NFL Draft 2012: Teams That Must Make Smart Picks over Sexy Selections

We all love when our teams make the sexy picks during NFL draft weekend. The "big-play" running back or the flashy wide receiver choices always go over well with the fans. 

These three teams are in a position to be ultimately tempted by a sexy pick, but must make the intelligent decision—one that makes more football sense.  

Carolina Panthers

After watching Cam Newton's remarkable rookie campaign, many would love to see how productive he'd be with another wide receiver weapon at his disposal. 

While pairing another premier wideout with Steve Smith would be enticing, it's something that wouldn't necessarily benefit the team the most at this stage of their rebuilding process.

Carolina's run defense allowed more than 130 yards per game on the ground at 4.6 yards per carry in 2011. They really need an interior force to control the middle of opposing offensive lines and not allow running backs to run between the tackles as easily.

Mississippi State's Fletcher Cox should be welcomed with open arms, but Dontari Poe or Michael Brockers would be decent fits, too.  

Arizona Cardinals 

Mel Kiper Jr. has the Cardinals drafting Michael Floyd to formulate an intimidating receiver duo with Larry Fitzgerald, but that would be a luxury pick for a team that's certainly not in a position to make a luxury selection. 

After somewhat surprisingly re-signing the often victimized left tackle Levi Brown, adding a player like guard David DeCastro would make much more sense than anything else. 

Even Melvin Ingram, a uniquely talented pass-rusher, would be more beneficial than drafting a wide receiver in Round 1. 

Denver Broncos

At No. 25 overall, the Broncos could miss out on the prospect they covet the most, but they need to add a quality defender to the middle of their front seven. 

Speculation has arisen about possibly drafting a running back like Boise State's Doug Martin, but adding a defensive plugger like Devon Still or Michael Brockers is much more logical. 

A quality runner can be uncovered in the second round (or later) and they desperately need to improve upon the 126 rushing yards they allowed per game last season. 

Even an intriguing cornerback to learn the fine intricacies of the game from Champ Bailey would be a more intelligent decision than any offensive skill player. 

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