2012 NFL Mock Draft: Predictions on What Every NFL Team Will Do

Once the 2012 NFL Draft commences all the smoke will finally clear; because with the exception of the first few picks, Round 1 is going to be quite interesting.

So, let's take a look at what every team will do with each first-round selection. Keep in mind, the draft is closing in fast.

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

The immediate future of the Indianapolis Colts is at stake with this No. 1 pick. Andrew Luck is their best option and provides the quickest route through the rebuilding process.

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

Robert Griffin III has to develop a little more to become a complete NFL quarterback. Still, the Redskins are in dire need of a franchise player and there's no other answer; especially after moving up.

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

With Christian Ponder under center, Minnesota increases his odds of consistent production by taking Matt Kalil. The Vikings need pass protection and Kalil's addition will help setup the run as well.

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

Trent Richardson is the type of running back an offense can be built around. He's a complete back with dual-threat ability to take pressure off Colt McCoy and the passing game.

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

In order to make a quick turnaround, the Buccaneers need to improve the defense. Ranking No. 21 against the pass, No. 32 against the run and No. 30 overall, Tampa can go anywhere with the No. 5 pick as long as its defense.

LSU's Morris Claiborne is the right choice, especially since the NFC South relies so much on the passing game. Between 2010 and 2011, Claiborne defended 23 passes, recorded 11 picks and returned them for 274 yards.

He's arguably the best game-changer in the draft and also collected 552 kickoff return yards, including one touchdown last season. With its improved offense, Tampa Bay will put up a lot of points as Claiborne changes the field position.

A quick reaction defender that plays up to the run and will lock down in man coverage, Claiborne is the biggest missing piece to Tampa's defense. Against pass-happy offenses, his number of opportunities will be increased, thus providing the offense with more possessions.

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

Taking Justin Blackmon is just what the Rams' offense needs. He'll stretch the field, take pressure off the running game and draw double-teams to put Sam Bradford's other targets in favorable situations.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Michael Floyd, WR (Notre Dame)

Jacksonville is still in the need of a young No. 1 receiver. Michael Floyd is reliable all over the field and completes the Jaguars' offense. This in turn, only make Maurice Jones-Drew that much more dangerous.

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

Ryan Tannehill remains a risk for Miami at No. 8, but he can develop quickly with Mike Sherman once again. Everything lies on whether Matt Moore is the long-term solution, because Tannehill is mobile, strong and presents excellent size to the position.

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

The Panthers need help all over on defense and Melvin Ingram can play anywhere in the front seven. His versatility is Carolina's best fit to address multiple defensive needs.

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

After numerous injuries in 2011, the Bills quickly fell but can quickly bounce back with Riley Reiff in 2012. Reiff is an impressive athlete for his size and enhances the pass protection along with providing elongated running lanes at the second level.

11. Kansas City Chiefs: Fletcher Cox, DT/DE (Mississippi State)

The Chiefs needs a front-line defender that can stop the run and get quarterback pressure. Fletcher Cox can get pressure from anywhere on the line and split double-teams to be a constant menace in the backfield.

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

The slow start in 2011 ultimately cost the Seahawks last season. Adding Luke Kuechly to the linebacking core helps stop the run more consistently and upgrades the intermediate pass defense.

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

Last season the Arizona Cardinals had running back Beanie Wells gain over 1,000 yards. However, he was inconsistent all season and the Cardinals got off to a very slow start.

Also, the offensive line allowed a total of 54 sacks which was the second-most in the league. So, getting Stanford's David DeCastro is the answer to improving those areas. DeCastro brings completeness to the interior line, as he's a dominant run-blocker that can consistently get to the second level.

In the passing game, DeCastro will isolate any rusher one-on-one, help the tackle or the center with a double-team and has the field awareness to see blitzes pre-snap or mid-play. All this simply provides a safer pocket and more time for receiver Larry Fitzgerald to develop his routes.

Wells then becomes a more reliably consistent ball-carrier; which is needed more than anything because balance is more important when facing NFC West defenses like Seattle and San Francisco.

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

Despite his bust concerns, Quinton Coples will be playing opposite of DeMarcus Ware in Dallas. The Cowboys need a second pass-rusher, and Coples will have plenty of opportunities to shine as Ware draws most of the double-teams.

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

The Eagles need talented-depth at offensive tackle. Jonathan Martin enhances the pocket protection playing opposite of Demetress Bell and he'll get upfield in the running game for LeSean McCoy.

16. New York Jets: Nick Perry, DE (USC)

Lacking a pass rush in 2011, Nick Perry gives the Jets' front seven more reason to blitz in 2012. This in turn, will allow for more man coverage on the outside and improvement when defending the run.

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

A young and physically imposing corner is needed in Cincinnati. Stephon Gilmore addresses that concern since Nate Clements is 32 years old and Leon Hall missed the final seven games last season.

18. San Diego Chargers: Courtney Upshaw, LB (Alabama)

Courtney Upshaw provides San Diego with an outside pass rush, and he's a proven run defender. For the Chargers to contend in the AFC, consistency against the run and reliability on the outside is key.

19. Chicago Bears: Whitney Mercilus, DE (Illinois)

In the pass-heavy NFC North, Chicago needs to gain an edge with a stronger pass rush. Whitney Mercilus provides that presence on the outside and also has the ability to cause a lot of fumbles.

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

The inability to control the trenches on either side of the ball cost the Titans in 2011. The rushing offense fortunately, picked up the pace toward season's end, but the rush defense remained the weak point.

Therefore, expect Tennessee to snag Memphis defensive tackle Dontari Poe at No. 20 overall. The Titans ranked No. 24 against the run and allowed 128 rush yards per game last season. With Poe controlling two-gaps and drawing double-teams, Tennessee will have freed up 'backers to make plays.

Against AFC South ball-carries like Arian Foster and Maurice Jones-Drew, Poe's addition increases the Titans' odds at contending for the division. His explosion at the snap and quick hands will bounce running backs outside and create one-on-one matchups for the outside pass-rushers.

If anything, his strength will constantly cause pileups in the trenches to plug lanes, and let the secondary strictly focus on shutting down in man coverage. Tennessee then becomes less susceptible to the play-action pass and more effective against the run.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Michael Brockers, DT (LSU)

With Stephon Gilmore added to the secondary, getting another SEC defender in Michael Brockers gives Cincinnati's defense top-five potential. Brockers can draw a consistent double-team and make plays along the line to stop the run.

22. Cleveland Browns (via ATL): Dre Kirkpatrick, CB (Alabama)

Defensively, Cleveland fields a respectable front seven led by D'Qwell Jackson. Adding Dre Kirkpatrick to play opposite of Joe Haden creates one of the league's best cornerback tandems.

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

Detroit has a solid front line with Ndamukong Suh leading the way, but Zach Brown enters to help spruce up the intermediate pass defense. He's a proven playmaker that will generate more turnovers to give the Lions' offense more possessions.

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

The Steelers need a defender that can play quick between the offensive tackles. Dont'a Hightower is the perfect fit and also possesses the skill set to sink fast in coverage. Throwing against Pittsburgh just got a lot more difficult.

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

The Broncos field a near complete defense right now for 2012. However, the addition of Jerel Worthy gives them a complete unit as he can make plays in the backfield and draw a constant double-team.

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

Had Andre Johnson been healthy all season, the Houston Texans would have had a much more prolific passing attack. That said, Houston's next tier of receivers didn't impress with and without Johnson on the field and getting a more dominating No. 2 target is a priority.

Kendall Wright brings excellent top speed, acceleration at the snap and is a better-than-advertised route-runner. He knows how to adjust routes mid-play and sit between the zones to act as a possession target.

Having accounted for over 1,600 yards on 108 receptions last season, Wright's ability to dominate against single coverage and stretch a defense will derive attention from Johnson and tight end Owen Daniels.

All the Texans have to do is remain healthy throughout the season and Gary Kubiak's offense will explode in 2012. Wright is also a reliable stock-blocker downfield, so anticipate Arian Foster to see longer running lanes for increased production.

27. New England Patriots (via NO): Mark Barron, SS (Alabama)

Durability concerns drop Mark Barron to New England at No. 27. But, Barron has a knack for being around the ball and has the ability to roll down against the run, as well as sit back in zone and play man coverage against tight ends and slot receivers.

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

Regardless of where the Packers go in Round 1, addressing the front seven has to be top priority. Vinny Curry solves the need for a pass-rusher opposite Clay Matthews and to improve the rush defense.

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

Ray Rice—as he should be—is the main ingredient to Baltimore's offense. Well, selecting Cordy Glenn creates improved running lanes and quicker developed misdirection plays to setup the play-action pass.

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

Since Randy Moss is 35 years old, San Francisco needs to add Stephen Hill as the long-term playmaker. He's also a tremendous run-blocker that will allow Frank Gore to enjoy open lanes downfield.

31. New England Patriots: Shea McClellin, LB/DE (Boise State)

Snagging a true pass-rusher in Round 1 will help the Pats remain the standard in the AFC East. Shea McClellin is a bit undersized, but possesses the initial get-off to make plays in the backfield and cause turnover opportunities.

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

Although he's not as polished as Trent Richardson, Doug Martin is the next most-complete back in the draft. His size will help the Giants win short-yard situations, keep their two-back system and help the passing game remain stout (play-action and is a great pass-blocker).

John Rozum on Twitter.