2012 NFL Mock Draft: Best-Case Scenario for Every NFL Team

As we approach Week 7 in the NFL, there are several fanbases already looking towards the 2012 NFL draft. Teams like the Miami Dolphins and St. Louis Rams are already a long shot to make the playoffs, making the draft the only sign of hope.

The NFL draft is a time for optimism, as everyone has a chance to improve their roster. NFL teams spend countless hours constructing their draft boards while hoping to find that balance between need and value. This balance is very tricky, as nobody wants to see their team reaching for a prospect based on need.

Every team is hoping for the best-case scenario, where it can land a top talent at a position of need. Each team has a different opinion on the varying prospects. This allows for the best-case scenario to differ from team to team.

The upcoming slides use Matt Miller's Power Rankings as a guide to breaking down each team's best-case scenario. I tried to keep the scenarios realistic. For example, I don't have the San Francisco 49ers' best-case scenario landing Andrew Luck of Stanford. They currently have a record of 5-1, making them a real long shot to land the top overall pick.

Honestly, landing Andrew Luck could be the dream scenario for many NFL teams. Only a handful of teams have a young franchise quarterback, thus having little use for Luck.

Best-Case Scenario for the Indianapolis Colts

During the offseason, the Indianapolis Colts re-signed Peyton Manning to a new long-term deal. Since the signing of that deal, Manning has yet to take the field due to a neck injury. The idea is that Manning will be able to play again, but nothing is certain.

The best-case scenario for the Colts would be for Manning to return to full strength. When healthy, Manning is still one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL. I feel he has about four or five good years left. If the Colts believe Manning will return to full strength, they should consider trading down in the draft.

It is going to be really tough to pass up Andrew Luck, but he doesn't help the Colts win now. They could find themselves in a situation where their top pick doesn't see the field for five years. There could also be a chance that Luck's rookie contract runs out before he can play a single game. All this assumes the Colts land the first overall pick.

The true best-case scenario might be for the Colts to land the second overall pick. This would save them from having to pass up Andrew Luck. It would also allow them to add some talent to a team able to contend with a healthy Manning.

I know everyone is going to have an issue with the Colts' best-case scenario not being landing Andrew Luck. However, this team is still capable of winning now, and all that is certain is the present.

Best-Case Scenario for the St. Louis Rams

The St. Louis Rams are suffering through a disastrous start to the season. Many felt that they had a legitimate shot at winning the NFC West and earning a playoff berth. However, they have yet to earn a win while playing very sloppy football.

St. Louis has some talent in place, starting with Sam Bradford. However, it hasn't been able to surround its star quarterback with playmakers. The Rams need to use their first-round pick to add an offensive playmaker, ideally a wide receiver.

The wide receiver position is not the only need for this Rams team. They have holes on the defensive side of the ball as well. The best-case scenario for the Rams would be to land the No. 1 overall pick. This would allow them to orchestrate a trade with a team coveting Andrew Luck.

If the Rams land the first overall pick, they will be in line to receive a massive trade offer. Any number of teams will be lining up to attempt to acquire the rights to Luck. We would likely see a record number of current and future draft choices exchanged.

St. Louis would likely only have to drop back a few spots in the draft order. This would allow it to pick up extra picks, while still having a shot at a receiver like Alshon Jeffery or Justin Blackmon.

Best-Case Scenario for the Miami Dolphins

The situation for the Miami Dolphins is pretty cut and dried: They need to land Andrew Luck. There is no scenario where the Dolphins wouldn't want to add Luck. He is the top guy on their list—likely the only guy on their list.

Miami's quarterback situation is one of the most unsettled in the entire NFL. Its opening day starter, Chad Henne, is out for the season with an injury. This is also the last year of Henne's contract, and he hasn't done anything to lock down the starting job.

Best-case scenario for the Miami Dolphins is they land the first overall pick. This would allow them to draft Andrew Luck while not having to trade any assets to acquire the top pick. However, I feel they will do everything in their power to add Luck. This sense of desperation could turn very ugly.

Best-Case Scenario for the Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs would need to continue to fall if they hope to land the top overall pick. They are coming off back-to-back wins and appear to have found their stride. This team may not make the playoffs but also appears unlikely to land the top pick.

The slim chances of landing the top pick put the Chiefs outside of the Andrew Luck sweepstakes. I think if they had the opportunity, they would draft Luck, but it doesn't seem like a decision they will need to make.

Kansas City has some needs on the defensive side of the ball, but it could also use an offensive tackle. Adding someone like USC's Matt Kalil would allow the Chiefs to move Branden Albert to right tackle, a position to which he is better suited. Drafting Kalil would improve two spots on the offensive line.

Matt Kalil is the best-case scenario because he will improve the offensive line, while allowing Kansas City to continue its run-first attack.

Best-Case Scenario for the Denver Broncos

The best-case scenario for the Denver Broncos is for Tim Tebow to take charge of the quarterback position. This team needs to find stability at the quarterback position. Tebow is a fan favorite and a former first-round pick, meaning he will get a shot to succeed. The quarterback controversy will not end until Tebow is given a fair opportunity.

Outside of the quarterback situation, Denver needs to continue to rebuild its defense. Despite some good additions, this unit still ranks towards the bottom of the NFL. One of the concerns needs to be the secondary, where both starting cornerbacks are 33 years old.

The age of the cornerbacks puts this as a position of need. The best-case scenario for the Broncos is that they are able to find a cornerback worthy of their draft position. Right now, LSU's Morris Claiborne is making a push towards the top 10. However, it might be difficult for the Broncos to justify drafting a cornerback that early in the draft.

Best-Case Scenario for the Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals spent a lot to acquire Kevin Kolb, and they need to protect their investment. The current starting offensive tackles are not able to consistently protect the quarterback. Levi Brown needs to make the switch to the right side of the line. He doesn't have the talent to protect Kolb's blind side.

Arizona doesn't only have needs along the offensive line, as it also needs help at linebacker. It is going to be tough for the Cardinals to weigh the needs at each position. This team is having a hard time winning football games due to the poor performance on both sides of the ball.

The best-case scenario for the Cardinals is for one of the top left tackles to be available. They also need to find a way to not fall in love with one of the linebackers. Arizona State's Vontaze Burfict is an electrifying linebacker who would be very tempting.

Best-Case Scenario for Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings are suffering through a tough start to the season. They felt the addition of Donovan McNabb would at least make them competitive. However, they find themselves sitting at 1-5 with little hope for a turnaround.

Minnesota's future is in the hands of Christian Ponder, who needs to be surrounded with more talent.This Vikings team has concerns at wide receiver and along the offensive line. Ponder would welcome the addition of either a new playmaker or left tackle.

The best-case scenario for the Vikings would be for either Stanford's Jonathan Martin or USC's Matt Kalil to fall to their position. Currently, I have Martin and Kalil battling for the right to be the first offensive tackle selected. After Martin and Kalil, there is a gap in talent. Iowa's Riley Reiff is the next-best offensive tackle prospect. Reiff is talented but still needs some seasoning.

In my opinion, Minnesota needs a left tackle more than it needs a wide receiver.

Best-Case Scenario for Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks were looking towards the future when they signed Tarvaris Jackson. They didn't see Jackson as the long-term solution but as a short-term bridge. I feel that Seattle has plans to select a quarterback in the 2012 draft.

Seattle likely has its sights set on Andrew Luck, but it also could be targeting someone like Oklahoma's Landry Jones or USC's Matt Barkley. The Seahawks need another quarterback to emerge as a top-10 option.

I see the Seahawks as one of the teams who would try to move up to select Luck. Depending on who lands the top pick, Luck's rights could be on the trading block. It would take a lot to acquire the top pick, a price that could devastate a franchise.

The best-case scenario for the Seattle Seahawks is for a quarterback-needy team to land the top overall pick. This would protect Seattle from auctioning off its future to land Andrew Luck. However, it also needs another quarterback to emerge as an option.

Best-Case Scenario for Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns had an encouraging preseason where quarterback Colt McCoy looked to have a strong hold of the offense. However, the team has been unable to carry that success into the regular season.

Offensively, the Browns are struggling to effectively move the football. McCoy is only completing 55 percent of his passes for an average of 5.5 yards per completion. These numbers speak volumes about the Browns' offensive struggles. Cleveland has been unable to produce explosive plays; it needs someone capable of stretching the field.

The best-case scenario for the Cleveland Browns would be for Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon to be available and sitting in the green room. Blackmon is the type of explosive player that would ignite the Browns offense. His ability to stretch the defense will open up the entire offense.

Best-Case Scenario for Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars are in a good position as far as the draft is concerned. They have several positions of need, meaning they could virtually go best player available. Jacksonville could target a playmaking wide receiver or a cornerback. However, I feel its biggest need is a pass-rusher.

Over the years, Jacksonville has made countless efforts to bolster its pass rush. It added players such as Aaron Kampman and Derrick Harvey, with neither player contributing much.

The direction of its first-round selection will be impacted by who is coaching the team next season. If Jack Del Rio returns, I see the Jaguars targeting a defensive end. However, Del Rio is not expect to be retained, meaning they could go a few directions.

Jacksonville's best-case scenario is that it finds some direction with a new head coach. The Jaguars also could use a player like Quinton Coples of North Carolina falling into their laps. Coples' draft stock is dropping, but he is still a very good prospect.

Coples would immediately be the top pass-rushing threat on the Jaguars roster.

Best-Case Scenario for the Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers seem to have struck gold with Cam Newton. So far this season, he has looked very impressive, easing almost all concerns. With Newton on board, the Panthers need to start thinking about surrounding him with talent.

Steve Smith is still a very good receiver, but the rest of the unit doesn't provide much. Smith is also 32 years old and on the downside of his career. Newton needs a young playmaker to grow and develop alongside. The chemistry between a young quarterback and his top target should never be underestimated.

The best-case scenario for the Carolina Panthers would be for either South Carolina's Alshon Jeffery or Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon to still be on the board. Both of these wide receivers would really help the development of Cam Newton.

Best-Case Scenario for the Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears' biggest need is fairly obvious: offensive line. They could use help at almost every offensive line position, except maybe right tackle. 2011 first-round pick Gabe Carimi is expected to be the long-term solution at right tackle.

Chicago's organization felt pretty lucky when Carimi fell in the first round. It will be hoping for some similar fortune in 2012. This team cannot afford another season with limited additions to the offensive line. Jay Cutler doesn't have many more seasons left if he continues to take these monstrous hits.

The best-case scenario for the Chicago Bears is for one of the top-rated left tackles to be still on the board when they pick. With their current record and the needs of the teams ahead of them, Riley Reiff might be their only hope.

Matt Kalil and Jonathan Martin are seen as the two top left tackle prospects; both figure to be selected in the top 10. Reiff is making a move up the draft board due to a strong start to the season. He is a physically gifted prospect who possesses a ton of upside.

Best-Case Scenario for the New York Jets

The New York Jets want to be able to run the football, but so far this season they are only averaging 71 yards per game. This low total is a result of both poor offensive line play and a lack of an explosive runner. Shonn Greene has not been able to completely solidify the starting position long-term.

I feel that even if Greene picks up his game, another back is needed to help carry the load. Oftentimes a running back can be found later in the draft. However, if there is a talent like Alabam's Trent Richardson available, you have to jump.

The best-case scenario for the New York Jets would be to stick to their guns and remain a running team. In order for this to happen, they need to land a top-caliber back like Richardson.

New York could use some help on the offensive line, but I think it needs that big-time running back.

Best-Case Scenario for the Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles have several real obvious needs, including offensive line and linebacker. Andy Reid has his love for offensive linemen, but the greater need might be at linebacker. The Eagles will never reach their goal if they cannot improve the defense.

The best-case scenario for the Eagles would be that one of the top middle linebackers is available when they draft. This list would include Arizona State's Vontaze Burfict, Notre Dame's Manti Te'o and Boston College's Luke Kuechly. The Eagles defense needs some attitude, making Burfict the best fit.

Adding someone like Burfict would bring some nastiness to a unit that has had its toughness questioned.

Best-Case Scenario for the Washington Redskins

The Washington Redskins are starting to see what life is like with Rex Grossman. He can show you signs of success, but he is terribly inconsistent. Mike Shanahan wants to focus on protecting the football, while featuring a good running attack. If that is his game plan, then Grossman shouldn't be his quarterback.

Washington's best-case scenario is to land a quarterback capable of developing into a franchise player. This could be a tricky situation, as the more games the Redskins win, the less chance they have to land a top quarterback.

The Redskins shouldn't stop trying to win football games, but they do need to hope a quarterback lands in their lap. Thus, maybe their best-case scenario is that Rex Grossman continues to throw interceptions and lose football games. This would secure a top quarterback for a team still in a bit of a rebuilding mode.

Best-Case Scenario for the Dallas Cowboys

It is extremely hard to pinpoint the major needs on this Dallas Cowboys roster. This team has a ton of talent, with maybe a few holes in the secondary and on the offensive line. Despite their roster of talent, the Cowboys have struggled to play consistent football.

So far this season, a lot of the struggles have been blamed on Tony Romo, and rightfully so. The result of this season could go a long way in determining the future of this franchise.

The best-case scenario for the Dallas Cowboys would be to be in a position to draft a top-level interior offensive lineman. However, this would mean they need to win enough games to be drafting in the 20s. The top available guards are Georgia's Cordy Glenn and Stanford's David DeCastro.

Romo has his struggles, but he is the Cowboys' best chance of winning a Super Bowl. They either need to stick with Romo or prepare to enter a rebuilding stage.

Best-Case Scenario for the Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans are one of the surprise teams in the NFL. They have gotten out to a good start in what was expected to be a down year. Tennessee has taken on the attitude of its head coach, Hall of Fame lineman Mike Munchak.

Munchak's early success will likely earn him a few more seasons as the head coach. This means we could see a lot of emphasis put on upgrading the trenches. The Tennessee Titans have a very good offensive line, which could prompt additions to the defensive line.

The best-case scenario for the Tennessee Titans would be for a talented defensive tackle to be available when they pick. This would allow Munchak to add a player within his comfort zone, while also not reaching for a player.

Tennessee could also use some help at wide receiver. However, it could find itself out of the running for a first-round-worthy wideout.

Best-Case Scenario for the Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons spent a ton of money to bring in Dunta Robinson to be a shutdown cornerback. However, he really hasn't played at a high level. The entire Falcons secondary is struggling to slow down the opponent's passing attack, allowing 280 passing yards per game.

One good thing for the Falcons is the restructured rookie pay scale. This means they can add a high-profile cornerback despite paying Robinson a ton of money. Atlanta plays in a division with three quarterbacks who have the potential to put up big numbers. Drew Brees, Josh Freeman and Cam Newton have all shown the ability to make plays with their arms.

The best-case scenario for the Atlanta Falcons would be for them to add a top-notch cornerback prospect. Unfortunately, they don't have a first-round pick thanks to their trade for Julio Jones. However, there are several cornerbacks that could be available in the second round.

Best-Case Scenario for the Cincinnati Bengals

Heading into the season, the Cincinnati Bengals were looking at major roster changes. Many felt this team would have a terrible year. However, rookies Andy Dalton and A.J. Green have given this team a spark. Combine their play with the Bengals' top-rated defense and you have a possible playoff team.

Cincinnati seems to have cleansed itself from a negative situation by parting ways with Chad Ochocinco and Carson Palmer. The Bengals were a team surrounded by negativity and disappointment but now appear to have a new atmosphere of excitement.

The best-case scenario for the Cincinnati Bengals would be for management to keep their current identity. They need to continue to build this team around their defense, while also providing some offensive weapons for Dalton. The ideal selection would be at the cornerback position, where a long-term replacement for Johnathan Joseph is needed.

Best-Case Scenario for the Pittsburgh Steelers

The media was very quick to point out the flaws of the Pittsburgh Steelers, but somehow they just keep winning. This team is aging, but it still has plenty of talent. Defensively, Pittsburgh has added young players with potential, including Ziggy Hood, Cameron Heyward, Jason Worilds and Curtis Brown.

All of their young talent is currently in backup roles but will be counted on in the near future. These players have had time to sit and learn the defensive scheme. I am not worried about the age of their defense, as they do have players capable of stepping up.

However, it is a different story along the offensive line. This unit is in its second year of suffering major setbacks due to injury. Even when healthy, the offensive line was a cause for concern.

The best-case scenario for the Pittsburgh Steelers is to have an opportunity to add talent along the offensive line. They could have an opportunity to add one of the top guard prospects, Cordy Glenn or David DeCastro.

Best-Case Scenario for the San Diego Chargers

The San Diego Chargers are a team that is consistently in the hunt for a playoff spot thanks to the play of quarterback Philip Rivers. However, the Chargers get equally strong play from their defense. As you study the Chargers roster, you can easily pinpoint some question marks.

Defensively, San Diego could use an upgrade at defensive end and linebacker. Vaughn Martin is a nice-looking young player but is better suited for a rotational role. If the Chargers want to add a 5-technique, it would mean they have done so in back-to-back seasons. Last year, the Chargers selected Corey Liuget in the first round.

Another area they could address is the outside linebacker position. Former first-round pick Larry English has been a disappointment, bordering on bust status. San Diego is currently using Travis LaBoy in a starting role. The Chargers could look to add a pass-rushing threat.

Best-case scenario for the San Diego Chargers is that they find a way to get past the disappointing play of English. This would allow them to take a chance on another outside pass-rushing threat. Ideally, they would look to add someone like Oklahoma's Ronnell Lewis or Florida State's Brandon Jenkins.

Best-Case Scenario for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

It may be hard to believe, but there were actually some evaluators who felt Gerald McCoy would be a better pro than Ndamukong Suh. Even those who favored Suh still felt that McCoy would be a disruptive force.

McCoy has not lived up to expectations, only recording two career sacks. He has also had several injuries that have kept him off the field.

Tampa Bay has spent the last two drafts focusing on rebuilding the defensive line. McCoy was expected to be a major contributor along that rebuilt defensive line. I don't think that Tampa Bay is ready to give up on McCoy, but pressure is starting to mount.

The best-case scenario for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would be for them to realize McCoy will never be a disruptive force. This realization would allow the Bucs to find a player capable of penetrating the pocket, while creating pressure up the middle.

I see Jerel Worthy of Michigan State and Kendall Reyes of UConn as two players who could come in and create pressure.

Best-Case Scenario for the Oakland Raiders

This Oakland Raiders are winning football games because they are playing to their strengths. They are running the football and playing good defense. Oakland's offensive game plan is simple but effective, especially when you have Darren McFadden carrying the football.

Oakland has earned the reputation as a team obsessed with speed. However, it has also made some selections bulking up the offensive line. Its first pick in 2011, Stefen Wisniewski, shows that Oakland does have a plan. The Raiders want to run the football; in order to do so, they need to continue to build the offensive line.

The best-case scenario for the Oakland Raiders is to continue to add players that fit their game plan. This means bringing in another top-notch offensive lineman. They could stand to add another interior player to replace Cooper Carlisle or Samson Satele. Two players that would make some sense would be Cordy Glenn and David DeCastro.

Best-Case Scenario for the New York Giants

The New York Giants' season has been like a roller coaster: One week they look good, and the next they look terrible. Their up and down production is due to the continuing struggles with turnovers. Quarterback Eli Manning continues to be plagued by interceptions, costing them the game against the Seattle Seahawks.

New York's up and down season can also be attributed to its struggles running the football. It currently ranks 26th in the league, averaging only 90 rushing yards per game. The Giants were at their best when they had a strong running game.

The running game struggles can be directly linked to the new faces along the offensive line. Only Kareem McKenzie and Dave Diehl were starters at this time last season. I feel that New York will continue to have its struggles unless it can find a way to run the football.

Best-case scenario for the New York Giants is to find a way to improve the offensive line. They could go in several different directions, by adding either a guard or tackle. The Giants would love to see a player like Cordy Glenn or David DeCastro fall into their laps. Glenn would be a nice addition, as he would be able to play either guard or right tackle.

Best-Case Scenario for Houston Texans

With the injury to Peyton Manning, the Houston Texans were supposed to run away with the AFC South title. However, they currently sit one game behind the surprising Tennessee Titans.

Houston has been unable to pull off victories against the toughest part of its schedule. The Texans need to find a way to win the tough games if they hope to make a run at the Super Bowl.

Houston is dealing with more than a few injuries to key players including Mario Williams and Andre Johnson. The Williams injury was a devastating blow, as he is expected to miss the rest of the season. However, the Johnson injury has been equally hard to overcome.

The best-case scenario for the Houston Texans would be to find someone who can complement/fill in for Andre Johnson. Kevin Walter and Jacoby Jones are nice complementary pieces, but neither is a major threat to a defense.

Someone like Notre Dame's Michael Floyd would be a great addition. He would be able to help draw double-teams away from Johnson when he is healthy, while also providing some depth to the position.

Best-Case Scenario for the Buffalo Bills

Looking at this Buffalo Bills roster, I am convinced this is no better than a .500 football team. However, that is why they play the games; nobody wants to be considered a paper champion. Buffalo has a lot of players playing above expectations. The Bills are also the recipients of great coaching, which is making do with limited talent.

This team needs help along the offensive line, at linebacker and in the secondary. The offensive line features starters such as Kraig Urbik, Erik Pears and Chris Hairston. Each of those players is playing out of position. For example, Hairston has been lining up at left tackle but is better suited for the right side.

Defensively, the Buffalo Bills have only registered four sacks. There are 21 individuals that have either equaled or surpassed the four-sack total. I don't see how the Bills can sustain success without a legitimate pass rush.

The best-case scenario for the Buffalo Bills is to find a player capable of creating pressure off the edge. They need to find a rush outside linebacker capable of recording double-digit sacks. Unfortunately, Buffalo might struggle finding that type of player at the end of the first round. This means if the Bills continue to win, they will have a lesser chance to fill this need.

Best-Case Scenario for the New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints are without a 2012 first-round pick due to the trade for Mark Ingram. However, that doesn't mean they can't add some talent via the draft. Oftentimes teams can find talented players in the later round.

New Orleans has more than a handful of star players who were late-round finds. This list includes players like Carl Nicks, Jahri Evans and Marques Colston. New Orleans has a few areas it could address but has the ability to do best player available.

The best-case scenario for the New Orleans Saints would be for a talented wide receiver to fall into their lap. Drew Brees likes to spread the ball around, but he would welcome another talented wideout. Colston and Devery Henderson are good players, but this unit is better as a whole.

Best-Case Scenario for the Baltimore Ravens

For so many years, the Baltimore Ravens have had a dominant defense. However, the top players on that unit are starting to age. Ray Lewis and Ed Reed are on the downside of their career, and when they retire this team will lose a lot of leadership.

Baltimore doesn't have players on the roster that are capable of replacing either Lewis or Reed. Now might be a good time to bring in a young talent capable of learning underneath these great football players. I don't see a safety in this draft class worthy of a first-round selection, meaning Baltimore might look to add a linebacker.

The best-case scenario for the Baltimore Ravens would be to land Vontaze Burfict. He would be a perfect fit for this defense. Burfict would bring the toughness and attitude required to be a part of this Ravens football team.

Burfict is unlikely to be available when the Ravens are selecting. The only chance they have of that happening is if teams are scared off by some of Burfict's off-field issues.

Best-Case Scenario for the Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions are not just a good story—they are a good football team. They have talent on both sides of the football, including a dominant defensive line. Despite all their success, this team still has plenty of areas to address.

Detroit's defensive line and pass rush have masked some of the issues in the secondary. Chris Houston and Eric Wright both have been nothing more than rotational players. They look better with the Lions because they are asked to cover for shorter period of times.

The best-case scenario for the Detroit Lions would be for them to realize the limitations of the defensive secondary. Adding a top-notch cornerback would only improve the defense. They would be wise to target a player with good ball skills.

The pass rush has a tendency to force quarterbacks to hurry their throws and make mistakes. Adding a cornerback capable of creating turnovers would give the Lions offense more opportunities. A player like Alabama's Dre Kirkpatrick or former Florida Gator Janoris Jenkins (now at North Alabama) would be the ideal selection.

Best-Case Scenario for the San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers are winning football games because they are dominating the both lines of scrimmage. They rank in the top five in both running the football and stopping the run. This is the type of playing style that Jim Harbaugh wants to employ. Thus far, Harbaugh's strategy has led the 49ers to a 5-1 start.

Despite their strong start, Harbaugh's strategy will only take this team so far. Eventually, they will need to make plays down the field. Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree are the 49ers' only big-time playmakers. However, you have to be concerned about the long-term outlook for Crabtree.

The best-case scenario for the San Francisco 49ers is to be in position to add someone like Michael Floyd of Notre Dame or Jeff Fuller of Texas A&M. Both of these players have shown the ability to make plays down the field. Neither is a speedster, but both are more than capable of stretching the field.

Best-Case Scenario for the New England Patriots

The England Patriots again own multiple first-round picks in 2012. They are in a good position to add more talent to an already talented roster. Offensively, the Patriots have talent at every position, not really needing much on that side of the football.

Defensively, this team has more than a few areas it needs to address. However, before the Patriots start to address positions of need, they need to decide what system they want to run. I feel the long-term future of the Patriots defense involves the 3-4 system. If this is the case, New England needs to focus on adding someone to rush the passer.

The ideal scenario for the New England Patriots is for a guy like Oklahoma's Ronnell Lewis or West Virginia's Bruce Irvin to be available late in the first round. Adding either of these players would bring an instant pass rushing threat to the Patriots defense.

Best-Case Scenario for the Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers are head and shoulders above the rest of the NFL. They have jumped out to a 6-0 record while playing almost flawless football. Aaron Rodgers is making a strong case for the MVP as he spreads the ball around to his offensive weapons.

While Green Bay looks great, it still has a few areas it can improve. I feel the Packers need to find another pass-rushing presence. Clay Matthews is a dominant pass-rusher, but his play has drawn a ton of double-teams. Those double-teams have resulted in Matthews only recording two sacks this season.

The best-case scenario for the Green Bay Packers would be to add a pass-rushing threat like Bruce Irvin. Irvin is a pass-rush specialist out of West Virginia who is still viewed as a project. He would be a great fit in Green Bay because of the coaching staff.

Dom Capers is a very creative defensive coordinator who would be able to make good use of Irvin's talents.