2012 NFL Draft: 10 Teams That Need to Replace Departed Free Agents in the Draft

The following 10 teams may look to the 2012 NFL draft to fill holes opened up by departures during free agency:

Seattle Seahawks - LB David Hawthorne

The Seahawks tried to hold out and get Hawthorne back on the cheap, but the New Orleans Saints swooped in and signed Seattle's leading tackler the past three seasons to a five-year deal.

Suddenly lacking inside, the Seahawks have to seriously consider taking a middle linebacker early in April, perhaps even with its first-round pick. 

Best option: Luke Kuechly, Boston College

Tennessee Titans - CB Cortland Finnegan

Tennessee never made a serious run at re-signing Finnegan, which makes sense given the huge deal he received from the St. Louis Rams early on in free agency. The Titans were never going to pay a $10 million a year salary.

But losing Finnegan does void the Titans of their best defender of the past four seasons, and they may have use an early pick on his replacement despite other options on the depth chart. The second round should have a few valuable cornerbacks available for Tennessee.

Best option: Brandon Boykin, Georgia

St. Louis Rams - WR Brandon Lloyd

The Rams dealt for Lloyd near the trading deadline last season with the thinking that they could potentially re-sign the soon-to-be free agent this offseason. It wasn't to be, as Lloyd had his eyes set on New England the second they brought on Josh McDaniels.

The Rams probably would have used a top pick on a receiver anyway, but Lloyd's departure makes it a must this April.

Best option: Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State

Buffalo Bills - OT Demetrius Bell

Bell hasn't officially left Buffalo yet, but it's looking more and more likely that he's trying to find work elsewhere. The 30-game starter at left tackle has visited several teams recently.

If Bell signs away from Buffalo, look for the Bills to find his replacement at No. 10 overall.

Best option: Riley Reiff, Iowa 

New England Patriots - DE Mark Anderson

While mostly a situational pass-rusher with the Patriots last season, Anderson was also New England's most productive front-seven player at getting to the quarterback.

Now that he's jumped ship for more money and a bigger role in Buffalo, the Patriots have a hole to fill in their pressure package. One of their two first round picks could be used on his replacement. 

Best option: Shea McClellin, Boise State

Detroit Lions - CB Eric Wright

The Lions' lack of depth in the secondary caught up with them in a big way to end 2011, losing back-to-games while giving up 45 points to both the Packers and Saints. Making matters worse, cornerback Eric Wright left for an insane amount of money in Tampa Bay.

Detroit probably would have looked secondary regardless this April, but it has become an even more pressing need with Wright's departure. 

Best option: Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama

Denver Broncos - DT Broderick Bunkley

Bunkley quietly put together one of the NFL's most impressive seasons in 2011 stopping the run for the Broncos. The Saints caught notice, however, and Bunkley signed in New Orleans once free agency began.

The Broncos need to replace Bunkley and shore up the middle of the defense with another run-stopping defensive tackle sometime in the draft.

Best option: Devon Still, Penn State

San Diego Chargers - RB Mike Tolbert

For the second straight offseason, the Chargers watched a multi-talented running back walk in free agency. Tolbert, following in the footsteps of Darren Sproles, bolted for the NFC South in Carolina.

San Diego still has Ryan Mathews on the roster, and many are expecting a big jump in production from him in 2012. But there are still concerns on him carrying the load, and it shouldn't be a surprise if the Chargers look for a Tolbert replacement in April.

Best option: LaMichael James, Oregon 

Baltimore Ravens - OLB Jarret Johnson

Few defensive players over the last handful of seasons have been as overlooked or underrated as Johnson, but the Ravens might feel his loss now that he's a member of the Chargers. A tone-setter in the run game and sneaky pass-rusher, Johnson got a good deal from San Diego.

The Ravens have options to play behind Johnson, but they've also been known to stockpile pass-rushers through the draft.

Best option: Andre Branch, Clemson/Dont'a Hightower, Alabama 

Indianapolis Colts - WR Pierre Garcon

Receiver should be a low priority for the Colts this April, but that doesn't mean they won't be looking for a replacement for Garcon, who left Indy for the sea of greenbacks in Washington.

Either Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin III will need another target to throw to in 2012, so using a mid-round pick on a pass-catcher makes some sense.  

Best option: Nick Toon, Wisconsin