NFL Draft 2012 Results: Teams That Improved the Most

The 2012 NFL draft is in the books and now it's time to scrutinize the picks. 

For my money, three teams improved more than anyone else as they went in with serious needs and addressed them with efficiency. Here are the franchises I think did the best job improving their rosters during this year's draft.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

After making several splashy moves in free agency, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers went with solid, value-based selections in the draft to fill their biggest needs. The Bucs traded back to No. 7 and landed Alabama safety Mark Barron, one of the top all-around defenders in the draft. He'll start from day one at strong safety, a serious position of need. 

Then they traded back into the first round and landed Boise State's Doug Martin, a versatile running back who does all the things current starter LeGarrette Blount doesn't. Martin could be a three-down back and he doesn't fumble, which should be music to Tampa Bay fans' ears.

The Bucs then landed one of the draft's best playmakers in the second round, when they snagged Nebraska linebacker Lavonte David at No. 58. David is a little undersized but is fast, fluid and makes plays all over the field. He'll fit in perfectly on the outside of the team's 4-3 defense.

The team didn't select again until the fifth round and with their final four picks they didn't really land anyone to speak of. But those first three picks were all high-value, impact players who will all contribute immediately in 2012.

San Diego Chargers

The San Diego Chargers often leave me scratching my head during the draft, but this year general manager A.J. Smith nailed it. Somehow South Carolina outside linebacker Melvin Ingram dropped into Smith's lap at No. 18, and he quickly snatched him up. I had Ingram in a dead-heat with LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne as the draft's best defender, and he will immediately upgrade San Diego's pass rush.

Smith got lucky again in the second round as UConn defensive tackle Kendall Reyes (another first-round talent) fell to No. 49. Reyes will immediately upgrade the team's 3-4 defensive line. In the third round (no. 73) San Diego grabbed LSU safety Brandon Taylor another guy who will immediately start and add an edge and toughness to what was a soft defense in 2011.

The Chargers then added great value at No. 110 with Louisiana-Lafayette tight end Ladarius Green who will be a great complement to Pro Bowler Antonio Gates. The Bolts also tried to improve their depth along the offensive line with two Big Ten linemen, Penn State guard Johnnie Troutman and Michigan center and 2011 Rimington Award winner (nation's top center) David Molk. 

Overall, the Chargers addressed their needs and landed excellent value at each spot. This was a home run draft by Smith.

Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota's draft was top-heavy, but man did they kill it with their first three picks. The Vikings snagged Matt Kalil at No. 4, and I had the USC offensive tackle ranked as the second-best player in this year's draft. I think he's going to be a perennial Pro Bowler.

Then Minnesota traded into the back end of the first round to fill another need by grabbing Notre Dame safety Harrison Smith. They were without a pick until the third round after that, but filled another need with Central Florida cornerback Josh Robinson. Robinson is a speed demon who should develop into a solid starter.

The rest of the draft was a mixed bag, but by adding two Arkansas receivers in Jarius Wright and Greg Childs, they got a pair of guys who can make plays after the catch. That is something the current roster lacks.

The Vikings had a lot of serious needs and did a great job addressing them. Kalil, Smith and Robinson were excellent values and the rest of the draft was used to add talent and athleticism to the roster.