In the NFL Draft, the Top 10 Are Also the Bottom 10

Here's the deal on how to approach the NFL draft.

First, a team must prioritize its needs. Then it must rank each player by position, then overall. Usually the list of needs should be used as the team's compass, but if a truly unique player or one that is the best of his position falls to you—then you should take that player.

Keep in mind that I'm basing my opinions of which players a team should target on early projections of that player's draft status.  Some players might fall after the Combine and others might skyrocket.  The idea however, is simply to analyze what I think a team needs and a strategy as to how to maximize their options.

The Lions need (what don't they need?)

I find it amusing that the Detroit's 0-16 team has former players from both Tampa Bay, Oakland and "The Greatest Show on Turf."  The problem for Detroit is that the Lions are such a huge mess that you can't pinpoint one or two positions as holes.  Honestly, I'd cut most of the team but because it's hard to find adequate replacements, I doubt that will happen. 

Nevertheless, the defensive-ends, linebackers, running back and receivers are worth keeping but after that, it's hard to find a statistically valid player at their position, but I would stick with youth and potential rather than retreads; and I would cut the 2nd and 3rd string players and bring in fresh faces simply to wash away the psychological mess of going 0-16. 

With that said, I'd hire Mike Martz to be the head coach; because after all, Detroit finished 7-9 in 2007 and then fired Martz and went 0-16.  Martz has a way of developing offensive no-names which I think would give Detroit the ability to focus top picks on their defense and lower picks on offense.  However, the Lions should consider OT Andre Smith with the top pick, as Miami took OT Jake Long first overall.

Quarterback
Offensive-line
Defensive-line
Secondary
Defensive depth
 
I rank quarterback as the top need, but because I think Mike Martz can develop no-name quarterbacks, I would hire Martz and then select OT Andre Smith.  Guards can be found in later rounds or in free-agency, which is why Andre Smith would be the best pick. 

Between Smith, last year's first-rounder Gosder Cherilus and Dominic Raiola, I think Martz would have something to work with, in addition to WR Calvin Johnson, RB Kevin Smith, WR Shaun McDonald, and WR Mike Furrey. 

The other possible solution for the quarterback situation would be to sign QB Matt Cassel if New England lets him walk. The Lions would have to invest heavily in Cassel, and would probably be well suited to hire New England OC Josh McDaniels as the head coach. Thus, I still think the Martz route would be more cost-effective and would make better use of the few worthy players on the roster.

Obviously those opinions are based on an abstract theory about what Detroit might do, but I think that would be the best course of action for the Lions.  After that, the Lions could add to the defense.

The Rams need

The St. Louis Rams find themselves in the same draft position as last year, and that pick obviously did not turn things around.  I think the reactionary thing to do would be to select an offensive-tackle, but I honestly don't think the line is the true blame.  Personally, I would take a quarterback and move-on from Marc Bulger.  Bulger has not been great since Mike Martz left and thus was probably the product of the Martz system.  Unless of course, the Rams want to rehire Martz, but that seems unlikely.

Quarterback
Center
Defensive-line
Tight-end
Defensive depth
Coherence

The Rams could enter the Matt Cassel sweepstakes or select a quarterback in the draft. Center is hard to justify at second overall, nevertheless, I think center is the true hole on the o-line, thus, taking a tackle might cause more problems than needed. The Rams should only take a tackle IF Orlando Pace retires, or the Rams agree to a release settlement early rather than late. But if Pace thinks he can still play, I would say let him play or release him. If the Rams and/or Pace want to move-on though, I would expedite the process because otherwise it will just create discord and confusion.

The defensive-line needs to be addressed as an issue but I think St. Louis has some players to work with in DE Chris Long, DE Victor Adeyanju and DT Adam Carriker, and since I would keep DE James Hall as the less expensive retread, and cut Leonard Little and La'Roi Glover, the Rams would be best suited by adding another defensive-tackle. 

What is meant by coherence is that St. Louis appears to have some worthy talent on their roster but that has been misplaced.  The system overall, just looks like a mess but I think they have some worthy players, so long as a coach can organize it and cut those who don't fit.  It's not personal, the team just needs to move in a different direction.

The Chiefs need

The Kansas City Chiefs did well in the first stage of rebuilding in the 2008 Draft but now find themselves in a pickle with the resignation of GM Carl Peterson and the uncertain futures of coach Herm Edwards and RB Larry Johnson.  I suggested last year that the Chiefs would consider RB Darren McFadden if he was available because of Johnson's history of injuries and age.  With that said, I think Kansas City has some worthy talent in RB Jamaal Charles and RB Kolby Smith, if Johnson is released or traded.

Defensive-end
Linebackers

Wide receiver
Depth on offensive-line
 
Considering the situation, QB Tyler Thigpen played admirably.  The Chiefs had their offensive moments in 2008 but struggled more on the defensive side of the ball.  The linebackers are soft and the defensive-line does not exert enough pressure.  The trade of DE Jared Allen created a major hole at defensive-end, which is why I would consider DE Michael Johnson with the 3rd overall pick or to *trade down.*  As for their coaching situation, I think Kansas City should retain Herm Edwards to develop that defense that does have talent.  Changing the guard would only bring in a new system and in effect create confusion rather than confidence. 

The Seahawks need

The reactionary voice says that Seattle needs a wide-receiver.  The reality however is that the whole offense was a mess.  QB Matt Hasselbeck was hurt, the running backs did not produce and the receivers looked paltry; however rookie TE John Carlson showed some glimmers of hope for Seattle fans.  However, if anything, the receivers played well when you consider that Hasselbeck was hurt, and Seneca Wallace had to learn on the fly and only threw 3 INTs.

Quarterback
Offensive-line
Running back
Wide Receiver
Defensive youth (DE, DT, LB, FS, SS)
 
If I were to choose, I would consider QB Sam Bradford or QB Matt Stafford, and OT Andre Smith, OT Michael Oher or to *trade down* and select RB Chris Wells or OT Eugene Monroe.

Surely, I would be called a Seahawks heretic for suggesting that Seattle should move-on from Matt Hasselbeck, but maybe they should.  He's been hurt, Mike Holmgren is leaving, and the Seahawks could use a new face after the Super Bowl loss in 2006. 

It's hard to argue for the replacement of OT Walter Jones, but the Seattle line after him is a mess, so a right-tackle might not be glamorous, but it's a start.  Unless, Jones agreed to switch sides and let a rook takeover on the left side.

The Browns need

The Browns were 10-6 in 2007 and 4-12 in 2008.  In the offseason, it appeared that the Browns added talent, and yet they regressed.  So what happened?  What happened is that Cleveland was unable to rely on the running game which put more pressure on the quarterback; whereas in 2007, the focus was on RB Jamal Lewis and not Derek Anderson. The Browns then, would be wise to replace Jamal Lewis with Buckeye Chris Wells.

Running back
Pass rusher
Wide Receiver
 
Jamal Lewis had decent but likely deceptive stats, which is why I would select a running back.  Kellen Winslow II wants out, so assuming that he gets traded, then Braylon Edwards is the only real option at receiver.  The defense had all the basics but lacked the bells and whistles.  They need to find a pass rusher for the defensive line or at linebacker.  That is why Cleveland would be best suited to pursue Terrell Suggs in free-agency.

The Bengals need

Did this team actually go 11-5 in 2005?  The offense is a mess, which is why I would not blame the offensive-line for their woes.  Cedric Benson was a flop and is still a fop.  The Receiver Formerly Known as Chad Johnson is nothing but a distraction, and Carson Palmer has not shown himself to be a true leader of the team.  The team is likely in worse condition than the teams selecting ahead of them, so they would be well suited to *trade up* for a better player.

Quarterback
Defensive-end
Runningback
Tight-end
Cohesion
 
TJ Houshmandzadeh might be called to spell, but he's also hard to spell on the field.  The Bengals have insisted on keeping WR Johnson instead of trading him.  Why?  I don't know, but I think it's likely just a power-play.  If they let Johnson demand trades, then everyone will.  I would just release him and focus on the future with 2008's rookies, WR Jerome Simpson and WR Andre Caldwell.

Unless the Bengals believe that a quality quarterback will fall to them, they should trade up and move-on from Carson Palmer and WR Johnson.

The Raiders need

For a team that went 5-11, they weren't far behind the division winner.  The Raiders showed flashes of brilliance, but made up for it with an equal amount of stupidity or exhaustion. In several games, the Raiders led into the 4th quarter after shutting-out the opponent—only to collapse. In other games, foolish calls hinder sound perceptions of their players.  I'm not sure about Tom Cable as head coach but he did piece together some sanity for the Raiders after the Kiffin drama.

Offensive-line
Defensive-line
Wide Receiver
Secondary
Punter*
Coherence
 
I put an asterisk next to punter, because it is only if Shane Lechler leaves in free agency, but I hope that the Raiders pony-up before then in order to retain Lechler. 

The offensive line is neither here nor there.  Kwame Harris was a flop and is still a flop.  I still don't understand why Mario Henderson never played right-tackle in 2008, while C Jake Grove has been lackluster.  Maybe the Raiders can assemble a cohesive offensive-line with what they have, but I think free-agency is the best route to address the lines. 

Furthermore, I think defensive-tackle is the more pressing need on the defensive-line, and that a DT would free-up the ends, but if available, they should select an end in the 2nd or 3rd round; even though I think DE Jay Richardson, DE Trevor Scott and former All-Pro DE Derrick Burgess would benefit immensely from new defensive-tackles.   Furthermore, I think the Raiders have worthy players to work with in the secondary (Stanford Routt, Tyvon Branch, Chris Johnson), but need better coaching and decisions rather than new players.  I'm still not convinced that Michael Huff is a flop; people called All-Pro corner Nnamdi Asomugha a flop before he became the best shutdown corner in the NFL.  Perhaps, Huff would benefit from playing corner, which he played in college.

If I were to choose, I'd tag CB Nnamdi Asomugha and pursue DT Albert Haynesworth and/or C Matt Birk in free-agency.  Big spending I know, but it should be attempted.  The Raiders have a lot of money tied up in albatross players and not enough invested in the real talent.  Thus, in conclusion the Raiders would be best suited to target WR Michael Crabtree or an offensive tackle like Michael Oher or Eugene Monroe.

The Jaguars need

The Jags haven't kept pace in a tough division.  Draft flops and ho-hum free-agents have stagnated the Jags.  The Front Seven appears to need the most work.  After that, the Jags need another receiver and potentially a runningback to replace the aging Fred Taylor and as the compliment to Maurice Jones-Drew.

Cornerback
Pass rusher

Wide receiver

Runningback

Matt Jones is facing prison, Reggie Williams has flopped and Jerry Porter is in the doghouse wherever he goes.  The front seven lacks a big time rusher, and could use some youth; and the same goes for the cornerback position.  Best option: CB Malcolm Jenkins or WR Michael Crabtree.

The Packers need

Cornerback
Right tackle
Pass rusher
Linebacker
 
Al Harris is aging and Charles Woodson moved to safety, while Tramon Williams looks like a future starting corner.  The front seven lacks a rusher.  The OL could use some youth, or an upgrade.  Best options: LB Aaron Curry, OT Jason Smith, CB Malcolm Jenkins, DE Michael Johnson or S Taylor Mays. 

The 49ers need

The Niners were tenacious in 2008 but lacked a consistent offense.  With that said, the 49ers would be wise to load up on youth in the secondary and at middle linebacker.

The receivers did nothing fancy but the fact that 4 wide receivers had multiple TDs tells me that there must be something there to work with. 

The Niners then should consider *trading up* for a quarterback to move on from Alex Smith, but if QB Colt McCoy declares, then the Niners have a chance at staying put.  The Niners might be able to sign QB Matt Cassel, and if so, the Niners I think would be better served by loading up on defense rather than jumping for WR Michael Crabtree. 

Finally, I listed right tackle as a need, because they need to address that position.  Between Adam Goldberg, Barry Sims and Jonas Jennings, that just looks like clutter.  Meanwhile, RG Tony Wragge is a capable starter, but with Chilo Rachal as the future, Wragge might be the odd man out unless he can play tackle or be willing to be a utility guard.
 
Quarterback
Defensive youth (FS, RCB, LILB)
Right-tackle
Wide Receiver
 
Thus, I think that if SF stays put they should target a safety like Taylor Mays of USC, LB Aaron Curry or Malcolm Jenkins.