2011 NFL Draft Grades: 5 Franchises Now Ready to Break out in 2011

The NFL Draft has come to a close and for anyone who follows it closely it was a draft full of interesting surprises.  From the first pick forward, the draft brought a lot interesting picks and behind the scenes action that is sure to make this go down as one of the most talked about drafts in NFL history.

Like there is each and every other draft, there were teams that did well in the draft and others that either spun their wheels or perhaps set themselves back a little bit.  In this slideshow, we will take a look the ten teams that, after this draft, have the best chances of having a breakout season in 2011.

(Note: This slideshow is in no particular order).

Detroit Lions

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NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 28: Nick Fairley, #13 overall pick by the Detriot Lions, holds up a jersey during the 2011 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 28, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)

The draft gave the Lions one of the most dangerous defensive lines in the NFL and potentially pushed them out of the NFC North basement and into the playoffs.  Not only was the addition of Nick Fairley a huge upgrade but adding Boise State wide receiver Titus Young and Illinois running back Mikel Leshoure will give their offense an upgrade that can make it much more potent.

These upgrades, along with the progress that they made last season should make the Lions a much more dangerous team in 2011 and could push them into the playoffs.

Denver Broncos

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ENGLEWOOD, CO - APRIL 29: Von Miller of the Denver Broncos speaks to the media at Dove Valley on April 29, 2011 in Englewood, Colorado. Miller, a projected outside linebacker in head coach John Fox's new 4-3 scheme, was selected second overall from Texas

Denver’s defense was less than adequate last season but thanks to their ability to evaluate talent and pick players that will fit it appears as if will be much more improved in 2011.  The Broncos started out the draft by taking Texas A&M linebacker Von Miller and then added UCLA safety Raheem Moore and linebackers Nate Irving and Mike Mohamad.  That should shore up the defense and make it much better for the Broncos.

Not only did the Broncos get their defense shored up but they drafted players at all but one of their need positions.  Despite the fact this team has a new head coach the Broncos should be able to improve and could be contenders next season.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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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 were close to making the playoffs last season and are now in a much better position to make the playoffs.  They drafted two defensive ends that could end up being one of the best one two punches at that position in the NFL, depending on their ability to stay healthy, in Iowa’s Adrian Clayborn and Clemson’s Da’Quan Bowers.  Putting them with Gerald McCoy in the middle could make the Bucs defensive line one of the best in the NFL and could help them get to the next level.

Like the Broncos, the Buccaneers were able to take care of all but one of their needs in this draft making it a success for them.  Also in addition to Bowers and Clayborn, Tampa Bay was able to pick Washington linebacker Mason Foster, Tennessee tight end Luke Stocker and safety Ahmad Black. 

Consider this a successful draft for Tampa Bay.

New York Giants

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NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 28: Prince Amukamara, #19 overall pick by the New York Giants, holds up a jersey on stage during the 2011 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 28, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)

The Giants went into this draft with several needs including needs on the offensive and defensive lines as well as at linebacker.  They managed to take care of all of these needs making themselves much better prepared to handle the 2011 season.  Some of the players drafted that can help them out immediately include Nebraska cornerback Prince Amukamara, North Carolina defensive tackle Marvin Austin and Troy wide receiver Jerrel Jernigan.

While picking Austin may have been a little bit of a risk if he does pan out the Giants may end up getting one of the biggest steals of the draft.  Amukamara will help shore up a secondary that has suffered some injury problems the last couple of seasons.  If they are able to get immediate production out of this draft they could push themselves into the playoffs in 2011 and could quite possibly win the NFC East.

Houston Texans

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NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 28: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, poses for a photo with J.J. Watt, #11 overall pick by the Houston Texans, on stage during the 2011 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 28, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Ge

Depending on who you listen to there are some that feel that the Texan’s draft left a lot to be desired while others feel that they may have made the right picks to push them over the top and finally get them in the playoffs.  The Texans went into this draft with four specific needs (at cornerback, defensive line, safety and linebacker) and took care of two of those needs (defensive line and cornerback).  This may be just enough to get them to where they want to get to.

The Texans drafted some great talent including Wisconsin defensive end J.J. Watt, Arizona linebacker Brooks Reed and Miami cornerback Brandon Harris.  If all three of these guys work out well for the Texans then they could get over the hump and finally get into the playoffs.