2012 NFL Draft: Biggest Needs for All 32 Teams

General managers and head coaches know what they are doing. In fact, they know their team's needs better than anyone else on the planet.

Just because the fans want Player X or so called experts like Mel Kiper Jr., Peter King and Todd McShay say a team is a lock to take Position Y with their first-round pick doesn't mean the brain trust will make that choice.

In fact, that's almost never how it works.

More to the point, because smoke screens and misinformation are commonplace, it's almost impossible to know for sure what direction a team will take on draft day, be it Round 1, Round 2, or Round 7. But every team has at least one glaring need, whether they need for a new franchise quarterback or a role player to provide depth.

Inside are some of every team's needs, both the obvious and not-so-obvious. 

Denver Broncos

Obvious Needs: DT, SS

Not-So-Obvious-Needs: WR, QB

Many of the mock drafts out there have the Broncos going after a defensive tackle with their first-round choice, and it's a pick that makes sense.

They lost Brodrick Bunkley to free agency and still have a few incumbent defensive tackles unsigned. Couple that with the fact that John Fox is their head coach, and Michael Brockers or Jerel Worthy is a great land.

And with the recent news that strong safety Brian Dawkins has retired, they might look for his heir apparent in one of the later rounds.

But as promising as Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker were in 2011 (each had great seasons despite Tim Tebow's perceived passing limitations) they might want to grab another wide receiver to fill out those Peyton Manning four-receiver shotgun sets.

And speaking of Manning, he's clearly not a long-term answer, and Caleb Hanie might not be, either. One of those third- or fourth-tier quarterbacks—after Brandon Weeden and Kirk Cousins come off the board—could be a good choice. 

San Diego Chargers

Obvious Needs: G/T

Not-So-Obvious-Needs: RB, CB

The retirement of Kris Dielman makes it possible that the Chargers go after a guard.

Since they also might be looking for a tackle to replace Marcus McNeill (and maybe overtake Jeromey Clary), the ideal choice for San Diego would be Georgia's Cordy Glenn, who can play both positions.

If Glenn is not available, the Bolts will certainly settle for David DeCastro or one of the top tackles like Jonathan Martin or Riley Reiff.

But what's going to be just as important to the long-term health of the roster is adding another big, powerful running back to offset the loss of Mike Tolbert. In addition, both Jacob Hester and Curtis Brinkley are free agents after 2012. 

And while the Chargers do have Quentin Jammer and Antoine Cason at the corner positions, both will be high-priced free agents in the spring of 2013, and Marcus Gilchrist can't fill both spots.

Besides, in a division with Peyton Manning, the Chargers will need extra help in the secondary. 

Oakland Raiders

Obvious Needs: TE, OLB

Not-So-Obvious-Needs: RB

Cashing in their first-round pick for a second straight year in order to land Carson Palmer does limit what the Raiders are able to do in this year's draft, but there will still be plenty of good players available in the mid-to-late rounds.

Tight end might be the best place to start as the Kevin Boss experiment didn't exactly work out. Even though they drafted David Ausberry and Richard Gordon (late-round picks, neither of whom played much last year), given how reliant that offense is on the running game, they could use another. 

Losing Kamerion Wimbley to the Titans definitely hurts. Maybe Philip Wheeler can fill the void, maybe not. Either way, it was just a one-year deal, so a third- or fourth-rounder on a strong-side linebacker would be wise.

And even though Oakland has a quasi-star in Darren McFadden and a promising understudy in Taiwan Jones, the fact that McFadden has been relatively injury-prone and Jones only carried the ball 16 times last season should push the Raiders to tab a running back after losing Michael Bush to the Bears.

Kansas City Chiefs

Obvious Needs: G, ILB

Not-So-Obvious-Needs: WR, FS

The mock-experts have all put in their two cents about where the Chiefs should spend their 11th overall choice: some think they need a guard like David DeCastro—Rodney Hudson's NFL future is as at center, not a guard—or an inside linebacker to make that already stacked front seven even more formidable.

A Justin Houston, Derrick Johnson, Tamba Hali group of backers joined with Luke Kuechly or Dont'a Hightower would be incredible.

So guards and inside linebackers will probably be how the Chiefs spend three or four of the Chiefs overall choices. 

But somewhere on Day 3, they will probably target a wide receiver to offset a potential 2013 loss of Dwayne Bowe or a possible cap-induced release of Steve Breaston now that Todd Haley is gone as head coach.

And even though they have Eric Berry returning in 2012, there's a place for a new free safety opposite him. 

Baltimore Ravens

Obvious Needs: ILB, C

Not-So-Obvious-Needs: WR, OT

The blow from the loss of Jarret Johnson should be cushioned by Sergio Kindle. Nevertheless, on defense, the Ravens probably can afford to spend an early pick on building for the future: 2012 just feels like the finale for Ray Lewis. If they can get Dont'a Hightower here to carry the torch, they might jump on it. 

The same type of pseudo-need applies to the center position, where they have a great veteran in Matt Birk, but one who is on the precipice of retirement. 

But Birk isn't the only star on offense who the Ravens won't be counting on well beyond 2012.

Let's assume that Torrey Smith will be one of the starting wideouts next year. Well, as great as Anquan Boldin has been, he will be 32 in October and has suffered a myriad of injuries. And since Tandon Doss didn't catch a single pass last year, he might not be the long-term solution. 

I'm also wondering how much the Ravens expect out of Bryant McKinnie in the years to come. At 33 and a free agent after this upcoming season, this is probably his last year. 

This type of long-term thinking is one of the reasons why the Ravens have been so good for so long.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Obvious Needs: ILB, G, DT

Not-So-Obvious-Needs: QB

A cornerstone of that great Steelers defense, James Farrior, is now gone, leaving an enormous void to fill in Pittsburgh's secondary. 

And while they haven't yet parted ways with Casey Hampton, the same is true about another key middle-of-the-defense spot: defensive tackle. Hampton's contract is up after 2012 and he will be 35 before the start of this season.

While the Steelers re-signed two of their own guards (Doug Legursky and Ramon Foster) they would have given them deals longer than just for one year if they viewed them as viable building blocks of the future. 

But the more curious, often overlooked need is one for Ben Roethlisberger's backup. They re-signed Charlie Batch, but he's 37 years of age. Though he does a good job when he's in there for the inevitable injury to Big Ben, they downshift their offense so much that it's almost a burden. 

Even though previous experiments (Omar Jacobs, Dennis Dixon) have failed, maybe the third time is the charm for the Steelers and they will find a decent understudy on Day 3. 

Cincinnati Bengals

Obvious Needs: DE, CB

Not-So-Obvious-Needs: MLB, WR

Losing Frostee Rucker and Jonathan Fanene depleted the Bengals' already thin crop of defensive ends. Don't forget, Robert Geathers is a free agent in 2013 and recorded just 3.5 sacks in his last 29 starts. Carlos Dunlap can only fill one spot on the D-line. 

The same is true for the Bengals corners: Leon Hall has great talent, but Nate Clements and Terence Newman are way past 30 and free agents after 2012. And Pacman Jones can't be counted on.

Two other key spots are also possibly up for grabs after next season.

Rey Maualuga's contract expires in 2013 and if Luke Kuechly slips, they will pounce on him. And while A.J. Green is already a superstar, the fact that Jerome Simpson is gone and Jordan Shipley has to recover from a nasty knee injury suggests the Bengals need another pass catcher for Andy Dalton to continue to develop. 

Cleveland Browns

Obvious Needs: RB, WR, QB

Not-So-Obvious-Needs: OLB

No team in the NFL needs more collective help at skill positions than the Browns.

Even if Colt McCoy is "the guy" for Mike Holmgren and Pat Shurmur, they have to surround him with a running back and another pass catcher to at least complement, or hopefully overshadow, Greg Little.

So whatever combination the Browns use, whatever direction the Browns go with that first pick (Trent Richardson, Justin Blackmon or Ryan Tannehill), there will be more work for them as the draft continues. 

The need that's been lost in all the talk about ball carriers, pass catchers, and quarterbacks is the outside backer position. The front four is set with Phil Taylor, Jabaal Sheard, and now Frostee Rucker, they still have D'Qwell Jackson and a great cover corner in Joe Haden, but they need a player who can both rush the passer and contribute in zone coverage: i.e. an athletic outside backer. 

Houston Texans

Obvious Needs: WR

Not-So-Obvious-Needs: T/G, QB

After the greatest season in team history, the Texans don't have quite that many holes to fill, especially since they weren't seriously poached in free agency (Mario Williams doesn't count because he missed most of last year).

But for the Texans to get over the hump, there are some places to add, most notably wide receiver. Gary Kubiak has to dream about getting another big, fast receiver (Rueben Randle? Stephen Hill?) to play opposite Andre Johnson. That might just give the Texans the NFL's best offense.

Still, there are a few other needs on that side of the ball. Guard and/or tackle could use some help, especially with the departure of Eric Winston.

But it's quarterback that I think will be the semi-surprise later on. Matt Schaub is a free agent after next year and although T.J. Yates played admirably as a late-round rookie, how high do they really think his ceiling is?

Tennessee Titans

Obvious Needs: DE, CB

Not-So-Obvious-Needs: G

The departure of Cortland Finnegan leaves a hole in the Titans secondary, so that's a spot that might be addressed early on for Tennessee. Many mocks out there have them going after whichever top-tier corner is left after Morris Claiborne and Stephon Gilmore likely come off the board.

Tennessee also needs some help rushing the passer on the edges. A huge chunk of their AFC-worst 28 sacks came from interior defensive lineman like rookies Karl Klug and Jurrell Casey. 

And although they seem reasonably set at the edges with tackles David Stewart and Michael Roos, the interior could use an upgrade after struggling to open holes for Chris Johnson throughout the 2011 season.  

As great of a player as Steve Hutchinson is, he's coming off concussion concerns and will be 35 years old this fall.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Obvious Needs: WR, CB

Not-So-Obvious-Needs: DE

No team in the NFL needs wide receiver help more than the Jaguars. While the Browns, Buccaneers, and Rams have all added to once-terrible receiving corps over the last year or so, the Jaguars still lag far behind.

Laurent Robinson has talent and was excellent for a partial season in Dallas, but he has a lot to prove in 2012.

Cornerbacks isn't quite as needy a spot for the Jags defense, but if they are as fervently interested in Stephon Gilmore as reports indicate, then they can't be too pleased with their secondary.

And then there is the need for more help rushing the passer. Yes, they have squandered early draft choices on pass rushers recently, but a later-round pick to spell or play opposite Jeremy Mincey would be a nice addition. 

Indianapolis Colts

Obvious Needs: QB, WR, TE

Not-So-Obvious-Needs: DE

No surprise for what the Colts and their once-proud, but now-putrid offense need. They will be taking Andrew Luck to replace Peyton Manning and will probably add both a tight end and wideout (or two) to provide the rookie with more options. Pierre Garcon's exit is a very underrated loss for the organization.

But the place that Indy really should look to make a second- or third-round splash is at pass rusher. They have Dwight Freeney for another year, but after that, it's anybody's guess. And after two years, Jerry Hughes has not lived up to that first-round selection.

Even if they aren't able to land one of the promising late-first, early-second round talents at defensive end with the 34th pick, the later rounds will give them a shot at finding a capable edge rusher. 

New England Patriots

Obvious Needs: DE, OLB, ILB

Not-So-Obvious-Needs: G/T

Although they don't have the poor sack totals of some other teams and feature some big names on the defensive side of the ball (Vince Wilfork, Jerod Mayo), the Patriots front seven has been very inconsistent at pressuring opposing passers.

That unit's shortcomings were a chief reason why that pass defense was so bad in 2011 and struggled in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XLVI against the Giants.

Pressuring the opposing passer is how the Pats will try to improve and that will come from upgrades at the defensive end spot, the outside linebacker spot and probably even the inside linebacker position. 

Still, that can't be the only spot the Pats look to improve, as they have a boatload of picks. Since Brian Waters might not be back, as either a free agent or retiree, guard makes a ton of sense for them, especially with all of the talented guards in the second-round range. 

New York Jets

Obvious Needs: DE/OLB, S

Not-So-Obvious-Needs: WR

The Jets are also expected to improve their inconsistent pass defense via an edge pass rusher, most likely with a 3-4 outside linebacker. It's a smart move, considering their leader in sacks (Aaron Maybin, with just six) was cut by the Bills prior to the start of the 2011 season.

But even if it's with a series of edge, front-seven defenders, that can't be the only addition for New York in the draft. Given the multiple injuries to Jim Leonhard, adding a younger, less battered safety would be a nice insurance policy. Not only was LaRon Landry signed to just a one-year deal, but there are questions about his Achilles.

And although the Jets have already made a big addition on the other side of the ball in Tim Tebow, soon-to-be-35-year-old Plaxico Burress hasn't re-signed and no clear-cut starter opposite Santonio Holmes has yet emerged. Wide receiver is another depth need. 

Miami Dolphins

Obvious Needs: QB, WR

Not-So-Obvious-Needs: DE

It's hard to imagine the Dolphins passing up the opportunity to take Ryan Tannehill at the eight-spot, not only because of his relationship with Mike Sherman, but also due to his athleticism and versatility.

Even if they don't snag the former Aggie, they will probably take a quarterback later on. They can't exactly count on David Garrard as a rock-solid replacement given a year away from the NFL and his back issues.

Now that the Dolphins have unloaded Brandon Marshall, they are very thin at wide receiver, so that will have to be addressed at some point, probably with one of their early Day 3 selections. 

And despite a pretty underrated defense in 2011, anchored by Cameron Wake, the loss of Kendall Langford and the possible free-agent departure of Randy Starks after 2012 makes defensive end a need position. 

Buffalo Bills

Obvious Needs: WR, OT

Not-So-Obvious-Needs: MLB

Even with Stevie Johnson, C.J. Spiller, and Fred Jackson, it's a safe bet that the Bills will be looking for the clichéd "playmaker" at some point in the 2012 draft. Maybe that's Michael Floyd early on Day 1, but it could also be one of those third-tier wideouts on Day 2.

Still, that's far from the only need in Buffalo if the Bills want to return to the playoffs for the first time in over a decade.

With Demetress Bell going to the Eagles and Chris Hairston still developing, tackle is also a position of need. However, the most intriguing spot is middle linebacker. Even if the Bills don't buy into the Luke Kuechly hype, with the switch back to a 4-3, the position is critical.

San Francisco 49ers

Obvious Needs: WR, CB

Not-So-Obvious-Needs: G

Although many people outside the Bay Area refuse to believe it, the 49ers are far from perfect, and not just because of the minor mess caused this spring by the quarterback drama involving Alex Smith. 

Mario Manningham was a nice pickup, but he benefited from a dynamic passing attack anchored by Eli Manning and the Hakeem Nicks-Victor Cruz duo. Let's see what he can achieve when he's expected to carry more of the load.

As for Randy Moss, no one should be sold that he's in line for another career resurrection.

While the Niners did bring back Carlos Rogers and have Tarell Brown coming off a solid 2011, they could use another speedy defensive back. 

The same holds true for the O-line, which lost both Adam Snyder and Chilo Rachal to free agency. 

Arizona Cardinals

Obvious Needs: DE/OLB, G/T

Not-So-Obvious-Needs: WR

I'll start with the not-so-obvious need here. Everyone is jumping on the "Texans need a receiver to take pressure off Andre Johnson" bandwagon, but how about the other star pass catcher from a long-ago draft, Larry Fitzgerald?

Early Doucet and Andre Roberts had nice seasons in 2011, but another speedy game-breaker would open things up for Kevin Kolb. 

So too would another lineman, preferably one who can serve as an upgrade to Levi Brown. 

Still, the most glaring need for Ken Whisenhunt's club is a 3-4 backer to rush the passer and draw attention away from blossoming star Sam Acho. Even if it's not with their top pick (Melvin Ingram, Quinton Coples or Courtney Upshaw), they can grab one in the later rounds. 

Seattle Seahawks

Obvious Needs: DE/OLB, WR

Not-So-Obvious-Needs: DT

Given all the money the Seahawks have invested in Matt Flynn, Sidney Rice and Marshawn Lynch, Chris Clemons might not be in the team's long-term budget despite his big year in 2011. 

Red Bryant is an underrated talent that they re-signed, but Leroy Hill only signed a one-year deal, Anthony Hargrove left for the Saints, and Raheem Brock probably won't be coming back.

Defensive end could be a huge void down the road, especially considering they need an upgrade along the interior defensive line as well (Clinton McDonald and Alan Branch are free agents after 2012). 

Still, their biggest need might be wide receiver. Yes, they found a diamond-in-the-rough in Doug Baldwin last year, but all the woes and ailments that have plagued Sidney Rice the last few years make him very hard to rely on.

Even if it's not Michael Floyd in the first round, I would expect a wide receiver to land in Seattle at some point in the first half of the draft. 

St. Louis Rams

Obvious Needs: OT, G, DT

Not-So-Obvious-Needs: WR

It's not nearly as glaring a weakness as it was a year ago at this time, but the Rams still could use wide receiver help.

Austin Pettis and Greg Salas are good young pass catchers, and they did add Steve Smith to join Danny Amendola and Danario Alexander, but Justin Blackmon is on their radar and so should some of those lower-rated wideouts if they ultimately pass on the two-time Biletnikoff winner. 

Though giving Sam Bradford another weapon on offense would be nice, left guard and tackle are easily the biggest need spots, especially considering the beating Bradford has taken over the last two years. 

The new defense under Jeff Fisher also needs a lot of work. Cortland Finnegan will lock down one of the corner spots, but in terms of depth, they are thin. With the release of Fred Robbins and Justin Bannan, they are thin at defensive tackle as well. 

Green Bay Packers

Obvious Needs: DE/OLB, S

Not-So-Obvious Needs: OT

Like their top-seed AFC counterpart, the Packers must improve a shaky pass defense and will attempt to do so with a variety of selections.

With plenty of firepower at the skill positions, the only offensive addition they should make via the draft is another tackle to help soften the blow of Chad Clifton's release and Derek Sherrod's questionable recovery from his troublesome leg injury.

Another edge pass rusher, a 3-4 defensive end and outside linebacker, will take pressure off of Clay Matthews and free up B.J. Raji as well. 

A safety to patrol the middle of the field and help over top, where they Packers were frequently beaten by players like Calvin Johnson, is also going to be a critical spot in 2012. The uncertainty regarding Nick Collins' neck should motivate them to spend an early selection on a free safety. 

Detroit Lions

Obvious Needs: G/T, CB

Not-So-Obvious-Needs: RB

Even if it's not on Day 1 or 2, the Lions should go for a running back.

There are serious health issues surrounding their two top running back prospects, Mikel Leshoure (Achilles) and Jahvid Best (concussions), so using an early choice on one of those promising mid-level backs would be a safe play. 

Still, the bigger needs are elsewhere.

Eventually, Jeff Backus will retire, and Stephen Peterman is a free agent after 2012. A tweener guard/tackle like Cordy Glenn would be very appealing.

So too would another cornerback after Eric Wright left for Tampa Bay. 

Chicago Bears

Obvious Needs: WR, OL

Not-So-Obvious-Needs: OLB 

It's the same old story in Chicago: the Bears need a wide receiver and help on the offensive line.

Gabe Carimi missed virtually all of last season, Frank Omiyale left for Seattle and Lance Louis is a free agent after this upcoming year. Considering all the sacks they have surrendered over the past two years, they can use all the linemen they can find.

More help for Jay Cutler should also be on the way in terms of another receiver. Just because they reunited Cutler with Brandon Marshall doesn't instantly make that offense even close to matching the ones in Detroit and Green Bay.

And while the Bears front-seven does feature two of the NFL's premier defenders in Brian Urlacher and Julius Peppers, adding another excellent outside backer opposite Lance Briggs would make scheming against that defense very challenging. 

Minnesota Vikings

Obvious Needs: WR, OT

Not-So-Obvious-Needs: RB

Assuming no one trades with Minnesota in order to get Ryan Tannehill, Matt Kalil will be the choice here and it fills a need, even if it's not an overwhelmingly desperate one like the one at wide receiver.

It's very tough for the Vikings to count on Percy Harvin every week but even if they can (he did play all 16 games in 2011) they are so thin at the other wide receiver spots that they have to make an addition in this year's draft.

There should be some excellent names (Alshon Jeffery?) available to them when they select in the second round and even if they pass there, they can get another capable receiver later on.

But the choice that I think they really should consider, even if it's near blasphemy, is running back. Adrian Peterson may be "on schedule" to return early in 2012 but that injury almost always takes two full seasons to return to 100 percent.

Although Toby Gerhart is a nice power back, I don't think he has the same moves and speed of Peterson to carry the load if Peterson has setbacks. 

New Orleans Saints

Obvious Needs: MLB, S, DE

Not-So-Obvious-Needs: QB

Despite bringing in a slew of middle linebackers in preparation for a likely Jonathan Vilma suspension, the Saints still might want to add another, younger player who will still be there after all this Bountygate stuff is behind them. 

Although Vilma (behind Sean Payton, Gregg Williams, and Mickey Loomis, of course) has been the biggest name linked to a possible suspension, both Roman Harper and Will Smith very well could join him. 

Via the draft, the Saints likely won't find players instantly ready to fill those possible voids, especially since they don't have a first- or second-round choice. But they will at least find some depth.

As for the Saints not-so-obvious need, the combination of Drew Brees being disgruntled over his contract status and the fact that Chase Daniel (who has thrown eight passes in his career) is a free agent after 2012 might push the under-siege Saints to pursue a quarterback in later rounds. 

Atlanta Falcons

Obvious Needs: OL, MLB

Not-So-Obvious-Needs: TE

Just like their arch-rivals, the Falcons will be without a pick on Day 1 thanks to the deal that landed them Julio Jones. 

I still think that trade was well worth it, but it does cost them a chance to upgrade one of several key spots with a top prospect.

They need another tackle to replace Sam Baker and Will Svitek, both of whom are free agents after 2012 and have struggled. Losing Curtis Lofton to the Saints also means that inside linebacker would have been a nice way to spend that 22nd overall choice.

But Thomas Dimitroff can still find excellent second-tier replacements at those spots.

The same might not be true for a position that will soon become noticeably vacant. There's a good chance that 2012 is Tony Gonzalez's last year in the NFL.

Since both Coby Fleener and Dwayne Allen will probably be gone by the time they select in the late second round, the Falcons will have to hope a later-round tight end can make a contribution. 

Carolina Panthers

Obvious Needs: WR, DT, ILB

Not-So-Obvious-Needs: CB

Cam Newton might be Superman, but for all his speed, size and throwing ability, he can't pass the ball to himself.

Steve Smith was recently re-upped, but finishing out that contract is unlikely. And even if Brandon LaFell has a big year in 2012, the cupboard is fairly thin after those two. 

Still, for Ron Rivera, defense is his biggest concern and there are several places where rookies can make a huge impact. Dan Connor left the middle linebacker spot vacant by signing with Dallas, and whoever fills the void (perhaps Luke Kuechly) will need more consistency and strength at the defensive tackle position.

As for the secondary, despite Chris Gamble's presence and the athleticism of Brandon Hogan, in the NFC South (Drew Brees' Saints, Matt Ryan's Falcons) nickel coverages are essentially a base package. Depth at cornerback is a huge asset. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Obvious Needs: CB, OLB

Not-So-Obvious-Needs: RB, WR

Because the Bucs are reportedly shopping Aqib Talib, corner shoots up to the top of the needs list for Tampa Bay. 

Assuming they spend that fifth overall choice on Morris Claiborne as everyone expects, what is the next move for Greg Schiano?

Seeing as they have a handful of young and talented defensive ends, as well as Gerald McCoy at defensive tackle, but still posted the NFL's worst sack total, a pass-rushing outside linebacker would be ideal. 

But shoring up that defense won't be nearly enough to make the Bucs a contender again. For that, Josh Freeman needs more tools.

Yes, he received a pair of very early Christmas presents with Carl Nicks and Vincent Jackson. But Jackson only upgrades a poor wide receiving corps, so he isn't a cure-all.

Furthermore, while I do think LeGarrette Blount has a great future in the NFL as a workhorse, because Earnest Graham is worn down, a change-of-pace, speedy third-down pass-catching runner in the later rounds could add real versatility to that offense. 

New York Giants

Obvious Needs: TE, RB

Not-So-Obvious-Needs: MLB

One of the worst kept secrets of the 2012 offseason? The Giants need for a tight end.

They added Martellus Bennett, but that's probably not enough to make a major impact. Jerry Reese will look for another, perhaps as early as the final pick of the first round.

While it is surprising to see that great Giants offense have not one, but two, needs after winning the Super Bowl, New York could certainly use another ball carrier to offset the loss of Brandon Jacobs.

Although they like both D.J. Ware and Da'Rel Scott to go along with Ahmad Bradshaw, a speedier "scat back" might be a fine choice, at least for third downs.

And even though Mark Herzlich and Greg Jones were added last offseason, and Chase Blackburn is a nice role player who made a great contribution in Super Bowl XLVI, all three might be tough sells as starting middle linebackers for the next half-dozen seasons.

Dallas Cowboys

Obvious Needs: SS, DT

Not-So-Obvious-Needs: G

The Cowboys have upgraded a pretty shaky secondary this offseason by signing Brandon Carr. But even if Mike Jenkins continues to improve after his rough patch in 2010, strong safety is thin. Dallas only gave Brodney Pool a one-year deal, so he can't be a long-term fix.

Defensive tackle, however, is probably a bigger need, assuming the rumors that the Cowboys will move Jay Ratliff to the 3-4 defensive end position are true. 

Don't be surprised to see Dallas make a relatively surprising move and go after an interior offensive lineman. At times, Dallas struggled to protect Tony Romo in 2011, especially up the middle. 

Philadelphia Eagles

Obvious Needs: DT, OLB

Not-So-Obvious-Needs: TE

The Dream Team part deux will need even more defensive upgrades than its predecessors. As good as Nnamdi Asomugha, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Jason Babin and Cullen Jenkins can be together, they would still benefit from a bigger presence in the middle of that front four. 

But linebacker is also a key position going forward: not middle linebacker like everyone initially thought; that's no longer a top priority after the trade for DeMeco Ryans. But outside linebacker is. Neither Brian Rolle nor Casey Matthews has a firm grip on that job. 

Although the Eagles have Brent Celek—who is pretty productive—locked up long-term, don't be surprised to see them spend a later pick on a tight end. After 2012, Celek's contract doubles per season and by 2016, he will be making more just under $5 million. 

He could become a cap casualty in a few years, and tight end is an option in the middle rounds.

Washington Redskins

Obvious Needs: QB, ILB, S

Not-So-Obvious-Needs: DT

After Andrew Luck's destiny in Indy, Robert Griffin III's destiny in the nation's capital is the most assured of the entire draft. You might as well ignore that "QB" entry on the "obvious needs" list: it's not going to be a need for long.

For their next pick, the 'Skins will have to wait a while until the third round, where they will probably target help in the middle of their defense.

As great as London Fletcher is, he will be 37 in less than a month and they need to ready a replacement.

Similarly, while they do have a fine player in Barry Cofield, a 3-4 nose tackle always needs a solid backup to occasionally rotate in. They might find one in the second round. 

After replacing LaRon Landry with Brandon Meriweather and re-signing Reed Doughty, free safety is a bigger need.