NFL Draft 2011: 5 Rookies That Can Bring a Team to the Playoffs

When an NFL team has an early draft pick in the first round, it is because they had a horrible season. These teams enter the draft with high hopes of drafting a player that will immediately impact the future of the team.

This year the draft is filled with talent, which is good news for teams that have missed the playoffs in the past. Here are five players that will take a team into the playoffs after failing to miss the postseason a year ago.

1. Denver Broncos: Marcell Dareus

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 13: Defensive lineman Marcell Dareus #57 of the Alabama Crimson Tide watches play against the Mississippi State Bulldogs November 13, 2010 at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

The Denver Broncos had just four wins in 2010 and finished in the basement of the AFC West. The Broncos' obvious weakness is on defense. They finished dead last in the NFL in total defense and will focus on drafting defensive playmakers.

Marcell Dareus could fill that void. Dareus brings size and strength. He's the pass rusher that the Broncos need to compete in the AFC West.

If the Broncos use the No. 2 overall pick on Dareus, they will go from worst to first in their division and make the playoffs.

2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Da’Quan Bowers

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 18: Michael Dyer #5 of the Auburn Tigers against Da'Quan Bowers #93 of the Clemson Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a good year in 2010, finishing with ten wins. Although they played well, they were on the outside of the playoffs looking in at the end of the season.

This year, they need some help up front on defense. One of their targets is Clemson pass-rushing threat Da’Quan Bowers. Bowers had some medical concerns and he plummeted in the first round.

Now that he is healthy, the Bucs would get a steal if they draft him in the first. This selection would assure the Buccaneers a playoff spot.

3. Cleveland Browns: Robert Quinn

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CHAPEL HILL, NC - SEPTEMBER 19: Robert Quinn #42 of the North Carolina Tar Heels celebrates after a sack with teammate Marvin Austin #9 against the East Carolina Pirates at Kenan Stadium on September 19, 2009 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by St

The Cleveland Browns have plenty of options at the No. 6 pick. Quinn seems to be a perfect fit for the Browns. They are a developing team that needs a defender to wreak havoc on the football field.

The offense is progressing nicely. The addition of Quinn on defense would help the Browns make the playoffs.

4. Washington Redskins: Jake Locker

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES - OCTOBER 2: Quarterback Jake Locker #10 of the Washington Huskies throws a pass against the USC Trojans at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 2, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

The Washington Redskins' biggest void is at the quarterback position. The rift with Donovan McNabb is beyond repair, which means he will be on a different sideline next season. As of now, the object of their desire seems to be Jake Locker.

Rookie quarterbacks are not known for performing well, but Locker is a perfect fit for this system. Mike Shanahan has the unique ability to develop a solid running game wherever he goes, which would allow Locker to be protected as he learns to play in the NFL.

With a decent defense and one of the easiest schedules in the league, Locker could bring the Redskins back to the playoffs.

5. Detroit Lions: Prince Amukamara

Eric Francis/Getty Images

LINCOLN, NE - OCTOBER 30: Cornerback Prince Amukamara #21 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers breaks up a pass intended wide receiver Wes Kemp #8 of the during second half action of their game at Memorial Stadium on October 30, 2010 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska

The Detroit Lions always seem to be on the verge of making the playoffs, yet they always come up short. The Lions lost six games by five points or fewer. A stellar draft pick could make all the difference.

The Lions have set their sights on Prince Amukamara. The talented cornerback out of Nebraska is just what the Lions need. He has great speed and hands. If the Lions are lucky enough to land Amukamara, they will get a golden ticket to the NFL postseason.

6. Best of the Rest

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 28: Von Miller of Texas A&M works out during the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Several other teams could become playoff contenders if they have a successful draft. The Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals come to mind.

With several teams just one player away from making the playoffs, this draft is more important than ever.

Matt Regaw is a B/R Featured Columnist and the founder of BookieBlitz.com, your one-stop shop for sports articles, previews and predictions. Feel free to contact Matt at [e-mail].