NFL Draft 2012: Kendall Wright and Players That Will Help Playoff Teams Improve

The other 31 teams that aren't involved in a parade today are all working to some degree to improve their teams as you read this article. Most of the teams that made the playoffs aren't more than one or two players away from taking the next step. It's possible that one player could come from the draft and not free-agency.

Here are three NFL playoff teams, and the one player in the draft that could change their fortunes in 2012.

Detroit Lions: Chase Minnifield, CB/KR—2nd Round

The Lions have a responsibility to protect Matt Stafford, and that is why they will likely select offensive lineman Mike Adams from Ohio State in the first round. It makes sense, as Stafford was lucky to escape the 2011 season without another injury after being sacked 36 times.

As much as Stafford was dumped, most people wouldn't point to the offensive side of the ball as the issue. Only Green Bay, New Orleans and New England scored more points.

This was clearly a team in need of help defensively.

As promising as their young defensive line is with Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley, they still ranked 22nd against the run and 23rd against the pass.

The Lions can impact their present most by drafting a cornerback in this year's draft.

Out of Virginia, Minnifield is a solid cover guy that can also return kicks. He is a second generation player, as his father Frank played in the NFL.

Minnifield culminated a solid collegiate career with a solid senior season. He had four INT and he handled the team's switch in defensive schemes well. The Cavaliers went from 3-4 to a 4-3 in his final year, and Minnifield was solid in both schemes.

He's competitive and has a good football IQ. Minnifield could immediately improve the Lions defense.

They aren't necessarily Super Bowl bound with Minnifeld and Adams, but they will be better than they were in 2011.

Denver Broncos: Kendall Wright, Baylor—First Round

If the Broncos are going to ride Tim Tebow, they must get him playmakers and special teams studs; Kendall Wright is both of those things.

The Broncos offense under Tebow will always be run dominated. This sets up play-action passes, as well as audibles to slant routes when teams mug the line of scrimmage to stop the run.

Denver was 28th in the NFL in yards per pass attempt. Having a great run after the catch guy like Wright can do wonders for the Broncos explosiveness. The Broncos need a player that defenses have to account for in the passing game.

Wright had a 108 receptions and 14 TDs for Baylor this past year.

Wright's ability to return kicks would be great for field position. That is always key, especially for a team that depends on the run as much as the Broncos will.

The Broncos were 26th in the NFL in yards per drive, they drive only an average of 27 yards per possession. In other words, the shorter the field the better.

The Broncos primary punt return man, Quan Cosby, only averaged 10 yards per return. The Broncos could use a more dynamic return man.

Wright only got an opportunity to return five punts this year, but his speed and agility is intriguing in the return game.

Wright could change the Broncos attack in 2012.

Atlanta Falcons: Quinton Coples, North Carolina—First Round

After John Abraham, the next closest sack total was Lawrence Sidbury's four. Compound that modest total with the fact that Abraham is aging, and it's feasible he may not return for the 2012 season. If that happens, the Falcons defense will need a top-flight pass-rusher.

Quinton Coples has the talent to be just that.

Coples is a natural pass-rusher, with solid size for the defensive end position in the NFL. He's 6'6", 285 pounds, and he recorded 7.5 sacks this past season for the Tar Heels.

That number was down a bit from his total of 10 in his junior season, and that caused his stock to fall a bit in this year's draft.

At one point, Coples was considered a top-five talent. He could still restore that after the NFL Combine. If that happens, the Falcons would have to trade up to get him.

Combine excellence or not, Coples is a pure pass-rusher with solid size, and his 24 career collegiate sacks is just a glimpse of what he can do in the NFL.

The Falcons defense could be positively impacted by his presence.