2012 NFL Mock Draft: Teams That Desperately Need to Draft Franchise QB

Take a look at who has hoisted the Lombardi Trophy in each of the last, hmm, nine years and realize you're looking at probably six of the top eight quarterbacks in all of football.

Sure, Ben Roethlisberger and Eli Manning weren't "elite" superstars when they won their first rings, but they were two former first-round picks drafted for the sole purpose of being franchise quarterbacks. In the last ten years, no two quarterbacks have exemplified the meaning of "franchise quarterback" from their selection in the draft to today better than these two.

That is why they have four rings between the two of them.

That is what every team, other than the select few who do have legitimate franchise quarterbacks already, are looking for.

This year's draft, in particular, has a few teams that need a quarterback above all other things and if they don't get one they are doomed.

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

The Colts have guaranteed the selection of a quarterback with their release of Peyton Manning this past week. There really shouldn't be any question as to which prospect they pick. But until they start negotiating, there is actually a chance that they take Robert Griffin III over Andrew Luck. 

That would be a mistake, but either way they need a quarterback.

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

The Redskins have already landed the most important player in this draft although they don't know who it is going to be yet, although it will likely be RGIII. This team has no more important need than at quarterback and their trade of three first round picks, as well as a second round pick, shows exactly that.

Coach Mike Shanahan doesn't have the luxury of going through another season with less-than-poor quarterback play and his job is tied to the development of this signal-caller.

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

The Vikes already have their quarterback, but now they have to protect him.

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

This team was considered a threat to move up until Washington made that impossible. Unless they go out of their way to sign Matt Flynn, or potentially Kevin Kolb should Peyton land in Arizona, they're going to move forward with Colt McCoy.

But even if they do sign someone, they need to put more weapons around them and Richardson is the best offensive skill player not playing quarterback in this draft.

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

The Bucs cannot go wrong with Mo Claiborne of Justin Blackmon here. Claiborne gives them stellar return ability and, thus, is more valuable.

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

The Rams make out like bandits in the trade they struck with Washington, but can only hope to supply their quarterback with the weapons necessary to succeed.

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

The Jags don't know what they have in Blaine Gabbert (he's not a franchise quarterback) but unless Tim Tebow is made available, they don't have much an option right now. Best available defensive player will fit them well.

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

This is the worst case scenario for the Dolphins, but it is already taking a turn to negative town with the way the Peyton race has played out.

It is unlikely they'd want to take on Tebow if Peyton went to Denver. But they could still sign Matt Flynn (although he'll prove to be costly) or they could make a move on Kevin Kolb if Peyton goes to Arizona.

None of them are proven entities and if they miss on everyone they'll have no choice but to take a chance on Ryan Tannehill—even at No. 8 overall.

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

This team has a quarterback, but they need help getting after them on the other side of the ball.

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

Protecting their recent investment in Ryan Fitzpatrick is the best idea for them.

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

The Chiefs are no strangers to reaching and adding a potential Vince Wilfork-like talent will be tough to pass on.

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

If Ryan Tannehill falls this could may be all over him. But adding another pass-rusher can never hurt either.

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

Whether they land Peyton or not, the Cardinals need help up front immediately.

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

The Cowboys can go a lot of ways here. But if they can add a boost to their running game with the best interior lineman in the draft, they can bring some balance to their offense and be even more dangerous.

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

Andy Reid won't pass up on the draft's top linebacker after the season his defense had last year.

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

The Jets need to reestablish dominance on the ground and at 6'5", 340-plus, Glenn can help immediately.

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

Too much talent to pass up and the Bengals are accustomed to taking risks.

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

This team is still searching for a pass-rushing talent and Perry has as much upside as anyone.

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

The Bears couldn't get any luckier than landing this touchdown-catching machine.

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

Versatility and size on the defensive line are way too much to pass up for this team.

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

The offense in Cincy will keep getting better with each passing year.

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

After landing an all-purpose running back in the Top Five, the Browns would be foolish to pass on the best receiver on the board.

23. Detroit Lions (10-6): Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

Massive interior lineman prospect can help this team immediately.

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

Hightower's physical style of play and downhill nature will fit in great inside the Steelers front seven.

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

Still may never be an elite guy, but he's going to work his butt off to plug the run.

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

Won't be an All-Pro, but Barron will start in this league for a long time.

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

The Pats' need up front is well-documented and Brockers has elite potential.

28. Green Bay Packers (15-1): Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

Rising cornerback prospect can help the league's worst pass defense from a year ago.

29. Baltimore Ravens (12-4): Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

Tons of talent, but he needs a locker room that can keep him grounded. Opposite Jimmy Smith, the Ravens could be set on the corners for years to come.

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

Jeffery has big-time potential and 49ers aren't taking a huge risk this late in the first round.

31. New England Patriots (13-3): Kendall Reyes, DT, Connecticut

It is worth noting that the Pats need a lot of help in the front seven.

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

The Giants could do anything here—even draft another defensive end—but the way things play out they have the first crack at a tight end and won't pass that up.

*Rams trade No. 2 overall pick to Redskins for 2012, 2013, 2014 first round picks and 2012 second round pick.