2012 NFL Draft: The Best Offensive Weapon for Every NFL Quarterback

Whether an NFL quarterback is in need of a receiving threat, a few new offensive linemen or a running back, some of their prayers will be answered soon enough.

The 2012 NFL Draft is coming up, and teams can't wait to get some new talent on their rosters.

What are the biggest needs for all 32 NFL starting quarterbacks? Here is a look at which offensive player could go where.

Indianapolis Colts

Lethal Weapon: Tackle Levy Adcock: Oklahoma St, Rd. 3

The Indianapolis Colts are the front runner for the number one pick in the NFL Draft even after they managed to get their first victory Sunday against the Tennessee Titans.

Most NFL analysts would be shocked if the Colts didn't select Andrew Luck with the first pick, and the Colts will likely go for defense with their second-round pick. 

That leaves the Colts at Round 3 before they make a move to help out the starting quarterback. Whether that is Andrew Luck or Manning (I put my money on Manning), the Colts have two options. 

Indianapolis could either select an offensive linemen or a running back.

The Colts' current crop of running backs don't have game-breaking potential, but with a team so dependent on the pass, a plethora of solid linemen are always needed. If the Colts did select a offensive lineman, they could grab tackle Levy Adcock out of Oklahoma State. 

While Adcock wouldn't help out with a lack of experience, he would make the tackle position more competitive.

And let's be honest, any pick that would help Peyton Manning stay upright is a good one.

Minnesota Vikings

Lethal Weapon: Tackle Matt Kalil: USC, Rd. 1

Christian Ponder has had a tough go of late, but drafting USC offensive tackle Matt Kalil could ease some of Ponder's pain.

Kalil is the top offensive line prospect in this year's draft, and he is the Minnesota Vikings' best bet at improving their run and pass blocking for next season. 

The Vikings could use a wide receiver to take some pressure off of Adrian Peterson and Percy Harvin, but the team will address that need after they take Kalil, the best lineman available.

St. Louis Rams

Lethal Weapon: Wide Receiver Justin Blackmon: Oklahoma St, Rd. 1

The St. Louis Rams need more talent at wide receiver to surround Sam Bradford. 

The team used a second-round pick on tight end Lance Kendricks and a third-round pick on wide receiver Austin Pettis in the 2011 NFL Draft. The Rams made another move and traded for wide receiver Brandon Lloyd this season, too, but the team still could use another receiving threat.

If St. Louis wants to open up its offense for Bradford and Steven Jackson, they probably shouldn't pass on Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon. 

That isn't going to fix the Rams problems at offensive line (or defensive back), but Blackmon is too good not to take. St. Louis will have to wait to draft offensive linemen and defensive players in later rounds.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Lethal Weapon: Wide Receiver: Michael Floyd: Notre Dame, Rd. 1

If the Jacksonville Jaguars can't pick up Justin Blackmon with their first pick (although the Rams could draft defense first and then Blackmon will be on the board), the team should take Notre Dame wide receiver Michael Floyd.

Floyd is an incredible talent. If he was in a better offense at Notre Dame, he might have been the number one receiver prospect in the nation.

Blaine Gabbert should be praying that Floyd comes to Jacksonville. He could just be the answer to all of Gabbert's problems. Well, most of them. 

While Floyd has proven himself to be an excellent blocker, he won't be helping out with the Jaguars' poor pass protection. He will do wonders for a subpar receiving core, though.

Washington Redskins

Lethal Weapon: Wide Receiver Alshon Jeffery: South Carolina, Rd. 1

Numerous projections have the Washington Redskins drafting Matt Barkley after neither Rex Grossman nor John Beck took hold of the starting quarterback job (personally, I think Robert Griffin III should get a closer look).

But I am not sure that Mike Shanahan will opt for a new quarterback just yet.

Whoever the quarterback for the Redskins is next year, they will need some weapons at wide receiver. 

Santana Moss is getting older. Jabar Gaffney has had a good year, but who knows if he can repeat next season, and the rest of the receiving core has yet to emerge (although there is some potential with Anthony Armstrong and Brandon Banks).

If the Redskins don't go quarterback in the first round, then University of South Carolina receiver Alshon Jeffery would be an excellent pick. The Redskins can trade down to a team dying to grab a quarterback, and then they can snag Jeffery later in the first round.

Jeffery is one of the top receivers in the NFL Draft, and he is definitely first-round talent.

Miami Dolphins

Lethal Weapon: Tackle Riley Reiff: Iowa, Rd. 1

The Miami Dolphins could use a wide receiver, a quarterback and an offensive lineman.

It wouldn't come as a surprise if the Dolphins selected a quarterback (especially if Matt Barkley or Robert Griffin haven't been selected), but the competition between Matt Moore and Chad Henne might be enough for Miami to hold out.

The Dolphins could help Moore or Henne most by selecting an offensive tackle, and the best tackle after Matt Kalil is Riley Reiff out of Iowa.

Carolina Panthers

Lethal Weapon: Wide Receiver Kendall Wright: Baylor, Rd. 1

Steve Smith has been the only consistent wide receiver for first-year NFL quarterback Cam Newton. 

It is astonishing just how well the youngster has done, and just imagine how much better he would do with a legitimate No. 2 wideout.

Carolina should pick up Kendall Wright and give Newton another threat at wide receiver. The Panthers could be trade down to get a later pick, and Wright would still be on the board

Wright might have had the Heisman winner throwing him the ball, but I bet that Robert Griffin III would acknowledge that Wright was a big reason why he took home the trophy. 

Wright has great hands and is the perfect fit for a quarterback in Newton who loves to throw the ball.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Lethal Weapon: Wide Receiver Joe Adams: Arkansas , Rd. 2-3

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been scorched again and again in the passing game, so they are set to draft the best available cornerback, but the team also needs to address problems on the offensive line.

In the second round (or third), the Buccaneers will likely grab a wide receiver even though they already have some good young pieces. Josh Freeman needs all the help he can get at this point.

Joe Adams' speed could get the Tampa Bay offense going in 2012, and from the way it looked this season, the Buccaneers will need a boost.

Cleveland Browns

Lethal Weapon: Running Back Trent Richardson: Alabama, Rd. 1

The Cleveland Browns and Colt McCoy were extremely impressive during preseason; it is too bad it didn't carry over to the regular season. 

Contract negotiations ended with Peyton Hillis, and fans are unsure if the bruiser will return to Cleveland next year. 

But Browns fans can take solace in the fact that Alabama running back Trent Richardson could end up on the team next year. Richardson has the ability to pound the rock into the tough AFC North defenses, and an improved running game would take some pressure off of McCoy.

The Browns have a young but promising receiving corps, and if McCoy and the offensive line can start playing up to their potential, Richardson could be just what the Browns need to show massive improvement next season.

Kansas City Chiefs

Lethal Weapon: Tackle Jonathan Martin: Stanford, Rd. 1

It isn't hard to predict that the Kansas City Chiefs win over the Green Bay Packers will spur a quarterback controversy between Matt Cassel and Kyle Orton, but either way the Chiefs are going to draft an offensive lineman.

Offensive tackle Jonathan Martin out of Stanford has a good chance of being the Chiefs' first-round pick, and for whoever is the starting quarterback, that is a very good thing.

With Jamaal Charles back on the field, the Chiefs could be dangerous in 2012.

Philadelphia Eagles

Lethal Weapon: Wide Receiver Dwight Jones/ Rueben Randle: UNC/ LSU, Rd. 2

Most NFL fans know about the struggling defense of the Philadelphia Eagles, so the Eagles will go defense early. but if they were to select an offensive player in the second round, then a wide receiver would be on the Eagles' radar.

It is still up in the air if DeSean Jackson will return to the Eagles next season, and the team's second-round draft pick will give fans a better idea if Jackson is staying or going.

Philadelphia could pick up UNC's Dwight Jones to complement the rest of its receiving core and add a weapon to Michael Vick's arsenal. Jones doesn't have Jackson's speed, but he does have the big-play ability that would mesh well with Vick and Andy Reid's pass-heavy offense.

And if Jones doesn't catch Philadelphia's eye, Rueben Randle could be another great pick. Randle is young, but he is an immense talent. He is higher than Jones on many boards, too, so Randle could easily get the nod.

Buffalo Bills

Lethal Weapon: Tackle Mike Adams: Ohio State, Rd. 1

For Ryan Fitzpatrick's sake, the Buffalo Bills need to re-sign Steve Johnson. When they do, the team can draft offensive tackle Mike Adams out of Ohio State.

The Bills have regressed quite a bit since their victory against the New England Patriots, but a number of wide receivers have gone down, along with running back Fred Jackson.

If the Bills can stay healthy, then Adams will help Buffalo to become a very good team next season.

Arizona Cardinals

Lethal Weapon: Tackle Zebrie Sanders: Florida St, Rd. 2-3

The Cardinals have a need at offensive tackle, and Zebrie Sanders out of Florida State would fill it. Unfortunately for Kevin Kolb, the team also needs a better receiving corps outside of Larry Fitzgerald.

I see the Cardinals grabbing Sanders in order to improve their pass protection (possibly trading up to get a second-round pick), but the team will be actively looking for a wide receiver, too.

Seattle Seahawks

Lethal Weapon: Tackle Brandon Mosely: Auburn, Rd. 2

The Seattle Seahawks will likely go defense first round, so if they had to wait for a second-round pick to grab an offensive player, the team will snag an offensive lineman.

Seattle has ample receiving threats, and it will be up to Tarvaris Jackson to get them the ball in 2012.

Drafting Brandon Mosley, a versatile tackle out of Auburn, could help build the team for the future with or without Jackson.

One thing is for sure, Marshawn Lynch hasn't needed much help.

San Diego Chargers

Lethal Weapon: Guard David DeCastro: Stanford, Rd. 1

I would love to throw a curve ball here. 

There is no question that Philip Rivers is an elite quarterback, but when Antonio Gates isn't on the field the team doesn't look the same.

And with Gates having foot problems this season and last, the Chargers should make a move for the tight end of the future, but not in an early round.

With the team needing an offensive guard, the Chargers should grab David DeCastro out of Stanford so that Rivers can have a little longer in the pocket.

Tennessee Titans

Lethal Weapon: Guard Cordy Glenn: Georgia, Rd. 1

It is hard to tell if the future is now for the Tennessee Titans. Jake Locker could very well become the starting quarterback sooner than later, but even if Matt Hasselbeck remain the guy, the Titans will draft an offensive lineman.

Offensive guard Cordy Glenn out of Georgia has a good chance of hearing the Titans call his name on draft day, and he is the weapon that both quarterbacks need the most.

Glenn buys quarterbacks one thing they all love: time in the pocket.

Chicago Bears

Lethal Weapon: Wide Receiver Marvin McNutt: Iowa, Rd. 4

The Chicago Bears have slowly started to spiral out of the playoff picture after losing their starting quarterback and running back, but next year the Bears will be right back in the mix.

Unfortunately for Jay Cutler, the team doesn't have a legitimate star at wide receiver. Devin Hester has incredible talent, but he has yet to emerge as a great wide receiver. Johnny Knox and Earl Bennett are solid contributors, but neither have clear No. 1 potential. 

With Michael Floyd, Alshon Jeffery, Justin Blackmon, Dwight Jones, Rueben Randle and Kendall Wright likely already off the board, the Bears could snag up Iowa's Marvin McNutt (unless Randle or Jones are on the board, or if Mohamed Sanu from Rutgers surprises everyone and declares for the draft).

McNutt is a good fit for a quarterback in Cutler who likes to take shots down the field, and he can be grabbed after the Bears get a few defensive picks. He is solid at running routes, and his combination of good hands and size make him a legitimate deep threat.

Detroit Lions

Lethal Weapon: Guard Kelechi Osemele: Iowa St, Rd. 2

Matthew Stafford has had his fair share of injuries. In order to keep him well protected, the Detroit Lions will should give him a belated Christmas present in Iowa State guard Kelechi Osemele. 

Stafford already has a plethora of weapons in Brandon Pettigrew, Calvin Johnson, Nate Burleson and Titus Young, and all he needs now is a solid offensive line that can help him stay healthy throughout the season.

Dallas Cowboys

Lethal Weapon: Guard Ryan Miller: Colorado, Rd. 4

Laurent Robinson has quelled the Dallas Cowboys' need for a third wide receiver, so Jerry Jones will likely opt for an offensive guard after the team is done picking up defensive players.

Ryan Miller out of Colorado will be Tony Romo's guy before long, and if all goes well, he will be opening up holes for DeMarco Murray, too.

New York Jets

Lethal Weapon: Wide Receiver Tommy Streeter: Miami, Rd. 3

The New York Jets need some more youth at wide receiver, and Mark Sanchez might need some help in order to keep his job beyond the 2012-2013 season.

When the Jets are ready to select, they should call the name of Tommy Streeter out of Miami.

Streeter is an unfinished project, but he is the type of talent that's worth the risk, and the Jets are just the team to take a risk if it means having a star wideout.

New York Giants

Lethal Weapon: Tackle Nate Potter: Boise State, Rd. 3

The New York Giants are going to draft defense early, but they won't wait too long to grab an offensive lineman.

Eli Manning will be begging management to draft a offensive tackle in the third round. Don't be surprised if the Giants have their eye on Nate Potter out of Boise State.

Manning is having a great year; Potter could keep that going into 2012. I'm sure Ahmad Bradshaw won't argue with the pick either.

Denver Broncos

Lethal Weapon: Tight End Dwayne Allen: Clemson, Rd. 2

The Denver Broncos might be the only team that go for a tight end early in the NFL Draft.

If they do, Dwayne Allen from Clemson will be the guy.

Allen is 6'4", 255 pounds and has great hands. Tim Tebow would be able to drop off short passes when no one else is open, and Allen would drastically improve Tebow's statistics.

The Broncos could use another wide receiver, but Tebow would love to take advantage of Allen's all-around talent.

Cincinnati Bengals

Lethal Weapon: Running Back LaMichael James: Oregon, Rd. 2-3

Cedric Benson has had an up and down season for the Cincinnati Bengals, so there is a chance the team drafts running back LaMichael James out of Oregon (in the second or third round).

James would quickly become one of Andy Dalton's favorite teammates and lessen the burden on the passing game. He is an excellent runner but isn't an every down back (which is why he probably won't be the second running back selected), so Benson would stick around to gobble up some carries.

Houston Texans

Lethal Weapon: Center Peter Konz: Wisconsin, Rd. 1

The Houston Texans might have had the most injuries of any team in the league this season.

Getting center Peter Konz out of Wisconsin won't help keep Andre Johnson healthy, but it could help keep Matt Schaub on the field.

The Texans could use a wide receiver to help lessen the burden on Andre Johnson, but a great center to backup veteran Chris Myers is a need for Houston as well.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Lethal Weapon: Guard Lucas Nix: Pittsburgh, Rd. 2-3

If the Pittsburgh Steelers don't go defense like they love to do, they will grab an offensive lineman to protect Ben Roethlisberger. 

Offensive guard Lucas Nix fills a need, and he wouldn't have to move very far, as he is playing his college football at Pittsburgh.

Baltimore Ravens

Lethal Weapon: Guard Kevin Zeitler: Wisconsin, Rd. 3

The Baltimore Ravens won't need to spend a first-round pick on offensive guard Kevin Zeitler out of Wisconsin, but Zeitler will prove to be an enormous asset to Joe Flacco whenever he is selected.

The emergence of Torrey Smith has given the Ravens a deadly deep threat, and Zeitler can give Flacco enough time to turn the Flacco-Smith connection into one of the league's best.

New England Patriots

Lethal Weapon: Wide Receiver B.J. Cunningham: Michigan State, Rd. 5

Receivers are always welcome on a team with Tom Brady under center.

That might seem like overkill, but Wes Welker has been the only trustworthy wideout (although the tight ends are pretty good as well). And as of now, picking up Chad Ochocinco hasn't worked for Brady.

The New England Patriots have one of the worst defenses in the league, so they will pick players on the defensive side of the ball for a number of rounds.

If wide receiver B.J. Cunningham out of Michigan State is available when the Patriots are ready to draft a wide receiver (one of the best sleepers in the draft), then New England should call his name without hesitation. 

San Francisco 49ers

Lethal Weapon: Wide Receiver Brian Quick: Appalachian State, Rd. 3

The San Francisco 49ers defense has been fantastic all year long, but the offense hasn't looked nearly as good. 

Alex Smith has played well though and silenced most critics, but he could still use some help.

The offensive line has had some problems which has rendered Vernon Davis into a blocker instead of a receiving threat, but the 49ers also have a need for wide receiver.

The 49ers could address both in the first few rounds, but the team shouldn't let Appalachian State wide receiver Brian Quick fall too far.

Quick would be a steal at the end of the first few rounds, and he is likely to drop some because he doesn't have great speed. He didn't played at a Division I school, but don't be fooled, Quick can play.

Green Bay Packers

Lethal Weapon: Tackle Andrew Datko: Florida St, Rd. 3

The Green Bay Packers are set at wide receiver and tight end (at least as far as starters go), but they could use some depth at offensive line.

The Packers will go defense for the first round or two, and tackle Andrew Datko out of Florida State would be considered a win for Aaron Rodgers if he is still available.

New Orleans Saints

Lethal Weapon: Guard Amini Silatolu: Midwestern State, Rd. 4

The New Orleans Saints have one of the NFL's most prolific offenses under Drew Brees, and it could be even better if the Saints had some depth at offensive line.

When the Saints get done drafting defense, Amini Silatolu from Midwestern State, a tackle who is projected to play guard, could get the call.

Brees doesn't need much help in the passing game, but Silatolu's tremendous run-blocking ability would open holes up for the running game. And when the Saints are running the ball well, Brees and company are nearly impossible to stop.

Atlanta Falcons

Lethal Weapon: Center Ben Jones: Georgia, Rd. 2

The Atlanta Falcons have had trouble keeping defenders off of Matt Ryan this season, and they will spend more than one pick on offensive linemen.

If center Ben Jones from Georgia is still available in the second round, expect the Falcons to go local. The Falcons still have savvy NFL veteran Todd McClure, but he is getting older and the pick would benefit Ryan and Michael Turner.

Oakland Raiders

Lethal Weapon: Guard Jaymes Brooks: Virginia Tech, Rd. 5

With how much the Oakland Raiders gave up to get Carson Palmer, it is almost assured that Jason Campbell won't return as the starter next season. 

In order to help keep Palmer injury free, the Raiders should select offensive guard Jaymes Brooks out of Virginia Tech when it is finally their time to pick.

A team can never have too many offensive linemen, and the Raiders could afford to take a few more.