2012 NFL Draft Projections: Team-by-Team Needs and Ideal Targets

The 2012 NFL Draft is almost here, and every team has its guy. That target may not be available, but each team is praying he will be.

As much as teams preach drafting the best player available, needs are always a huge factor. What is your team's biggest need? Who is your team targeting?

Sometimes these questions and their answers match up. Sometimes they don't.

There's only one way to find out.

Indianapolis Colts

Team Needs: Quarterback, Defensive Tackle, Cornerback

With Peyton Manning out of the picture, Indianapolis' biggest need is obviously under center. The team is also transitioning to a 3-4 defense, so it needs a nose tackle. 

At No. 1, the Colts are taking Andrew Luck. There is no more debate, no more discussion. The pick is done. 

Ideal Target: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

Washington Redskins

Team Needs: Quarterback, Safety, Offensive Line

The Redskins traded up to No. 2 for a reason: to draft Robert Griffin. Obviously, Griffin is Washington's target, and he is guaranteed to be the pick.

Washington lost both of its starting safeties—O.J. Atogwe and LaRon Landry—to free agency. Right tackle Jammal Brown is unreliable at best, and the Redskins could use upgrades along the interior line as well.

Ideal Target: Robert Griffin, QB, Baylor

Minnesota Vikings

Team Needs: Offensive Line, Wide Receiver, Cornerback

The Vikings have three glaring needs. Charlie Johnson is an awful left tackle, and the team isn't particularly good at any of the other offensive line positions either. At wide receiver, Minnesota has Percy Harvin...and that's about it. 

Shockingly, Minnesota has even less at cornerback.

So with three desperate needs, what do the Vikings do? Take the best player available.

Ideal Target: Matt Kalil, OT, USC

Cleveland Browns

Team Needs: Wide Receiver, Running Back, Right Tackle

Cleveland tried and failed to move up for Robert Griffin, so the team must now turn to a different position. The Browns have one viable starting wide receiver in Greg Little and no legitimate starters at running back or right tackle.

Cleveland has no choice but to draft the best player available—Trent Richardson. Richardson is a dynamic talent, and he fills a huge need.

Ideal Target: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Team Needs: Cornerback, Running Back, Linebacker

Tampa Bay signed Eric Wright to a contract, but the overpaid cornerback doesn't suddenly make Tampa Bay's secondary anything more than awful. LeGarrette Blount hasn't established himself as a feature back, and the Buccaneers' linebacker situation is pretty bad.

Fortunately, one of the top players in the draft is likely to be available and fills one of these needs. That player is Morris Claiborne.

Ideal Target: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

St. Louis Rams

Team Needs: Wide Receiver, Offensive Tackle, Defensive Tackle

After trading back to No. 6, the Rams probably won't be able to draft an elite player, but it's not impossible. Either way, the team has huge needs at wide receiver and defensive tackle it could choose to address.

Matt Kalil isn't likely to fall this far, but it's possible. He would offer Sam Bradford a blind-side protector while offering tremendous value.

Ideal Target: Matt Kalil, OT, USC

Jacksonville Jaguars

Team Needs: Defensive End, Wide Receiver, Cornerback

Unfortunately for Jacksonville, none of the team's needs match up with the value. Morris Claiborne is almost certainly gone, there is no premier defensive end, and Justin Blackmon doesn't seem like a great fit. 

Though technically a defensive tackle, Fletcher Cox can kick outside to defensive end. Jacksonville's defensive tackles aren't elite by any means, either.

Ideal Target: Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State

Miami Dolphins

Team Needs: Quarterback, Wide Receiver, Defensive End

Ryan Tannehill is frequently projected to the Dolphins because of the team's huge hole at quarterback. However, Miami is also in desperate need of help at wide receiver and defensive end.

If he's available, Justin Blackmon is the obvious pick. Most analysts believe he is the draft's top wideout and a terrific value at No. 9. He would be a an easy decision.

Ideal Target: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

Carolina Panthers

Team Needs: Defensive Tackle, Wide Receiver, Cornerback

Carolina's defense was putrid in 2011, largely because its defensive line and secondary are both awful. The Panthers probably won't have any great options here, but there's one guy they hope will fall.

That guy is Fletcher Cox. Cox is a dynamic talent capable of moving around the defensive line. Few defensive tackles provide this type of playmaking ability.

Ideal Target: Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State

Buffalo Bills

Team Needs: Offensive Tackle, Wide Receiver, Cornerback

Buffalo isn't as bad of a team as its record suggests, but the team does have some flaws. Unfortunately, value doesn't match up with the team's biggest needs, so the Bills are hoping for a good talent to fall.

That's Luke Kuechly. He's the best player with a legitimate chance of falling to the Bills. Kuechly is an athletic player with tremendous instincts, so he could play at a high level from day one.

Ideal Target: Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

Kansas City Chiefs

Team Needs: Quarterback, Nose Tackle, Guard

The Chiefs have a talented roster, minus a few positions. Unfortunately, one of those positions is quarterback. That's never good.

Kansas City desperately needs to replace Matt Cassel, and Ryan Tannehill isn't a reach at No. 11. The Chiefs just have to hope he's an option.

Ideal Target: Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M 

Seattle Seahawks

Team Needs: Defensive End, Wide Receiver, Linebacker

Seattle's pass rush is easily its biggest flaw, but the team could also use help at wide receiver or linebacker. However, the Seahawks don't seem interested in going linebacker early, and there isn't good value at wide receiver.

That leaves Melvin Ingram. Ingram is a perfect fit in Pete Carroll's defense, and he could move around the defense as well as any player in the NFL. 

Ideal Target: Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

Arizona Cardinals

Team Needs: Offensive Line, Outside Linebacker, Wide Receiver

For years, Arizona's offensive line has been dreadful. It is easily the team's biggest hole, and it should have been addressed years ago. The Cardinals can't wait another year.

Cordy Glenn is exactly the type of lineman Arizona looks for. Most importantly, Glenn is massive. He's also a good athlete, though, and can play any offensive line position except center.

Ideal Target: Cordy Glenn, OT, Georgia 

Dallas Cowboys

Team Needs: Outside Linebacker, Safety, Defensive End

As you can see, the Cowboys need to address their defense. Anthony Spencer isn't locked in for years to come, and Dallas doesn't really have many legitimate options at safety or defensive end.

With all this in mind, the Cowboys seem locked in on Mark Barron. The Alabama safety fits Rob Ryan's mold of a guy who can do it all, and he won't make it far past No. 14 if the team does pass.

Ideal Target: Mark Barron, S, Alabama

Philadelphia Eagles

Team Needs: Defensive Tackle, Linebacker, Cornerback

Philadelphia still has a dynamic offense, but the Eagles' defense was dreadful in 2011. The team needs to upgrade on all three levels, and they will likely address one of them at No. 15.

Dontari Poe would be a steal. The 6'4", 346-pounder is a potential star, and he is an outstanding fit in the middle of Jim Washburn's defensive line. 

Ideal Target: Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis

New York Jets

Team Needs: Wide Receiver, Outside Linebacker, Right Tackle

Even with Santonio Holmes at wide receiver, the Jets need more targets for Mark Sanchez. They also need to upgrade their pass rush and find a right tackle who can keep Sanchez off his back.

Of all the guys to fill these holes, Melvin Ingram is the best option. Ingram can play any position Rex Ryan can imagine, much like Adalius Thomas once did. This is a match made in heaven.

Ideal Target: Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina 

Oakland Raiders

Team Needs: Nose Tackle, Outside Linebacker, Cornerback

Oakland is a bit of a mess right now. The Raiders don't pick until the end of the third round, and they have needs all over the place. 

As they transition to the 3-4 defense, though, the Raiders especially need help at nose tackle and outside linebacker, where they have few options.

Josh Chapman probably won't be available, but he's a dream pick at the end of the third. The Alabama nose tackle is talented enough to go earlier, but he could drop due to a torn ACL.

Ideal Target: Josh Chapman, DT, Alabama

San Diego Chargers

Team Needs: Offensive Line, Defensive End, Outside Linebacker

After losing Kris Dielman to retirement and releasing Marcus McNeill, the Chargers need offensive linemen. Their defensive line is still rough after re-signing Luis Castillo, and they don't have much in the way of pass-rushers.

Cordy Glenn's versatility makes the difference. Glenn could replace McNeill at tackle or Dielman at guard, and he could do both at a high level. That's key for the Chargers.

Ideal Target: Cordy Glenn, OT, Georgia 

Chicago Bears

Team Needs: Defensive End, Tight End, Wide Receiver

Chicago has Julius Peppers at defensive end, but, oddly enough, the position is still a weakness. Mike Martz' unfortunate time with the Bears rid the team of Greg Olsen, their only viable tight end, and the Bears still need another wideout to pair with Brandon Marshall.

Right now, Quinton Coples seems like a tremendous fit. The Bears have Isareal Idonije to hold down the fort until Coples is ready to dominate, and his upside is probably too high for the Bears to pass on him.

Ideal Target: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

Tennessee Titans

Team Needs: Offensive Line, Cornerback, Defensive End

Tennessee's offensive line was detrimental to Chris Johnson's 2011 campaign, and it remains an issue after signing Steve Hutchinson. However, the Titans also need to replace Cortland Finnegan and find a complement to Kamerion Wimbley.

If he's somehow available, Stephon Gilmore would be a terrific pick. Gilmore probably won't still be on the board, but he would fill a huge hole while offering tremendous value. That's the perfect pick.

Ideal Target: Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina 

Cincinnati Bengals

Team Needs: Running Back, Guard, Cornerback

Cincinnati has two picks in the first round, so it can address two of its three biggest needs. The Bengals signed plenty of players in free agency, but none of them are particularly good.

David DeCastro is perfect for the Bengals. He fits a need and will be a tremendous value in the middle of the first round. There is no better realistic pick for Cincinnati.

Ideal Target: David DeCastro, OG, Stanford 

Atlanta Falcons

Team Needs: Defensive End, Left Tackle, Cornerback

Atlanta's star pass-rusher John Abraham is aging, and the team doesn't have much opposite him. Even if Abraham were in his prime, the position would be an issue.

Unfortunately, the Falcons don't pick until the second round, so they have to hope for Vinny Curry. The Marshall defensive end is an explosive athlete with double-digit-sack potential.

Ideal Target: Vinny Curry, DE, Marshall

Detroit Lions

Team Needs: Offensive Line, Cornerback, Linebacker

Before they lost Eric Wright, the Lions needed help at cornerback. Now they really need help at cornerback. However, Detroit also needs to upgrade their offensive line, and the team's linebackers are far from ideal.

Dre Kirkpatrick has some issues, but he would be a terrific value at No. 23 and could contribute immediately. Kirkpatrick is a realistic pick, but he's also the best-case scenario for Detroit.

Ideal Target: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

Pittsburgh Steelers

Team Needs: Inside Linebacker, Outside Linebacker, Offensive Line

With James Farrior now an ex-Steeler, Pittsburgh is in the market for an immediate starter at inside linebacker. Along the outside, the Steelers don't need someone to play now, but they will next year. And, of course, the offensive line is always an issue for Pittsburgh.

Oddly enough, Dont'a Hightower addresses both holes at linebacker. The Alabama star has played both positions and could move around the defense. That versatility makes him especially valuable to Dick LeBeau.

Ideal Target: Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama 

Denver Broncos

Team Needs: Defensive Tackle, Running Back, Cornerback

Denver lost its only starting-caliber defensive tackle in Brodrick Bunkley, so the position is now a huge area of need. Running back and cornerback pale in comparison.

Players with Michael Brockers' talent don't usually fall this far. The LSU defensive tackle has star potential, and he is a potential steal in the 20s. This is yet another scenario in which value and need could match up perfectly.

Ideal Target: Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

Houston Texans

Team Needs: Wide Receiver, Nose Tackle, Offensive Line

The Texans are looking for both Andre Johnson's complement and his replacement, so they definitely need help at wideout. Nose tackle hasn't been a huge problem for Houston, but it's not a strong spot either. The team's offensive line is an issue after losing multiple starters in free agency.

Stephen Hill is the lone wideout in the draft with elite potential. Houston doesn't need him to start immediately, but the team does need someone who can dominate in the future. Hill is that guy.

Ideal Target: Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech 

New Orleans Saints

Team Needs: Wide Receiver, Safety, Defensive Tackle

Because of last year's Mark Ingram trade and the Bountygate scandal, the Saints don't pick until the third round. New Orleans doesn't have any glaring needs, but it could stand to add a potential replacement for Robert Meachem.

A.J. Jenkins probably isn't a No. 1 wide receiver, but he's a great athlete with solid upside. He could contribute for the Saints as a rookie while making the occasional big play.

Ideal Target: A.J. Jenkins, WR, Illinois 

Green Bay Packers

Team Needs: Outside Linebacker, Defensive End, Center

Green Bay obviously has Clay Matthews at one outside linebacker spot, but the other is much less solid. The team has also failed to replace Cullen Jenkins, and Jeff Saturday is, at best, a temporary fix at center.

The best pick the Packers can hope for is Shea McClellin. The Boise State product is ready to start right now, and he offers legitimate Pro-Bowl ability opposite Matthews.

Ideal Target: Shea McClellin, OLB, Boise State

Baltimore Ravens

Team Needs: Offensive Line, Wide Receiver, Outside Linebacker

Baltimore is famous for drafting the best player available, but the team rarely drafts players who don't fit needs at all. 

Peter Konz seems like a perfect fit.

Many believe Konz could or should go earlier than this, and the Ravens could play Konz at center, or even guard if they're confident in Matt Birk.

Ideal Target: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin 

San Francisco 49ers

Team Needs: Guard, Wide Receiver, Cornerback

The 49ers don't have any huge needs, but they do need to add offensive talent. Though he isn't technically a wide receiver, Coby Fleener offers that type of ability. 

The Stanford product is an outstanding athlete who has already played in Jim Harbaugh's scheme. Fleener offers a reliable threat who can play on all three levels of the field.

Ideal Target: Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford 

New England Patriots

Team Needs: Defensive End, Cornerback, Defensive Tackle

Basically, the Patriots need to upgrade at the usual positions. Bill Belichick has consistently ignored the team's pass rush, and its cornerbacks aren't getting much better despite the high draft picks spent.

Above all else, Belichick values length in his pass rushers. Andre Branch has that, and he is also versatile enough to play in either Belichick's 4-3 or 3-4 scheme.

Ideal Target: Andre Branch, DE, Clemson

New York Giants

Team Needs: Offensive Tackle, Running Back, Wide Receiver

New York is now without Kareem McKenzie, and David Diehl and William Beatty don't inspire confidence. A lone Ahmad Bradshaw isn't exactly scaring opposing defenses, either.

If Mike Adams is still available, it's entirely because of off-the-field issues. The Ohio State tackle is more talented than this draft slot suggests. Fortunately, the Giants can afford to take a chance on a high-upside player.

Ideal Target: Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State