NFL Power Rankings: How 2012 NFL Draft Shook Up the League's Landscape

The NFL draft always seems to give off the impression of immediate, league-wide change. But just as the case has been for many before it, the 2012 NFL draft didn't alter a whole lot in terms of how the top and bottom teams stack up in our post-draft NFL power rankings.

No, the Indianapolis Colts and Washington Redskins—despite taking Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin at No. 1 and 2 overall, respectively—do not occupy the top-15 spots. And the New York Giants, New England Patriots and Green Bay Packers did not fall down the rankings despite picking near the bottom of most rounds.

While teams can still sign free agents and undrafted players, most of the major transaction activity in the league has come to an end. When it comes to each team's roster, what you see now is probably what you're going to get come Week 1 in September.

With that in mind, here is our 2012 post-draft power rankings:

1. New York Giants (2011: 9-7)

The Giants liked found three potential down-the-road starters (RB David Wilson, WR Rueben Randle and CB Jayron Hosley) with their first three picks.

2. New England Patriots (13-3)

The Patriots hope pumping up the pass-rush with DE/OLB Chandler Jones and LB Dont'a Hightower can help cover for a secondary that took a step back last season.

3. Green Bay Packers (15-1)

GM Ted Thompson used his first six draft picks (and three trade ups) to help remake a defense that was the driving force for the Packers' one-and-done finish to the 2011 season.

4. Houston Texans (10-6)

Houston went heavy on the offensive line to make sure a strength stays a strength, all while adding another pass-rusher (Whitney Mercilus) to help cope for the loss of Mario Williams.

5. Baltimore Ravens (12-4)

The versatile and highly-productive Courtney Upshaw is going to shine among a defense in Baltimore full of stars.

6. San Francisco 49ers (13-3)

The 49ers continued their offensive rebuilding with A.J. Jenkins and LaMichael James, but I worry that San Francisco could be getting too cute on that side of the ball. Neither of the 49ers' top picks support their 2011 strengths.

7. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4)

The Steelers drafted well again, adding potential starters on the offensive line in David DeCastro and Mike Adams while getting an underrated inside linebacker in Sean Spence.

8. Detroit Lions (10-6)

You wonder how the secondary will hold up, but GM Martin Mayhew is building a diverse passing offense in Detroit much like Thompson did in Green Bay.

9. Chicago Bears (8-8)

If new GM Phil Emery hit on his first two picks (DE Shea McClellin, WR Alshon Jeffery), Chicago is a playoff team in 2012 and a serious contender to win the NFC North.

10. Buffalo Bills (6-10)

Looking for your sleeper team? The Bills are it. Stephon Gilmore and Cordy Glenn both figure to be starters for a team on the rise. 

11. Cincinnati Bengals (9-7)

The Bengals may have gotten more value in the draft than any other NFL team. Their class is filled to the brim with potential starters.

12. Denver Broncos (8-8)

Did the Broncos do enough to surround Peyton Manning in year one? That'll be the big question out of Denver with its draft lacking any sexy names.

13. Philadelphia Eagles (8-8)

The Eagles did well to fix major issues from a year ago, taking Fletcher Cox to shore up the middle and Mychal Kendricks as a playmaking linebacker. Brandon Boykin could end up being the best player in this class, however.

14. Atlanta Falcons (10-6)

There are red flags medically with center Peter Konz, but he's a top interior line prospect for Atlanta if healthy.

15. Dallas Cowboys (8-8)

Cornerback Morris Claiborne should help Dallas reverse its end-of-game woes in the passing game next season.

16. New Orleans Saints (13-3)

Last season's trade up to get Mark Ingram and the Bounty Gate punishments removed the Saints' ability to make an impact in this draft.

17. Seattle Seahawks (7-9)

Seattle has taken a lot of heat for selecting Bruce Irvin, but if the undersized defensive end provides 10 sacks or more as an explosive edge rusher, no one will be laughing at the playoff bound Seahawks.

18. San Diego Chargers (8-8)

Few teams got better top-60 value than the Chargers, who took Melvin Ingram and Kendall Reyes to boost the front seven.

19. Carolina Panthers (6-10)

Luke Kuechly won't have the same kind of first-round impact that Cam Newton gave Carolina last season, but he's a safe pick at a need spot.

20. Tennessee Titans (9-7)

If Jake Locker takes hold of the starting job at quarterback, he'll have one of the draft's most explosive targets in Kendall Wright to lean on.

21. Kansas City Chiefs (7-9)

Mark it down: Second-round pick Jeff Allen will have a bigger impact than first-rounder Dontari Poe.

22. New York Jets (8-8)

Possibly no combination of first and second round picks will have the bust potential of the Jets' Quinton Coples and Stephen Hill.

23. Arizona Cardinals (8-8)

Arizona hopes Michael Floyd will be Anquan Boldin 2.0, but next season rides on the shoulders of Kevin Kolb.

24. Washington Redskins (5-11)

Given the improved supporting cast in Washington, No. 2 overall pick Robert Griffin III could have a Cam Newton-like impact during his rookie season.

25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12)

A solid draft was added to an impressive free-agent haul, giving Tampa Bay the tools to make a big improvement in 2012.

26. Miami Dolphins (6-10)

The Dolphins finished the 2011 season on a high note, but there may not be a lot of immediate help from the 2012 draft class.

27. Oakland Raiders (8-8)

GM Reggie McKenzie's first draft was handcuffed by the former regime's stupidity with future draft picks.

28. St. Louis Rams (2-14)

The Rams turned the No. 2 overall pick in the draft into Michael Brockers and a host of second-rounders that need to produce early on.

29. Jacksonsville Jaguars (5-11)

Blaine Gabbert can no longer use the "no weapons" card, even if GM Gene Smith spent a third round pick on a punter.

30. Indianapolis Colts (2-14)

Andrew Luck will feel comfortable in year one with tight ends Coby Fleener and Dwayne Allen as security blankets.

31. Cleveland Browns (4-12)

The Browns will hitch their future to Trent Richardson and Brandon Weeden, the team's two first-round improvements to the offense.

32. Minnesota Vikings (3-13)

Minnesota did well to add talent across the board, but this is still a team with a number of big holes.