2012 NFL Mock Draft: QB-Desperate Teams That Should Consider Trade Scenarios

There are two stud quarterbacks in the 2012 NFL draft, and every other one is a hit-or-miss prospect. Obviously, Robert Griffin III and Andrew Luck are the two stars that are a lock to go as the first picks. Even Ryan Tannehill is going to fall in the top 10 after a late surge.

But Brandon Weeden, Greg Osweiler, Russell Wilson, Nick Foles and more signal-callers—who put together solid collegiate careers—aren’t projected to go until the second day or even later.

Teams not named the Colts or Redskins that aren’t set on the QB position have to either work out a trade to get Tannehill in the first round or hope one of those other players pans out.

Let’s take a look at the latest mock with an eye on teams that need to make a move or wait until later.

1. Indianapolis Colts (2-14): Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

Indianapolis wouldn’t trade this selection for anything—barring a ridiculous offer of someone like Aaron Rodgers—and will start a new era on April 26.

2. *Washington Redskins (5-11): Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

Washington knew they needed a franchise QB. They made a move up the draft to snag St. Louis’ pick, and now they will have one.

3. Minnesota Vikings (3-13): Matt Kalil, OT, USC

This is the pick that many teams interested in Tannehill are considering trading for. Minnesota is likely open to moving down, figuring they can address their need for an offensive lineman a bit later.

Cleveland could move up a spot easily, Jacksonville is a dark-horse candidate, Miami is the serious threat to swing a deal and Buffalo even has a shot at shaking things up.

If nothing happens, expect Kalil off the board here.  

4. Cleveland Browns (4-12): Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Cleveland isn’t sure if they want Tannehill yet, which makes it a tough choice between an elite RB in Richardson and a high-upside QB with this pick if he is still on the board.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12): Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

Tampa Bay is fine with Josh Freeman under center and will gladly take the best defensive player in the class.

6. *St. Louis Rams (2-14): Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

The Rams need to get Sam Bradford playing at a high level again, which makes selecting Blackmon—the best receiver in the class—an easy decision.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11): Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

Jacksonville needs a great WR, and they’d have one in the making if they took Floyd. He’d make the development of Blaine Gabbert easier and clearly reveal whether they have a real prospect or a bust in their second-year QB.

8. Miami Dolphins (6-10): Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M

This is a dream scenario for the Dolphins. They want to address their need for a QB and will not have to sacrifice anything if he’s still on the board here. However, don’t discount them making a pre-draft or draft-day trade to move up and secure him.

9. Carolina Panthers (6-10): Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

Gilmore has made almost as meteoric a rise as Tannehill since the combine. He’s an all-around solid CB who will immediately help the Panthers lock down receivers.

10. Buffalo Bills (6-10): Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

Reiff is the second-best LT in the draft and a good piece for a team that isn’t going to be able to address their need for a QB this offseason.

11. Kansas City Chiefs (7-9): Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis

Poe’s dominance at the combine in Indy saw his stock skyrocket, and he’s a shoo-in to become a top-15 pick. He makes sense here for the Chiefs.

12. Seattle Seahawks (7-9): Quinton Coples, DE, UNC

Seattle needs a pass-rusher, and Coples has the highest upside of any on the board. He never dominated the way many believed he would, but some NFL coaching and training could speed up the process.

13. Arizona Cardinals (8-8): Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

The Cardinals need an incredibly instinctive and versatile linebacker with some athleticism to boot. That adequately describes what Kuechly brings to the table.

14. Dallas Cowboys (8-7): David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

DeCastro is the best interior lineman in the class and will help get the Cowboys' ground game jump-started after it wore down toward the end of last season.

15. Philadelphia Eagles (8-8): Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State

Cox’s versatility is something the Eagles would love to employ on their defense. They addressed their need for a LB by adding DeMeco Ryans and further improve with this pick.

16. New York Jets (8-8): Mark Barron, S, Alabama

Safety was one of the weakest positions for the Jets last year, and defenses loved picking on their slow and undersized players at the position. Barron is the best in this class and has a chance to become an immediate starter.

17. Cincinnati Bengals (via OAK 8-8): Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

Kirkpatrick’s misdemeanor possession charges are going to hurt his stock, but he should not fall further than No. 17—especially considering he is a top-10 talent.

18. San Diego Chargers (8-8): Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama

With Peyton Manning about to be unleashed upon the AFC West, the Chargers have no choice but to select a pass-rusher. Upshaw is NFL-ready and plays with a motor that will not quit.

19. Chicago Bears (8-8):  Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia

Glenn is a huge guard that will be able to protect Matt Forte and Jay Cutler—who both were hurt last season—while bringing stability to a line that sorely needs it.

20. Tennessee Titans (9-7): Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

The Titans used to be a feared group of pass-rushers, but those days have passed. Ingram could help revive that reputation in the Music City.

21. Cincinnati Bengals (9-7): Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

Andy Dalton could use another weapon on offense, and Wright is the best one who hasn’t been selected. He’s got insane speed and great hands.

22. Cleveland Browns (via ATL 10-6): Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech

If Cleveland doesn’t go with Tannehill, taking Richardson and then adding another big-play guy like Hill should do wonders for their offense—even if Colt McCoy is the QB.

23. Detroit Lions (10-6): Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

Martin hurt his stock by being injured during the combine and underperforming at his pro day. He’s still worthy of a first-round pick based on his game tape, and the Lions could use someone to protect Matthew Stafford and Jahvid Best from more injuries.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4): Dont'a Hightower, ILB, Alabama

Hightower is a big, mean, physical linebacker who only lacks sideline speed. He makes perfect sense as a young interior linebacker for Pittsburgh to develop.

25. Denver Broncos (8-8): Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

Brockers’ upside is incredible, and he could quickly become a Pro Bowl-caliber DT if he plays up to his size and strength.

26. Houston Texans (10-6): Nick Perry, DE/OLB, USC

The Trojan alumni is an athletic freak who could play a number of positions on a defensive line or in the linebacking corps. He’s not going to replace Mario Williams, but he’ll help soften the blow for Houston.

27. New England Patriots (via NO 13-3): Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

Jenkins has some off-the-field problems that are killing his stock, but his talent is undeniable. If anyone can help get the most out of his football skills and straighten out his personal life, it’s coach Bill Belichick.

28. Green Bay Packers (15-1): Whitney Mercilus, DE/OLB, Illinois

Mercilus doesn’t have prototypical size, but what he did on the field last year makes him worth a gamble. If he can keep playing at that level, he’s going to be great. If not, this is a throwaway pick for the Pack.

29. Baltimore Ravens (12-4): Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

Konz is a nice, big young center for the Ravens to develop and install in the middle of their line.

30. San Francisco 49ers (13-3): Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

Jeffery would join Mario Manningham and Randy Moss as the new members of a revamped receiving corps for this Bay Area team.

31. New England Patriots (13-3): Kendall Reyes, DT, Connecticut

Reyes has some nice talent and versatility. This will add a pass-rushing body to a team that needs one.

32. New York Giants (9-7): Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford

Fleener can run a sub-4.5 40-yard dash and fills a position of need for the G-Men. What more could they ask for?

*Rams trade No. 2 overall pick to Redskins for 2012, 2013, 2014 first-round picks and 2012 second-round pick.