Draft Needs: NFC East and NFC North

Philadelphia Eagles:

1, OT- The Philadelphia Eagles’ first round draft pick can almost be locked in now. Where they are drafting there will be a group of offensive tackles available, and they have a highly valuable quarterback who took a number of sacks in 2010, and has shown vulnerability to injury before. The Eagles ranked 29th in sacks last year, and if their offense is going to be as potent as it was in 2010 this year, the Eagles need to keep Michael Vick healthy, and a new offensive tackle will help that. While the current regime does not have a track record of high draft picks used on an offensive line, this year would be the year to change that, as protecting Vick becomes the single most important thing for this offense going into 2011.

2, CB- the coming draft is deep at the cornerback position, and the Eagles should take advantage of this in the early rounds. Statistically, Asante Samuel had a strong 2010, but corners with high interception numbers have to be thrown to. He was thrown to because he makes mistakes. Across the field from Samuel is not very much. A second round corner who is not spectacular but solid enough fundamentally to come in and start straight away for Philadelphia would be of great use to this defense. It would mean offenses would not have an obvious side of the field to pick on, and should help the Eagles pass defense, which managed to give up the third highest amount of touchdowns in 2010. In most respects it was average, as was the rest of the defense, but pull the defense up a level to get close to the offense and the Eagles are a Super Bowl contender.

3, DT- the Eagles run defense was just like the pass defense in 2010: average. Another way of helping out the defense is to bring in a strong defensive tackle to add to the rotation. There is no need for a mega-trade to go and get Nick Fairley, but the Eagles would like to have another talent at defensive tackle to keep their guys fresh and keep their run defense solid. Philadelphia has a great opportunity in this off-season, as it does not have any significant holes, except for tackle, on offense, so it can fill up the defense with young talent to match that on the other side of the ball.

4, C- Nick Cole is a decent centre, but can be upgraded. The Eagles struggled with injuries at the position in 2010, and ought to be looking for an upgrade at some point in this offseason. Mike Pouncey is the only ‘centre’ likely to go high in the draft, so the Eagles will be able to target one in the mid-rounds, and this would help them out, giving them a better back-up to Cole, who could shift over to play guard, and giving them a young players to develop to replace Cole. This goes along with the mantra of protecting your best asset, and MIke Vick is the Eagles best asset. Keep him healthy and hungry, and this team have a shot.

5, QB- Whoa, whoa, whoa. Quarterback? Did you see Mike Vick last year? Do you know about this Kevin Kolb kid they have warming the bench? Yeah, I saw them both. The problem is that Kolb will be traded, no matter what Andy Reid wants us to believe, and Mike Vick is prone to injury. Ah that’s fine, they have Mike Kafka, he is progressing well. Correct, he is, but he is more of a Kolb than a Vick. The Eagles need a back-up to Vick who can give them some kind of threat with his feet, which Kafka does not. I’m not saying go out and draft Cam Newton, but if there is a guy who has good feet and who Andy reid feels can be developed into an adequate passer, the Eagles should go out and get him in round five or six. With an offense built around a dual threat quarterback, an injury to said quarterback does not therefore need the entire playbook to be left on a train somewhere as the team have to rewrite it for Mike Kafka.

New York Giants:

1, OLB- This Giants team is statistically very good, the offense is in the top ten for most statistics, and the defense is close too. The area that the Giants are in most desperate need of an upgrade is at linebacker, although their run defense has been good, and their third down percentage is the best in the league. That may be in part because their linebackers tend to be the smaller, athletic types who excel in pass coverage but have trouble getting off blocks. A big guy to play the run at outside linebacker would be a big upgrade for the Giants, and a guy who could come in and replace the ailing Keith Bulluck would be a great pick up for this team. They don’t need added pass rush, although it would be nice if they could get it, so this type of linebacker should be available in the middle rounds of the draft.

2, DT- With possibly the best set of defensive ends in the league, the Giants have the makings of a very good defensive line. Their defensive tackles however are just average. The defense is not massively harmed by this, as the other units are all good, but defensive tackle is a deep position in this draft, albeit many of them better suited to playing in a 3-4 system. The Giants may be looking at a few early round defensive tackles to add to their system and go alongside last year’s first round talent Jason Pierre-Paul. If they hit on a good quality d-tackle, they will have a line to be feared in the future with Pierre-Paul and Justin Tuck already in place.

3, ILB- As well an outside linebacker to play the run, the Giants could do with an inside guy who does the same. Jonathan Goff is okay, he racked up 80 tackles in 2010, but that is not the return the Giants will be looking for. While they give up the 8th fewest rushing yards per game, they rank lower in both yards per carry (13th) and rushing touchdowns (12th). That will be partly due to small linebackers, who cover well but are not the best at playing the run. For the same reasons as above, an inside linebacker who can play the run will be important to the Giants, and they can pick one up in the middle rounds as well.

4, OT- The Giants offensive line is very good. Their running game ranked 6th in yards per game, 8th in first downs, 7th in yards per carry and 6th in touchdowns. They also gave up the joint fewest sacks of any team in the NFL. However, that does not mean a young body would not be useful. The Giants linemen are all getting up in age, and, having added a talented young rookie at guard last year in the fifth round (Mitch Petrus), the Giants should now be looking to add a talented young tackle as well. This could be the direction they go in the first round, as they will likely be picking just before a slew of tackles come off the board. A Castonzo or Carimi would be a useful addition to this team, could fit into a rotation straight away and would be the long-term replacement for David Diehl on the left side.

5, OG- This need is debatable for the Giants. The other four are quite clear cut, but there are a number of positions that could be slotted in here without much argument as the need is so small. The Giants went out and picked up a young guard in last year’s draft, but their starting guards are both pushing on in age, and could both do with players who can spell them for a drive or two each week. More depth will mean more healthy players, which should mean an even better offensive line for the Giants. With the right draft, these guys could be a real contender in 2011.

Dallas Cowboys:

1, CB- For me, the biggest problem on this team is the pass coverage. There are other needs which others will put in this spot, but corner is the biggest one in my opinion. Terrence Newman and Mike Jenkins are both okay at the position, but the Cowboys need an upgrade, and they need someone who has the potential to develop into an elite player. The Cowboys are in a good position to take a first round corner, and should do so if Prince Amukamara is still on the board. As the position is deep, they should not reach for a corner if Amukamara and Patrick Peterson are both gone when they pick, and they should look to address the cornerback position in the second or third round.

2, OG- Both of the Cowboys’ starting guards are getting up in age, and a young talent at the position will be a useful addition for Dallas. They ranked 16th in the NFL in terms of rushing yards per game, which would be helped by a new guard, and they should be able to improve their rank of 21st for rushing touchdowns. Dallas have needs across the offensive line and all over the defense, so a guard will not come off the board for them too high in the draft, but I feel that they need to make sure they go out and pick up a good one at some point.

3, DT- Defensive tackle? When Jay Ratliff is already playing the position? Yes. Don’t give up on me yet, I have my reasons. Ratliff is not a prototypical nose tackle (at 6’4”, 303lbs). He was able to fit into Wade Phillips’ one gap 3-4 scheme, but he will not fit into Rex Ryan’s two gap scheme, which requires players to take up space and clog up running lanes rather than penetrate the offensive line. Ratliff could make the transition to defensive end, and would do a good job there, but he will not be able to play the nose in Ryan’s scheme, assuming Ryan keeps the same scheme as he has done wherever else he has coached.

4, OT- There is another position which could fit in ahead of tackle here, but a tackle is much more important than this other position. The Cowboys should be looking for a young tackle to push Marc Colombo at right tackle, as they have a good chance to improve their offensive line here. They do not need to go with a tackle in round one, as Doug Free (should he remain in Dallas) does not need a replacement. This means they can look elsewhere (corner if possible) with their first round pick and they can pick up a right tackle later on, as they are not looking for someone who can eventually become a franchise left tackle.

5, S- This is the other position, and it is one of the bigger holes. The Cowboys struggle on third down against the pass, and some of that will be down to poor safety play, so an upgrade is needed. This is not as important as corner, but it is still a need for the Cowboys, and they will be looking to a safety early in the draft- possibly as early as round two. Should Rahim Moore be on the board at the top of the second round, a trade could be a possibility.

Washington Redskins:

1, OG- Finding this team’s top need is a little like trying to find your keys when you are already running ten minutes late. You know it’s there somewhere, but there are so many places it could be. I’ve gone for a different one to many people, at guard. The Redskins’ line was terrible last year, and worse in 2009. Trent Williams will be the left tackle for years to come, and he has grown as the season has gone on, but he is the only piece the Redskins have. They could do with a free agent guard, but they would like to bring in a young talent like Steven Wisniewski, which would mean either trading up or down into the end of the first round.

2, DT- The Redskins have a pair of serviceable defensive ends, but their defensive tackle situation is horrible. Albert Haynesworth was supposed to be the answer at d-tackle, but he has proven to be a massive flop, and a problematic one at that, who should be on his way out of Washington come the signing of the CBA. A nose tackle is necessary for the Redskins, as their run defense is not the best in the league. There should be a nose tackle available when they pick in the second, although they may also want a late first round pick to take a defensive tackle as well as guard.

3, CB- DeAngelo Hall managed to get some positive attention this year as he had good interception numbers, and he turned a high percentage of them into touchdown runs. However, he is not a good cornerback, and neither are the rest of the corners on the Redskins’ roster. The Redskins really have a high number of holes, but their worst unit is possibly their pass coverage. They ranked 31st in the league in terms of passing yards per game, 29th in passing first downs and 28th in yards per pass. A top level cornerback is required, and this is one position which could still be on the board when the Redskins make their round one pick.

4, OT- Trent Williams is fine at left tackle- not faultless, but he needs to learn on the job. The Redskins need a right tackle, and should be able to pick up a player to develop in this draft. Just as with the guard, the Redskins need to give their running backs a chance to show what they can do, and they will want to rank better than 28th in sacks as well. The Redskins need to address as many needs as they can in this draft as free agency will not be as extensive as in previous years, so Dan Synder needs to get his head screwed on properly this year.

5, OLB- This could easily have been a wide receiver, a running back, a defensive end or a safety, but I have gone for an outside linebacker to play opposite Brian Orakopo. The Redskins ranked 25th in sacks this year, and with a player like Orakopo, they should be doing better than this, and they need to do so if they are to improve their defense. It is a defense which desperately needs improving if the Redskins are not going to be picking Andrew Luck in 2012, which I personally think they will be looking at.

NFC North:

Chicago Bears:

1, OT- The Bears’ offense was statistically terrible this year, with just one category which ranked the team higher than 20th in the NFL (yards per pass). Much of that is down to poor offensive line play, and this area must be addressed by the Bears in the 2011 NFL Draft. Unlike last year, the Bears have first and second round picks, so they will be able to address their needs early. The Bears’ running game struggled last season, although Matt Forte was able to boost his own stats by being a good dump-off receiver, and the offensive line needs to be looked at for that, and they also managed to lead the league in sacks given up. A franchise left tackle must be found, although the Bears are unfortunate there is not likely to be one at number 30, where they draft in round 1.

2, OG- Continuing the offensive line trend here as the Bears really, desperately need to sort that unit. For the exact same reasons as above, the Bears need to draft a guard who can come in and start straight away, and a guy like Wisniewski or Pouncey could be where they address this need at the bottom of the first round. They already have one developmental player in Edwin Williams, who can play any of three interior positions, but they may be best suited by concentrating him on the centre position as Olin Keutz’s long-term successor, and bringing in help at guard as soon as possible.

3, DT- The Bears made the playoffs on the back of their defense this year. They ranked highly in most categories, and their run defense was generally very good (2nd in rushing yards per game behind the Steelers). They gave up more rushing first downs than they would have liked however, and 14 rushing touchdowns is definitely too many for this team to be happy with. A big run stuffer to play defensive tackle would be highly useful for Chicago, and if they could find one who can penetrate into the backfield that would also help their sack numbers. The pressure for sacks is almost entirely on their talented defensive ends, and an interior pass rush would be useful if they could find it.

4, WR- On paper, the Bears’ receiving core is okay. Johnny Knox is a good speedster, Devin Hester gives yards after the catch potential, and Earl Bennett has developed over the course of 2010. However, the Bears rank 28th in passing yards in the NFL and 20th in passing touchdowns. In a scheme so focussed on the pass as they employ, those numbers must be worrying for Chicago. If they can find a receiver in the mid-rounds of the draft who can come in and help them out, they should go for them, and finding a receiver who fits into Mike Martz’s complicated system has to be a priority.

5, LB- Assuming the Bears can retain Celb Hanie as Jay Cutler’s back-up, they do not need to look at the offense other than the line and receivers in this draft, and the defense is good as it is, with a lot of young guys at both corner and safety. A linebacker to complete their three would be a good addition. Lance Briggs and Brian Urlacher were both pushing for All-Pro selections last year, and adding a young talent to play alongside them would be of use for the Bears. It is not vital, and need not be addressed early in the draft, as the defense is getting along well with what they have at linebacker, but it is one of the areas in which a small improvement could be made.

Green Bay Packers:

1, OLB- The Packers won the Super Bowl in 2010, with a talented-filled team. They have one of the league’s best outside pass rushers in Clay Matthews, a player who is feared by offensive coordinators, offensive tackles and quarterbacks alike. Matthews started the season like an out of control freight train, but as offensive coordinators began to double team him, he became a little less effective (although just as frightening). A top outside linebacker to play alongside Matthews will mean he gets fewer double teams, and the Packers improve on their ranking on joint second in sacks.

2, DE- The run defense was the Packers’ weakest area this year. They ranked 18th in rushing yards per game and 28th in yards per rush. B. J. Raji will be the nose tackle, and they have options at end with Johnny Jolly wanting to come back, but a young 3-4 defensive end who can play the run well would be a great addition to the Packers organisation. If they can sure up their run defense in this offseason, with what they have in every other area of the field, they will be the favorites to repeat their success of 2010.

3, OT- While the Packers have Chad Clifton starting at left tackle, and first round pick from 2010 Brian Bulaga starting at right tackle, Clifton is 34, so Bulaga will likely be replacing him relatively soon. If Bulaga does replace him, the Packers need a right tackle. In 2011, as they do not have any other gaping holes, they could look for one relatively high in the draft. Depending on who is on the board, they could go for a tackle in round 2, as round 1 should not be a place where they start to look. The line should improve in 2011 as Bulaga grows into his role, and learning under Chad Clifton would be great for any rookie who comes into the NFL.

4, WR- Although the Packers currently have the best set of receivers in the NFL, they could still add one. Donald Driver is close to retirement, and there are still questions over the reliability of James Jones. Greg Jennings is elite, and Jordy Nelson is a talented young player, but the addition of another inside receiver would take some of the pressure away from Driver, who tends to pay in the slot, and will give the young player a chance to learn under a Packers legend, giving Green Bay the chance to groom their next slot receiver while Driver is still on the roster.

5, RB- I don’t see a huge need here, as Ryan Grant will be back for 2011, and James Starks and Brandon Jackson can play their role. Not to forget Jon Kuhn either. However, Grant may have issues returning from his injury, and Starks is still relatively unproven. A late round running back, like Starks in 2010, would be useful to have at the bottom of the roster or on the practice squad. Late round backs tend to be a bit of a mystery, and the Packers could strike gold with the next Arian Foster, but it is a position worth taking a gamble on at some point in the 2011 NF Draft.

Detroit Lions:

1, CB- Statistically, this pass defense is not as bad as people think. 16th in yards per game, 21st in first downs, 13th in touchdowns. It certainly could be a lot worse. However, one look at the Lions’ depth chart at corner and suddenly it all becomes clear: the Lions need a legit number one cornerback with elite potential. They managed to play themselves out of the race for Peterson and Amukamara with some good late season wins in 2010, but they could go with Jimmy Smith, who’s stock will be rising if he has the good Combine he should have, or they could look to a trade. If I was in charge, I’d be sitting at 13 and looking to trade down. They are unlikely to get good value at that pick, and with the depth in this draft they can pick up two good corners later on. The Lions have a number of needs they would like to address at some point, and accruing a number of picks would be a good way to begin addressing them.

2, OLB- Detroit are struggling at linebacker, with a number of players hitting free agency, and most of them not on the top of any team’s must-sign list. Detroit should be looking to add players at this position. Not necessarily top level guys who can rush the passer and do everything brilliantly, as they are covered quite well with the pass rush, but guys who can come into a rotation, play good solid football and sure up the run defense. Rebuilding the linebacking core will take time in Detroit, as it is not a project which can be completed with one good draft, by the 2011 NFL Draft should be a good start in the process.

3, ILB- For the same reasons as above, Detroit need to begin to rebuild their linebackers. This draft is not the best for linebackers, but they should be able to find some talented kids who can be developed, and that is what Detroit need to do. They do not need to develop one player and plug them into a specified hole, they need to redesign an entire linebacking core, and picking up young talent will help the Lions to start building a group of players who are comfortable playing together.

4, SS- Another look at defense here, as Detroit can help themselves against both the run and the pass in this draft which is relatively deep with strong safeties. This could be a good place to look in the second or third round, depending on who else is on the board, as a player who can come into the box and play the run, as well as being able to cover bigger tight ends and running backs would be a valuable pick up. Rebuilding the Lions defense will be a long process, as only the defensive line is really a good unit, although that too will need some help this offseason, and this team are not going to be a 13-3 division winner straight away. Building through the draft for two or even three years will turn them into a team capable of that type of season, and adding a strong safety would be a good part of that.

5, WR- Offensive tackle is a tempting pick here, but that does not need to be addressed in this draft. Detroit ranked 6th in sacks given up this year, a good performance, and Jeff Backus has a few good years in him yet. If there is a young tackle on the board who represents good value, the Lions could look at him, but I would like to see Detroit add a receiver. Calvin Johnson is a very good player, and Nate Burleson is fine opposite him, with Sheffler and Pettigrew at tight end, but another weapon would be useful for what could be a highly explosive offense. A mid to late round developmental receiver would be a good pickup, and one who could help out in the return game straight away might prove valuable for a team who could possibly sneak into the wildcard position this year.

MInnesota Vikings:

1, S- The Vikings’ defense was good statistically in 2010. They ranked in the top 10 in the NFL in most categories, but the two most worrying categories for Vikings coaches will be the third down percentage (26th) and the passing touchdowns (23rd). Minnesota do not have a marquee safety who comes into play in the redzone, who can take a tight end out of the equation or blanket a slot receiver by themselves. Picking at 12, it will be difficult for the Vikings to address this need in the first round, but a second or third round safety is a must, and if the Vikings do not like anyone on the board at 12, a trade down to the bottom of the first could give them the chance to draft Rahim Moore, who has even been mocked as going to Minnesota at 12, a little high for my liking.

2, QB- The big question on Vikings’ fan minds is what to do about the quarterback position. Many will be in the veteran camp, as I would be, but the Vikings need to draft someone no matter what. Sending Tarvaris Jackson out into free agency seems to be the kindest thing to do for all parties, and Joe Webb has not shown a huge deal to say that he could ever be developed into a usable starter. If the VIkings were committed to finding a veteran such as Kevin Kolb or Donovan McNabb in free agnecy, whenever that may come, they need a back-up plan. There are several back-up plans available in this draft, and the second or third round would be a good place to find one. Ricky Stanzi or Andy Dalton would possibly be the best fits here.

3, DE- Ray Edwards look set to leave Minnesota for a big money free agency deal after the CBA gets signed, so the VIkings will be looking to move guys up the depth chart. They picked up Eversen Griffen in last year’s draft, and he could be moved up towards a starting spot, but the Vikings would then like to bring in another young end to take his place. The Vikings need to make sure that Jared Allen cannot be focused on by defenses, and they will need someone who can draw blockers away from Allen in the way that Edwards was able to do. Another possible use for their second or third rounder here, and a trade down to pick up additional picks in this area looks to be a good option for Minnesota.

4, OG- Steve Hutchinson is getting old, and he is getting towards the territory where a players gets by on reputation alone. He can still play, but he is not the every year Pro Bowler that people think he is. He is however a great player to learn the trade under, and a young talented guard could come in and work well under Hutchinson. If the Vikings were picking lower in the first round then guard could be a way they went there, but again, at 12 it would be a reach. I would suggest leaving the position until the mid rounds, as guards are not at a premium in the NFL draft.

5, DT- This is assuming that Sidney Rice agrees a deal which keeps him in Minnesota. If not, then Julio Jones becomes very interesting for the Vikings. Should Rice remain, a defensive tackle would be a good addition to this team, as the Williams wall are aging, and declining. Pat Williams is currently 38, and Kevin is 30, so someone who can transition into a starting job on this line would be a good pick for Minnesota. This is not their biggest need, but considering their others, it could well be the first one which is addressed in the draft. Should someone like Marcel Darreus fall with some bad workouts, he would quite possibly be the pick here, or if the VIkings think any of the 3-4 ends could project to 4-3 tackle, they may well go after them in the first round.

Draft Needs: AFC South and AFC West

AFC South:

Indianapolis Colts:

1, DT- The Colts cannot defend the run. They are better against the pass, 13th in passing yards per game, 10th in passing yards per attempt, 9th in passing touchdowns, but against the run they struggle. They rank 25th in rushing yards per game and 27th in yards per carry. The Colts are also 23rd in the league in sacks. With Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney at defensive end, backed up by Jerry Hughes, they should be top 5. If the Colts were really keen to solve these problems, they would be on the phone to Carolina, asking them just what they might want for the first overall pick. I would be tempted to offer their first and second round picks, as well as one of their receivers, maybe Pierre Garcon or even Reggie Wayne. That trade most likely won’t happen, so with the 22nd pick the Colts would like to find a huge run-stuffer to stick in the middle of their line and immediately sure up their defense against the run.

2, S- Bob Sanders is too injury prone for the Colts to rely on him. He is good, and makes a big difference to the team, but he is not on the field enough for the Colts to be able to see the benefits. Antoine Bethea is bordering on the elite on the other side, but a talented young safety would be a great plug-in for this team to take the reliance away from Sanders. The Colts would not necessarily need someone to fit into the passing game, but a bigger guy who can play close to the line and help out against the run would be hugely valuable for Indianapolis.

3, C- Indianapolis’ line is young. With the exception of Jeff Saturday, they have one player over 30, and that is Ryan Diem. If I was in charge of this organisation, I would be going out and looking for experienced tackles and guards rather than drafting them high. However, with Jeff Saturday at centre, now would be a good time to bring in a young guy with potential, as Saturday is one of the all time greats at the position. An ideal pick here would be Mike Pouncey. He goes into the draft as a centre/guard, with many believing him unable to play centre in the pros. I would like to see the Colts bring him in in the first round, sit him behind Saturday and let him learn. If he can’t play at centre, he’ll slot in as an upgrade at guard. This would be a good pick if there was no defensive tackle available, but he should not be picked up if a run-stuffer was on the board.

4, RB- Joseph Addai is much like Bob Sanders. He is effective when he plays, but he doesn’t play enough to be relied upon. The Colts’ running game this year was not good. They ranked 29th in rushing yards per game, 27th in yards per carry, 19th in rushing 1st downs and 12th in rushing touchdowns. Whether or not that is due to the play of the offensive line, it is no secret that the Colts’ set of running backs is weak. Addai is the best of the bunch, but is hurt too much, Donald Brown has shown very little after he was the Colts’ first round pick in 2009, and going back to Dominic Rhodes showed just how desperate Indianapolis was. Another body in the competition will be useful, and a mid round pick could soon become a starter in this offense. He does not need to be a great runner, but he needs to be good enough to allow Peyton Manning to run play-action effectively.

5, QB- Peyton Manning is still great. He had a slight down season this year, but he still ranks at least at number two in the top QB stakes. I have him at number one. However, there is still a need for a new QB is Indianapolis. First off, Curtis Painter is the only back-up there, and he is not good enough to be in that position. Second off, while the Colts gave up the fewest sacks in the league, that was on Peyton Manning, not the offensive line. If the line struggles in 2011 and Manning takes a bad hit, the Colts are finished. Thirdly, Manning threw an uncharacteristically high number of interceptions this year. If, and this is a massive if, Manning’s interceptions were a sign of the beginning of his decline, then having a second or third round quarterback in there who has learned from the best will be of great help in the transition to the next man up. Someone like Andy Dalton, if he was drop into the third round, would be a great pick up here.

Tennessee Titans:

1, QB- Tennessee want to rid themselves on Vince Young in the off season, even with Jeff Fisher having been dumped, it seems as though they will go into next season with Kerry Collins, Chris Simms and Rusty Smith. None of them is a starter, and none of them are likely to be a long-term option in Tennessee. With the 8th pick in the draft, it will be difficult to find value at the position, but a second or third round pick used on the right player could see Tennessee set up for the future. Their best option may be to start with Kerry Collins, or to bring in another veteran to start for a year or two, but a high to mid round quarterback is a must for the Titans if the pick gives the right value.

2, WR- Kenny Britt is legit. He will be a very good NFL receiver for the next few years. Opposite him is Nate Washington, a very low end number two, but the Titans need to acquire a slot receiver. The Titans ranked 25th in passing yards per game in 2010, but 17th in yards per pass and 17th in passing touchdowns. However, the team ranked 29th in first downs, and 28th in passing first downs, as well as 23rd in third down percentage. These stats show just how much the Titans missed a receiver with good hands who can go over the middle and catch balls in traffic. A player like this is a must for the Titans going into the off season, and the draft looks to be a good place to find one. Austin Pettis of Boise State is worth a look. If they bring in a young quarterback, they also have to give him weapons if he is to have success.

3, S- While the Titans struggle over the middle on offense, that is nothing compared to their struggles on defense. Their defense ranked 32nd in first downs, 31st in passing first downs and 29th in third down percentage. They are crying out for a safety who can cover slot receivers and tight ends, as they are the kind of players who quarterbacks often look to when they need to convert a mid-yardage situation. While another corner would make a good addition to the Titans’ roster, a safety takes precedence as Alterraun Verner and Cortland Finnegan can hold the fort at corner.

4, CB- However, Finnegan and Verner cannot play in the nickel position. The Titans have very little in terms of a third corner, and they need to add one to roster to play that position. There are talks of Prince Amukamara falling to number eight in the draft, but I feel that he will go at number seven if he is on the board. Cornerback is a position which will be very deep in the 2011 draft, so the Titans can sit and wait, picking one up in the second or third round, if not later. All of this may be irrelevant if Tennessee get themselves into the Nnadmi Asamugha debate, but the money they would have to spend to do so would not make the move worthwhile.

5, TE- Bo Scaife is a low-end starter in the NFL. The Titans also have Jared Cook, a young first year player who they drafted in the third round last year. They will have high hopes for Cook, but they could do with adding another tight end to the mix. This is for similar reasons to the need for a slot receiver, as the tight end is usually an important short-yardage target. If the Titans are to have a new QB in place next year or for the future, they will need to surround him with talented players. Another tight end to go with Cook and Scaife cannot hurt. I would be looking at someone like Luke Stocker, a mid round talent out of Tennessee, or Jordan Cameron, a later round guy who needs some work.

Houston Texans:

1, CB- the Texans pass defense is one of the worst the NFL has ever seen. They gave up the most yards, the second highest yards per pass, most touchdowns and third most passing first downs in the league in 2010. Houston need a pair of corners who are an upgrade over what they have now, and who will take pressure away from 2010 first round pick Kareem Jackson. Jackson did not have a good year, but his style didn’t fit the Texans’ system, and new defensive co-ordinator Wade Phillips may be able to get greater use out of him. However if a corner is on the board at number 11 who is not too much of a reach, he should come off the board right there. This is the biggest need by a mile, and it must be addressed if Houston are to move forward.

2, CB- Yeah, the Texans need a pair of corners. One in the first round, and one in the mid rounds. With the depth of talent available in this draft, they can find two starters in the first four rounds.

3, NT- Wade Phillips runs the 3-4. Houston have been a 4-3 team for a long time, and have built up a decent front seven in that system. If Phillips decides to rip up the floorboards and lay down new carpet, it will take a long time, and much of this draft should be used for building the future of the 3-4 in Houston. A nose tackle is not the most important position in the 3-4, but it is possibly the hardest to find. A high round nose tackle will be a great asset for this team to have in the next ten years, even if he cannot make a great impact right away.

4, DE- Again a part of the 3-4, Houston need to build up the defensive line before they deal with the rest. Stopping the run is vital, more so than organising the linebackers, so a defensive end is a big priority. Mario Williams is a top end in a 4-3, but where he fits into the new system is still a mystery. If he plays with his hand down, he will need a lot of help from the other side as he grows into the position. Another potential use of a top round pick is a defensive end, and the Texans may have to look into some trades to gain extra second and third round picks to build the future of their defense. Perhaps a trade down in the first round if one of the two top corners are not available, or even a big trade with Williams, who many teams would kill to have on their defensive line.

5, OLB- In a 3-4 scheme, the Texans do not have obvious outside guys. Brian Cushing and DeMeco Ryans should be good inside linebackers, but they do not have anyone who can be a top outside guy and bring the pass rush. The Texans will be taking a risk if they rely on him to generate the pass rush, as they would if they do not take an outside linebacker or two who can come in and help out in this area. The 3-4 needs big linebackers who can get to the quarterback, and, while Houston will not be taking a top round talent at the position, they may well take two players in the mid to lower rounds to try and find a future pass rusher in the mould of DeMarcus Ware. The problem here is that Houston could go to any of these needs with their first round pick, and all of them would be justified.

Jacksonville Jaguars:

1, CB- The Jags were vying with Houston for having the league’s worst secondary in 2010, and ended up giving up the highest number of passing yards. Their corners are poor, and they will be hoping to grab one of the top players at that position in the 2011 draft. Cornerback is deep this year, so the Jags should not have a problem finding one to fit into their secondary, whether that is in the first or second round, but they certainly need an upgrade, as well as a veteran presence from free agency if they can find one. The Jags defense has been statistically poor in most areas this season, but Head Coach Jack Del Rio has found a way to win. Upgrading the defense should give him a chance to push on and challenge the Colts at the top of the AFC South.

2, WR- While the Jags have a number of areas that they need to upgrade, I feel a talented young wide out is a necessary addition to the roster. Mike Sims-Walker is too inconsistent, and Mike Thomas is still not ready to lead the team. A receiver who is more able to go over the middle and who would be another redzone target to go alongside tight end Marcades Lewis would be a good addition. David Garrard improved last season, lower his interception numbers and proved a useful quarterback in the NFL. If he gets another top level weapon in the early rounds, he should continue to improve and to push Jacksonville towards the playoffs.

3, LB- the Jags’ big signing of the off-season in 2010 was former Oakland Raiders’ middle linebacker Kirk Morrison. Morrison was disappointing for the Jags, and the stats show a poor overall performance from the linebacking core. While the team ranked 11th in terms of rushing yards per game, they ranked 30th in yards per rush and 29th in rushing touchdowns, showing that their poor pass defense accounted for their relatively good showing in terms of total rushing yards allowed. The play of the interior defensive line was solid, but the linebacking has been disappointing, and an addition or two at any position of the three would help the team.

4, DE- the Jags ranked 30th in sacks this season, in spite of some better play from their interior linemen. This coming draft is deep at corner and defensive line, both positions where the Jags should be looking to use an early pick and possibly another as well. A pure pass rusher will be very useful to the Jags, and if they could find one like Carlos Dunlap for Cincinnati then they would be very pleased. If there is no corner worth the pick in the first round when the Jags are on the board, a defensive end will be on their minds, and a good pass rusher could well come off the board at 16.

5, S- another area of the Jags’ defense which would benefit from an upgrade is the safety position. They have some young players on the roster, but they don’t have any name which jumps out as a potential top level safety. A mid-round player could be plugged into the rotation, if not into the starting line-up with a good showing at camp, which would benefit the Jags by giving them another option and allowing them to stay healthy and fresh. If they can find a safety who is not necessarily a stand-out talent either against the run or in coverage, but is solid in both areas, that may be the best pick-up for the Jags.

AFC West:

Kansas City Chiefs:

1, WR- Kansas City have very few needs in this draft. For a team that had such a poor 2009, they are amazingly well-stocked. There are question marks over some of the players, but if each player continues at their 2010 level or improves, then the Chiefs have a chance to be a dominant team for a few years. A receiver may be their primary need, someone to play opposite Dwayne Bowe to give him more freedom to make plays. The Chiefs were 30th in passing yards per game last year, 22nd in passing yards per attempt and 21st in passing first downs. An early round young receiver will be a useful addition to a team with an already explosive offense.

2, DE- The Chiefs have developed a very talented front seven, with stars such as Tamba Hali emerging as one of the best in the NFL in 2010. However, they are light on the defensive front, with just three defensive ends on the roster, and could do with adding another to the rotation, and another to keep up the pressure on Glenn Dorsey and Tyson Jackson. Kansas City do not have a glaring need to take a first round end, they have the chance to make a luxury pick or two if they were to fall into their laps, but a defensive end would be a good pick somewhere in the mid-early rounds.

3, QB- Matt Cassell had a great 2010, being voted to the Pro Bowl and showing that 2008 was no fluke in New England. He is the clear starter, and will not be under pressure next year from whoever the number two is. However, the number two is currently Brodie Croyle, who is not at all a good quarterback. Having a good back-up can mean the difference between first and last in the division, and Croyle would certainly not lead the Chiefs to first if Cassell was to go down. A mid round quarterback would be a good addition for the Chiefs to work on and develop into a new backup for Cassell. If any of the candidates for the second round such as Stanzi or Dalton fall into the third for Kansas City, they should consider them, or even if Jake Locker was to fall to them in the second he could be an ideal pick.

4, OLB- Tamba Hali was a beast in 2010, and the Chiefs ranked a healthy tenth in the league in sacks. Hali was a massive part in that, and the Chiefs will want to improve on that by bringing in another linebacker to give the defenses some worries. If teams can double team Hali and not have someone on the other side to worry about, the sack production from this defense will go down, but if a young pass rushing linebacker can come in, Hali should stay free to wreak havoc. This could be the way Kansas City go in the first round depending on which players are on the board.

5, NT- this one was tough, as the Chiefs are very well stocked in most areas. Luxury picks could be made in this draft to help any area, but a nose tackle would make a good addition, if there is one on the board that the Chiefs feel could be an upgrade. The Chiefs rush defense was a little above average in 2010, but improvements are always welcome in the NFL, so a big, bulky young nose tackle could help out in short yardage situations and on the goal line. Otherwise, the Chiefs could look at any position.

San Diego Chargers:

1, OT: Finding the top need for this team is difficult. They have talent all across the board, and that stats they put up this year were phenomenal. However, they did not make the playoffs. Possibly the biggest reason for that was a somewhat faltering running game. The Chargers finished 15th in the league in rushing yards per game and rushing first downs, although they used Mike Tolbert to get them up to 4th in terms of rushing touchdowns. Ryan Matthews was banged up last year, but he shouldd be back to full health next year, and an elite offensive tackle will be giving him the chance to be super effective. With Marcus McNeill at left tackle, the Chargers could create a great pair of tackles, which would help them to protect Phillip Rivers as well, as they ranked 19th in sacks allowed in 2010.

2, WR- Phillip Rivers lit up the NFL in 2010 with very few receiving weapons, as Antonio Gates and Vincent Jackson were both in and out of the line-up. Assuming that Jackson will be leaving to pick up a big cheque somewhere else this offseason, the Chargers need to pick up a receiver. Even if Jackson stays, Malcolm Floyd has not shown great durability, and a young, raw receiver would be a good addition to this San Diego offense. A couple of additions to the offensive line, a new receiver and a rejuvenated running game will make this offense into one which defensive co-ordinators will be tearing their hair out over.

3, CB- the Chargers gave up the fewest passing yards per game, the third fewest yards per pass, the fifth fewest passing touchdowns and the third fewest passing first downs in 2010. They only have four corners on the roster however, and could do with another body to push the group even further. They are sure to be challenged further in 2011 as they face superior competition to the relatively easy schedule they somehow messed up in 2010. Another corner would be a useful piece to add to the puzzle and it should help the Chargers with their attempt to regain the NFC West title.

4, RB- Ryan Matthews struggled with health through 2010, and Darren Sproules in unlikely to get the money he will want in San Diego. Mike Tolbert did a good job for the Chargers in 2010, but they will want to find a new version of Darren Sproules to be the change of pace back and allow Tolbert to return to the more familiar role of full back. A young back such as Jacquizz Rodgers would also be able to help out in the return game, and be able to take some of the pressure off Matthews.

5, QB- Phillip Rivers is one of the best in the NFL, and had a great 2010. Billy Volek is one of the league’s better backups, but he is now 34 years old, and may not be too keen on spending the rest of his career with a headset on. Drafting a young guy like Greg MacElroy would be a great option, as he is a very intelligent player who is likely to spend his career as a backup. He could come in and develop under one of the best quarterback developers in the NFL, and he would make a good backup when Volek decides to call it a day.

Oakland Raiders:

1, CB- The Raiders are going to lose one of the best corners in the league in Nnamdi Asamugha in this off season. With him going, the Raiders lose the cornerstone of their defense. Their defense gave up the second lowest passing yards per game in 2010, and the fewest passing first downs, as teams were scared to challenge Asamugha. The Raiders are unlikely to find a corner who can take a receiver out of the game like Asamugha can, but an early-round corner would be a must as the Raiders attempt to cover for the loss of their star player.

2, RT- Langston Walker is getting older, and is declining, but is worth keeping on the roster as he could play a number of positions, but he should not be a starting right tackle in the NFL at this stage of his career. Jared Veldheer is learning on the job at left tackle, so the Raiders do not need to add a player there, but a young right tackle would give them the foundations of a line which could see some consistency for a few years. The second round may be a good point to look for a right tackle, or a trade into the late second round could see the Raiders acquire a player like Castonzo or Carimi.

3, OLB- The Raiders run defense was not ideal in 2010. They ranked 29th in rushing yards per game, 23rd in yards per rush and 20th in rushing touchdowns. The defensive line needs some help, but Rolando McClain, the Raiders’ high profile first rounder, needs some better players around him. An addition or two on the outside will help the Raiders against run, and they should be able to get one in the later rounds, as they will not be looking for an immediate upgrade at pass rush, ranking joint second in the league in sacks in 2010.

4, OG- To go with their shiny new right tackle, the Raiders should pick up a guard. Partly because Cooper Carlisle in 33 years old, and on the decline, and also because they have Jared Veldheer, a new right tackle, and Bruce Campbell waiting in the wings. Having such a young offensive line will be a hinderance for a year or two, but it will be a great benefit in the long term, and should give the Raiders a chance to develop their running game and to make Darren McFadden one of the most effective backs in the league for the next few years.

5, TE- The Raiders had high hopes for Zach Miller in 2010, but his injury made him a non-factor for much of the season. Now he could become a free agent at the end of the year, and losing him would be a big loss for Oakland. If they do lose him then a tight end becomes a bigger need, but even if they do not tight end is a need for this team, as they need someone who can move the chains over the middle of the field. With Jacoby Ford, Darius Heyward-Bey and Louis Murphy, the Raiders have a potentially explosive receiving core, if they can all get up to speed, and a tight end to play with, or to replace, Zach Miller would give whoever plays under centre for Oakland the weapons to have a successful year.

Denver Broncos:

1, CB- Picking a top need for the Broncos is difficult, as they have needs all over their defense, but corner looks to be their biggest. Part of that is the fact that Perrish Cox could well be in jail soon, and Champ Bailey could well be on a different roster soon after the CBA is signed. Even if Bailey and Cox stay, Bailey is getting up in years, and the Broncos pass defense was terrible in 2010. They ranked 25th in passing yards per game allowed, 30th in yards per pass, 24th in passing touchdowns and 30th in picks. Right there for them at the top of the draft, if they choose to look that way, is Patrick Peterson, the best prospect at corner for the last few years. However, the draft is deep for corners, and many Denver fans have been calling for Peterson to be passed on and for the Broncos to take elite talent to fill another need.

2, DT- With the Broncos switching to a 4-3 system in 2011, they need to rebuild an entire front seven. The lineman are the biggest concerns however, and a defensive tackle just edge out the ends as the next biggest need. The Broncos gave up the 2nd highest rushing yards in the NFL last year, as well as the second most rushing first downs, and the highest number of rushing touchdowns. The Broncos need a defensive tackle who can play the run- especially when they get down to the goal line. If a team cannot defend the run, it cannot do anything on defense, and if the Carolina Panthers were to pass on Nick Fairely, he would be a perfect fit for the Broncos here.

3, DE- If the Panthers were to take Fairley, the Broncos decision should be between Patrick Peterson and Da’Quan Bowers. While I have corner as the bigger need, I would take Bowers. In addition to the terrible run defense, the Broncos, admittedly without Elvis Dumervil, ranked deal last in the NFL in sack numbers. They had just 23 sacks, and were led by inside linebacker DJ Williams. They need a pass rusher from the outside, and in a 4-3, Dumervil will not be that player. Bowers would be a perfect pick if he was on the board for Denver, as using a top pick on a pass rusher usually gives better value than a corner, especially when a corner should be on the board for the Broncos in the second round, and they could even look for another a little lower as well.

4, TE- While the Broncos have not used the tight end in recent years, and their 2010 offense was not hugely harmed by this, a good pass catcher at the position can benefit any offense. John Fox is also not a big fan of the pass catching tight end, as shown by his string of tight ends in Carolina. Again, however, a tight end who can go over the middle and make tough catches is very valuable. Just ask Bill Belichick. The Broncos should not be looking for a guy too high in the draft as they have such huge needs on their defense, but if a pass catcher was to fall to them in the mid to late rounds, they should pull the trigger.

5, S- renaldo Hill is 32 and Brian Dawkins is 37. Both are still adequate starting safeties, but the Broncos need young talent at the position, and should be in a position to find some in the mid rounds of the 2011 Draft. They do have some younger players at the position, but adding another will not hurt, and anything that the Broncos can do to rebuild this defense will be of benefit. John Fox was brought in to do just that, and the draft will likely be his first chance to do so. Therefore expect the Broncos to go heavy on defensive talent, much like Miami did last year, as the offense is good enough to let go for one more year.

NFL Draft: A Rough Guide

For those people among you who are relatively new to the glory that is the National Football League, or for those of you who just haven’t yet been brought to speed with the ins and outs of the NFL Draft, here is a rough guide to one of the greatest weekends of the NFL season.

The Draft began in 1936, and is hosted in New York in April at the Radio City Music Hall. The first evening sees the first round, with the next day seeing rounds two and three, and the final day seeing rounds four through seven take place. In the first round, teams have ten minutes to make a pick, then they have seven in the second and five in the remaining rounds. It is a massive event in the USA, with many people having ‘Draft parties’ as they would Super Bowl parties.

The Draft is essential for the parity which marks out the NFL as something different from other major sports leagues. The first pick in the draft is given to the team with the worst record in the NFL, the second pick to the team with the second worst record and so on. Picks 1-20 see the non-playoff teams ranked in this way, with those who are eliminated in the wildcard round picking 21-24, with those with the worst record at 21, and with the worst at 24, then 25-28 see those eliminated in the divisional round, 29-30 are eliminated in the Conference Championship games, then the Super Bowl loser picks at 31, and the final pick of each round is taken up by the League Champion.

If teams have equal records, the order of the first round is decided by which team has the toughest schedule, with the easiest schedule picking highest. In the subsequent rounds, those teams with equal records rotate, so the team with the easiest schedule picks last of the group with the equal records, and the team with the second easiest schedule picks earliest. From round three onwards, picks are awarded at the end of each round to teams who have lost the highest rated players in free agency. Picks can switch between teams in trades, either solely involving picks or also involving players, and picks in future drafts may also be traded.

With the draft order decided, the teams get ideas about which players they will have a chance to take. Generally, the players who go at the top of the draft are the most valuable to a franchise- a pass rushing defensive end (in a 4-3 system) or outside linebacker (in a 3-4 system), a left tackle to protect the quarterback’s blindside or a quarterback. Players who are considered to be a once in a generation talent at another position are also considered at the very top of the draft. In recent years, the position most often picked at number one is a quarterback.

Teams will be looking at draft prospects for the entire year before the draft, and they have a number of scouts who spend all day watching tape of college players. The players who stick out are not always the most productive in college, but there are a number of things scouts look for. Players usually have to be of a certain size to succeed in the NFL, and if a player is considered to be too small they must be incredibly productive to even make it into the first round of the draft. Players usually need to play against quality opposition, in a strong conference, as they will have been more tested than those who play in weaker conferences. Of course, players usually need a good technique, but coaches will usually look past this if they have been especially productive or they have prototypical size for their position. For certain players, such as quarterbacks, the system which their college runs is important, as those who have played in a system hugely different from that which predominates in the NFL will need more time to learn.

On draft day, teams will generally have a ‘board’, which contains the names of eligible players, placing players into the order in which the teams rate them. Most teams’ boards will be similar, but there will be key differences, and some teams stick rigidly to their board, whereas others draft according to need. A team which sticks to its board will draft the best player on its board when it comes to pick, and a team who drafts according to need will usually draft the best player on the board at a position where they see a big need. This will often lead to some picks judged to be wrong ones by draft experts.

Draft day sees a lot of surprises, as some players touted to go very high in the draft fall, and some who were touted to go much lower than they did surprise everyone. In 2010, for example, the second rated quarterback, Jimmy Clausen, was projected by a number of experts to be drafted inside the top ten, and he fell into the middle of the second round. Also, Tyson Alualu, a defensive tackle projected to go in the second round, went at number ten overall to Jacksonville. Often, the players who fall do so because NFL scouts pick up flaws not seen by other experts, and often players are taken unexpectedly high because some scouts see certain things which others miss, or because that team is unable to find a good enough deal to trade their pick for a lower one, so they have to ‘reach’ for a player who is not the greatest value at that point in the draft.

The main aim of the NFL Draft for all teams is to get the best player they can at the lowest point in the draft. This is mainly because the players picked highest command the most money. Sam Bradford, the 2010 number one overall pick, was given a six year deal worth $78 million. The final pick of the first round, Patrick Robinson, a cornerback, was given a five year contract with the New Orleans Saints worth $12 million. Equally valid is that trading picks will often give the team trading down in the draft more picks or a veteran player who can assist the team more than anyone who was available with the pick the team traded out of.

When all is said and done on draft weekend, teams will start to sign players. In previous years, this has happened a few months after the draft, as hugh picks tend to wait for each other to sign so they can judge how high their contract should be. Usually, the contract of the first pick is the most lucrative, followed by that of the second pick, and so on and so on. Some players have been known to hold out if they are not satisfied with contracts or the team which drafted them. A player can hold out for an entire year and reenter the draft in the next year, but that rarely happens. The latest holdout in recent years was Michael Crabtree in 2009, who held out until October with the San Francisco 49ers. However, with the CBA deal not being signed for 2011, no rookies can be signed until it is, and the salaries they receive may be limited by the negotiations, as many believe they have gone out of control.

Assessing a draft is difficult. After the draft, experts will usually give each team a grade based on their perception of the players they selected. The usual rule for a true assessment is that it cannot be done until three years after the draft. This tends to give players a chance to fit into their positions and learn their trade. Teams such as Pittsburgh, New England and Green Bay have traditionally received good draft grades for year after year, and it is little coincidence that those teams have had sustained success in the NFL. Equally, teams such as Detroit and Cincinnati are known for drafting badly, and again it is no shock that neither team is a year-in-year-out power in the NFL.

The NFL Draft is one of the greatest times in the NFL calendar, as some teams find the players that will win them Super Bowls in their future, and others get players which will be forever known as the worst decisions that team has ever made. This year sees a very weak quarterback class, but some very talented cornerbacks and pass rushers, but noone truly knows which players will turn out to be brilliant. JaMarcus Russell was the number one overall pick in 2007, and Tom Brady was drafted 199th overall in 2000.

Draft Needs: AFC East and AFC North

With the draft likely to be the first event of the off-season, I start to take a look at the needs of each team going into the draft. This week sees the AFC East and AFC North go under the microscope.

AFC East:

New England Patriots:

1, OLB- the Patriots defense was fourteenth in sacks this year, and their sack leader was Rob Ninkovic with four. Considering that the Patriots outscored every other team in the NFL by seventy-seven points last year those sack numbers are not so high. With teams on the ropes, rushing the passer can become more effective, and yet the Patriots were unable to get the kind of numbers they would have liked. When taking into consideration the fact that they finished 32nd in third down conversion percentage, and also 32nd in third downs conceded through the air, the pass rush needs to become more effective, and a stud edge rusher is one of the team’s biggest needs this off-season.

2, S- see the third down stats above. The Patriots finished bottom of the pile in third downs conceded against the pass in 2010. While much of that may have to do with teams chasing the game and taking more risks, it also shows a lot about the Patriots’ defense. Third downs will often be third and short which will usually see short passes go to a running back, tight end or slot receiver. These are the situations where the Pats need a safety who can play the pass well. Patrick Chung is good against the run, but he is not the greatest in pass coverage. Another body to fit in there in passing situations is a need for this defense.

3, CB- the Patriots gave up the 3rd most passing yards in the NFL this year, which, considering the personnel in their secondary, was quite a good achievement. Devin McCourty had a great rookie year, tying Asante Samuel and Troy Polumalu for second most interceptions in the NFL. Alongside McCourty, the Patriots had very little. While Leigh Bodden will be back from injury this season, there are no guarantees that he will be as good as he was. In any case, the Patriots need a guy they can bring in as their nickel guy at first, who can challenge Bodden and McCourty in the next few years. This may be the ideal use of their later first round pick, while a stud outside linebacker should be taken with the Raiders’ first rounder.

4, OT- Matt Light isn’t getting any younger. While Sebastian Vollmer could slide into his left tackle position, that leaves a hole on the right of the line. The Patriots tend to keep an offensive line together, so they should be looking for that next offensive tackle to develop under Light and Vollmer. Steve Maneri has the size, but not the experience at the position, so a late-round offensive tackle or two for the team to develop ought to be a priority.

5, OG- another position on the offensive line that could become a problem is guard. Logan Mankins is the cornerstone of the Patriots offensive line, and one of the league’s best guards, but he already held out last year, and could do so again if he still wants away from New England. Should he leave, the Patriots’ running game will need to change significantly, as the majority of running plays are run his way. If Mankins goes, the Patriots will look to one of the draft’s top guards to grow into the role Mankins played. If there is no corner available, the Patriots could even go for one of the top guards with their late first round pick.

New York Jets:

1, FS- the Jets are a team packed full of talent, so it is difficult to spot many gaping holes. However, one where they are in definite need of an upgrade is free safety. They are currently starting Eric Smith, who is an average player where they need an above-average one. The Jets have a great secondary against the outside receivers, as the stats show, but they give away too many plays over the middle. One of their worst defensive stats is that they are 23rd in passing touchdowns allowed. Those touchdowns have tended to be in short yardage situations. The addition of a top free safety prospect should help the Jets defend the middle of the field against the tight end and the slot receiver, and allow Darrelle Revis, Antonio Cromartie and Kyle Wilson to keep up their work on the outside.

2, NT- Kris Jenkins is one of the best nose tackles in the business. He missed much of 2009 with injury, and has missed almost all of 2010 with an injury as well. Sione Pouha is an adequate replacement, but he is not the top guy the Jets are looking for at the position. An upgrade could be found in the early-mid rounds of the draft, to dither sit behind Jenkins if he can find some health or to come and challenge Pouha for the starting spot. Another body is certainly needed to go into the Jets camp, and if there are two nose tackles that could come off the board to the Jets, they could well grab them both.

3, WR- Mark Sanchez is the weakest part of the Jets’ offense. The offensive line is elite, the running game is working very well and the receiving core is good. For him to lead this team to a Super Bowl, he needs all the weapons he can get. The Jets are crying out for a top quality slot receiver, one who can make catches in traffic and who has very good hands. Jerricho Cotchery does a good job, but another guy can do no harm to the Jets. If they can go out and grab a guy like Austin Pettis from Boise State then they will add another low-profile but effective weapon to help Mark Sanchez develop.

4, QB- while I am not a Mark Sanchez fan, I am certainly not suggesting that the Jets look to draft his replacement with this pick. I am suggesting that they draft a new backup to replace 40 year old Mark Brunell. I would expect the Jets to pick up a guy in free agency as well, but a raw young guy with physical ability would be a good fit to go into New York and sit and learn for a few years. The Jets are crying out for a Tom Brady style sixth round gem, and I would expect them to go QB a little higher than that in 2011.

5, TE- Dustin Keller started the year very well, but tailed off towards the end, as all fantasy players will know. Like the QB, I’m not suggesting that the Jets go out and draft a replacement for Keller, but I would like to see them go out and pick up a guy who can come in for a couple of series each game and give Keller some rest. I expect Keller to have a good year in 2011, but a back-up would help him to elongate his year into the post-season, something he has not been able to do this season. I would like to see the Jets use a third round pick on a tight end if there is one on the board.

Miami Dolphins:

1, WR- most people will have a running back here, but I don’t. Miami’s rushing attack was not great in 2010. They ranked 21st in rushing yards per game, 30th in yards per rush and 29th in rushing touchdowns. However, the biggest problem for the Dolphins’ offense in 2010 was that they were easy to scheme against. Brandon Marshall is an elite receiver in the NFL, but he is not a downfield guy. Davone Bess is a very good slot receiver, but he is not a downfield guy. The Dolphins have no downfield threat, allowing defenses to play tight to the line against the run and to not need to drop their safeties deep. A downfield threat at receiver would change all of that, and give the rest of the team more room, not to mention taking advantage of their quarterback’s greatest strength- his arm.

2, RB- as the stats above show, the Dolphins running game was not the best in 2010. While that is not all down to the running backs- some goes to the interior offensive line and some goes to the predictability- the Dolphins need a fresh, young and, most importantly, explosive player at the position. They need to keep either Ronnie Brown or Ricky Williams to enable the young back to stay healthy, but a young back is vital. The biggest problem last year was touchdowns- 27th in passing touchdowns and 29th in rushing touchdowns- and a downfield receiver and explosive running back should help them to bring the stats up to their otherwise average level. I would not however go running back in the first round if a receiver drops to 15. If AJ Green starts to fall, send picks someone’s way and pick him up.

3, C- a good running game relies on a good interior offensive line. If the centre and two guards can’t block the defensive tackles and the middle linebackers, yards per carry will be low. The Dolphins yards per carry was 30th in the NFL this year. With John Jerry and Ritchie Incognito at guard, the Dolphins are pretty set, especially with Jerry, but they really need an upgrade at centre. Joe Berger is intelligent, but not the most able player in the league, and when facing players like Kyle Williams and Vince Wilfork in the division, the Dolphins need a more athletic player at the position if they are to have an effective running game in 2011.

4, OT- the 2011 NFL Draft should be all about offense for the Dolphins. 2010 was all about the defense, which shapes up to be a top tier defense for the next few years. The one problem with the defense is interceptions (the Dolphins finished 28th in the league in picks in 2010), but that will come. The offense needs to stick with running the ball, and another offensive lineman is necessary here. Not to challenge Jake Long, but to challenge for the right tackle spot. As the Dolphins don’t have a second round pick currently, they would have to take a guy later (as receiver or running back will most likely be their first pick, with Mike Pouncey a small possibility) and develop him into a starter over a couple of years.

5, QB- I personally would keep Chad Henne in Miami as the starter. He did not have a great year in 2010, although part of his being in and out of the team was Tony Sparano panicking. With Chad Pennington likely to quit the game due to injury, and Tyler Thigpen being the next man up, I feel that the Dolphins need to draft someone in the mid to late rounds to challenge Thigpen for the back-up spot and to grow for a while. Perhapd they could add a free agent as well to get some competition. What they most need is a young guy who can sit and learn for a few years without having the pressure of trying to be the next Marino from the moment he steps into training camp.

Buffalo Bills:

1, DE- stopping the run is the biggest priority for Buffalo this offseason. They finished 32nd in the NFL in yards per rush allowed in 2010, as well as defending more running plays than any other team. That combination is not a good one. With Kyle Williams anchoring the inside of the offensive line, the Bills need a versatile defensive end to play both the 3-4 and 4-3 if they chose to use both again in 2011. The Bills recorded some good stats on offense and against the pass in 2010, but the run defense let them down, and an elite level defensive end for the 3-4 base set would help the run defense no end.

2, OLB- Buffalo are so desperate to generate a pass rush that they signed Shawne Merriman to a long term contract. Considering the fact that he will spend much of next year hurt, Buffalo need an edge rusher to generate pressure when opponents decide to pass the ball against them. If they can pick up an elite run stopper on the line, pass attempts will increase and they will need to generate more pressure than they did in 2010 (the Bills were 27th in the NFL in sacks and 28th in interceptions) in order for their pass defense not to drop too far from number three. A strong outside linebacker would also help against the run, so someone who can play three downs would be a massive asset to Buffalo if they could find one at the top of the second round.

3, QB/WR- I have decided to have either a QB or a WR here as I don’t think Buffalo need both. If they decide to stick with Ryan Fitzpatrick this year, as he showed some good ability mid-season 2010, they need to give him another weapon to go alogside Steve Johnson and Lee Evans. If they decide not to keep Fitzpatrick, then they don’t need another WR, as Johnson and Evans are both capable, but they do need to pick up a quarterback early. I feel that their needs on the defensive line and at outside linebacker must be addressed with their first two picks, so a receiver is probably the best option to go with at this point, with possibly a quarterback in the late rounds to sit on the bench for a while.

4, CB- the Bills pass defense was third in yards per game in 2010. So why do they need another CB? Well, considering their abysmal run defense, Buffalo did not face the pass too often on defense. When they did, they ranked 16th in terms of yards per attempt, 26th in interceptions and 13th in passing first downs. With the top two picks both helping to build up the defense against the run, the Bills’ secondary will be tested to a much greater degree than they were over the course of 2009 or 2010. A corner would be useful, not necessarily as a starter, but as an upgrade in the nickel packages, and someone to develop slowly.

5, TE- the Bills have nothing at tight end. Nothing at all. While they have not had anything at the position for a few years now, a good tight end can help any offense. Ryan Fitzpatrick is not the strongest-armed quarterback in the league, and someone with good hands over the middle will help him out even more. If the Bills are to build around him and give him weapons, which I think they should, then a tight end would be very useful here. Clearly, they are not going to take a tight end high in the draft, as they have too many other concerns, but if a guy they like drops to them in the mid-low rounds, he would be useful for the offense going forward.

AFC North:

Pittsburgh Steelers:

1, OT- the Steelers’ offensive line has been poor for the last few years. They ranked 25th in sacks this year, partly down to Ben Roethlisberger’s style of moving around a lot in the pocket, but a top offensive tackle would help the Steelers in pass protection. While the running game is more solid, with players like Flozell Adams being much more suited to run blocking than pass blocking, the Steelers carried the ball the 8th most times in the NFL in 2010, but were only 18th in terms of yards per carry. An elite offensive tackle prospect would help Pittsburgh to extend the shelf-life of Big Ben, and would also help the running game become even better.

2, CB- Pittsburgh’s defense was the best in the NFL this year, and the best by quite some way. They led the league in sacks, led the league in yards per pass, yards per rush and rushing touchdowns. Against the pass, the Steelers were 12th in the league in yards per game, although they were thrown on more than all but three teams. Ike Taylor has had a good year, but he needs some help on the other side. Pick up a good young corner to slot into the defense and allow him to grow, which will help the Steelers going forward to dominate the defensive statistics for the next few years.

3, WR- Hines Ward has dropped off massively this season and could well be on his way out of Pittsburgh in the off-season or at sometime in the 2011 season. With Mike Wallace providing one of the best deep threats in the NFL and Emmanuel Sanders coming through nicely, Pittsburgh would like to add another young player to that group. The Steelers ranked 17th in passing first downs in 2010, and 21st in passing touchdowns. A receiver with good hands who can catch in traffic should help both of those stats, and should generate another element to frustrate opposing coaches. This guy doesn’t need to be elite, but if the Steelers identify a guy who they can plug in, a third round pick would be worth spending on him.

4, OG- with this team being mainly complete, the Steelers should be looking to bolster their offensive line as much as they can. The guards are not as much of a concern as the tackles, but another body in the interior will always be useful. Pittsburgh can generate greater pass protection and a more effective running game with greater talent on the offensive line, and a guard to go alongside a new tackle would not only help them now but it would also help them to remain dominant for a considerable period of time.

5, S- the Steelers have the greatest safety in the game in Troy Polumalu. But he suffered from injury last season, and is not getting any younger, despite having one of his best seasons for a while. However, when Polumalu is out, the Steelers’ defense struggles. So now is a great time to pick up a young, raw, talented safety and give Troy a new student. I’m thinking of a guy like Taylor Mays, although someone that gifted will be hard to find. Use a mid-round pick on a safety, have him learn from Polumalu for a few years and give the Steelers someone who can step in and play Polumalu’s role when Troy gets hurt,which he will.

Baltimore Ravens:

1, WR- this Ravens team is close to being elite for the next three years. The one piece missing from an otherwise excellent offense is a downfield receiver. Currently Donte Stallworth is the only receiver who can get downfield, and that is not a good situation. If the Ravens can unearth a speedy young receiver in the mold of DeSean Jackson in the first or second round, then the offense will become very difficult for teams to handle. This lack of a deep threat has harmed Baltimore’s running game and their short passing game, and fitting someone into that role in 2011 might be enough for the Ravens to jump the Steelers at the top of the AFC North.

2, CB- if deep threat is the hole on the Ravens’ offense, the biggest need on the defense is a corner. The strength of the run defense means Baltimore will face a lot of three receiver sets as teams look to go to the air, and Baltimore could do with an extra man to come in and boost their coverage. The secondary has done a very good job so far for Baltimore, considering how weak it was perceived to be at the start of the 2010 season, but another man to increase the competition for the starting spots is never a bad thing, and someone who can come in and help defend against multiple-receiver sets is always going to be valuable.

3, QB- with Marc Bulger likely to be courted by other teams this offseason, he may well be on his way out of Baltimore. This would leave them with just Joe Flacco on the roster. Every team should really be carrying three QBs, and the Ravens should be looking to draft one to back-up Flacco. With very few gaping holes on either side of the ball, Baltimore could go early on a QB, and if there are no other players they like, they could even go third round. This would give them an interesting decision to make if that QB was to develop well over 2011 and Joe Flacco was to continue not living up to his potential- especially if the Ravens once again did not make it to the Super Bowl.

4, S- Ed Reed retired at the end of the 2009 season only to come back in 2010 and get straight back into the swing of things- leading the league in picks after starting the season on the PUP list. Dawan Landry has cemented the spot opposite Reed, but the Ravens don’t really want to be left with Tom Zbikowski opposite him. A young free safety would be a great addition to the secondary if Reed decided to call it a day, and even if he doesn’t, there are few better players for a young man to learn under. If there is a safety there in rounds two or three, the Ravens should look to take him.

5, KR- this is the depth of problems in finding needs on this team. Offensive line is a possibility, but there are some very talented players there, and free agency is probably the better way of creating some competition for back-up spots. An explosive return man is always beneficial, and a specialist returner in the late rounds could really help the Ravens get a little bit of spark. With a solid offense and a very good defense, some explosive special teams play could be enough to get the Ravens over the hump and into the territory of the New England Patriots in terms of domination.

Cleveland Browns:

1, OLB- Some will have receiver or right tackle here, but I think the Browns’ biggest need is a pass rushing linebacker. They ranked 25th in sacks in 2010, were unable to get the defense off the field and placed 28th in terms of third down conversions. A Clay Matthews-like edge rusher would be a massive help in giving the offense more time and in allowing the defense to make some big plays and help themselves. The Browns also struggled against the run last year, ranking 27th in rushing yards per game and 21st in yards per carry. A dominant outside linebacker would be a massive benefit to the defense and, with the sixth pick in the first round, the Browns can go out and get that player.

2, WR- the Browns’ leading wide receiver in 2010 was Mohamed Massaquoi, and he only racked up 483 yards from 36 catches. If Cleveland are going to go forward with Colt McCoy, and all suggestions are that they will, they need to give him weapons. They have Peyton Hillis and Ben Watson, but they now need a true number one receiver. If AJ Green is on the board in the first round, they will have to take him, but if he is gone by the time they make their pick, the top of the second round is as good a place as any to pick up a receiver. They should be able to get first round talent at that stage without having to pay first round money.

3, DL- the Browns need help all over the defensive line. On paper, the defense look average, but on the field, the players showed their weaknesses. The defensive line is a big problem, especially with Shaun Rodgers suffering from injuries, and help anywhere the Browns can get it will be useful. A couple of rookies to bring into camp will be beneficial, even if they don’t crack the starting line-up. I don’t see the Browns looking to their line early, but I can see multiple picks in mid to late rounds.

4, OT- the Browns’ offensive line is pretty good. Anchored by Joe Thomas and Eric Steinbach, it is strong in most positions. However, the Browns would like to add at least some competition at the right tackle slot. With Colt McCoy being so raw, the Browns will need to lean on the run once again this year, and upgrading the right tackle position is one way to ensure the effectiveness of that running game. This could be an early pick if the Browns see their needs in a slightly different way to me, or if the right players are not on the board, but there will be no-one there in round one and by the time they get to the second round they will be too busy deciding which receiver to pick.

5, RB- this one was a toss up between quarterback and running back, but I feel that the Browns would be best served by picking up a veteran QB like Chad Pennington or Marc Bulger for Colt McCoy to learn from. While Peyton Hillis proved to be a capable runner in 2010, he tailed off after around week 10, and the Browns struggled after that point. The recovery of Montario Hardesty should help Hillis remain fresh all season, but the addition of someone like Jacquizz Rodgers to change the pace of the offense would be a useful one. If he is available in the mid to late rounds and the Browns are happy with what they have, they should look to Quizz for a new dimension to the offense.

Cincinnati Bengals:

1, S- the Bengals have the best pair of corners in the NFL in Leon Hall and Jonathan Joseph. Joseph is keen to rejoin the Bengals and to sign a new deal, which will benefit this team, but even with these two the Bengals still ranked 14th in passing yards per game, 20th in yards per pass and just 14th in interceptions. Much of that is down to not having a safety good enough to make a difference in the passing game. If this was 2010 the pick could be locked in. Eric Berry. However, the Bengals will wait until the second round before picking up a safety, and they must do so with the third pick in round two.

2, DT- the stats against the run do not look good for Cincinnati. They ranked 19 in rushing yards per game, 21st in yards per carry and 24th in rushing touchdowns conceded. Domata Peko is an above average defensive tackle, but the Bengals need a stud alongside him to anchor the defensive line. If Nick Fairley was to fall, Cincinnati would be delighted, but he will most likely be off the board by that point, so they will have to decide whether Marcel Darreus can both stop the run and get inside pressure on the quarterback. This looks most likely to be the pick with the Bengals’ first rounder.

3, DE- last season the Bengals finished 27th in the sack count. While rookie defensive end Carlos Dunlap impressed as the season went on, as did second year pro Michael Johnson, the Bengals could do with another body there which could mean they can lose Antoine Odom and Robert Geathers. If the Bengals are not satisfied with picking Darreus, and Fairley does not drop, a defensive end is the other likely option for them to look at with the fourth overall pick. An elite pass rusher could help this defense to get back to it’s 2009 form.

4, QB- Carson Palmer had an up and down 2010. He looked good at times and he looked terrible at times. The Bengals do not need an immediate replacement, but they do need a credible back-up, which Palmer’s brother Jordan is most certainly not. Palmer needs to feel a little pressure with a talented young rookie breathing down his neck in 2011. The Bengals also need to look beyond 2011, and hope that they can find someone who can make the decision not to renew Palmer’s contract in 2011 a little easier. If Palmer gets injured this year, the Bengals need someone who can step in and run a limited offense and hand the ball to a running back.

5, RB- Even if the Bengals resign Cedric Benson, they need a change of pace back. Benson and Bernard Scott are too similar, and Brian Leonard cannot take a large role in the offense. Someone like Dexter McCluster to bring some explosion to the offense will be a huge help. Even if the Bengals were not able to pick up a back who can be that explosive, they need someone who can at least catch some passes out of the backfield. Pick up a change of pace back and then the question of whether or not the bad running game was down to the running backs or to the offensive line, which would be the next area to rebuild.