Team Needs
2013 Team Needs
AFC East
Buffalo Bills
While Ryan Fitzpatrick is under contract he has to be upgraded. Whoever the quarterback is the Bills need to add some wide receiver help. Stevie Johnson is a good receiver but there isn’t much behind him. Andy Levitre is a free agent and probably the Bills best offensive linemen. On the defensive side the Bills have only one starter who is a free agent and its an important one in Jairus Byrd. He also needs to be retained. The Bills are also going to be using a hybrid style defense so they could use some help at linebacker and some depth along the defensive line.
Update: Jairus Byrd was franchised and Andy Levitre departed via free agency. Safety isn't as big of a concern as Aaron Williams could probably slot in next to Byrd, but left guard is now a concern.
Update: Ryan Fitzpatrick has been cut. The Bills are looking for a franchise quarterback.
Update: The Bills signed DT Alan Branch, LB Manny Lawson, and QB Kevin Kolb.
Kolb is a very strong backup quarterback, but the Bills have to (and will) draft their quarterback of the future later this month. The offense could use a starting guard, wide receiver, and a tight end since Scott Chandler suffered a major injury at the end of the 2012 season. The Bills also still need a middle linebacker, cornerback and a defensive end.
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins took a step forward this season but they have some big time free agents on the market. Starting left tackle Jake Long and starting cornerback Sean Smith are both free agents who could demand huge money. The Dolphins will need to retain at least one of them. Reggie Bush is also a free agent and it appears that the bidding might get too high on him. Brian Hartline had a very impressive year but he is a slot receiver and also a free agent. All in all the Dolphins have some bigger names that they have to make some decisions on.
Update: Mike Wallace has agreed to a deal. Miami could still use another receiver, but upgrading the position is no longer the top priority.
Update: The Dolphins signed Dannell Ellerbe to play one of the outside linebacker positions. They also released Karlos Dansby. Linebacker isn't an area of concern for the team.
Update: The Dolphins signed OLB Phillip Wheeler, DT Vaughn Martin, OG Lance Louis, TE Dustin Keller, and CB Brent Grimes.
Perhaps more significant though, is the loss of OT Jake Long to the Rams. Tight End is no longer a concern and the arrival of Grimes makes cornerback less of an area of need, but the team has to find a starting offensive tackle in the draft.
New England Patriots
The Patriots are a rare breed in the NFL with a very interesting mix of young and old players but the story of this offseason for them will be Wes Welker. He’s a free agent and it seems pretty clear that they just don’t want to pay him. Welker wants to be paid like a #1 receiver but the question remains if he can survive without Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. Even if Welker is retained the Patriots need more help at wide receiver. Deion Branch, Julian Edelman and Donte’ Stallworth are all free agents. Right tackle Sebastian Vollmer is also a free agent and is going to command a large contract. On the defensive side of the ball the only free agent starter is Aqib Talib who was acquired during the season. The Patriots are going to try to retain him but either way they need some help at cornerback. There are a lot of rotational players and reserves on defense that are free agents and the Patriots are going to have to reload through the draft.
Update: The Patriots signed SS Adrian Wilson, RB Leon Washington, and WR Danny Amendola. These moves were made to offset the losses of Pat Chung, Danny Woodhead, and Wes Welker. Sebastian Volmer and Aqib Talib are two key re-signings. DT Armond Armstead could potentially fill the void at defensive tackle.
New England should still consider drafting a receiver or two to offset the probable losses of Brandon Lloyd and Julian Edelman. Mike Jenkins and Donald Jones aren’t great options.
Update: The Patriots continued their trend of signing every player that once played for the Oakland Raiders. DT Tommy Kelly is a good fit at 4-3 DT and 3-4 DE.
New York Jets
The Jets obviously need a quarterback. Mark Sanchez will be back but only because he is owed too much money that it wouldn’t make sense to cut him outright. The offense needs to be re-worked and some playmakers need to be added. Santonio Holmes can be a good receiver when he wants to be but first round pick Stephen Hill still needs work and they could really use another receiver. Tight end Dustin Keller is a free agent and might be too costly for the cap strapped Jets to afford. Same goes for right guard Brandon Moore who is really an underrated player and a great run blocker. The Jets are still looking for answers at right tackle as well. Shonn Greene is also a free agent and if he is going to demand too much the Jets need to let him walk. On the defensive side the Jets are in better shape unless they have to release starters in order to get under the salary cap. Both of the Jets safeties are free agents and they are going to need to get replacements there as well. The Jets got virtually no pass rush last year and will need to address that as well. All in all the Jets could be in bad position because of the salary cap but there is going to be a lot of new faces wearing green and white.
Update: The Jets signed RB Mike Goodson, OLB Antwan Barnes, DE Antonio Garay, and OG Willie Colon. These moves fill holes at defensive end and offensive guard (although the position remains a priority).
The loss of Dustin Keller makes tight end a higher priority in the draft.
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens really showed up when it counted this season but they are going to have a lot to address this offseason. Ray Lewis is retiring and his leadership won’t be replaced but with Dannell Ellerbe being a free agent there is a hole at inside linebacker and even more important that finding Ray Lewis’ replacement is locking up Joe Flacco. At this point it would be hard to imagine the Ravens letting Flacco go but if for some reason he did that would leave a huge hole. Ed Reed is also a free agent and it appears he will be back but regardless they are going to need to find his replacement and that should occur through the draft. Anquan Boldin is still a solid starter but his style of play has taken its toll on his body and they could use some more depth at the position. The Ravens shuffled their offensive line right before the playoffs and it clicked but Bryant McKinnie will be 34 years old and they are going to at least need to find a future replacement. They could also use some depth at outside linebacker and cornerback.
Update: Anquan Boldin had beent raded to the 49ers for a 6th round pick. The Ravens did well to acquire a pick for a player they were going to cut, but WR is now a huge priority.
Update: The Ravens have lost ILB Dannell Ellerbe. The team now has two gaping holes in the middle of its defense.
Update: The Ravens signed Chris Canty to play on the defensive line. I'm guessing he'll play defensive end.
Update: The Ravens signed OLB Elvis Dumervil, FS Michael Huff, and DE Marcus Spears. Dumervil and Huff should be fine replacements and perhaps even upgrades over Paul Kruger and Ed Reed. However, Cary Williams signed with the Eagles so the defense still needs to be rebuilt.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals made the playoffs for the second consecutive year but once again looked like they didn’t belong in a loss to the Texans. On the offensive side Andre Smith is a free agent and if he is not retained will need to be replaced and their interior line could use some upgrades. BenJarvus Green-Ellis is a decent running back but is nothing special, they really need to upgrade the position. On the defensive side there are a lot of key free agents. Michael Johnson and Robert Geathers are both free agents and while Geathers isn’t the same pass rusher he used to be he is still a solid all around defensive end. Johnson had 11.5 sacks and is going to command a large salary. At linebacker both Manny Lawson and Rey Maualuga are free agents but could be upgraded anyways. In the secondary, cornerbacks Nate Clements, Pacman Jones and Terrance Newman are all free agents and starting safety Chris Crocker is as well. They need some depth and need to find some youth in the secondary. All of their specialist are free agents as well, both Josh Brown and Mike Nugent and punter Kevin Huber.
Update: The Bengals re-signed some key players, but the only addition the team made from outside the organization so far was QB John Skelton.
Update: The Bengals are closing in on a deal with OLB James Harrison. He might be able to provide some pass rush ability, but he's clearly close to the end of his career so this shouldn't change the team's draft plans too much.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns are switching to the 3-4 under new defensive coordinator Ray Horton and you can guarantee they are going to need to make a lot of changes. Jabaal Sheard will be at one outside linebacker spot and he should be able to make the transition but they are going to need to find someone else across from him. At inside linebacker they could use an upgrade there as well. Their defensive line should make a fairly easy transition but they definitely need some depth. In the secondary they need to find another starter as Sheldon Brown is getting old and is not as effective as he once was. They could also use some depth at safety. On the offensive side its clear they need a quarterback. Brandon Weeden was a bad first round pick and we knew it. Their offensive line could be upgraded inside at guard but its not a huge need. Josh Gordon had a very good rookie year but Greg Little is still too inconsistent and Mohamed Massaquoi and Josh Cribbs are free agents. Ben Watson is a free agent as well but Jordan Cameron might be able to step into a starting role. In addition, Phil Dawson and Reggie Hodges are free agents and both need to be retained.
Update: The Browns spent a lot of money on OLB Paul Kruger. The team no longer has a need for a pass rushing linebacker.
Update: The Browns signed DE Desmond Bryant, TE Kellen Davis, QB Jason Campbell, and K Brandon Bogotay. The team also signed a few other depth players and traded QB Colt McCoy to the 49ers.
The guess here is that the Campbell signing makes it unlikely that the team will draft a quarterback with an early draft pick, but Cleveland could target a signal caller if it likes one that is available on day three.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers were one of the more disappointing teams in the NFL this year and are going to need to make some changes. On the offensive side they need to clean up the running back and really need to find a running back who can carry the load. Rashard Mendenhall is a free agent and won’t be back. The Steelers biggest free agent is wide receiver Mike Wallace who had a disappointing season after holding out. He is going to command a large contract that the Steelers cannot afford. They also need to find a decent backup to Ben Roethlisberger as both Charlie Batch and Byron Leftwich are free agents. On the defensive side the Steelers did not get a lot of pressure on the quarterback so they are going to look for a pass rusher and the chances that James Harrison get cut are very high. They could use some help at inside linebacker with Larry Foote hitting the open market after a season in which he fell off and 2012 third round pick, Sean Spence, coming off a torn ACL. Nose tackle Casey Hampton is a free agent but the Steelers have some options behind him that could step in. In the secondary, Keenan Lewis is a free agent and the Steelers should try to re-sign him if they can but that could be a tough task. They also need depth at safety behind Ryan Clark and Troy Polamalu.
Update: The Steelers signed TE Matt Spaeth and QB Bruce Gradkowski. Neither of these moves change the team's draft priorities. Keenan Lewis signed with the Saints so cornerback has been pushed up on the priority list.
Team Needs: OLB, WR, RB, CB, S ILB, OT, DT, G/C
AFC South
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars biggest problem is the absence of a franchise quarterback. Whether it is through the draft or free agency, the position will need to be addressed. The team also managed only 20 sacks this past season. That number marked the fewest of any team in the NFL. That should make pass rushers Bjoern Werner and Damontre Moore enticing choices in the first round. Eben Britton will not return as the starter at left guard and he’s previously shown that he isn’t the answer at right tackle either. The team also needs at least one starting cornerback and outside linebacker. It would be wise to bring in a quality backup at running back in case Maurice Jones-Drew gets injured again.
Update: The Jaguars signed DT Roy Miller, WR Mohamed Massaquoi, RB Justin Forsett, and OLB Geno Hayes. These moves don’t do anything to change the team’s draft priorities and the departure of cornerbacks Derek Cox and Aaron Ross intensifies the need for a starting cornerback.
Tennessee Titans
The biggest problem for the Titans in 2012 was their inability to cover opposing receivers. This absolutely must be addressed if the Titans have any hope of being competitive next year. Also, the interior of the offensive line is in shambles and has to be rebuilt. Chris Johnson could be cut and Jared Cook seems likely to depart now that his contract has expired.
Update: The team will retain Chris Johnson for the 2013 season. However, this doesn't change our list of team needs.
Update: The Titans will feature Andy Levitre at left guard in 2013. Mock drafters can safely forget about slotting a guard tto Tennessee in the first round. Right guard is still an area of concern.
Update: The Titans signed TE Delanie Walker. They could still use a mid-round pick on a tight end, but it's no longer as big of a concern.
Update: The Titans signed WR Kevin Walter, P Shane Lechler, C Robert Turner, OG Chris Spencer, SS Bernard Pollard, DE Ropati Pitoitua, DT Sammie Lee Hill, RB Shonn Greene, LB Moise Fokou, and QB Ryan Fitzpatrick. Tennessee also re-signed WR/RB Darius Reynaud.
Pollard fills the opening at strong safety so the position has been removed from the team’s wish list. Chris Spencer should slide into the right guard position and Robert Turner should start at center. Shonn Greene and Ryan Fitzpatrick both provide depth at important spots. Right guard, quarterback, and running back have also been cut from our list of draft needs.
Team Needs: FS, CB, TE, FB, LB
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts have a bright future, but the defense must be addressed in order for the franchise to once again become serious Super Bowl contenders. Additional help is needed at every level of the defense. On the other side of the ball, each guard position and right tackle are the only glaring concerns.
Update: The Colts overpaid Erik Walden. He's not that good, but we've removed outside linebacker as a late-round consideration for the team. We believe it would still be a good idea to consider upgrading the position in the middle rounds.
Update: The Colts signed Gosder Cherilus. This was a solid move and it removes right tackle as a need.
Update: The Colts signed CB Greg Toler, OG Donald Thomas, S LaRon Landry, WR Darrius Heyward-Bey, NT Ricky Jean Francois, QB Matt Hasselbeck, NT Aubrayo Franklin, and OLB Lawrence Sidbury.
Indianapolis made some quality signings and cut down some of its needs on the offensive line and the defensive side of the ball going into the draft. The team’s most glaring weakness is at outside linebacker where another big time pass rusher is required.
Houston Texans
The real need for the Houston Texans is to become more creative on offense. Too much of the workload is centered on Arian Foster and Andre Johnson. Of course, they’re both great players, but the vanilla offense has trouble against some of the better defenses in the league. The defense is pretty solid, but key players are free agents and must be retained.
Update: The Texans signed P Shane Lechler, S Ed Reed, and FB Greg Jones. Reed will fill the void left by Glover Quin and Lechler may be the best punter in NFL history. However, the Texans did little else to improve their team through free agency so their draft priorities remain largely unaltered.
AFC West
Denver Broncos
The Broncos could use a powerful back to work in tandem with speedster Ronnie Hillman, but most of the team’s other holes on offense are simply a matter of depth. The more pressing needs are on the other side of the ball where the team needs to get stronger up the middle and account for the eventual decline of cornerback Champ Bailey.
Update: The Broncos signed Louis Vasquez so offensive guard is not an area of need anymore.
Update: The Broncos signed WR Wes Welker, CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Terrance Knighton, and OLB Stewart Bradley. Denver now has the best trio of receivers in the NFL. Cornerback is also no longer a concern. However, the unforeseen departure of Elvis Dumervil created a new priority at defensive end.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs earned the first pick in the draft by having an awful offense. Part of the issue was the inability…or downright refusal to give Jamaal Charles as many touches as they should have. The main issue, however, was clearly poor play at the quarterback position. Dwayne Bowe might be taking his game elsewhere in 2013 so the entire offense has to be rebuilt. The defense had issues stopping the run and has to get stronger up front.
Update: The Chiefs traded for Alex Smith and signed Chase Daniel. Quarterback has been removed from their priority line. The team also re-signed Dwayne Bowe and Branden Albert. As a result, receiver is no longer as big of a concern and the Chiefs may only need a right tackle. Dunta Robinson was also signed, but Kansas City still needs another cornerback.
Update: The Chiefs signed defensive end Mike DeVito. All signs point to the team drafting Luke Joeckel or Eric Fisher at this point.
Update: The Chiefs signed CB Sean Smith, TE Anthony Fasano, FB Ryan D’Imperio, OLB Frank Zombo, and WR Donnie Avery. Wide receiver is no longer a major area of concern and Kansas City no longer needs a cornerback.
San Diego Chargers
Forget about the regression of Philip Rivers. Maybe he isn’t as good as he once was, but that offense had no talent at all. The starting unit consisted primarily of guys who were released by other teams. If Rivers weren’t there, the offense would be in worse shape than Kansas City’s unit. The defense has all kinds of problems as well. The secondary is bad and a new starting inside linebacker will also be required.
Update: The Chargers signed CB Derek Cox, TE John Phillips, OG Chad Rinehart, OL Rich Ohrnberger, and RB Danny Woodhead.
Cornerback is no longer a pressing need and the addition of Woodhead removes the requirement to acquire a change-of-pace back. The interior of the offensive line is in better shape with Rinehart and Ohrnberger on board, but it should still be improved.
Oakland Raiders
There’s a chance that the only returning players to next year’s defense will be Lamar Houston, Miles Burris, Tyvon Branch, Michael Huff, and Phillip Adams. That unit needs a ton of help and could conceivably convert to a base 3-4 since the team doesn’t have personnel in place for either base scheme. The offense should be fine now that Greg Knapp is gone. The only major concern is at right tackle.
Update: The Raiders cut Michael Huff and Darrius Heyward-Bey. Add safety and wide receiver to the list of needs for the Raiders. They're starting to look like an expansion team.
Update: The Raiders lost TE Brandon Myers, DT Desmond Bryant, OLB Phillip Wheeler, DE Matt Shaughnessy, P Shane Lechler, and RB Mike Goodson to free agency.
The team cut DT Richard Seymour, DT Tommy Kelly, and MLB Rolando McClain and traded QB Carson Palmer.
Oakland acquired QB Matt Flynn in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks. The team also signed CB Tracy Porter, DT Pat Sims, DT Vance Walker, MLB Nick Roach, OLB Kaluka Maiava, and OLB Kevin Burnett.
The end result of this flurry of activity is that the Raiders no longer need a middle linebacker and defensive tackle is likely not a top priority in the draft. At least one of the outside linebacker positions is filled as well, but there is now very little talent at tight end on the roster.
Update: The Raiders have signed CB Mike Jenkins. The additions of Jenkins and Tracy Porter make cornerback less of a priority for next season, but longterm solutions are still needed.
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys are switching to the 4-3 so they are going to make some changes to their front seven but the majority of their players should be able to transition. Anthony Spencer had a big year and would be able to play defensive end but he is a free agent and if he isn’t retained the Cowboys will need another pass rusher. In addition, with the transition they are going to need another defensive tackle next to Jay Ratliff. At linebacker the Cowboys should be okay but they are going to need some depth and the same with their cornerbacks. Both safety positions could be upgraded as Barry Church and Gerald Sensabaugh are average players. On the offensive side the biggest priority is going to be the offensive line. They need to find another guard and a center and at right tackle Doug Free can be upgraded as he has been bad after signing his contract extension. Felix Jones is not going to be back so the Cowboys are going to need to find some depth behind DeMarco Murray.
Update: The Cowboys don’t have many notable arrivals via free agency. They signed SS Will Allen from the Steelers and OLB Justin Durant from Jacksonville. Dallas’ biggest offseason splashes have involved re-signing its own players so the team’s draft priorities remain similar to what they looked like in the beginning of the offseason.
New York Giants
The Giants were one of the more disappointing teams in the NFL this season and its tough to necessarily pinpoint exactly what when wrong and where. The Giants offensive line really needs to add some youth and both tackle Will Beatty and guard Kevin Boothe are free agents, right tackle David Diehl has gone downhill and needs to be upgrade and backup Sean Locklear is a free agent and will be looking for a starting job. Tight end Martellus Bennett is a free agent and might be retained but if he is not they are going to need a tight end. On the defensive side of the ball Osi Umenyiora is a free agent and will most likely not be brought back as he is looking to get a big contract. Chase Blackburn is a free agent and the Giants should let him walk. They could use an upgrade. They could also use some depth in the secondary. Lawrence Tynes is a free agent and will most likely be brought back.
Update: The Giants lost Martellus Bennett. The team realizes it can get production out of anyone it plays at the position. Tight end is now a bigger priority for the team though.
Update: The Giants signed TE Brandon Myers to replace Bennett. The team also signed CB Aaron Ross, DT Mike Patterson, WR Louis Murphy, OLB Dan Connor, DT Cullen Jenkins, K Josh Brown, K David Buehler and FS Ryan Mundy.
While the Giants lost DE Osi Umenyiora to the Falcons and cut Ahmad Bradshaw, the team was successful in bringing back key free agents OT William Beatty, OG Keven Boothe, and OLB Keith Rivers.
These moves filled some holes, but the Giants usually take the best player available in the draft anyway.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles were a mess last season and don’t seem to have an identity. You can guarantee that Chip Kelly will put his own twist on the roster. The Eagles will be transitioning to the 3-4 and they are going to have to overhaul a few spots on their roster. While they have the personnel for the defensive ends in a 3-4 they really don’t have a true nose tackle so they must address that position. They are also going to need to find some pass rushers to play outside linebacker. Brandon Graham and Trent Cole will be given the opportunity but its not an ideal situation for Cole. In the secondary the Eagles are going to need to find some playmakers, particularly at safety where they have received only adequate play. At cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is a free agent and Nnamdi Asomough may get released. On the offensive side of the ball there needs to be an upgrade at multiple spots on their offensive line. Hopefully Jason Peters comes back healthy and if that’s the case they will only need one offensive tackle but they could use a center as well. Michael Vick might be back but if he isn’t the Eagles will need to find some competition for Nick Foles. There receivers are solid when healthy but they are going to spread the ball out and Kelly is going to want another good receiver.
Update: The Eagles signed CB Cary Williams, NT Isaac Sopoaga, SS Kenny Phillips, P Donnie Jones, S Pat Chung, OLB Connor Barwin, TE James Casey, and CB Bradley Fletcher.
These moves filled a lot of needs. The defensive secondary is in much better shape and it’s very unlikely Dee Milliner is still in consideration at #4 as a result. Sopoaga slots in nicely next to Fletcher Cox on the defensive line as well.
Washington Redskins
The Redskins were the hottest team in the second half of the season and had RGIII stayed healthy they would have been a handful for every team they played. On the offensive side of the ball they need to get another wide receiver for Griffin. Josh Morgan is decent but not great and Santana Moss is going to be 34. Fred Davis is a free agent and it would be best to let him walk. Both Jammal Brown and Tyler Polumbus are free agents and neither is great and guard Kory Lichstensteiger is also a free agent so they need to add depth to the interior of their offensive line. On defense, they have to address the secondary. Both safeties should be upgraded and addressed early in the draft. DeAngelo Hall has had the most up and down career of any player I can think of but he is can still be effective. Josh Wilson is a decent starter but backup Cedric Griffin is a free agent so they need to get some depth. At linebacker the Redskins will get Brian Orakpo back from injury and Ryan Kerrigan is solid on the other side but they could use some depth. But on the inside they need to get some youth. London Fletcher is still a solid player but is going to be 38 next year. They could also use some depth on their defensive line. Also, punter Sav Rocca is a free agent.
Update: The Redskins signed QB Pat White, OT Jeremy Trueblood, CB E.J. Biggers, and DE Darryl Tapp. The team also re-signed TE Fred Davis, CB, DeAngelo Hall, OT Tyler Polumbus, P Sav Rocca, LB Bryan Kehl, QB Rex Grossman, and DT Kedric Golston.
As a result, OT, and P are no longer team needs. The addition of Biggers also greatly diminishes the chances of the Redskins using their first pick on a cornerback.
NFC North
Chicago Bears
Poor offensive line play plagued the Bears for most the season and they couldn’t find a combination of guys that worked. They are going to need to add at least one tackle and one guard this offseason if they want to help stabilize their line so that Cutler isn’t running for his life. If he does get hurt they are going to need to find a new backup as Jason Campbell is going to be looking for an opportunity to start somewhere. Kellen Davis is an average tight end but the Bears may take a close look at Tyler Eifert and Zach Ertz in the first round. They could also use some depth at wide receiver. On the defensive side Biran Urlacher is a free agent and it may be time to let him walk. On the defensive line, Henry Melton, is a free agent and must be retained but either way they need some depth. Their secondary is very solid but Kelvin Hayden, Zack Bowman and D.J. Moore are free agents so they may need to get some depth.
Update: The Bears signed Jermon Bushrod to play left tackle. The team should still consider tacking a chance on a tackle in the middle rounds of the draft.
Update: The Bears signed Martellus Bennett. The team no longer needs a tight end.
Update: The Bears signed SS Tom Zbikowski, LB D.J. Williams, OG Matt Slauson, DE Turk McBride, TE Steve Maneri, and LB James Anderson.
Brian Urlacher will not be back next year and MLB Nick Roach signed with Oakland.
The Bears have made some solid free agent acquisitions this offseason and they now have some flexibility heading into the draft. Middle linebacker is probably the most glaring need on a defense that is in a state of transition.
Detroit Lions
There are almost too many spot for the Lions to upgrade this offseason. On the offensive side they need to find a running back who can help handle the load. They just have gotten too inconsistent of play from their committee. Calvin Johnson is the best receiver in football so you would expect someone else could become a threat but that’s not that case. Titus Young needs to be cut, Ryan Broyles got hurt again and Nate Burleson’s value lies in his return ability. On the offensive line they need to get younger. Jeff Backus is better than most want to give him credit for but he is going to be 36 years old and can’t be counted on too much. Right tackle Gosder Cherilus is strictly a right tackle and is a free agent. On the interior Rob Sims and Dominic Raiola are solid but Stephen Peterman is not good. When you look at the defense it is easier to say that every position needs attention. At defensive end, Cliff Avril is a free agent and Kyle Vanden Bosch should be cut. Ndamukong Suh is one of the best defensive tackles in football but Corey Williams and Sammie Hill are free agents so there is very little depth behind Suh and Nick Fairley. Stephen Tulloch is a decent middle linebacker just Justin Durant and DeAndre Levy are free agents and the Lions should let them go. And in the secondary the Lions could use two cornerbacks (Chris Houston is a free agent) and two safeties (Louis Delmas is a free agent and Amari Spievey has been a disappointment). Just upgrade everyone on defense. That’s not to mention that both Jason Hanson and Nick Harris are free agents as well.
Update: The Lions signed SS Glover Quin, DE Jason Jones, RB Reggie Bush, and K David Akers. Jason Hanson retired, which isn’t a big deal, but I wanted to mention it because he was the last player left in the NFL from the year I started watching it. Jeff Backus also retired and Gosder Cherilus signed with the Colts.
The Lions no longer need a running back now that Reggie Bush is in town. The re-signing of Louis Delmas and the addition of Glover Quin should provide the Lions with a very strong pair of safeties.The major holes right now exist at offensive tackle and on defense.
Green Bay Packers
Because of Aaron Rodgers the Packers are a threat every year to make a run for the Super Bowl, but they need to make sure they surround him with talented players. Greg Jennings is a free agent and will most likely sign elsewhere and Donald Driver is retiring. They like to use 4 receiver sets so another wide receiver will be added. Jeff Saturday is retiring but Even Dietrich-Smith could be capable, either way an interior linemen will be added. They could also use some depth at offensive tackle. Tight end Jermichael Finley opens his mouth too much and the Packers may let him go. Running back has been an issue for the Packers for awhile but it just appears they don’t want to address it. On defense the Packers need to find another pass rusher to help with depth. They could also use some depth at safety but it is not a high priority.
Update: The Packers lost Greg Jennings to the Vikings in free agency. They need to consider drafting another receiver.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings played surprisingly well behind the dominate season of Adrian Peterson. The Vikings can’t expect Peterson to do that every year so they are going to need to give the offense some additional weapons. Percy Harvin is a nice player but he is better with the ball in his hands and they need someone who can help stretch the field a little more. Right tackle Phil Loadholt was a big reason for Peterson’s success but he is a free agent but some depth wouldn’t hurt at offensive tackle anyways. The guard position is pretty weak for the Vikings so I would expect them to address that this offseason as well. On the defensive side, they need to find someone better than Letroy Guion to play next to Kevin Williams. Both Jasper Brinkley and Erin Henderson are free agents so linebacker is a very significant priority as well. In the secondary, the Vikings could use some depth at both cornerback and safety.
Update: Percy Harvin was traded to Seattle. This could be a great trade for the Vikings, but another receiver position has been added to the top of the team's needs.
Update: The Vikings signed WR Greg Jennings, OG Seth Olsen and QB Matt Cassel. Antoine Winfield was released.
Armed with an extra first round pick, the Vikings are in good position to add another receiver, an offensive lineman, and a quality player on defense in the draft.
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons are a very good team that could become great if Tony Gonzalez doesn’t retire and the defense is strengthened. It’s really as simple as that. The defense needs to get to the quarterback more often and Thomas DeCoud is overrated and allowed opposing tight ends to torch him in the playoffs.
Update: DE Osi Umenyiora and RB Steven Jackson are each quality signings that should improve a team that is ready to make a run at a championship.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs allowed quarterbacks to chuck the ball all over the field against them in 2012. The defensive secondary needs to be completely rebuilt. The only real concern on offense is the lack of development of former Tennessee Volunteer Luke Stocker. A quality tight end would make that offense lethal.
Update: The Buccaneers lost star DE Michael Bennett to the Seattle Seahawks in free agency.
The team signed WR Steve Smith, DE George Selvie, WR Kevin Oglteree, FB Brian Leonard, DT Derek Landri, K Nate Kaeding, S Dashon Goldson, TE Tom Crabtree, and OLB Jonathan Casillas.
Tampa also re-signed LB Jacob Cutrera and LS Andrew Economos.
Goldson solidifies the safety position and Casillas should provide the team with a starting strong side linebacker. Ogletree and Smith could be viewed as quality depth signings to play behind Mike Williams and Vincent Jackson, but we aren’t convinced these signings will prevent the Bucs from drafting a receiver at some point during the draft’s final day.
Team Needs: CB, CB, TE, DT, WR, RB
New Orleans Saints
The Saints are switching to a base 3-4 defense and new players are needed at almost every position on that side of the ball. Last year’s squad gave up more yards per game than any other defense in the history of the NFL. The only real concern on the other side of the ball is the offensive tackle position.
Update: The Saints signed CB Keenan Lewis, TE Ben Watson, DE Kenyon Coleman, and OLB Victor Butler. These are quality additions, but the defense still needs a lot of work.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers were actually one of the best bad teams in the league last year. The offense is in pretty good shape with the exception of the offensive line. Of course, the team would like to find its future #1 receiver, but Steve Smith is still productive. The main focus of this offseason will be on improving the defense. The linebackers are solid, but the interior of the defensive line and the secondary are both concerns.
Update: The Panthers signed WR Domenik Hixon, WR Ted Ginn, CB Drayton Florence, SS Mike Mitchell, and LB Chase Blackburn. These moves improve depth, but likely don’t change the team’s draft plans.
NFC West
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers have more talent than any other team in the NFL. There are few immediate needs on either side of the ball. The best defense in the league could make the leap to elite status if a couple of loose ends are tied up.
Update: The 49ers added Anquan Boldin and no longer have a pressing need for a receiver.
Update: The 49ers signed Nnamdi Asomugha, DE Glenn Dorsey, S Craig Dahl, and K Phil Dawson. The team also traded for QB Colt McCoy. Defensive end, cornerback, and kicker are no longer areas of need.
Team Needs: OLB, S, NT, TE, CB, OL depth, WR
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals needs a new quarterback and several new members of a revamped offensive line. Fixing those issues alone could make a difference of about 4 or 5 more wins next season. The running back position is going to have to be sorted out, but it would be acceptable to give Beanie Wells and Ryan Williams one more season to step up and produce like starters. The defense needs a couple of new starters at linebacker.
Update: The Cardinals settled their quarterback situation by trading for Carson Palmer and Drew Stanton to replace Kevin Kolb and John Skelton. Arizona also brought in RB Rashard Mendenhall, DE Matt Shaughnessy, CB Jerraud Powers, CB Antoine Cason, LB Lorenzo Alexander, LB Jasper Brinkley, DB Bryan McCann, S Yeremiah Bell and DE Frostee Rucker.
The departure of S Adrian Wilson creates a hole at safety and many of the team’s acquisitions are more depth players than quality starters. Shaughnessy fills the void at defensive end.
St. Louis Rams
The Rams have to fix their offensive line so Sam Bradford is given a chance to be successful. Lance Kendricks and Brian Quick haven’t been productive yet so there’s a chance another receiving target could be added. The biggest area in need of an upgrade on defense is at free safety with the strongside linebacker position close behind.
Update: The Rams claimed Titus Young off waivers. As a result, WR had been downgraded to a minimal area of concern.
Update: Titus Young has been waived. Maybe Jeff Fisher was just doinghis buddy a favor by helping get Young out of the league. It is once again, possible, if not likely that the Rams will attempt to acquire a starting quality receiver.
Update: The Rams signed Jared Cook. There is no longer a need for a tight end.
Update: The Rams lost their franchise back Steven Jackson when he opted out of his contract.
St. Louis did well in free agency by making a couple of impact signings. OT Jake Long and TE Jared Cook wipe tackle and tight end off the map of draft needs. Running back has been added as an area that the team may seek to improve upon, although solid internal options remain.
Team Needs: S, OG, WR, OLB, DT, RB
Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks are a solid offseason away from becoming a great team. Seattle needs to add at least one pass rusher who isn’t a liability against the run and a receiver with #1 potential. The other main concern is the strong side of the offensive line.
Update: The Seahawks traded for Percy Harvin. Receiver is no longer a top priority.
Update: The Seahawks signed DE Cliff Avril and DE Michael Bennett. Bennett is a tad nicked up, but these moves tremendously improved the team’s pass rushing ability. There is no longer a need for a defensive end.
Update: The Seahawks have signed CB Antoine Winfield.
Team Needs: NT, OG, WLB, TE, WR, OT
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