2012 NFL Mock Draft: Smart Decisions for Every First-Round Team

With free agency on the brink of changing the entire landscape of the NFL, the 2012 draft is about to get a face lift.

The coming weeks could change everything, and for the first time in this draft process it won't have much to do with the 2012 draft prospects themselves.

Teams are deciding whether or not to chase down a free agent or put off their needs for draft day. More often than not, this is the toughest decision of all, and can make or break a season before it even gets started.

Here is a quick look at the smartest decisions teams could make in late April.

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

First, the Colts need to cut ties with Peyton Manning and then they must go all in with Andrew Luck.

2. *Washington Redskins (5-11): Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

The Redskins will be involved in the chase for Peyton Manning and Matt Flynn, but after they miss out they must do everything possible to move up for Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III.

Mike Shanahan's job depends heavily on landing a quarterback this offseason, and it has to be a top free agent or draft prospect.

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

The smartest thing the Vikes can do is protect the heavy investments they made in the backfield last season.

4. Cleveland Browns (4-12): Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

If the Browns decide to stick with the No. 4 pick and don't jump for a quarterback, the next best thing would be to put an all-purpose back in the backfield.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12): Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

This team has a major need in their secondary, and new coach Greg Schiano is a defensive mind who won't pass on the draft's top defensive prospect.

6. *St. Louis Rams (2-14): Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

The Rams could be bitten here if Cleveland or Tampa jump on Blackmon, but they should be fortunate and get the wide receiver they need.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11): Quinton Coples, DE, UNC

Coples presents too much value and potential for the Jaguars to pass on.

8. Miami Dolphins (6-10): Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M

If Miami doesn't land Peyton or Flynn, they have no choice but to find a quarterback in the early portion of day one.

9. Carolina Panthers (6-10): Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

Ron Rivera will continue working on his defense, and Ingram showed he may actually be a better fit as a 4-3 end.

10. Buffalo Bills (6-10): Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

This team can't go wrong with Upshaw or Reiff, but the offensive tackle has more value at this spot.

11. Kansas City Chiefs (7-9): Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis

We said earlier how Poe reminds some of Vince Wilfork with his athleticism, and the Chiefs have yet to strike gold on their d-line for years now. Pioli would be foolish if he passes on this guy.

12. Seattle Seahawks (7-9): Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama

Pete Carroll's Seahawks will continue to add talent when it presents itself, and Upshaw is the best value at this spot.

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

Protecting the quarterback and boosting the running game should be the only things on the Cardinals' minds.

14. Dallas Cowboys (8-7): David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

Balancing the offense in Big D will be key to their success this season.

15. Philadelphia Eagles (8-8): Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

The best linebacker in this draft is too valuable to pass up at No. 15.

16. New York Jets (8-8): Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia

Like the Cowboys, adding some talent to the running game will be tantamount to their success this season.

17. Cincinnati Bengals (via OAK 8-8): Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

The Bengals have no problems taking a chance on players with past character concerns, and Kirkpatrick has great upside.

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

Perry's a physical freak with great potential. He's far from a sure thing, but that seems to be the way San Diego does business.

19. Chicago Bears (8-8): Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

Adding Floyd will finally fill the major hole the Bears have had out wide for some time now. 

20. Tennessee Titans (9-7): Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State

Cox's versatility could easily drive him even further up the board, so Tennessee would be foolish to pass on him at No. 20.

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

Replacing Cedric Benson will be a priority, as is adding speed to the backfield.

22. Cleveland Browns (via ATL 10-6): Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

After landing a sure-fire starter at running back with the No. 4 pick, Cleveland will need to add another weapon out wide.

23. Detroit Lions (10-6): Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

The Lions could go after an offensive lineman here, but Jenkins offers the best value at a position of need.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4): Dont'a Hightower, ILB, Alabama

Hightower's size and athleticism are too intriguing for a team looking for youth on their defensive interior.

25. Denver Broncos (8-8): Devon Still, DT, Penn State

Plugging the run is something the Broncos will continue to focus on, and Devon Still is the best available prospect to do just that.

26. Houston Texans (10-6): Mark Barron, S, Alabama

The Crimson Tide safety may never be elite, but he'll be a solid starter for many years.

27. New England Patriots (via NO 13-3): Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

Brockers has tremendous upside, and could be well off the board before this pick. Should Belichick see him this late in the draft, he shouldn't hesitate.

28. Green Bay Packers (15-1): Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

Dennard put the brakes on his ugly stock slide with a solid combine performance, and his physicality is a great fit in Green Bay.

29. Baltimore Ravens (12-4): Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

The Buckeyes lineman did himself no favors in Indianapolis, but he could be a very good right tackle for a team that needs one.

30. San Francisco 49ers (13-3): Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

He isn't what the 49ers need, but he does have elite potential.

31. New England Patriots (13-3): Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame

Smith's combination of athleticism and size is something the Pats don't have the luxury of passing on.

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

Big Blue needs a big, athletic tight end that they can trust.