The NFL Draft is a make-or-break event for several teams on the brink of contention. If the draft boards falls their way, an infusion of talented youth could put them over the top. But if their general managers get caught reaching, these teams could fall out of the playoff race altogether. With the stakes now established, we look at 10 teams that are a stellar draft away from becoming legitimate contenders.

1. Arizona Cardinals

It’s easy to forget that Arizona started 9-1 last season before injuries completely gutted its roster. Carson Palmer and Andre Ellington should be back at 100 percent well before the start of training camp and will be joined by a strong free-agent class that includes Mike Iupati, Corey Peters, Cory Redding, Sean Weatherspoon and LaMarr Woodley. Woodley will help a pass rush that was far too dependent on the blitz last season, but another edge rusher must be added via the draft. If Arizona can also find a running back to split carries with Ellington, a speedy inside linebacker and some depth on the offensive line, the Cardinals will be legitimate contenders.

2. Buffalo Bills

If you ask new head coach Rex Ryan, the Bills are already contenders. However, Buffalo realistically needs a strong draft to snap a 15-year playoff drought and make some noise once in the tournament. It won’t be easy, as the Bills are without their first-round pick after last year’s trade-up for Sammy Watkins. Because of that, Buffalo did most of its heavy lifting already by trading for LeSean McCoy and Matt Cassel; re-signing Jerry Hughes; and swiping Percy Harvin and Charles Clay from division rivals. Now all that is left is to beef up the offensive line and add some depth on the back end of the defense. If Buffalo can accomplish that in the draft, Ryan will finally have a roster that can back up his gigantic mouth.

3. Carolina Panthers

The Panthers won the NFC South in the ugliest way possible. Carolina finished just 7-8-1, winning only five of the 14 games started by supposed franchise QB Cam Newton. Nonetheless, there is reason to believe there are better days ahead. Newton is determined to show out this season, which happens to be his contract year. GM David Gettlemen will use the draft to set up Newton for success, targeting an offensive tackle and a receiver in the early rounds. The team can’t neglect its defense, though, as a pass rusher is needed to replace Greg Hardy. If Gettlemen can find standout players at those three positions, the Panthers will be an 11-win team in 2015.

4. Cincinnati Bengals

I was reluctant to include the Bengals on this list because the position that is holding them back (quarterback) is one the team may not even address. But there is another issue Cincinnati can address that will allow it to finally get that elusive first playoff win under Marvin Lewis: the pass rush. The Bengals finished with the fewest sacks in the league last season, a deadly stat in today’s pass-happy NFL. The return of Michael Johnson and the improved health of Geno Atkins will help in this area, but the Bengals will look to add another disruptive depender on draft day. The team will look closely at outside linebackers who can rush the QB, as standout Vontaze Burfict is coming off microfracture surgery.

5. Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs have enjoyed an excellent offseason. They addressed their biggest need by signing WR Jeremy Maclin and maintained their biggest strength by tagging Justin Houston and restructuring Tamba Hali. It’s a great start, but the progress must continue in the draft. Andy Reid needs another starting receiver to run opposite Maclin, with that player likely coming on the second day of the draft. He also needs a couple quality defensive linemen to help shore up a run defense that allowed more yards per carry (4.7) than any other team in the conference. If the Chiefs adequately address both of those areas of need, they will have a chance to challenge the Broncos for divisional supremacy.

6. Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins sent a message by doling out mega-bucks for the top free agent on the market: they are making a run at the reigning Super Bowl champions. The problem is Miami had to make some cost-cutting moves to make the numbers work, including gutting the receiver position. GM Dennis Hickey recovered nicely by acquiring Kenny Stills in a trade with the Saints, but that deal cost Miami LB Dannell Ellerbe. Now, the Dolphins must draft a starting linebacker and an instant contributor at receiver. It’s a tall order, but if Hickey pulls it off, winning the AFC East will become far more realistic.

7. New York Giants

The Giants finished last season strong, winning three of their final four games, and the arrow is still pointing up. Eli Manning is finally comfortable in Ben McAdoo’s offense; Odell Beckham Jr. is primed for a monster season; and a defense that was ravaged by injuries last season figures to fare much better than its No. 29 ranking of a season ago. The defense still needs more help, especially at safety, but the value is not there at No. 9. GM Jerry Reese must take the best player available in the first round, likely OT Brandon Scherff, then find a couple safeties and a couple linebackers later in the draft. If he is successful in that quest, the Giants will leap all the way to the top of the NFC East.

8. New York Jets

Three AFC East teams on this list? If things break right for the Bills, Dolphins and Jets, the Patriots may actually have to compete for a spot in this year’s playoffs. The Jets are in an interesting position. They are loaded at every position except for quarterback, in a league where all it takes to win is a quarterback. How New York handles the No. 6 overall pick will go a long way towards determining the success of its 2015 campaign. Will the Jets make a play for Marcus Mariota, a potential franchise QB who is far from pro-ready? Will they add one of the draft’s top edge rushers and rely on their defense to win games? Or will they select WR Amari Cooper to set up Geno Smith for success? There is no overstating the importance of getting this decision right.

9. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers were close to breaking through last season. If not for an untimely injury to Le’veon Bell, Pittsburgh could have made some real noise in the postseason. Now, the Steelers must keep adding pieces to a roster that lost mainstays Troy Polamalu and Brett Keisel earlier this offseason. The position in most need of help is outside linebacker, where 36-year-old James Harrison is holding things down until he soon follows Polamalu’s footsteps. And while adding a pass rusher is critical, the Steelers also need upgrades at cornerback and safety to fix a pass defense that allowed more yards than all but five teams last season.

10. St. Louis Rams

The Rams showed some fight last season, including quality wins over the Seahawks, Broncos and 49ers. And St. Louis’ biggest limitation — quarterback — has been largely removed thanks to the addition of Nick Foles. To take the next step, the Rams need to insure Foles has the protection he needs to look like he did in 2013. The entire right side of St. Louis’ offensive line is in flux and must be rebuilt on the fly. Perhaps the Rams will trade up ahead of the Giants for Scherff. Or maybe GM Les Snead will wait until the middle rounds to rebuild the line. It doesn’t matter when it happens, so long as it happens swiftly and successfully. If it does, watch out for the Rams in 2015.