NFL Draft 2012: Terrible Teams That Will Draft the Face of Their Franchise

With NFL free agency underway and some of the biggest names already signed, the next step on the agenda is the 2012 draft.

The NFL draft is where all of the terrible teams in the NFL come to look for that player with the “it” factor that can turn their struggling franchise around.

All of the following teams are not that good, so taking a player of the caliber as they will this coming draft day is not only a wise decision, it’s the easiest decision these franchises will make all season.

Washington Redskins

The Washington Redskins have given up much of their future by moving up four spots to the No. 2 pick in the first round to draft Baylor QB and Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III.

Whether you buy into the hype around RGIII or not, it’s easy to see that with as much as Washington invested in their new star, that he is unquestionably the face of their franchise.

As much as Mike Shanahan’s history with quarterbacks has been twisted over the years, the Redskins coach knows star power when he sees it and that’s exactly what Griffin brings to the table.

Denver Broncos

If the Denver Broncos’ pursuit of Peyton Manning taught us anything, it’s that a team already on the fence about their current starting quarterback Tim Tebow would be willing to draft his eventual replacement.

While the Broncos drafting Texas A&M QB Ryan Tannehill at No. 25 overall would disappoint many of the fans dedicated to Tebow, it would bring in competition and ensure that the Broncos have a clear-cut starter.

If Tannehill beat out Tebow fair and square during training camp and out-shined him during the playoffs, the Broncos would not only have the conventional starting QB they wanted, they’d have the out to trade Tebow and his circus away. It’s a win-win.

Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings have the third overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft, but they will not be taking any risks this time around. They will be playing it safe and drafting franchise left tackle Matt Kalil from USC.

Kalil is by far the best offensive lineman in this draft and has all the skills and on-field prowess already to not only be an impact right away for the Vikings, but a serious Pro Bowl candidate for the next 12 seasons at least.

Stellar left tackles don’t grow on trees, so expect Minnesota to do everything they can to ensure that their new star is comfortable and playing in purple for a long time. I know young QB Christian Ponder will be happy to see him on the line.

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