The future is loaded with hope -- and a lot of draft picks -- for the Bengals and the Browns. This could be what these two franchises need to change the balance of power with perennial playoff contenders in the Steelers and Ravens, according to ESPN's John Clayton.

As Clayton explained, the Bengals and Browns could potentially have five first-round draft picks in 2012 and 2013.

After trading Carson Palmer, Cincinnati now has an additional first-round pick in 2012 and a second-rounder in 2013 that could become a first-round selection if the Raiders win a divisional playoff game over the next two years. The Browns received five draft picks, including ones in the first and fourth rounds in 2012, from the Falcons in the draft-day deal for wide receiver Julio Jones.

All of these picks come at a time when the Steelers and Ravens are getting older. Clayton wrote,"The Steelers have eight defensive starters in their 30s. The Ravens' Ray Lewis and Ed Reed can't play forever, can they?"

Of course, the Bengals and the Browns have to hit picks like they did this year. The Bengals are reaping immediate rewards from this year's draft with wide receiver A.J. Green (first round) and quarterback Andy Dalton (second round). Likewise, the Browns are having instant success with defensive tackle Phil Taylor (first round), defensive end Jabaal Sheard (second round) and wide receiver Greg Little (second round).