One Player on Every NFL Team Who Will Drastically Improve in 2012

The 2012 NFL season is less than four months away, and all 32 teams are now beginning their OTA's as they begin to prepare for training camp in July.

In every NFL season, there are always players who have breakout seasons and make themselves known around the league.

In 2011, Lardarius Webb and Emmanuel Sanders were among a large list of players who significantly improved their performance on the field over the course of one off season.

What players will drastically improve in the 2012 season? Here is one player from every NFL team that will show great improvement this upcoming season.

1. Arizona Cardinals: QB Kevin Kolb

Will Kevin Kolb live up to the team's expectations of becoming the next franchise quarterback? In 2011, not only did Kolb not perform well, but injuries sidelined him for the majority of the season.

In his pro career, Kolb still needs to prove that he can play at a high level over the course of a 16-game season.

We may finally see a breakout season for the former Eagles quarterback in 2012. He will be challenged for the starting job in training camp by John Skelton, who will make sure Kolb is performing at the highest level in training camp and in the preseason.

Kolb is fortunate enough to work with an offense that will have Larry Fitzgerald on one side and rookie Michael Floyd on the other.

In a division where no team has shown signs of consistency the last few years, Kolb could lead the Cardinals to the division crown in 2012.

2. St. Louis Rams: DE Robert Quinn

Robert Quinn has not lived up to expectations after being selected in the first round by the St. Louis Rams in 2011.

Quinn had plenty of adjustments to make after sitting out his final season at North Carolina.

Luckily, he will be a part of a new defensive scheme led by head coach Jeff Fisher. Fisher has found success putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks with unproven defensive linemen and linebackers.

Listed at around 6'4" and 264 pounds, Quinn could assist Chris Long in anchoring a defensive front that will shown signs of improvement in 2012.

3. Seattle Seahawks: WR Golden Tate

Golden Tate has never lived up to the expectations since being drafted out of Notre Dame a few years ago.

Tate has displayed the ability to use his speed and physicality to be an effective receiver, but he has lacked consistency during his career.

Could a new quarterback lead to more success? With Matt Flynn expected to become the new starting quarterback, Tate could finally shine as the biggest target in the passing game if he commits himself to putting the work in during the offseason.

4. San Francisco 49ers: QB Alex Smith

There is no question that Alex Smith made significant improvements during the 2011 season. However, aside from the game-winning drive against the New Orleans Saints, Smith proved to be nothing more than a game manager who benefited from a successful running game.

In 2012, there will be no more excuses for Smith. He will be given the opportunity to prove he was worth being taken with the first-overall pick a few years ago.

The San Francisco 49ers used free agency and the draft to make significant improvements to the offense. Mario Manningham and Randy Moss are among the additions that could propel the 49ers to the Super Bowl this coming season.

With a surplus of weapons at his disposal, Smith will be able to lead the 49ers to victory as a result of his successful play.

5. Chicago Bears: WR Devin Hester

Devin Hester has underachieved as a wide receiver during his tenure with the Chicago Bears. Despite his playmaking ability, Hester is incapable of performing at a level of an elite receiver.

However, Hester could finally have a breakout season due to the addition of Brandon Marshall. Marshall will be the focal point of the offense, allowing Hester to take advantage of single coverage that he will face.

He will be challenged in training camp by Alshon Jeffery, who will be competing for the second spot on the depth chart.

The Chicago Bears could become Super Bowl contenders this season, and Hester can play a huge role complimenting Marshall in the passing game.

6. Detroit Lions: RB Jahvid Best

In his limited time on the football field, Jahvid Best has shown the potential to become an elite running back in the NFL. However, Best has dealt with multiple concussions during his short NFL career, which has put his future with the Lions in jeopardy.

Luckily, Best is attempting to return to the Lions by making a major impact in 2012. He is working with the first string offense in non-contact drills during OTA's and plans on beginning contact drills during training camp.

If Best stays healthy, he will improve a running game that will make the Lions more lethal this upcoming season.

7. Green Bay Packers: RB James Starks

James Starks emerged as an offensive threat with the Green Bay Packers during their run to the Super Bowl two years ago.

However, Starks did not show signs of major improvement last season as he split carries with Ryan Grant.

In 2012, Starks will be the focus of the running game with the departure of Grant. I expect that Starks is eager to prove he is capable of becoming one of the more elite running backs in the game and will use this season as motivation.

8. Minnesota Vikings: TE Kyle Rudolph

Kyle Rudolph was not given many opportunities with the Minnesota Vikings last season, which resulted in lackluster statistics for the former Notre Dame product.

However, it is logical to think that Rudolph will become an important target of Christian Ponder this season. 

With the departure of Bernard Berrian, Ponder will need to utilize the depth at the tight end position. Rudolph is likely to burst onto the scene with a good offseason and preseason.

Rudolph will emerge as one of the better tight ends in the league after a great sophomore season.

9. Dallas Cowboys: WR Dez Bryant

The Dallas Cowboys could become contenders in the NFC after making great upgrades to the defense through the draft and free agency.

On the Cowboys offense, Dez Bryant could break out as the most consistent receiver on this team.

Tony Romo has plenty of offensive talent to work with, but Bryant appears to be in great shape this off season and is committed to taking his game to another level.

Bryant could finally emerge as one of the league's better receivers if he stays focused.

10. New York Giants: CB Prince Amukamara

Prince Amukamara has not lived up to expectations after falling to the New York Giants in the first round of the NFL draft.

He will find an opportunity to start this season due to the departure of Aaron Ross. Corner back Terrell Thomas is still recovering from an ACL injury, which should leave Amukamara with an even better chance of starting this season.

Amukamara has all the physical tools to become an impact corner back. With a full offseason at his disposal, he will emerge as one of the more valuable defensive players on this team.

11. Philadelphia Eagles: DE Brandon Graham

Brandon Graham has been a major disappointment for the Philadelphia Eagles since being drafted in the first round of the NFL draft.

Graham has not performed at a high level as a linebacker or as a defensive end. However, just like the Eagles defense as a whole, Graham could shine in his second year in Juan Castillo's defensive scheme.

He will have an opportunity to shine in OTA's due to the absence of Jason Babin. This is a make-or-break year for Graham, but he appears committed to improving his play, and I expect him to contribute to the talented defensive front of the Eagles.

12. Washington Redskins: RB Tim Hightower

Tim Hightower appeared to be on the verge of a breakout season after a stellar preseason and an exciting start to the 2011 season. However, he was sidelined for the majority of the season after tearing his ACL.

With Robert Griffin III as the new starting quarterback, Hightower will have to find success in the running game in order to help Griffin excel in his first season.

If fully healthy, Hightower will shine in Mike Shanahan's offense. He can help make the new-look offense respectable against the tough NFC East defenses.

13. Atlanta Falcons: CB Dunta Robinson

It may seem questionable to put Dunta Robinson on this list. After all, he was very successful during his time with the Houston Texans.

Unfortunately, Robinson has not lived up to the expectations since signing the blockbuster deal with the Atlanta Falcons a few offseasons ago.

In fact, the Falcons traded a seventh-round pick for Asante Samuel with the hope of improving their secondary.

Luckily, new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan has historically improved plenty of defensive units he has worked with.

A new scheme change will be a positive for Robinson, who will help the Falcons secondary improve drastically in 2012.

14. Carolina Panthers: WR Brandon Lafell

The Carolina Panthers emerged as a very productive offensive unit led by rookie quarterback Cam Newton.

In 2012, Brandon Lafell is due to break out as the second-best receiver on the team behind Steve Smith.

The former LSU standout has not transitioned quickly to the NFL. However, with the second spot on the depth chart appearing to be a major competition in camp, Lafell could become another legitimate weapon for Cam Newton this season.

15. New Orleans Saints: DE Cameron Jordan

Cameron Jordan had a disappointing rookie season with the New Orleans Saints after being expected to improve an inconsistent pass-rush in his first year.

Now, enter defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, who developed many successful pass-rushers while with the New York Giants.

Jordan will get a fair shot to impress the new coaching staff in OTA's, which will lead to immediate success under Spagnuolo this season.

16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: WR Mike Williams

Mike Williams is hoping for a repeat performance of his rookie season, when he recorded 11 touchdowns and notched 964 receiving yards for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

However, last season was a disappointment for Williams. He did now show the capability of becoming a No. 1 wide receiver and did not contribute to a struggling Tampa Bay offense.

Fortunately, the Buccaneers added Vincent Jackson, which is a positive for Williams. Not only does Williams no longer need to focus on being the top threat, but he will take advantage of opposing secondaries due to the presence of Jackson.

17. Buffalo Bills: CB Aaron Williams

The Buffalo Bills have made plenty of headlines this offseason with the additions to their defense. Mario Williams became the first All-Pro caliber player to sign with Buffalo in quite some time, which gives this young defense hope for success in the future.

Aaron Williams is looking for an opportunity to earn playing time on a secondary that could use improvements this upcoming season.

Williams won't need to step in as the top cornerback on the depth chart, but he is capable of starting on a weekly basis. He needed a year to adjust to the speed of the NFL, but defensive coordinator Dave Wannstedt will give Williams an opportunity to shine in 2012.

18. Miami Dolphins: WR Davone Bess

Davone Bess has been an impressive slot receiver for the Miami Dolphins for the last few seasons. Can he continue to improve as he begins to play in a new offense in Miami?

New head coach Joe Philbin plans to install an offense that led the Green Bay Packers to the Super Bowl last year.

With the departure of Brandon Marshall, Bess will have the opportunity to benefit from a system that has done wonders for plenty of receivers.

Matt Moore progressed last year, and I expect him and Bess to produce in Philbin's offensive system.

19. New England Patriots: RB Shane Vereen

Every year, the New England Patriots have a player on their roster who makes a name for itself by playing their role within the offense.

Shane Vereen could be the guy to replace BenJarvus Green Ellis, who signed with the Cincinnati Bengals in the offseason.

Vereen will compete with Stevan Ridley  for the top spot on the depth chart. He will finally get a chance to make plays on a consistent basis and be able to showcase his ability to run through tacklers and gain plenty of extra yards after contact.

20. New York Jets: RB Joe McKnight

Joe McKnight was a standout at USC, but his game has not translated to the NFL just yet. It doesn't help that injuries have plagued McKnight, who was low on the depth chart for most of last season.

Although, opportunities are always available, and this year is no different. LaDainian Tomlinson is no longer part of the Jets, and new offensive coordinator Tony Sparano will implement a run-first offense.

Translation: Joe McKnight will receive more carries as the second running for the Jets this season.

He also showed his ability to be an explosive kick returner last season, which will become a permanent position for McKnight during his time with the Jets.

21. Baltimore Ravens: LB Sergio Kindle

Sergio Kindle has been criticized unfairly due to his lack of production during his first two seasons in the league. It took him two years to recover from a devastating injury that fractured his skull and left him with partial loss of hearing.

Despite the injury, Kindle appears to be 100 percent and ready to contribute this season. With the injury to Terrell Suggs, Kindle will find himself in the rotation this upcoming season.

Kindle displays the ability to be a legitimate pass-rusher, which could be crucial for a Ravens defense that will play without the Defensive Player Of The Year for at least half the season.

This will be a make-or-break year for Kindle. Ultimately, he will show the Ravens why he was worth a second-round selection from a few years ago.

22. Cleveland Browns: WR Greg Little

The Cleveland Browns offense has gone through another transition with the latest additions of quarterback Brandon Weeden and Trent Richardson.

Who will step up as the No. 1 receiver in the Browns passing attack? Greg Little appears to be the likely target.

Little had a quiet rookie season and did not live up to the expectations that the Cleveland faithful had in the former UNC receiver.

After a year in Pat Shurmur's offense, Little will take charge and help improve a receiving corps that is considered to be the worst unit in football.

23. Cincinnati Bengals: WR Jordan Shipley

Jordan Shipley hopes to live up to expectations after watching last season end early due to an ACL and MCL injury.

With Jerome Simpson and Andre Caldwell leaving Cincinnati, there is an open competition for the second spot on the depth chart behind AJ Green.

Shipley was a standout at Texas, and there is no reason why his talent won't eventually translate to the NFL level.

As Shipley continues to work out and recover from the injury, he could become the Bengals version of Wes Welker and help Andy Dalton in his second year as the starting quarterback for the Bengals.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers: RB Issac Redman

The Pittsburgh Steelers were dealt a devastating blow when Rashard Mendenhall suffered a torn ACL during the end of last season.

Now, Issac Redman will have the opportunity to earn more carries and become a bigger part of the Steelers offense.

At times, Redman has been given carries in big spots. He will have the opportunity to show the Steelers if he can be an every-down back in the NFL. He is due for a big year if given the opportunity.

25. Indianapolis Colts: DE Jerry Hughes

Jerry Hughes has been a disappointment for the Indianapolis Colts since being drafted in the first round a few years ago.

After a brilliant career at TCU, Hughes has not adjusted well to the size and strength of opposing offensive lineman.

Chuck Pagano is the new head coach of the Colts, and I expect him to put Hughes at the outside linebacker position during the offseason and hope he can produce at that position.

Pagano's defensive scheme requires plenty of pressure on the quarterback, and Hughes will get a fair opportunity to make an impact on the Colts defense.

26. Houston Texans: CB Brandon Harris

Brandon Harris made minimal impact on a very talented Houston Texans defense last season.

Will Harris get an opportunity to contribute on a secondary that is questionable after Jonathan Joseph?

As B/R AFC South columnist Nate Dunleavy writes, Harris will have an opportunity to compete for a starting position in the Texans secondary.

The Texans defense continues to have young players step up and make contributions, which will go along way towards their quest for a championship next season.

27. Jacksonville Jaguars: QB Blaine Gabbert

Blaine Gabbert has faced plenty of pressure over the past year after struggling mightily in his rookie season.

However, he is going to show new ownership and the fanbase why he can be the franchise quarterback of the future.

New head coach Mike Mularkey has experience coaching young quarterbacks, most notably current Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan.

The Jaguars added offensive talent around Gabbert, most notably former Oklahoma State standout Justin Blackmon.

I suspect that Gabbert will take the next step in his development and become a more effective passer in 2012.

28. Tennessee Titans: QB Jake Locker

The Tennessee Titans are going to give the franchise over to quarterback Jake Locker. They drafted Locker in the first round, and they realized that Matt Hasselbeck has his limits at this point in his career.

Locker is poised to win the quarterback competition in training camp and will help the Titans compete for playoff positioning in the AFC.

He is fortunate to have experienced a year with the offense, and the addition of Kendall Wright along with the return of Kenny Britt should help the former Washington quarterback.

Locker will make leaps and bounds in his first full season as the starting quarterback for the Titans.

29. Denver Broncos: WR Demaryius Thomas

Demaryius Thomas' biggest moment this season was the game-winning touchdown in overtime and eliminating the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Thomas would love to build on that success by reaching his potential as a first-round pick. With the arrival of Peyton Manning, Thomas will have the opportunity to be an effective No. 1  target and to learn from one of the better quarterbacks in NFL history.

His speed and physicality will help him shine in a Broncos offense now anchored by Manning. If he puts an effort to build chemistry with Manning, he will greatly benefit from his new quarterback.

30. Kansas City Chiefs: WR Jon Baldwin

Jon Baldwin's rookie season was a major disappointment after sustaining a serious hand injury last summer.

Now at full strength, Baldwin could quickly make an impact with a full off season to prepare for the upcoming season.

He will greatly benefit from Dwayne Bowe playing on the opposite side of him, along with running back Jamaal Charles returning to the offense.

Baldwin was selected in the first round last year because he was expected to make an impact early in his career. He will have the chance to redeem himself in 2012.

31. Oakland Raiders: LB Aaron Curry

Aaron Curry is considered to be a draft bust by the Seattle Seahawks, who decided to deal the former Wake Forest product for a late-round pick.

He began showing some of his potential while with the Oakland Raiders and looks to make a major contribution to the team in the future.

Rookie head coach Dennis Allen loved having plenty of talented linebackers while coaching the Denver Broncos defense, and it will be no different with the Raiders.

In 2012, we may finally see Curry live up to the hype of being a top-five selection in the draft a few years ago.

32. San Diego Chargers: RB Ryan Matthews

Ryan Matthews is destined to live up to the hype of becoming the next great running back to play for the San Diego Chargers.

Despite his issues with ball control, Matthews is capable of finding success through the running game and help create a balanced offense for the new-look Chargers offense.

There are a few running backs who can be considered elite in today's NFL. In 2012, Matthews will be the next running back who joins the list of the game's top rushers.

Matt Miselis is an NFL Featured Columnist for BleacherReport.com. Follow him on Twitter.