NFL Lockout: Top 5 Teams Hurt Most by Lockout

The NFL lockout has reached 128 days, which is entirely too long. Teams have missed a normal offseason, and it will have an impact on their season. 

They haven't been able to prep their rookies, nor have they even been able to fully fill their rosters. Once the lockout has ended, there will be a mad scramble to pick up free agents, as well as make trades.

However, with such limited time together, all teams will suffer. Those bringing in new coaches and player will be hit the most.

Here are the top five NFL teams hurt most by this prolonged lockout.  

5. Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions had a solid draft this year, picking up the steal of the first round when they landed Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley at No. 13 overall. 

The Lions continue to improve and, if quarterback Matthew Stafford can find a way to stay healthy all season long, they will make some noise in the NFC North. 

Unfortunately, Detroit hasn't been able to gain the team chemistry that comes with summer workouts because of the NFL lockout. They're a young team that would have greatly benefited from a normal offseason, but the lockout has ruined that.

They'll have a better season than they did in 2010, but the Lions won't be able to hang with the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers because of a limited offseason.  

4. Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals need a new quarterback, and they will be addressing that once the lockout is lifted. Derek Anderson isn't the answer for this franchise, and the Cardinals will sign a free agent or trade for a quarterback. 

If there hadn't been a lockout, the Cardinals would have filled their void at quarterback and the franchise would be headed in a new and better direction. However, they have instead been pondering about what the future holds thanks to the lockout. 

Soon, the lockout will be over, and you can expect the Cardinals to be one of the first teams making moves. 

3. Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings shocked everyone by drafting quarterback Christian Ponder of Florida State with the No. 12 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. 

They knew they had to find a quarterback since Brett Favre is done with the NFL, so they took a risk by drafting Ponder very high. The lockout has prevented him from learning how to run this team and bond with the teammates that he is supposed to lead. 

Plus, the Vikings haven't been able to re-sign Sidney Rice, which is a need considering they have a rookie quarterback. Ponder will need plenty of talent surrounding him, and the Vikings can give him that if they're able to re-sign Rice.

The Vikings will struggle early and often this season because of an inexperienced quarterback. Even if they go out and sign or trade for a veteran, that veteran will have a very limited time to learn a new system thanks to the lockout. 

2. San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers compete in the weak NFC West, and had there been no lockout this offseason, they could have worked to become a better team. After all, a team with a losing record won the conference last year. 

New head coach Jim Harbaugh hasn't had the chance to get acquainted with his players, and the 49ers will endure a rough season. They had a top-10 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, and that is where they are headed again next year, because this lockout has prevented them from getting any better. 

Harbaugh hasn't had a chance to mold rookie quarterback Colin Kaepernick, nor has he been able to help Alex Smith become a better quarterback. This lockout is a big setback for the 49ers. 

1. Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers took a huge risk drafting Cam Newton No. 1 overall, and this lockout has unfortunately prevented them from figuring out if he is worthy of the starting job. 

It has benefited Jimmy Clausen; he should be the starter in Week 1, since Newton's knowledge of the Panthers' offense and the NFL is limited. Clausen could have used some work as well, though, because we all saw his struggles a year ago. It is the reason they had the No. 1 pick and chose Newton.

The lockout is a huge blow to new head coach Ron Rivera and the Panthers. They are likely to be the worst team in the NFL again this year, especially if they are unable to re-sign DeAngelo Williams.

The running back will have to make a quick decision once the offers come in, and had he been able to have more time, it would have helped the Panthers chances of re-signing him.