2012 NFL Draft: A Quick Look at the Needs in the NFC Before Free Agency

Before we enter the NFL's 2012 free agency and draft period, let's take a look at a general preview of each NFC team's needs.

NFC EAST

Dallas Cowboys: The needs start on defense. Dallas has to get a player or two in the secondary, plus a pass rusher that can take some pressure off DeMarcus Ware. 

New York Giants: The Super Bowl champions are mostly set along the defensive line and secondary, but linebacker was a problem area. An instinctive, sideline-to-sideline roamer would make this defense scary.

Philadelphia Eagles: Same goes for the Eagles, but the need at linebacker is much greater. Philly might also need to find a playmaking receiver if DeSean Jackson bolts.

Washington Redskins: Quarterback. Quarterback. Quarterback. The Redskins must find one by any means this offseason.

NFC WEST 

Arizona Cardinals: I see two top positions for upgrade in Arizona: offensive tackle and outside linebacker. If they can knock off both of those needs, then who knows in 2012?

San Francisco 49ers: Free agency could take a hit on the secondary, but the 49ers have to find a receiver that can win matchups. Alex Smith didn't stand a chance in the NFC Championship game.

Seattle Seahawks: Eventually, a franchise quarterback has to be found. But the Seahawks might be one or two players short on defense from being really, really good.

St. Louis Rams: Jeff Fisher is inheriting a team with plenty of needs. At some point, the Rams have to get Sam Bradford a legitimate receiving weapon to play with.

NFC NORTH

Chicago Bears: Chicago hasn't had a true No. 1 receiver in over a decade. Is this the right time to finally pull the trigger in the first round?

Detroit Lions: Injuries in the secondary really hurt this defense down the stretch, so depth there might be a high priority. And with Jahvid Best and Mikel Leshoure injured at runningback, could that be an area the Lions address again?

Green Bay Packers: GM Ted Thompson has to find a pass rusher to play opposite Clay Matthews. Whether it is a five-technique defensive end or outside linebacker, there's no more time for Thompson to play games on defense.

Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings have so many holes that drafting almost any position could hit on a need. A good start would be finding a protector for Christian Ponder's blindside. 

NFC SOUTH

Atlanta Falcons: Free agency could do some serious damage to this football team. Atlanta won't be able to re-sign everyone, so the draft will have to be used to plug some holes leftover.

Carolina Panthers: Carolina is a team on the rise, and the goal now is keep the momentum going in Year 2 with Cam Newton. Defensive line help is needed, and the Panthers could get greedy by taking an impact receiver high in April.

New Orleans Saints: The Saints are another team that could see some familiar faces walk away in free agency. Continuing to stock pile weapons on offense and building around Steve Spagnuolo's defense will be keys.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Once the NFL's youngest and brightest star, the Buccaneers crashed hard in 2011. Tampa Bay needs to complement their fresh start with help in the secondary and by grabbing a playmaker or two for Josh Freeman's offense.