2012 NFL Mock Draft: Examing the Absolutely Perfect Fits in the Top 15

Chris TrapassoMar 7, 2012

Occasionally a prospect fits a team's need so well and the value is so right that it becomes a match made in heaven.

These are the absolutely perfect fits in the Top 15 of the 2012 NFL draft.

2012 NFL Mock Draft (March 1, Post-Combine Update)

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Bleacher Report1w

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1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

Now that Peyton Manning is reportedly gone, Luck will have the daunting task of replacing a living legend in Indianapolis.

That being said, he'll be up to the task. This kid is the most polished and NFL-ready quarterback to enter the league since—you guessed it—Manning himself.

A team in the beginning phases of organizational reconstruction gets its franchise quarterback.

Perfect.

2. Washington Redskins (trade with St. Louis Rams): Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT, Southern California

4. Cleveland Browns: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

Opposing signal-callers went off on the Buccaneers in 2011. They averaged a 97.2 QB rating against Tampa Bay and threw 30 touchdown passes.

Playing in a division with Drew Brees, Matt Ryan and Cam Newton means you simply can't have too many defensive backs and Claiborne is the best corner in this class.

6. St. Louis Rams (trade with Washington Redskins): Dontari Poe, NT, Memphis

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

Blaine Gabbert experienced a disastrous rookie season and much of it was due to the no-name group of wide receivers he had at his disposal. Jacksonville loaded up on defenders in free agency last season and has a franchise running back in Maurice Jones-Drew.

Floyd can be that true No. 1 target for the Jaguars. More importantly, he can help Gabbert, who desperately needs to begin their return to relevance in the AFC.

8. Miami Dolphins: Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama

9. Carolina Panthers: Michael Brockers, DL, LSU

10. Buffalo Bills: Nick Perry, DE, Southern California

The Bills offense wasn't the main problem in 2011; their defense was the unit that really let them down.

With teams throwing more often than ever before, possessing a solid pass rush is imperative. Buffalo struggled mightily getting after the quarterback last season and registered only 28 sacks, 10 of which came in one game against the hapless Washington Redskins.

Perry is a fine 4-3 defense end prospect at 6'3'' and 271 pounds. He has a good burst off the edge and is certainly strong enough to battle and beat offensive tackles at the next level. With more added counter moves to his repertoire, he has the natural ability to be precisely what the Bills need.

11. Seattle Seahawks: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

12. Kansas City Chiefs: Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

13. Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

The Cardinals allowed 54 sacks in 2011 and 50 in 2010. Their offensive line hasn't been very nice to their quarterbacks, has it?

With Kevin Kolb or possibly Peyton Manning under center, Arizona needs a premier offensive tackle—Desperately.

Martin is a mauler in the run game and has the athleticism to deal with speed rushers off the edge.

Ah, perfect.

14. Dallas Cowboys: David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama

16. New York Jets: Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

17. Cincinnati Bengals: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

18. San Diego Chargers: Cordy Glenn, OL, Georgia