2012 NFL Mock Draft: Easiest Moves for Every First-Round Team

As the 2012 NFL draft nears, the intensity increases. So as a counterbalance, here are the easiest moves each franchise can address in late-April.

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

A pro-style system quarterback with an unprecedented amount of potential, Andrew Luck will begin an exciting new era in Indianapolis.

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

Does anyone—other than Eagles, Cowboys and Giants fans—want to see Rex Grossman under center in 2012? If not, then do not expect the Redskins to select anyone other than Robert Griffin III.

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

It was somewhat surprising to see the Vikings select Christian Ponder at No. 12 overall last year. However, the intentions remain with him at quarterback and getting Ponder that blindside protection in Matt Kalil is crucial to the consistent success and longevity.

Plus, Kalil is also a great run blocker and Minnesota needs to keep Adrian Peterson rolling. Otherwise, the offense will quickly crumble in the pass-happy NFC North.

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

Let's give Colt McCoy a chance to develop with a legit receiving threat before the Browns bring in another quarterback.

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

The inconsistency of LeGarrette Blount needs a complete ball-carrier to lead the way. Trent Richardson will gladly follow Carl Nicks through the trenches and set up the play-action for Vincent Jackson.

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

St. Louis needs all kinds of help and pairing Morris Claiborne with Cortland Finnegan creates one of the league's best cornerback tandems. It's a solid starting point to build from in a defensive-minded NFC West.

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

Jacksonville needs an athletic offensive tackle who can also get upfield to lengthen the running lanes for Maurice Jones-Drew. In order to contend with Houston, the Jaguars must upgrade at the line.

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

With his former college head coach in Mike Sherman in Miami and the Dolphins failing free agency, Ryan Tannehill appears to be a lock at No. 8 overall. It may not have been your typical pro-style system at Texas A&M, but Tannehill did produce albeit limited experience.

He does have great size, a strong arm and impressive mobility. And if all else fails, Tannehill could play some receiver as he did in 2008 and 2009 (caught 101 passes for over 1,400 yards during that span).

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

Fielding one of the NFL's worst defenses in 2011 (ranked No. 28 overall), the Panthers and Melvin Ingram are a perfect match. Ingram's versatility will produce anywhere in the front seven and provide a complement to Charles Johnson as a pass rusher.

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

Buffalo needs that shutdown corner who can reap benefits off the spruced up front seven. Dre Kirkpatrick will dominate in man and press coverage, while also helping with perimeter run support.

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

Already presenting a great core of linebackers in Derrick Johnson, Tamba Hali and Justin Houston, the Chiefs need an interior defensive line presence to split double-teams and stop the run. Michael Brockers can do all that and apply an interior pass rush.

12. Seattle Seahawks: Luke Kuechly, LB (Boston College)

Seattle has a few options here for defense to get Chris Clemons some help. Luke Kuechly, though, is ridiculously productive against the run and reads well against the pass. A complete player, the Seahawks add Kuechly to become a complete defense.

13. Arizona Cardinals: David DeCastro, OG (Stanford)

Arguably the most complete interior offensive lineman in the game, David DeCastro will significantly boost the Arizona Cardinals running game.

A player with balance and quickness, DeCastro is also a great pass blocker and will provide Kevin Kolb a safe pocket to sit in. In a tough NFC West that has stout defenses like Seattle and San Francisco, the Cardinals have a distinct advantage by upgrading the offensive line.

With an already improving defense, Arizona allows receiver Larry Fitzgerald more time to get open as DeCastro's addition will help set up the play-action pass.

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

Think about the consistent dominance of DeMarcus Ware, despite him not having much help around him in terms of another pass rusher.

Now, include Quinton Coples playing opposite and the Doomsday Defense is making a comeback.

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Jonathan Martin, OT (Stanford)

According to Dan Graziano of ESPN, Eagles offensive tackle Jason Peters injured his Achilles tendon. So, having to play in the NFC East which is loaded with stud pass rushers like DeMarcus Ware, Brian Orakpo and the Giants front four, Philadelphia needs to address the pass protection.

Now, the Eagles can go a few ways here at No. 15 and potentially try to trade up, but Jonathan Martin is a solid pick. Stanford allowed just 11 sacks of Andrew Luck all season and averaged 210 rushing yards per game.

Martin has the lateral agility and quickness to sustain blocks and balance to get to the second level on the ground. For the Eagles offense to be multidimensional and consistent as it was in 2011, Martin's addition will certainly suffice.

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

Setting all kinds of receiving records at Notre Dame, Michael Floyd played for two different coaches and with three different quarterbacks. His ability to adjust to personnel on a weekly basis bodes well for the Jets.

17. Cincinnati Bengals (From OAK): Stephon Gilmore, CB (South Carolina)

The Bengals needs a stud cornerback to play opposite of Nate Clements who will be 33 by the end of the 2012 season. Stephon Gilmore has excellent awareness and isn't afraid to play up to the run, which is a great fit to the AFC North.

18. San Diego Chargers: Fletcher Cox, DT/DE (Mississippi State)

Landing Mississippi State's Fletcher Cox in San Diego gives the Chargers a sound front seven to play against the run. Cox has the dynamics to play at defensive tackle or end and can consistently wreck havoc in the backfield.

19. Chicago Bears: Cordy Glenn, OG (Georgia)

If the Bears really want to gain a distinct advantage in the NFC North, getting some youth on the interior offensive line is crucial.

Cordy Glenn maintains a low center of gravity and is great to pull outside when setting up play-action for quarterback boot-legs. This selection gives Chicago the division's most balanced offense.

20. Tennessee Titans: Dontari Poe, DT (Memphis)

The Titans have potential in their front seven, but did allow 128 rush yards per game in 2011 (ranked No. 24). Dontari Poe is a strong, two-gap controller who will free up the 'backers to slow down tough running teams like Houston and Jacksonville.

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

In order to remain an elite defense as they were in 2011, the Bengals must keep enhancing the front seven. Devon Still can play defensive tackle in a 4-3 or 3-4 and in passing situations, get a reliable interior pass rush.

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

All of the Browns' offensive concerns aside, Cleveland has a nearly complete defense. the defensive line has great potential, so helping D'Qwell Jackson out with Courtney Upshaw at the linebacker position is key.

The next step is getting cornerback Joe Haden his complement in the secondary.

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

Pass defense is what cost the Lions in 2011 and more specifically, defending the intermediate game. Here, Zach Brown's speed and playmaking skills over the middle will improve Detroit's defense against quick-hit offenses.

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

If there's one team who always seems to reload as opposed to rebuild, it's the Pittsburgh Steelers. And although the Steelers had a disappointing finish in 2011, 2012 brings much hope with Dont'a Hightower at No. 24 overall.

Pittsburgh has two perimeter defenders in James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley to get quarterback pressure and stop the run. Safety Troy Polamalu basically plays everywhere and can make plays all over. Hightower's responsibility will simply be to play within the offensive tackles.

It's where he was most productive for Nick Saban, and his run-stuffing instincts combined with ability to get depth against the pass is just what the Steel Curtain needs—an Alabama defensive player.

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

Denver ranked No. 22 against the rush in 2011 and has since depleted at defensive tackle. Jerel Worthy is a constant menace in the backfield having recorded 27.5 tackles for loss in three college seasons.

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

It would be a little surprising if Kendall Wright fell this far to Houston, but nonetheless a great pick. The Texans need a fast and reliable complement to Andre Johnson in the passing game—thus helping stretch a defense and take pressure off the running game.

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

Last season Whitney Mercilus recorded 16 sacks, 57 tackles and forced nine fumbles. Despite being a one-hit wonder, the Patriots need a guy capable of causing turnovers and applying outside pressure.

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

Fielding the NFL's worst defense in 2011, the Packers must get a player who can defend both the run and pass. Nick Perry has the play-recognition skills to set the edge and sink into coverage.

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

The Wisconsin Badgers are a run-oriented offense the averaged 235 rush yards per game. The Baltimore Ravens need to remain a ground-and-pound offense with Ray Rice, so getting Kevin Zeitler late in Round 1 stabilizes longevity in a tough division.

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

San Francisco may have upgraded at wide receiver, but the 49ers still need a long-term answer because Randy Moss is 35 years old.

Therefore, enter Georgia Tech's Stephen Hill who has great size and excellent potential. Hill is the ideal fit for San Francisco because he knows how to run block arguably better than any receiver in the draft.

Having played for a triple-option offense, the 49ers can depend on Hill to make touchdown blocks for Frank Gore and co downfield. This obviously sets up play-action, which will be deadly with Moss and Mario Manningham as well.

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

Another Alabama defensive player going in Round 1? Yes, because the Patriots need an instinctive safety playing behind the front seven and with the developing corners of Devin McCourty and Kyle Arrington.

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

One of the more complete backs in the draft that does everything really well, Doug Martin played at a high-level for Boise State and the Giants need this kind of consistency. Keeping a two-back system has been clutch for Big Blue with Eli Mannning as the defense remains reliable.

John Rozum on Twitter.