Various embodiments of a virtual output queue system within a network element enables per-input port virtual output queues within a network data processor of the network element. In one embodiment, each port managed by a network data processor has an associated set of virtual output queues for each output port on the network data element. In one embodiment, network data processor hardware supports per-processor VOQs and per-input port VOQs are enabled in hardware for layer 3 forwarding by overloading layer 2 forwarding logic. In such embodiment, a mapping table is generated to enable virtual per-input port VOQs for layer 3 forwarding logic using layer 2 logic that is otherwise unused during layer 3 forwarding. In one embodiment, multiple traffic classes can be managed per-input port when using per-input port VOQs. In one embodiment, equal cost multi-path (ECMP) and link aggregation support is also enabled.