Most years, putting together a list of team needs is a fairly easy project. But not this offseason. Because of the CBA problems there are so many variables involved.
For about the last 20 years, there has been some sort of free agency that has taken place before the draft. So when teams put together a draft plan they know what they have lost and gained in free agency. Many times a team in free agency would try to sign players at a position that they knew they couldn’t fill in the draft. If they lost a key player they could also try and replace him in the draft. Unless there is a new CBA between now and the draft there will be no free agency. This will have a drastic effect on teams in their draft planning. The only thing they will know going into the draft is who of their own free agents they are not going to resign. They will be clueless as to who they can sign and who they will lose.
One general manager told me at the Senior Bowl that he plans to just draft the “best player.” He said, “That’s the way we did it in the old days…maybe that’s the best way.” This year, he may be right. One thing is for certain, if things remain status quo for the next three months and we do not have a new CBA, watching the draft will be a whole lot different than anything we have seen in the last 20 years.
With that being said, when we put together a list of team needs, it was a guesstimate based on what the team rosters look like now. As we get more information and if a new CBA is agreed upon we will change the team needs as teams gain and lose players.
AFC East
Primary needs: QB, OL, DL, LB
When Chan Gailey came in as head coach last year, the Bills installed a 3-4 defense. However, they really didn’t have the personnel. They had run a Tampa 2-type defense the previous four years and were small on defense. They need to get bigger at both the defensive line position and linebacker position.
On offense, the biggest need is a developmental quarterback. Ryan Fitzpatrick did an excellent job running the offense when he got the opportunity, but he has been a career journeyman and there is nothing behind Fitzpatrick. Going into last year’s draft, left tackle was a primary need. Former backup Demetrius Bell did a commendable job at left tackle. It looks as if Eric Wood will make a permanent move to center, so in this draft the Bills need to pick up a developmental tackle and guard.
Primary needs: WR, RB, OL, DS
No team in football does a better job restocking their roster than the New England Patriots. Still, the Pats have some age at the RB position with two players on the wrong side of 30. They need a legitimate deep threat to replace Randy Moss and some depth on the offensive line. The defense had a huge turnover in personnel last year but still some added depth at safety would help.
Primary needs: QB, OG, RB, DS
It’s been years since the Dolphins have had consistent play at the quarterback position. Going into the 2011 draft that is THE most important need. At RB, Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams have already played their best football. Getting a talented young workhorse will improve the run game. The Dolphins also have a need at guard. John Jerry had an up and down year as a rookie but will benefit form the experience. The other inside linemen are all journeymen. On defense, just getting injured players healthy is going to improve the play. The safety position is thin in regards to both talent and depth.
Primary needs: DL, WR, QB, OLB
Though the Jets played consistently good defense in 2010, there is a need to add young depth to the defensive line. The injury to Kris Jenkins was devastating and Shaun Ellis has been in the league for 11 years. There is a need at OLB to replace Jason Taylor.
On offense, there is a need to get a solid young backup behind Mark Sanchez and more depth at the wide receiver position. When Braylon Edwards’ game is on, he is very good but he has been an inconsistent performer his whole career. Santonio Holmes is talented but can be a headache.
AFC North
Primary needs: OL, NT, DC
The Steelers were in the Super Bowl so what needs could they possibly have? Offensive line for one. They were hard hit by injury at the tackle and guard position this year. Getting the injured players back will help but they need to develop a young tackle and guard.
On the defensive side of the ball, Casey Hampton is on the back 9 of his career and a young, dominant nose tackle is needed. For the Steelers to continue playing defense the way they do, quality depth is needed at corner.
Primary needs: DE, OLB, ILB, OL, WR
Cleveland has some offensive weapons but really needs to shore up its defense to compete with Baltimore and Pittsburgh. They do not have a dominant-type defensive tackle who is a consistent run stopper and can pressure the quarterback. It also can be said that they don’t have a feared edge pass rusher from the outside linebacker position. They could also use a big run-stuffing inside linebacker. With the head coach and team president being offensive specialists it may be hard for them to draft that many defensive players high.
On offense Colt McCoy has proved that he is the quarterback of the present and the future so getting him more offensive line depth and another receiver will help with overall offensive consistency.
Primary needs: DS, DC, LB, OT
The defense has been the strength of the Ravens for years, but age is becoming a factor at some positions. Ray Lewis and Ed Reed can’t go on forever and Reed has been bothered by injuries the last few years. The corner position is probably the weakest on the club when you look at the people they have at the position.
On offense, Michael Oher may be moved back to right tackle and if that’s the case a left tackle has to be found.
Primary needs: WR, OG, RB, DS, LB
Chad Johnson (or is it still Ochocinco?) and Terrell Owens may both be gone and if that is the case the Bengals will need to bring in a talented young receiver. At running back, Cedric Benson is a free agent and if he isn’t re-signed then that position is obviously a need as well. Paul Alexander does a great job coaching the offensive line but he still needs at least one guard and maybe a tackle.
On defense, the two most immediate needs are strong safety and Mike linebacker. The play at both positions is average at best and starting MLB Dhani Jones may not be back.
AFC South
Primary needs: NT, DC, OLB, DS
With Wade Phillips coming in as defensive coordinator, the Texans will be shifting their defense to a 3-4. Most of the primary needs will be on the defensive side of the ball. Don’t be surprised to see Mario Williams play on his feet some in this scheme. Players like Conner Barwin and Mark Anderson are going to have to learn to play OLB. If they can’t make the transition they will be elsewhere and the Texans will have a need at OLB. The Texans don’t have a pure NT on their roster so that is a position of need. The corner play was poor in 2010, so the Texans will be looking to shore up that position as well. They could also use a ball-hawking free safety.
Primary needs: QB, OG, MLB, DT
As of this post, the Titans are still searching for a head coach. Because of that it is difficult to figure out what their primary needs are. One thing is for sure, no matter who the coach is the Titans have to have a quarterback. Vince Young will be traded or cut and Kerry Collins is almost old enough to collect social security. Unless they can find a quarterback in free agency expect the Titans to draft a QB early. The other glaring need on offense is guard. They don’t have a big, dominant run-blocking guard on the roster.
On defense the Titans have always been consistent but they have a need at Mike linebacker. The other thing to look at is defensive line. The Titans have one of the smallest group of defensive linemen in the league and depending on what scheme they end up using, adding a few big inside linemen could be important.
Primary needs: LB, DS, QB, WR
The Jaguars took care of the defensive line in last year’s draft. This year they need to upgrade the linebacker position. They do not have a blue-chip LB on the roster. The Jags do not have a blue-chip safety either. Their safety play in ’10 was very inconsistent to say the least. Upgrading that position will be important in the draft and free agency.
At quarterback, David Garrard shows flashes but is very inconsistent and they don’t have a reliable backup. Running backs in the NFL don’t have a long shelf life and Maurice Jones-Drew is going into his 6th year. Depth needs to be added. At the receiver position they don’t have a legitimate No. 1 receiver and that has to be found. They may not have a top 2 — it’s more like an abundance of 3’s and 4’s.
Primary needs: OT, OG, DL
During the 2010 season GM Bill Polian was quoted as saying the Colts should have drafted Rodger Saffold with their first pick in 2010, so look for the Colts to draft a legitimate left tackle this year. They also have a need at guard. The Colts have been lucky in the past drafting linemen in the later rounds but when you look at the roster you see the limitations they have.
On defense they need to add some size along the line. They have played with smaller, quicker linemen for years but teams are now figuring out how to attack their Tampa 2 scheme. The other position that needs to be upgraded on defense is the safety position. Bob Sanders has missed more games than he has played the last three years and the other safeties are just guys. Look for the Colts to draft one or two young safeties this year.
AFC West
Primary Needs: DE, OLB, DC, DS, TE
With a new head coach in John Fox, the first order of business is who will be the quarterback? Is it Tim Tebow or Kyle Orton?
On defense, the Broncos will be switching from a 3-4 to a 4-3. They have played in a 3-4 the last two years so an immediate need will be finding players who fit the new scheme. Many of the defensive ends in a 3-4 will be 4-3 defensive tackles so finding pass rushing ends is important. Two outside linebackers in the old scheme (Elvis Dumervil and Robert Ayers) could end up at DE. Both corner and safety have to be looked at. Champ Bailey is going into his 13th year and Perrish Cox has legal problems at the corner position and age is also a problem at safety. The team has to find fits for outside linebacker.
Right now the biggest need on offense seems to be tight end.
Primary needs: QB, WR, OG, OLB, ILB
The Chiefs are an improving young team. They had an excellent draft in 2010 and went to the playoffs. They need to build off of that. On offense a good young backup quarterback is needed. When Brodie Croyle had to play last season the results weren’t good. Another big wideout to pair with Dwayne Bowe is a need as is depth at guard because of Brian Waters’ age.
On defense, there is a need for both an inside and outside linebacker. Mike Vrabel has played 14 years at OLB and a big run-stuffing ILB to pair with Derrick Johnson is needed. A secondary need on defense may be another nose tackle.
Primary needs: DS, WR, OL, ILB
The Chargers have a large number of potential free agents and who gets signed and who gets away will determine how the Chargers do business this offseason. If Vincent Jackson re-signs then the Chargers have a strong receiving group. If he doesn’t then that becomes a primary need. There is also a need for offensive line depth.
On defense, the line is thin as is inside linebacker. In the secondary a reliable strong safety needs to be found.
Primary Needs: Solidify QB, OG, DT, OLB
The Raiders had a very strong draft last year and are not far away from having a playoff-caliber team. The quarterback position has to be solidified so that there is no question as to who is the leader. The offensive line has some good young players and needs only to add a solid guard. A secondary offensive need would be another wideout.
On defense, there is a need for another strong inside defensive lineman and a size/speed OLB with instincts. Last year’s No. 1 pick Rolando McClain was a great pickup; getting him some help will only make the Raiders that much better on defense.
NFC East
Primary needs: OT, LB, DC, QB, RB
The Giants have a very solid team but they are starting to get old in some areas. Injuries caused inconsistent play along the offensive line last year so a good young tackle is very important. Most NFL teams have two solid running backs. The Giants have one in Ahmad Bradshaw. Brandon Jacobs is never happy and injuries have hampered him the last two years. If something happens to Eli Manning the Giants don’t have a reliable backup, so drafting a young developmental quarterback is a primary need.
Last year the Giants went into the draft looking for a dominant MLB and weren’t able to find one. That area remains a primary focus and finally depth at cornerback is a must.
Primary needs: OL, DS, QB, DC
Jon Kitna did a remarkable job replacing Tony Romo last season but next year will be his 15th year in the league. How much gas is left in the tank? At right tackle, Marc Colombo had a devastating injury as a rookie and has really never been the same player but because of his great toughness he has played winning football. His play the last half of the season was average at best and so the Cowboys need to draft a good tackle. Depth at guard will also help.
On defense the secondary has not played well. The Cowboys need to add players at both corner and safety. Getting a productive safety in the first 3 rounds is of the utmost importance.
Primary needs: QB, OG, WR, DC, DL
The Redskins have so many holes they may need two drafts. The most important need is solidifying the quarterback position. Things didn’t work out for Donovan McNabb and Rex Grossman is not a reliable starter in the NFL. At the receiver position there are a bunch of players that are good 3rd and 4th receivers but they don’t have a solid 1 or 2. On the offensive line, Trent Williams helped at tackle but at guard the ‘Skins just have journeymen.
On defense Albert Haynesworth is one of the best in the league but wants out in Washington and his play shows that. He is too much of a distraction and a replacement has to be found. DeAngelo Hall can be good one game and horrid the next and there is not much depth at the position.
Primary needs: OL, DC, LB
Year after year, Andy Reid continues to do one of the best coaching jobs in the NFL. He is also good at identifying needs and finding replacements. The Eagles have a solid team, they just need to add depth. On the offensive line a young guard/center is needed as well as a developing tackle.
On defense when Asanti Samuel was hurt, the Eagles struggled in the secondary. They need to add depth at the corner position. The same can be said for linebacker. After Stewart Bradley was injured the linebacker play fell off.
NFC North
Primary needs: OT, WR, DL
The Pack made it to the Super Bowl with a team that probably had more injuries than any other in the league. The amount of depth they had is a tribute to their front office and scouting department.
The Packers have a strong roster and will be even stronger when they get some of the injured players back next season. With that said, there still are some needs. The most glaring need on offense is adding depth to the offensive line. Mark Tauscher has already retired at least once and missed most of the season with injuries. Chad Clifton has also been bothered by injuries of late. Last year the Packers took Bryan Bulaga in the first round and it wouldn’t surprise me if they followed that choice up with another tackle this year. They could also use another guard/center type. At receiver, Donald Driver is in his mid 30’s so an eventual replacement for him will also be on the list.
On defense, the defensive line is loaded with many of the same type of players. Most are short, thick, run stoppers with great strength and leverage. Adding a taller player with pass rush potential would be beneficial.
Primary needs: DC, LB, OL
In 2010, the Bears made wholesale changes on the offensive line for the first time in years. There were new starters at three of the five positions. The line struggled early on but got stronger as the year went on. Still, they need to add a few more players. Olin Kruetz has been a fixture at center for the last decade but his contract is up and it remains to be seen if he will be brought back. Adding a tackle and an inside player have to be high on the Bears’ list of needs.
On defense, adding depth at corner and linebacker is imperative. Charles Tillman has been a quality starter for years but has been injury prone and is getting up in years. Tim Jennings and D.J. Moore are both under 5-9, so adding a tall, athletic corner is a need. At linebacker, all three starters are over 30 as well as a key backup so the Bears will be looking to add a quality ‘backer.
Primary needs: QB, OL, DL, DC
With Brett Favre finally done, the Vikings need to find a quarterback. Tarvaris Jackson is not a starting quarterback in the National Football League. At best he is an adequate backup. The play of the offensive line fell off last year and Bryant McKinnie had his worst year as a pro. Drafting a good young tackle is a must.
On defense, Pat Williams will probably not be back and the play of Jared Allen fell off. The Vikes need a couple quality defensive lineman. In the secondary the depth at corner also has to be looked at. Last year the Vikings drafted Chris Cook and he did nothing. The only quality corner the Vikings have is Antoine Winfield and 2011 will be his 13th year in the league.
Primary needs: OL, DC
The Lions are a better team then their record indicates. They have done a good job drafting the last few years, but they still have some major needs.
Ask any pro scout in the league and they will tell you the corners in Detroit are subpar at best. They need to draft a couple quality young corners to develop.
On the offensive line, Jeff Backus has started at left tackle for the last 10 years but he is on the smaller side and has limitations. The offensive guard play is just adequate so look for the Lions to try and draft two offensive linemen.
NFC South
Primary needs: DT, OLB, RB
The Saints are one of the stronger teams in the NFL but they are not a team without needs. Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams runs a great scheme but they need to add young depth in almost all areas. Sedrick Ellis is a top DT but the other Saint defensive tackles are journeymen. Getting a big, powerful run stopper to line up next to Ellis is a top need. There is age at DE with Alex Brown going into his 10th year so a young pass rusher to play in the rotation will help. The OLB position needs to add speed and coverage ability.
The offense is strong but there is a need for an every-down back. Rookie free agent surprise Chris Ivory could be the man but durability has been his problem in both college and the NFL. Reggie Bush is not an every-down back.
Primary needs: TE, WR, DE
Like the Saints, the Falcons are one of the stronger teams in the league but need to add depth in a few places. Tony Gonzalez is going into his 15th year and still may retire. There is not much quality depth behind him. The line seems sets because they have done a good job drafting young players the last few years. With Roddy White they have one of the best receivers in football but Michael Jenkins can be inconsistent, so a big wideout should be looked at.
On defense, John Abraham will be 33 years old next season and has been bothered by injuries in the past so a young pass rusher has to be looked at. After that just adding quality depth at any defensive position would help.
Primary needs: DE, DT, OLB, WR, QB?
The Panthers have a new head coach in Ron Rivera and he has the makings of being an outstanding head coach. The Panthers have lost a lot of quality players the last few years to either free agency or trade so the need board is massive.
On defense, they were not able to replace Julius Peppers. They have some young players with potential in Greg Hardy and Everette Brown but they are still question marks. The same can be said for defensive tackle. There are some good young prospects but that’s what they are — prospects. At OLB it’s the same story — unproven young talent but even with the young guys, speed has to be upgraded.
On offense the first thing that has to be determined is if Jimmy Clausen is the QB of the future. If they say no then a QB needs to be found. At wide receiver, Steve Smith may not be coming back and the young players (Armanti Edwards, David Gettis, Brandon LaFell) did not do enough to warrant a vote of confidence. The line has some good young talent, they just need to stay healthy.
Primary needs: DE, OL, DS, DC, TE
The Bucs were the surprise team of the 2010 NFL season. Now they have to find a way to get better. On offense they have quality players at just about every position. They need to add some depth on the offensive line and maybe TE. They have some quality blocking TE’s and Kellen Winslow is a proven receiving TE but he has been injury prone. On defense, they have to get a quality outside pass rusher. As a group the defense only had 26 sacks with no one player having more than 4.5. Depth in the secondary also needs to be upgraded. Ronde Barber will be 36 and has lost a step. The four players who played safety only accounted for a total of 5 interceptions. They all have better run support skills than ball skills.
NFC West
Primary needs: DT, DE, OT, QB
When Pete Carroll became coach a year ago he made wholesale roster changes. Expect more of the same this year as he builds a team to his liking. On defense the Seahawks do not have a dominant defensive tackle or end. They could find one of each and with this draft being strong with defensive linemen expect the Seahawks to go that route in the early rounds. The other big need on defense would be a strong safety to pair with Earl Thomas.
On offense Seattle could use a big run-blocking right tackle to pair with Russell Okung, last year’s first-round pick. Also, quarterback has to be looked at because of the age and injury history of Matt Hasselbeck.
Primary needs: QB, DL, DC, DS
The 49ers have a strong roster. They have drafted well the last few years and have a good nucleus of young players. What they don’t have is a strong quarterback. It will be interesting to see if they draft a QB early or go after a veteran who may be available via trade or free agency.
On defense the 49ers do not have a dominant defensive lineman that causes offenses fits and there is age at cornerback with Nate Clements near the end of his career. Also, depth at safety needs to be addressed.
Primary needs: OLB, DT, DS, OG
First and foremost a healthy Donnie Avery will help the offense tremendously at the wide receiver position. The last two drafts have brought the Rams a first-round tackle, but they still need to upgrade the guard position.
On defense, size and speed is needed at outside linebacker. James Laurinaitis
does a great job inside but the current outside backers are journeymen. A secondary need on defense is a strong safety to play alongside Oshiomogho Atogwe.
Primary needs: QB, WR, OL, OLB, DB
Two years go the Cardinals were in the Super Bowl and now they are at the bottom of their division. They have let too many good players go either via free agency or trade.
The most glaring need is a quarterback. There are four on the roster but none is a legitimate NFL starter. Both a tackle and a guard are needed on the offensive line, with guard being the higher priority because of the age and play of Alan Faneca.
On defense, Joey Porter has seen his better days and may not be back at OLB and depth is needed at both safety and corner.
