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2010 Team Needs
Prior to
free agency and the draft
By Jay Goldberg
AFC
EAST
BUF
Major need
Need
Upgrade possible
Depth/possible need
Not a need
| QB |
No player disappointed me
more last year than Edwards. With Owens, Evans and the
rookie Nelson I expected him to take a big step forward.
Even when healthy, he did not. I'm not totally writing him
off; however the Bills need to bring in a better quarterback than
Fitzpatrick to challenge him. |
| RB |
Lynch took a major step
back, while Jackson took a step forward. Assuming Lynch is
not moved, depth is all that is needed. |
| WR |
Oh well, I expected a big
year from Evans with T.O. opposite him and Edwards settling
in. That didn't happen. With T.O. out the
door, the Bills are back to needing a wide receiver to play
opposite one of the most talented, yet under-utilized players in
the NFL (Evans). Maybe Hardy will develop, but that can't be
counted on. Reed is an UFA. |
| TE |
I loved the Bills selection
of Nelson last year and expect that pick to pay big dividends
this year. Another sleeper in camp could be Klopfenstein who
has good skills, but hasn't displayed them yet. |
| OL |
The Bills need a left
tackle who can start immediately, and a right tackle to at least
compete to start. Inside they are in better shape. |
| DL |
Buffalo is changing to a
3-4 defense and while Kyle Williams could be a stopgap starter on
the nose, which is the key position in a 3-4 to control opposing
teams' rushing, he is not ideally suited for the position.
At end, Stroud and possibly Johnson could transition to the 3-4
and be productive, but more bodies are needed here as well. |
| LB |
This is the system that
Maybin was born to play in. He should be a stud. While
many believe Schobel will be a good fit at OLB, I see a transition
similar to Aaron Kampman of Green Bay. In other words, okay,
but a significant downgrade from his effectiveness in the
4-3. Inside Posluszny and Mitchell should be an effective
duo, but depth could be added. |
| DB |
McGee and McKelvin are good
fits for the 3-4 defense. Both have good speed to play
man-to-man. Florence could push McKelvin, if he doesn't take
the growth step I expect this year. Lankster is a kid I like
and he could move into a nickel or dime role in 2010. The
Bills are also deep at safety with Byrd, Whitner, Wilson, Scott
and Wendling. |
| ST |
The Bills' could use an
upgrade at returner. |
MIA
Major
need
Need
Upgrade possible
Depth/possible need
Not a need
| QB |
I like Henne and believe he
will grow into a solid second tier NFL starting quarterback.
Thigpen and White are athletic backups. |
| RB |
Last year I had this as a
position of need which surprised many, and I still do this
year. Brown is talented, but his injuries continue to
mount. Ricky Williams has been effective, but is getting up
in years and says this is his last year. Hilliard played
well in spots, but I'm not sure he would be as good if he was
needed to play the key role. |
| WR |
The Dolphins have a number
of #2/#3 receivers. Camarillo, Bess, Hartline and Ginn Jr.
are not lead receivers. A true #1 needs to be added to take
advatage of Henne's arm. |
| TE |
Fasano took a step back as
a receiver last year. The Dolphins could add either a good
two-way tight end, or a receiving tight end with Fasano keeping
his starting job. |
| OL |
The Dolphins starting
offensive line is a very good unit. However, an upgrade over
their current backups could be in the offing. |
| DL |
The Dolphins are fine at
DE. However, with Ferguson aging and possibly returning, a
nose tackle to challenge and pair with Soliai needs to be added. |
| LB |
He mouth that roared
(Porter) and the feet that danced (Taylor) could both be
gone. Wake has the potential to develop into a top pass
rusher, but needs work in coverage and in the running game.
Anderson has had some good moments, but is best as a backup or in
a rotation. So outside linebackers are needed. Inside,
this team has lacked a top starter since Zack Thomas left.
Ayodele needs to be replaced as a starter. Crowder is okay,
but is also replaceable. |
| DB |
The Dolphins' secondary is
the strength of their defense. Rookies Smith and Davis
played well and will get better. Will Allen is a steady
pro. While people in Miami were getting on Wilson, I don't
know what they expected. Pairing him with Bell was not a
good idea since they are both best served as strong safeties who
play the run better than the pass. Clemons is an athlete who
could take a step forward next year, but adding a safety with good
ball skills would help. |
| ST |
With Carpenter and Fields, the Dolphins kicking
game is solid. Ginn Jr. had some moments as a returner, but
needs to be more consistent. Competition at returner should
be brought into camp. |
NE
Major
need
Need
Upgrade possible
Depth/possible need
Not a need
| QB |
Brady is obviously a top
starter. I liked Hoyer when I analyzed him for the draft
last year and obviously the Pats did too. However, look for
New England to bring in competition for Hoyer. |
| RB |
New England has a number of
solid players, but no difference maker. Look for them to
bring in someone to potentially top the depth chart, or stand
"pat". Another potential area of need is
third-down back since Faulk is an UFA. |
| WR |
Welker is coming off
injury and may not be available until sometime in the second half
of the year. Moss could be in his last year with the
team. After these two, only Edelman has the look of a
receiver who can be counted on if needed to contribute
consistently. |
| TE |
Watson is an UFA and could
be leave. Baker is an underrated player. However, depth is needed, especially
if Watson walks. |
| OL |
With Neal an UFA, and
Mankins a RFA look for the Pats to add a guard during the draft. |
| DL |
For the first time in a
long time, the Pats have a need along their defensive line.
Watson and Warren are still there, but Green, who replaced Seymour
after he was traded, is best suited as a valuable reserve. |
| LB |
New England is set inside
with Mayo and Guyton. However, outside Banta-Cain is an UFA
who a team (but not New England) may overpay because of his career
year, and Thomas could be released. So one, maybe two
outside linebackers are needed, as well as an inside linebacker
for depth. |
| DB |
The Pats are set at safety
now and for the future with Meriweather and Chung. At corner
the Pats have numbers and a young player I think can step up this
year and be a top corner in Butler. However, Bodden in an
UFA so look for the team to add a veteran if Bodden leaves. |
| ST |
The Pats need an upgrade at
punter and a return man. |
NYJ
Major
need
Need
Upgrade possible
Depth/possible need
Not a need
| QB |
Sanchez had a good rookie
year. Clemens is best served as a backup and the jury is out
how effective he can be even in that role. |
| RB |
Releasing Thomas Jones will
come back to bite the Jets in the a**. Green had a very
strong finish to the year, out-performing what I expected from
him. I want to see him do it again for a full season.
There is also no guarantee that Washington will be back to what he
was before his injury. And if he checks out medically, he is
a RFA who a another team may roll the dice with as a return man
and running back committee member. |
| WR |
Cotchery is a really,
really good receiver. He is very underrated. Edwards
is a RFA who has the tools, but is inconsistent. He'll
be back for another year and will be given every chance to
succeed. I like Clowney and believe he could take a step
forward next year. Smith, a RFA, is a role player who is
okay as a backup receiver. This year they may add a player
for depth, however, 2011 this could be a need depending upon how
Edwards plays. |
| TE |
Kellar is a stretch-the
field, bulked-up wide receiver playing tight end. He's a
keeper. Hartsook is a good blocker. The Jets could add
a third tight end in the off season. |
| OL |
The Jets' line is becoming
one of the best in the league. Some young players to groom
as future contributors is all that is needed in the offseason. |
| DL |
Ellis, Jenkins, and Coleman
are a good 3-4 front. However, Douglas is an UFA and there
is little behind him. Pouha is a good young nose tackle who
can help keep Jenkins fresh. Depth and youth at end is
needed. |
| LB |
Inside Barton and Harris
are solid, but depth is needed. Outside, Pace is a keeper and
Thomas continues to be a solid, but replaceable starter.
It's time for Gholston to step up or step out. Since I have
confidence in him (don't know why), I have the Jets' need for an
outside linebacker lower than many. |
| DB |
The Jets have the best
cornerback in the league and need to get a good player to play
opposite him. At safety, I like Rhodes, but Phillips appears
to want more of a playmaker at that spot. He's just been
spoiled by Ed Reed. Leonhard is solid. |
| ST |
The Jets signed Folk so
they may not bring back Feely. Weatherford is solid.
The Jets could use a return man in case Washington doesn't make it
back. You don't want to use Cotchery as a punt
returner. He's too valuable to the offense. |
NFC
EAST
DAL
Major need
Need
Upgrade possible
Depth/possible need
Not a need
| QB |
Romo starting with Kitna
backing up is a strong a situation as any team in the league. |
| RB |
While Barber and Jones are
very good players, they get hurt a bit too much. However #3
running back, Choice may be the best of the bunch in terms of
being an all around back. That's too bad because he is
buried here and won't be traded because of the injury
concerns. It is possible that Barber could be traded if the
Cowboys get an offer they can't refuse. |
| WR |
Austin is the real
deal. Crayton is solid. Williams is an enigma.
It wasn't too long ago he was looked at as a future star when
playing in Detroit. Ogletree has skills as well. Look
for the Cowboys to draft a player they can develop late in the
draft. |
| TE |
Witten, Bennett and
Phillips may be the
best tight end threesome in the league. |
| OL |
I'll say it again, it's time to replace Flozell Adams at left
tackle, so a left tackle is needed. Also, competition for
left guard Kosier will be added. |
| DL |
Spears is an UFA and with
more and more teams employing the 3-4 he could be a hot commodity
in free agency. If he leaves, the Cowboys will need a defensive
end. Even if he stays backup Hatcher is an UFA. So
defensive end is a need. Ratliff is a top nose tackle. |
| LB |
Spencer and Ware give Dallas
terrific pair of starting outside linebackers. Butler
showed some promise to develop into a solid backup.
James is a terrific inside linebacker. Brooking played well
and is a leader, but is getting up there in age. The Cowboys
drafted Williams last year and he is a top athlete and could be
Brookings eventual replacement. |
| DB |
Newman, Jenkins and
Scandrick give the Cowboys three good corners. Sensabaugh is
a hitter at strong safety who at least has the speed to keep up in
coverage when called upon. I have always felt Hamlin was
miscast as a free safety. To me, he is more of a strong
safety. The Cowboys need a free safety will ball skills who
can cover receivers when alignments call for it. |
| ST |
This team needs a reliable
field goal kicker. I like Buehler more than Suisham, but
look for Dallas to bring in another player to compete with those
two. McBriar is a good punter, Crayton a solid punt
returned. Jones should be a better kick returner than he's
shown to date. |
NYG
Major need
Need
Upgrade possible
Depth/possible need
Not a need
| QB |
Manning is a solid
quarterback you can win with. He is not a top tier guy and
will never be. Carr looked fine as his backup but is an UFA. |
| RB |
The need here is tied
directly to the health of Jacobs. Bradshaw is fine as a the
second back in the rotation. The Giants did draft a running
back I loved in last year's draft, Brown, but he had injuries in
college and got injured in preseason. Look for the Giants to
do the same thing this year, draft a runni8ng back with the
potential to play a big role if needed. |
| WR |
With Nicks, Smith,
Manningham and Hixon. The Giants have a nice core at
receiver. The team could add a receiver and let Moss, a RFA,
go in free agency. |
| TE |
Boss is an underrated tight
end. Bechham has upside. |
| OL |
The Giants' line is very good.
Look for the team to start Beatty at left tackle and move Diehl
inside to guard. They may also draft a right tackle as
competition and a future replacement for McKenzie. |
| DL |
At tackle, Robbins is an
UFA, Cofield is a RFA, Bernard was a bit of a disappointment, and
Canty was hurt. At end Tuck and Kiwanuka are solid,
Omenyiora should be better his second year back after
injury. The Giants may bring in both a tackle and and end. |
| LB |
Pierce was let go and his
replacement isn't on the roster. Clark is an UFA who is a
replaceable starter at SAM anyway. Between Boley, Kehl and
Wilkinson the team should find a WILL. |
| DB |
Boy, what a difference a
year makes. I still like the Giants corners. Webster,
Ross, Thomas, Dockery and B. Johnson are fine. However, with
Phillips coming back from an injury and the imperfect M. Johnson,
Rouse and Brown on hand, a top safety is a definite need for this
team. |
| ST |
The Giants kicker is okay
but replaceable, and their punter will be able to go
straight to old-timer games the day he retires. Hixon
is a good returner. |
PHI
Major need
Need
Upgrade possible
Depth/possible need
Not a need
| QB |
McNabb is under contract,
should be back and will be back. If the Eagles trade him and
go to Kolb they will be in trouble. I know he played well
when given a chance, but I'm still a skeptic. Vick should be
traded. He is better on paper at this point than on the
field. |
| RB |
Westbrook is gone.
McCoy looked good as his replacement. Depth is needed. |
| WR |
This unit has depth and
talent. Jackson, Macklin, Avant, Curtis, Brown are all good
players. |
| TE |
Celek is top notch.
Ingram has the physical skills but is coming off injury and hasn't
done it on the field yet. Alex Smith is an RFA. |
| OL |
The Eagles gave up 15 more
sacks last year even after adding a supposed stud left tackle in
Peters. The team could bring in bodies to compete for jobs
inside (Guard and center), especially with center Jackson's return
by the beginning of the year in question. |
| DL |
The Eagles have a great
player in Coles at one end and solid, but
not spectacular options opposite him. If they can secure a
stud to play with Coles they'll grab him, otherwise they may not
even address the position. Inside
Patterson and Bunkley form a terrific young duo and Haws is a fine
young third tackle. |
| LB |
What the Eagles do here
depends on how they feel Bradley is recovering. They loke
him in the middle. Outside they have some solid options in
Witherspoon, Fokou, Gocong and Jordan. If they can secure a
playmaker outside they will pull the trigger. Otherwise,
like at end they may pass on the position. |
| DB |
Samuel and Brown are a top
pair starting corners. Hansen is solid. At safety I
like the potential of both Macho Harris and Demps at free safety
but they haven't stepped up and grabbed the job. Another
player to compete with them will be brought in. Especially
with Sean Jones an UFA. |
| ST |
A very solid unit with
Akers, Rocca, Hobbs and Jackson. |
WAS
Major need
Need
Upgrade possible
Depth/possible need
Not a need
| QB |
With Campbell, a young
quarterback I like and believe will grow into a top tier QB, the
vet Collins and the surprising Colt Brennan, the Redskins are fine
here; despite what many think. |
| RB |
This is a major need area
for Washington. Portis' best days are behind him and Betts
cannot stay healthy. |
| WR |
The team has questions at
receiver with Kelly and Thomas still having to prove their NFL
worth. However, with Moss and Randle El still effective
Washington has too many other holes to worry about receiver.
They will (and should) roll the dice with primarily what they
have. |
| TE |
Cooley and Davis are an
excellent pair of tight ends and whoever starts will thrive in
Shananhan's offense. |
| OL |
Where to start? They
need two tackle. How's that for a start? At center
Rabach is an UFA who had a poor year. Oh they also went
through a lot of right guards, so maybe adding one they like would
be a good thing. |
| DL |
The key to the Redskins'
new 3-4 defense is where they plan to play Haynesworth. He
has the size and strength to play the nose, but may be unhappy
there. He could be a monster at end, but you would have to
have an athletic linebacker who can get to the outside on running
plays playing behind him, not just one who can get after the
quarterback. In any event two starters (one could be Daniels
and UFA as an end) are needed to pair with Haynesworth. |
| LB |
Fletcher-Baker and McIntosh
should be fine inside. I don't think Carter is ideal at OLB
in a 3-4, he is best at end in a 4-3. Orakpo will be a
terror in the 3-4. Look for Washington to add an outside
linebacker. |
| DB |
Rogers and Hall are solid, Smoot
has his ups and downs.
Landry and Doughty, a RFA is a sold safety combo, and Horton
provides quality depth. |
| ST |
Gano could be the answer at
kicker, but he may not be the answer. Smith is solid but
replaceable. Randle El has lost his return magic. |
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