2012 NFL Mock Draft: 3 Teams That Are 1 Draft Away from Being Contenders

Because the 2011 season is over for a good portion of teams in the NFL today, it's not too early to glance ahead to next year's draft. 

For me, it's never too early. 

Anyway, there are a few teams that are one draft away from going becoming a bona fide contender in 2012.

They're close. 

Let's check them out. 

1. Carolina Panthers

The Panthers have plenty of holes on defense, but they do have the one thing every contender must possess. 

A franchise quarterback. 

Cam Newton has gone through his fair share of struggles this season, but has displayed some transcendent ability and should win the Rookie of the Year trophy. His size and skill set simply allow him to do things we have yet to see from an NFL quarterback. 

Teams are rushing for nearly 130 yards per game against them and their secondary is far from intimidating. 

A guy like Morris Claiborne or Vontaze Burfict would be an ideal fit with the Panthers. 

They love Jon Beason, but coming back from a torn Achilles tendon is never easy. 

Adding more beef up front and sound nickel and dime package cover men in the mid-to-late rounds will dramatically increase their chances to compete in the NFC South. 

This is not saying they'll have a premier defense not season, but with improvements, they'll be able to win shootouts with Newton. 

2. Seattle Seahawks

My dark horse playoff team for 2012—with the proper draft, of course. 

The Seahawks have once again proven that playing in Seattle is a daunting task for any team.

Just ask the Ravens. 

Pete Carroll's club looked like a contender in the Andrew Luck sweepstakes early in the fall, but now they've won three of their last four games and have a good corp of players for the future. 

They've constructed their offensive line through the draft over the last few seasons and are fine with their identity as a run-first club. 

They can thank Marshawn Lynch for that. 

The defense, although sometimes exploited, is good enough to contend. 

Seattle needs a franchise quarterback. 

If Matt Barkley is available, it would be a dream come true for the Seahawks. With him, they have the potential to be a scary team next season and beyond.

Adding some pass-catching threats after the Barkley selection would obviously be beneficial as well.   

3. Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins are similar to the Seahawks—probably with a better defense. 

It took Miami seven games to start clicking offensively, but they've demonstrated the ability to stick with some of the better teams in the league this season. 

Matt Moore suffered a concussion on Sunday and it's unsure whether or not Dolphins' management is ready to move on with him as the starter next season. 

If a quarterback is available, it'd be hard for Miami not to take a chance. 

Landry Jones represents some legitimate risk, but if with all the success we've seen from rookie signal-callers over the last few years, they should take the shot. 

Some added depth on the offensive and defensive lines wouldn't be a bad idea, either. 

2012 NFL Mock Draft

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck	17. Cincinnati Bengals: Trent Richardson
2. St. Louis Rams: Alshon Jeffery	18. Chicago Bears: Michael Floyd
3. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III	19. Denver Broncos: Lamar Miller
4. Minnesota Vikings: Morris Claiborne	20. Cleveland Browns: Dwight Jones
5. Arizona Cardinals: Matt Kalil	21. New York Giants: Janoris Jenkins
6. Carolina Panthers: Vontaze Burfict	22. New York Jets: Alameda Ta'Amu
7. Cleveland Browns: Justin Blackmon	23. Cincinnati Bengals: Chase Minnifield
8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Johnathan Martin	24. Baltimore Ravens: Luke Kuechly
9. Seattle Seahawks: Matt Barkley	25. Houston Texans: Jerel Worthy
10. Miami Dolphins: Landry Jones	26. Detroit Lions: Alphonzo Dennard
11. Kansas City Chiefs: David DeCastro	27. Dallas Cowboys: Stephon Gilmore
12. San Diego Chargers: Riley Reiff	28. New England Patriots: Courtney Upshaw
13. Buffalo Bills: Zach Brown	29. Pittsburgh Steelers: Cordy Glenn
14. Tennessee Titans: Melvin Ingram	30. San Francisco 49ers: Devon Still
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Dre Kirkpatrick	31. New England Patriots: Quinton Coples
16. Philadelphia Eagles: Dont'a Hightower	32. Green Bay Packers: Brandon Jenkins