2012 NFL Draft Grades: Broncos and More Playoff Teams Who Drafted Poorly

The Denver Broncos were one of the several playoffs teams from a year ago who failed to address some of the serious needs on their roster heading into next season.

The draft is a great and inexpensive opportunity to really improve the weaknesses on your team, and failing to do so can have huge consequences.

Let's look at three playoff teams who drafted poorly.

New Orleans Saints

After losing their first round pick to the New England Patriots because they traded up last season to draft Alabama running back Mark Ingram, the New Orleans Saints were unable to upgrade a defense with a ton of issues.

Their bounty program issues also cost the Saints a second round pick this season, so the team was unable to do much of anything in the draft.

When New Orleans made their first selection, they chose Akiem Hicks, a defensive tackle with injury concerns.

The Saints have a playoff caliber team, but didn't make the most out of their late round picks to improve the club for next season.

San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers needed a talented wide receiver early in the draft and chose Illinois receiver AJ Jenkins, who was not the best player available at the position.

Georgia Tech's Stephen Hill and South Carolina's Alshon Jeffery would have been much better selections.

Their second pick of LaMichael James from Oregon is another head-scratcher, since the Ducks running back isn't strong enough to be an every down back, and is not going to be a top-tier pass-catcher as a rookie.

The 49ers had a chance to really improve their team in the draft, but failed to do it.

Denver Broncos

The Broncos needed to get newly signed quarterback Peyton Manning another offensive target on offense, whether it be a receiver or a tight end, but Denver did not do that.

Instead of taking a receiver in the second round, with several good ones were available, they chose Arizona State quarterback Brock Osweiler, who is an overrated prospect.

Denver did a poor job of giving Manning enough weapons on offense through the draft.