The Biggest Strength for Every NFL Team Heading into the 2012 Season

With the 2012 NFL draft fast approaching, NFL teams are evaluating their biggest needs—and biggest strengths.

Every team must know what positions they should address, but they also need to know which positions are fine as is. The Baltimore Ravens don't need to upgrade their run defense, and the New York Giants are probably OK with their defensive ends.

Fortunately, it's easier to recognize strengths than weaknesses. When something goes wrong, it could be a variety of players that screw up. When something goes right, it's usually easy to see who is responsible.

This is about those positions that don't need addressing because, as everyone knows, the offseason is about addressing needs, not positions of strength.

Chicago Bears

Biggest Strength: Running Back

In just 12 games, Matt Forte gained nearly 1,500 yards. Forte is a great runner and receiver, so he can be used in any situation.

Forte is a free agent in 2012, but the Bears will retain him, possibly by using the franchise tag. Before he injured his knee, Forte was the focus of the Chicago offense, and the Bears need him back next year.

Cincinnati Bengals

Biggest Strength: Receiver

At wide receiver, the Bengals have a young star in A.J. Green. Green will be one of the NFL's best, and Cincinnati has solid complementary targets in Jerome Simpson, Jermaine Gresham and Jordan Shipley.

Though he played well as a rookie, Andy Dalton's weapons were instrumental to his success. Few teams have a younger and more talented receiving corps than the Bengals do.

Buffalo Bills

Biggest Strength: Defensive Tackle

It is still up in the air whether the Bills will run a 4-3 or 3-4 defense, but either way they have an outstanding defensive tackle unit in Marcell Dareus and Kyle Williams. Williams has been one of the NFL's most underrated players for years, and Dareus is a star in the making.

The No. 3 pick in 2010, Dareus is a versatile player who can play any defensive line position in a 3-4 defense, or either defensive tackle spot in a 4-3. Though Williams isn't quite as versatile, he is currently better, and the two will be dominant in the future.

Denver Broncos

Biggest Strength: Pass Rush

Though he wasn't as dominant as expected in 2011, Elvis Dumervil still racked up 9.5 sacks, and rookie sensation Von Miller added 11.5 from the linebacker position. Dumervil will regain his prior form next year, and Miller is going to become even better.

Both Dumervil and Miller are small, speedy rushers, but both are dominant players. Miller is actually playing linebacker in a 4-3 defense, so his pass-rush production is even more impressive. This duo is going to terrify quarterbacks for years to come.

Cleveland Browns

Biggest Strength: Defensive Tackle

He is rarely recognized, but Ahtyba Rubin is one of the NFL's better defensive tackles. Rubin is playing in a 4-3 defense for the first time, and he accumulated 83 tackles and five sacks while excelling against the run.

Rookie Phil Taylor joined Rubin in 2011, and the two are one of the NFL's biggest defensive tackle combinations. Both Rubin and Taylor are more athletic than their size suggests, so they can get in the backfield as well.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Biggest Strength: Defensive Line

It's difficult to find a real strength for the Buccaneers, but the team's defensive line has some serious potential. Former No. 3 pick Gerald McCoy has been hurt, but he still has a ton of potential and can be an explosive player along the interior defensive line.

Adrian Clayborn racked up 7.5 sacks in 2011, and second-rounder Da'Quan Bowers showed some potential as well. In the future, the Tampa Bay defensive line could become one of the best in the NFL.

Arizona Cardinals

Biggest Strength: Defensive Line

Darnell Dockett has been a star for years, and in 2011, Calais Campbell joined him among the NFL's elite defensive linemen. Playing defensive end in a 3-4 defense, Campbell somehow racked up nine sacks and dominated opposing offensive linemen.

Now 30 years old, Dockett may be starting to slow down a little, but he is still playing at a high level. However, Campbell is the future star of the unit, and at 6'8", 300 pounds, his upside is almost unlimited.

San Diego Chargers

Biggest Strength: Quarterback

He struggled some in 2011, but Philip Rivers is still one of the game's best quarterbacks. Over the past few years, few players have outproduced Rivers and, at times, he has dominated with little talent around him.

Rivers isn't conventional by any means, and he is hated throughout the league, yet he puts up huge numbers and leads a great offense. In 2012, Rivers will return to his previous form and continue to tear up the league.

Kansas City Chiefs

Biggest Strength: Pass Defense

Even without star safety Eric Berry, the Chiefs had the NFL's sixth best pass defense in 2011. Brandon Flowers is one of the game's best cornerbacks, and Brandon Carr is a high-quality player as well.

In addition to having a great secondary, Kansas City has some star pass-rushers. Tamba Hali has 26.5 sacks over the past two seasons, and third-round pick Justin Houston flashed some huge potential late in the season.

Indianapolis Colts

Biggest Strength: Defensive End

With Robert Mathis possibly leaving in free agency, the Colts may not have such a great pass rush next year. It's still the team's best unit though.

Though he hasn't produced as many sacks as usual the past two seasons, Dwight Freeney is still a phenomenal edge-rusher and demands constant attention. If Mathis returns, the Colts will continue to have an excellent defensive end combo.

Dallas Cowboys

Biggest Strength: Passing Game

Tony Romo isn't nearly as bad as many make him out to be, and the Cowboys have some elite weapons. Wide receivers Miles Austin and Dez Bryant are both great players, and Jason Witten is one of the league's best and most consistent tight ends.

These skill players are enough to make a bad quarterback look decent, and Romo is not at all a bad quarterback. Dallas' passing attack will continue to put up huge numbers with this much talent on offense.

Miami Dolphins

Biggest Strength: Defensive Line

Miami doesn't really have any stars along the defensive line, but their depth is incredible. Paul Soliai, Kendall Langord, Randy Starks, Jared Odrick and Tony McDaniel are starting-caliber players in a 3-4 defense.

Soliai and Langford are both free agents though, so the team's depth could dramatically worsen in 2012. However, the Dolphins are unlikely to lose both of these players, and either way, their defensive line will be one of their best units.

Philadelphia Eagles

Biggest Strength: Passing Attack

Michael Vick occasionally struggles as a passer, but the Philadelphia offense is almost always dynamic. Vick can dominate through the air or on the ground, and the Eagles have two star wideouts in Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson.

Though there is a good chance Jackson will leave as a free agent, Philadelphia's offense will still be excellent. The Eagles would have  No. 1 wide receiver in Maclin, and they would probably sign or draft another weapon as well.

Atlanta Falcons

Biggest Strength: Wide Receiver

Before the 2011 offseason, the Falcons already had a star wide receiver in Roddy White. Then they added another potential star in Julio Jones, and Atlanta now has a dominant wide receiver corps.

White excels when working the underneath, and Jones can play vertically or horizontally. Together, there is no better one-two punch at wide receiver. Harry Douglas isn't bad either.

San Francisco 49ers

Biggest Strength: Linebacker

Patrick Willis has been one of the NFL's premier linebackers for years, and in 2011, NaVorro Bowman joined him. The two combine to form the best inside linebacker duo in football. No. 7 overall pick Aldon Smith racked up 14 sacks as a backup.

Willis and Bowman both excel against the pass and run, and Smith adds a potentially elite pass-rusher into the equation. There is no more talented linebacker group.

New York Giants

Biggest Strength: Wide Receiver

It's hard not to say defensive end here, but Victor Cruz's emergence makes wide receiver the choice. Cruz gained over 1,500 yards and Hakeem Nicks added nearly 1,200 more.

Both Cruz and Nicks are playing at elite levels, and neither of the two is older than 25. In the future, Cruz and Nicks should both improve, and with how well they are already playing, that's a scary thought.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Biggest Strength: Defensive Tackle

With Tyson Alualu and Terrance Knighton at defensive tackle, the Jaguars have been great against the run. Knighton is a massive 336-pounder, while Alualu is quicker at just 304 pounds.

Though neither Alualu nor Knighton is elite, the two form a great duo. Each player fits in a 4-3 and 3-4 scheme—as a result, Jacksonville can get creative with their scheme.

New York Jets

Biggest Strength: Cornerback

It's no secret that Darrelle Revis is the game's best cornerback, and Antonio Cromartie is no slouch either. Revis is the rare cornerback who rarely allows catches and intercepts passes as well. Few players are more talented, and Revis has perfected his craft.

Cromartie, on the other hand, is more of a gambler and will be burnt on occasion. The former Charger will make huge, athletic plays, and opposite of Revis, he can afford to take chances.

Detroit Lions

Biggest Strength: Passing Offense

Make no mistake about it, Matthew Stafford was great in 2011, but Calvin Johnson was instrumental to his success. Because Johnson can catch nearly any pass, Stafford is able to use his rocket arm and just toss the ball up.

Both Stafford and Johnson are young, talented players. The two of them have nearly unlimited ceilings, and they should be an elite combination for years to come. Detroit has some other talented receivers in Nate Burleson, Brandon Pettigrew and Titus Young as well.

Green Bay Packers

Biggest Strength: Quarterback

Sure, Aaron Rodgers has some great weapons, but make no mistake about it, he is the source of Green Bay's offensive success. Rodgers is one of the most talented quarterbacks in the game, and he is also incredibly smart.

Many of the Packers' skill players would be just average or above-average without Rodgers. With Rodgers, these players produce at elite levels. Rodgers is one of those special players who makes everyone around him better.

Carolina Panthers

Biggest Strength: Rushing Attack

Cam Newton is a rare quarterback who actively contributes to his team's rushing attack. Newton rushed for over 700 yards in 2011, and the Panthers had the third best rushing offense in the NFL.

Both DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart are immensely talented running backs capable of playing at elite levels. Together, the two offer the best running back duo in the game—with Newton also in the mix, Carolina can dominate on the ground.

New England Patriots

Biggest Strength: Quarterback

For years, Tom Brady has been the New England offense. Now, Brady has some talent around him, but without Brady, some of the Patriots' best weapons would fall off the map.

Prior to joining the Patriots, Wes Welker was just a decent player, and Brady pushed him over the top. New England lacks dynamic talent on offense, but Brady is now, and has been for years, a phenomenal quarterback.

Oakland Raiders

Biggest Strength: Running Back

Though Michael Bush may leave in free agency, the Raiders have some fantastic talent at running back. Darren McFadden has developed into the same explosive player he was in college, and he can catch or run out of the backfield.

Bush is a big back, but he isn't limited to running inside. McFadden and Bush are both capable of carrying the load at a high level, so Oakland obviously has some talent at running back.

St. Louis Rams

Biggest Strength: Defensive End

Even after picking up 13 sacks in 2011, Chris Long remains incredibly underrated. Long is superb against the run and has finally developed the pass-rushing ability that made him the No. 2 pick in the 2008 NFL draft.

The Rams also drafted Robert Quinn with the No. 14 pick in 2011, and the North Carolina product has immense potential. It is a given that Long will play at a high level next year, and Quinn could become a star off the edge.

Baltimore Ravens

Biggest Strength: Pass Rush

The Ravens are fantastic in numerous defensive areas, but they really dominate at rushing the passer. Star linebacker Terrell Suggs contributed 14 sacks, and a multitude of other players joined in on the fun.

With Suggs drawing attention, other players were freed up. Rookie defensive end Pernell McPhee added six sacks, and the 330-pound Haloti Ngata even racked up five. Suggs was the only dominant rusher for Baltimore, but many other players produced as well.

Washington Redskins

Biggest Strength: Linebacker

Since being drafted with the No. 13 pick in 2009, Brian Orakpo has dominated as a pass-rusher. 2011 first-rounder Ryan Kerrigan joined in on the fun this year, as he racked up 7.5 sacks while excelling against the run.

London Fletcher is still playing at a high level, and Rocky McIntosh is a solid player too. The four combined to form a fantastic linebacker unit. The unit has the potential to improve and is already great.

New Orleans Saints

Biggest Strength: Quarterback

Unlike most elite offenses, the Saints offense doesn't really have any elite talents outside of its quarterback. Marques Colston, Robert Meachem and the team's many running backs are decent, but tight end Jimmy Graham is Drew Brees' lone elite weapon.

Brees has broken multiple records throughout his time with the Saints, and he is only getting better. The former Charger is unbelievably accurate and has the arm to throw vertically. The only thing that limits Brees is his height.

Seattle Seahawks

Biggest Strength: Safety

With Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor, the Seahawks have an incredible safety duo. Thomas is the prototype center-fielding safety with range and playmaking ability, while Chancellor excels close to the line of scrimmage.

The two stars complement one another perfectly and terrorize opposing offenses. Both Thomas and Chancellor are young and will improve with time. It's scary to think the two are in just their second professional seasons.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Biggest Strength: Pass Defense

Though the Pittsburgh pass rush has dropped off, the team's pass defense is as good as ever. Lamarr Woodley and James Harrison are still pressuring the quarterback, and the Steelers' defensive backs and linebackers are playing well in coverage.

Ike Taylor has been a solid, yet underrated player for years, and Troy Polamalu's success is well-known. However, Lawrence Timmons' development has been crucial to Pittsburgh's dominance as well.

Houston Texans

Biggest Strength: Rushing Attack

In 2011, the Texans had the NFL's second rushing offense and nearly had two 1,000-yard rushers. Though he struggled with injuries, Arian Foster dominated once again, and second-year pro Ben Tate also played extremely well.

Foster is not just a rusher, however. The star running back caught 53 passes for 617 passes and was Houston's second most productive receiver.

Tennessee Titans

Biggest Strength: Pass Defense

Tennessee doesn't have many star defensive players, but they are solid all around. Cortland Finnegan is a great cornerback, and safety Michael Griffin does a great job in coverage.

Jason McCourty and Alterraun Verner are solid cornerbacks as well. Though their pass rush is awful, the Titans' defensive backs are good enough to still have the 14th best pass defense and eighth defense overall. 

Minnesota Vikings

Biggest Strength: Rushing Attack

It's unclear just how soon Adrian Peterson will be back at full strength, but he will eventually return and the Vikings have options behind him. Toby Gerhart played surprisingly well in Peterson's absence and, at worst, will be a solid second option.

Peterson is the game's best running back and can do anything on the field. With Gerhart playing well off the bench, the Vikings can mix up their personnel and be creative with their play call.