2012 NFL Draft: Aging Teams in Dire Need of Youth

The 2012 NFL draft is quickly approaching, and there are several teams loaded with veterans in key positions that must get younger. 

In order to ensure the future is bright, a team has to be successful on draft day. It's the best way to build a championship team.

Of course, it's not easy to do since not every prospect has the elite status. Still, teams strive to get better with each new year, and the draft is the best place to improve.

That being said, here are a few teams in dire need of adding youth on the roster.

Pittsburgh Steelers 

Some parts of the Steelers offense could use some youth for depth, but it's mainly the defense that needs to get younger. 

Ike Taylor isn't getting any younger, and neither are James Harrison, Brett Keisel and James Farrior. 

Pittsburgh will try to hit a home run with each draft pick, hoping all of them grow and develop into studs. That's the dream of every draft, but it doesn't always pan out like that.

Still, the Steelers know that they have to play it smart at the 2012 NFL draft. 

Denver Broncos 

Give credit to John Elway for using free agency to boost his team with veteran stand outs.

Now he has to turn around and find quality young stars in the making on draft day. Adding youth on both sides of the ball is a big necessity for the Broncos. 

Denver will spend it's first-round pick on a defensive tackle or to find Champ Bailey's eventual replacement. 

The Broncos could also use an upgrade at running back, and finding a project quarterback would be a good idea as well. 

Baltimore Ravens 

Ed Reed and Ray Lewis don't have a whole lot left in the tank, so look for the Ravens to attempt to find their replacements on draft weekend. 

Baltimore does have good depth behind these guys, but if a top notch player in one of those positions falls their way in Round 1, the Ravens have to get him.

In addition to those guys, the Ravens need to add youth to the offensive line.

With the No. 29 pick in the draft, though, Baltimore would be reaching on an offensive lineman there. Unless of course a good one happens to fall down.