NFL Draft 2011: Each Team's Glaring Hole and the Perfect Prospect to Fill It
The 2011 NFL draft is less than a week away, and with the lockout blocking other roster moves, itโs the last chance for teams to improve before the labor situation is settled. Some teams need help all over the roster, whereas others are just one or two players away from a big season.
Read on for the biggest problem every team should be trying to fix, along with the rookie it wishes it could bring in to fix it.
Buffalo Bills: Defensive Tackle
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The Bills need help pretty much everywhere but running back, but the defensive line is as bad as any position on the team. For the leagueโs worst rushing defense in 2010, a big body in the middle will provide the most help.
The answer: Marcell Dareus, Alabama
Dareus is the pick over Auburn star Nick Fairley because of Dareusโ weight advantage (nearly 30 pounds heavier than Fairley). Dareus is an especially good fit in Buffalo because heโll be able to contribute whether they stay in a 3-4 front (where heโd play end) or switch to a 4-3.
Miami Dolphins: Running Back
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Itโs a close call whether the Dolphins should be more worried about their running backs or their quarterback. For all his faults, though, Chad Henne is under contract next season, while both Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams are free agents who could leave the Dolphins without an NFL-caliber starter.
The answer: Mark Ingram, Alabama
Miami is one of the few teams likely to get exactly the pick itโs hoping for, because Ingram is a decent value at No. 15 overall and is highly unlikely to be taken earlier. The consensus best RB in the draft, Ingram brings both power and speed to an offense that needs a well-rounded runner to be effective.
New England Patriots: Offensive Tackle
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Longtime left tackle Matt Light is up for free agency, and after 11 seasons Light is starting to lose effectiveness even if he does return. In New Englandโs pass-heavy offense, they canโt afford to put Tom Bradyโs body at risk with subpar pass protection.
The answer: Tyron Smith, USC
Smith showed at the combine that he can still play with agility even after putting on 19 pounds over his USC playing weight. Heโs the most athletic tackle prospect in the draft, but he wonโt be around for New England to pick up at No. 17 overall.
On the other hand, the Pats may get a shot at one of the other top OT prospects, such as Coloradoโs Nate Solder or Wisconsinโs Gabe Carimi.
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New York Jets: Defensive End
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If the Jets expect to lose many of their free-agent wideouts (they need to re-sign Braylon Edwards, Santonio Holmes and Brad Smith), that position becomes the top concern in New York.
Assuming that at least two of that trio stay, the biggest issue becomes a defensive line that lacks playmakers after 33-year-old Shaun Ellis.
The answer: Cameron Jordan, Cal
Jordan is far from the best pass rusher in this draft, but in a 3-4 front, he doesnโt need to be. Heโs as tough against the run as any DE available and would be a great fit for the Jetsโ schemes.
Baltimore Ravens: Cornerback
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Ed Reed notwithstanding, the Ravensโ secondary isnโt what it once was. More to the purpose, three of Baltimoreโs best corners are free agents.
With the team unlikely to re-sign all of Chris Carr, Josh Wilson and Fabian Washington, some new blood would be welcome.
The answer: Patrick Peterson, LSU
In this draft class, thereโs really only one best answer when it comes to cornerbacks. Peterson has the talent of a No. 1 pick, so heโll be long gone when Baltimore gets to draft at No. 26, but the Ravens may still look for secondary help from the likes of Miamiโs Brandon Harris or Coloradoโs Jimmy Smith.
Cincinnati Bengals: Quarterback
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The Bengals have their share of problems, but whatever management may want to believe, Carson Palmer seems ready to make good on his threat to retire if he isnโt traded. Given that backup Jordan Palmer attempted three passes in 2010, Cincinnati needs a new plan going forward.
The answer: Blaine Gabbert, Missouri
The Bengals offense has been built around a pure pocket passer in Carson Palmer, so Cam Newtonโs improvising might not be an ideal fit. Gabbert can make all the throws, and while itโs highly unlikely the Bengals will take a QB, heโd be a reasonable fit if they change their minds.
Cleveland Browns: Defensive End
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Cleveland finished a dismal 27th in the NFL in rushing defense last year. While Shaun Rogers is still a serious threat at DT (regardless of whether Cleveland stays with last yearโs ineffective 3-4 alignment), the talent level at DE is minimal, and there arenโt any developing prospects at the position.
The answer: DaโQuan Bowers, Clemson
Bowersโ stock has been falling amid concerns about the results of January arthroscopic surgery on his right knee, but the consensus appears to be that heโs not at immediate risk of re-injury.
Heโs the best big-play threat in the draft from the DE position, and at Clevelandโs No. 6 selection he would be worth the risk for a player with the talent to be the top pick.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Offensive Guard
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As youโd expect from the defending AFC champs, Pittsburgh doesnโt have a lot of gaping holes. Its lack of depth on the offensive line (exposed in the postseason when Maurkice Pouncey went down) seems slightly more pressing a concern than its lack of a strong nickel corner.
The answer: Mike Pouncey, Florida
Steeler fans have been salivating over this possibility since the Super Bowl went final, but the odds are against a Pouncey reunion in the Steel City. Pouncey is the best interior lineman in the draft, and too many teams picking ahead of the Steelers could use his services.
Still, donโt be surprised if the Steelers grab an offensive lineman at No. 31, possibly Baylor OG Danny Watkins.
Houston Texans: Free Safety
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Playing in a division with Peyton Manning and Matt Schaub, Houston had the leagueโs worst pass defense in 2010. It's got young corners to develop, but safeties Eugene Wilson (who may not be back) and Bernard Pollard have little to offer.
The answer: Rahim Moore, UCLA
Moore is the draftโs best safety prospect by a wide margin, but heโs no Ed Reed. With Houston picking at No. 11, Moore would be a huge reach. Unless the Texans trade down, theyโll look for safety help later in the draft and spend their top pick to improve the defense elsewhere.
Indianapolis Colts: Offensive Tackle
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Increased pressure on Peyton Manning had a lot to do with the Coltsโ offensive struggles last season, and improving the O-line will also help the anemic ground game.
Tackle is a particular concern, as the position was manned last year by 11th-year vet Ryan Diem on one side and current free agent Charlie Johnson on the other.
The answer: Tyron Smith, USC
Heโll be gone by Indyโs No. 22 selection, but Smith would be the optimal choice for a blind-side protector for Manning. In his absence, the Colts could benefit from one of the other solid first-round OT prospects, possibly Boston Collegeโs Anthony Castonzo.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Defensive End
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Jacksonvilleโs paltry 26 sacks had a lot to do with its pass defense ranking 28th in the league last season. Aaron Kampmanโs return from injury will help, but the Jaguars need more of a push up front.
The answer: Aldon Smith, Missouri
Of the available pass-rush specialists, Smith has the fewest question marks. DaโQuan Bowers could be better if his knee holds up, and Robert Quinn could be better if his skills survived his yearlong suspension, but Smithโs sack skills donโt come with an โif.โ
It wouldnโt be impossible that Smith could fall to the Jags at No. 16, but if he doesnโt, Adrian Clayborn or Justin Houston would be solid substitutes to play a similar role.
Tennessee Titans: Quarterback
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With Vince Youngโs apparent ouster, Tennessee has only the deteriorating Kerry Collins to count on at QB. The Titans would need a quarterback of the future under any circumstances, and at this stage Collins isnโt even a very plausible quarterback of the present.
The answer: Blaine Gabbert, Missouri
Tennessee has had its fill of high-talent players with character issues (Pacman Jones, Albert Haynesworth), making scandal-plagued Cam Newton a less attractive candidate.
Gabbert can be effective in the spread sets the Titans already had in place for Young and is in any case the only other top-level QB on the board.
Denver Broncos: Defensive Tackle
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Denver allowed the most points in the league by a margin of five touchdowns, so getting some kind of defensive help is a no-brainer. With the Broncos also ranking 31st against the run, a space-filling defensive tackle should be the top priority.
The answer: Marcell Dareus, Alabama
Dareus may not be quite as effective a penetrator as Auburnโs Nick Fairley, but at 319 pounds heโs better equipped to hold up at the point of attack.
Heโll also demand a double-team against the pass, helping open space for sack specialist Elvis Dumervil (expected to be healthy after missing 2010 with a torn pectoral).
Kansas City Chiefs: Nose Tackle
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Unless LB Mike Vrabelโs legal troubles cost him playing time, Kansas Cityโs biggest liability on defense is journeyman NT Ron Edwards. Replacing Edwards now would give K.C. the opportunity to let a young line with ends Glenn Dorsey and Tyson Jackson grow together as a unit.
The answer: Phil Taylor, Baylor
There are more talented DTs in the draft, but none with the experience playing the nose tackle position that Phil Taylor can offer. Heโs a genuine NT who gives his teammates a chance to make plays, and heโll also likely be available to the Chiefs at No. 21 overall.
Oakland Raiders: Wide Receiver
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What the Raiders need will depend heavily on whether they expect to lose any of their key free agents.
If either CB Nnamdi Asomugha or OG Robert Gallery looks like he's leaving, those positions become priorities, but otherwise Oakland needs to shore up a wide receiving corps that topped out at 609 yards (Louis Murphy) last year.
The answer: Julio Jones, Alabama
Although almost any team would rather have Georgiaโs A.J. Green, Oaklandโs fixation on deep speed suggests that it would prefer the fleet-footed Jones, whose 40 time at the combine was nearly a full tenth of a second faster than Greenโs.
With no first-round pick, the Raiders would have to make a trade to land Jones, but they would still have a shot at Marylandโs Torrey Smith or Boise Stateโs Titus Young in Round 2.
San Diego Chargers: Wide Receiver
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Despite their disappointing 2010 record, the Chargers donโt have a lot of glaring weaknesses. The soap opera surrounding star wideout Vincent Jackson, though, served notice that the Chargers need another legitimate WR, either to pair with Jackson or to replace him.
The answer: A.J. Green, Georgia
Big (6โ4โ, 211 lbs.), fast and physical, Green is drawing comparisons to Detroitโs Calvin Johnson. He and Julio Jones will be long gone by the time the Chargers pick at No. 18, so they may well opt to address other concerns with that pick and look for WR help later in the draft.
Dallas Cowboys: Offensive Tackle
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The loss of Flozell Adams prior to last season exposed just how thin the Cowboys are up front. The combination of Doug Free and Alex Barron at RT looked particularly hapless, collecting too many key penalties in 2010.
The answer: Tyron Smith, USC
Many teams are looking to Smith as a left tackle of the future, but Dallas could benefit from his experience at right tackle as well. Heโs likely to be on the board at Dallasโ No. 9 selection, so it could be a good fit for the Cowboys.
New York Giants: Outside Linebacker
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The Giants have surprisingly few holes for a team that missed the 2010 playoffs, but with aging Keith Bulluck up for free agency, they do need some new blood at the LB spot.
New York doesnโt get a lot of big plays out of its linebackers, and adding a pass-rush presence who could also drop back in coverage would be a significant boost.
The answer: Von Miller, Texas A&M
Miller is not only the best pure pass rusher in the draft but also showed enough coverage ability in 2010 to be a legitimate prospect for a 4-3 team like New York.
The Giants wonโt come close to being able to draft him but may get lucky enough that UCLAโs Akeem Ayers, a fine consolation prize, falls to them at No. 19.
Philadelphia Eagles: Cornerback
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Philadelphiaโs blitz-heavy defense puts a lot of pressure on its corners to make plays one-on-one. With the retirement of Ellis Hobbs, the Eagles need a big-time CB to take over in the starting role.
The answer: Patrick Peterson, LSU
Not that Philly would be able to get him without trading up from No. 23, but Peterson would be exactly the type of lockdown cover man the Eagles need. If the Eagles stay put, they could well tab Miamiโs Brandon Harris or Coloradoโs Jimmy Smith to play a similar role.
Washington Redskins: Quarterback
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Although fixing the leagueโs 31st-ranked pass defense is a major concern, the Redskins may be better off banking on corners Carlos Rogers and DeAngelo Hall to play better rather than shaking up the roster.
With Donovan McNabbโs future in limbo, the Redskins can either hand the offense to Bears castoff Rex Grossman or find a legitimate starting QB.
The answer: Cam Newton, Auburn
Any QB the Redskins draft will inherit Washingtonโs 30th-ranked running game. Newton can make it a little more difficult for teams to load up against the pass by providing a rushing threat of his own.
Chicago Bears: Offensive Tackle
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The Bears led the league in sacks allowed in 2010, and even with youngster JโMarcus Webb to develop, theyโre still hurting for quality linemen after veteran center Olin Kreutz. Chicago canโt go another season where it spends half the year testing combinations of offensive linemen to see what works.
The answer: Tyron Smith, USC
This draft class doesnโt have a sure-fire, Orlando Pace-type offensive tackle at the top, but Smith is the best of several very good OTs.
Heโll be long gone by the time the Bears pick at No. 29, but there should be a good consolation prize waiting for them, possibly Mississippi Stateโs Derrek Sherrod or Villanovaโs Ben Ijalana.
Detroit Lions: Offensive Tackle
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The Lions have a lot of holes to fill on defense too, but Matthew Staffordโs injury woes take precedence. After losing their franchise QB to injury two years in a row, Detroit needs another option besides veteran Jeff Backus to protect his blind side.
The answer: Tyron Smith, USC
Like many teams that would benefit from Smithโs quick feet and pass-blocking skills, Detroit is probably too far down in the draft order to get him at No. 13 (though itโs not impossible). Coloradoโs Nate Solder or Boston Collegeโs Anthony Castonzo is a likelier pick to serve the same purpose for the Lions.
Green Bay Packers: Defensive End
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Outside linebacker is a close second here, as Green Bay could use a bookend bass rusher to pair with Clay Matthews, but DE takes precedence.
With Cullen Jenkins potentially gone in free agency and Johnny Jollyโs legal troubles continuing, the Packers need to ensure that theyโll have somebody who can line up next to nose tackle B.J. Raji.
The answer: Cameron Jordan, Cal
Finding effective defensive ends for a 3-4 alignment is a tricky business, and Jordan is a terrific run defender who could hold up in Green Bayโs defense. He could easily be off the board by the Packersโ No. 32 pick, so they might look to Templeโs Muhammad Wilkerson instead.
Minnesota Vikings: Quarterback
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Had Brett Favre not completely imploded in 2010, Minnesota wouldโve had a real shot at the postseason. Even after last yearโs disastrous showing, the Vikings arenโt much more than one QB away from being a contender again.
The answer: Cam Newton, Auburn
Whoever takes the snaps, the Vikings offense will be run through Adrian Peterson in 2011. Newton would give Minnesota a de facto wildcat quarterback on any given play, forcing defenders to react more carefully on handoffs/fakes to Peterson.
Newton isnโt any slouch as a passer either, and his big arm would pair nicely with Percy Harvinโs speed.
Atlanta Falcons: Defensive End
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Thirteen of Atlantaโs 31 sacks last year came from John Abraham, whoโs entering his 13th year in the league. The Falcons need another legitimate presence as a pass rusher, and with their 4-3 scheme the best bet is to add another DE who can get to the quarterback.
The answer: Aldon Smith, Missouri
Smith has only slightly less upside than DaโQuan Bowers or Robert Quinn without the injury and character issues that plague those prospects. Heโs a first-class pass rusher who should hold up well enough against the run.
Carolina Panthers: Defensive Tackle
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Jimmy Clausen hasnโt proven whether he will or wonโt develop at this point, so QB issues take a back seat to fixing a soft defensive line. Carolinaโs 23rd-ranked run defense needs a big body in the middle to hold the point of attack.
The answer: Marcell Dareus, Alabama
The best defensive lineman and best run stopper in the draft class, Dareus could anchor the next decadeโs worth of Panthers defenses. He doesnโt have the flash of the departed Julius Peppers, but Dareus would be a force as a pass rusher in addition to his run-stuffing skills.
New Orleans Saints: Defensive End
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The talented Saints started to show their age in 2010, and one position with a lot of miles on it is defensive end. Veterans Will Smith and Alex Brown need young talent to spell them, and Brown in particular is coming off a two-sack season and may be better off as a reserve.
The answer: DaโQuan Bowers, Clemson
Lingering questions about his knee make Bowers a bit of a gamble, but thereโs no defensive end in the draft with more upside. The Saints are good enough that if he somehow fell to them at No. 24, they could afford to risk losing him to injury if it meant adding an elite DE.
Assuming Bowers has already been snapped up, Iowaโs Adrian Clayborn or Purdueโs Ryan Kerrigan are among the DEs likely to be on the board who might be a good fit in New Orleans.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Defensive End
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Tampaโs 26 team sacks tied for 30th in the league, so adding a pass-rushing presence is a necessity. In the Buccaneersโ 4-3 alignment, defensive end is the best place to look for pass-rush help, and incumbents Tim Crowder and Stylez G. White are eminently replaceable.
The answer: DaโQuan Bowers, Clemson
Amazingly, Bowersโa sack specialist who had been talked about as a potential No. 1 pickโmight actually fall all the way to Tampa at No. 20 due to concerns about his surgically repaired knee.
More likely, though, is that the Bucs land one of this classโ slightly lesser (but still impressive) pass rushers, possibly Purdueโs Ryan Kerrigan or Wisconsinโs J.J. Watt.
Arizona Cardinals: Quarterback
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Arizona has Larry Fitzgerald and still finished 31st in the league in passing offense. The Cardinals clearly have no viable quarterback of the present, and neither John Skelton nor Max Hall looks like a QB of the future.
The answer: Blaine Gabbert, Missouri
This pick is pretty much a toss-up between Gabbert and Cam Newton. Newtonโs running ability would help with Arizonaโs league-worst ground game, while Gabbertโs superior accuracy would take better advantage of a playmaking receiving corps.
Gabbert gets the nod, barely, for his ability to use the weapons Arizona already has, but if heโs off the board at No. 5, Newton would be an easy call here.
St. Louis Rams: Wide Receiver
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The developing Rams have young talent at several positions, but none of their WRs looks like a prospective Larry Fitzgerald or Roddy White. QB Sam Bradfordโs development will be greatly accelerated by the addition of an elite wide receiver.
The answer: A.J. Green, Georgia
Greenโs 6'4" frame and prodigious talent have made him the consensus top WR in this draft class. The Rams would be happy to settle for Alabamaโs Julio Jones but would probably have to trade up from No. 14 to get either one.
If they do stay put, expect St. Louis to continue stockpiling defensive talent in the first round, with a later pick going to a new option at WR.
San Francisco 49ers: Quarterback
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Despite the talents of Frank Gore, Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree, the 49ers offense ranked 24th in the league last season. Alex Smith may have run out of chances, and David Carrโs best years are far behind him, so if San Francisco wants any kind of offense in 2011, itโll need a new face under center.
The answer: Blaine Gabbert, Missouri
Rookie QBs are no oneโs first choice to run a West Coast offense like San Franciscoโs, but Gabbert has the accuracy to do better than most. Theyโd have to trade up to get him, though, so itโs entirely possible that theyโll find another solution (Kevin Kolb?) and use their No. 7 overall pick to help the defense.
Seattle Seahawks: Cornerback
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This one is a very close call between CB and QB, but until aging Matt Hasselbeck gives up the ghost entirely, Seattle has a more serviceable option under center than it does in the defensive backfield. The Seahawks finished 27th in the NFL against the pass last season.
The answer: Patrick Peterson, LSU
By some estimates the best single player in the draft, the playmaking Peterson would be just what Seattle needs.
Of course, the Seahawks have no hope of seeing him fall to No. 25, so theyโll have to consider whether the corners they can get (probably Miamiโs Brandon Harris or Texasโ Aaron Williams) are worth picking over a potential heir apparent QB (especially if local favorite Jake Locker is available).
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