2012 NFL Draft Order: 5 Teams That Could Be One Pick Away from Competing Again

Zach KruseJun 7, 2018

Every NFL season, we see it happen.

A handful of teams go from huge disappointment the year before to playoff-bound the next. Parity rules in the NFL, and the draft is a major reason for that. The 2011 season was another perfect example.

After a 4-12 season in 2010, the Cincinnati Bengals drafted A.J. Green and Andy Dalton in the first two rounds last April. They'll now be playing a postseason game this weekend.

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The Denver Broncos had a similar revival, going from 4-12 last season to AFC West champions in 2011. Adding potential defensive rookie of the year Von Miller to the mix is a big reason for that rebound.

With the 2012 NFL draft order now released, let's run down some teams who could make similar jumps next year with a smart pick in the first round this April.

1. Indianapolis Colts (2-14)

2. St. Louis Rams (2-14)

3. Minnesota Vikings (3-13)

4. Cleveland Browns (4-12)

The Browns have a defense that can compete for the playoffs, but serious upgrades are needed on the offensive side of the ball. At No. 4, the Browns may be able to get their hands on Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin, who would instantly add some play-making abilities to an offense that desperately needs it. And don't forget: Cleveland also has a second first-round pick, so they could start the process of building the offense around Griffin with another explosive weapon.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12)

6. Washington Redskins (5-11)

7. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11)

8. Miami Dolphins (6-10)*

8. Carolina Panthers (6-10)*

The Panthers can go one of two ways with their first-round pick. Either they can add another big-play receiver to help turn Cam Newton's offense into one of the NFL's elite, or they could look into adding an impact defensive player. Both directions give the Panthers a chance at banging on the playoff door in 2012.

10. Buffalo Bills (6-10)

11. Seattle Seahawks (7-9)**

11. Kansas City Chiefs (7-9)**

When the Chiefs were at their best in 2010, they relied on a heavy dose of Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones to carry the offense. That season, Kansas City rushed an NFL-high 2,627 yards. With Charles rehabbing an ACL injury and Jones in the twilight of his career, the Chiefs could look at adding a running back with their first pick. Judging by the first 10 or so teams in the draft order, Alabama's Trent Richardson could fall right into their laps. He's a physical clone of Jones but with vastly superior athleticism.

13. Arizona Cardinals (8-8)

14. Dallas Cowboys (8-8)

15. Philadelphia Eagles (8-8)

We know the big-name talent is in place, so the 2012 draft for the Eagles is about filling in the huge gaps that sunk their dream team this season. Philadelphia could certainly start at linebacker, a position that was below average for it throughout 2011. Just one impact player in the heart of the Eagles' defense could turn them into a sure-fire playoff team next season.

16. New York Jets (8-8)

17. Cincinnati Bengals (from Oakland) (8-8)

18. San Diego Chargers (8-8)

19. Chicago Bears (8-8)

At one point this season, the Bears were 7-3 and looking like a lock for the postseason. Then the injury bug hit, and it hit hard. Jay Cutler and Matt Forte were lost for the regular season, and the Bears finished just 1-5. There should be hope, however, that when Cutler returns and Forte is re-signed, the Bears can make another run. Adding another play-making receiver would drastically help Cutler, who has yet to throw to a No. 1 type option during his career in Chicago.

20. Tennessee Titans (9-7)

21. Denver Broncos (8-8)

22. New York Giants (9-7)

23. Cincinnati Bengals (9-7)

24. Detroit Lions (10-6)

25. Cleveland Browns (from Atlanta Falcons)

26. Houston Texans (10-6)

27. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4)

28. Baltimore Ravens (12-4)

29. New England Patriots (from New Orleans)

30. San Francisco 49ers (13-3)

31. New England Patriots (13-3)