2012 NFL Draft Order: Mid-Round Teams That Can't Afford a Bust

The NFL draft is a place for teams to address areas of need via the young talent entering the league from the NCAA. 2012 is no different.

While the top teams still have the hardest choices to make, the real pressure-cooker picks come in during the middle rounds.

Many of the middle-round teams are playoff contenders that missed the show, so screwing up a first-round draft pick would be detrimental to the team and the coaching staff’s status with their organization.

All of the following teams underperformed this season, and selecting the wrong player on draft day could be the final mistake each of these teams make with their current coaches.

Philadelphia Eagles—After finishing the season 8-8, the Andy Reid-led Philadelphia Eagles have several areas that need upgrading, whether through the draft, free agency or trades.

With four wins to close the season, the Eagles dropped themselves into the No. 15 spot of the first round. While a better pick would have been ideal, the Eagles’ pick still has plenty of potential.

Philadelphia had glaring weaknesses on their offensive line, but it was the mediocre play of the linebackers that cost the team too many games. If Andy Reid wants to save his job, the veteran coach must take a player that has an immediate impact or risk this being his last year in the City of Brotherly Love.

Two names for Eagles fans to look out for on draft day: Luke Kuechly and Jonathan Martin. Kuechly is the kind of middle linebacker a team can build the franchise around, and Martin is the kind of offensive tackle that can play next to Danny Watkins on the right side for the 10 seasons.

Getting one of those instant-impact players would be great for the team.

New York Jets—The New York Jets were one of the most overrated teams in the NFL this season. That doesn’t mean they can’t get right back to the AFC Championship next season, though.

If the Jets play their cards right over the next few months, they could win the Super Bowl next season. It all depends on how they draft and what trades they make.

There are rumors that the Jets may be targeting Peyton Manning as a replacement for terrible starting quarterback Mark Sanchez. If they come to fruition, the Jets will likely not have first-round picks because Indianapolis will be using them for the next three seasons.

While pulling the string on a blockbuster for Manning is ideal, New York has to be ready to pick at No. 16. If they have this pick, Quinton Coples is their man. Coples is the 3-4 versatile defensive end/tackle that can fit right into Rex Ryan’s defensive schemes and bring the team’s defense back to an elite level.

San Diego Chargers—Despite missing the playoffs this season, it appears Norv Turner has one more chance to take a swing at this with Philip Rivers and the San Diego Chargers.

That puts even more pressure on Turner’s staff to draft the right player who can help the team improve enough to save their jobs. If Turner goes, they all most likely go.

San Diego was one of the 8-8 teams that was just good enough to almost skirt into the playoffs but instead was relegated to the No. 18 pick in the first round.

While the Chargers have many needs to address, like protecting Philip Rivers, they need to look to the defensive side of the ball for their first-round pick. It’s hard enough for Rivers to try and win a game with his receivers dropping passes left and right, but add on the fact that his defense couldn’t stop a nosebleed and he is bound to struggle.

If the Chargers don’t make a move at this spot, they have the opportunity to get Nebraska cornerback Alfonzo Dennard. Or, as I call him, Asante Samuel lite.

Check back for more on the National Football League as it comes, and check out Bleacher Report’s NFL Page to get your fill of all things football.

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Team                                       W-L     SoS

1.  Colts                                    2-14    .539

2.  Rams                                   2-14    .590

3.  Vikings                                 3-13    .559

4.  Browns                                4-12    .531

5.  Buccaneers                         4-12    .551

6.  Redskins                             5-11    .477

7.  Jaguars                               5-11    .500

8t. Panthers                              6-10    .504<

8t. Dolphins                              6-10    .504<

10. Bills                                    6-10    .520

11t. Chiefs                                7-9     .512<

11t. Seahawks                          7-9     .512<

13. Cardinals                            8-8     .469

14. Cowboys                             8-8     .473

15. Eagles                                 8-8     .488

16. Jets                                      8-8     .500

17. Bengals from Raiders          8-8     .504

18. Chargers                              8-8     .516

19. Bears                                    8-8     .527

20. Titans                                    9-7     .461

>Coin toss at NFL Scouting Combine will determine order

—Picks 21-32 determined by when playoff teams lose

—Browns hold the Falcons’ first-round pick

—Patriots hold Saints’ first-round pick