2012 NFL Draft Predictions: Playoff Teams That Will Get Stronger

Making the NFL Playoffs doesn't guarantee a return to the postseason, let alone an improvement.

Of the 12 teams that played in the postseason, how many of them will find vital pieces in this year's draft?

Generally, playoff teams are veteran clubs. That can make it difficult for a rookie to find playing time.

But if the right player is drafted into the right situation on a good team, the results can be great. The 1997 Minnesota Vikings were 9-7, and they made the playoffs. In 1998, they drafted a rookie named Randy Moss.

Moss had 69 receptions, 1,313 yards receiving and 17 TDs, and the Vikings went 15-1 and reached the NFC Title game.

It can happen.

I anticipate three playoff teams from 2011 will find players that help them become even better. All three of these teams will be legitimate Super Bowl contenders.

Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals need to add weapons and depth in the secondary. Fortunately for them, they have two picks in the first round. They could add a RB like Doug Martin from Boise State, or a receiver like Kendall Wright from Baylor for the offense.

I'd go RB, and my pick would be Martin if he's available at No. 21, which he should be.

Martin reminds me of Ray Rice and that kind of all-purpose back would be a great addition to this offense.

On defense, the Bengals can't go wrong with Alabama's Dre Kirkpatrick at No. 17. They did sign Terence Newman from the Cowboys, but they could still use depth at the position.

If the Bengals make these picks, or something similar, they will bypass the Steelers in the AFC North.

New England Patriots

The Pats also have two first-round picks. This team is largely returning the roster that went to the Super Bowl in February. The defense was much improved in the postseason and they should continue to improve this year.

Drafting a pass-rusher with the 27th pick could be fruitful. There will be some questions about a pass-rusher that goes this late, but it doesn't mean he won't have an impact. 

Quinton Coples could be available here. He has the skill set to be a major contributor, but his work ethic has been questioned. The Patriots' locker room could have a great effect on Coples and this could be a win-win for both parties.

With the 31st pick, the Pats could go CB, but if Alshon Jeffery is on the board then he could bring the Randy Moss effect back to New England.

I expect to see the Patriots back in the Super Bowl.

San Francisco 49ers

The Niners were one of the best teams in the NFL in 2011. They have already added future Hall of Famer Moss and Mario Manningham at receiver, but one more weapon in the passing game wouldn't hurt.

That weapon could be TE Coby Fleener from Stanford. He and Vernon Davis could ultimately rival the Patriots' duo as the best TE tandem in the NFL.

We know the Niners can run the ball (eighth in the NFL in 2011) and we know they stop the run (first in the NFL in 2011). With these new weapons in the passing game, they could be unstoppable.

The Niners are my pick to reach the Super Bowl in the NFC.

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