2012 NFL Draft Order: Losing Teams in Prime Position for Quick Turnaround

The NFL draft is the easiest way for a team under .500 to turn their fortunes around in a hurry. Free agency is nice, but unless you are getting a player in his prime between the ages of 25 and 27, odds are good those deals won't pan out. 

Teams bank all of their hopes on the draft, which is why some are smiling wider than others right now. They need to nail their selections, of course, but the draft is as much about where you are picking as it is who you pick. 

With that in mind, here are teams that have put themselves in prime position to turn things around in a hurry thanks to their slot in the draft:

Indianapolis Colts, No. 1 

Andrew Luck has been called the best quarterback prospect in the history of the draft. He certainly has all the physical attributes to succeed at the next level. All that remains to be seen is how he adjusts to the speed of the NFL. 

With all the housecleaning going on in Indianapolis right now, it might take two years before this team is competing for a playoff spot again.

But considering how bad this team looked in 2011, that would be a miraculous job of scouting and development by the coaching staff and front office. 

Carolina Panthers, No. 8 or 9 (Coin Flip Will Determine Pick)

The Panthers got everything they could have hoped for out of Cam Newton in 2011. He is going to be great for a long time to come. 

But they do have needs at wide receiver, where they need to put someone alongside the aging Steve Smith, and on the defensive line. 

They could go after Justin Blackmon, whose stock is soaring after his Fiesta Bowl performance, or Quinton Coples, if he manages to slide down to them. 

Either way, this team is in a good spot to fill a big need and get back into contention next season. 

Seattle Seahawks, No. 11 or 12 (Coin Flip Will Determine Pick)

Pete Carroll's team surprised a lot of people in 2011 by finishing the season with a 7-9 record, which is the same record they had when they won the NFC West last year.

But there are a few things that they need to do this offseason to break that seven win threshold. Re-signing Marshawn Lynch has to be at the top of the list. Next up has to be finding a long-term solution at quarterback. 

Landry Jones would be a good fit for this team, if he decides to declare. His stock isn't as high today as it was prior the season, but he still has the physical attributes that scouts love when evaluating a quarterback. 

2012 NFL Draft Order 

Disclaimer: Selections 21-32 expected to change as playoffs unfold.

1.  Colts                        

2.  Rams                                    

3.  Vikings                                

4.  Browns                                   

5.  Buccaneers                           

6.  Redskins                                

7.  Jaguars                                  

8t. Panthers                               

8t. Dolphins                               

10. Bills                                        

11t. Chiefs                                  

11t. Seahawks                             

13. Cardinals                              

14. Cowboys                                

15. Eagles                                  

16. Jets                                          

17. Bengals (from Raiders)        

18. Chargers                               

19. Bears                                     

20. Titans                                     

21. Broncos 

22. Bengals 

23. Giants 

24. Texans 

25. Lions 

26. Browns (from Falcons) 

27. Steelers 

28. Ravens 

29. Patriots (from Saints)

30. 49ers  

31. Patriots 

32. Packers 

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