NFL Draft 2012: Teams in Desperate Need for Impact Playmakers

In today's NFL the old saying "speed kills" is more prevalent than ever.

The league's rules favor teams with elite quarterbacks and wide receivers. Heck, this year's Super Bowl featured two of the league's worst defenses, two of its best quarterbacks and the No. 2 and No. 3 ranked receiving teams.

A few teams such as the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers still clung to the run-first, defensive-dominant game plans, and it almost worked for them, but the Super Bowl was once again won by pass-happy teams with dynamic playmakers.

To compete, teams across the league have to adjust and get some playmakers of their own. Some of that started already in free agency (the 49ers already signed both Randy Moss and former Giant Mario Manningham) and teams will continue that process in the draft.

Which teams need playmakers the most? Let's take a look.

Cleveland Browns 

The Browns opted not to draft Julio Jones last year in the first round and now they're back in the market for a big-time playmaker. They also have a need for an elite running back, possibly a quarterback and a cornerback as well.

All four positions are extremely important, especially if said running back can contribute in the passing game.

Cleveland has two first-round picks because of that trade, but the No. 4 overall pick is due to their own ineptitude. They're unlikely to unseat Colt McCoy with that pick, but they need to give him some help.

At No. 22 overall they could do any number of things, but it will hinge on their No. 4 pick.

They'll target a running back—Trent Richardson—or wide receiver—Justin Blackmon—at No. 4 and No. 22 opens up options at QB, CB or even o-line.

Miami Dolphins

Jeff Ireland has made quite a mess of things since his boss Bill Parcells left. The Dolphins have no quarterback (again) and now are out a No. 1 receiver after the Brandon Marshall trade.

They do have running backs and cornerbacks, but have other needs as well. Unfortunately, their inability to land a quarterback in free agency ties their hands and they have no choice but to land a starting signal-caller in this draft. Before, or soon after, they need to address their helplessly weak wide receiver position as well.

St. Louis Rams

The Rams brought Brandon Lloyd in last season, but that was short-term and they are desperate to give Sam Bradford some help this season.

And they need it.

Steven Jackson isn't getting any younger and they were one of the most inept offenses in the league last year. If they want Bradford to grow and develop, they'll need to give him the opportunity to do so.

They don't need just one weapon either, which is why they traded down from No. 2, so expect this club to be quite busy on draft day.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

This club is starting fresh with Greg Schiano at the helm and they need some help all over the field. Wide receiver is just one spot, but they also need help at running back and cornerback.

Schiano is a defensive-minded guy, but he knows he's needs weapons he can depend on offensively. During the good years at Rutgers, he had players like Ray Rice, Kenny Britt, Tiquan Underwood and Brian Leonard at his disposal, among many others.

The Bucs will be out to land either Trent Richardson, Justin Blackmon or Morris Claiborne at No. 5, and will then focus on filling everything else in.