2012 NFL Draft Grades: Player Hauls That Will Improve by Season's End

The 2012 NFL draft is over. Teams like Pittsburgh and Cincinnati addressed their needs with masterful precision, others did not. 

Some teams' draft classes look worse now than they will as the season progresses. These teams took gambles on draft day, but they will pay off in the end. 

Carolina Panthers

The Panthers failed to address their biggest need, defensive tackle. However, the Panthers nabbed a few players who are better than they initially appear. 

A blue-chip defensive tackle is one way to improve a putrid run defense, but middle linebacker works as well. Carolina's Luke Kuechly will make an immediate impact and pay major dividends in run support. Granted, the Panthers linebacking corps is solid, but you cannot pass on a player of Kuechly's caliber. 

The Panthers also grabbed a few underdeveloped project players. 

Amini Silatolu is underdeveloped and has not played high-caliber competition. But he has tremendous upside as a run-blocker. Silatolu will be a solid NFL starter at either guard position.

Josh Norman, like Silatolu, did not face big competition at Coastal Carolina. His physical traits grade out very well, and he will get better as each week passes. The Panthers needed an upgrade in the secondary, and Norman will provide just that. 

Joe Adams is an underrated weapon. He will work well in the slot and make the most out of any touches Cam Newton sends his way.

The Panthers did not address their biggest need, but they drafted players with great upside. Better days are ahead of this class and this team. 

Cleveland Browns

The Browns' first-round selection of Trent Richardson was a no-brainer and an A-plus. Beyond that pick, things get interesting for Cleveland. 

Brandon Weeden will trump Colt McCoy for the starting job. Weeden may not be a dramatic improvement, but McCoy's mediocre production begs for a change of pace.

Weeden's experience will benefit the Browns. He has very little upside, but is ready to start behind center. He was a first-round stretch, but Brown fans will be happy with his product by season's end. 

Cleveland did not add many weapons on offense, but Mitchell Schwartz is a very good offensive tackle. He was very underrated on draft day and will be a very good starter sooner rather than later. He is a solid two-way blocker with great technique. 

James-Michael Johnson, Trevin Wade and Billy Winn are all under-the-radar performers.

Johnson's athleticism at middle linebacker will make up for his lack of size. Wade will provide depth at nickel corner, and Winn is a solid run-stuffer on the end. 

Cleveland needed a tremendous boost to compete in the AFC North. They got a bigger boost than meets the eye at this point.

Miami Dolphins

Miami's draft class hinges on the success of Ryan Tannehill. Tannehill is a major project, but the physical tools are there for success. 

Tannehill will not win many games for Miami in 2012, but he will be improved by the end of the season. He is athletic and has a great arm. He will get better as he gains experience behind center. 

After Tannehill, the Dolphins got players for great value.

Jonathan Martin is a first-round talent. His attitude is a knock, but his athleticism is off the charts. Martin is not ready to play left tackle immediately, but he can step right in as Miami's starting right tackle. 

The Dolphins kept two players in the state of Florida. Lamar Miller and Olivier Vernon both will play well beyond their draft slots. 

Miller is a dynamic back with breakaway speed. His health and endurance is a concern, but he will prove doubters wrong with a solid rookie campaign. Miller is a starting running back in the NFL.

Vernon has the potential to dominate opposing offensive lines. He is a powerful pass-rusher with a very high ceiling. Once Vernon gets stronger and refines his technique, the Dolphins will have a very good end on their hands. 

Miami's other picks were also based on potential down the line. Michael Egnew has joker tight end written all over him, and B.J. Cunningham is a solid possession receiver for Tannehill to work with. 

The Dolphins got an average grade from most experts, but they did a very good job rebuilding their team through the 2012 NFL draft.