 1. Indianapolis Colts (2-14): Andrew Luck, Stanford, QB

The Colts cannot pass on a chance to get Andrew Luck, no matter what Peyton Manning's future is in Indy.

No. 2. St. Louis Rams (2-14): Matt Kalil, USC, OT

St. Louis would be wise to stick with the sure thing in USC's Matt Kalil. 

No. 3. Minnesota Vikings (3-13): Morris Claiborne, LSU, CB

Minnesota desperately needs to replenish its secondary, even if that means reaching on LSU's Morris Claiborne with the No. 3 pick. Claiborne demonstrated superb athleticism with the Tigers last season, but may not be the sexy pick Vikings fans are hoping for.

No. 4. Cleveland Browns (4-12): Robert Griffin III, Baylor, QB

Griffin III is gaining some serious tread as the draft nears and Colt McCoy has had more than enough time to show potential in Cleveland.

No. 5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12): Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State, WR

Tampa Bay has to get Josh Freeman some help by supplying an outside threat. Blackmon can step in and provide an instant target for the Bucs' struggling offense.

No. 6. Washington Redskins (5-11): Trent Richardson, Alabama, RB

Roy Helu was solid in his rookie campaign with the 'Skins, but without an eye-popping quarterback left on the board and the hopes of acquiring Peyton Manning resting on free agency, why not boost the backfield?

No. 7. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11): Quinton Coples, North Carolina, DE

Coples is without question one of the most dominant defensive forces available.

No. 8. Miami Dolphins (6-10): Riley Reiff, Iowa, OT

The Dolphins must improve their pass offense in 2012, and if Miami hopes to land Peyton Manning in South Beach, a solid offensive line addition is necessary.

No. 9. Carolina Panthers (6-10): Melvin Ingram, South Carolina, DE

The Panthers defense needs some major help and reaching for a versatile defender like South Carolina's Melvin Ingram may be the best option in order to fill a need on the defensive line. The Panthers were roasted on the ground and through the air in 2011, and that side of the ball will take priority this spring.

No. 10. Buffalo Bills (6-10): Jonathan Martin, Stanford, OT

A young talent in Stanford's Jonathan Martin could keep Ryan Fitzpatrick healthy for the long run.

No. 11. Kansas City Chiefs (7-9): Michael Brockers, LSU, DT

This may be a case of reaching for the Kansas City Chiefs. Brockers is an underclassman with mega potential, but also somewhat of an unknown at the next level. The Chiefs' run defense ranked towards the bottom of the league last season though, and they need to tighten up on the interior defensive line. 

No. 12. Seattle Seahawks (7-9): Courtney Upshaw, Alabama, LB

Alabama's Courtney Upshaw is rising on big boards and has everything a team like the Seahawks is looking for in a defensive leader.

No. 13. Arizona Cardinals (8-8): Luke Kuechly, Boston College, LB

The Cardinals need to improve just about everywhere in 2012, but after watching Upshaw go No. 12 to Seattle, they will be quick to pull the trigger on BC's Luke Kuechly.

No. 14. Dallas Cowboys (8-8): Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama, CB

Rob Ryan's rush defense more than held its own in 2011, but the Cowboys' 23rd-ranked pass defense could use a lift from a quality cover corner.

No. 15. Philadelphia Eagles (8-8): Fletcher Cox, Mississippi State, DT

A tough SEC interior lineman like Fletcher Cox is exactly what the Eagles need to get back to the postseason next winter. Philly gave up far too many yards on the ground and up the middle specifically.

No. 16. New York Jets (8-8): Lamar Miller, Miami, RB

Another team that will be forced into reaching to fill a roster hole, is the New York Jets. Their lack of explosion at running back will lead them to select an unproven name at tailback. NY's offense was stagnant last season and could certainly use a play-making presence, but few backs look worthy of the first round this year.

No. 17. Cincinnati Bengals (from Oakland Raiders 8-8): Mark Barron, Alabama, S

Alabama's Mark Barron could go even sooner, but the Bengals will recognize his talent at No. 17.

No. 18. San Diego Chargers (8-8): David DeCastro, Stanford, G

Philip Rivers got sacked 30 times in 2011 and Stanford's David DeCastro could help prevent more of the same next season.

No. 19. Chicago Bears (8-8): Michael Floyd, Notre Dame, WR

Much like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jay Cutler and the Chicago Bears boast little threats at wide receiver. Floyd brings a big body and strong hands.

No. 20. Tennessee Titans (9-7): Cordy Glenn, Georgia, G

The 31st-ranked rush offense got off to a slow start in 2011, but a huge body like Cordy Glenn could help make life easy for Chris Johnson in 2012.

No. 21. Cincinnati Bengals (9-7): David Wilson, Virginia Tech, RB

The Bengals will need to take pressure off Andy Dalton if they are to be successful in 2012. A speedster like VT's David Wilson can do just that.

No. 22. Cleveland Browns (from Atlanta Falcons 10-6): Jerel Worthy, Michigan State, DT

With Griffin III already on board, the Browns can avert their attention to their horrid rush defense, which allowed nearly 150 yards per game in 2011.

 

No. 23. Detroit Lions (10-6): Mike Adams, Ohio State, OT

The defensive line has been built in the Motor City, now on to the offensive line.

No. 24. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4): Kendall Wright, Baylor, WR

Todd Haley is calling the shots in the Steel City now, and that means a new offensive weapon is needed. Enter Baylor's Kendall Wright.

No. 25. Denver Broncos (8-8): Devon Still, Penn State, DT

It's not just about Tim Tebow in Denver; the defense needs some attention, too.

No. 26. Houston Texans (10-6): Brandon Thompson, Clemson, DT

A somewhat safe and dependable pick for the surging Texans late in the first round. 

No. 27. New England Patriots (from New Orleans Saints (13-3): Janoris Jenkins, North Alabama, CB

The Pats secondary let them down late in Super Bowl XLVI and they must address it. Although Jenkins' character struggles may be a concern, New England will need to reach a little for a defensive back that can promise the chance of locking down opposing wideouts in big games. Jenkins did a lot of that with the Florida Gators not too long ago.

No. 28. Green Bay Packers (15-1): Vinny Curry, Marshall, DE

The Packers need to get to the quarterback faster in 2012 if they are to get back to the Super Bowl.

No. 29. Baltimore Ravens (12-4): Peter Konz, Wisconsin, C

Ray Rice will be even scarier for a long time with the addition of a 6'5" center in Wisconsin's Peter Konz. Not too many cons in his game.

No. 30. San Francisco 49ers (13-3): Zebrie Sanders, Florida State, OT

A big offensive lineman is a safe and practical pick for Jim Harbaugh after a promising season in 2011.

No. 31. New England Patriots (13-3): Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina, WR

The tight end position is just fine in New England, now if only Tom Brady could get some dependable wide receivers that won't fail him in the Super Bowl.

No. 32. New York Giants (9-7): Coby Fleener, Stanford, TE 

With plenty of talented options for Eli Manning on the outside, drafting a 6'6" tight end to help open up more throwing lanes sounds like a great idea.