NFL Power Rankings Week 17: Colts, Rams and Teams in Need of Big 2012 NFL Draft

There's only one game left in the 2011 NFL regular season, and it's easy to see which teams are in desperate need of upgrading their team via the 2012 NFL draft. 

Every team needs to have a solid draft, but some need it more than others. Getting big-time prospects in the draft will only make a franchise better, but if a team misses on one, it could be the end for some coaches and general managers. 

The 2012 NFL draft features a bevy of talented players, and if certain teams don't win big with all their picks, they'll continue to be at the bottom of the rankings. 

With that said, here are a few teams that must dominate the 2012 NFL draft. 

Indianapolis Colts

They looked like a lock for the No. 1 pick the whole season, but with a win on Sunday they could end up with the No. 2 pick. 

Either way, the Colts have to fill a number of holes in order to become a better team. Of course, once Peyton Manning returns they'll be in good shape, but the defense still needs a ton of improvement. 

The pick the Colts end up with will determine how they approach the draft. With the No. 1 pick, they can draft Andrew Luck, or they can trade it. I highly doubt they'd pick someone else considering Luck is so highly coveted. 

No matter what happens this Sunday, the Colts have to fix their secondary as well upgrade at linebacker and defensive tackle. Adding youthful depth to the offensive line wouldn't hurt, either.

Manning makes them a great team when healthy, but if the Colts don't have a good draft, the future of the franchise could be lost. 

St. Louis Rams 

There's a possibility the Rams could end up with the No. 1 pick, and one would think they'd trade it to get more picks or good players. However, they could use it to take Luck and then trade Sam Bradford for quality picks and players. 

The Rams would certainly have a lot to think about if they get the top overall pick, and even if they don't they still have much to consider. 

Boosting the offensive line is a must because whoever the quarterback is needs to be protected. Plus, the Rams also need more skilled playmakers to make life easier for whomever their quarterback ends up being. 

I think they'll have the No. 2 pick, which means they'll be taking an offensive tackle or a talented wide receiver. They could always find receivers via free agency, so the tackle is the better option. 

In addition to that, the Rams need help all over their defense, especially against the run, since they're dead last in the NFL. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

Having lost nine games in a row, the Bucs are in need of some major changes, especially on defense. 

If this team could actually stop its opponents then they'd have a much better shot at winning. Some of their games have been close, but the Bucs defense has been holding them back. 

Tampa Bay is in line for a top five pick, in which case it would be wise to draft a cornerback or defensive lineman. 

Josh Freeman and LeGarrette Blount have a good future for the Bucs offense, but they'll never be able to win if the defense doesn't improve. 

Jacksonville Jaguars 

Another team headed for a top five pick, if the Jaguars want to be taken seriously in the AFC South, they have to get more playmakers. 

Blaine Gabbert has nobody to help him besides Maurice Jones-Drew, but being a one-dimensional team will keep Jacksonville near the bottom of the NFL. 

Adding a big receiver is a must, as well as more protection for Gabbert. The young quarterback still needs to develop, but if he never has time to throw the ball, he won't amount to anything in the NFL.

The future of the Jaguars franchise can be promising, but only if they play it smart in the 2012 NFL draft. 

Eric Bowman’s 2011 NFL Power Rankings  

1. Green Bay Packers

2. New Orleans Saints

3. Baltimore Ravens

4. Pittsburgh Steelers

5. New England Patriots

6. San Francisco 49ers

7. Atlanta Falcons

8. Detroit Lions

9.  New York Giants 

10. Houston Texans  

11. Cincinnati Bengals

12. Philadelphia Eagles

13. Dallas Cowboys

14. New York Jets  

15. Denver Broncos

16. Tennessee Titans

17. Oakland Raiders  

18. San Diego Chargers

19. Buffalo Bills

20. Seattle Seahawks 

21.  Miami Dolphins

22. Carolina Panthers 

23. Arizona Cardinals  

24. Kansas City Chiefs 

25. Washington Redskins

26. Chicago Bears

27. Cleveland Browns

28. Jacksonville Jaguars

29. Minnesota Vikings

30.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers

31. St. Louis Rams

32. Indianapolis Colts