2012 NFL Mock Draft: Winning Picks for Every First Round Team

Arguably the best—and quickest—way to turning a franchise around is by making a smart first-round pick. That prospect then contributes and leads to more wins, thus increasing Super Bowl odds.

Obviously, every first-round selection isn't perfect, but making that winning pick a reality is beyond vital to the chances of immediate success.

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

Not that Robert Griffin III isn't a good fit for Indianapolis, but the Colts potentially have the next Peyton Manning in Andrew Luck.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect about Luck is that he was arguably the best player for the 2011 NFL draft. Therefore, the Colts have one of the best No. 1 overall prospects at their fingertips and can quickly rebuild.

With a new head coach in Chuck Pagano, it's a new era in Circle City as the next chapter begins.

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

The Washington Redskins didn't give up all those draft picks to see Rex Grossman under center once again. If so, shame on them.

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

Minnesota's offense has potential with Christian Ponder, but he won't last by scrambling all day and getting knocked around like he did in 2011. Protect the blindside, and help set up play-action.

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

If Cleveland takes Trent Richardson at No. 4 overall, getting him a receiver complement in the mid-rounds is crucial to fielding a balanced offense.

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

Tampa Bay spruced up the offense via free agency. In order to keep gaining ground in the pass-happy NFC South, improving the defense is imperative.

6. St. Louis Rams (From WAS): Justin Blackmon, WR (Oklahoma State)

Defensively, the Rams can build around Chris Long and Cortland Finnegan. Offensively, St. Louis needs a standout receiver to prevent defenses from constantly stacking the box against Steven Jackson.

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

If the Jaguars want to contend with Houston in the AFC South, helping out Maurice Jones-Drew is a must. Riley Reiff provides excellent blindside protection and possesses impressive athleticism to get upfield from the backside on running plays and screens.

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

Miami is in a tricky position because they need Ryan Tannehill, but he is a risk at No. 8. The sole issue is whether Joe Philbin and Mike Sherman believe that Matt Moore is the future under center.

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

Last season, the Panthers couldn't defend well against the run or the pass. Addressing as many weaknesses as possible, Melvin Ingram's versatility will improve the Cats' defense from an all-encompassing perspective.

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

Having made impressive upgrades to the front seven, Buffalo's defense can hit another level with Dre Kirkpatrick at corner. The offense proved its potential in 2011, and a healthy Fred Jackson will roll again. Adding Kirkpatrick solidifies a legit opportunity to shut down Tom Brady and New England.

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

Michael Brockers will draw double-teams to free up Kansas City's linebackers. His quickness and ball awareness can control two gaps to force running plays outside. The Chiefs are a fast defense, and just imagine how dominant they'll be with a healthy Eric Berry playing behind a complete front seven.

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

In just three seasons, Luke Kuechly recorded 532 tackles and made seven interceptions for Boston College. Easily the most complete linebacker in the draft, Kuechly is a consistent run defender and has the wherewithal to be reliable against the pass.

As for Seattle, the Seahawks need a front seven complement to Chris Clemons and a guy who can get them to compete with San Francisco. The 49ers are a run-balanced offense, and Kuechly's addition will slow that down.

Elsewhere, Kuechly provides excellent leadership, preparedness, and top-of-the-line instincts. Seattle was a top-10 defense in 2011 and has top-five potential with Kuechly in 2012.

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

A year ago, the Arizona Cardinals allowed 54 sacks (second-most in the league), but still had Beanie Wells rush for over 1,000 yards. Drafting David DeCastro will not only improve the pocket protection, but Wells will become more consistent on the ground.

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

Regardless of when it happens, the Cowboys must get a pass-rush presence in the front seven opposite DeMarcus Ware. Every other NFC East team has at least two overly dominant pass-rushers, so if Big D wants to be division favorites in 2012, selecting Quinton Coples is needed.

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

As previously mentioned, the NFC East is loaded with stud pass-rushers. However, the Eagles have the division's best running back in LeSean McCoy to set up the play-action pass. Jonathan Martin will help with pass protection and lengthen the interior running lanes to isolate the outside rushers.

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

The Jets remain a run-first offense, and Shonn Greene continues to improve. Taking Michael Floyd at No. 16 will create blocks downfield to easily setup the play-action pass, regardless of who's under center.

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

A physical corner that has second-to-none field awareness and play recognition skills, Stephon Gilmore is the ideal prospect to fill the No. 1 cornerback role after 32-year-old Nate Clements. Together, they'll make an impressive tandem in Cincinnati's secondary.

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

The inability to consistently stop the run cost San Diego in 2011. The lacking run defense then seeped into a weakened pass-rush, and ultimately created a down year. The addition of Fletcher Cox will improve the Chargers against the run and apply quarterback pressure both inside and out.

19. Chicago Bears: Nick Perry, DE (USC)

Chicago has one of the league's oldest—albeit still solid—front sevens. However, to help the upgraded offense, the Bears need a young defensive lineman who's a complete defender. Nick Perry possesses great play recognition skills, is a reliable pass-rusher, and has the ability to knock down quick passes when reading.

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

If the Titans want any shot at contending for the division title, shutting down the rushing attacks of Houston and Jacksonville must occur. Dontari Poe can shed one-on-one blocks and draw a consistent double-team to free up the linebackers.

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

Fielding a top-10 defense in 2011, Cincinnati struggled to defend consistently well against the better-prepared offenses, and as we saw in the Wild Card Round, not stopping the run ultimately cost them.  Devon Still comes in as a dominant one-gap player who can get interior pressure and occasionally draw double-teams.

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

The Browns, for the most part, have a solid defense with guys like D'Qwell Jackson and Joe Haden. However, the presence of Courtney Upshaw at outside 'backer will create additional quarterback pressure and limit the perimeter ground game.

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

Detroit has potential in the front seven with Ndamukong Suh and Cliff Avril. Zach Brown, however, helps shield off crossing routes and improves the Lions' overall pass defense. A reliable playmaker, Brown averaged almost 23 yards per return on six interceptions returned between 2010 and 2011.

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

Although they were No. 9 against the run in 2011, it was a down year for Pittsburgh's defensive front. But the Steelers will just simply reload with Dont'a Hightower at middle linebacker.

He's a between-the-offensive-tackles player and will get quickly acclimated courtesy of James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley controlling the outside.

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

Perhaps the best attribute Jerel Worthy brings to the Broncos is his size. At 6'2", 308 pounds, Worthy is a solid pass-rusher which allows Jack Del Rio to run his base 4-3, along with the option of switching to a 3-4 in strict passing situations. 

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

Thanks to Robert Griffin III, Kendall Wright quickly shot up the draft boards and is a legit first-rounder. In the 2011 season, Wright virtually doubled his 2010 production and is just what Houston needs offensively.

Elsewhere, the Texans have the tools in place with Andre Johnson, Owen Daniels and Arian Foster. Wright enters as a potential No. 2 receiver and in short-yard/third-down situations can line up in the slot.

Most impressive is Wright's combo of top speed, acceleration and body control. He can stretch and widen a defense to open up the playbook, and he is an underrated run-blocker.

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

Still developing as a run defender, Whitney Mercilus is a true pass-rusher that will benefit from the Patriots potentially being in many fast-paced games. He has a knack for causing fumbles, and despite only playing one legit college season, Mercilus proved his potential when given an opportunity.

28. Green Bay Packers: Vinny Curry, DE (Marshall)

What the Packers need up front is a consistent performer on a weekly basis. Not only was Vinny Curry dominant every year at Marshall, but he only had three games between 2009-2011 where a tackle was not recorded. 

29. Baltimore Ravens: Cordy Glenn, OG (Georgia)

With the rest of the AFC North continuing to build or reload on defense, the Ravens must keep the offensive line stellar so Ray Rice can remain dynamically effective. Cordy Glenn is a fierce run-blocker and has the size and balance to contribute at tackle and both guard positions.

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

We know San Francisco has a stout ground game, but with Randy Moss being 35 years old, bringing in that long-term deep threat will fill a big void. Stephen Hill's run-blocking will make Alex Smith deadly on play-action, and the 49ers offense has their first franchise receiver since Terrell Owens.

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

Although it would be surprising to see Mark Barron available at the end of Round 1, it's not impossible either with his durability concerns. Still, he's a great fit for the Pats who need a roll-down safety who can bring the pain and fill the zone for a blitzing linebacker.

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

Needing to find another running back to pair with Ahmad Bradshaw, Doug Martin keeps the Giants' offense rolling. Martin is a smooth runner who also has the acceleration and size to bowl over would-be tacklers in a small space.

Possessing better-than-advertised top speed, Martin can beat linebackers to the edge and really setup play-action passes. Pass protecting is arguably his best attribute, and it benefits New York the most as it sets up screens and draws.

With the NFC East fielding strong defensive fronts, selecting a complete running back in Martin provides immediate reliability and consistency to Eli Manning's backfield. 

John Rozum on Twitter.