2012 NFL Mock Draft: Forecasting Best Draft Fits for All 32 Teams

While fans of teams such as the Green Bay Packers are hoping for another Super Bowl run, fans of teams like the Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts are already looking forward to the 2012 NFL Draft.

Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck is the prize to be won, and there are several teams at the bottom of the NFL standings that desperately need a franchise QB.

However, often times it's better to take the payer that fits best with your team or system than to draft the most talented player available.

Let's look at the best draft fit for all 32 NFL teams. Who fits best with your favorite team?

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck

All-Pro Potential

Andrew Luck will be the No. 1 pick in the 2012 NFL Draft no matter who holds the top pick.  If the Indianapolis Colts have it, they will draft Luck even though Peyton Manning could be healthy enough to play for a few more seasons.

Luck is one of the best quarterback prospects in recent memory, and is a sure-fire pro bowler. He is an accurate passer with a strong arm, and has great awareness in the pocket.

There's no question it won't take him long to become a top NFL quarterback. Learning the game as Manning's backup would be an ideal situation for Luck.

Why he fits with the Colts

With Manning's health going to be a concern for the rest of his career, the franchise needs to find its next starting quarterback for when he retires.

Manning is 35, and it's unknown how good he'll be in his first full season of football after recovering from surgery.

Luck is a complete passer who would take over the reins from Manning perfectly in Indy.

2. St. Louis Rams: Alshon Jeffery

All-Pro Potential

The St. Louis Rams desperately need a game-changing wide receiver, and Alshon Jeffery is just a bit better of an option over Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon.

Jeffery will be a great NFL wide receiver, and has a unique combination of size and strength that not many receivers have.

Jeffery has the potential to be an elite receiver soon into his pro career.

Why he fits with the Rams

Quarterback Sam Bradford has no play-making wide receivers to throw to, and doesn't have a receiver who scares opposing defenses.

Alshon Jeffery would give the Rams a player who could change games with his athleticism and overall talent.

St. Louis cannot rely on running back Steven Jackson to be their most dangerous offensive weapon each game.

3. Miami Dolphins: Landry Jones

All-Pro Potential

Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Landry Jones is a very good pocket passer and has been well-coached during his collegiate career.

He is a smart quarterback who needs to be more consistent, but he has a lot of talent and huge potential.

Sooners head coach Bob Stoops sent 2010 No. 1 overall pick Sam Bradford to the NFL, and he will send another very solid quarterback to the Dolphins in Jones.

Why he fits with the Dolphins

Landry Jones isn't the third best player available, but the Miami Dolphins need a good quarterback if they ever want to be perennial playoff contenders.

The team hasn't had a great quarterback since Dan Marino, and desperately need a QB for the future. Jones is a very good player who would immediately improve the team's passing attack.

4. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil

All-Pro Potential

Matt Kalil is a great left tackle and has the potential to be a perennial Pro Bowl player. He has amazing strength and has done a great job of keeping USC quarterback Matt Barkley on his feet in recent seasons.

Kalil is a talented kid who will be a top left tackle for years to come.

Why he fits with the Vikings

When left tackle Bryant McKinnie did not return to the Minnesota Vikings this season, he left a massive void at left tackle.

Kalil will be a great left tackle to protect young Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder's blindside. All great offenses need a left tackle, and the position is a big need for the Vikings to fill in this draft.

5. Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Martin

All-Pro Potential

Jonathan Martin is an athletic left tackle who has the potential to be a solid player for a long time. His best attribute is his pass protection, and on a team like the Arizona Cardinals who pass a lot with Kevin Kolb, Martin's talents would be put to good use.

He will make several Pro Bowls.

Why he fits with the Cardinals

Drafting Jonathan Martin to protect quarterback Kevin Kolb would really help the Cardinals' offense because it would give the team a Pro Bowl caliber pass protector, and it would allow Levi Brown to move to right tackle and thus improve that position.

6. Jacksonville Jaguars: Quinton Coples

All-Pro Potential

Quinton Coples has a ton of talent and will someday be an elite defensive end. He will be as successful in the NFL as a former North Carolina Tar Heel DE, Julius Peppers.

Coples has a great ability to rush the quarterback and disrupt plays in the backfield. He will be an immensely tough player for offensive linemen to handle for many years.

Why he fits with the Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars would be unwise to let Quinton Coples slip past them at number six. He is one of the top talents in this draft class and will be a great addition to a team that needs more defensive playmakers.

Coples will help the Jaguars defensive linemen because he will demand double teams and have the full attention of opposing offenses.

7. Denver Broncos: Justin Blackmon

All-Pro Potential

Justin Blackmon is a fabulous wide receiver from Oklahoma State, and a case can be made that he's the best WR prospect in this draft.

Blackmon is an amazing route runner and has good speed. He will have little trouble getting open in the NFL, and has great catching ability.

Blackmon doesn't have a ton of size, but he makes up for it with smart, fundamental play and good route running.

He will be a great NFL wide receiver.

Why he fits with the Broncos

Tim Tebow—or whoever is playing quarterback for the Denver Broncos next season—needs a dependable wide receiver who can be an all-pro player for years.

Blackmon would give Denver a great receiver who has the ability to get open and would be a nice fit with Tebow and his style of play.

8. Seattle Seahawks: Manti Te'o

All-Pro Potential

Manti Te'o is a very good talent and a premier inside linebacker prospect in this draft class. He is not the most athletic player, but he is a great leader and plays the game very well fundamentally.

Te'o pursues the ball well and will be a very good all-around linebacker for a long time in the NFL.

Why he fits with the Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks' defense could use another strong linebacker, and Manti Te'o is too good to pass up on at pick No. 8.

Te'o would give the Seahawks a leader on defense who can excel against both the run and the past. You could argue a quarterback would be the best option here, but there isn't a sure-fire franchise QB at this point in the draft.

9. Carolina Panthers: Brandon Thompson

All-Pro Potential

Brandon Thompson is a star defensive tackle who will be a major boost to the Carolina Panthers' defensive line.

Thompson is a strong tackle who will command double teams often, and will be a good run stuffer. His pass rushing skills aren't bad either.

Thompson will be a fine NFL player, and could be a great defensive tackle in just a few pro seasons.

Why he fits with the Panthers

Brandon Thompson's best skill is he stops the run very well, and the Panthers are a bad run-defending team.

He will help stud defensive end Charles Johnson rush the quarterback, and will give opposing offensive lines real difficulty trying to defend both of them.

Thompson has the potential to be as effective as Kris Jenkins was at defensive tackle for the Panthers when they made Super Bowl XXXVIII during the 2003 season.

10. Cleveland Browns: Vontaze Burfict

All-Pro Potential

Vontaze Burfict has the ability to be a top NFL linebacker for many seasons and he plays the game with amazing intensity and strength.

However, he often plays recklessly, and needs to calm down at times and play smarter football. He is a high-risk high-reward choice, but in terms of talent he's one of the top players in this class.

With proper coaching, Burfict will be an outstanding player in the pros.

Why he fits with the Browns

The Cleveland Browns are not a good team, and Vontaze Burfict would give the team a potential star on defense.

Their linebacking corps could use some more energy and intensity, and Burfict would be a very athletic player to help in the running game.

11. Tennessee Titans: Riley Reiff

All-Pro Potential

Riley Reiff's draft stock has risen nicely in recent weeks, and his athleticism makes him an enticing prospect in the middle of the first round.

He is a strong tackle who could play on either side of the line, but will likely be a left tackle in the NFL.

Reiff has the ability to be a solid pass protector for many years in the NFL, and to make a few Pro Bowls.

Why he fits with the Titans

The Tennessee Titans could use an upgrade on the offensive line, and with all-pro running back Chris Johnson struggling mightily this season, the team could use an athletic lineman to help the rushing attack.

Since Jake Locker is the future at quarterback for Titans, he will need a very good left tackle to protect him.

12. Philadelphia Eagles: Luke Kuechly

All-Pro Potential

Luke Kuechly is a very good linebacker who has been well coached at Boston College. He is an NFL-ready player who can come onto a pro team and perform well right away.

He is a good tackler and pursues running backs quite well.

He has the potential to be a solid defensive player for many seasons.

Why he fits with the Eagles

The Eagles need better players at linebacker ASAP, and Kuechly would be a solid addition to their run defense.

Philly's linebackers are also struggling to tackle well, and Kuechly would instantly improve that aspect of the team. His intelligence on defense would also be a nice asset to the Eagles.

13. Kanas City Chiefs: Michael Floyd

All-Pro Potential

Notre Dame wide receiver Michael Floyd has had a good career with the Fighting Irish, and he's one of the best big-man receivers in this draft class.

He also has good jumping skills and does well after the catch to fight for extra yards. Floyd has the potential to be a very good NFL player if he's taken by the right team.

Why he fits with the Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs need another weapon for quarterback Matt Cassel. Steve Breaston hasn't played too well this season, and neither has Tony Moeaki. 

Floyd would give head coach Todd Haley, who is an offensive coach, a big target for Cassel to throw to and someone who will complement the deep threat in Dwayne Bowe quite nicely.

14. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III

All-Pro Potential

A lot of college quarterbacks have rocket arms with enormous strength, but often lack the accuracy needed to excel at the NFL level.

Robert Griffin III leads the nation with an amazing 78 percent completion percentage, and has shown he can be a dynamic quarterback as well, thanks to his ability to run out of the pocket.

Griffin has the potential to be a very good starting QB in years.

Why he fits with the Redskins

The Redskins need a dependable quarterback who can show the accuracy and intelligence needed to get the franchise back to a perennial playoff contender.

Rex Grossman and John Beck aren't the answer, and Griffin would also be a good dual-threat QB who could flourish in Washington.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne

All-Pro Potential

Morris Claiborne has unbelievable talent and plays on one of the nation's best defenses in the top-ranked LSU Tigers.

Claiborne has great cover skills and is a good tackler as well. He has great athleticism and has the speed to cover any wide receiver.

He will be a Pro Bowl caliber player for years to come.

Why he fits with the Buccaneers

Cornerback isn't the most pressing need for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but Morris Claiborne is too good of a talent to pass up on in the middle of the first round.

Claiborne would give Tampa Bay a top corner who can cover the best receivers in football. The AFC South is full of quality quarterbacks like Drew Brees, Cam Newton and Matt Ryan, so having a good pass defense is critical for the Buccaneers.

16. Dallas Cowboys: Dre Kirkpatrick

All-Pro Potential

Dre Kirkpatrick is a top defensive talent in this draft class and has the ability to be a shut-down cornerback in the NFL.

Kirkpatrick reads the field well and has good instincts, and has the necessary intelligence to step right into a pro defense and contribute from day one.

Dre Kirkpatrick will be a very good cornerback for years, and may be a top five player at the position in just a few seasons.

Why he fits with the Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys could use this pick a number of different ways, but selecting an elite cornerback who can really improve their pass defense is a smart way to go.

The Cowboys need a playmaker in the secondary and Dre Kirkpatrick can be that kind of player.

17. Cincinnati Bengals: Trent Richardson

All-Pro Potential

Trent Richardson is the best running back prospect in this draft, and has the ability to be an elite player in the NFL.

Richardson has good speed, good quickness, and is elusive in the open field. He sees the field well and is effective running between the tackles as well as running outside.

Richardson will make several pro bowls in his career.

Why he fits with the Bengals

The Bengals running backs are Cedric Benson and Bernard Scott, so they could definitely use a player like Trent Richardson who is a potential top RB.

With Andy Dalton having a nice rookie season, drafting Richardson would give the Bengals a very good young QB/RB duo for many years to come.

18. Chicago Bears: David DeCastro

All-Pro Potential

David DeCastro is one of the best guards in this draft class and is an above average in both pass protection and run blocking.

He has the ability to improve at both and has good strength. With the proper coaching, DeCastro could be a very good offensive lineman.

Why he fits with the Bears

The Chicago Bears desperately need an offensive lineman and will certainly use their first pick on one. David DeCastro would help an atrocious Bears offensive line that has not been able to keep quarterback Jay Cutler upright that much.

DeCastro would be a nice upgrade at guard for Chicago.

19. New York Jets: Melvin Ingram

All-Pro Potential

Melvin Ingram is a very good defensive end who can pass rush and stop the run effectively.

He has great size and strength, and possesses the speed to beat offensive tackles and get to the quarterback. If he's taken by a team like the New York Jets, he could really flourish with the talent around him.

Why he fits with the Jets

The New York Jets could use a pass-rushing defensive end, and having one would make the job of their linebackers a bit easier.

The Jets defense hasn't been as dominant defensively this season as it has in years past, and adding Melvin Ingram would help solve that.

20. Cincinnati Bengals: Alfonzo Dennard

All-Pro Potential 

Alfonzo Dennard is a solid corner who is super athletic. He has the speed and ability to cover the best receivers, and although he isn't as fundamentally strong as some of the corners that will be drafted ahead of him, he still is a great defensive prospect.

Why he fits with the Bengals

After losing Jonathan Joseph in free agency this summer, the Cincinnati Bengals could use another Pro Bowl caliber cornerback to help their defense.

Alfonzo Dennard would add great speed and skill to the Bengals defense, and give them a cornerback capable of covering opposing teams' best receivers.

21. San Diego Chargers: Ronnell Lewis

All-Pro Potential

Ronnell Lewis is a very good linebacker for the Oklahoma Sooners, and is a good pass rusher who could be effective quickly into his pro career.

Lewis has good athleticism and is well coached. He's fundamentally sound and should have a very good pro career.

Why he fits with the Chargers

Ronnell Lewis would be a big boost to the San Diego Chargers, who need some youth and athleticism added to their linebacking corps.

Lewis may be the player that makes their defense good enough to contend for the Super Bowl each season.

22. Cleveland Browns: Matt Barkley

All-Pro Potential

Matt Barkley is one of the better quarterback prospects in this draft class, although he may stay in school to polish some of his skills a bit more.

Barkley is a solid all-around quarterback who has good accuracy and arm strength, and will have a productive NFL career.

Why he fits with the Browns

I'm not convinced Colt McCoy is the best option at quarterback for the Cleveland Browns moving forward, and Barkley may be better suited for the NFL game.

The Browns need a change at quarterback, and Barkley would be a good fit with them because he is a fundamentally strong player.

23. Houston Texans: Donte Paige-Moss

All-Pro Potential

Donte Paige-Moss is a very good pass rusher and has good speed coming off the edge. He has the tenacity needed to beat offensive tackles and has a good work ethic.

In the right system, Paige-Moss would be a very good NFL player.

Why he fits with the Texans

With star defensive end Mario Williams having been injured both last season and this season, having another good defensive end would help shore up the Texans' talent and depth at the position.

Rushing the quarterback is so important in today's NFL, and Paige-Moss would help the Texans' defense keep improving.

24. Detroit Lions: Janoris Jenkins

All-Pro Potential

Janoris Jenkins is a fantastic cornerback and has as much talent as nearly anyone in this draft class. He has however, had some character issues.

If he can land with a team that has strong leadership and he's able to stay out of trouble, he will be a fine NFL player.

Despite his off-the-field concerns, there will be a few teams willing to risk a first-round pick to try to develop his Pro Bowl caliber potential.

Why he fits with the Lions

The Detroit Lions have one of the best defensive lines in all of football, but their secondary could use some work.

Janoris Jenkins would be a great addition of talent to the Lions defense, and he has the ability to cover any type of NFL receiver. He has great athleticism and solid coverage skills.

25. New York Giants: Lamar Miller

All-Pro Potential

Lamar Miller is a talented running back who plays better than his numbers would show you. His Miami team is not that great, and it doesn't show you just how good Miller is.

He runs very well between the tackles and possesses good enough vision to find the holes and then accelerate through them.

Miller will be a good NFL back and will be a starter for a number of years.

Why he fits with the Giants

Lamar Miller would add youth to a New York Giants running back position that is getting older and has battled injuries in recent seasons.

With Brandon Jacobs finding it difficult to stay consistently healthy, the Giants need another back to replace him with next season. 

Miller is capable of being Ahmad Bradshaw's backup until he gets his chance at the starting job.

26. Buffalo Bills: Nick Toon

All-Pro Potential

Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Nick Toon has great athleticism, and has the ability to make a big play every time he touches the ball.

The problem for Toon is staying healthy, but if a team is convinced that he can be on the field consistently, he'll be a first-round pick.

He has the talent to be a solid No. 2 receiver early in his NFL career.

Why he fits with the Bills

The Buffalo Bills should have traded for Brandon Lloyd, but he was dealt from the Denver Broncos to the St. Louis Rams instead. 

Stevie Johnson is the Bills' only star wide receiver and without another playmaking receiver the offense, Johnson will remain easy to defend for elite teams.

Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick needs another talented receiver, and Toon would give the Bills offense a big boost of talent and athleticism.

27. Pittsburgh Steelers: Stephon Gilmore

All-Pro Potential

Stephon Gilmore is a good value pick for the Pittsburgh Steelers, whose defense could use another talented young cornerback.

Gilmore is a very good player with enough speed and athleticism to be effective in covering quality NFL receivers.

He is NFL-ready, and could come in and learn a lot from Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau, and can become a fantastic corner.

Why he fits with the Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers' defense needs depth at corner, and Stephon Gilmore would give the unit an NFL-ready player that can come in and contribute in the secondary right away.

The Steelers are in a position to win now, so they won't be taking a project with this pick or someone that will need time to develop.

28. New England Patriots: Jared Crick

All-Pro Talent

Jared Crick from Nebraska is a fundamentally strong player who has great versatility. Patriots head coach Bill Belichick likes intelligent players who can fill different roles for him, and Crick is a solid pass rusher who can help the New England defense from day one.

With Belichick's teaching, Crick could be a solid pro.

Why he fits with the Patriots

The Patriots' pass defense is the worst in football, and a big reason for that is because they cannot pressure the quarterback, which means their secondary is forced to cover for far too long.

Jared Crick would be able to get to the quarterback and make it harder for teams to sit back and carve up the weak Patriots secondary.

29. San Francisco 49ers: Jeff Fuller

All-Pro Talent

Jeff Fuller is an excellent wide receiver prospect and runs great routes. He makes up for a lack of true speed by being able to get open with his quickness and elusiveness.

He also has good hands and would be a solid possession receiver in the NFL. Fuller has good potential and could be a quality receiver for many seasons.

Why he fits with the 49ers

Jeff Fuller would give the San Francisco 49ers' passing offense another playmaker for quarterback Alex Smith to utilize.

Michael Crabtree is a good player, but hasn't reached his potential yet, and Fuller would be a reliable target for Smith in all areas of the field.

The 49ers would be wise to take a WR with this first-round pick.

30. Baltimore Ravens: Levy Adcock

All-Pro Talent

Oklahoma State offensive tackle Levy Adcock is a massive player with great strength and who protects the passer very well.

He is also good at creating running lanes and is fundamentally sound. He could be a steal for a team picking in the late first round.

He has a lot of talent.

Why he fits with the Ravens

The Ravens need another tackle to protect Joe Flacco and to create holes for running back Ray Rice to run through.

Levy Adcock would give the team the versatility of having a young player being able to play at either tackle spot.

31. New England Patriots: Ryan Broyles

All-Pro Talent

Ryan Broyles is a fantastic receiver for the Oklahoma Sooners, and although he doesn't have blazing speed or great size, he finds ways to get open and be effective.

He also runs well after the catch. With a top quarterback, Broyles could really flourish into a dependable and consistent NFL wide receiver.

Why he fits with the Patriots

Ryan Broyles would give the Patriots a receiver they can depend on to be productive each week. He has been a consistently good performer at Oklahoma, and is an intelligent player who knows how to get open.

He would work well with Patriots all-pro quarterback Tom Brady.

32. Green Bay Packers: Brandon Jenkins

All-Pro Talent

Florida State linebacker Brandon Jenkins has good speed which makes him an effective pass rusher, but he also pursues the ball well and would not take too long to develop into a good run stuffer in the NFL.

He plays the game with a lot of energy and has a great work ethic. He is also versatile, and can play and be productive in either the 3-4 or 4-3 style defense.

Why he fits with the Packers

Brandon Jenkins would give the very good Green Bay Packers defense another quality linebacker. You can never have too many linebackers, and the Packers have had good success in recent drafts taking linebackers in the first round.