2012 NFL Draft : Ideal Team Matches for Every 1st-Rounder

This is a mock draft with something a little different. It is not simply a re-statement of exactly how the first round will play out this April.

This is an examination of the ideal, "what if" scenarios for 2012's projected first-round draftees. This slideshow inverts the traditional pattern of the draft to pose the question: Which team is the best fit for the player?

It is common knowledge that Andrew Luck will be taken by the Indianapolis Colts. Yet while Luck is what the Colts need, are they the best fit for Luck? Wouldn't the ideal destination for a quarterback as talented and pro-ready as Luck be a contender like the San Francisco 49ers?

Here are the ideal team matches for every projected first rounder in the NFL-draft. The format is first a prediction if where the player is most likely to end up, in the style of a traditional mock draft. This is then contrasted with each player's actual best fit.

1. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

Where he'll go: Indianapolis Colts

Consult a mock draft, and you'll see Luck going to the Colts. The AFC South cellar-dwellers are in the process of remaking the franchise.

Selecting a strong-armed, pro-ready passer to be the face of the rebuild is the smartest move they could make since the last time they did it.

Ideal fit: San Francisco 49ers

Going to a team that is already a championship contender to work alongside his former college coach would be the dream scenario for Luck.

With an intimidating defense in place and weapons like Michael Crabtree, Vernon Davis, Mario Manningham and Randy Moss to throw to, Luck would be guaranteed instant success.

2. Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

Where he'll go: Washington Redskins

There's a reason the Redskins traded two future first-round picks to the St. Louis Rams: They need a franchise quarterback.

Mike Shanahan and Bruce Allen will hope Griffin can seamlessly translate his accuracy and playmaking skills to the pro level before their time in D.C. runs out.

Ideal fit: Kansas City Chiefs

Putting an athletic scrambling quarterback like Griffin in tandem with explosive running back Jamaal Charles would give the Chiefs offense a big play capability to rival any in the league.

The presence of a recognised No. 1 wide receiver in the shape of Dwayne Bowe and an offensive line recently strengthened by the signing of Eric Winston would make Griffin's job easier.

3. Matt Kalil, OT, USC

Where he'll go: Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings need to find an elite protector for youngster Christian Ponder. Kalil is the kind of physically-dominant blocker who can act as the cornerstone of their front five for the next decade.

Ideal fit: Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings need for Kalil is so great that he can be sure to receive a hefty contract. With Adrian Peterson in the backfield and Ponder showing early promise, Minnesota's offense could be better than expected this season.

4. Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Where he'll go: Cleveland Browns

The Browns desperately need legitimate playmakers for their offense. After parting ways with Peyton Hillis, Cleveland need a big-play threat in the backfield.

Their commitment to the draft and apparent faith in Colt McCoy, should encourage the Browns to use both of their first-round picks to find more dynamic weapons. Richardson can key a revival of Cleveland's inept offense.

Ideal fit: San Diego Chargers

Imagine how much more dangerous the Chargers offense would be if Phillip Rivers was given the support of an elite rusher.

Norv Turner knows how to use quality runners, and Richardson offers the perfect blend of elusiveness, speed and underrated toughness. He would thrive in Turner's traditional, two-back schemes.

5. Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

Where he'll go: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay could have some interest in wide receiver Justin Blackmon and arguably have a need for a dynamic runner like Richardson.

However, despite signing Eric Wright in free agency, the Buccaneers will likely find it next to impossible to pass on Claiborne with the fifth-overall pick. New head coach Greg Schiano favours a college-style 4-3 and could use a pair of corners able to commit to one on one, bump and run coverage.

Ideal fit: Dallas Cowboys

Playing behind a pass-rush as ferocious as the one generated by DeMarcus Ware and Jay Ratliff would be a dream for a ball hawk like Claiborne.

His long arms and physicality would allow coordinator Rob Ryan the freedom to utilise the full range of blitzes in his defensive playbook and take as many risks as he likes.

6. Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

Where he'll go: St. Louis Rams

The Rams have to surround Sam Bradford with better talent. Blackmon is a prolific flanker who would give Bradford his first true No. 1 target since entering the pros.

Ideal fit: Denver Broncos

With Peyton Manning in place, the Broncos will need better weapons. Manning and Blackmon would quickly form a lethal partnership that would make Denver a threat against anyone.

7. Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

Where he'll go: Jacksonville Jaguars

Many mock drafts, including cbssports.com, have Coples going to the Jacksonville Jaguars, and it's a good pick.

The Jaguars have an underrated defense, but need an explosive defensive end. They have Dwight Lowery patrolling the secondary, Paul Posluszny and Clint Session at linebacker and Jeremy Mincey and Tyson Alualu up front.

They have the pieces in place to ensure the success of a rookie pass-rusher.

Ideal fit: New England Patriots

Coples has the versatility to play multiple line techniques, making him a perfect fit for the Patriots' hybrid fronts.

New England's defense has needed a young pass-rusher for a number of seasons, and Coples would relish the chance to play alongside Vince Wilfork either at end or tackle.

8. Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M

Where he'll go: Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins now surely have little alternative left but to select Tannehill at No. 8. It could be less of a gamble than many may think.

Tannehill would be reunited with his college coach, Mike Sherman, and would learn from Joe Philbin, who helped develop Aaron Rodgers.

Ideal fit: Washington Redskins

The Redskins are surprisingly well set up to support the development of a rookie quarterback. They have acquired good targets in Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan, who join Jabar Gaffney and Fred Davis.

The Dolphins are short in this area after trading Brandon Marshall. While Miami's defense is certainly capable, they are set for a transition to a 4-3.

Washington's own unit no longer needs an adaptation period, having learned the 3-4 for the past two seasons.

Tannehill played in a pro-style offense at the collegiate level. So he could possibly make a quicker adjustment to the rigid structure of Mike Shanahan's system than spread quarterback Griffin.

9. Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis

Where he'll go: Carolina Panthers

NFL.com has Poe going to the Carolina Panthers with the ninth-overall pick. The Panthers need to bring their defense up to the level of the Cam Newton-led offense, and taking Poe makes a lot of sense.

He is viewed by many as a classic 3-4 nose tackle, but Poe has deceptive quickness and above-average athleticism to play a more active role in a 4-3.

Panthers head coach Ron Rivera has experience with both schemes and utilised both fronts in 2011. He could use Poe in a variety of ways.

Ideal fit: Indianapolis Colts

Poe would immediately become the focal point of a new-look defense for a franchise that can only get better. He would be central to Chuck Pagano and Greg Manusky's hybrid 3-4 system.

With Cory Redding recently added to the mix and Robert Mathis set to be given the freedom to attack from a variety of positions, Poe would spearhead a unit that could surprise many in 2012.

10. Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

Where he'll go: Buffalo Bills

Despite the recent acquisition of Mario Williams, the Buffalo Bills still need pieces to make their new 4-3 defense work. Dave Wannstedt loves undersized, speed-rushing defensive ends, and Ingram has the build and quickness to wreak havoc coming off the edge in tandem with Williams.

Ideal fit: Carolina Panthers

Considered something of a 'tweener, Ingram could fit both 3-4 and 4-3 fronts. His versatility would make him an excellent weapon for Rivera to utilise.

Ingram would give the Panthers a legitimate, every-down edge rusher alongside Charles Johnson, able to play end in a four-man front and act as a rush linebacker in 3-4 looks.

11. Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

Where he'll go: Kansas City Chiefs

With the skill positions relatively set, providing Charles and Tony Moeaki successfully recover from injury and possessing a solid defense, the Chiefs will do the smart thing and fortify the line with Martin.

After adding Eric Winston to the right side, selecting Martin will allow the Chiefs to field bookend tackles. This will increase Matt Cassel's chances of success.

Ideal fit: Chicago Bears

Protecting the blindside of a prolific passer like Jay Cutler and creating running lanes for the superb Matt Forte would ensure quicker success for Martin.

Cutler was recently equipped with a true elite pass-catcher in Brandon Marshall. This only increases the need for the Bears to have a line in place to keep their temperamental passer upright.

12. Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

Where he'll go: Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks have wasted their money on Matt Flynn unless they construct a line good enough to replace him. Riley Reiff can solve a huge problem on the right side of Seattle's front five.

Reiff will be a major upgrade over Breno Giacomini at right tackle. He has the athleticism to fit in with Seattle's zone-based system and form a solid partnership with Paul McQuistan.

Ideal fit: Houston Texans

The Texans are built to win now and don't have a team the calibre of the San Francisco 49ers in their division. Houston operates a zone blocking scheme that will suit Riley and have a need at the right tackle spot after letting go of Winston.

13. Courtney Upshaw, LB, Alabama

Where he'll go: Arizona Cardinals

Arizona's defense made great strides towards the end of last season under the stewardship of Ray Horton. However, they still need a big play pass-rusher, and Courtney Upshaw answers that need.

He has the closing speed and range to convert to rush linebacker for Horton's 3-4 front and would form a dangerous duo with Sam Acho.

Ideal fit: New York Jets

Upshaw is the kind of hybrid speed-rusher Rex Ryan could design his multiple fronts and fire zone concepts around.

Upshaw's athleticism would allow him to zone drop and also attack from a two-point stance as an A-gap blitzer from certain fronts. 

14. Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

Where he'll go: Dallas Cowboys

They may have added Brodney Pool and Brandon Carr to their beleaguered secondary, but the Cowboys would be wise not to pass on Kirkpatrick if he's available at no.14.

He is a big and physical corner, capable of manhandling receivers and locking up with them in man coverage to support Rob Ryan's gambling blitz calls. Ryan needs a number of starting calibre cornerbacks to make his schemes work, and Kirkpatrick would give him one more.

Ideal fit: New England Patriots

The Patriots' need for quality secondary reinforcements is arguably greater than that of the Cowboys. Kirkpatrick has safety size and offers the versatility to be deployed in a number of positions in Bill Belichick's varied coverages.

He would also likely enjoy playing behind a less aggressive front seven as part of a scheme designed not to take risks and to eliminate the big play.

15. Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College

Where he'll go: Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles' reticence in addressing the linebacker position so far in free agency has been baffling. They would surely find Luke Kuechly too good to pass up if they have still not added anybody by the draft.

The Boston College tackling machine is the kind of active and decisive presence the Eagles need at the heart of their front seven. He has the intelligence to fill the gaps in Philadelphia's "wide-nine" and "double three-technique" system, though he could be a little undersized.

Ideal fit: Baltimore Ravens

Being protected by massive tackles Terrence Cody and Haloti Ngata, as well as learning alongside Ray Lewis, would be an ideal rookie scenario for Kuechly. He would be given the opportunity to make plenty of plays and audition himself as the natural successor to Lewis.

16. Mark Barron, S, Alabama

Where he'll go: New York Jets

The Jets may have added LaRon Landry, but given his injury issues and the level of responsibility safeties are given in Rex Ryan's version of the 46, Mark Barron could be a necessity.

Barron has the versatility to play either safety position and has the smarts to marshal New York's coverage schemes.

Ideal fit: Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers are ageing at the safety position and lack range in coverage. This weakness was exposed in the playoffs.

Barron would given them a young safety ready to step in for Ryan Clark and provide depth for Troy Polamalu. He would surely flourish under the tutelage of Dick LeBeau.

17. David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

Where he'll go: Cincinnati Bengals

DeCastro would answer a need for the Bengals, who lost starting pair Mike McGlynn and Nate Livings in free agency. He would be an immediate day one starter in Cincinnati, and few could complain about this pick.

Ideal fit: Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks need to get more physical across their front five, particularly after releasing Robert Gallery. DeCastro would give them an aggressive presence at the guard positions.

Given that his strength is run-blocking, the Stanford ace would play a big role in paving the way for Marshawn Lynch to enjoy another stellar campaign.

18. Nick Perry, DE, USC

Where he'll go: San Diego Chargers

Faced with the prospect of taking on Peyton Manning twice a season, the Chargers will take the opportunity to grab another pass-rush weapon in the form of USC's Nick Perry.

His speed off the edge would form a lethal partnership with Antwan Barnes and help the Chargers defense return to its best.

Ideal fit: Buffalo Bills

Dave Wannstedt would relish the prospect of turning Reed and Mario Williams loose on Tom Brady twice a season. Perry is the exact kind of athlete Wannstedt loves on the perimeter of his defensive line.

The USC star couldn't help but be productive on a line featuring not only Williams, but intimidating tackle tandem Marcell Dareus and Kyle Williams.

19. Cordy Glenn, OT, Georgia

Where he'll go: Chicago Bears

There wouldn't be too many complaints if the Bears tabbed Cordy Glenn with the 19th selection. They need to solidify their front five any way possible, and Glenn is a powerful and accomplished blocker.

Ideal fit: Arizona Cardinals

Glenn can play in a variety of positions along the front five and would add some much-needed physicality to the interior of Arizona's line. He would thrive under the tutelage of line guru Russ Grimm, who would refine Glenn's technique and quickly identify his best position at the pro level.

20. Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

Where he'll go: Tennessee Titans

If St. Louis go offense with the No. 6 pick, and this author believes they should, Michael Brockers could experience a sizeable slide down the first round.

It is not out of the question for him to still be on the board at 20. If that is the case, expect the Titans to pounce. Tennessee has been looking to get bigger at tackle since Jerry Gray took over the defense.

Ideal fit: Green Bay Packers

Although he excelled in a 4-3 at the collegiate level, Brockers probably projects best to a five-technique, 3-4 defensive end in the pros.

Dom Capers could certainly use the LSU standout's brute strength and height to generate more of a push and apply consistent pressure on the pocket.

21. Lamar Miller, RB, Miami

Where he'll go: Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals need a feature back and one dynamic and versatile enough to fit the type of offense they are constructing around Andy Dalton and A.J. Green.

Miller offers the speed to change any game and is a credible receiving threat. If the Bengals don't address the backfield issue in free agency, expect them to target the Hurricanes' playmaker.

Ideal fit: New York Giants

If the Giants finally cut ties with Brandon Jacobs, they will need a more regular, every-down threat to spearhead an improved ground game.

Miller would bring the big play potential back to the Giants' rushing attack and provide Eli Manning with a multi-purpose weapon out of the backfield.

22. Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

Where he'll go: Cleveland Browns

The Browns' need for weapons on offense makes identifying a primary receiver a must. Floyd has the size and speed to provide Cleveland's passing game with a recognised big-play specialist.

Ideal fit: Cleveland Browns

At 6'3" and 220 pounds, Floyd would give McCoy a natural playmaker and a big target to aim for. He would be a dangerous red zone weapon in Pat Shurmur's West Coast system.

23. Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

Where he'll go: Detroit Lions

Landing arguably this draft's most naturally gifted cornerback would be a major boost for a Lions defense in need of significant help in the secondary.

Jenkins has excellent anticipation and timing, along with innate ball-hawking skills. He would instantly upgrade Detroit's defensive backfield and compliment and benefit from their strong pass-rush.

Ideal fit: Cincinnati Bengals

Jenkins is a great fit in a Bengals defensive scheme that relies on corners able to cope in isolated man coverage. In partnership with Leon Hall, Jenkins would allow Mike Zimmer to increase the number of blitzes in his gameplans.

24. Dont'a Hightower, ILB, Alabama

Where he'll go: Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers want to get younger as a team, particularly on defense. With James Farrior out of the mix, Dont'a Hightower is the ideal weapon for Dick LeBeau to utilise in a variety of ways.

Ideal fit: Philadelphia Eagles

Hightower is a savvy linebacker with the size and aggression to be the downhill plugger the Eagles desperately need in the middle of their defense.

He can use his physical presence and excellent blitzing skill to shoot the gaps created by the Eagles' wide defensive line alignments and make plenty of plays in the backfield.

25. Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State

Where he'll go: Denver Broncos

John Fox needs a big body like Worthy to clog the middle. He can increase the one-on-one pass-rush opportunities for Elvis Dumervil and Von Miller.

Ideal fit: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Worthy possesses underrated quickness off the snap and is more active than he is given credit for. He would be the main interior pressure threat on a young Buccaneers defense containing the likes of Michael Bennett, Adrian Clayborn and Da'Quan Bowers.

26. Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

Where he'll go: Houston Texans

If the Baylor speedster is still available at 26, the Texans won't be able to resist taking him. He will finally give Houston a big-play threat to ease the burden on Andre Johnson.

Ideal fit: St. Louis Rams

The Rams simply have to surround Sam Bradford with more weapons. Wright would provide the big plays the Rams so often lack.

His vertical speed on the turf in St. Louis, would make Bradford a more effective quarterback and re-ignite the Rams pedestrian offense.

27. Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois

Where he'll go: New England Patriots

Mercilus is the best pure pass-rusher in this draft class, and there is no doubt that the Patriots could use a young and prolific sack artist.

Mercilus seems to have all the physical attributes to be a nice fit for the hybrid "elephant" role in Bill Belichick's defense.

Ideal fit: Jacksonville Jaguars

Hybrid projections and responsibilities are all well and good, but the key to success for Mercilus early in his career will be to keep it simple.

A player with his natural length, explosive first step quickness and scary closing speed, should only be asked to rush the passer. That makes 4-3 defensive end his best positional fit.

Conveniently enough, the Jacksonville Jaguars need exactly this kind of player to progress as a defense. 

28. Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State

Where he'll go: Green Bay Packers

Cox could be seen by the Packers as their best available option to spark their pass-rush back into life and better protect their ailing secondary. The 6'4", 298-pounder is a disruptive tackle, capable of quickly penetrating the line of scrimmage.

Ideal fit: Miami Dolphins

The problem for Cox is that his best talents will be wasted in a 3-4, even one tweaked to set him free on occasion. 

He needs to be in a 4-3 designed to give him the freedom to exploit regular one on one matchups. The Miami Dolphins represent the best opportunity.

With the huge Paul Soliai commanding double teams, Cox will be free to attack the pocket as a quick interior rusher. Along with Cameron Wake, Cox would make the Dolphins new 4-3 front a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks.

29. Chandler Jones, DE, Syracuse

Where he'll go: Baltimore Ravens

Jones could fill a few positions of need for the Ravens. He could fill in as the three-technique on  their one-gap, three-man line. However, he would likely eventually have to convert to outside linebacker to replace the departed Jarrett Johnson.

Ideal fit: Tennessee Titans

Jones is too undersized for the 3-4, but could be useful in Jerry Gray's version of the 4-3. Gray has wanted more stout and physical linemen since he arrived in Tennessee.

Jones is a rangy and technically sound defensive end who can stand up to the run and also deliver a good array of pass-rush moves.

30. Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech

Where he'll go: San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers will grab another weapon for whomever is going to be throwing the passes in 2012. Randy Moss is a stop gap, no matter how intriguing the signing is and Michael Crabtree remains maddeningly inconsistent.

Ideal fit: Cleveland Browns

The Browns simply can't do enough in this draft to try and create a better supporting cast for Colt McCoy. Whether that means targeting a running back, an offensive lineman or two receivers in Round 1, no matter.

Hill would be the deep threat Cleveland's pedestrian offense has lacked for so long.

31. Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

Where he'll go: New England Patriots

If he's still available at 31, the Patriots simply must take Gilmore to fix their porous secondary. Bill Belichick's scheming can only do so much, he needs talents like Gilmore in the defensive backfield.

Ideal fit: Detroit Lions

Taller than Jenkins, the 6'0" 190 pound Gilmore would be a better fit for the Lions' cover-2 schemes. He can press receivers at the line and has impressive zone instincts.

Gilmore would join a team on the rise and help the Detroit defense match the proficiency of the prolific offense. 

32. Doug Martin, RB, Boise State

Where he'll go: New York Giants

The defending Super Bowl champions have a clear need at running back, and Doug Martin could seriously appeal with the final pick of the first round.

He is an all-purpose back who could move the G-Men away from their running by committee approach. Martin would provide the offense with a runner Eli Manning and Kevin Gilbride could feel confident turning the game over to.

Ideal fit: Cincinnati Bengals

Martin's multi-faceted ability, which includes kick returns, receiving and the threat to break the long gains, would instantly make him the focal point of the Bengals ground game.

He has the skill set suited to the more expansive offense the Bengals are constructing around Andy Dalton and A.J. Green.