2012 NFL Mock Draft: Teams That Need Instant Offense

There are some teams that don't need to use this draft to shore up their offenses. But for the others that are in desperate need of some help—that means you, Cleveland, St. Louis and Jacksonville—the 2012 class is full of potential. 

This year's draft class contains a vast array of top offensive playmakers who can significantly boost even the league's most stagnant offenses. It will happen immediately, not a few years down the line when the players have had a chance to adjust and develop. 

Here is a mock draft with special emphasis on the players who can help offensively-challenged teams right away.

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

The Colts had one of the worst offenses in the league in 2011, but that was to be expected with Peyton Manning out for the season. Now that Indianapolis has reportedly told Luck that he'll be their guy next week, that will not be the case again in 2012.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Luck may have "known for weeks or days" that he is the top pick, and the Colts specifically "made it known" to him.

The hype around Luck is far from unwarranted. He has the size, arm strength and accuracy to be one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL down the line, and he should provide an immediate boost to Indianapolis, which had the league's third-worst offense in 2011.

If Indianapolis wants to regain the stature it had with Manning at the helm, they must go with Luck, who may be the best QB prospect available since Manning himself. 

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

The Redskins' offense was nowhere near as bad as some of the others in 2011, but it still lacks a quarterback of the future. Griffin will give them stability over the long term.

3. Miami Dolphins (mock trade from Vikings) (6-10): Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M

It's looking more and more likely that if the Dolphins don't trade up to get Tannehill here, he could go to the Browns at No. 4. If Miami wants a decent quarterback for the long haul, he's their guy.

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

The Browns had the fourth-worst offense in the league last season, and if they ever want Colt McCoy to develop into a solid quarterback, they need to surround him talent that will allow him to be successful.

Richardson is the first step toward getting there. He is one of a handful of prospects on this year's board who is NFL ready and has the ability to immediately transform this offense from futile to explosive.

There are questions about whether the Browns would be better served taking Richardson or a wide receiver (meaning Justin Blackmon) here. But given the wideouts that will be available in the bottom half of the first round, they should designate their No. 22 pick for someone like Kendall Wright and make sure they get Richardson.

He's the only running back worth taking in the first round, and he gives the Browns something they desperately need. Taking Richardson here fills a big hole on this offense and will make the entire unit better.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-11): Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

Tampa Bay needs to find a long-term replacement for Ronde Barber when he retires, and taking the top cornerback in the draft is a good place to start.

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

If Blackmon doesn't go to the Browns at No. 4, he won't fall farther than sixth. The Rams had the second-worst offense last season, and he is the kind of superstar who will immediately change the complexion of this offense while making Sam Bradford look a lot better.

Last season, the Rams' leading receiver—Brandon Lloyd—registered 683 yards and five touchdowns. The entire team, as a whole, caught nine touchdown passes all year, the lowest total in the NFL. As a senior at Oklahoma State, Blackmon caught 18 all by himself.

Blackmon was far and away the best receiver in the college ranks last season, and the Rams desperately, desperately need a playmaker. Blackmon is someone who draws constant comparisons to Dez Bryant and Terrell Owens, and if he stays healthy, the Rams can't go wrong with him.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11): Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina

The Jaguars also need help on offense, but with Ingram, they can fill another hole on defense. He's the best pass rusher on the board.

8. Minnesota Vikings (mock trade from Miami) (3-13): Matt Kalil, OT, USC

The Vikings run a risk in trading down because Kalil could fall out of their grasp, but if Jacksonville goes for Ingram, they still get their guy. Kalil has the skills to develop into a top-tier left tackle.

9. Carolina Panthers (6-10): Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State

He is the best interior playmaker on the board. Even at 6'4" and 298 pounds, he has room to get bigger and become even more formidable.

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

He's ready to start right now, and though he's not regarded quite as highly as Kalil, he has the potential to develop into one of the better left tackles in the league.

11. Kansas City Chiefs (7-9): Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

His biggest selling points are his consistency and his intelligence. After he was able to quell concerns about his athleticism at the combine, he solidified himself as a high first-rounder.

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

He is one of the best players left on the board at this point, and can help the Seahawks strengthen a defense that finished in the top 10 in 2011.

13. Arizona Cardinals (8-8): Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

Floyd has the potential to be a playmaker in the Cardinals' offense next to Larry Fitzgerald. He could've gone in the top 10, but if he falls this far, the Cardinals—who had the 19th-best offense in 2011—need to take him.

14. Dallas Cowboys (8-8): Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis

At 6'4" and 346 pounds, Poe is a massive athlete who proved during his combine performance that he can move like someone a lot smaller.

15. Philadelphia Eagles (8-8): Mark Barron, S, Alabama

Barron was one of the primary reasons the Crimson Tide had the best defense in the nation last year.

16. New York Jets (8-8): Chandler Jones, DE, Syracuse

On some boards, Jones is still a second-round dweller, but he's an underrated, yet incredibly skilled pass-rusher.

17. Cincinnati Bengals (from Oakland) (8-8): David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

He's described as a perfectionist with incredible pass-blocking skills, and he's very quick off the snap. Plus, coming out of Stanford's pro-style scheme, his transition will be a fast one.

18. San Diego Chargers (8-8): Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia

Glenn made 50 starts during his career, tying a school record, and has the perfect size and strength to be an effective run-blocker.

19. Chicago Bears (8-8): Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

Martin is athletic, quick and very intelligent. In the last two seasons at Stanford, he never missed a game because of an injury, so he has the durability to survive the wear and tear of the NFL.

20. Tennessee Titans (9-7): Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

Though he has the ability and the attitude to be a standout corner in the league, there are character concerns after an arrest due to marijuana possession in 2011.

21. Cincinnati Bengals (9-7): Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

He was impressive at the combine, registering an unofficial 4.40-second 40-yard dash and a 3.94 in the 20-yard shuffle.

22. Cleveland Browns (from Atlanta) (4-12): Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

The Browns can complete the metamorphosis of their offense by getting a receiver as good as Wright here. He will justify their decision to take Richardson with their top-five pick.

23. Detroit Lions (10-6): Courtney Upshaw, DE, Alabama

He is a versatile, agile defensive end who makes big plays in big spots.

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

He hops over Whitney Mercilus in the draft oder because of his versatility and athleticism, drawing comparisons to New England's Brandon Spikes.

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

At 6'6" and 322 pounds, Brockers is a physical monster with lots of potential, though he is still a work in progress, leaving LSU after his redshirt sophomore season.

26. Houston Texans (10-6): Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech

He had an extremely impressive combine, clocking in at 4.36 in the 40, and his consistency at Georgia Tech make him worthy of a first-round pick.

27. New England Patriots (from New Orleans) (13-3): Nick Perry, DE/LB, USC

There is a possibility that Perry could go much higher, so if he drops down this far, the Patriots need to take him. He is a natural athlete who can excel at outside linebacker or defensive end.

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

Inconsistency is the reason he drops this low. He broke out in 2011 after two mediocre seasons to lead the NCAA with 16 sacks. Still, if he continues to perform at that level, he is a great selection.

29. Baltimore Ravens (12-4): Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame

Smith is the second-best safety available, and could offer the Ravens some depth at the position.

30. San Francisco 49ers (13-3): Andre Branch, DE, Clemson

Though he is still a work in progress, Branch has long arms and impressive quickness off the snap. This is a hole the 49ers need to fill, and Branch is a good option.

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

He played defensive end and tackle at UConn and has the intelligence and drive to thrive under Bill Belichick.

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

If the Giants are looking to fill their need at tight end in this draft, they should go with Fleener, and he most likely won't be available to them if they don't take him in the first round.