NFL Power Rankings: Teams on the Rise After the 2012 Draft

A remarkable draft class can have an immediate impact on a team the first year that draft class steps on the field.

Remember that famous 2007 New York Giants draft class that featured Aaron Ross, Steve Smith, Kevin Boss and Ahmad Bradshaw? 

These teams are on the rise after a fabulous draft weekend this year.  

Post-Draft NFL Power Rankings

1. New York Giants

2. Green Bay Packers 

3. New England Patriots

4. Houston Texans

5. San Francisco 49ers

6. Baltimore Ravens

7.  Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals grabbed Kevin Zeitler to protect Andy Dalton. Then, they added skill position Mohamed Sanu, Orson Charles, Marvin Jones and Dan Herron to make his life even easier. 

In the ultra-aggressive AFC North, the Bengals did a great job of keeping pace with the perennially potent Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens. 

Sanu should provide a nice chain-moving complement to A.J. Green. 

Jones is a sneaky athlete with a well-rounded game who should become one of Dalton's favorite targets. 

Another year, another fine draft by Marvin Lewis' bunch. 

8.  Pittsburgh Steelers

9.  Atlanta Falcons 

10. Chicago Bears

11. Detroit Lions

12. Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles' draft was terrific. They were electric on offense last year, but were soft on defense. So, they dedicated their 2011 draft to the defensive side of the ball. 

Fletcher Cox is quite possibly the best defensive lineman in the class. Mychal Kendricks may be the most athletic linebacker. How about Vinny Curry? He's quite the dynamic pass-rusher. 

If healthy, Brandon Boykin has what it takes to be a great zone cornerback in the NFL. 

Even Marvin McNutt has a shot to be the team's primary possession receiver. 

Watch out, NFC. 

13.  New Orleans Saints

14. Kansas City Chiefs

15. Denver Broncos

16. Dallas Cowboys

17. Buffalo Bills

The Bills started hot but dramatically cooled off to the end the 2011 season. Then, they re-signed Stevie Johnson and signed Mario Williams. In the draft, they added Stephon Gilmore in Round 1 and athletically gifted LSU cornerback Ron Brooks in Round 4 to cope with the New England Patriots.

The mammoth left tackle Cordy Glenn from Georgia was stolen in Round 2. 

Raw, but super speedy T.J. Graham was grabbed in the third. 

Their free-agency period coupled with an underrated draft has made the Bills a team on the rise. 

18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

19. San Diego Chargers

20. Arizona Cardinals

21.  New York Jets

22. Carolina Panthers

23. Tennessee Titans

24.  Oakland Raiders

25. Washington Redskins

26. Cleveland Browns

27.  Seattle Seahawks

28. Miami Dolphins

29. St. Louis Rams

30. Indianapolis Colts

31. Minnesota Vikings 

32.  Jacksonville Jaguars

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