2012 NFL Draft Grades: Teams That Boosted Playoff Hopes with Strong Classes

Now that the NFL draft has come and gone, it's time to look ahead to next season. Every team's goal during draft weekend is to acquire players that will have an instant impact that will ultimately lead to a playoff berth at season's end.

Let's take a look at three teams that certainly boosted their postseason chances by bringing in solid classes. Only time will tell if the right choices were made, but the front offices have to feel good about the prospects they brought in.

Carolina Panthers

Aside from Andrew Luck, there wasn't a safer selection on the board than Luke Kuechly. The hard-hitting linebacker will quickly become a star in the middle of Carolina's defense, which didn't provide the team's offense with enough support last season.

The Panthers proceeded to make three more solid picks after Kuechly. Guard Amini Silatolu should have no problem stepping right in to help protect Cam Newton while Frank Alexander and Joe Adams both have plenty of upside.

Newton led a resurgence on offense in his rookie season. If Kuechly can do the same on defense, and there's no reason to believe he can't, the Panthers are a sneaky sleeper pick heading into the fall.

Grade: A

Dallas Cowboys

Anytime a team that was already on the playoff fringe can begin its draft with the best defensive player on the board, things immediately start looking up. Morris Claiborne will have a massive impact on the Cowboys, which are facing a tough NFC East test.

The upgrades continued with defensive end Tyrone Crawford and outside linebacker Kyle Wilber. Both players have the size and experience necessary to hold their own at the next level. Wilber should also benefit from learning a couple tricks from DeMarcus Ware.

Anything less than a fight to the finish between the Cowboys, New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles would be a surprise. Upgrading the defense will help Dallas' chances of surviving the battle.

Grade: A-

Buffalo Bills

Buffalo had bigger needs than cornerback, but taking Stephon Gilmore with the 10th pick means the Bills didn't feel comfortable going up against Tom Brady with what they had. So, it's tough to blame them for adding a future star like Gilmore to the mix.

More impressively, the Bills built an extremely deep class. Cordy Glenn and Zebrie Sanders will fill the team's need at tackle. Nigel Bradham and Tank Carder boost a linebacker group that lacked depth. Even corner Ron Brooks should find his way onto the field in his rookie season.

The only reason Buffalo doesn't get a higher grade is T.J. Graham. The Bills reached for the N.C. State wideout who still needs time to develop. Otherwise, they are closing in on their first playoff berth in more than a decade.

Grade: B+