NFL Draft 2012: 3 Teams That Can Make Huge Strides with Great Draft

Sometimes, one draft can morph a cellar-dweller into a legitimate playoff contender. 

With a strong draft, these three clubs will make gigantic strides in 2012. 

Carolina Panthers 

Cam Newton had a historic rookie season and led his team to a 6-10 record after they went 1-15 in 2010. He has unlimited potential, and if the Panthers' front office correctly builds the team around him, there's no telling how bright the future will be.

Although veterans Steve Smith and Jeremy Shockey were reliable targets for Newton in 2011, adding a young receiver will be extremely beneficial for the signal-caller. 

Most importantly, Carolina needs more talent on defense. They finished the regular season 24th against the pass, 25th against the run and 27th in points allowed per game at 26.8. 

If they find a skilled, speedy receiver and dedicate the majority of their draft picks to linebackers, more beef on the interior and the secondary, the Panthers will contend for a playoff spot in 2012. 

Seattle Seahawks

As they proved down the stretch, the Seahawks are not a bad team. Marshawn Lynch was the best running back in the NFL over the final month of the season, and the defense, despite not being filled with household names, ended the year as a top 10 unit. 

They would still like to add an elite pass-rusher and, more importantly, a franchise quarterback. Some explosive wide receivers would help, too.  

With Matt Barkley and Landry Jones deciding to return to school, they'll have wait until the second round to grab a signal-caller of the future. 

However, with a solid draft that adds more dynamic skill players to both the offense and defense, the Seahawks could make the NFC West one of the more formidable divisions in football. 

Kansas City Chiefs 

The Chiefs were a disaster in 2011, but losing stud running back Jamaal Charles, Pro Bowl safety Eric Berry and playmaking tight end Tony Moeaki surely put them behind the eight-ball early. 

With these players returning, the Chiefs are a scary 2012 club. 

The defense wasn't dominant, but had a handful of extremely impressive outings. They don't have many holes on their roster, so they will have the luxury to go with the "best player available" approach when making their first few selections. 

Maybe more defensive line help? A guy to take pressure off Tamba Hali? 

With another solid draft led by Scott Pioli, the Chiefs will return to relevance next year.