2012 NFL Mock Draft: Advice for Fixing League's Worst Teams

First, let's look on the bright side, if you're a fan of one of the NFL's worst teams at least you know a high draft pick is on the way.

It's the one thing to really look forward to, so for the sake of the fans, hopefully the team addresses an area of need. That said, here are the four of the NFL's worst teams that need to be fixed.

Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB (Stanford)

Injuries aside, the Colts are desperate for help anywhere they can get it. The offense ranks just No. 30 in passing and No. 25 in rushing, and together they combine for only 275 total yards per game.

Defensively, Indy ranks No. 22 against the pass and No. 31 against the rush, which accounts for a combined 390 total yards allowed per game.

So when you're allowing over 100 yards more than what you're gaining, help is needed across the board. Therefore, even if Peyton Manning returns, the Colts still need to draft Stanford's Andrew Luck.

For starters he'll be able to grasp the Colts complex offense quicker than most and no matter what Manning's situation, he'll be right there along with Luck to help him learn.

And with so many injuries at WR, TE and RB, the offseason will heal those woes. In turn, Indianapolis gets a fresh start with a new man flying under the wing of Peyton Manning. So, any way you slice it, the Colts will hit the ground running in 2012 and at least get their offense back on track.

Thereafter they can focus on the defense, as finding a long-term replacement for Manning should be the top priority. 

Carolina Panthers: Quinton Coples, DE (North Carolina)

Thanks to rookie QB Cam Newton, the Carolina Panthers are rolling offensively in 2011. They average 272 pass and 128 rush yards per game, so it's no surprise to see them ranked in the Top 10 of both. Unfortunately, the defense is abysmal.

Losing LB Jon Beason was a big hit but, unknown DE Charles Johnson is rolling with seven sacks and 30 total tackles. He's the only defensive player who stands out, so when Beason returns next year, they will be that much better.

Now, since the defense still ranks No. 17 against the pass and No. 30 against the rush, a stud DL is needed. Enter North Carolina's Quinton Coples.

Coples is the recorded 10 sacks and 59 tackles in 2010 and although he only has five sacks and 45 tackles this year, he's seen a lot more blocking schemes isolate him.

In turn that's freeing up UNC's LBs, but you can't take away anything from a guy who's getting double-teamed from a combination of TEs, tackles and RBs.

Bring him to Carolina and put him opposite of Johnson, then with Beason in the middle, the Panthers defense will get vehemently better.

St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon, WR (Oklahoma State)

When you have a QB like Sam Bradford, he can only do so much with the talent around him. WR Brandon Lloyd was a solid acquisition, however Bradford has no protection.

He's been sacked 31 times in just eight games and the Rams passing offense ranks No. 26 in the league. Defensively they rank No. 9 against the pass, but are dead last against the rush. Either way, if the Rams want an edge, a stud WR is needed.

So, let Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon be of service. Blackmon was college football's best WR in 2010 and is having a repeat performance in 2011.

Put him opposite of Lloyd and the Rams finally have some help for Bradford. Not to mention with an improved passing game, the running game will then enhance.

It's not a complete turnaround, but using the pass to setup the run will make RB Steven Jackson that much more effective and allow fellow RB Cadillac Williams to be productive. Also, Blackmon is a great stock-blocker so running sweeps, tosses and counters will work on the outside.

Minnesota Vikings: Morris Claiborne, CB (LSU)

Drafting QB Christian Ponder was clearly the correct decision. He's mobile, is making the Vikings receivers better and gives a new sense of hope to the offense.

Obviously Minnesota needs to improve in passing offense, but with a solid ground game in RB Adrian Peterson, the Vikings pass offense will be setup well in 2012. That said, their biggest need is in pass defense.

If Minnesota wants any chance to contend in the NFC North, slowing down Green Bay and Detroit as much as possible is needed. Their offense has the advantage in having a great ground game to slow the game down, but to increase their odds drafting a DB, such as LSU's Morris Claiborne will suffice.

Claiborne is arguably the best DB on the best secondary in college football, and not only is he a shut-down CB, but he's an excellent tackler and ball hawk at the same time. Last season Claiborne had five picks, but with three games left in 2011 he already has four.

Now include his versatility as a kickoff returner and Minnesota just improved their special teams as well.

2012 NFL First Round Mock Draft

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB (Stan.)	17. Buffalo Bills: Janoris Jenkins, CB (N. Ala.)
2. Carolina Panthers: Quinton Coples, DE (UNC)	18. New York Jets: Riley Reiff, OT (Iowa)
3. St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon, WR (Okla. St.)	19. Cleveland (From ATL): Jeff Fuller, WR (Tex. A&M)
4. Minnesota Vikings: Morris Claiborne, DB, (LSU)	20. Cincinnati Bengals: David DeCastro, G (Stan.)
5. Arizona Cardinals: Trent Richardson, RB (Ala.)	21. Detroit Lions: Kevin Reddick, LB (UNC)
6. Seattle Seahawks: Matt Kalil, OT (USC)	22. Cincinnati (From Oak): Jonathan Martin, OT (Stan.)
7. Cleveland Browns: Vontaze Burfict, LB (ASU)	23. Dallas Cowboys: Jarvis Jones, LB (Georgia)
8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Michael Floyd, WR (N.D.)	24. Chicago Bears: Nick Toon, WR (Wisc.)
9. Miami Dolphins: Matt Barkley, QB (USC)	25. New York Giants: Mike Adams, OT (Ohio St.)
10. Washington Redskins:Landry Jones, QB (Okla.)	26. New England Patriots: Mark Barron, S (Ala.)
11 .Philadelphia Eagles: Manti Te'o, LB (N.D.)	27. Pittsburgh Steelers: Cliff Harris, S (Oregon)
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Brandon Thompson, DT (Clem)	28. N.E. (From N.O): Cam Johnson, DE (Virginia)
13. San Diego Chargers: Courtney Upshaw, LB (Ala.)	29. Baltimore Ravens: Luke Kuechly, LB (B.C.)
14. Denver Broncos: Alfonzo Dennard, CB (Neb.)	30. San Francisco 49ers: Brandon Boykin, CB (Georgia)
15. Kansas City Chiefs: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB (Ala.)	31. Houston Texans: Jeff Fuller, WR (Tex. A&M)
16. Tennessee Titans: Alshon Jeffery, WR (S. Car.)	32. Green Bay Packers: Melvin Ingram, DE (S. Car.)

Follow John Rozum on Twitter @ Sportswriter27.