Matchmaker: Finding the perfect draft prospect for every team in the NFC

In the second of a two-part series forecasting scenarios in which positional need lines up with both value and scheme fit, we identify an ideal pick for each team in the NFC.

Some pairings are of the first-round variety, while others take a look at possible day two targets.

AFC | NFC

Arizona Cardinals

Cardale Jones, QB, Ohio State

This isn't a pick the Cardinals would be making until the second or third round, at the earliest. Instant impact players should be targeted on opening night, but landing Jones thereafter could give the club an eventual replacement for Carson Palmer. And if there's one coach that can get the most out of Jones' raw abilities, it's almost certainly Bruce Arians.

Atlanta Falcons

Jonathan Bullard, DE, Florida

As the Falcons continue to rebuild the defensive side of the ball, landing a pass rusher to deploy opposite Vic Beasley is imperative. Dan Quinn and his coaching staff would know exactly how to use Bullard, whose ability to play a number of positions can give him a role similar to Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett.

Carolina Panthers

Karl Joseph, S, West Virginia

Making an early-round addition to the secondary will potentiallly solidify an already dominant Carolina defense. Joseph can be a force as a box safety, and he'd only have more value if his knee injury pushes him to the second round.

Chicago Bears

Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame

Chicago could go a number of ways with their pick on day one, but the decision becomes all the more simple if Stanley is still on the board. The Notre Dame product is a top-tier pass protector that fills a glaring need on Jay Cutler's blindside.

Dallas Cowboys

Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama

A running back should be in play at the top of the second round if the Cowboys opt against taking Ezekiel Elliott at No. 4. Henry could thrive running behind Dallas' league-best offensive line, representing the final piece for a potential Super Bowl contender.

Detroit Lions

Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State

While the Lions will be seeking a replacement for the retired Calvin Johnson, reaching to fill that spot in the first round isn't the answer. Thomas is another imposing target who could likely be had on day two.

Green Bay Packers

Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame

Medicals will be the determining factor in Smith's draft stock, as he was widely considered to be a top 10 pick prior to the injury suffered in his last game at Notre Dame. Constantly building for the long term, and still in search of a middle-of-the-field presence, the Packers should be willing to take a chance on Smith's potential.

Los Angeles Rams

Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State

Having given up a fortune to acquire the No. 1 overall pick, the Rams are clearly set on taking a quarterback. It would be no surprise to see the team lean toward Wentz, a high-ceiling developmental prospect whose college experience came in a pro-style offense.

Minnesota Vikings

Josh Doctson, WR, TCU

The Vikings have to come away with a receiver at some point in the early rounds. It's looking more and more unlikely Doctson will be available, but his ability to win over the top of defenders is exactly what this offense has been missing.

New Orleans Saints

Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson

As the Saints take one last shot at a Super Bowl with Drew Brees under center, the focus should be on players who can contribute right away. Lawson, considered by many to be the best defensive end beyond Joey Bosa and DeForest Buckner, would bring some much-needed explosiveness off the edge opposite Cam Jordan.

New York Giants

Germain Ifedi, OT, Texas A&M

Unless the top tackle falls, it's entirely possible the Giants opt against selecting linemen in the opening round of consecutive drafts. But this team still needs to solve its issues up front, and Ifedi is a potential starter at either left or right tackle who could be available on day two.

Philadelphia Eagles

Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida

Forget the size concerns. Hargreaves is a top-tier cover cornerback, and the Eagles would be wise to capitalize on the opportunity to land such a rare talent if he's still available at No. 8.

San Francisco 49ers

Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis

The 49ers won't be in range to select either of the top two quarterbacks. As the club targets a replacement for Colin Kaepernick, though, Lynch stands out as an obvious fit. His arm, talent, and athleticism would be put to good use in Chip Kelly's offense.

Seattle Seahawks

Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana

The Seahawks need to address their offensive line in the worst way. Spriggs, boasting the necessary athleticism for Tom Cable's zone-blocking system, would be a strong pick in either the first or second round.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State

It suddenly appears possible that a player in the conversation as the draft's No. 1 prospect could fall to the Buccaneers at No. 9. Bosa would be an every-down contributor at strong-side defensive end, lining up across from free-agent addition Robert Ayers.

Washington Redskins

Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor

Billings fills a massive need at nose tackle, but he's much more than a two-down contributor. The Baylor standout also has the skill set necessary to stay on the field for passing downs, bringing some versatility to Washington's defensive front.