The Statistic Every NFL Team Must Address in the Draft
To help fill needs and improve the quality of rosters, teams must dig neck-deep into all of the data available to them. Traditional statistics tell part of the story, as does advanced data. It’s all part of the puzzle to figure out which area must be addressed in the NFL draft.
Adding impact players at one or two key spots can help transform a team. There is no question that a strong team is made up of very good individuals who can execute at a high level. When there’s a facet of the team not performing well, it must somehow overcome that deficiency.
We’re going to look at the stats and determine which is the most critical for every NFL team. Based off of that need, we’ll also give a few prospects who can help improve those weaknesses.
The Arizona Cardinals Must Force More Turnovers
1 of 32
Statistically speaking, the Arizona Cardinals were one of the best teams in the NFL. It’s hard to find areas where the team struggled and ended up below average. That’s the sign of a well-rounded, talented team.
The one area that can elevate the Cardinals defense is forced turnovers. Arizona forced 25 in 2014, which is about league average. That’s a respectable amount, but it can improve.
At the 24th pick, the Cardinals might have the chance to get an impact pass-rusher. Mississippi State's Preston Smith or UCLA’s Owamagbe Odighizuwa would be a great addition to the Cardinals defense. Neither would start right away, but either could provide a serious pass-rush presence on third-down situations.
The Atlanta Falcons Must Log More Sacks
2 of 32
Finishing second-to-last in defensive sacks was a major reason why the Atlanta Falcons stumbled in 2014. The pass-centric NFL almost dictates that teams have competent edge-rushers to be successful. After logging just 22 sacks last year, the Falcons must be focused on significantly raising that number.
The board should play out so that the Falcons land an impact pass-rusher. Nebraska’s Randy Gregory, Clemson’s Vic Beasley or Missouri’s Shane Ray could be on the board. Each can provide an instant impact for a defense lacking even one consistent pass-rusher.
The Baltimore Ravens Must Intercept More Passes
3 of 32
Statistically speaking, the Baltimore Ravens were above average in almost every offensive and defensive category. A major reason why the franchise has been so successful is because they have a lot of high-impact players. One statistic that dipped in 2014 is interceptions, and the Ravens will want to correct that immediately.
Baltimore finished with just 11 interceptions last year. They had some injuries in their secondary, and that certainly hurt the Ravens defense. Nonetheless, they need help at cornerback in case injuries strike again.
The three top cornerbacks who fit what the Ravens do are Washington’s Marcus Peters, Wake Forest’s Kevin Johnson and LSU’s Jalen Collins. All three may go before the Ravens, but if one is on the board at the 26th pick, each fits exactly what the Ravens need.
.png?w=256)
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
The Buffalo Bills Must Get More First Downs
4 of 32
Without a first-round pick in the 2015 draft, the Buffalo Bills are in somewhat of a tough spot. New head coach Rex Ryan has acquired a star running back in LeSean McCoy but is still lacking a competent quarterback. One year after finishing 28th in the league with 273 first downs, the Bills must sustain their offense more effectively.
Rebuilding the offensive line is the best way to approach their greatest statistical deficiency. Guard Richie Incognito joined the team, but Buffalo still needs to figure out the other guard position. In the second round, the Bills should be looking at Hobart College guard Ali Marpet or Duke’s Laken Tomlinson.
Either Marpet or Tomlinson would be an instant starter for the Bills. Tomlinson is more of a power player who fits the Rex Ryan mold with nastiness. Marpet is an elite athlete and technician, and probably the better overall talent.
The Carolina Panthers Must Average More Yards Per Play
5 of 32
Despite making the playoffs in 2014, the Carolina Panthers were not a well-rounded team. Their offensive talent around quarterback Cam Newton is among the worst situations in all of football. It shouldn’t be a surprise that the Panthers ranked 20th in the league with their average of 5.2 yards per play.
The Panthers need help along the offensive line and at wide receiver. Neither unit is up to par for a Super Bowl contender. Their preference to be a run-first team suggests that an offensive lineman should be their selection with the 25th pick.
Florida’s D.J. Humphries or Pittsburgh’s T.J. Clemmings should be major targets for the Panthers. Each can step in early as rookies and be impact players at a major position of need. Both have elite potential to develop into stars at tackle.
The Chicago Bears Must Reduce Opponent Passer Rating
6 of 32
Based on the statistic that opposing quarterbacks had an average 101.7 passer rating against the Chicago Bears, this is an easy choice. Only one team had a less effective secondary in 2014. The Bears have been aggressive in free agency to help the unit, but more help is needed.
Instead of taking a cornerback or safety, Chicago could really use a pass-rusher. The seventh overall pick should bear some quality options. Florida’s Dante Fowler Jr., Clemson’s Vic Beasley and Kentucky’s Bud Dupree are very attractive options for the Bears defense.
The Cincinnati Bengals Must Get More Sacks
7 of 32
After finishing last in the NFL in sacks last season, the Cincinnati Bengals didn’t hesitate to re-sign pass-rusher Michael Johnson after he was released. He will help their anemic pass rush, but the Bengals need to invest more into their front seven.
With Carlos Dunlap in the fold, the edges should be set. That leaves the defensive tackle spot next to Geno Atkins open for upgrade. Ohio State’s Michael Bennett would be a tremendous fit.
Bennett was dominant as the Buckeyes went on their title run. His blend of size, speed and technique will make him a solid if not spectacular value at this point in the first round. He can immediately step in and start for the Bengals.
The Cleveland Browns Must Pass for More Touchdowns
8 of 32
The quarterback combination of Brian Hoyer and Johnny Manziel was pretty bad in 2014. The Browns threw for just 12 touchdowns between the duo, and their playmakers weren’t talented enough to overcome the poor signal-caller play.
Assuming the Browns are content with Manziel and Josh McCown, they must add more talent to the receiving corps. They essentially traded Jordan Cameron for Brian Hartline, which is not a good trade even considering Cameron’s concussion history. Cleveland must add a competent top receiver.
Arizona State’s Jaelen Strong, UCF’s Breshad Perriman and Louisville’s DeVante Parker should all be on the Browns' radar. Each is a big receiver who can make up for poor accuracy. Parker would likely cost the Browns’ 12th pick, while Strong and Perriman could be available at No. 19.
The Dallas Cowboys Need More Sacks
9 of 32
There were few more surprising things than the Dallas Cowboys defense in 2014. The unit was supposed to be atrocious, but the group was pretty decent considering the expectations. Still, finishing 28th in sacks was not good, and the defense must be addressed this draft.
Getting Demarcus Lawrence back for the entire 2015 campaign will help, but it won't be enough. With the 27th pick in the draft, an edge-rusher like Owamagbe Odighizuwa from UCLA would be perfect for the Cowboys. His blend of athleticism and strength would be a terror to defend against.
The Denver Broncos Defense Must Get off the Field
10 of 32
Statistically speaking, there isn’t much for the Denver Broncos to improve upon. They rank highly in every important category except for one. The defense was on the field for 1,031 snaps, which was 13th-most in the league.
Getting off the field and allowing Peyton Manning more chances to score is of the utmost importance. The Broncos did decently in this area in 2014, but they must replace some key players after being gutted in free agency. A new nose tackle should be on top of the grocery list.
Florida State’s Eddie Goldman or Oklahoma’s Jordan Phillips are great options at the end of the first round. Each player is lacking significant experience, but they’re talented enough to step in and eat blocks like Terrance Knighton did.
The Detroit Lions Must Run the Ball Better
11 of 32
An offense that was riddled with injuries in 2014, the Detroit Lions need to re-emphasize running the ball moving forward. Even after releasing Reggie Bush and Dominic Raiola, the Lions’ running game must take precedence. They averaged a putrid 3.6 yards per carry in 2014, and that cannot continue.
The Lions need some help on the offensive line. Getting a solid tackle or guard would help create more time for Matthew Stafford in the passing game, and more holes for the running game. On the other hand, they need a consistent running back who can exploit holes. That may be a Day 2 consideration for the Lions.
In the first round, the Lions would do well to take Andrus Peat of Stanford or La’el Collins of LSU. Both are long, strong and have great potential to improve. Collins is better right now, and he has the ability to play guard if need be.
The Green Bay Packers Must Stop the Run
12 of 32
Stopping the run on a consistent basis has been the Achilles’ heel of the Green Bay Packers defense for years. They’ve been ravaged by injuries in the defensive front seven, and that’s been a tough break. The Packers must continue to invest into defensive linemen because of the battle of attrition they’ve endured.
If they are on the board at the 30th pick, Washington’s Danny Shelton, Oklahoma’s Jordan Phillips and Iowa’s Carl Davis would fit into various parts of the Packers’ front seven. While Shelton and Phillips are nose tackles, Davis is a 5-technique.
The Houston Texans Must Be More Consistent Running
13 of 32
To help offset a troublesome quarterback situation, the Houston Texans rely on the running game. Arian Foster had a nice stretch of games in 2014, but overall, the running game stunk. The Texans averaged just 3.9 yards per carry in 2014.
The backs aren’t the problem in Houston. The offensive line and quarterback play are, though. Defenses are loading up near the line and able to get into the backfield because of porous guard play. Every quarterback who played last year was below average, and that isn’t helping.
To help fix the offense, the Texans should consider taking another offensive guard in the second round of the draft. There won’t be a good value in the first, but the middle rounds should feature talented guards like Ali Marpet of Hobart, John Miller of Louisville, Jamil Douglas of Arizona State and Jeremiah Poutasi of Utah.
The Indianapolis Colts Must Allow Fewer Passing Touchdowns
14 of 32
The Indianapolis Colts allowed 27 passing touchdowns in 2014, and that’s not a number that can continue to trend upwards. They’re just below average and are lacking significant talent in the secondary outside of cornerback Vontae Davis.
Finding quality secondary players is a difficult task. Cornerback and safety are two premium positions that are hard to find. But the Colts must upgrade their passing defense. The best way is to go find a good pass-rusher.
Virginia’s Eli Harold would be the perfect fit for the Colts. He’s fast, long and has natural strength. His upside is excellent, but he needs work. His technique is very inconsistent, and his run defense is poor. He’s an upside pick with the ability to be a force on third downs while he develops the rest of his game.
The Jacksonville Jaguars Must Limit Big Plays Allowed
15 of 32
Despite logging an impressive 45 sacks in 2014, the Jacksonville Jaguars defense needs to do better against the pass. They allowed a horrific 8.1 yards per pass attempt, which was the third-worst in the league. They have talented cornerbacks in Dwayne Gratz and Alan Ball, but they weren’t able to stay completely healthy all season.
To help their secondary play better, the Jaguars need one more pass-rusher. Adding a true "Leo" candidate to Gus Bradley’s defense should be their top priority with the third overall pick.
The perfect fit for the Jaguars is Clemson’s Vic Beasley. He’s productive, smart and has elite athleticism. There’s not much more you need to be a great edge-rusher. He has all of the tools and checks the boxes. Make it happen, Gus.
The Kansas City Chiefs Must Be More Aggressive Passing
16 of 32
It shouldn’t be surprising that the Kansas City Chiefs had the fifth-fewest passing touchdowns in 2014. Quarterback Alex Smith is the definition of quarterback purgatory, as he isn’t good enough to overcome significant talent deprivation across the roster, but he is productive in the context of the offense.
Replacing Smith is going to be hard and expensive, so the Chiefs need to augment the roster as best as they can around him. They added Jeremy Maclin, which is fine if Smith will throw to him past 10 yards. But his offensive line could be shored up.
The Chiefs offensive line was very poor in 2014, and they lost their best player, Rodney Hudson, to free agency. Florida State offensive center Cameron Erving would be a solid replacement. He’s a terrific athlete and smart. He has top-center-in-the-NFL-type potential.
The Miami Dolphins Must Score in the Red Zone More
17 of 32
The Miami Dolphins were great between the 20s under first-year offensive coordinator Bill Lazor. They reached the red zone more than four times per game. But they only scored a touchdown 50 percent of the time. That’s an issue.
Miami seems to have correctly identified that its playmakers were a major issue. Mike Wallace didn’t play overly hard and struggled making contested catches. Brian Hartline couldn’t get open quickly in Miami’s timing-based offense. Those were major limitations in the red zone.
After starting the revamp of the receiver corps, Miami can finish the changes in the first round of the draft. Louisville’s DeVante Parker or UCF’s Breshad Perriman would be excellent fits. Each can go up and high-point the football effectively in the red zone.
The Minnesota Vikings Must Cut Down on Sacks Allowed
18 of 32
Despite having a budding star at quarterback, the Minnesota Vikings offense couldn’t reach its potential in 2014. Missing Adrian Peterson hurt, but the offensive line was putrid. It allowed 51 sacks on the quarterbacks last season.
Giving up the fifth-most sacks is not how you develop your quarterback. The Vikings must immediately start injecting talent into the offensive line to save Teddy Bridgewater from being punished with hits. The 11th overall pick is going to be a good opportunity to add such a talent.
It doesn’t matter whether the Vikings want Brandon Scherff of Iowa, Andrus Peat of Stanford or La’el Collins of LSU. One of the top linemen should be on the card come April 30.
The New England Patriots Must Improve Their Pass Defense
19 of 32
The New England Patriots had a very good pass defense in 2014, but losing Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner will make it tough to replicate that success in 2015. Revis is the best cornerback in the NFL, and his departure stings badly. He will not be replaceable in 2015.
New England was average with its passing yards per attempt in 2014. Expect that number to get worse next year. The Patriots must find plug-and-play cornerback talent in the draft.
With the 32nd pick, it’s hard to see a standout cornerback still being available. The best candidates could be Connecticut’s Byron Jones or Oregon State’s Steven Nelson.
The New Orleans Saints Must Improve Their Run Defense
20 of 32
The Saints have long had a great offense, but the defense is too reliant on being opportunistic. At some point this roster must field a competent run-defending unit. New Orleans had the fourth-worst rush defense in the NFL last year.
After an offseason purge of expensive salaries, the Saints really lack talent across the board. They must add the best available defensive player with pick No. 13. UCLA linebacker Eric Kendricks or Kentucky’s Bud Dupree are very good run defenders who can become all-around players.
Kendricks is a pure middle linebacker who is ready to be an impact player in year one. His presence would immediately help New Orleans. Dupree is more of a pass-rush project with elite tools. He is a good run defender right now, but his upside is even more appealing.
The New York Giants Must Help the Run Game
21 of 32
After the New York Giants finished 2014 with the 23rd-ranked run offense, the pressure for the team to add to the offensive line has increased. For quarterback Eli Manning to be at his best, he cannot be allowed to drop back 607 times again.
New York must get an offensive lineman who can start immediately. The run game was terrible for most of 2014 because there was simply no place to run. The ninth overall pick should satisfy that need.
Iowa’s Brandon Scherff is a perfect fit. He’s able to play tackle or guard and be a road-grading presence. His nastiness and athleticism will allow him to start immediately.
The New York Jets Must Increase Completion Percentage
22 of 32
Led by Geno Smith and Michael Vick in 2014, the New York Jets' offense was borderline anemic for the better part of last season. This led to Rex Ryan’s dismissal, and an overhaul of talent in the offseason. After adding Brandon Marshall and releasing Percy Harvin, the Jets must improve their completion percentage.
The owners of a 57.6 team completion percentage cannot replicate that number in 2015. They have too many offensive weapons in the passing game. Their running attack is very respectable. The signal-caller is their biggest weakness.
At the sixth pick, the Jets must draft Marcus Mariota. The Heisman Trophy winner is a clear upgrade over Smith in terms of on-field intelligence and decision-making. Paired with offensive coordinator Chan Gailey, Mariota can help lead the Jets to the playoffs in the near future.
The Oakland Raiders Need to Attack Downfield
23 of 32
Despite having one of the best downfield arms in the NFL, the Oakland Raiders were easily last in average yards per attempt last year. The dink-and-dunk offensive approach was painful to watch. It could end up ruining Derek Carr’s ability to read the defense and attack downfield.
Oakland has some decent talent at wide receiver. James Jones is a good slot option, and Andre Holmes has upside worth investing in. But they lack a true top receiver.
Adding Kevin White of West Virginia should be a major consideration with the fourth overall pick. He’s in the mold of Julio Jones with his speed, size and physicality. White can help the Raiders offense transform into a much more vertical-based philosophy.
The Philadelphia Eagles Must Improve Their Pass Defense
24 of 32
In his first season as chief talent evaluator, Chip Kelly has already started revamping the secondary of the Philadelphia Eagles. His defense allowed 30 touchdown passes in 2014, which is fourth-worst in the NFL. The rebuild began when Byron Maxwell was signed in free agency.
But the secondary needs more help. 2014 draft pick Jaylen Watkins has serious upside, but he wasn’t used at all last year. He needs to play in 2015, and the Eagles need safety help.
Alabama’s Landon Collins or Utah’s Eric Rowe each can fit different roles as safeties for the Eagles. Collins is a pure strong safety who is excellent in the box but average in coverage. Rowe has center field potential as a free safety with his blend of speed, instincts and discipline.
The Pittsburgh Steelers Must Improve Pass Defense
25 of 32
The aging of the Pittsburgh Steelers defense has been ongoing for years, and yet somehow it hasn’t been stopped by the front office. Instead of rebooting their old defense and getting cheaper, the Steelers have rolled with far too many expensive, average players. The 30 passing touchdowns allowed in 2014 was the fourth-most in the NFL.
Pittsburgh needs to get younger and more talented in the secondary. It doesn’t matter whether that help comes at cornerback or safety. If Alabam's Landon Collins is available at the 22nd pick, he’s a great fit to replace Troy Polamalu.
The San Diego Chargers Must Improve Their Running Game
26 of 32
The return of Philip Rivers to elite quarterback territory was fantastic to watch. He’s one of the best players in the league when he’s playing well and a lot of fun to watch. The San Diego Chargers know that he’s back now, and they have to invest around him.
2014 had numerous injuries to running backs, and that stifled the Chargers’ consistency. They finished with the third-least productive rushing offense last year. Rivers needs more help than that.
With the 17th pick, the Chargers need to select either a right tackle or a running back. Adding Georgia's Todd Gurley would be a huge bonus to the Chargers offense, even if he misses time in 2015 to recover. His ability to break games open would make San Diego an offensive juggernaut.
The San Francisco 49ers Must Improve Passing Yards Per Game
27 of 32
The San Francisco 49ers offense really struggled to find success in 2014. They had injuries along the offensive line that really hampered the running game. Without Frank Gore punishing defenses, Colin Kaepernick seemed to regress greatly.
The 49ers averaged a pathetic 191.4 passing yards per game despite a solid receiving corps. Even without a run game, Kaepernick must play better than he did in 2014. Otherwise, the franchise will be looking for another signal-caller in 2016.
To help Kaepernick, the 49ers can once and for all add a dominant receiver. Oklahoma's Dorial Green-Beckham is uber talented despite his off-field issues. His big body, speed and talent would finally allow the 49ers to figure out if Kaepernick is their franchise quarterback or not.
The Seattle Seahawks Must Improve Sacks Allowed
28 of 32
One of the best running teams in the NFL, the Seattle Seahawks have struggled with pass protection for years. They allowed 42 sacks on Russell Wilson in 2014. That cannot continue moving forward.
Now without a first-round pick, the Seahawks can focus on finding a quality guard prospect at the end of the second round. John Miller of Louisville and Jamil Douglas of Arizona State have the potential to be very good players early in their NFL careers.
The St. Louis Rams Must Improve Interception Ratio
29 of 32
Another injury to Sam Bradford really derailed the St. Louis Rams’ efforts to make the playoffs in 2014. Austin Davis had a moment of brilliance, but his star faded quickly. Now with Nick Foles in the mix, the Rams hope to build around the former Eagle.
The Rams have enough receivers to be successful. They need an offensive line now to help Foles stay calm and make good decisions. He cannot replicate the 16 interceptions that the Rams’ quarterbacks totaled in 2014.
At the 10th pick, St. Louis should find a tackle who can fill the departed Jake Long’s role. Greg Robinson will stay at left tackle, but a right tackle like Miami's Ereck Flowers or LSU's La’el Collins would be an immediate starter.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers Must Improve Offensive Yards Per Play
30 of 32
Armed with the top overall pick, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers just need to decide which quarterback they prefer. The need for a quarterback is huge in Tampa Bay, as the team accomplished a paltry five yards per play in 2014. That was the third-lowest in the NFL.
This decision seems like it will be Jameis Winston from Florida State. Winston is pro-ready and able to start from day one. His ability to utilize weapons like Charles Sims, Mike Evans, Vincent Jackson and Austin Seferian-Jenkins is going to be much improved compared to Josh McCown’s.
The Tennessee Titans Must Improve Turnover Ratio
31 of 32
The Tennessee Titans committed 26 offensive turnovers in 2014. Among many other issues, the Titans need more efficiency from the quarterback position to succeed. Sixteen of those turnovers were interceptions.
Whether Tennessee goes with Zach Mettenberger or ends up drafting one with the second overall pick, something has to give. Putting your defense in such bad spots is not a winning formula.
Based off of Metteneberger’s 2014 film and his collegiate film, the franchise shouldn’t be too entrenched with him as the starter. Oregon’s Marcus Mariota or Florida State’s Jameis Winston would be major upgrades.
The Washington Redskins Must Improve Passing Defense
32 of 32
The title of worst passing defense in 2014 went to the Washington Redskins. They allowed a whopping 35 touchdowns just through the air. That secondary cannot be as bad in 2015 for the Redskins to have success.
The perfect fit is Washington’s Marcus Peters. Peters has some off-field troubles that must be looked into, but he is the premier cornerback in this draft. He’s physical, tough and highly instinctive. He checks all of the boxes for what you need in a No. 1 cornerback.
All stats used are from sports-reference.com.
Ian Wharton is an NFL Draft Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report.
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
