Team Needs: AFC West

 

Denver Broncos: Owner Pat Bowlen was the last realize, or at least, admit that hiring Josh McDaniels was a big, fat, ugly mistake. He and the Broncos will start over again with John Fox and John Elway upstairs.


Denver needs help everywhere on defense. They were ill equipped to play the 3-4 last season, and may very well switch back to the 4-3 under Fox.  Champ Bailey is a pending UFA.  It will further decimate this team if he goes elsewhere.  The Broncos could use help all along the D-line, ILB and Safety.  Add CB to the list if Bailey walks.  Offensively, the team is good at the skill positions, but could use an upgrade at RT, TE and will eventually need a QB when Tebow becomes the last failure of the McDaniels era... but this isn't the draft to address this need. (ooooh, that stings, I know!)

Oakland Raiders: The Raiders were surprisingly competitive this past season.  Jason Campbell was a big reason for their success, but he still may be only a stop-gap player for them.  Firing Tom Cable will prove to be yet another bad move by owner Mr. Burns Al Davis.  It's sad to say, but the Raiders will need him to die before they can really become a legit contender again.

In the mean time, they will have to retain free agents, Nnamdi Asomugha (unlikely) and Richard Seymour to stay in the mix.  Like we said regarding Denver, this isn't the year to draft a QB of the future, so Oakland may want to get a legit #1 WR, a cover corner to aid in replacing Asomugha, or address upgrading their O-line, particularly at Center and RT.  The Raiders could also beef up the rush ends on the D-line and LB... but a little arsenic in the coffee cups in the owners box would help significantly more. (kidding) (not really)  (no, kidding)

You stay classy San Diego.

San Diego Chargers: San Dog fell short of the playoffs, but there are many who still think that this is the best team in the division.  Their offense is their strength, but they could still use some depth at receiver.  Defense has been their Achilles.  Once an elite unit, age and injury has felled this one-time buzz saw group.


The Chargers need help on the ends.  DE, OLB and CB.  Unlike the truly elite teams, GM A.J. Smith has not had success in grooming young players to take over in these roles.


Kansas City Chiefs: KC made a big jump this season.  The won the division, but no one had confidence in this group to do damage in the playoffs.  They were steamrolled by the Ravens, who exposed nearly all of their weaknesses in the process.

The offense could use some tweaks, but there are no major needs.  An upgrade at RT, a complement WR for Bowe, but they are in good shape. However, the front-seven on defense needs a complete overhaul.  Tamba Hali is a force, but they could use six more guys to help him!  It's a good draft of D-line, so the Chiefs may find just what they need.

Team Needs: NFC West

Arizona Cardinals: The Cardinals badly need a QB but I'm not sure this will be the pick at #5.  They will likely take the best player available and that could be a Defensive Back which they could use the help.  When the Cardinals went to the Super Bowl they had a very good defense.  Oh yeah, Ken Wisenhunt is a defensive guy.  They will also need an upgrade at Offensive Guard with Alan Faneca a Free Agent.

San Francisco 49ers: The Niners also need a QB and I believe they will snatch one.  They have major holes along the defensive line and at linebacker.  If that doesn't tickle their fancy, then offensive line could easily be upgraded along with depth at running back.  The Niners need a ton and the Draft is a great place to start.

St. Louis Rams: Franchise QB? Check.  What comes next?  Go to WR.  This a good draft at the WR position and I believe this is where the Rams will head.  I don't believe AJ Green will drop here but how about a nice consolation prize of Julio Jones.  Also look for the Rams to address Sam Bradford's offensive line, specifically at Tackle.

Seattle Seahawks: So they won the division.  Awesome.  At 7-9 they would have had the #15 pick.  But they actually made the Playoffs.  And they won a home game.  Good for the 'Hawks but they need significant upgrades along the D Line, O Line and at QB.  Did Matt Hasselbeck earn another contract?  Possibly.  They need make a decision and at pick #25 they won't have a Franchise QB to choose from.

Team Needs: AFC South

Tennessee Titans: The Titans were ready to challenge Indy for the division after a strong finish to the prior season. Then this season began. Vince Young started his audition for the next spot on Jersey Shore.  Chris Johnson was not himself without QB support.  Their O-line disappeared. The defense was suspect down the middle... and Jeff Fisher found himself on the coaching hotseat.

With Young ousted, the Titans must find a QB.  They will have free agent options and will have the chance to take one early in the draft.  Tennessee must also replace Kevin Mawae at center for their O-line to be effective again.  On the defensive side, the team needs to fill the void left by the departure of Albert Haynesworth. Maybe with Haynesworth himself?  Additionally, the Titans to look for help at safety, OLB and OG.

Houston Texans: The Texans sure can light up the scoreboard.  However, so can their opponents!  As good as their offense was this season, their defense was as bad.  Houston hopes that new coordinator Wade Phillips can fix that.

The Texans need basically, a whole new secondary.  There isn't anyone on the active roster there that they couldn't upgrade.  The team has plenty of talent on the D-line, but how they adjust to playing in a 3-4 scheme will be critical.  Amobi Okoye, Shaun Cody or Damione Lewis will have to make the switch to a 3-4 NT.  If they can't do it, they will have to find one quick. Finding the right match at both ILB and OLB will be critical as well.
 

Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jags were a surprise contender this season.  Like the Texans, the Jacksonville defense was their downfall.  Early on, it appeared that the team would not have any chance to generate points on offense.  Somehow, someway, they were able to turn it around offensively.

Jacksonville could use help everywhere on defense aside from the DT and OLB spots.  The secondary as a whole needs a lift.  DE and MLB need to be addressed as well.  How long can David Garrard continue his magic act?  The Jags will need to address the QB spot some day very soon.  Why not now?

Indianapolis Colts: The Colts just aren't the Colts anymore.  They are caught in a trap right now.  Too good to rebuild, not good enough to just add select pieces. Injuries kill this team.  They have too many talented players that just can't stay on the field. Bob Sanders and Joseph Addai are already planning their injuries for next season. Dallas Clark and Pierre Garçon missed nearly the entire season as well.  

Indy must upgrade their once elite O-line to give Manning and Co. a chance to contend again.  OT is a dire need, while the interior line is deteriorating as well.  The Colts need help at SS, as we know they cannot count on Sanders anymore, as well as CB.  The will also look to bolster the DT and WR positions.  Peyton only has one contract left.  The Colts better make the push now.

Team Needs: NFC North

 

Minnesota Vikings: Brett Favre is retired. (Cough*yeahright) Without the NFL's best sexter, what will the Vikings do? Go get themselves a QB, I suppose. Sidney Rice, Ray Edwards, Pat Williams and Chad Greenway are just some of the team's many potential free agents.  Minnesota's offensive line was just that this season, offensive.  Every QB that trotted onto the field was battered and beaten by game's end.  They must get younger on the line, now.

The Vikings still have a chance to be very effective defensively, if they can get back to rushing the passer and upgrade the secondary a little bit.

 

Detroit Lions: Since ridding themselves of Matt Millen, the Lions have made quite the turnaround. Shocking, I know! Detroit has the opportunity to add a few more pieces this off-season to make themselves into a contender.  

The Lions need to add talent in the secondary, particularly at CB.  Other than Alphonso Smith and Louis Delmas, it is a collection of misfits back there.  OLB is another upgrade area.  It seems crazy, but that is it for Detroit's immediate need areas.  They can actually look at the best player available this year.  Who woulda thunk it just a few years ago?

Green Bay Packers: Aside from Cullen Jenkins, the Pack have little to worry about in the Free Agency game. Green Bay has the ability to dominate games on both sides the ball, but hasn't been able to find consistency doing that.

Therefore, the team can look to upgrade everywhere, addressing depth issues at RB, CB, OG, WR, TE and OLB.  

Chicago Bears: Daaaa Bearse, clearly held a firm grip on the division all year, but where did they come from?  Aside from the folks near the shores of Lake Michigan, did anyone believe this team would be where they are today... on the verge of the Super Bowl?  Lovie Smith sure worked his magic.  

 

Looking over the roster, do any of Chicago's WR keep DC's awake at night?  I don't think so.  The Bears can use an infusion of talent there, along with supports for OT, OG, CB and OLB.  It's hard to argue with success, but what they do in this draft could be critical to their ability to contend year after year.

Team Needs: AFC East

Buffalo Bills - Oh the Bills, they make nearly everyone else look smart.  Well, not everyone.  They need a QB.  I've seen some mocks where they take a lineman and I shake my head.  2011 will not be much better than 2010 but they may have a guy like Blaine Gabbert in their cross hairs.  Like we will discuss in the coming weeks, each QB has serious question marks.  They also need serious helps along the O Line and D Line.  It may not be a sexy draft for the Bills but it they need a serious talent infusion close to the line of scrimmage.

Miami Dolphins - The Dolphins need to look no further than their offensive backfield.  I'm not mad at Ricky but Ricky isn't getting younger or better.  Ronnie Brown has turned into oft-injured Ronnie Brown and they may take a swing at a young bruiser in the 1st and address OL and CB in the following rounds.

New England Patriots - Trying to predict what the Patriots will do (trade up, trade down, package picks) has proven futile.  Let's just say they keep their 1st rounder and both of their 2nd picks.  Secondary is a concern as they've been sliced and diced by Mark Sanchez and Joe Flacco in consecutive first round exits.  They'll likely have to address their O Line because of Logan Mankins' contract situation and at Running Back because how long will Ben Jarvis Green Ellis be able to continue his production.

NY Jets - The Jets are riding high and Rex Ryan is skipping his way to the AFC Championship Game in Pittsburgh.  The Jets badly need a young athletic strong safety and I expect to have an early round pick spent addressing that need.  They may look to upgrade at Offensive Guard or even WR in the early picks as well. 

Team Needs: NFC East

 

Washington Redskins: As if you didn't already know, the Redskins are a disaster. Over-involved owners wreak havoc on NFL teams.  For years Daniel Snyder has opened his pocketbook for all the wrong players.  When he finally decided to hire football people, and let them run the show, it backfired again.  Coach Mike Shanahan's dictatorial style clashed with "ownership's" players.   What they all ended up with was a divided locker room and lots of hurt feelings.

Aside from getting rid of Albert Haynesworth and closing the curtain on the drama that is Donavan McNabb, Washington must rebuild their entire O-line, find running backs that can stay on the field, add receivers, replace or re-sign Carlos Rogers and DeAngelo Hall, find solutions at FS, ILB and DE... AND oh yeah, get a QB too.  Easy fix, right?

Dallas Cowboys: The first job for newly appointed coach Jason Garrett is not to find better players.  No, the Cowboys have plenty of talent.  Garrett needs to rebuild the psyche of his team.  The Cowboys crumbled under the eternally supportive Wade Phillips.  Garrett took the reigns and produced some positive results before the end of the season.  Yet, he will need to have all his guys believing they can continue on that path to move forward.

 

If they choose not to re-sign Marcus Spears or Stephen Bowen, Dallas' greatest need will be at DE.  Other positions they will look to address are OT, OG and both Safety positions. 

New York Giants: What was the Giants problem last season, if not just plain execution failure?  Tom Coughlin always has his team prepared, and the Giants have enough talent to win. New York played with confidence, but all to often found themselves the victim of one too many mistakes, on both sides of the ball.

The Giants are not in need of an overhaul following a down season, but could use some tweaks. Look for them to add Tackles on both sides of the line and bolster their linebacking corps.  We also would not be surprised for them to look at some play makers for the secondary.

Philadelphia Eagles: Despite the trade of long-time starter, Donovan McNabb, it was a QB that made Philly's season a smashing success this season... just not the QB that we all expected it to be.  Michael Vick was, in a word, sensational.  He dazzled, per usual, with his feet, but his arm elevated his game to a new level this year.  Franchising or re-signing Vick is job one for the Eagles this off-season.

 

Trading or retaining backup Kevin Kolb is next on the list.  After that, Philadelphia will need to figure out what to do with their reshuffled O-line, their OLBs, and add to the secondary.

Team Needs: AFC North

Cincinnati Bengals : News Flash - After a downright awful season, the Bengals will look rebuild.  It appears that Marvin Lewis will remain as head coach.  Either Mike Brown still has confidence in his man, or the HR department gave him a breakdown on recruitment costs. Either way, expect some significant roster turnover in Cincy. The offense used to be show.  Surprisingly, it is now the defense that carries the load. Potential free agents include Johnathan Joseph, Terrell Owens, Cedric Benson, Roy Williams and Dhani Jones.  Of all of those players only Johnathan Joseph will be priority.  Jones can be brought back on the cheap and likely will be retained.  

The Bengals primary need is on the lines.  They are desperate to improve at OT and Guard, and should also target pass rushing ends on defense.  Skill positions at RB and WR, along with help at defensive back is a secondary need.  They can cross off two positions on their big board: Punter and Tight End... and that's it.

Cleveland Browns: The Browns will start over with a new coaching staff in 2011, but there were some bright spots that the new staff can focus on from 2011.  First, they beat the Patriots this season!  Second, the team had some shockingly strong performance from rookie QB Colt McCoy and RB Payton Hillis.  They possess rock at Center and have good Defensive Tackles.  With that said, the Browns have some major weaknesses at LB, DE, FS; and have to figure out which of their young receivers will actually stick.

Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens had an outstanding season considering their bland offense and sometimes shake pass defense.  Their potential free agent list is a nightmare.  Players up for contract renewal include: Haloti Ngata, Ed Reed, Dawan Landry, Chris Carr, Fabian Washington, Chris Chester, Matt Birk, Derrick Mason and T.J. Hoosha-mazode... championship!

Much of the Ravens need list will depend on re-signing some vital cogs both offensively and defensively. Still, Baltimore will be looking for some play makers both at wideout and the secondary.  They will also need to secure a future for the interior offensive line regardless of Birk's plans for 2011.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Pittsburgh won the division despite getting slaughtered by injuries on the offensive line, and by masking some poor play by their corners.  Needless to say pending free agents Willie Colon and Ike Taylor will push those positional needs to critical status should they not re-sign.  

The Steelers need help on the O-line no matter what.  Only the Center spot is locked down for next season.  Corners will be a major need as William Gay and retread Bryant McFadden have not been up to the task more times than the team would like.  Don't forget that Aaron Smith has been thus far irreplaceable during his injury-plagued past two seasons.  3-4 DE's are extremely difficult to find in the late rounds.