NFL analysts select this year's most improved team

So the NFL.com and NFL Network analysts and commentators made their picks as to the most improved team of the NFL for 2012. Outside of the normal homers picking the Patriots and Cowboys, here are some excerpts from a few of the open-minded that took part:

Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com-  After a horrendous 2011 campaign, the Buccaneers successfully executed an extreme makeover during this off season. The one team that has improved the most this off season is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After a disastrous 2011 season, they have made several impact moves to improve their squad. First of all, they hired a very discipline-oriented head coach in Greg Schiano. Then they were extremely aggressive in free agency, bringing in premier players like WR Vincent Jackson and OG Carl Nicks. Finally, they hit a home run in April's draft. Safety Mark Barron and RB Doug Martin are both instant-impact players who will provide upgrades on both sides of the ball. The NFC South is one of the NFL's toughest divisions, but the Buccaneers are now in position to compete for a playoff spot.

Charley Casserly, NFL.com- The Buccaneers upgraded numerous spots on both sides of the ball. There are certainly a number of teams that have improved themselves, making this a tough call. But I'm going with Tampa Bay. On offense, the Buccaneers added a No. 1 receiver in Vincent Jackson, a Pro Bowl OG in Carl Nicks and a No. 1 back in Doug Martin (who reminds me of Ray Rice coming out of college). Defensively, Mark Barron has Pro Bowl ability, Lavonte David should be a big producer at OLB, and Eric Wright will help at CB, allowing Ronde Barber to move to safety. I picked Tampa Bay, not only for the quality of players added, but also for the number of positions upgraded.

There were 10 different writers that were polled with this question. Of the 10 selections only the Buccaneers and of course the national pundits' darlings, the Cowboys, received 2 votes each.  I find it very difficult to argue against the Buccaneers being the most improved team on paper. Now let's hope that Schiano and crew can transfer paper value to field performance.