NFL Power Rankings: Which Teams Improved the Most with Their First-Round Picks?

NFL teams have the entire offseason to improve from the year before, but many teams transformed their roster in just one night of the NFL draft. 

The draft is seven rounds long, but the first round is the most exciting, as it involves the most high-impact players.

Some franchises took advantage of the opportunity, while others missed their chance. 

This power ranking takes into account which teams improved the most through Day One of the 2012 draft.

Note: the Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos and Oakland Raiders did not make selections in the first round and are not included in the ranking.

1. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III, QB

Griffin hopefully represents the end of a long list of bad quarterbacks over the years. The Colts might have gotten a better quarterback, but the Redskins got peace of mind. 

2. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB

Last season showed how valuable Peyton Manning is, and how important it was to get a quick replacement. 

3. New England Patriots:  Chandler Jones, DE, Dont'a Hightower, MLB

The Patriots went to the Super Bowl despite having a terrible defense. These two players are not only talented but are smart and should make an impact right away.

4. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson, RB, Brandon Weeden, QB

Richardson could be one of the best running backs in the league next year, and the Browns added a quarterback who could push Colt McCoy out the door.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Justin Blackmon, WR

Blaine Gabbert did not have a chance for success with the current group of receivers, and Blackmon gives him at least one legitimate threat.

6. Carolina Panthers: Luke Kuechly, MLB

Cam Newton was exciting last season, but the defense could not stop anyone. Kuechly will be all over the field and give the team a chance at success.

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mark Barron, S, Doug Martin, RB

Should not have traded away from Morris Claiborne, but still gets defensive back help plus the second-best running back in the class.

8. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT, Harrison Smith, S

The Vikings had a few needs and it took care of two of them while getting a few extra picks from the Browns.

9. Cincinnati Bengals: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Kevin Zeitler, OG

Zeitler was not a sexy pick, but he fills a big need on the offensive line. Kirpatrick adds depth to an already good secondary.

10. Dallas Cowboys: Morris Claiborne, CB

Offensive line was a bigger need but it will not hurt to get the best cornerback on the board. 

11. Green Bay Packers: Nick Perry, OLB

The great offense was able to lead the team to a 15-1 record despite having very little pass rush. Perry will solve that, and the Packers will be scary good.

12. Pittsburgh Steelers: David DeCastro, OG

Teams devalue interior linemen in the first round, but DeCastro and center Maurkice Pouncey will help win a lot of games. 

13. Philadelphia Eagles: Fletcher Cox, DT

Cox is a great player who fills a hole in their defense, but linebacker is a bigger need.

14. Buffalo Bills: Stephon Gilmore, CB

Defensive backs played relatively well for the Bills last season, but they needed more help up front. 

15. Tennessee Titans: Kendall Wright, WR

Titans add an explosive receiver who could pair with Jake Locker for years to come.

16.San Diego Chargers: Melvin Ingram, DE

Ingram was a great value where he was selected, but it does not fill a position of need.

17. Arizona Cardinals: Michael Floyd, WR

Floyd is a great receiver and will be an excellent complement to Larry Fitzgerald, but he will not give Kevin Kolb more time in the pocket.

18. Detroit Lions: Riley Reiff, OT

Lions found a solid player in Reiff, who will help the offense run more smoothly.

19. New York Giants: David Wilson, RB

Will not see the field too much early on, but should eventually take over for Ahmad Bradshaw in the backfield.

20. St. Louis Rams: Michael Brockers, DT

Rams needed a lot of help and trading back will eventually do that, but Brockers will only do so much by himself.

21. New York Jets: Quinton Coples, DE

Coples is a very athletic player, but has work ethic problems and is going to a team with every type of attitude problem. Not a good fit. 

22. Chicago Bears: Shea McClellin, OLB

Bears seem to look more long-term for McClellin as a possible replacement for the aging linebackers.

23. Houston Texans: Whitney Mercilus, DE

Picked to replace Mario Williams, but Connor Barwin was doing just fine. Texans could have used help replacing other departed players.

24. Kansas City Chiefs: Dontari Poe, DT

No one had a more impressive combine than Poe, but he did little on the field to merit this high draft pick. 

25. San Francisco 49ers: A.J. Jenkins, WR

The team took care of immediate wide receiver needs by signing Randy Moss and Mario Manningham. Look for Jenkins to help further down the road.

26. Miami Dolphins: Ryan Tannehill, QB

Miami needed to come home with a quarterback after missing out during free agency, but it will be a long time until Tannehill is ready to be an NFL starter.

27. Seattle Seahawks: Bruce Irvin, OLB

If the Seahawks wanted a pass-rusher, there were better ones available. He simply does not help the team.