2012 NFL Draft: The Prospect That Could Solve Each Team's Gaping Weakness

Well, we're over halfway through the 2011 NFL season. Some teams are competing for a postseason berth. Others are already thinking about the 2012 NFL Draft.

Regardless of your team's situation, you have already started to think about the 2012 NFL Draft, and those of you who are suffering through a painful 2011 season are only thinking about the draft.

This slideshow looks at an NFL prospect that could shore up a glaring weakness on each team.  Each prospect was selected relative to the team's need, where it would draft based upon its record through Week 10, and what prospects could be realistically available at that position. 

I did not take the time to work out tiebreakers, so there are situations where there is a large gap in between picks. Bare with me.

Green Bay Packers (No. 32): Alfonzo Dennard, CB Nebraska

The one Achilles' heal of the Green Bay Packers in the 2011 season has been its inability to stop the pass.  The Packers unit ranks 31st against the pass (284.3 yards per game). 

The cornerbacks are a talented duo (Charles Woodson and Tramon Williams) as both have at least one Pro Bowl appearance on their resume.

But Woodson is 35 years old so finding the heir apparent to him would be ideal. 

Dennard is a corner who could be available in the back half of the 2012 NFL Draft. And if he were still here when the Packers picked I would hope that they would snatch him up.

San Francisco 49ers (No. 31): Jeff Fuller, WR Texas A&M

Defense drives the San Francisco 49ers as they have only allowed more than 20 points in two games this season.

The unit ranks No. 1 against the run (73.2 yards per game) and with Patrick Willis at middle linebacker the defense is in good hands. 

The running game is solid with Frank Gore serving as the leading rusher. 

But the passing game is weak. Part of that is on quarterback Alex Smith. And part of it is on the players he has to work with.

Michael Crabtree is a talented wide receiver but we're not sure if he can be a No. 1 receiver in the league.

Tedd Ginn Jr. has never lived up to his hype surrounding his top-10 selection in 2007.

Braylon Edwards is an aging receiver who hasn't seemed to catch on with San Francisco's offense yet.

If Fuller is available when the 49ers pick, he'd be a good player to snag. He may not amount to a No. 1 receiver, but give the young man a shot. Your offense could use the boost of a talented player like Fuller.

New Orleans Saints (tied for No. 28): Kevin Reddick, OLB North Carolina

Everyone knows what the New Orleans Saints are known for: offense. And they have lots of it ever since quarterback Drew Brees took his talents to New Orleans in 2006.

The Saints are the No. 2 scoring offense (31.3 points per game) and have accumulated the most yards in the NFL (4,369 yards).

The problems for the Saints have been related to defense. The Saints are 19th against the run and 18th against the pass. 

No linebacker has over 50 tackles on the season (meaning no New Orleans linebacker is averaging more than five tackles per game). That is not a recipe for defensive success.

The Saints should look to a linebacker in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Reddick would be a great pickup.

Reddick has a nose for the ball and making plays, which is something the Saints could desperately use.

Pittsburgh Steelers (tied for No. 28): Dwayne Allen, TE Clemson

The Pittsburgh Steelers are a very complete team. They have a good combination of offensive firepower with Ben Roethlisberger quarterbacking, Rashard Mendenhall running and the Mike Wallace-Hines Ward duo catching passes. 

The defense is in the top-10 vs. the run and the pass. 

But the offense could use another weapon. It could particularly use a weapon from the tight end position.

Heath Miller is a solid addition to any offense. He's a sure-handed receiver that serves as a safety net for Roethlisberger. But no one will ever mistake him for a playmaker.

Dwayne Allen could be a playmaker from the tight end position and would give Roethlisberger another offensive weapon.

Houston Texans (tied for No. 28): Jeff Fuller, WR Texas A&M

It's amazing the transformation the Houston Texans have undergone in 2011.

After struggling defensively for most of their history, the Texans are now a top-10 defense against the run and the pass. It leaves little margin to complain about on that side of the ball.

Now the Texans can use a first round pick on an offensive player. They should look for a wide receiver because beyond Andre Johnson, the cupboard is bare.

Fuller would be a great selection because he's a Texas kid and because he's not the deep-threat that Andre Johnson provides. Fuller isn't afraid to go over the middle and is great at coming back for passes. 

He isn't the best receiver in the draft but he's the one most likely to be available given where the Texans would pick.

New York Giants (tied for No.. 22): Jarvis Jones, OLB Georgia

The secondary was the focus of the 2011 NFL Draft as the Giants acquired Prince Amukamara to improve what was deemed a weak secondary.

In 2012, the focus should be on the linebackers. 

The offense is in good hands with Eli Manning at quarterback, Brandon Jacobs running the ball, a strong offensive line and Victor Cruz, Mario Manningham and Hakeem Nicks available to catch passes from Manning.

The linebackers are in need of a playmaker and Jarvis Jones can provide that and some additional pass rush for a unit that relies heavily on the defensive linemen to make plays behind the line of scrimmage.

Jarvis Jones has 10 sacks from his linebacker position for the Georgia Bulldogs and could bolster a defense that is in the bottom half of the league against the run (20th) and pass (17th).

New England Patriots (tied for No. 22): Mark Barron, S Alabama

The New England Patriots are the NFL's worst team against the pass, statistically speaking, ranking 32nd (308.9 yards per game).

The cornerback position is OK with Devin McCourty and Kyle Arrington.

But New England let go of its starting safeties prior to the start of the season (James Sanders and Brandon Meriweather), and it has shown their weakness. This selection would be a great opportunity to stabilize the safety position with a real long-term solution.

Chicago Bears (tied for No. 22): David DeCastro, G Stanford

Chicago's biggest problem in 2011 has been keeping quarterback Jay Cutler upright.

Far too often the discussions in Chicago have revolved around the offensive line's inability to protect its quarterback.

Ironically enough, Cutler's reported broken thumb that will take six to eight weeks to heal, was suffered on an attempt to stop a touchdown after he threw an interception. 

But David DeCastro would be a welcomed addition to a weak Bears offensive line. He has experience protecting one of the best quarterbacks in college football, Andrew Luck (who rarely gets hit), so he should be able to protect Cutler just fine.

Baltimore Ravens (tied for No. 22): Vontaze Burfict, ILB Arizona State

Ray Lewis isn't going to be Baltimore's middle linebacker forever, despite what it may seem like. At some point an heir apparent must be found.

Vontaze Burfict could be that guy. At 6'3" and 252 pounds, Burfect is bigger than Lewis (6'1" and 250 pounds), although no one can replace Lewis' personality.

Burfict can defend against the pass or defend against the run. His attendance of Arizona State certainly would make his assimilation into the linebacking core much easier since current Raven outside linebacker Terrell Suggs also was a Sun Devil.

Detroit Lions (tied for No. 22): Kevin Reddick, OLB North Carolina

Defending the run is a problem for the Detroit Lions defense. The unit ranks 27th against the run (134.4 yards per game).

And with one of the best defensive lines in the NFL and a secondary that's fourth best against the pass, it's hard to find fault with those two parts of the defense's complexion. The problems stem from the linebacker position.

The Lions have only drafted one linebacker in the first round since the turn of the century (outside linebacker Ernie Sims in 2006).

Now is the time. There will be a handful of linebackers available at this time and Kevin Reddick could be the guy.

Cincinnati Bengals (tied for No. 22): Alshon Jeffery, WR South Carolina

The Bengals drafted A.J. Green with the No. 4 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. And the rookie wide receiver is developing a great rapport with rookie quarterback Andy Dalton.

Their continued development as a duo is part of what has driven Cincinnati into the playoff hunt. But beyond Green the receiving core is limited in talent.

That's what happens when your two best receivers (T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Chad Ochocinco) depart in the past three years.

If the Bengals could pick up Alshon Jeffrey or Michael Floyd at this part of the draft then they would be giddy. They have a young developing offense. And an additional wide receiver here would be an attractive possibility for Cincinnati.

Atlanta Falcons (tied for No. 16): Mark Barron, S Alabama

With Dunta Robinson and Brent Grimes at cornerback that part of the 23rd ranked pass defense (253.8 yards per game) is solid.

But the safety play is where the Falcons could use some help.

James Sanders' play has been underwhelming at the strong safety position and if Baron is still available when the Falcons pick they would be more than glad to scoop him up.

He has the ability to make plays deep in the secondary as well as come up and slow down the shorter passing game. Barron will be a playmaker in the NFL.

New York Jets (tied for No. 16): Courtney Upshaw, OLB Alabama

The run defense isn't what it used to be for the Jets.

The Jets were a top 10 rush defense each of the past three seasons, in 2011 they are the 16th best defense against the run (116.9 yards per game).

At 6'1" and 271 pounds, the Jets could play Courtney Upshaw at either the outside linebacker position or defensive end position in their 3-4 scheme.

The Jets lack production from both of those positions in their defensive scheme. That is the position the Jets should look to improve come April.

Buffalo Bills (tied for No. 16): Alshon Jeffery, WR South Carolina

A playmaking wide receiver is needed in Buffalo.

The Bills traded the closest thing they had to it in Lee Evans prior to the start of the season. Steve Johnson and David Nelson are talented wide receivers. But the Bills don't have a true No. 1 receiver.

Either one of those players is better suited to be a team's No. 2 or No. 3 receiver. Drafting Jeffery would give the Bills a player with No. 1 capable talent.

He's 6'4" and 232 pounds. That's the type of size you want in a touchdown machine as a wide receiver, especially combined with his ability to win jump balls away from smaller defensive backs. His speed isn't top notch but it is good enough to run past or with an average defensive back.

Oakland Raiders (tied for No. 16): Janoris Jenkins, CB Northern Alabama

Secondary issues are real in Oakland.

Since losing Namdi Asomugha there hasn't been a true No. 1 corner in Oakland. The Raiders are 22nd against the pass (246 yards allowed per game) and improving the talent in their defensive backfield should be a top priority.

In three years at Florida Jenkins was an all-SEC selection in 2010 and never had fewer than 38 tackles from his cornerback position.

The off-the-field issues may scare away some teams (was dismissed from Florida in April 2011 for misdemeanor marijuana charges) but Oakland has shown the willingness to take chances on players before.

But maybe Oakland will restrain itself without owner Al Davis.

Dallas Cowboys (tied for No. 16): Mark Baron, S Alabama

Mark Baron could be the playmaking safety that the Dallas Cowboys haven't had since Roy Williams was let go after the 2008 season.

In two full seasons as a starter at Alabama Baron hasn't recorded less than 74 tackles (74 tackles in 2009, 75 tackles in 2010) and has 10 interceptions over that two year stretch.

The Cowboys' secondary is its biggest weakness, not an overly grand weakness given that the pass defense is 13th in the league against the pass (221.8 yards per game).

Baron could make that statistic even better if he joined the Cowboys in 2012.

Tennessee Titans (tied for No. 16): Melvin Ingram, DE/LB South Carolina

Melvin Ingram has experience as a linebacker and a defensive end. That is something that will make him attractive, especially to a team like the Tennessee Titans.

Ingram's specialty is his pass rushing ability. In 2010 Ingram posted nine sacks in 14 games, but only one of those games he was a starter. Ingram has 6.5 sacks through 11 games this season.

The Titans have no defensive player with more than 3.5 sacks. Whether it be from the defensive line or from a linebacker position they could use some oomph from their pass rush. 

Kansas City Chiefs (tied for No. 12): Michael Floyd, WR Notre Dame

The No. 27 pass defense (182.2 yards per game) is a cause for concern. With Jamaal Charles hopefully back next season after suffering an ACL injury, the running game should be strong again next season.

The passing game needs a boost. Dwayne Bowe is an extremely talented wide receiver when healthy. He's posted 1,000-plus yards receiving in two of the three seasons he's played in all 16 games (the one non-1,000 yard season coming in his rookie campaign).

Michael Floyd would certainly be a presence on the field that defenses would have to fear and recognize in their preparation for the Kansas City Chiefs. I have no real reason for putting Floyd in here over Ashlon Jefferey, as both would be welcomed additions to this offense.

San Diego Chargers (tied for No. 12): Manti Te'o, ILB Notre Dame

Takeo Spikes cannot play linebacker forever and with a defense ranked 24th against the run (127.9 yards per game) a playmaking linebacker could be just what the doctor ordered.

Te'o can be a difference maker both in stopping the pass (which the Chargers are already good at as they are eighth best) and against the run (which the defense needs improvement upon).

With Vincent Jackson and Antonio Gates there as playmaking receivers, Ryan Mathews at running back and Phillip Rivers under center the offense is in a position to have success now and into the near future.

Denver Broncos (tied for No. 12): Michael Floyd, WR Notre Dame

Owning the 31st passing offense (154.3 yards per game) isn't a recipe for traditional success in the NFL. But the Denver Broncos aren't most teams.

They have Tim Tebow as their quarterback, who is as inconsistent of a passer as there is in the NFL, along with limited talent when it comes to their receivers. Eric Decker and Eddie Royal are nice pieces to a team's group of wide receivers, but neither of them will become a true No. 1 receiver in the NFL.

Michael Floyd can. He has the size, 6'3" and 229 pounds, speed and vertical to become a No. 1 receiver in the NFL. His speed isn't elite, but it's fast enough to be a top tier receiver.

Tampa Bay Bucanneers (tied for No. 12): Manti Te'o, ILB Notre Dame

The offensive pieces are, for the most part, in place for Tampa Bay to be a playoff team. Where this team struggles is on the defensive end.

And there is no focus of the struggles on the defensive end, with the 28th best pass defense (263 yards per game) and 29th rush defense (138.2 yards per game). I may not be a football guru, but that doesn't sound good.

Any additions to the defense in Tampa Bay will be appreciated. But with a linebacking core that has no players with more than 46 tackles through the first nine games, that unit may need the most help.

And Manti Te'o can provide a boost. In 13 games last season, he had 129 tackles and 9.5 tackles for loss. Te'o is a sure-handed tackler and is a ball hawk.

Tampa Bay would be lucky to draft Te'o.

Seattle Seahawks (tied for No. 6): Matt Barkley, QB Southern California

Tarvaris Jackson cannot be viewed as a realistic long-term option at quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks. He's just not someone who can be counted on, as noted in his 76.1 career passer rating and his touchdown passes are outweighed by interceptions (30 to 31).

The Seahawks should look to pick up a quarterback in the 2012 NFL Draft, and Southern California's Matt Barkley could be their man.

He already has a connection and familiarity with current Seattle head coach Pete Carrol, who recruited him to play at Southern California.

Unless Seattle really tanks, it won't have the opportunity to select Stanford's Andrew Luck, It may have to settle for the No. 2 Pac-12 quarterback.

Cleveland Browns (tied for No. 6): Justin Blackmon, WR Oklahoma State

The last time the Cleveland Browns had an elite wide receiver it was when Braylon Edwards had his one year wonder in 2007 with 80 receptions for 1,289 yards and 16 touchdowns. Beyond that season, there hasn't been an "elite" wide receiver in Cleveland.

If the Browns get the opportunity to select Justin Blackmon, then that streak will end. Blackmon has all the tools to be a successful NFL receiver. At 6'1" and 211 pounds, he has the size. He has the speed to do it (although the speed is nothing special), a reported 36 inch vertical and the ball hawk skills he has, this man can do it.

Get quarterback Colt McCoy a true No. 1 receiver to throw to and see how he continues to develop.

Jacksonville Jaguars (tied for No. 6): Justin Blackmon, WR Oklahoma State

In 2011 the Jacksonville Jaguars drafted the man they hope will become their franchise quarterback (Blaine Gabbert). But the rookie has limited offensive weapons to work with.

He's got Mercedes Lewis at tight end but other than that the talent at receiver is limited. Just like in Cleveland, get your quarterback some help. Get him a playmaker to help him progress.

Unless your quarterback is Tom Brady, then you need a playmaker out at receiver to make the quarterback look good.

Aaron Rodgers has Greg Jennings in Green Bay. Matthew Stafford has Calvin Johnson in Detroit. Matt Ryan has Roddy White in Atlanta. You get the idea.

Washington Redskins (tied for No. 6): Landry Jones, QB Oklahoma

After starting the season 3-1, it looked like the Washington Redskins and coach Mike Shanahan had proven the world wrong. The combination of Rex Grossman and John Beck at quarterback could get it done in the NFL.

Five straight losses later, the world won. The Redskins cannot win with Grossman or Beck at quarterback.

This franchise is in line for a top 10 pick and should take the opportunity to select a franchise quarterback. Landry Jones would be a great selection, although Southern California's Matt Barkley would be good too. 

Jones, at 6'4" and 230 pounds has the body to be a playmaker in the NFL. And with over two years of experience at a prestigious football program like Oklahoma, he should be in a good position to be a successful NFL quarterback.

Philadelphia Eagles (tied for No. 6): Luke Kuechly, ILB Boston College

This was supposed to be the "dream team." It was a favorite to not just represent the NFC at the Super Bowl but to win it too.

That dream isn't dead yet, but it's getting mighty close.

The Eagles could find themselves with a top 10 pick that should be dedicated to shoring up a linebacking core that only features one player with over 50 tackles. 

The secondary is in good hands with Asante Samuel, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Namdi Asomugha. The defensive line is in good hands with defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins, defensive end Jason Babin and defensive end Trent Cole.

The linebackers need a makeover. This is a good start.

Arizona Cardinals (tied for No. 6): Jonathan Martin, OT Stanford

Kevin Kolb was supposed to work wonders for the Arizona Cardinals this season. They gave up a second round pick and 2009 Pro Bowl cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. They should have gotten more out of Kolb based upon what they gave up to get him.

But part of the struggles for Kolb, and Arizona's quarterback position for that matter, has been a weak offensive line. It has allowed 31 sacks through nine games (3.44 sacks per game) plus countless rushes that do not end in sacks.

Selecting Jonathan Martin or another offensive tackle with a top 10 pick would be a good step for the Cardinals, who have talented offensive weapons in place but have struggled offensively (in part) because of the unimpressive offensive line.

Minnesota Vikings (tied for No. 2): Riley Reiff, OT Iowa

The purpose of Minnesota's first round pick should be to do one thing and one thing only: acquire an offensive tackle. It is painful to watch Charlie Johnson operate as the franchise's current left tackle.

If Minnesota is lucky enough to have a shot at Matt Kalil then it should take that opportunity to select Kalil because everything I've seen, read and heard has him as a guaranteed stud offensive tackle.

The Vikings cut their franchise left tackle Bryant McKinnie right before the season started, and Johnson has done a miserable job filling the void.

The team has its franchise quarterback, Christian Ponder, now its time to protect the investment with a guy like Kalil, Reiff or Stanford offensive tackle Jonathan Martin. Any one of them would be satisfactory.

St. Louis Rams (tied for No. 2): Matt Kalil, OT Southern California

Much was invested by the St. Louis Rams when they drafted Sam Bradford No. 1 overall in the 2010 NFL Draft. But not much has been invested to protect him since they made him the franchise quarterback.

This season, the Rams' quarterback position has suffered 32 sacks in nine games played (3.56 sacks per game).

The Rams knew Bradford entered the NFL with a history with injuries (he had a right shoulder injury at Oklahoma that ended his junior season). But still they haven't done much to protect their franchise.

This selection would go a long ways in doing that. Matt Kalil has been compared to a former great of the Rams, Orlando Pace, and if he's half the player that Pace was then this will be a heck of a pick up for the Rams.

Carolina Panthers (tied for No. 2): Justin Blackmon, WR Oklahoma State

Yes, the Carolina Panthers have Steve Smith as their No. 1 wide receiver. But at age 32, turning 33 this May 12, he's not going to have many of these types of years left.

He cannot be expected to carry the entire Carolina passing game. And to acquire a wide receiver like Justin Blackmon for quarterback Cam Newton's second year in the league can only make him and the Carolina passing game that much better. 

Newton has an amazing connection with Smith, so imagine what type of connection he could develop with Blackmon.

The defense needs help against the run but with no viable candidates to do that this high in the draft, the team should look to improve its passing game for the future.

Miami Dolphins (tied for No. 2): Andrew Luck, QB

The Chad Henne era as the Miami Dolphins quarterback may have ended with his left shoulder surgery that put him out for the season. The fans were ready to be done with him. But will the franchise too?

The Dolphins are in position to have, at the very least, a top 10 pick. They, like the rest of the teams in the NFL in need of a quarterback, would love to get their hands on Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck.

If the Dolphins don't nab the No. 1 overall pick, they will certainly take a long look at Southern California's Matt Barkley and Oklahoma's Landry Jones.

The Dolphins have pieces to be effective on offense, Brandon Marshall at wide receiver, Reggie Bush as a utility guy and Daniel Thomas at running back. The offense just needs a quarterback to help bring it all together.

Indianapolis Colts (No. 1): Trent Richardson, RB Alabama

If the Colts get the No. 1 pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, I do not see any scenario in which they do not select Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck or trade down. 

Luck is too highly valued for them to select anyone else. But for the purpose of this argument, one of the biggest flaws the Colts have is their inability to run the football.

Joseph Addai is an old 28-year-old running back. Donald Brown, a 2009 first round selection, hasn't shown much potential in the way of running the football every down in the NFL. 

Yes, Peyton Manning cannot play forever and he may never play quarterback again if some rumors are truthful.

But this is a selection based upon need. And Trent Richardson would greatly improve the Colts' running game. If Manning is forced to retire after this season due to his injury, then Luck is the pick.

But until then the Colts need help running the football. Richardson is their man.