Showing posts with label NFL Team Needs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NFL Team Needs. Show all posts

Friday, March 28, 2014

AFC North Team Needs

Baltimore Ravens
Wide Receiver
The Ravens need to continue to surround Joe Flacco with weapons.  Torrey Smith and Steve Smith gives them a start, but what they are lacking is that guy that can go up and get it. Mike Evans (Texas A&M) and Kelvin Benjamin would be options in the first, but Allen Robinson (Penn State) is a sleeper pick on day two.

Defensive End
When Arthur Jones signed with Indianapolis that opened up a gaping hole at the defensive end position. Florida State's Tim Jernigan is very stout at the line and could slide right into Jones' old position, but he may not be there. They may have to wait till the third or fourth round and take somebody like UCLA's Cassius Marsh.

Free Safety
Matt Elam had an up and down year. He's average at the free safety position, but would be even better sliding over to the strong safety position. If Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix or Calvin Pryor are available it he first round they'd jump.  However they're a good chance they'd take a Jimmie Ward (Northern Illinois) in the second round.

Right Tackle
Just like Arthur Jones, the loss of Michael Oher hurts more than people think. Oher was a rock solid right tackle who also played left tackle when needed.  Baltimore has to take somebody because Ricky Wagner isn't starting material. They'll need athletic guys to run Kubiak's zone blocking scheme. Joel Bitonio (Nevada) in the second round could be an option.

Center
They want Gino Gradkowski to be their center, but he just didn't play very good this past season. He'll get a second chance, but the Ravens should look for a backup in case Gino flops again. A player to watch is Gabe Ikard from Oklahoma who is a good athlete and would fit well in the zone blocking scheme.

Cincinnati Bengals
Defensive End
With Michael Johnson with Tampa Bay the Bengals have a need for a pass rusher at defensive end. Kony Ealy and Dee Ford are possibilities, but the Bengals like ends with length at end so that could rule those players out.  Instead they could wait till the second round to take the rising 6'6 Kareem Martin from North Carolina.

Left Tackle
Andrew Whitworth really flourished moving inside to guard. The Bengals want to keep him there, but with Anthony Collins signing in Tampa Bay they'll need to find a replacement tackle. Morgan Moses of Virginia is likely the only one in the first, otherwise they'll have to take a chance on somebody like a Billy Turner from North Dakota State later.

Cornerback
A deep class should allow them to fix a position that hasn't been the same in years. Leon Hall has had three knee injuries while Terrence Newman is nearing the end. Bradley Roby (Ohio State) is an option in the first, but with bigger needs they could wait till Day 2 and take EJ Gaines (Missouri) or Marcus Roberson (Florida).

Safety
Not a huge need, but George Iloka and Reggie Nelson are only average. Safety has become so important in this league that having a playmaker can really enhance any defense. Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix of Alabama would be a slam dunk pick at 24, but he's likely gone.  Another option could be an underrated Ed Reynolds from Stanford in round three.

Wide Receiver
AJ Green is arguably one of the top five recievers in the NFL, but the rest of his supporting cast is average at best. If the Bengals offense is to take the next step it would help to add a competent second option. LSU's Jarvis Landry or South Carolina's Bruce Ellington in the third or fourth round could really give them a dynamic player out in the slot.

Cleveland Browns
Quarterback
Forget franchise quarterback, they've struggled finding a quarterback to give them consecutive good seasons. Brian Hoyer showed promise, but not enough to convince he is their future. Picking fourth the Browns have a shot at the top quarterbacks, but with an additional first rounder they have the luxury of letting one fall to them or taking Fresno State's David Carr.

Guard
With Alex Mack, Joe Thomas, and Mitchell Schwartz, the Browns have the foundations of one of the best lines in football.  But their guard play is what's holding them back.  With Kyle Shanahan as their new offensive coordinator they'll be running a zone scheme and want good athletes. UCLA's Xavier Su'a-Filo and Baylor's Cyril Richardson would fit perfectly.

Free Safety
Losing TJ Ward was huge, mainly because Tashaun Gipson would be their starter. Gipson plays like a backup. Having the 26th pick the Browns would love to see Calvin Pryor or Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix be available. Instead they should target Florida State's Lamarcus Joyner in the second round. Joyner's play making ability is getting Tyrann Mathieu comparisons. 

Wide Receiver
Picking Josh Gordon in the supplemental draft was a steal for the Browns. But outside of Gordon and Jordan Cameron, the Browns lack reliable threats. If available at pick four Sammie Watkins is a no brainer. Although settling for either Florida State's Kelvin Benjamin or Vanderbilt's Jordan Matthews would be good additions to work the middle of the field.

Cornerback
Since finding gold in Joe Haden, they've struggled to pair him with another quality cornerback. Taking Justin Gilbert with the fourth overall pick could be an option, they'd be better off waiting till at least day two.  Nebraska's Stanley Jean-Baptiste has the size teams are coveting, while Florida's Marcus Roberson's film shows more than his predraft work.

Pittsburgh Steelers
Cornerback
Ike Taylor has been their top cornerback but he's struggled to slow other teams top receiver. If they can find a lock down corner their blitz packages could be deadly. Pittsburgh doesn't normally trade up, but to get either Justin Gilbert or Darqueze Dennard they'd need to. Otherwise they'd have to hope they can get lucky on day two.

Wide Receiver
With Emmanuel Sanders signing with the Broncos it makes it two years straight the Steelers have lost a starting receiver. Oregon State's Brandin Cooks or Colorado's Paul Richardson are both similar to what they've had with Sanders and Wallace. However offensive coordinator Todd Haley likes more of a shorter passing game, so Texas A&M's Mike Evans could be their target.

Defensive End
Even though Evander Hood hadn't been playing up to his potential, his departure leaves a void. Steve McLendon could be moved to end, but they'd still need some more depth no matter what.  They won't target anybody early, but the Steelers could target one of the Stanford duo of Ben Gardner and Josh Mauro in the fourth round.

Outside Linebacker
Jason Worilds emergence allows the Steelers to part ways with Lamar Woodley.  But that means they need Jarvis Jones to step up and be the guy who was projected as a top five pick. With all that aside they need to add depth. BYU's Kyle Van Noy and Stanford's Trent Murphy would fit their scheme well.

Inside Linebacker
Lawrence Timmons continues to be solid in the middle, but the Steelers should really try to upgrade from Vince Williams. CJ Mosley from Alabama is an option at fifteen if there isn't a better value, otherwise they'd likely have to wait till the third or fourth rounds and get a player like Louisville's Preston Brown.

AFC South Team Needs

Houston Texans
Quarterback
New regimes mean new quarterbacks. Matt Schaub was traded off to Oakland which opens the door for a new quarterback. Blake Bortels is the popular pick and has been linked to Bill O'Brien. But with there being no consensus top choice the Texans could always wait till the second round and take David Carr or Eastern Illinois' Jimmy Garappalo.

Outside Linebacker
Brooks Reed will likely move inside, but even if he doesn't the Texans really lack anything besides Whitney Mercilus. Having the first pick they can fix it by taking Jadeveon Clowney or even Buffalo's Khalil Mack. But they need a quarterback more and could go with  BYU's Kyle Van Noy or Georgia Tech's Jeremiah Attaochu at thirty three.

Tight End
We know Bill O'Brien loves his tight ends.  He did it in New England and at Penn State.  Houston has Garrett Graham but need two more. Having the first pick of the second round they'll have a shot at Jace Amaro and Troy Niklas.  But Colorado State's Crockett Gillmore's is a name to keep an eye on in the third.

Guard
Wade Smith has given the Texans some quality production over the years, but he's still a free agent and past his prime. Add in that they're moving away from the zone blocking scheme they'll be looking for more physical blockers. O'Brien could look back to his Penn State days and take John Urschel in the fourth round.

Running back
The Texans need a running back because Arian Foster is injury prone and Ben Tate is now with Cleveland. But Bill O'Brien loves to run multiple backs. He did it in New England and Penn State.  Kent State's Dri Archer gives him a Danny Woodhead type weapon. Otherwise Florida State's James Wilder would also complement Foster well.

Indianapolis Colts
Guard
Protecting Andrew Luck is the highest priority. So when your owner calls out the offensive line, you know it's probably going to get attention. Right Guard Mike McGlynn was terrible last year and won't be back. The Colts could look to former Luck teammate David Yankey or even Clemson's Brandon Thomas on day two.

Center
Continuing with the offensive line, the Colts other big weakness is at center. Khaled Holmes was drafted late last year, but he isn't a long term answer. Phil Costa was brought in but he's just depth. They could go back to USC and take Marcus Martin's whose skill in the run game fits the Colts philosophy.

Outside Linebacker
Eric Walden was a big free agent for the Colts last year, but they wasted their money with him. Add in that Bjoern Werner being a poor schematic fit and the Colts should look to find another pass rusher opposite of Mathies. Arizona State's Carl Bradford is a better version of Walden and could be had in the fourth round.

Strong Safety
Losing Antoine Bethea is big because he's one of the elite. They could go two different ways to replace him. Targeting a strong safety like Washington State Deone Buccannon or USC's Dion Bailey on day two is one option. Or they could go with a free safety like Northern Illinois Jimmie Ward and move Laron Landry to strong safety.

Cornerback
Vontae Davis is one of the better cornerbacks in the league while Toler does alright. After that its all questions. Finding a starter would be great, but getting a good nickel back is a must. Jason Verrett of TCU has the cover skills needed for Pagano's system and should be available in the second because of his size.

Jacksonville Jaguars
Quarterback
Going into last off-season the Jaguars were confident in Blaine Gabbert, but then traded him for a sixth round pick. It's important that they find the right quarterback. Picking third they'll have a shot at one of the top quarterbacks. This could be the landing spot for Johnny Manziel because of Gus Bradley's experience with smaller playmakers while in Seattle.

Cornerback
With Gus Bradley helping build the Seahawks defense, he's gonna try to do the same here. To do so he needs those big corners.  Luckily he'll have some options on day two with Nebraska's Stanley Jean-Baptiste and Utah's Keith McGill who both stand 6'3. Later round options could be Lindenwood's Pier Desir or Liberty's Walt Aikens on day three.

Free Safety
Last year's second round pick Jonathan Cyprien is a keeper, but Bradley wants his own version of the Legion of Boom and lacks that Earl Thomas player. Lamarcus Joyner could be an option in the second round otherwise they may have to go with Antoine Exum of Virginia Tech or Joyner's teammate Terrence Brooks in the third and fourth rounds.

Outside Linebacker
The linebacker situation is a mess. Paul Posluszny is fine in the middle but both outside backers should go. Khalil Mack would give them a Von Miller type player at the strongside while Ohio State's Ryan Shazier would give them a run and tackle player at the weakside. Florida State's Christian Jones could give them a player to play both.

Wide Receiver
If Justin Blackman can get his personal life in order he might be able to live up to his potential.  In the meantime the Jaguars lack a legit number one receiver.  Sammie Watkins will get a serious look with the third pick.  Otherwise Clemson's Martavis Bryant or Fresno State's Davante Adams physical play would complement the Jaguars current speed receivers.


Tennessee Titans
Outside Linebacker
Before moving to the 3-4 the Titans lacked a good pass rusher, now with the switch the need is greater. Shaun Phillips was signed, but they need to find a dynamic rusher because Kamerion Wimbley has busted. UCLA's Anthony Barr could be their choice at pick eleven, or they could wait till round two and take Stanford's Trent Murphy.

Cornerback
Losing Alterrun Verner will hurt because he was their top cornerback. Tommie Campbell and Blidi Wreh-Wilson will compete for the starting spot, but neither is projected to be star. Oklahoma State's Justin Gilbert or Michigan State's Darqueze Dennard are options at eleven. If they wait they could take Ohio State's Bradley Roby or Oregon's Terrence Mitchell on day two.

Running back
Chris Johnson is still on the roster, but his high salary and diminishing play isn't going to keep him there for long. Look for the Titans will be looking for a future starter considering Wisenhunt loves to run the ball. Ka'Deem Carey from Arizona or UCF's Storm Johnson could be options in the third or fourth rounds.

Nose Tackle
Moving to the 3-4 means they'll have to find a space eating nose tackle. Jurrell Casey is projected to start there, but he would be better at one of the ends. Notre Dame's Louis Nix could be had at eleven, but they'd be wise to wait for Penn State's DaQuan Jones in round three or even Louisiana Tech's Justin Ellis.

Quarterback
With a new head coach, Jake Locker is in limbo. He could either flourish under new guidance or be on the way out. He'll get this year to prove it. However if one of the top quarterbacks fall, they could go there. Likely take somebody late to develop like Georgia's Aaron Murray or Wyoming's Brett Smith.

AFC West Team Needs

Denver Broncos
Middle Linebacker
Stopping the run was an issue for the Broncos last year and a lot of that fell on the middle linebacker. Wesley Woodyard struggled last year and is gone. Wisconsin's Chris Borland is an option at 31 but his size may scare Denver off. Western Kentucky's Andrew Jackson's downhill style could be an option in the third round.

Guard
With Peyton Manning not having great movement skills it's very important to keep the pocket clean, especially up front. They still like athletic lineman so UCLA's Xavier Su'a-Filo is an option at thirty one, or they could wait till the third or fourth rounds and take somebody like Wisconsin's Ryan Groy who isn't like most Badger lineman.

Cornerback
Getting Aqib Talib was huge because it gives them a lock down corner.  But Champ Bailey was cut and Domminique Rodgers-Cromartie wasn't resigned and have Chris Harris tore his ACL. A quick fix is to draft Bradley Roby or Kyle Fuller (Virginia Tech) at 31.  Or they could wait till the second round like Missouri's EJ Gaines.

Defensive End
Demarcus Ware was a big get and he'll be an upgrade over Shaun Phillips who played well.  But besides him and Derek Wolfe there isn't anybody. Adding a third pass rusher and a rotation would help. Oregon State's Scott Crichton would be a good scheme fit in the first, while Louisville's Marcus Smith could be an option on day two.

Running Back
With Knowshon Moreno signing with the Dolphins, it's Monte Ball's time. But there are plenty of questions that remain. Is Hillman going to get out of the doghouse, and can Ball step up in his pass game protection? Look for them to take somebody late to add to the rotation. Boston College's Andre Williams would fit well.

Kansas City Chiefs
Wide Receiver
Their only reliable pass catcher is Dwayne Bowe.  They need to take some pressure off of him and give Alex Smith another weapon. In the first they could go with Oregon State's Brandin Cooks who gives Reid a Desean Jackson type of player. If not, they could wait till the second round and take Colorado's Paul Richardson.

Tight End
Andy Reid likes to use tight ends, but the Chiefs lack a viable threat.  Picking 23rd they could have a shot at Eric Ebron but likely would have to consider Jace Amaro.  That may be a reach so waiting till day two to find a better value with Washington's Austin Seferian-Jenkins or California's Richard Rodgers.

Safety
With Eric Berry the Chiefs have one of the best, but they've struggled at free safety. Because they blitz so frequently they could really use someone with good coverage skills. Calvin Pryor would be a good fit because he can play centerfield while also covering man to man. If not, North Carolina's Tre Boston could be a fourth round option.

Guard
Both starting guards from this past year are now on different teams which leaves a big void along the offensive line. Andy Reid loves to draft offensive lineman in the first round and has reached before. However they'll likely wait till day two to address the position. Mississippi State's Gabe Jackson or Clemson's Brandon Thomas are options.

Defensive End
They gladly let Tyson Jackson leave in free agency and have Allen Bailey poised to step up. But at 23 they'll have the opportunity to take either Notre Dame's Stephon Tuit and Minnesota's Ra'Shede Hageman available.  They'd be luxury picks, although both players are ideal fits int he Chiefs defense because of their ability to attack and play two gaps.

Oakland Raiders
Linebacker
Both the middle and weakside linebacker spots need to be addressed because Nick Roach and Kevin Burnett aren't getting it done. Ryan Shazier would be great at the weakside if available in the second, but they may have to go with Florida State's Telvin Smith in the third round. While Connecticut's Yawin Smallwood could be a fourth round option.

Safety
Charles Woodson is a first ballot Hall of Famer, but he's done. They have to improve one of the worst pass defenses. Northern Illinois Jimmie Ward is an option at the top of the second round. They may have to try and find a diamond in the rough with the likes of Georgia Tech's Jamea Thomas or Louisville's Hakeem Smith.

Left Tackle
It's been a complete dumpster fire for the Raiders at left tackle this off-season. Donald Penn helps, but there's a reason he got cut. Picking fifth they have a chance at Jake Matthews and Greg Robinson. But Penn allows them to pass and take a chance on Miami's Sentreal Henderson in the third who has a world of potential.

Quarterback
Since Rich Gannon took them to a Super Bowl they've had a revolving door.They traded for Matt Schaub to be their starter, but even if Schaub plays well he's isn't a long term answer. Taking a quarterback late like Pittsburgh's Tom Savage in the fifth that has the cannon they like to be a developmental project.

Wide Receiver
Not a huge need, but if the Raiders can get that true number one caliber guy, the offense could really take off. Sammie Watkins if available at five should be their pick. Florida State's Kelvin Benjamin could slide into the second round and would be a great. But Wyoming's Robert Herron gives them something in the middle rounds.

San Diego Chargers
Cornerback
Not too long ago the Chargers had one of the best cornerback duo, now it's one of the worst. They realistically need two guys. Darqueze Dennard being available would be ideal, but at pick 25 he's long gone. That means they'll likely have go with Virginia Tech's Kyle Fuller or Ohio State's Bradley Roby.

Outside Linebacker
They've really busted with their pass rushers lately. Melvin Ingram struggled to get things going and last year they brought in Dwight Freeney and he did nothing. If they decide to try again Auburn's Dee Ford fits the scheme well and has experience play in a standing up. Another player could be USC's Devon Kennard in the fifth round.

Wide Receiver
Keenan Allen was a steal in the third round last year and gives them a number one guy.  However they could really use a complement to Allen and to add with Vincent Brown. Kelvin Benjamin's size and strength would give Phillip Rivers a chain mover, while LSU's Jarvis Landry would give them another quick receiver with yards after catch potential.

Nose Tackle
Cam Thomas leaving for Pittsburgh means Kwame Geathers is the starter. Geathers has played alright but he may not be a full time starter. Notre Dame's Louis Nix is an option in the first round, but taking a two down player in the first isn't always a good idea. Mike Pennel from Colorado State-Pueblo could be a sixth round option.

Left Tackle
Going into last year, the left tackle position was a huge concern. Out of nowhere King Dunlap stepped up and shored up the position. They don't have to take anybody early, but taking North Carolina's James Hurst whose coming off a knee injury in the fifth round could be a good value as a swing tackle.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

AFC South Team Needs

Houston Texans
1. Offensive Line
Starters Eric Winston (RT) and Mike Brisiel (RG) both left in free agency and now there is a huge hole along the right side of their offensive line. They didn't have the best depth (especially at OT) so they'll have to reload during the draft. Being a Zone Blocking Scheme they'll be looking for athletic lineman. Zebrie Sanders or Nate Potter could be Day 2 options.

2. Wide Receiver
Andre Johnson is one of the best WRs in the league. However besides them their is nothing. And if a team is able to slow Johnson it really makes it hard for their passing game to be successful. Luckily for them there should be an abundant amount of WRs for them to take in the 1st or 2nd round. But they'd love for Texas native Kendall Wright to be available at #26.

3. Nose Tackle
For Wade Phillips 3-4 defense to be successful, you don't need a huge space eating NT. However you do need somebody who can control the middle of the offensive line. Right now the Texans have Earl Mitchell playing that spot, but he would be better served at a DE spot. Behind him their isn't much depth either. So don't' be surprised for them to target somebody early to fill those shoes. Maybe somebody like Brandon Thompson in the 2nd round, or Mike Martin in the middle rounds.

Indianapolis Colts
1. Quarterback
After not having to worry about the QB spot for years, the Colts cut Peyton Manning. Mainly because they have the luxury of having the #1 pick with Andrew Luck coming out. It's no secret who the Colts are going to take with this pick. The talk of Robert Griffin going here is completely false.

2. Nose Tackle
Part of all the rebuilding job the Colts are doing involves them switching from a 4-3 Tampa 2 defense to a 3-4 scheme that wants giant run staffers up front. Right now the Colts don't have anybody that fits that. Especially in the middle. They have to draft somebody to fill this spot. Guys like Alemeda Ta'amu, Josh Chapman, or Akiem Hicks could be options.

3. Cornerback
Indianapolis hasn't had a good secondary since they won the Super Bowl. To make matter worse, one of their better corners Jacob Lacey signed with the Lions. New HC Chuck Pagano scheme requires corners who are good man to man cover guys. A guy like Jayron Hosley or Josh Robinson would be a good fit on Day 2 or maybe somebody like Conroy Black in the middle rounds.

Jacksonville Jaguars
1. Wide Receiver
Gabbert struggled last year and a big part of that was a lack of weapons to throw the ball to. Mike Thomas was their so called #1 WR, but on most teams he'd be a #3. Jacksonville signed Laurant Robinson, but he is probably a #2 WR at best. They Jags need a different making WR badly. Picking at #7 puts them in a bad position to get a WR. They'll miss out on Justin Blackmon and it's probably too early for Michael Floyd. They could just take Floyd or move back. But if they pass they'll have to hope for somebody like Rueben Randle or Alshon Jeffery be there in the 2nd round.

2. Defensive End
For years the Jags have been looking for help rushing the passer. This year is no different. Sure they resigned Jeremy Mincey, but they need help opposite of him. Aaron Kampman hasn't been healthy since they signed him and Matt Roth isn't a good fit in a 4-3. Jacksonville is very interested in Melvin Ingram and if they don't go WR at #7 they very well could take him. If not they'll have to wait till the 2nd round to get somebody like Nick Perry, Vinny Curry, or Andre Branch.

3. Cornerback
Even though they resigned Mathies and Middleton and even brought in Aaron Ross, the CB spot could use some more need blood. They would take Morris Claiborne if he somehow falls to them. But more realistically they'll get somebody in the middle rounds to hopefully push their current corners.

Tennessee Titans
1. Interior Offensive Line
Despite being a running team, the Titans offensive line isn't that great. Especially inside. Center Eugene Amano has really struggled and could move moved over to guard. The Titans did sign Steve Hutchinson, but he isn't considered a long term solution. The Titans would love to draft Peter Konz, but #20 could be too early for him. Cordy Glenn is an option too, but probably will be gone by then. Look for the Titans to find somebody on Day 2. Maybe somebody like Kevin Zeitler, Amini Silatolu, or Brandon Washington.

2. Cornerback
The Titans best corner Cortlon Finnegan has left and now is a Ram. That leaves them with only Jason McCourty and Alterraun Verner. However they will need to get a new starter to replace Finnegan because McCourty is no more than a backup. The Titans should be in a good position to grab a CB in the first round. Stephon Gilmore or Dre Kirkpatrick should be available at pick #20.

3. Defensive Tackle
Tennessee found a gem in Jurrell Casey, but don't have much help next to him. They look to target somebody who can penetrate at the 3 technique spot. If they don't go CB in the 1st they very well could go after the top DT in Jerel Worthy, Devon Still, or even Michael Brockers. If not there is still talent in the 2nd round with the likes of Derek Wolfe or Kendall Reyes.

Friday, April 13, 2012

AFC East Team Needs

Now that NFL Draft is less than two weeks away it's a great time to see what positions each team will be looking to fill come draft day. Today I'll start off with the AFC East.


Buffalo Bills

1. Left Tackle
After giving QB Ryan Fitzpatrick a big contract last year, they have to protect their investment. Last year's starter Demetrius Bell signed this off-season with the Eagles, so this makes this position their top priority. If Kalil starts to slip the Bills could look to move up, but more likely they'll have to settle for Riley Reiff or try and trade back for Cordy Glenn.

2. Outside Linebacker
Now that the Bills will be moving back to the 4-3 they need to regroup their linebacking core. They seem set at MLB with Kelvin Sheppard, but on the outside there are questions. Both Kirk Morrison and Nick Barnett could be improved upon. Look for them to target somebody in the middle rounds. Lavonte David, Zach Brown, and Keenan Robinson could all be options.

3. Wide Receiver
Stevie Johnson is a good WR, but besides him there isn't very much. In an effort to help improve this offense they could really stand to add a quality #2. If they don't take a LT at #10 they could go after Michael Floyd or go with somebody like Alshon Jeffery, Muhamad Sanu, or Rueben Randle in the 2nd round.



Miami Dolphins

1. Quarterback
Matt Moore played pretty well last year after taking over for an injuried Chad Henne. He very well could be the starter next year, but isn't the future. The Dolphins failed to bring in anybody this off-season, so they'll have to rely on the draft to get somebody. Right now they are the favorite to get Ryan Tannehill and could either take him at #8 or move up to ensure they get him.

2. Wide Receiver
Last year Brandon Marshall was their only starting worthy WR. Then the Dolphins go out and trade him to the Bears for two 3rd round picks. Now they are left with Devin Bess and Brian Hartline. Neither of them should be a NFL starter. If QB wasn't so big of a need they could take WR Michael Floyd at #8, but will likely have to take somebody in the 2nd or 3rd round.

3. Right Tackle
Whoever thought that Marco Columbo (who was cut by the Cowboys) being their starting RT should not have a job anymore. It's safe to say they need an upgrade. Miami signed Artis Hicks, but they still need more. Bobbie Massie would be a very good player here. They probably need to get him in the 2nd round if they want him.



New England Patriots

1. Pass Rusher
New England hasn't had a top pass rusher since Willie McGinnest. That was a long time ago. It's also the last time they won a Super Bowl. Now will they draft one? Probably not, but it's their top need. They have 2 picks in each of the first three rounds and will probably move up and down to get the players they want. They could move up to get a Courtney Upshaw who could be sliding. But players like Chandler Jones, Nick Perry, Whitney Mercilus, and Vinny Curry all fit their scheme.

2. Defensive End
Kyle Love and Gerrald Warren aren't starting DE's in this league anymore. They signed Jonathan Fanene, but they need much more. Luckily the end of the 1st round is chalk full of quality DT's that should be able to move to the 5 technique spot. Two guys to really watch out for are Micheal Brockers and Devon Still. Both are perfect fits.

3. Defensive Backs
It's a great story how the Patriots are able to move offensive players to defensive back. However it's not a great idea to rely on that too much. New England needs both cornerbacks and safeties. This safety class is pretty weak, but they should be able to get somebody at CB. Stephon Gilmore and Dre Kirkpatrick could be options in the 1st round, but Alfonzo Dennard in the 2nd round would be a great value.


New York Jets

1. Rush Linebacker
When Aaron Maybin is your best pass rusher, there is a big problem. This should be a top priority for the Jets in the draft. They are in a good spot in the middle of the first round to be able to get somebody. They'll likely get their choice of Courtney Upshaw, Chandler Jones, and Whitney Mercilus.

2. Offensive Line
D'Brickashaw Furgeson and Nick Mangold are very good, but the other three spots are in need of improvement. The Jets have brought in Tony Sparano to be their new OC and will be moving away from the Zone Blocking Scheme and moving towards a Power Man scheme. This means they don't have to be as picky for offensive lineman. Somebody like Keleche Osemele, Mitchell Schwartz, Bobby Massie, or Kevin Zeitler would all be options in the middle rounds.

3. Wide Receiver
I still don't know why the Jets decided to get rid of Braylon Edwards and Jericho Cotchery for Derrick Mason and Plaxico Burris. Both have been huge disappoints and won't be back. Now the Jets have to find somebody to complement Santonio Holmes. If they don't go OLB at #16 they could snatch up Michael Floyd. But more than likely will wait till the middle rounds. Rueben Randle or Alshon Jeffery would be a good complement to Holmes.