NFL Draft 2012: New England Patriots and Teams Desperate for Defensive Help

The game is becoming increasingly offensive and in 2011, these defenses were, well, offensive. All of these teams have what it takes to contend in 2012, but they need to bring in defensive help, which starts with the draft. 

New England Patriots

Looking back on it, the fact that this team made the Super Bowl is nothing short of extraordinary. This team had trouble stopping anyone when it mattered, which is why they watched the Giants celebrate with the Lombardi Trophy.

Fortunately for the Patriots, they have four picks in the first two rounds. Whether they decide to keep all of those picks or trade up, the new players have to be exclusively on the defensive side of the ball. 

With leading sack man Andre Carter a free agent, the Patriots need to look for a rookie that will bring heavy pressure to quarterbacks. Also, as they were 31st in the league in passing yards allowed, help in the secondary is a must. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

It might seem ridiculous to include the Buccaneers with this group, but remember that this was a 10-6 team in 2010. They have drafted a lot of help up front in recent years and it's now time to bolster the secondary. 

No team in the NFL allowed more points than Tampa Bay in 2011. While Josh Freeman's struggles had a lot to do with the Bucs' losing record, the poor defense shares an equal amount of blame. Freeman had to pass a lot more than any quarterback would want to, which is going to lead to turnovers. 

Picking high in the first round, there is a realistic chance that the Buccaneers could grab Morris Claiborne from LSU. If he is gone, then they need to trade down. They could get one of the next available corners and some additional picks to secure defensive depth. 

Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles could not defend the run when it mattered last year and it burned them. They were an abysmal fourth quarter team and could have easily been 10-6 with a better run defense. 

They need to draft up the middle. Their pass rush is about as good as the NFL has to offer, but the linebackers are terrible. It is essential that they come away from the first round with either Vontaze Burfict or Luke Kuechly, or similar problems are going to persist. 

While the pass defense looks good, the names in the Eagles' secondary were far too good to be ranked 10th in the NFL in passing yards. They need to bring in some help at the safety position or will continue to have problems over the top.

Green Bay Packers

The loss of Cullen Jenkins hurt the Packers' defense in 2011. While they went 15-1, no team in the league allowed more passing yards and their vulnerability showed in the playoff loss to the Giants. 

The Packers need to bring in a pass rusher to help the secondary out. This defense is at its best when players are getting to the quarterback, forcing off-balance passes and allowing the secondary to attack the ball. 

They didn't have that in the playoffs and as a result, had a far earlier exit than a 15-1 team should have. 

Dallas Cowboys

Do you remember the game that the Cowboys should have won but allowed one too many deep passes? Yeah, that was just about every game the Cowboys lost this year as their secondary routinely failed in clutch spots. 

If the Cowboys draft anything but a corner or safety in the first round, they don't know what's going on. Dallas can't be afraid to reach in this one. They have other needs, but nothing is anywhere near as pressing as help in the secondary. 

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