NFL Draft 2011: 5 Teams That Could Make the Playoffs with the Right Draft Pick
With most sports, free agency is the way to improve your team's chances at winning. Look at the New York Yankees. They shell out millions upon millions of dollars every offseason for the best players with the hope that they will win the World Series. What about the Miami Heat? They signed the biggest free agents in LeBron James and Chris Bosh, teaming them with Dwayne Wade to make a super team in South Beach.
In the NFL, however, improving your team is done through the draft. For example, look at the St. Louis Rams and Atlanta Falcons. Both teams were coming off horrific seasons, both teams drafted a franchise quarterback, and both teams were instantly better the next year. The draft can also be a killer for teams that draft wrong. For example, look at the Oakland Raiders. They drafted JaMarcus Russell with the first pick, and he sent the team into a major tailspin.
The right draft pick can improve a team instantly, while a wrong draft pick could literally ruin a franchise. Today we are going to look at five teams that could go from losing records to the playoffs if they make the right draft pick.
5. San Francisco 49ers
1 of 5
Last year's record: 6-10
This year's draft pick: 7th
Biggest need: Quarterback
The San Francisco 49ers brought in the most sought after college coach, Jim Harbaugh, to lead the team to greener pastures. Harbaugh did a fantastic job at Stanford, and especially excelled at improving the play of quarterback Andrew Luck.
The 49ers had terrible quarterback play between Alex Smith and Troy Smith last year, and will need to upgrade that position instantly. They have good weapons on offense with Michael Crabtree, Vernon Davis, Frank Gore and Brian Westbrook, but they need someone capable of getting the ball to them. Their defense is anchored by one of the best in the game, Patrick Willis, and they also have some nice pieces around him in Nate Clements, Takeo Spikes, Justin Smith, and Manny Lawson.
The right draft pick: Blaine Gabbert
San Francisco might need to trade a few picks up in order to get Gabbert, but he is the player they need. He is the "safest" quarterback in this draft class, and even though he might never be an elite quarterback in the league, he would be an instant upgrade over either Alex or Troy Smith. Gabbert played very well at Missouri, can make all the throws you want in a quarterback, and with the instruction of Harbaugh, he could have a very good rookie season.
2011-2012 record: 9-7
The NFC West send a 7-9 team to the playoffs last year, so a 9-7 record would almost certainly be a lock to win the division. The 49ers have the offensive weapons in place to be dangerous, and now all they need is a quarterback to get them the ball.
4. Cleveland Browns
2 of 5
Last year's record: 5-11
This year's draft pick: 6th
Biggest need: Wide Receiver
The Cleveland Browns have seemed to find their quarterback of the future in Colt McCoy. He struggled at times last year, but that is to be expected of a rookie and another year in the system should certainly help.
They also found an absolute gem at running back in Peyton Hillis. He had a huge season for the Browns, rushing for over 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns. They have a good offense line anchored by Joe Thomas and Alex Mack, both players being young. Their defense could use some improvement, but Joe Haden and T.J. Ward look capable of being very good in the secondary.
The right draft pick: A.J. Green
When the leading receiver for your team is your tight end named Benjamin Watson, adding an elite receiver needs to be your top priority. A.J. Green is the best wide receiver in the draft and is considered by some to be the best overall player in the draft. Green has all the tools you want from an elite receiver. He can run routes, catch balls in traffic, he has the right size, and he has speed. He might not last to the sixth pick, so the Browns need to do whatever they can to get him.
2011-2012 Record: 9-7
Adding A.J. Green will help in the development of Colt McCoy and although they play in possibly the hardest division in all of football, look for the Browns to squeak out wins over Baltimore and Pittsburgh to gain the last Wild Card spot.
3. Houston Texans
3 of 5
Last year's record: 6-10
This year's draft pick: 11th
Biggest need: Cornerback
The Texans boast one of the most prolific offenses in all of football with Matt Schaub, Arian Foster, and Andre Johnson. When you add in Owen Daniels and Kevin Walter, this offense has the possibility to score 30 points a game.
However, their defense gave up over 30 points on a regular basis and no team gave up more yards through the air than the Texans. They have a strong front seven, anchored by Mario Williams, Amobi Okoye, and Brian Cushing, but their secondary could be beaten by a high school team.
The right draft pick: Prince Amukamara
There is no way that Patrick Peterson will still be on the board with the 11th pick, and it is highly unlikely that Prince Amukamara will still be around, but these are the only two elite cornerbacks in the draft, so the Texans need to find a way to get one of them. Amukamara has the size, speed, instincts, and tackling ability to be a top tier cornerback in this league for a long time.
2011-2012 record: 10-6
The Texans are the dark horse to win the AFC South every year, but this year will be different if they can add a shutdown corner like Amukamara. Look for a season sweep over Indianapolis to seal the deal for the Texans.
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2. Dallas Cowboys
4 of 5
Last year's record: 6-10
This year's draft pick: 9th
Biggest need: Offensive Line
This is kind of a no-brainer because the Cowboys were a favorite to win the Super Bowl last year until Tony Romo went down with a season ending injury. They have a talented offense with Miles Austin, Jason Witten, Dez Bryant, and Felix Jones.
Their defense boasts one of the best pass rushers in the league in DeMarcus Ware. Their offensive line, however, could use quite a bit of work. They don't have any true star power on their line and that will make things difficult for Tony Romo unless that find a solution.
The right draft pick: Gabe Carimi
Most people have Anthony Castonzo being picked before Gabe Carimi, but I like Carimi to fit in well with Dallas. Dallas needs a big body like Carimi on their line and Carimi looks ready to start from the first day. He is a fundamentally sound lineman who could really help get the Cowboys running game back on track.
2011-2012 Record: 11-5
The Cowboys had an awful season last year, but like I said before, they were picked by many to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. Adding a player like Carimi will instantly improve the offensive line in Dallas and keep Tony Romo on the field to help win the NFC East and a first round bye.
1. Detroit Lions
5 of 5
Last year's record: 6-10
This year's draft pick: 13th
Biggest need: Offensive Line
The Detroit Lions are going to surprise some people this year. They finished last year on a four game winning streak, two of those wins coming on the road. They have a talented offense with Calvin Johnson continuously improving and Jahvid Best looking like he could be a star running back.
Matthew Stafford appears to be the answer at quarterback, but he hasn't been able to stay on the field long enough to prove anything. This is why the Lions need to strengthen their offensive line. Their defense is anchored by Ndamukong Suh, an absolute terrorizer of offenses.
The right draft pick: Anthony Castonzo
No one will argue with me when I say the Lions need to do a better job at protecting franchise quarterback Matthew Stafford. Enter Anthony Castonzo, a sure thing at the tackle position. He could start at either left or right tackle, but would best be used by Detroit at left tackle. He is a smart player who uses his body size well and rarely gets beaten off the edge. He would instantly become the best player on the Lions offensive line.
2011-2012 Record: 10-6
The Lions won't win the NFC North, that honor will go to Green Bay, but they will make it into the playoffs as a Wild Card. The key will be keeping Matthew Stafford healthy, and Castonzo should go a long way in helping to do that.
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