2012 NFL Draft Predictions: 8 Teams Primed for Huge Success in the Draft

The 2012 NFL draft is now just weeks away, and a smattering of teams are set to hit the jackpot this season. 

While some teams have more selections than others, that doesn't necessarily mean their expedition in the draft will be a successful one. 

Some of the teams that will have success in this year's draft had a lackluster 2011 campaign but hit a home run in free agency to set themselves nicely for the April 26 draft. Others had a phenomenal 2011 season and are afforded the luxury of a draft full of options and calculated risks. 

When the dust settles on the 2012 NFL draft, the fans of the following teams will have devilish grins on their faces along with high expectations for the upcoming season. 

The Extra Point: The Detroit Lions Had a Pressure-Free Draft Before Trouble Came

The Detroit Lions were sitting pretty in the 2012 NFL draft before trouble came their way via Mikel Leshoure's repeat run-ins with the law.

For once the Lions had a successful 2011 season and had a draft choice (No. 23) other than a top-10 pick.

Leshoure, a second-round pick in 2011, missed the entire season due to an Achilles injury and was expected to make an impact in the Lions' backfield in 2012. Now thanks to Leshoure's two marijuana charges in two months, the Lions have to think about drafting another running back. 

The Lions running game sticks out like a sore thumb and the charges against Leshoure ensures a new game plan from the Lions come draft day. 

What was once nothing but a positive offseason has now been tarnished due to stupidity. 

The St. Louis Rams Have Already Had Success by Trading Down in the 2012 Draft

The St. Louis Rams have done nothing but cultivate a winning franchise this offseason.

Despite a 2-14 2011 season, the Rams made an intelligent decision by hiring new head coach Jeff Fisher. Fisher brings a proven track record, winning attitude and an automatic jump start to the stumbling franchise. 

He also helped lure free-agent cornerback Cortland Finnegan to the team, who gives the Rams defense an identity. 

Now the Rams turn to the draft, where they've already swapped the No. 2 pick with the Washington Redskins for the No. 6 pick. In doing so, the Rams also picked up another second-round pick this season.

That means the Rams will have three picks within the top 40—not bad for a franchise looking to turn things around.  

Tampa Bay Fans Rejoice: Success in Free Agency Means Success in the Draft

Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans should be more than happy right now thanks to the franchise making a splash in the offseason. 

With the signings of offensive lineman Carl Nicks, wide receiver Vincent Jackson and cornerback Eric Wright, the Bucs drastically improved in free agency. This allows the team to draft players without depending on them to make an instant impact in 2012.

With the No. 5 overall selection and six picks in total, the Bucs have the opportunity to return to their winning ways of 2010, when they finished 10-6. 

Certainly fans will expect the Bucs' first-round pick to make a good first impression, but the pressure on that player is radically reduced by the teams' free-agent signings. 

Although 2011 was a season to forget, 2012 should be one to remember for the Buccaneers. 

This Draft May Be the Most Important in the History of the Vikings' Franchise

The Minnesota Vikings only won three games in 2011 and ended up with the No. 3 overall pick. 

While it's true this team has immense talent, it's also true it's battered with injuries. Running back Adrian Peterson is coming off an ACL injury and multidimensional threat Percy Harvin needs shoulder surgery.

With their two best offensive players questionable for the beginning of the season, the Vikings have to win in the upcoming draft. The Vikings also need to improve their offensive line, wide receivers and secondary if they're to make anything of themselves in 2012.

Good thing for the Vikings that they have 10 overall picks, including six in the first four rounds. Minnesota will strike it rich in the 2012 draft.  

With a Strong Draft the Kansas City Chiefs Will Be a Playoff Team in 2012

The Kansas City Chiefs were decimated by injuries in 2011 but will be playoff contenders in 2012. 

With the signings of Peyton Hillis and Eric Winston in free agency, the Chiefs set themselves for a prominent draft. The team has eight picks in total and can afford to draft the best available player with its first three picks.

The Chiefs will look like a completely new squad in 2012, so fans should be ecstatic. 

The Philadelphia Eagles Have Plenty to Look Forward to in the 2012 Draft

With nine picks in the 2012, the Philadelphia Eagles are bound to get better. 

After a 2011 season where nothing short of a Super Bowl appearance was expected, success in 2012 is a must for the franchise and it all begins with the draft.

The Eagles have five picks in the first four rounds, including two second-round selections. With these picks the Eagles will likely look to improve with a big wide receiver and an offensive lineman. 

Eagles fans should be excited for 2012 as they look to erase the disappointment of 2011.

The Green Bay Packers Will Do Nothing but Improve with 12 Draft Picks in 2012

Although the Green Bay Packers didn't finish with the championship belt in 2011, they won 15 games in the regular season. 

Just when NFC North opponents didn't need the Packers to continuously improve, the Packers have 12 draft picks in 2012.  Even better for the Packers, six of those picks are within the first four rounds of the draft. 

This gives the Packers plenty of chances to make another run at the Super Bowl next season—watch out! 

The Cincinnati Bengals Will Continue to Make a Statement with the 2012 Draft

The Cincinnati Bengals are setting themselves up for success for years to come. 

Not only did they make the playoffs in 2011, but they now have nine draft picks in 2012. These picks include No. 17 and No. 21 of the first round. And with these picks coming so close together, the Bengals can draft a combination of needs, like an offensive lineman and a running back. 

The Bengals also have plenty of free agency cash leftover, which can now be carried over to next season and will come in handy. 

The Bengals franchise will solidify itself as a contender with a dynamite draft in 2012. 

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