NFL Draft 2012: Which Head Coaches Must Come Up Big?

After the 2012 NFL season ends, there are sure to be a lot coaching changes that result from underachieving years. The 2012 NFL draft will undoubtedly affect the employment futures of many coaches. 

Here, we take a look at some head coaches who must make the most of this draft.

Pat Shurmur, Browns

In arguably the NFL's roughest division, Pat Shurmur's offense was completely obliterated last season. The Browns ranked No. 24 in passing, No. 28 in rushing and averaged just 13.6 points per game (ranked No. 30).

In the draft, Cleveland must upgrade the offense and get Colt McCoy some help. At No. 4 overall, Trent Richardson or Justin Blackmon will suffice. Getting a stud offensive guard in Round 2 works to help Joe Thomas.

Cleveland's schedule doesn't get any easier, either. In 2012, the Browns play the entire NFC East and AFC West—both of which will have significantly improved defenses—on top of the AFC North.

Another disappointing season for the Browns, and it would be extremely surprising to see Shurmur with the headset in 2013.

Jason Garrett, Cowboys

After icing his own kicker, it was reasonable to think that Jason Garrett didn't belong in a head coaching position. But the Cowboys also dealt with a lot of key injuries in 2011, and despite Tony Romo having his best season, Dallas never hit a rhythm.

Much of that, of course, can be attributed to the vulnerable pass defense that cost Dallas the division title. Fortunately for Garrett, Big D addressed some needs via free agency and now have to spruce up the front seven.

DeMarcus Ware is arguably the best defensive player in the league, but he's just one guy. Whether it's Quinton Coples in Round 1 or Vinny Curry in Round 2, Ware needs a stud pass-rusher lined up opposite him.

Elsewhere, Dallas could use some additional pass protection for Romo and an improved running game. Provided that Garrett makes some wise choices, Big D's postseason odds will see a noticeable increase.

Rex Ryan, Jets

With all the success of the Giants under Tom Coughlin and New England with Bill Belichick, Rex Ryan has been the odd man out for Gang Green between two of sports' biggest markets.

Two consecutive AFC title game appearances were impressive, especially as the No. 6 seed, but 2011 was utterly disappointing. As for the draft, Ryan may be defensive-minded, but he must look at the offense.

Snagging a receiver such as Michael Floyd or Kendall Wright is extremely vital to fielding a balanced offense. Getting Shonn Greene a complementary ball-carrier later on will help open the playbook to change the pace.

With the Buffalo Bills on the rise and New England remaining the standard of the AFC East, the Jets can't just solely rely on defense to consistently win.

Norv Turner, Chargers

The San Diego Chargers have not made the playoffs since 2009, and Norv Turner has just a 17-15 record the past two seasons. This comes as an extreme underachievement after the Bolts were 32-16 through his first three years.

2011 was perhaps the lowest of lows. San Diego began 4-1 and finished 4-1, but sandwiched in between were six consecutive losses; five were by a touchdown or less. This happened because the Chargers could not defend the run or get a consistent pass rush.

In the run-oriented AFC West, Turner must upgrade a defensive front that allowed an average of over 120 rush yards per game and collecting just 32 sacks.

Prospects such as Mississippi State's Fletcher Cox or Alabama's Courtney Upshaw will suffice in Round 1, and a safety like George Iloka or Harrison Smith to complement Eric Weddle works in Round 2 or 3.

Mike Shanahan, Redskins

In two years with the Redskins, Mike Shanahan has gone just 11-21, but that was with quarterbacks like Rex Grossman. Now, Washington is going to land a franchise quarterback and Shanahan has the opportunity to revive his career.

The Redskins have provided an improved offense from free agency, and the defense is still respectable, to say the least. Shanahan, unfortunately, hasn't had a season of 10-plus wins since 2005 and he needs an immediate turnaround.

After Round 1, Washington has a third-round pick and two fourth-rounders in play. With those picks, the Redskins must add a running back such as LaMichael James and then an underrated cornerback like Chase Minnifield or Josh Norman.

Shanahan can really make strides this season in our nation's capital, but the pressure is on after the team failed to improve in 2011.

John Rozum on Twitter.