2012 NFL Draft Grades: Cincinnati Bengals and Teams That Struck Gold

While some teams struck out at the 2012 NFL draft, others struck gold.

By filling needs and working the draft board to perfection, a few teams set themselves up to improve this year and beyond.

Here are the biggest winners from this year's draft.

Cincinnati Bengals: A+

The Cincinnati Bengals are serious contenders in the AFC after orchestrating one of the best drafts in recent memory.

The Bengals had 10 picks, and they didn't waste a single one.

They picked up cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick and guard Kevin Zeitler in the first round, then added wide receiver Mohamed Sanu and defensive tackles Devon Still and Brandon Thompson in the next two rounds.

All five players fill a need and will be able to contribute immediately.

The Bengals' good decision-making didn't stop there, though. In the fourth round, they snagged a quality tight end in Orson Charles, and they were able to beef up their secondary by adding cornerback Shaun Prater and safety George Iloka in the fifth round.

It was a great draft overall for Cincinnati.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: A

I love what the Bucs did early, moving back a few slots to select Alabama safety Mark Barron, then sneaking back into the first round to get bruising running back Doug Martin at No. 31.

Barron was by far the best safety available, and he should immediately improve Tampa Bay's lackluster secondary. He's a versatile player that excels in both pass and run coverage, and with his big-hit ability, he will remind Bucs fans of the intimidating defense they had in the early part of the 2000's.

The Boise State product, Martin, should also be an immediate contributor. He's a physical presence at 5'9", 220 pounds, and his 4.47 40-yard dash speed will be a valuable asset. He is this class's most complete back outside of Trent Richardson, and he forms a great 1-2 punch with LeGarrette Blount.

I also like the addition of linebacker Lavonte David late in the second round.

Philadelphia Eagles: A

The Eagles might have done the best job of getting value picks.

Moving up to No. 12 to draft Fletcher Cox was a great move, and they got a couple steals by selecting Mychal Kendricks and Vinny Curry at No. 46 and No. 57.

All three guys will boost the Eagles defense, which was their main weakness last year.

I also like the addition of quarterback Nick Foles at No. 88 and cornerback Brandon Boykin at No. 123. Both will provide Philly with some much-needed depth, and both have the potential to be quality starters in this league.

Overall, it was a very good draft for Andy Reid and Co.