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May 12, 2008

 

 

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Draft needs by team

Identifying each club's top five needs plus key additions, subtractions

By Matt Feminis and PFW staff
April 24, 2008

Providing a snapshot of how each NFL team will approach the draft, we have identified the top five needs of each club, in order, using position abbreviations, along with notes explaining why they are needs. In the second table below, we list how each team ranked last season in rushing and passing offense, rushing and passing defense and turnover differential (takeaways minus turnovers), as well as the key additions and subtractions to that club's roster since the end of the 2007 season.

 

Top five needs

 
AFC East  1 2 3 4 5 Notes
Buffalo  WR CB DE TE FS The Bills will look to procure a No. 2 receiver to complement Lee Evans and support Trent Edwards' growth. SS Donte Whitner anchors the secondary, but depth could be added at both CB and FS, as injuries plagued the safety position and CB play slipped after the departure of Nate Clements. Anthony Hargrove's season-long suspension creates a need for a backup defensive end. A more athletic threat at tight end could upgrade the position.   
Miami  OT WR CB TE QB Dire need for stability at offensive tackle was addressed by Jake Long signing. More production is expected from Ted Ginn in his second season, but another receiver is needed after Chris Chambers was traded last year and Marty Booker released. CB depth falls off after Will Allen. Will look to upgrade the TE position. QB John Beck might not be the long-term answer, and Josh McCown needs to prove he can be consistent.
New England  CB LB OT S RB Glaring needs exist in the secondary after losing three starters, including All-Pro CB Asante Samuel. More youth and speed is needed at linebacker, although Bill Belichick prefers smart, experienced veterans. OT vulnerability was exposed in Super Bowl. Ground game could be boosted by a running back to complement Laurence Maroney.
N.Y. Jets  DE RB QB CB OT Youth is needed at the DE position. RB Thomas Jones is aging, and the Jets could use another bellcow for the future. Quarterback of the future may not be on the roster. 2007 first-rounder Darrelle Revis is a keeper at CB, but a second cover man is needed, as Justin Miller is coming off a severe knee injury. Offensive line depth isn't out of the question, despite free-agent spending spree.
AFC North  1 2 3 4 5 Notes
Baltimore  QB OT CB LB WR A signalcaller is a priority, as Steve McNair is retired, and Kyle Boller has not proven to be consistent. OLT Jonathan Ogden is expected to hang up his cleats. CB is a need with Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle north of 30 years of age. Strong-side LB could be addressed. Another playmaker is needed at WR spot.
Cincinnati  DT DE RB OLB C An athletic force in the defensive interior is a big need after the Bengals failed to land a big body in free agency. The addition of DE Antwan Odom softens the blow of losing Justin Smith, but a strongside end is still needed. Injuries have been a problem in the backfield. Reinstatement of Odell Thurman helps inside, but Bengals could still increase athleticism at OLB. Stability at center is also desired.
Cleveland  CB DT LB RB DE Another CB is needed opposite second-year man Eric Wright. Outside linebacker depth could be added. A challenger for the No. 2 role behind Jamal Lewis is an option in a deep RB class. The addition of DL Corey Williams creates a stout front, but depth stands to be improved.
Pittsburgh  OG OT DE FS RB Loss of OG Alan Faneca creates void inside. Long-tem solutions aren't present at the tackle spots, either. Another strong DE would be an asset. Tyrone Carter and Anthony Smith are stopgaps at free safety opposite Troy Polamalu. A physical back to pair with Willie Parker is also realistic, especially with Parker coming off injury.
AFC South  1 2 3 4 5 Notes
Houston  OT CB RB S DE Still searching for franchise left tackle. Free-agent acquisition Jacques Reeves was added, but CB depth is needed because Dunta Robinson is a question mark after sustaining severe hamstring and ACL injuries last November and Fred Bennett is coming off injury as well. Texans lack a home-run hitter at running back. A dependable, long-term safety fixture also has eluded the young franchise. Former first-round DE Jason Babin is gone, so an end to play opposite Mario Williams is also an option.
Indianapolis  WR DT OT DE RB With the window closing on Marvin Harrison's career, the Colts could add another threat at receiver, as three receivers are required in Tom Moore's offense. Ed Johnson was a find, but another DT to plug in to the rotation couldn't hurt. OLT Tony Ugoh disappointed as a rookie. A DE is realistic, as Robert Mathis' sack production has slipped in consecutive years.  A legitimate No. 2 back to go with Joseph Addai also could be added.
Jacksonville  DE S OT LB WR Jags could do worse than DEs Paul Spicer and Reggie Hayward, but a pass-rushing end is a priority. Reggie Nelson was a solid first-round pick a year ago, but questions remain next to him. A long-term OT prospect is also needed, as Khalif Barnes has been the O-line's weak link. Injury insurance for banged-up MLB Mike Peterson is necessary. Free-agent acquisition Jerry Porter still must prove he could be managed.
Tennessee  WR OT DE RB CB QB Vince Young is still in need of a playmaking receiver. Both starting offensive tackles are unrestricted free agents. Jevon Kearse is back, but the losses of Travis LaBoy and Antwan Odom creates a need at DE. Chris Brown’s departure opens the door for a RB addition to add depth behind LenDale White and unproven second-year man Chris Henry. Also could use CB depth following the trade of PacMan Jones.
AFC West  1 2 3 4 5 Notes
Denver  OT DT S MLB DE Retirement of OLT Matt Lepsis opens door for second-year man Ryan Harris, but Harris could be kicked to the right side. Defensive interior still needs to be addressed, as run defense was an issue. Could use an athletic safety to groom behind aging John Lynch. Also in need of a natural middle linebacker.    
Kansas City  OT DE CB WR OG Draft must yield several immediate starters, most notably at offensive tackle, where help could be used on both sides. Jared Allen trade created a void at open-side end. Ty Law's departure and Patrick Surtain's declining impact makes CB an area of need. Dwayne Bowe, the team's 2007 first-rounder, appears to be a hit, but KC needs more skill at WR. Depth at OG also needs to be addressed, plus loss of Casey Wiegmann leaves team without long-term anchor at center.
Oakland  DE OT DT RB OG Will look for a dominant pass rusher opposite DE Derrick Burgess. Still have not recovered from Robert Gallery's failure at left tackle. Tommy Kelly's record contract doesn't mask need for added depth at DT. An explosive offensive playmaker could be used in the backfield. Figure to bolster OG position.
San Diego  OT S RB LB CB Have few big holes, so Chargers are in position to draft depth, particularly along the O-line. Competition for SS Clinton Hart is likely. With the departure of RB Michael Turner, will seek No. 2 back. Depth at ILB is also needed. Coudl seek nickelback to replace Drayton Florence in event Paul Oliver does not work out.
NFC East  1 2 3 4 5 Notes
Dallas  RB WR CB DE S Loss of RB Julius Jones means team needs an speedy complementary back to pair with restricted free-agent Marion Barber. Will seek speed threat at WR to support growth of franchise quarterback Tony Romo. In need of nickel corner. Could add another big-bodied end for 3-4 front. Roy Williams' limitations in coverage make strong safety an option.
N.Y. Giants  FS CB OLB OT WR Stopgap Sammy Knight helps compensate for loss of Gibril Wilson, but could add ball-hawking FS to the mix and still need more youth at safety and cornerback. Competition will decide weak-side LB starter, but Giants figure to add to position. Will seek OT depth to ensure Eli Manning's long-term health. Sinorice Moss' struggles makes WR an option.
Philadelphia  OT WR DT S TE Eagles possess steady, veteran OTs, but need to get younger at the position with Winston Justice struggling mightily. WR need is familiar refrain. Could use more bulk along D-line. Safety figures to be addressed, as Brian Dawkins (34) can't play his style forever. Could draft TE insurance given franchise-tagged L.J. Smith's uncertain status beyond this season.
Washington  DE WR OT DT S DL stalwarts Phillip Danels and Cornelius Griffin are aging. Big, physical, West Coast-style WR needed. Will seek youthful reinforcements along O-line, especially outside where they are getting old. Loss of Sean Taylor created need alongside LaRon Landry.
NFC North  1 2 3 4 5 Notes
Chicago  OT RB DT S OG Bears in desperate need of franchise left tackle, which would allow for John Tait to move to ORT. Unreliable Cedric Benson means RB will be drafted for second year in a row. Injury concerns at DT and release of Tank Johnson and Darwin Walker will prompt depth addition. Impact safety is still needed, as Mike Brown can't stay healthy and Adam Archuleta was a bust. OG with starter potential also needed.
Detroit  RB OT LB DE CB Do not have a starting back on the roster. Upgrade at ORT also figures to improve weak ground game. Ernie Sims is the only legitimate starter at linebacker, and a MLB with cover skills is needed. Figure to pursue strong DE to play opposite Dewayne White. Pair of veteran corners were added, but that won't prohibit team from drafting another.
Green Bay  CB QB TE DE OG Cover corner needed in the event lockdown vets Al Harris and Charles Woodson slow. It's Aaron Rodgers' time, but the Packers are in need of a No. 2 QB, although veteran route still may be best. Will address need for blocking TE. Promising edge rusher also a possibility. Depth needed at OG spot.
Minnesota DE WR OG CB TE Recent DE failures leave void at position, although addition of Jared Allen was a major boost. Could use another WR to slot behind free-agent acquisition Bernard Berrian and developing Sidney Rice. Could seek upgrade at ORG. Middle-round DB depth also possible. Another dependable TE could aid the development of Tarvaris Jackson.
NFC South  1 2 3 4 5 Notes
Atlanta OT QB DT CB LB Franchise in dire need of franchise quarterback. Do not have a starting-caliber offensive tackle on the roster.  Release of Rod Coleman leaves slim pickings at DT. Trade of DeAngelo Hall makes CB a need as well. Could use more help at linebacker.
Carolina  RB DE OT FS QB Do not have a power back to carry a full workload. Help is needed along D-line, given trade of former standouts DT Kris Jenkins and retirement of DE Mike Rucker. Recently re-signed Travelle Wharton may move from OLT to OG, meaning a versatile offensive linemen would help. Also could use more athleticism at safety position, with little talent besides Chris Harris. QB of the future could be addressed.
New Orleans  CB DT LB C WR A first-day corner could challenge for playing time immediately. Defense in need of help at all three levels, including forceful DT. Solid, if unspectacular and injury-prone linebackers could prompt addition of athletic LB. Loss of Jeff Faine leaves void at center. Robert Meachem, the team's 2007 first-round pick, is a question mark, so another WR is a possibility.
Tampa Bay  WR CB DT OT QB Reliance on veterans at top of depth chart means a WR is needed. Could use a corner with better man cover skills. Run defense could benefit by addition of DT. Will look to add depth at OT. Have quantity but lacking quality at QB position.  
NFC West  1 2 3 4 5 Notes
Arizona  CB RB DE LB WR Antrel Rolle's move to safety creates need for depth at CB. RB Edgerrin James is still productive, but Cards will seek a big-play back. Defense lacks edge rusher with Calvin Pace gone and could use help at both DE and OLB spots. Could bring in a WR to challenge Steve Breaston for spot vacated by departed No. 3 WR Bryant Johnson.
San Francisco  OT WR S OG ILB Joe Staley moves to OLT, but a long-term solution at ORT is a question mark. More offensive playmakers are needed. An upgrade could be used at safety. Loss of Justin Smiley makes OG a priority. Help could be used alongside Patrick Willis.
Seattle  TE OT DT OG WR Field-stretching tight end would add diversity to offense. An eventual replacement for OLT Walter Jones still isn't on the roster. Uncertainty about Marcus Tubbs' ability to bounce back from torn ACL means depth is needed at DT. Could use OG depth. Loss of D.J. Hackett combined with aging Bobby Engram opens door for possible WR selection.
St. Louis  OT DE WR C RB Time is now to find heir apparent for OLT Orlando Pace, especially given the struggles of Alex Barron. Leonard Little is approaching his mid-30s and James Hall hasn't been productive, so a pass-rushing DE is needed. Will look to add a receiver. Could use help at center. FB Brian Leonard is versatile, but a more pure No. 2 runner to complement Steven Jackson could be added.  

 

    

2007 league rank

       
    

Offense

Defense

   

Key additions

Key subtractions

AFC East  Run Pass Run Pass T.O.      
Buffalo  15 30 25 29 6t CB William James, TE Courtney Anderson, TE Matt Murphy, DT Spencer Johnson, DT Marcus Stroud, LB Kawika Mitchell CB Jason Webster, TE Michael Gaines, DT Larry Tripplett, RB Anthony Thomas, WR Peerless Price
Miami  23 24 32 4 22t S Chris Crocker, WR-KR Tab Perry, S Keith Davis, QB Josh McCown, WR Ernest Wilford, DT Randy Starks, LB Reggie Torbor, NT Jason Ferguson, OG Justin Smiley OG Rex Hadnot, RB Jesse Chatman, QB Cleo Lemon, LB Zach Thomas, QB Trent Green,  WR Marty Booker, OT L.J. Shelton, NT Keith Traylor
New England  13 1 10 6 3 OLB Victor Hobson, CB Fernando Bryant, CB Lewis Sanders, S Tank Williams DB Eugene Wilson, CB Randall Gay, WR Donté Stallworth, CB Asante Samuel, TE Kyle Brady, LB Rosevelt Colvin
N.Y. Jets  19 25 29 9 20 TE Bubba Franks, FB Tony Richardson, OT Damien Woody, OLB Calvin Pace, OG Alan Faneca, DT Kris Jenkins WLB Victor Hobson, OT Anthony Clement, S Erik Coleman, MLB Jonathan Vilma, WR Justin McCareins, CB Andre Dyson, OG Adrien Clarke
AFC North               
Baltimore  16 23 2 20 32 CB Frank Walker, LB Brendon Ayanbadejo QB Steve McNair, UFA RS B.J. Sams, WR Devard Darling, RB Mike Anderson
Cincinnati  24 7 21 26 8t TE Ben Utecht, LB Darryl Blackstock, DE Antwan Odom DE Bryan Robinson, WR Chris Henry, C Alex Stepanovich, WLB Landon Johnson, DE Justin Smith, S Madieu Williams
Cleveland  10 12 27 24 19 LB Shantee Orr, DT Shaun Rogers, WR Donté Stallworth, DT Corey Williams OLB Matt Stewart,  ILB Chaun Thompson, CB Leigh Bodden, CB Ricardo Colclough, DE Orpheus Roye
Pittsburgh  3 22 3 3 12 C Justin Hartwig, RB Mewelde Moore OLB Clark Haggans, OG Alan Faneca, CB Allen Rossum, TE Jerame Tuman, LB Clint Kriewaldt
AFC South               
Houston  22 11 19 25 31 S Nick Ferguson, QB Quinn Gray, C Chris Myers, UFA LB Chaun Thompson, RB Chris Brown, LB Kevin Bentley, CB Jacques Reeves C Steve McKinney, LB Danny Clark, OLB Charlie Anderson, S Von Hutchins, WR-KR Jerome Mathis, C Mike Flanagan, LB Shawn Barber, TE Jeb Putzier
Indianapolis  18 6 15 2 2 None. SLB Rocky Boiman, TE Ben Utecht, OG Jake Scott, MLB Rob Morris, DT Anthony McFarland
Jacksonville  2 17 11 15 6t CB Drayton Florence, WR Jerry Porter, QB Cleo Lemon, WR Troy Williamson S Lamont Thompson, CB Aaron Glenn, QB Quinn Gray, OG Chris Naeole, S Sammy Knight, DE Bobby McCray, DT Marcus Stroud, WR Ernest Wilford
Tennessee  5 27 5 10 16 CB-RS Chris Carr, TE Dwayne Blakely, WR Justin McCareins, OG Jake Scott, TE Alge Crumpler RB Chris Brown, TE Ben Troupe, DE Travis LaBoy, OG Jacob Bell, DE Antwan Odom, TE Ben Hartsock, DT Randy Starks, WR David Givens, CB-RS Pacman Jones
AFC West               
Denver  9 13 30 7 13t WR Darrell Jackson, WR Samie Parker, C Casey Wiegmann, S Marquand Manuel, S Marlon McCree, SLB Boss Bailey, WR Keary Colbert S Nick Ferguson, PK Jason Elam, C Chris Myers, WR Javon Walker, LB Ian Gold
Kansas City  32 20 28 5 28t RS B.J. Sams, WLB Demorrio Williams, PK Billy Cundiff DE Jared Allen, WR Samie Parker, TE-FB Kris Wilson, CB Benny Sapp, C Casey Wiegmann, WR Eddie Kennison, OG John Welbourn, RB Priest Holmes, OT Kyle Turley
Oakland  6 31 31 8 28t CB Duane Starks, C John Wade, DE Kalimba Edwards, CB DeAngelo Hall, DT William Joseph, WR Drew Carter, OT Kwame Harris, WR Javon Walker CB-RS Chris Carr, DE Tyler Brayton, SLB Chris Clemons, QB Josh McCown, WR Jerry Porter
San Diego  7 26 16 14 1 LB Derek Smith RB Michael Turner, CB Drayton Florence, FB Lorenzo Neal, S Marlon McCree, ORT Shane Olivea
NFC East               
Dallas  17 4 6 13 8t LB Zach Thomas, CB-RS Pacman Jones S Keith Davis, RB Julius Jones, CB Jacques Reeves, NT Jason Ferguson, FB Oliver Hoyte
N.Y. Giants  4 21 8 11 26 LB Danny Clark, QB David Carr, S Sammy Knight DT Manny Wright, DT William Joseph, WLB Kawika Mitchell, S Gibril Wilson, SLB Reggie Torbor
Philadelphia  8 10 7 18 25 TE Kris Wilson, LB Rocky Boiman, DE Chris Clemons, CB Asante Samuel CB William James, LB Takeo Spikes, FB Thomas Tapeh, DE Jevon Kearse
Washington  12 14 4 16 21 WR-KR Jerome Mathis WR Reche Caldwell, WR Brandon Lloyd
NFC North               
Chicago  30 15 24 27 17t WR Brandon Lloyd, WR Marty Booker SLB Brendon Ayanbadejo, QB Brian Griese, WR Bernard Berrian, TE John Gilmore, WR Muhsin Muhammad, OT Fred Miller, DT Darwin Walker
Detroit  31 9 23 31 17t LB Gilbert Gardner, S Kalvin Pearson, CB Brian Kelly, DT Chuck Darby, TE Michael Gaines, S Dwight Smith, CB Leigh Bodden S Kenoy Kennedy, RB Kevin Jones, DE Kalimba Edwards, SLB Boss Bailey, ILB Teddy Lehman, RB T.J. Duckett, OT Damien Woody, DT Shaun Rogers, QB J.T. O'Sullivan, CB Fernando Bryant
Green Bay  21 2 14 12 10t Brandon Chillar CB Frank Walker, QB Brett Favre, DT Corey Williams, TE Bubba Franks
Minnesota 1 28 1 32 13t QB Gus Frerotte, DT Ellis Wyms, WR Bernard Berrian, S Madieu Williams, FB Thomas Tapeh S Michael Boulware, LB Derrick Pope, S Tank Williams, FB Tony Richardson, ILB Dontarrious Thomas, RB Mewelde Moore, DT Spencer Johnson, WR Troy Williamson, QB Kelly Holcomb, S Dwight Smith
NFC South               
Atlanta 26 18 26 23 10t PK Jason Elam, C Alex Stepanovich, DT Kindal Moorehead, RB Michael Turner, TE Ben Hartsock, CB-S Von Hutchins, S UFA Erik Coleman S Chris Crocker, CB DeAngelo Hall, RB Warrick Dunn, WLB Demorrio Williams, DT Rod Coleman, TE Alge Crumpler, QB Byron Leftwich, OT Wayne Gandy, CB Lewis Sanders, WR Jamin Elliott
Carolina  14 29 18 17 13t OG Milford Brown, FS Terrence Holt, WR D.J. Hackett, RB LaBrandon Toefield, LB Landon Johnson, DE Tyler Brayton, CB Ricardo Colclough, WR Muhsin Muhammad WR Drew Carter, C-OG Justin Hartwig, S Marquand Manuel, DT Kindal Moorehead, WR Keary Colbert, DT Kris Jenkins, QB David Carr, RB DeShaun Foster, LB Dan Morgan, OG Mike Wahle
New Orleans  28 3 13 30 22t CB Aaron Glenn, C-OG Matt Lehr, QB Mark Brunell, MLB Dan Morgan, DE Bobby McCray, CB Randall Gay, MLB Jonathan Vilma C Jeff Faine, PK Olindo Mare
Tampa Bay  11 16 17 1 4 DB Eugene Wilson, DE Marques Douglas, RB Warrick Dunn, TE Ben Troupe, QB Brian Griese, C Jeff Faine, TE John Gilmore C John Wade, OG Matt Lehr, S Kalvin Pearson, CB Brian Kelly, DE Kevin Carter, DE Greg Spires
NFC West               
Arizona  29 5 9 28 22t DE Bryan Robinson, LB Clark Haggans, P Dirk Johnson, DE Travis LaBoy, LB Matt Stewart WR Bryant Johnson, SLB Darryl Blackstock, OG Keydrick Vincent, SLB Calvin Pace, FS Terrence Holt, OT Oliver Ross, DL Chris Cooper
San Francisco  27 32 22 22 30 WR Bryant Johnson, WR Isaac Bruce, DE Justin Smith, CB Allen Rossum, RB DeShaun Foster, LB Dontarrious Thomas, QB J.T. O'Sullivan WR Darrell Jackson, QB Trent Dilfer, DE Marques Douglas, OT Kwame Harris, RB Maurice Hicks, OG Justin Smiley, LB Derek Smith
Seattle  20 8 12 19 5 PK Olindo Mare, RB Julius Jones, RB T.J. Duckett, OG Mike Wahle DT Ellis Wyms, WR D.J. Hackett, DT Chuck Darby SLB Kevin Bentley, LB Niko Koutouvides, PK Josh Brown
St. Louis  25 19 20 21 27 WR Reche Caldwell, CB David Macklin, QB Trent Green, TE Anthony Becht, OG Jacob Bell, PK Josh Brown OG Milford Brown, LB Brandon Chillar, WR Isaac Bruce, QB Gus Frerotte

 

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