NFL Power Rankings: Teams That Will Skyrocket After 2012 NFL Draft

The New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers and Green Bay Packers dominated the top end of NFL power rankings once the football season ended. Those teams remain on top of my list.

However, shake-ups happen every week, especially after the 2012 NFL Draft.

Here are a few teams whose stock has skyrocketed after solid drafts.

St. Louis Rams

Jeff Fisher will have the St. Louis Rams back to fighting for playoff contention in the weak NFC West. His quest began on Thursday night at the draft.

St. Louis recorded two wins in 2011, but I have them at No. 24 on my power rankings. After failing to grab Justin Blackmon in the first round due to Jacksonville trading ahead, Fisher and his group quickly traded back and grabbed selections later in the draft.

The Rams had one of the best drafts in the NFL, and I love what they did to solidify some needs.

Michael Brockers and Janoris Jenkins will help instantly on the defensive side of the ball. Wide receiver Brian Quick will help on the perimeter for Sam Bradford and the Rams offense.

St. Louis will make significant strides in 2012.

Cleveland Browns

I have always said that Colt McCoy wouldn't be a franchise quarterback in the NFL; he wouldn't take Cleveland where they needed to become a successful franchise.

With Cleveland turning the possible keys over to first-round pick Brandon Weeden, the Browns have gone from a bottom-dweller team to a franchise on the rise.

Running back Trent Richardson will be a great workhorse in the NFL, and he will make an instant impact in his rookie season. He's my rookie of the year selection.

Cleveland isn't where it wants to be, but talking about getting rid of McCoy tells me that the team is making strides. They would have been a team around No. 30, but I have them ranked No. 22.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Before the 2012 NFL Draft, I would have had Pittsburgh hovering anywhere from eight to 10. But after the draft, I have them up to the fourth position.

From a draft standpoint, the Pittsburgh Steelers have solidified several needs, starting with its dreadful offensive line. Drafting David DeCastro and Mike Adams to combine with Maurkice Pouncey will make for a great offensive line in front of franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger

Kevin Colbert and the Pittsburgh Steelers provided another quality draft class in 2012.

NFL Power Rankings

1. New England Patriots

2. Green Bay Packers

3. San Francisco 49ers

4. Pittsburgh Steelers

5. New York Giants

6. Baltimore Ravens

7. Houston Texans

8. Chicago Bears

9. Dallas Cowboys

10. New Orleans Saints

11. Denver Broncos

12. Detroit Lions

13. Cincinnati Bengals

14. Philadelphia Eagles

15. New York Jets

16. Atlanta Falcons

17. Tennessee Titans

18. San Diego Chargers

19. Oakland Raiders

20. Buffalo Bills

21. Arizona Cardinals

22. Cleveland Browns

23. Kansas City Chiefs

24. St. Louis Rams

25. Carolina Panthers

26. Seattle Seahawks  

27. Washington Redskins

28. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

29. Miami Dolphins

30. Indianapolis Colts

31. Jacksonville Jaguars

32. Minnesota Vikings

.