2012 NFL Draft Grades: Teams That Earned High Marks with Solid Value Picks

Everybody loves to talk about surefire prospects like Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III, but there are only a handful of those available in each class. Drafts are won and lost by accumulating value with as many picks as possible, not just a single star in Round 1.

Here are three teams that used their selections really well during the three-day draft process. They might not reap immediate dividends, but these classes will stand the test of time.

New England Patriots

The Patriots haven't become a model organization by pure luck. They seemingly dominate the draft every single year despite rarely having an early pick. That's how they can stay on top for so long while other teams go years without reaching the playoffs.

Knowing their offense was in fine shape, the Patriots targeted defensive players early and often. Chandler Jones and Dont'a Hightower will both step right in to solidify a unit that allowed more than 400 yards per game last season.

Perhaps the team's most impressive pick was Alfonzo Dennard. The cornerback was expected to go in the first two rounds before an off-field incident late in the process forced his stock to drop dramatically. He'll thrive in New England.

Grade: A-

St. Louis Rams

First and foremost, you have to figure in the trade of pick No. 2 when talking about the Rams. They were able to get a king's ransom from the Washington Redskins to move down four spots, and they moved down again to stockpile more picks.

Once they did start making selections, the Rams did a terrific job. Michael Brockers has a boatload of potential, Janoris Jenkins could have been a top-10 pick if not for off-field concerns and Brian Quick gives Sam Bradford a much-needed weapon.

It didn't stop there either. St. Louis drafted Isaiah Pead as insurance for an aging Steven Jackson, as well as underrated corner Trumaine Johnson. And that was all before the third round ended. It all adds up to a really nice job by the Rams' front office.

Grade: A-

Baltimore Ravens

Teams that don't draft in the opening round tend to get overlooked in the grading process, but the Ravens traded out of the first and still got a top-notch player in Courtney Upshaw. He should give Baltimore the league's most feared pass rush.

They followed up it with guard Kelechi Osemele, who should develop into starting material sooner rather than later, and Bernard Pierce. The Temple running back will provide Ray Rice with a little more support in the backfield.

You know it's a good draft when a team's final pick, in this case DeAngelo Tyson, shouldn't even be viewed as an automatic-cut candidate. The Ravens were able to address needs on both sides of the ball, and it should help them get right back in the AFC mix.

Grade: B+