2012 NFL Draft Order: Which Teams Are Screwed by Disappointing Postseasons?

In the NFL, teams want to win big in the postseason. If you don't, you are just as good off as all the teams who missed out on the postseason. However, unlike those teams you get the pain of losing quickly in the playoffs and a late draft pick.

This article is for those teams. Those that are just good enough to miss out on all the good stuff.

More than one team with real draft needs found itself in this position. Here's how and why they are hurting thanks to their mediocrity.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the highest-caliber franchises in the history of the NFL. But they weren't able to live up to that this season, losing to the Denver Broncos in the first round of the playoffs.

Granted, injuries played a big part in that early postseason exit. However, those injuries wouldn't be a problem if the Steelers were able to draft what they need. They need help on the offensive line.

This draft class is pretty deep for offensive linemen, but they won't find any of the elite guys drafting at the No. 24 pick. They'll get some help, but it won't be of the quality they really need. Making the playoffs wasn't worth it.

Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals have two first round picks thanks to the Carson Palmer trade, but had they not made the playoffs, they could be looking at two picks in the top 20.

This team has a couple of needs in various areas, including wide receiver, running back and defensive end.

I'd prefer they focus on running back. Cedric Benson isn't getting any younger, and he's never been a very dynamic back. Unfortunately, there aren't any running backs that are of the right value for their picks at 17 and 21.

Detroit Lions

The Lions are one of the best up-and-coming teams in the NFL. However, they showed that they aren't ready for postseason success yet, losing big to the New Orleans Saints in the first round.

Detroit has needs at running back, cornerback and offensive lineman. An elite prospect at any of those positions has the potential to make this team a contender against Green Bay in the NFC North.

At pick 22, they won't get anything elite. That's a shame.

Green Bay Packers

What did the Green Bay Packers' 15-1 regular season record get them? If you said nothing, you're almost right.

After their early exit from the playoffs, the Packers are looking at one of the latest picks in the draft. This team needs defensive help and possibly offensive line help. A running back wouldn't hurt them either.

The lateness of their pick will only make quality at those positions harder to find, which will keep them from becoming the championship-contender they almost were.