2012 NFL Mock Draft: Smart Strategies for Every NFL Team

Now within one month of the 2012 NFL draft, the war room strategies are only going to intensify over the coming weeks.

Courtesy of all that went on during free agency and how the pro days and combine panned out, draft boards and strategies have changes alike.

That said, here's a current look at what to expect in late April.

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

Other than Robert Griffin III, there's no other prospect the Indianapolis Colts should consider than Andrew Luck. The stars aligned properly after Luck came back for the 2011 season and the Colts fell off hard without Peyton Manning.

Now he's in Denver, so Indy can rebuild its pro-style system once again.

2. Washington Redskins: (From STL): Robert Griffin III, QB (Baylor)

Provided that Indianapolis goes with Luck at No. 1, we all lost "the game" if the Washington Redskins do not select RG3 at No. 2 overall.

The concern here is how the Redskins pass protection holds up against improved NFC East defenses (allowed 41 sacks in 2011).

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

The Minnesota Vikings need pass protection even more than Washington. Having allowed 49 sacks in 2011, the Vikings could also go with Morris Claiborne here to improve the pass defense.

However, the cornerback position is the deepest in the draft while Matt Kalil is considered the best all-around offensive lineman. If Minny passes here, the next best tackle will likely be Mike Adams or Zebrie Sanders. That's a steep decline after Kalil.

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

Good news Cleveland Browns fans; there is no wrong decision here (for the most part). Trading down to stock up is okay, getting Claiborne or Trent Richardson helps as well. Justin Blackmon is arguably their best option, though, as Cleveland lacks any downfield playmakers.

It's been quite some time since the Browns have had a consistently dominant presence out wide as Braylon Edwards failed.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Trent Richardson, RB (Alabama)

Tampa Bay like Cleveland, can go a few different directions as well.

Claiborne would be a great eventual replacement for Ronde Barber, but Trent Richardson gives them a stout ground game. Carl Nicks loves to run block and with Vincent Jackson lined up out wide, play-action becomes a deadly play.

Richardson and Blount create a solid two-back set in a much more balanced offense.

6. St. Louis Rams (From WAS): Morris Claiborne, CB (LSU)

St. Louis could certainly go with Riley Reiff here to help an offensive line that allowed 55 sacks in 2011, but the offense has so many other issues that the defense would struggle even more. Morris Claiborne makes a great complement to Cortland Finnegan and to take pressure off the front seven.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Riley Reiff, OT (Iowa)

With a slightly improved offense around Maurice Jones-Drew, the Jaguars can hit another level with Riley Reiff in pass protection. They did allow 44 sacks last season and haven't had elite pass blockers since the days of Tony Boselli.

If anything, Jacksonville needs offensive line or receivers, because the defense has top five potential.

8. Miami Dolphins: David DeCastro, OG (Stanford)

Toward the end of 2011 running back Reggie Bush compiled over 500 rushing yards in the final four games. Still, the Dolphins allowed 52 sacks on the year and ranked No. 23 in passing offense.

David DeCastro provides a more reliable wall on the interior side of Jake Long, and will create lengthy running lanes for Bush to explode through and into the secondary.

9. Carolina Panthers: Melvin Ingram, LB/DE (South Carolina)

As long as the Carolina Panthers address the defense, they'll be legit NFC playoff contenders in 2012. Melvin Ingram provides versatility anywhere in the front seven and in virtually every down-and-distance situation.

With a healthy Jon Beason and defensive end Charles Johnson continues to remain a sack-master, Ingram will benefit as an edge run stopper and interior pass rusher. Ingram can also sink into coverage on occasion as his instincts at finding the ball are second-to-none.

10. Buffalo Bills: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB (Alabama)

Unless the Buffalo Bills truly believe that Ryan Fitzpatrick is their long-term answer under center, trading down may end up happening here as Ryan Tannehill is a bit of a stretch to No. 10.

With an upgraded front seven on defense, Buffalo can also add more wood to the fire so to speak by selecting Dre Kirkpatrick. He's not as much of a stretch as Tannehill and the Bills do need a corner to blanket receivers in man coverage.

Don't expect Buffalo to run a lot of zone blitzes, as that will make its front seven vulnerable to screens and draws. With Kirkpatrick locking down in man, the blitzes will get pressure faster and force bad throws.

11. Kansas City Chiefs: Michael Brockers, DT (LSU)

The Chiefs are just one defensive player away from becoming a complete unit. The secondary is solid and the outside spots of their 3-4 front is damn impressive.

However, Derrick Johnson resides in the middle and could use a quick defensive tackle who can split double teams to make plays. Having to play rushing offenses like Denver and Oakland, Kansas City needs that interior lineman to free up Johnson and the outside players against bigger sets.

If the Chiefs don't go Brockers here, expect another defensive tackle like Fletcher Cox or Dontari Poe instead.

12. Seattle Seahawks: Fletcher Cox, DT (Mississippi State)

Whether it's at inside linebacker or defensive tackle, the Seattle Seahawks are one player away from becoming NFC West title contenders.

The offense remains built around Marshawn Lynch and the defense needs to get Chris Clemons some help in the front seven. Fletcher Cox is a tackle who can get interior pressure and control gaps against the run.

Not to mention, Fletcher also has four blocked kicks that past two seasons.

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

Against some impressive NFC West defenses like San Francisco and Seattle, the Arizona Cardinals need pass protection. Here, Jonathan Martin fits well playing opposite of Levi Brown and Daryn Colledge.

Receiver Larry Fitzgerald has more time to develop his routes and the running game can setup the play-action.

14. Dallas Cowboys: Quinton Coples, DE (North Carolina)

It wouldn't be surprising to see the Dallas Cowboys trade down from No. 14, because after all, they addressed some weak points via free agency.

On defense still, Big D needs to get DeMarcus Ware, a freakishly athletic complement in the front seven. Quinton Coples has the immediate explosion at the snap to get pressure along with the wherewithal to knock down quick passes to slants and pop-passes.

Think about other NFC East teams and all have at least two stud pass-rushers. Dallas just has one, so getting Ware his trusty sidekick will restore the Doomsday Defense.

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

Despite having DeMeco Ryans in the middle of their front seven, the Eagles do need a reliable outside linebacker who can cover a lot of ground and defend well against the run.

Although it's not Luke Kuechly's ideal position, his great football IQ and preparedness combined with size and field awareness will transition easily. The Eagles need linebackers who can stop the run and shield the intermediate passing game.

Kuechly recorded seven picks and defended 17 passes in three seasons.

16. New York Jets: Michael Floyd, WR (Notre Dame)

Gang Green needs wide receiver who can possess over the middle between zones, get great yards after the catch on slants and screens, and outjump defenders while deriving attention from the tight ends and running game.

Michael Floyd can do all that as evidence by his consistent production with Notre Dame and despite not having a legit quarterback. He's also a reliable run blocker, as Floyd's size and strength allows him to wall off defensive backs and peel down on linebackers.

17. Cincinnati Bengals (From OAK): Janoris Jenkins, CB (Northern Alabama)

Veteran cornerback Nate Clements is going to be 33 by the end of the 2012 season. Still a sound corner nonetheless, the Bengals must plan for his replacement now with Janoris Jenkins.

A better-than-given-credit-for run defender and quick cover corner, Jenkins would be a great addition to a top 10 defense. In a division that's more run than pass, the Bengals secondary would be on lock down all day.

18. San Diego Chargers: Dontari Poe, DT (Memphis)

San Diego needs a lot of help in its front seven. Whether we look at an outside linebacker or defensive end, defensive tackle Dontari Poe fits right in.

The Chargers need a guy who can control interior gaps against the run and draw double-teams to free up the linebackers. He's not much of a pass rush presence, but in one-on-one situations Poe will be a consistent playmaker in the backfield.

19. Chicago Bears: Stephon Gilmore, CB (South Carolina)

South Carolina's Stephon Gilmore is arguably the more overlooked cornerback in the draft. Yes, he's easily first-round talent, but because of other guys like Morris Claiborne, Dre Kirkpatrick and Janoris Jenkins, not much exposure is geared toward Gilmore.

The Bears ranked No. 28 against the pass last seasons and in the pass-heavy NFC North, Chicago must get a player opposite of Charles Tillman. Gilmore also goes overlooked as teammates Melvin Ingram and Alshon Jeffery have garnered more attention.

However, Gilmore was consistently reliable with 23 defended passes, seven picks, four forced fumbles and 181 tackles in three seasons. With good size, Gilmore also has great speed and agility. He has a high football IQ and more than anything, his field awareness will allow Chicago to try him at safety.

20. Tennessee Titans: Cordy Glenn, OG (Georgia)

A versatile offensive lineman, Cordy Glenn has the ability to play tackle or guard for the Tennessee Titans. Which, also makes him an even better fit as the Titans ranked No. 31 in rushing offense last season and need a run blocking specialist in the trenches.

Glenn can get to the second level for Chris Johnson, but if he starts off slow again in 2012, AFC South defenses like Jacksonville and Houston will eat him up.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Devon Still, DT (Penn State)

With their other first-round selection, the Cincinnati Bengals address their front four. Devon Still has a capability to apply an interior pass rush and grab the attention of pass protecting running backs.

This will create one-one-one matchup on the outside and really allow the linebackers to focus on stopping the run and intermediate passing game. The AFC North better be ware, because the Bengals are going to get work done in 2012.

22. Cleveland Browns (From ATL): Courtney Upshaw, LB (Alabama)

Defensively, the Cleveland Browns are almost set and if they want to keep up with the Jones's in their division, getting that complete outside linebacker is key. Courtney Upshaw provides an outside pass rush, can seal off the slants and crosses in zone coverage and react fast to the run.

D'Qwell Jackson has the middle of the defense taken care of and Cleveland's front four has potential. With Upshaw's instincts, the Browns then just need a solid corner to play opposite of Joe Haden.

23. Detroit Lions: Zach Brown, LB (North Carolina)

The Lions need a complete linebacker who can cover over the middle, apply outside pressure opposite of Cliff Avril and can defender the perimeter running game.

Well, Zach Brown has all the tools to get Detroit's defense on the next level. He's laterally quick, can maintain body control when changing directions and is a playmaker against the pass. A nose for finding the rock, Brown gives the Lions the luxury of running a 4-2-5 in passing situations.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Dont'a Hightower, LB (Alabama)

One of the greatest defensive minds of his generation, Dick LeBeau needs an inside presence to clean up the middle and stop the run.

Alabama's Dont'a Hightower fits to a T, as the Steel Curtain have stud outside players in James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley. In short, Pittsburgh was vulnerable to play-action up the middle in 2011 and it cost them.

Hightower on the other hand, has excellent play-recognition skills and awareness when dropping into coverage. Pittsburgh could even look to implement the Tampa 2 concept, as Hightower has a quick backpedal and is always gets proper depth.

25. Denver Broncos: Jerel Worthy, DT (Michigan State)

The Denver Broncos are along the same line as the Steelers with their front seven, because Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil present many issues for an offense.

However, middle 'backers D.J. Williams and Wesley Woodyard are well-developed, so getting a top defensive tackle is the right call. Jerel Worthy can slip past any one-on-one situation and his ability to draw double-teams will plug gaps in the trenches.

26. Houston Texans: Kendall Wright, WR (Baylor)

One of the fastest—if not the fastest—receivers in the draft, Baylor's Kendall Wright will stretch a defense vertically and widen it horizontally.

Houston needs a dominant No. 2 receiver to pair with Andre Johnson and to play in the slot next to tight end Owen Daniels. Include Arian Foster in the ground game and the Texans offense will be unreal in 2012.

27. New England Patriots (From NO): Whitney Mercilus, DE (Illinois)

Early next season, expect Whitney Mercilus to only contribute in specific passing situations. After having recorded 16 sacks and forced nine fumbles in 2011, he's still only a one-hit wonder and Bill Belichick must gradually get him acclimated.

But, with raw talent to rush on the outside, Mercilus has high potential and once he develops more against the run, the Patriots front seven will pick up right where it left off.

28. Green Bay Packers: Nick Perry, DE (USC)

Regardless of which player the Green Bay Packers select at No. 28 overall, it must be defense.

Fielding the NFL's worst pass and total defense in 2011, the Pack was also weak against the run and couldn't apply consistent pressure. Nick Perry can do just that and more, as he was a consistent starter for the Trojans.

Opposite of Clay Matthews, the cheese's defense begins to quickly rebuild.

29. Baltimore Ravens: Kevin Zeitler, OG (Wisconsin)

The Ravens are an interesting team since there aren't too many holes to fill. Yes, Ed Reed and Ray Lewis won't be around for the next decade, but stretching for a linebacker or safety in Round 1 isn't an immediate need.

The offensive line, however, needs to add depth if anything and Kevin Zeitler is a solid choice. The Badgers love to run the rock and have a pro-style offense. Well, consider it a match because in order for Baltimore to remain AFC title contenders, Ray Rice must have reliable lineman to roll with.

30. San Francisco 49ers: Stephen Hill, WR (Georgia Tech)

Quickly rising up the draft boards, Stephen Hill is just what the 49ers need to become a complete team. Yes, Randy Moss will be out wide but not for the next decade or even four years.

Hill averaged almost 30 yards per reception in a triple-option offense, so his yards after the catch are just as dangerous as his ability to run block. Frank Gore would approve.

31. New England Patriots: Mark Barron, SS (Alabama)

With two promising cornerbacks in Devin McCourty and Kyle Arrington, the New England Patriots are missing that safety presence in a Cover 1, 2 and 3 look. Mark Barron has the capability for Belichick and co. because he can also roll down to fill the zone of a blitzing linebacker.

Barron also has great ball awareness and thanks to great lateral quickness, can help over the top when sitting back deep.

32. New York Giants: Doug Martin, RB (Boise State)

Doug Martin was arguably the most consistent performer at running back in college the past three seasons. A dual-threat who can punish would-be tackler in traffic, the Giants need to keep that two-back tandem for Eli Manning and the passing game.

In an improving NFC East, Martin's ability to also pass protect will open up the playbook to fake screens, thus leaving Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks in single coverage much like your typical play-action.

John Rozum is on Twitter.