NFL Draft Order 2012: Teams in the Best Position to Address Needs

Every team has their own strategy on draft day.

Some like to compile their picks in quantity to fill their bevy of weaknesses, while others are content on trading away picks to acquire a certain player. The extreme case of the latter would be the 1999 New Orleans Saints who traded away their entire draft in order to select running back Ricky Williams.

In this year's draft there are a few teams who have a significant amount of leverage given the abundance of their selections. For example, the Cleveland Browns own a league-high 13 picks. Green Bay, Buffalo, Indianapolis, Minnesota, Pittsburgh and the New York Jets are all in the double-digits as well.

While Pittsburgh and Green Bay are already in position to succeed, the other teams will be looking to fill major holes with their selections. Here are three teams that will be in the best position to fill their needs.

Cleveland Browns

The Browns are coming off a disastrous 2011 campaign that saw their offense ranked 29th overall in yards, and their defense ranked 30th in opponent rushing yards. Needless to say, they could benefit from their selections.

They own the 4th and 22nd overall selections which will immediately address their glaring weaknesses. At the number four pick, running back Trent Richardson will most likely be available. The first two picks have essentially been set since the Washington Redskins traded up to the second overall pick.

With the addition of Richardson, the Browns will be able to fill the void left by Peyton Hillis, who signed as a free agent with Kansas City. Richardson is a bruising 224 pound back who thrives not only running the ball, but also has reliable hands and solid pass-blocking ability.

With the 22nd overall pick the Browns can select Notre Dame wide receiver Michael Floyd, who is widely considered the second best receiving prospect behind Justin Blackmon. He can immediately join up-and-coming receiver Greg Little to form a dynamic duo.

With their other selections, they have the option to go a number of ways. They can trade up to acquire some defensive help, preferably a run-stopping defensive tackle, or another linebacker to team up with D'Qwell Jackson.

The Browns will not compete in 2012 in the ultra-competitive AFC North, but they will have some pieces to build around for the future.

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts suffered through their first losing season since 2001, with a dreadful 2-14 record. The biggest Colts fans, however, were not complaining too much.

Conveniently enough, when their future Hall of Fame quarterback, Peyton Manning, was due a $28 million bonus they were able to cut ties and be in position to select the best quarterback prospect since...Peyton himself.

As was evident during the season, the Colts have many roster issues. The mere presence of Andrew Luck, however, will put this team back in position to be competitive in the mildly talented AFC South.

With their second round pick, they must select a wide receiver that will provide a solid deep threat for Andrew Luck. A receiver that can be on the board at that time could be Alshon Jeffery or Rueben Randle. Lined up opposite of Reggie Wayne, they would now have two capable receiving threats which is more than they had last season.

With their remaining picks, they must improve on their defensive backs, who were victimized over-and-over again last season and only recorded 14 interceptions in 2011.

It would also be smart to invest in an upgrade on the offensive line to protect Luck and to cut down on their sack total of 35.

New York Jets

As it stands, the New York Jets are in disarray. They have holes at several positions, lack depth virtually everywhere and are coming off a disastrous collapse which resulted in an 8-8 season.

With their 10 picks, however, the Jets could create much more depth if they are able to acquire the right talent. They certainly need upgrades at safety, outside linebacker, defensive end, right tackle and wide receiver.

They can address their lack of an established pass rusher if they are able to select either Quinton Coples, Melvin Ingram or Courtney Upshaw. The most dynamic of the three is likely Ingram but he could be gone in the top-10.

The fear with Upshaw is that he is a tweener, and the Jets already have wasted a first-round pick with Vernon Gholston, who was the same type of hybrid defender. The optimistic fans will point to Upshaw's dominant career on a National Championship team as the counter argument.

The Jets could address their lack of safety depth by selecting Brandon Taylor of LSU in the second round. He could be teamed up with LaRon Landry to create a bruising tandem of safeties.

The draft is rich on wide receiver talent and the Jets could capitalize on that by selecting one of many options. Marvin McNutt of Iowa will potentially be available in the third round.

With the remaining picks they must select a right tackle that can provide an upgrade or at least competition for Wayne Hunter. A player that could be targeted is Mitchell Schwartz out of California. After that, taking the best available may be the best strategy, given their need to get younger at some other spots such as inside linebacker.