2012 NFL Mock Draft: 5 Teams That Need to Add Offensive Firepower

While the NFL features plenty of high-flying offenses like the New Orleans Saints and Green Bay Packers, several franchises are still stuck in neutral on that side of the football. The majority of those teams will be picking high in next April's 2012 NFL draft.

In the following slides, we'll breakdown which NFL teams have the biggest needs on the offensive side of the ball leading into the draft.

Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings have built a solid base with Christian Ponder, Adrian Peterson and Percy Harvin, but the cupboard is essentially bare after that.

The offensive line is in need of an overhaul, with left tackle and guard both being positions in need of an upgrade. Protecting your first-round investment in Ponder and opening holes for Peterson should be high on the Vikings' to-do list.

Minnesota should also take a look at some of the draft's top receivers, as Harvin is more of a slot guy and Michael Jenkins doesn't scare anyone as the team's No. 2 receiver. Adding a physical, down-field threat could help open up the Vikings floundering offense.

Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns rank 24th in passing and 29th in rushing this season, both of which are pretty clear indications that Colt McCoy and the Browns offense need to find some playmakers next April. 

Running back is a huge issue, as Peyton Hillis has been injured all season and is a free agent next season. It's unlikely the Browns retain him past 2011.

The Browns could also use another pass catcher. Rookie Greg Little currently leads the team in receptions with 47, but no other receiver or tight end has over 400 yards. That won't get it done in today's NFL.

With two first-round picks, the Browns could potentially address both positions early.

St. Louis Rams

We've been saying this since Sam Bradford entered the league, but it remains true. The Rams need more playmakers on offense. 

Steven Jackson is still a serviceable running back, but he's entering the last stretch of productive years at that position. His body has taken a beating.

But the real needs come out wide, where the Rams may potentially lack any true threat if Brandon Lloyd decides to leave in free agency. St. Louis has avoided adding a receiver with their top pick, but that might have to change this April, especially with so many big names available in the first round.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The NFL's worst offense needs serious help, and there aren't many positions you can rule out that don't need an upgrade. 

With the Jaguars switching head coaches for next season, it might be possible for Jacksonville to re-assess their quarterback position. Blaine Gabbert has really struggled in his rookie season. 

But part of the reason for that struggle has to be his lack of weapons, especially at receiver. The Jaguars likely need to add at least two guys at that position this offseason. 

Indianapolis Colts

What you're seeing here is the transformation of the Indianapolis Colts franchise.

On the left, Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning sits with a ball cap on, unable to play because of a lingering neck injury. On the right, Curtis Painter looks on as he leads the Colts to the No. 1 pick—a pick that Indy will likely use to draft Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck. 

For a team that has been so bad offensively without Manning, it's finally time to invest in an insurance policy (or a new plan altogether) at quarterback. Luck should, and likely will, be that guy.   

2012 Mock Draft

1.	Indianapolis Colts (0-11)	Andrew Luck, QB
2.	St. Louis Rams (2-9)	Justin Blackmon, WR
3.	Carolina Panthers (3-8)	Quinton Coples, DE
4.	Miami Dolphins (3-8)	Matt Barkley, QB
5.	Jacksonville Jaguars (3-8)	Michael Floyd, WR
6.	Arizona Cardinals (3-8)	Matt Kalil, OT
7.	Minnesota Vikings (2-9)	Jonathan Martin, OT
8.	Cleveland Browns (4-7)	Trent Richardson, RB
9.	Washington Redskins (4-7)	Landry Jones, QB
10.	Seattle Seahawks (4-7)	Morris Claiborne, CB
11.	Philadelphia Eagles (4-7)	Alshon Jeffery, WR
12.	San Diego Chargers (4-7)	Dre Kirkpatrick, CB
13.	Kansas City Chiefs (4-7)	Riley Reiff, OT
14.	Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-7)	Alfonzo Dennard, CB
15.	Buffalo Bills (5-6)	Robert Griffin III, QB
16.	Tennessee Titans (6-5)	Vontaze Burfict, LB
17.	Denver Broncos (6-5)	Lamar Miller, RB
18.	Chicago Bears (7-4)	Peter Konz, C
19.	Detroit Lions (7-4)	Luke Kuechly, LB
20.	New York Jets (6-5)	David DeCastro, OG
21.	New York Giants (6-5)	Zach Brown, LB
22.	Cincinnati Bengals (via OAK) (7-4)	Cordy Glenn, OG
23.	Cincinnati Bengals (7-4)	Janoris Jenkins, CB
24.	Cleveland Browns (via ATL) (7-4)	Jarvin Jones, LB
25.	Houston Texans (8-3)	Mark Barron, S
26.	Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3)	Dont'a Hightower, LB
27.	Dallas Cowboys (7-4)	Devon Still, DT
28.	New England (via NO 8-3)	Chase Minnifield, CB
29.	Baltimore Ravens (8-3)	Courtney Upshaw, DE
30.	San Francisco 49ers (9-2)	Kendall Wright, WR
31.	New England Patriots (8-3)	Mohamed Sanu, WR
32.	Green Bay Packers (11-0)	Brandon Thompson, DT