2012 NFL Draft: Which Teams Are in Desperate Need of Playmakers?

There is hardly ever an excuse for averaging fewer than 14 points per game. It never helps when a team can't sack the quarterback. And when a team's turnover differential is in negative double-digits there is bound to be trouble.

What this all boils down to is teams with these problems are in desperate need of playmakers. Whether it be offensively or defensively, they need game-breakers.

The 2012 NFL draft is a great opportunity to search for exactly that, and several teams will be on the hunt for playmakers early in the selection process.

Indianapolis Colts (No. 1)

This situation is much more complex than most. The Andrew Luck/Peyton Manning situation must first be ironed out or the Colts run the risk of being completely uncompetitive for a few years.

If they decide to keep Manning and move forward with him as the starter than they must trade the No. 1 selection away for a bounty of picks.

With the picks they can then add several young players at positions of need—particularly ones who can contribute immediately—as Manning looks to earn one more ring before hanging up his cleats.

If they opt to select Luck than they're committing to a rebuilding era.

St. Louis Rams (No. 2)

This teams is about to part ways with its head coach and have a third-year quarterback under center with no dominant weapons to catch passes from him.

Steven Jackson, when healthy, can certainly help the cause in the backfield, but the Rams cannot possibly believe they'll be competitive with Brandon Lloyd, Brandon Gibson, Danny Amendola, Greg Salas and Austin Pettis as the top options next season.

St. Louis can make due, but they won't break through without a playmaker on the outside.

Cleveland Browns (No. 4)

Should the Browns give Colt McCoy one more season under center than he must be given a true playmaking weapon. The Browns have constructed a defense that can actually hang in the AFC North, but the offense simply doesn't score enough points. 

The Browns passed on the opportunity to add Julio Jones last season and now they can only hope they can find someone that talented in the 20s in addition to their No. 4 selection.

They'll have options, though, and they also need a legitimate running back.

If the Browns opt not to go after Andrew Luck then they must take two skill position players—a wide receiver and a running back—early in this draft.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (No. 5)

A year ago this team was 10-6 and on the brink of postseason if not for tie-breaker scenarios. One year later they own the No. 5 pick and have no true playmaker to speak of on either side of the ball.

The Bucs still cannot hit the opposing quarterback despite heavily investing in their defensive line in recent years and they do not have a home run threat on offense either.

Their secondary is also atrocious outside of Aqib Talib and the time has come for them to replace Ronde Barber.

Offense or defense matters not; this team simply needs a playmaker.

Jacksonville Jaguars (No. 7)

Giving Blaine Gabbert another shot next season could very well be a mistake (drafting him at No. 10 overall certainly was) but if they have any hope in him at all then he needs better weapons.

Maurice Jones-Drew is one of the best running backs in football, but he has trouble finding running room when teams don't respect the Jags' pass-catchers.

With a new coach on the way in this team needs to go out of its way to land a playmaking wide receiver.

Honorable Mentions

Carolina Panthers (No. 8 or No. 9)—In need a defensive playmaker in the secondary.

New York Jets (No. 14)—Enough is enough with the Shonn Greene, LaDainian Tomlinson and Joe McKnight trio. Greene can stay and McKnight is a solid special teamer and No. 3 back, but it is time to add a true compliment in place of Tomlinson.

Chicago Bears (No. 19)—Still have no No. 1 wide receiver.