DEN | KC | OAK
| SD | ARI |
STL | SF | SEA
AFC West
Offense
Biggest Needs: QB, WR, C, RB
The Broncos traded away franchise quarterback Jay Cutler to the
Chicago Bears last season and attempted to replace him with Kyle
Orton. While Orton’s overall statistics were noteworthy
(3802 passing yards, 21 TD passes, 62.1% completion percentage)
it is still a position Denver desires to improve upon for the
years ahead. The recent addition of Brady Quinn suggests Josh
McDaniels doesn’t view Orton as a franchise QB.
At wide receiver, the Broncos appear to be set with the likes
of Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal atop the depth chart. The
concern however is that Marshall may be dealt before the start
of the 2010 season, and despite Royal’s impressive rookie
campaign he was a major disappointment last year.
Another area of concern for the Broncos is the center position.
Casey Wiegmann started the last two seasons but has been cut loose.
The Broncos will need to address this area through free agency
or in the draft.
The Broncos could also use better depth at running back behind
Knowshon Moreno. Correll Buckhalter played well last year but
will be 32 in early October and is a bit of an injury risk.
Potential Free Agent Targets:
Denver addressed the need for a young QB with the recent acquisition
of Quinn in exchange for fullback Peyton Hillis and two conditional
draft picks. Their most likely free agent pick-up may come at
the running back position to add depth behind Moreno.
Draft Picks: 1.10; 2.13 (45): If
the speculation that Brandon Marshall will get out of Denver one
way or another before the start of the 2010 season is correct,
look for the Broncos to select wide receiver Dez Bryant with their
first round pick as his replacement. With their second rounder
they will likely focus on defense.
Defense
Biggest Needs: DE, CB, LB
The Broncos could use help at defensive end where they currently
lack any stand-out options. The signings of Jarvis
Green and Justin
Bannan, however, may allow them to ignore addressing this
need early in the draft.
Denver could also look to add some youth at cornerback in the
draft where they currently have aging veterans Champ Bailey and
Andre’ Goodman. The Broncos have added veteran Nate Jones
via free agency though which means they could address other areas
on draft day.
Linebacker may be another defensive need the Broncos wish to
add to as Andra Davis is an aging veteran playing out the last
year of his contract in the middle. They could also look to upgrade
from Mario Haggan on the outside opposite Elvis Dumervil.
Potential Free Agent Targets: As mentioned
above, the Broncos have actively addressed some of their needs with
the additions of Green and Bannan at defensive end, along with the
signing of Nate Jones at cornerback. That being the case, Denver
may look to add a linebacker through free agency, but will probably
focus on doing so through the draft at this point.
Draft Picks: 1.10; 2.13 (45): Speaking
of the linebacker position, inside linebacker Rolando McClain
out of Alabama could be a nice selection at the ten spot. Denver
could also further address their needs at defensive end in the
second round by choosing Corey Wootton of Northwestern, or Ricky
Sapp out of Clemson.
Offense
Biggest Needs: LT, WR, C, RG, TE
The biggest need for the Chiefs this offseason is at left tackle
and many expect them to address that concern with the 5th overall
pick they have in this year’s draft which would then allow
them to move their current starter at left tackle, Branden Albert,
to one of the guard positions. If Albert was moved to left guard,
it would then allow the Chiefs to play Brian Waters at center,
which is another area of need.
Other offensive positions the Chiefs may choose to address are
tight end and wide receiver. Leonard Pope and Brad Cottam combined
for just 29 receptions, 294 yards, and 1 TD last year at tight
end, but the Chiefs may not feel it necessary within their offense
to bring in a more productive player at that position.
Kansas City also pursued Anquan Boldin before he was traded to
the Ravens earlier in the offseason, a sign that they may be looking
to improve themselves in that area. They have resigned Chris Chambers
however, and acquired free agent Jerheme Urban, which likely makes
upgrading at wide receiver less of a concern.
Potential Free Agent Targets: The addition of Thomas Jones fills
the void at running back left by Larry Johnson. With nearly everyone
expecting the Chiefs to select a left tackle with their first
pick, and the maneuverability that would then allow them across
the offensive line, Kansas City doesn’t really need to go
out and sign an offensive lineman to help themselves up front.
The addition of Urban and resigning of Chambers would indicate
that they won’t bother pursuing any other receivers in free
agency either.
Draft Picks: 1.05; 2.04 (36); 2.18 (50):
Either Russell Okung (Oklahoma St.) or Bryan Bulaga (Iowa) could
be the Chiefs top choice to fill their need at left tackle. If
Okung is taken amongst the first four selections, then tackles
Bryan Bulaga and Anthony Davis (RB, LB) would also warrant a selection
by KC. They may consider selecting a wide receiver with one of
their 2nd-round picks if someone they are high on is there for
the taking.
Defense
Biggest Needs: DT, SS, FS
Although Ron Edwards played fairly well last season, defensive
tackle is still a position of need for the Kansas City Chiefs.
They currently signed 325-pound Shaun Smith from Cincinnati, but
Smith might also find himself being used as a defensive end in
Kansas City’s three-man front.
Both safety positions are also an area of concern for Kansas
City. Last year’s starter at strong safety, Mike Brown,
currently remains an unrestricted free agent and the trio of Jon
McGraw, Jarrad Page, and DaJuan Morgan at free safety is one the
Chiefs should desire to improve upon.
Potential Free Agent Targets: The Shaun Smith signing may be
all the Chiefs are interested in adding to their defensive line
through free agency, but there are a few safeties available they
may have interest in. Darren Sharper and Tyrone Carter are unrestricted
free agents that may be able to help them.
Draft Picks: 1.05; 2.04 (36); 2.18 (50):
Should the Chiefs decide to pass on a left tackle with their first
selection, S Eric Berry from Tennessee would fill a need. It is
widely believed the Chiefs will address their need at defensive
tackle in the second round by taking Terrence Cody out of Alabama.
Their likely to remain focused on defense with their second pick
of round two as well.
Offense
Biggest Needs: QB, LT, RT, G, WR
First things first, the Raiders clearly need an upgrade at quarterback.
Unfortunately, chances are they won’t be addressing that
need this offseason. With first round bust and former number one
overall pick, JaMarcus Russell still on the books, it’s
likely Oakland will roll through their 2010 campaign with Bruce
Gradkowski as the starter and wait another year or two before
attempting to find themselves a true franchise quarterback. Offensive
line then becomes the most immediate area of concern.
Mario Henderson started at left tackle for the Raiders in 2009
and allowed a league worst 10.5 sacks. Cornell Green was the starter
at right tackle and was penalized 12 times (28 times in the last
three years) while allowing 6.5 sacks in just 12 games. At the
guard positions, Robert Gallery will be returning from back surgery
while right guard, Cooper Carlisle, will be 33 come the start
of the season. If nothing else, the Raiders could use some insurance
in this area.
Another position the Raiders may choose to address is wide receiver.
After spending the 7th overall pick of last year’s draft
on Darrius Heyward-Bey however, along with an apparent belief
that Chaz Schilens and Louis Murphy can be productive wide-outs,
Oakland may be willing to pass on chasing any of the top talent
at the position in either free agency or the draft.
Potential Free Agent Targets: Considering all the help the Raiders
could use up front, it would stand to reason they’d sign
at least one or two offensive lineman from the free agent market
(Mike Gandy, Levi Jones?). It’s also been rumored perhaps
Terrell Owens could land in Oakland if he is unable to latch on
with a more promising team.
Draft Picks: 1.08; 2.07 (39): Knowing
the way Al Davis operates, anything could happen with the Raiders
selections in the draft. If they make a smart decision, either
Russell Okung, Anthony Davis, or Bryan Bulaga at left tackle will
go to Oakland with the eighth overall pick.
Defense
Biggest Needs: DT, CB
The two areas of need the Raiders may choose to focus on defensively
come at the defensive tackle and cornerback positions. With Gerard
Warren turning 32 by the start of the season, it’d be a
good idea for Oakland to address the need of his future replacement
during the draft.
Oakland will also look to improve upon their options at cornerback
where both Chris
Johnson and Stanford
Routt struggled opposite Nnamdi
Asomugha.
Potential Free Agent Targets: In terms of any meaningful free
agent signings on the defensive side of the ball, it seems doubtful
Oakland will make any. The offensive line is where Oakland should
do most of their free agent shopping if they go shopping at all.
The Raiders have been surprisingly quiet in free agency thus far.
Draft Picks: 1.08; 2.07 (39): If
the Raiders elect to go with a defensive option in the first round,
then cornerback Joe Haden would be a nice option should he slip
past Cleveland with the number seven pick. If they choose to address
their need at cornerback in the second round, then options such
as Patrick Robinson, Perrish Cox, or Kyle Wilson could all be
possibilities.
Offense
Biggest Needs: RB, OL, WR
Although the Chargers decided to retain the likes of Darren Sproles,
the release of LaDainian Tomlinson leaves the team with a glaring
need at the running back position. For all that Sproles has accomplished
in his career, his size (5’6”, 181 lbs) clearly dictates
he won’t be relied upon as the primary ball carrier throughout
an entire season in the NFL.
Aside from running back, the Chargers offense doesn’t really
have any other major holes to fill. They could add some depth
along their offensive line, but appear to be in good shape up
front.
Wide receiver is a position that could be addressed through the
draft. Special teams’ standout, Kassim Osgood, departed
via free agency to sign with the Jaguars. Malcolm Floyd was tendered
at the cost of 1st and 3rd round picks and will remain with the
franchise, but they could still look improve in this area. There’s
also a possible suspension looming for Vincent Jackson after he
plead guilty to a D.U.I charge in February.
Potential Free Agent Targets: The Chargers signed running back
Marcus Mason after he was released by the Redskins this offseason,
but it’s not a move that will make much of an impact. Mason
will have to earn his way onto the 53-man roster. Aside from that
signing, it doesn’t seem like the Chargers will do much
in the way of free agency on the offensive side of the ball, potentially
adding depth to their O-line.
Draft Picks: 1.28; 2.28 (60): Look
for the Chargers to use their first round pick on the likes running
backs Jahvid Best, or Ryan Matthews. If they go another direction
it may be in grabbing a right tackle, then picking the best remaining
running back available with their second rounder.
Defense
Biggest Needs: DT, DE, CB, S
The Chargers decision to cut aging veteran Jamal Williams leaves
them with a big need to fill at defensive tackle. If they don’t
address this area via free agency, look for them to use one of
their first three picks on the position. San Diego could use an
impact player at defensive end, where Luis Castillo is the only
notable player at the position.
Cornerback may also be a position the Chargers address in the
draft following their trade of Antonio Cromartie to the Jets for
a conditional third-round pick in 2011. The recent signing of
Donald Strickland, however, may allow them to bypass further addressing
that area.
Potential Free Agent Targets: San
Diego has already added Donald Strickland via free agency to help
out at the cornerback position. The best options at defensive tackle
already appear to be signed so expect the Bolts to address that
need through the draft. Draft Picks:
1.28; 2.28 (60): If the Chargers were to address their
need of a defensive tackle in the first round they could look
into selecting someone like Dan Williams out of Tennessee, or
Jared Odrick of Penn State. Options at safety could include the
likes of Earl Thomas of Texas, Chad Jones of Louisiana State,
Larry Asante of Nebraska, or Nate Allen out of South Florida.
NFC West
Offense
Biggest Needs: LT, QB, C, FB, QB
Although the Cardinals could use an upgrade at quarterback following
the retirement of Kurt Warner, it’s likely they will give
former 1st round pick Matt Leinart another opportunity to establish
himself as the team’s franchise QB. That being the case,
left tackle becomes the biggest area of need for the Arizona offense.
Mike Gandy struggled at that position before eventually being
placed on injured reserve and it would make sense for the Cardinals
to try and address that area in the first round of this year’s
draft.
The Cardinals could also use help at center, but may have already
addressed that need with the addition of Rex Hadnot, who can play
both guard and center, via free agency.
With Dan Kreider becoming a free agent, the Cardinals will also
be in need of a new fullback.
Potential Free Agent Targets: The Cardinals could try to address
their need for a left tackle here, but will likely do so in the
draft. There are also a few fullbacks available – Justin
Griffith or Jeremi Johnson - which would seem to make sense as
a free agent signing by the Cardinals. Derek Anderson could be
signed providing competition to Matt Leinart.
Draft Picks: 1.26; 2.26 (58): Should
Arizona address their offensive needs in the first round, left
tackle seems they way they will go. With top rated tackles sure
to be gone by the time the Cardinals are on the clock, Bruce Campbell
out of Maryland becomes an intriguing option should he still be
available.
Defense
Biggest Needs: OLB, CB, MLB
Outside linebacker is probably the biggest area of concern for
the Cardinals defense. With Bertrand Berry and Chike Okeafor becoming
free agents, 33-year old Clark Haggans is the only veteran remaining
on the outside for the Cardinals. Arizona will also look to upgrade
at cornerback where last year’s free agent signing, Bryant
McFadden, proved to be a disappointment.
Another area of concern for the Cardinals is at middle linebacker,
where Karlos Dansby has just left via free agency to sign with
the Miami Dolphins.
Potential Free Agent Targets: Arizona definitely needs help at
linebacker, and while they’re sure to add some youth at
the position through the draft, they’ll also need to add
some bodies there through free agency. The recent signing of LB
Paris Lenon (Rams) is a start.
Draft Picks: 1.26; 2.26 (58): Defensive
targets the Cardinals may have interest in with their first two
picks could be cornerback Patrick Robinson, or outside linebackers
Brandon Graham and Sean Weatherspoon in the first. In the second
round, players available at those positions could include Perrish
Cox, Kylie Wilson, and Dominique Franks at cornerback, or Eric
Norwood, Jerry Hughes, Navarro Bowman, and Daryl Washington at
outside linebacker.
Offense
Biggest Needs: QB, TE, RG, WR, RB
The Rams have stuck by Marc Bulger for far too long now and need
to move on. They have signed A.J. Feeley via free agency (reuniting
him with former Eagles QB Coach and current Rams OC Pat Shurmur),
but clearly need to bring in someone they feel can lead this franchise
for the long haul in the years ahead after mustering just six
wins during the last three seasons.
Right guard is another area of concern for the Rams following
their release of Richie Incognito, although the recent signing
of Hank Fraley may help fill that need. Fraley will be used as
a back-up center and also battle for a starting position at guard.
St. Louis will also look to add a tight end, most likely through
the draft, as its doubtful Randy McMichael will be with them in
2010. The Rams may also look to add better depth at running back
behind Steven Jackson, and if they can get their hands on someone
they feel could be a true number one wide receiver they may decide
to draft him early on.
Potential Free Agent Targets: The Rams have already signed A.J.
Feeley to give them a stopgap option at quarterback should Marc
Bulger finally be placed on the bench. They also signed Hank Fraley
to help along the O-line. At tight end, they may take a chance
on signing L.J. Smith (another former Eagle Pat Shurmur is familiar
with) and may also pursue a running back they feel could handle
a decent workload should injuries knock Steven Jackson out of
the line-up for a few games. Justin Fargas or Willie Parker could
be options at the RB spot.
Draft Picks: 1.01; 2.01 (33): If
the Rams go offense with the number one overall pick, deciding
between quarterbacks Jimmy Clausen or Sam Bradford appears the
way to go. If they pass on a quarterback with their first selection,
then Colt McCoy becomes a distinct possibility with their second
rounder.
Defense
Biggest Needs: DE, WLB, SS
With the Rams 2009 sack leader, Leonard Little, turning 36 in
October (and currently an unrestricted free agent), St. Louis
will clearly need to look for a suitable option to replace him
either this year or at years’ end.
The Rams could also use help at the weak-side linebacker to compliment
the likes of James Laurinaitis (MLB) and David Vobora (SLB). They
might also look for an upgrade over James Butler at strong safety.
Potential Free Agent Targets: If the Rams felt they were close
to even contending for a playoff spot pursuing defensive end Charles
Grant might be worth their while. In the position they are in
however, building through the draft is the way to go, which means
anyone St. Louis brings in through free agency won’t be
much of an impact player.
Draft Picks: 1.01; 2.01 (33): Should
the Rams decide to pass on a quarterback with their first selection
then it appears they will likely select either defensive tackle
Ndamukong Suh out of Nebraska, or Gerald McCoy of Oklahoma. Both
players are regarded as the top defensive prospects in this year’s
draft. With the first pick in the second round, St. Louis would
likely be looking at defensive ends Everson Griffen, Corey Wootton,
or Ricky Sapp should they choose to continue focusing on the defensive
side of the ball.
Offense
Biggest Needs: RT, LG, WR
Right tackle is clearly the biggest need this offseason for the
49ers. After Tony Pashos was lost for the season before it even
began, Adam Snyder was tabbed to play the position and proceeded
to allow 9.5 sacks. Having the luxury of two first-round picks
this year, San Francisco will likely use one of them to address
this need.
Another area of concern along the offensive line is at left guard,
where David Bass has battled through injuries and inconsistent
play throughout his career. This is another area the 49ers may
look to address with one of their early picks in the draft.
San Francisco could also use some more help at wide receiver
behind starters Michael Crabtree and Josh Morgan. Someone who
can play the slot and contribute on special teams would be ideal
as San Francisco is also in need of a return specialist.
Potential Free Agent Targets: Considering the help San Francisco
needs up front, signing a free agent offensive lineman or two
wouldn’t be surprising. They may also look to sign a receiver
that can play the slot and function as a return man – Mike
Furrey?
Draft Picks: 1.13; 1.17; 2.17 (49):
The 49ers could desperately use an upgrade at right tackle and
if Trent Williams out of Oklahoma is there for the taking with
their 13th overall pick he’d be worth selecting. San Francisco
will otherwise likely focus on the defensive side of the ball
with their early picks.
Defense
Biggest Needs: SS, DT, CB
Michael
Lewis has been considered a liability in coverage since his
days with the Eagles and that hasn’t changed since he arrived
in San Francisco. He’s also coming off a season in which he suffered
multiple concussions, which should be of concern to both the team
and the player.
San Francisco also needs to add depth at defensive tackle behind
Aubrayo Franklin and at the corner position behind aging veteran
Nate Clements, along with someone to push Tarell Brown for playing
time.
Potential Free Agent Targets: It’d
be surprising if the 49ers didn’t address their need for depth at
defensive back in free agency by signing a veteran to go along with
anyone they may choose to draft at the position. Will
Allen , Corey
Ivy and Vernon
Fox could be possibilities.
Draft Picks: 1.13; 1.17; 2.17 (49):
With their first pick likely to be used on an O-lineman, San Francisco
could than use their next two picks to address needs on the defensive
side of the ball. Taylor Mays (S) out of Southern Cal would be
a great addition if he remains available at pick 17. With their
second round pick the 49ers could then focus on cornerback and
choose amongst a group that includes Perrish Cox, Kylie Wilson,
and Dominique Franks.
Offense
Biggest Needs: LT, QB, RB, WR
Due to Walter Jones retirement the Seahawks are in desperate
need of a left tackle this offseason. Fortunately for them they
own the 6th and 14th selections in this year’s draft and
should be able to address this area with one of those selections.
Seattle may also consider drafting a quarterback with one of
those picks as Matt Hasselbeck will turn 35 in late September
and has battled a number of injuries the past few seasons. New
Head Coach, Pete Carroll, will also be looking to draft his own
franchise QB to mold over time in the years ahead.
Running back is another area of need for Seattle, as the likes
of Julius Jones and Justin Forsett aren’t going to scare
opposing defenses. The Seahawks may also like to get their hands
on someone they believe could be a true number one wideout, as
indicated by their interest in Brandon Marshall.
Potential Free Agent Targets: With three early selections in
this draft, it’s doubtful the Seahawks will feel the need
to pursue any particular free agents to address their biggest
needs on offense. What selections they make come draft day will
determine whom they pursue in free agency.
Draft Picks: 1.06; 1.14; 2.08 (40):
With the 6th pick in the draft Seattle is likely to go one of
two ways; pick amongst the trio of left tackles they like most
(Russell Okung, Bryan Bulaga, Anthony Davis), or choose between
Jimmy Clausen or Sam Bradford as their next franchise quarterback.
They may then choose to select a running back such as C.J. Spiller
at 1.14, although they’re just as likely to address their
defensive needs with their next two selections.
Defense
Biggest Needs: DE, DT, SS, CB
After recording just 28 sacks last season, the Seahawks clearly
need to find a way to get more pressure on the quarterback. It
doesn’t help any that their sack leader, Patrick Kerney,
turned 33 in December and is admittedly close to retirement. In
order to establish a better pass rush Seattle will also be looking
for help at defensive tackle.
The Seahawks could also use help in their secondary where Deon
Grant is aging and may not have many years left in Seattle, and
help is needed at corner opposite Marcus Trufant.
Potential Free Agent Targets: None of the defensive ends or tackles
that remain available will solve the Seahawks lack of a pass rush
from their defensive line. Cornerback would seem the most likely
position in which Seattle may pursue someone as a free agent.
Draft Picks: 1.06; 1.14; 2.08 (40):
Seattle’s first pick will likely be used on either a quarterback
or a left tackle, but their two selections following that could
definitely be used to address concerns they have on defense. Taylor
Mays would instantly upgrade their secondary, while defensive
ends Carlos Dunlap and Sergio Kindle could also be considered
with the second of their first round picks. Defensive tackle Brian
Price could also be a possibility.
Next:
AFC/NFC North 
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