NFL Draft 2012: Projecting What Big Free-Agent Spenders Will Do in First Round

Although there is still plenty of time left in free agency, most of the big names have been scooped up, so it's pretty clear who the winners have been thus far. While the winner of the free agency period doesn't always have success in the following season, supplementing signings with a great draft can result in a quick turnaround.

There are a few teams that have been cellar dwellers for quite some time and they have obviously made the decision to put a stop to it. A few of the major players in free agency have come as a bit of a surprise, and with a strong draft we could see a shift in the NFL hierarchy this season.

Here is what some of most active teams in free agency must do to bolster their already great offseasons.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

No team had more money to spend and no team has been more active in free agency thus far than the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

After a 10-6 2010 season, the seemingly rising Bucs fell flat in 201, sinking to 4-12. Because of that, it was clear that sweeping changes needed to be made. Tampa dove headfirst into the free-agent pool as they have signed wide receiver Vincent Jackson, guard Carl Nicks, cornerback Eric Wright and backup quarterback Dan Orlovsky (via ESPN).

The Bucs were able to secure three sure-fire starters, which is huge for a team that had countless holes to fill. Tampa Bay could go in a number of different directions in the draft as it will be selecting fifth. The Buccaneers' best bet would be to take Alabama running back Trent Richardson, provided the Cleveland Browns don't nab him at No. 4.

LeGarrette Blount is talented, but he is more trouble to Tampa than he is worth. Richardson is one of the surest things in the draft, so the Bucs really can't go wrong by taking him.

Buffalo Bills

While the Buffalo Bills haven't signed a bevy of free agents like the Bucs, they signed one of the most important ones—they made former Houston Texans defensive end Mario Williams the highest-paid defensive player in history.

Obviously that is a huge price to pay, but it was worth it for the Bills as they have struggled to pressure opposing quarterbacks for years. Now that the defensive front features marquee talents like Williams, Marcell Dareus and Kyle Williams, the defense should be infinitely better.

The Bills have plenty of work left to do, and that starts with the No. 10 pick in the draft.

One spot that could clearly use some improvement is wide receiver. Buffalo wisely re-signed No. 1 target Stevie Johnson during the offseason, but he needs some support on the other side. Notre Dame receiver Michael Floyd figures to be available at No. 10, and he has both the size and speed to add a completely different dimension to the Bills' offense.

San Diego Chargers

The San Diego Chargers were dealt a major blow; they were unable to re-sign wide receiver Vincent Jackson, but they may have still found a way to get better this offseason.

The Bolts replaced Jackson with Robert Meachem and Eddie Royal, so the receiving corps is deeper, if nothing else. San Diego also addressed a massive need as it inked former Baltimore Ravens rush linebacker Jarret Johnson to a deal.

San Diego was a huge disappointment last season as it failed to make the playoffs despite the fact that the Denver Broncos only needed to go 8-8 to win the AFC West. The Chargers have a few options with the No. 18 overall pick, but the best choice would be to address the offensive line in some manner. That unit has fallen apart for all intents and purposes, and it needs to be rebuilt.

Long-time guard Kris Dielman retired, so replacing him with Stanford guard David DeCastro is unquestionably the way to go.