Draft Nuggets 2014: Entry #11
By Jeff Bowers of www.thedraftnarrative.com
Twitter: @sportsnarrative
Team Needs:
With 82 of the top 100 free agents already signed or tagged, the ability for teams to fill significant needs has almost run out. So now the focus shifts and how best to fill those needs through the draft. This is my favorite time of year as GMs around the league begin to “war game” draft day and build in their contingency plans. This can include bringing in certain players for private workouts that they had not previously considered, discuss some trade possibilities with other teams (as seen with the Schaub and DeSean Jackson deals) and even explore their assets for trading up or down from their position. In addition, the priority that each team places on each need is also assessed. As we have seen in years past, a position that most outside an organization see as a big need can be thought of as a strength from within (ex. the Cowboys’ defensive line last year). That being said, here is an outside perspective of each team’s top needs:
1. Houston Texans – QB, OLB, RT, RB, LG
Clearly the biggest need on the Texans lies at the QB spot with the trading of Schaub to Oakland. But putting some teeth back in that defense and the running attack is also a priority. With a very passive offseason thus far, the Texans will need to have an outstanding draft.
2. Washington Redskins – CB, WR, OL, S, TE
Despite salary cap restrictions, the Redskins have again been very active in free agency and running up that credit card with veterans. Of course part of this is a necessity as they have no first round pick due to the RGIII trade. The Redskins don’t have any glaring holes but could use upgrades at a number of spots.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars – QB, OLB, WR, RB, OL
The Jags had a bunch of money to spend in free agency and seemingly spent it all on the defensive line. Bringing back Henne at QB is a temporary fix but the Jaguars will definitely be shopping for a QB as well as many other skill positions.
4. Cleveland Browns – QB, WR, CB, OL, S
The Browns have also been very active in free agency, letting a number of their guys walk in favor of veterans in an effort to change the culture. With 2 first round picks, the Browns will definitely look to land a QB as well as some targets on offense. The secondary and line could also benefit from all the extra picks the Browns have acquired.
5. Oakland Raiders – QB, ILB, DT, CB, OT
The Raiders, like the Browns, went out and added veterans to bring leadership to this franchise. Chief among them was acquiring Matt Schaub from Houston to be a starter while they develop a young QB. The Silver and Black should be looking for big playmakers in this draft to help lift them from the doldrums.
6. Atlanta Falcons – DE, OT, TE, RB, S
The Falcons are switching to a hybrid 4-3 front and, though they have added a number of big bodies up front, are still seeking a dynamic pass rusher on the outside. In addition, they will look to replace the retired Tony Gonzales. And while they could probably use an upgrade at the OT spot, I don’t think they feel it as big a priority as it may appear from the outside.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – QB, WR, OL, DT, LB
Though they signed Josh McCown to be their starter, he’s 34 and they will need to draft a QB to develop behind him. In addition, so more speed on the outside at WR and some depth along the lines would be good.
8. Minnesota Vikings – QB, DE, S, LB, RB
The Vikings are hoping that Matt Cassel’s strong finish will carry over and bridge them to a new QB they find in the draft. Losing longtime Viking Jared Allen at DE will also need to be replaced as well as depth behind Adrian Peterson.
9. Buffalo Bills – OL, WR, TE, DE, DB
The Bills have done a remarkable job at filling needs this offseason and really do have the luxury of taking the best player available regardless of position. That being said, more weapons for young QB EJ Manuel should be a priority.
10. Detroit Lions – S, CB, WR, LB, QB
The Lions have some pretty glaring holes in their lineup, mostly in the secondary. Look for Detroit to draft some defensive backs early and perhaps multiple times.
11. Tennessee Titans – RB, OLB, CB, OL, TE
The Titans are switching to the 3-4 and have big needs at pass-rusher and at corner. The impending trade or release of Chris Johnson will also need to be addressed with a #1 RB.
12. New York Giants – DT, OT, LB, TE, C
The Giants have been very measured in free agency, believing on their ability to draft and develop from within. The Giants will need a number of their draft picks from the last few and this draft to step in and start immediately for them to get back in the playoff hunt.
13. St Louis Rams – OT, CB, S, WR, DT
The Rams are in the catbird seat, with 2 first round picks in the top thirteen. Look for the Rams to possibly even trade down from one of these picks and acquire even more picks as they build for the future. The secondary and the O-line must be addressed with starters.
14. Chicago Bears – DT, LB, RB, RT, CB
The Bears defense got run over last year and needs some big help in the front 7. Also a RB to take some of the load off Matt Forte is a necessity.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers – CB, DE, WR, LB, TE
The Steelers really need some help with skill positions on offense as well as some upgrades in coverage. Darkhorse pick here is a QB to put behind Big Ben as he is in the last year of his deal.
16. Dallas Cowboys – DE, DT, LB, S, G
With the signing of Henry Melton, the Cowboys primary need should shift to replacing the production of DeMarcus Ware. They also need to upgrade their safety position but I don’t think they feel it is that high a priority.
17. Baltimore Ravens – RT, DE, WR, S, CB
The Ravens have made a number of under-the-radar deals but still have many holes to fill. First and foremost is at RT where Michael “Blindside” Oher was let go.
18. New York Jets – WR, TE, CB, S, G
The Jets were hoping to enter this draft focusing solely on offensive weapons for Geno Smith. However, needs in the secondary vital to running Rex Ryan’s blitz-happy scheme should also be addressed.
19. Miami Dolphins – OT, G, RB, TE, LB
The Dolphins found out last season the importance of a quality offensive line. Look for them to address that area multiple times in this draft as well as adding some skill players at RB and TE.
20. Arizona Cardinals – OLB, S, QB, OT, DL
The Cards have made some nice signings in free agency and just need a few more impact players to really be contenders out west. Also look for Arizona to add Carson Palmer’s heir apparent this year.
21. Green Bay Packers – S, ILB, C, OLB, TE
Wow the Packers actually spent some money in free agency. Julius Peppers and Raji upfront should be a nice combination. Now the Packers will look to get faster at the linebacker and safety spots.
22. Philadelphia Eagles – S, CB, OLB, ILB, DL
The Eagles will be hunting upgrade in the secondary early. Also look for Chip Kelly to try to find some more help in the linebacking corp as he fully transitions this team in his image.
23. Kansas City Chiefs – WR, RT, SS, G, OLB
The Chiefs let Albert walk, shifting last year’s #1 overall pick over to the LT spot. A RT will be needed to be added as well as more targets for Alex Smith.
24. Cincinnati Bengals – CB, OT, S, C, DL
The Bengals let LT Anthony Collins get away and will need to acquire a replacement. In addition, the secondary needs wholesale upgrades at CB and S in order to be a real contender in the AFC.
25. San Diego Chargers – OLB, NT, CB, WR, OL
The Chargers really surprised last season, thanks to the coaching of Ken Whisenhunt. But he’s gone to Tennessee and now they need to solidify their defense in order to keep the good vibes going in a tough division.
26. Indianapolis Colts – S, G, CB, OLB, WR
The Colts had another productive and frugal offseason. But in order to take the next step, they will need to add some help in the secondary and up front on the O-line. Giving that first round pick for Trent Richardson looks pretty bad now.
27. New Orleans Saints – OLB, CB, ILB, WR, OL
For a team that was pretty tight to the cap, the Jarius Byrd signing seems a bit odd and leaves them with several holes to fill in the draft. Adding a starting CB and pass rusher is first on that list.
28. Carolina Panthers – LT, WR, CB, S, LB
The Panthers have had a disastrous offseason and need an incredible draft to stay atop the NFC South. Starters at LT, WR and CB are all needed to play and play well.
29. New England Patriots – NT, C, TE, S, WR
The Patriots made a big splash signing Darelle Revis to play CB, but still have a number of big holes. The biggest is the likely departure of Vince Wilfork at the NT spot. More weapons for Brady that don’t carry real weapons or get hurt would also be nice.
30. San Francisco 49ers – CB, WR, C, DE, OLB
The Niners have got some age on defense and will need to start finding some younger replacements. Also more speed at WR would be welcome.
31. Denver Broncos – ILB, G, CB, S, WR
The Broncos had an amazing offseason as they try to take advantage of the Peyton Manning window. Getting better at ILB and along the front should have this team right back in the hunt for the Superbowl with health.
32. Seattle Seahawks – WR, RT, G, CB, TE
The Champs have had a rough offseason, losing many of their free agents. They will need to continue to draft exceptionally to keep their place on top of the NFC West next year.
