NFL Draft 2011: Which Teams Could Make the 2011 Playoffs with a Good Draft?
2011 NFL Draft: Oakland Raiders, San Francisco 49ers Among Teams Who Could Sneak into the Playoffs with a Good Draft
Simply put, the NFL draft is the engine that drives teams to the playoffs. The equation is pretty self-explanatory: Several good draft classes equal good NFL players, which usually equal a team that is playoff-worthy.
For several teams that missed out on the playoffs in 2010, Thursday's NFL draft could represent the final touches on what could be a return to the playoffs in 2011.
Here are 11 teams that could find themselves in the postseason next season with a good showing over the next three days in New York City.
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers
1 of 11
Why they're close
The Buccaneers have a lot of the major pieces already in place for a playoff run, and their 10-6 record last season proved it. Quarterback Josh Freeman is the real deal, Mike Williams could be next big thing at receiver and their defense has a few young playmakers.
Who they need
The Buc's defense wasn't bad in 2010, but they certainly could use a few impact players to combat Drew Brees and Matt Ryan within their division. Topping their wish list should be a pass-rushing defensive end to help improve on their 26 sacks from a year ago.
Linebacker could be in play early on, as they may need to replace two starters from a year ago. Cornerback and safety are also options, but Tampa Bay should ultimately go defense with their first couple of picks.
Perfect picks
DE Da'Quan Bowers (first), DE Aldon Smith (first), OLB Bruce Carter (second), OLB Martez Wilson (second)
San Diego Chargers
2 of 11
Why they're close
San Diego is still the most talented team in the AFC West. The Chargers feature the best quarterback in the division in Philip Rivers, and they likely would have made the playoffs in 2010 if their special teams unit wasn't horrifically suspect throughout most of the season.
Who they need
The Chargers' most pressing need is likely at linebacker. There is very little depth at that position, and they could use another playmaker. It's also likely that San Diego takes a long look at a five-technique who could play right away in their 3-4 defense.
Perfect picks
DE Cameron Jordan (first), DE J.J. Watt (first), OLB Justin Houston (second), OLB Martez Wilson (second)
Detroit Lions
3 of 11
Why they're close
The Lions are clearly on the right track with coach Jim Schwartz and GM Martin Mayhew. They've slowly added key pieces to their talent pool, and this could be a scary offense if QB Matthew Stafford could stay healthy. Their defensive line is also among the best in football.
Who they need
Their front four on defense is outstanding, but the back seven needs serious improvement. The Lions could use impact players at both linebacker and cornerback, but will there be a player from those positions who makes sense at pick 13?
Perfect picks
OT Anthony Castonzo (first), CB Prince Amukamara (first), CB Brandon Harris (second), CB/S Aaron Williams (second)
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Oakland Raiders
4 of 11
Why they're close
It's very rare that a team goes undefeated within its division and misses the playoffs like the Raiders did in 2010. They've recently been among the laughingstocks of the NFL, but this is a team with a strong rushing attack and good enough defense to improve on its 8-8 record last season.
Who they need
The Raiders could use help within the interior of their offensive line. They should continue to rely on running the football, and adding more talent up front will only aid this endeavor. Finding another cornerback might also be a priority if they feel Nnamdi Asomugha is on his way out of Oakland.
Perfect picks
C Stefen Wisniewski (second), CB Brandon Harris (second), G/C Rodney Hudson (second), G Clint Boling (second)
Dallas Cowboys
5 of 11
Why they're close
There is still plenty of talent in Dallas despite a nightmare 2010 season. QB Tony Romo should return to an explosive group of receivers, and the defense features the best pass rusher in football in DeMarcus Ware. Coach Jason Garrett should give this franchise a sense of stability moving forward.
Who they need
The secondary was a mess last season, and it needs to be addressed somewhere in this draft. Both cornerback and safety should be priorities. An aging offensive line could use younger reinforcements as well.
Perfect picks
OT Tyron Smith (first), CB Prince Amukamara (first), S Rahim Moore (second), G Rodney Hudson (second)
New York Giants
6 of 11
Why they're close
The Giants were one idiotic punt away from being in the playoffs a year ago. While their offense was a turnover machine at times, no non-playoff team had a better balance of offensive firepower and defensive pressure than the Giants in 2010.
Who they need
The interior of the Giants' offensive line is getting old and suffered numerous injuries last season. Linebacker is also a priority with the likely loss of Keith Bulluck. Don't be surprised to see them take a running back to ensure they continue having a good stable of backs to run the football.
Perfect picks
C Mike Pouncey (first), RB Mark Ingram (first), OLB Bruce Carter (second), OT/G Benjamin Ijalana (second)
St. Louis Rams
7 of 11
Why they're close
The young Rams nearly took home the division title in a watered-down NFC West but couldn't beat the Seahawks in Seattle to close the season. With Sam Bradford, the best QB in the division, playing in St. Louis, however, the Rams will have the chance to win the West in 2011.
Who they need
They desperately need to add playmakers for Bradford and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. The Rams might also target a safety after losing O.J. Atogwe, and the interior defensive line could use more talent.
Perfect picks
WR Julio Jones (first), DT Corey Liuget (first), DT Muhammad Wilkerson (second), TE Kyle Rudolph (second)
Jacksonville Jaguars
8 of 11
Why they're close
The Jaguars had the division-winning Colts on the ropes for the majority of the season. Quarterback David Garrard isn't a world-beater, but he's been to the playoffs and can lead this team back there. Maurice Jones-Drew and Marcedes Lewis are among the best at their respective positions.
Who they need
Defense, defense, defense. The Jaguars could use help at each level—defensive end, linebacker and safety. A long-term quarterback option might also be in the cards.
Perfect picks
DE Ryan Kerrigan (first), DE Da'Quan Bowers (first), S Rahim Moore (second), LB Mason Foster (second)
Houston Texans
9 of 11
Why they're close
The Texans are a defense away from being a really good football team. That sounds like a lot, and it is, but their offense is among the best in football. With a good defensive draft, there is no reason why Houston can't dethrone Indianapolis atop the AFC South.
Who they need
They shouldn't be thinking about anything but the defensive side of the ball. Lucky for them, this draft is front-loaded with plenty of talented defenders, and they should be able to acquire difference makers with their first two picks.
Perfect picks
OLB Robert Quinn (first), DE Cameron Jordan (first), CB Prince Amukamara (first), OLB Justin Houston (second)
Miami Dolphins
10 of 11
Why they're close
The Dolphins have the pieces to be competitive even in the rock-solid AFC East, but quarterback Chad Henne has to improve. If that occurs and the Dolphins find some playmakers in this draft, they could be a candidate to challenge the Patriots and Jets.
Who they need
The Dolphins might lose both Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams, depleting a position that has long been their strength. The interior of their line should also be a top priority. I wouldn't be at all surprised if they targeted another pass-catcher either.
Perfect picks
C Mike Pouncey (first), RB Mark Ingram (first), WR Greg Little (third), TE Lance Kendricks (third)
San Francisco 49ers
11 of 11
Why they're close
Don't we find the 49ers on one of these lists every year? This year might hold more weight as coach Jim Harbaugh finally brings coaching stability. If they can figure out the quarterback position, the rest of the roster looks ready to win the NFC West.
Who they need
Quarterback is the most pressing need. Alex Smith might not be back, but that position would need to be addressed either way. Outside linebacker and cornerback could also be spots they look to improve if no quarterback is worth a first-round look.
Perfect picks
CB Patrick Peterson (first), QB Blaine Gabbert (first), QB Andy Dalton (second), LB Brooks Reed (second)
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