2012 NFL Mock Draft: Teams That Must Add Firepower to Their Offense

It's safe to say that the Indianapolis Colts missed Peyton Manning last season: They averaged only 15.2 points per game. Now, the Colts must trudge on without Manning for good, but fortunately for them, a once-in-a-generation quarterback prospect is there for the taking.

But the Colts aren't the only team needing a facelift on offense. Nine teams averaged under 20 points per game last season.

Here's my latest 2012 NFL mock draft, complete with teams that must add firepower on offense (in italics). 

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

Andrew Luck has all the tools to be a future superstar, and the Colts are in dire need of a leader under center. 

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

The Redskins have an emerging defense. Now they need to find their quarterback of the future after averaging 18.0 points last season. Griffin has the arm strength, accuracy, pocket poise and leadership to be a star in the NFL.

3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT, USC

Young quarterback Christian Ponder had a rough go last season, but he also didn't get much help from his offensive line. The Vikings gave up 49 sacks. Matt Kalil is a top-three prospect this year, and it would be hard to imagine the Vikings passing on him.

4. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Young quarterback Colt McCoy is going to need a solid running game and receiving corps before he can be properly evaluated. Trent Richardson, with his combination of power, speed, burst, patience and big-play ability, could be a good one for years to come.

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

Morris Claiborne is the top cornerback prospect in the draft and a top-five prospect overall, poor Wonderlic Test or not. He sticks on receivers like glue and has the ability to disrupt the run too.

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

The Rams scored 12.1 points per game last season, worst in the league. Sam Bradford is a good quarterback, he just needs weapons around him. Adding a receiver like Justin Blackmon would help a great deal. He has the strength, leaping ability and explosiveness after the catch to be a game-changer at the next level. 

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina

Melvin Ingram is one of the elite pass-rushers in the draft, and he's a hard worker. The Jaguars need to pressure the quarterback better.

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

Ryan Tannehill is a fringe first-rounder in my book, but he very well could be selected by the Dolphins. He's a work in progress, but he has the arm strength, poise and leadership to be a starter in the NFL.

9. Carolina Panthers: Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State

The Panthers need to plug the gaps, and Fletcher Cox has soared up draft boards. Cox has the strength, intelligence and versatility to be a handful for opposing linemen.

10. Buffalo Bills: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

The Bills need to add more protection on the edge for Ryan Fitzpatrick, and Riley Reiff is the second-best lineman in the draft. 

11. Kansas City Chiefs: Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College

Luke Kuechly has the instincts, range and tackling ability to be a star in the NFL, and he showed at the combine that he likely won't be pushed around either. The Chiefs could pair him up with Derrick Johnson in their 3-4.

12. Seattle Seahawks: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

The Seahawks need to add to their pass rush, and Quinton Coples has the strength and speed to be a terror in the NFL. He does need to play with a more consistent motor, however.

13. Arizona Cardinals: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

Offensive tackle Jonathan Martin may be a stretch here. Instead, look for the Cardinals to add Michael Floyd opposite Larry Fitzgerald. Floyd has the strength, leaping ability and hands to be a nice complement to Fitzgerald.

14. Dallas Cowboys: Mark Barron, SS, Alabama

Mark Barron is the do-it-all safety the Cowboys have been looking for, and he's a legit first-round prospect, with the size, physicality and explosiveness to be a starter before long.

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis

The Eagles' rush defense suffered last season because they simply didn't have a lot of bulk in the interior. Dontari Poe is a massive, athletic, defensive tackle who soared after his eye-popping combine numbers. 

16. New York Jets: Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama

The Jets need to find a game-changing pass-rusher, and Courtney Upshaw has the ability to be that at the next level. He's a quick, explosive player with a killer instinct.

17. Cincinnati Bengals (via OAK): David DeCastro, G, Stanford

Andy Dalton is still developing, and the Bengals would be wise to add a guard like David DeCastro, who has the ability to be an immediate starter. He has great size, footwork and lateral agility.

18. San Diego Chargers: Whitney Mercilus, DE/OLB, Illinois

The Chargers have been looking for a pass-rushing linebacker for a while now, and Whitney Mercilus fits the bill. He has great explosiveness and a never-ending motor.

19. Chicago Bears: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

Jonathan Martin needs to add strength, as evidenced by his combine numbers, but he has the athleticism, lateral agility and knowledge of the game to propel him forward. Jay Cutler has been propelled backwards plenty of times in Chicago.

20. Tennessee Titans: Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

Cornerback is a priority for the Titans, and Stephon Gilmore has the speed, physicality and leaping ability to be a complete defensive back. He can also be used as a return man.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

Dre Kirkpatrick has character concerns, but he's a strong, physical corner who should excel in press coverage and against the run. He could be a good fit opposite Leon Hall.

22. Cleveland Browns (via ATL): Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

Adding Richardson and Kendall Wright would give McCoy the weapons he needs. Wright, with his electric speed and athleticism, has a chance to become the next DeSean Jackson (without the character concerns). 

23. Detroit Lions: Nick Perry, DE/OLB, USC

Nick Perry may not have been as impressive at the combine as you would like, but he's lightning-quick on tape and is one of the premier pass-rushers in the draft. He would be a nice addition to the Lions' budding defense.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Dont'a Hightower, ILB, Alabama

With James Farrior dumped, the Steelers need to find their next future inside linebacker. Dont'a Hightower, with his size, motor and physical nature, would be a good fit in Pittsburgh.

25. Denver Broncos: Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

The Broncos need to plug up the middle, and Michael Brockers has the size and athleticism to be a nightmare in the coming years. There are concerns about him after a poor showing at the combine, however.

26. Houston Texans: Rueben Randle, WR, LSU

Rueben Randle is a quick, lengthy, fluid athlete who virtually glides across the field. He still needs to work on his route-running and may need a bit more time to develop, but he could become a star opposite Andre Johnson.

27. New England Patriots (via NO): Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

Protecting Tom Brady is always a good idea. Peter Konz is the premier prospect in a weak center class. He has the size, strength, football IQ and mentality to be a starter for years to come.

28. Green Bay Packers: Chandler Jones, DE, Syracuse

Not only is Chandler Jones part of an impressive family tree, he has the skills of a first-rounder to boot. Jones is an athletic, rangy player who exhibits great instincts and competitiveness. The Packers could be another pass-rusher away from returning to the Super Bowl. 

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

The Ravens need an upgrade at guard, and Cordy Glenn would be a steal here. He's a powerful, imposing blocker with great footwork. He projects as a better NFL player as a guard.

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

The 49ers may have added Randy Moss and Mario Manningham in the offseason, but Moss won't be around for much longer. The 49ers need to add some depth at receiver, and Stephen Hill has soared up draft boards because of his speed, athleticism and leaping ability, not to mention his blocking skills. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.31 seconds at the combine.

31. New England Patriots: Andre Branch, DE, Clemson

The Patriots can't go any longer ignoring their pass rush. Andre Branch has good size, length, burst and athleticism, and he has the ability to be a starter in the NFL.

32. New York Giants: Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford

I originally had the Giants grabbing Ohio State tackle Mike Adams, but after reports came out that he tested positive for marijuana at the combine, I could see him dropping out of the first round. In that case, I expect the Giants to add depth at tight end. Coby Fleener is the premier tight end in the class. He plays lightning-quick for his position, has sure hands and has the ability to be a threat after the catch.

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