2012 NFL Draft: 5 Teams That Must Look to Replace Aging Stars with Rookies

Of the many reasons why teams decide to go down certain avenues during the NFL draft, one remains somewhat overlooked at this time of year.

That is, replacing an aging star.

While it's never popular to draft a rookie high at a position that currently holds a widely recognized player, sometimes age warrants a pick for the future.

Here are five teams who may look for a potential replacement down the road for an aging star:

Detroit Lions, OT Jeff Backus

The Lions re-signed Backus to a two-year, $10 million deal, which is something they had to do given the present makeup of their offense.

However, the fact remains that Backus is coming off surgery to fix a torn biceps and will turn 35 less than a month into the season. At that age, tackles wear down in a hurry, and the Lions don't have a long-term option behind him.

Detroit has other needs, but it wouldn't be a surprise if GM Martin Mayhew pulls the trigger on an offensive tackle early. 

Baltimore Ravens, MLB Ray Lewis

Lewis probably has a year or two of good football left in him, but it's time for the Ravens to start considering life after their Hall of Fame linebacker. As the saying goes, Father Time is undefeated. 

Turning 37 in May, Lewis is in a perfect position to cede snaps while also grooming a younger player to eventually fill his role. Luke Kuechly of Boston College would be a steal late in the first round, but there are other inside linebackers that the Ravens would consider.

Green Bay Packers, CB Charles Woodson

Woodson is still the Packers' best overall cornerback in terms of playmaking ability, but he wasn't without blame for Green Bay's defensive collapse in 2011. He gambled too much and wasn't the same lockdown cornerback he's been in the past.

The Packers may also consider moving Woodson to safety at some point down the line, so taking a cornerback early isn't far-fetched. South Carolina's Stephon Gilmore has a skill set that is similar to Woodson, but he may not last until No. 28. 

Pittsburgh Steelers, LB James Farrior/NT Casey Hampton

Farrior, a long-time starter for the Steelers, has already been let go this offseason, which has opened up a need at inside linebacker for the Steelers to fill. Hampton, who will turn 35 in September, is coming off ACL surgery and may not be ready for the start of the season.

The two fading veterans make it necessary for the Steelers to look at both positions early in April. Alabama's Dont'a Hightower makes a lot of sense to replace Farrior, but Hampton's role will be harder to fill. Dontari Poe once looked like an option, but he's likely to be long gone.

Atlanta Falcons, TE Tony Gonzalez

The Falcons have got a lot of miles out of Gonzalez at the end of his career, but he's going to start breaking down as both a pass-catcher and run-blocker. In fact, Gonzalez has said that 2012 is likely to be his last season in the NFL. 

While losing a tight end doesn't create the biggest hole on a roster, expect the Falcons to take a long look at a playmaker at the position in the draft. A tight end like Orson Charles or Dwayne Allen gives the Falcons a solid long-term option to replace Gonzalez.