NFL Teams with the Biggest Questions to Answer This Offseason

For half the teams in the NFL, it's time to address their concerns heading into 2016.

Since the draft order has just been set, and we're only in the first rounds of mocks, let's leave who most teams should pick in their respective spots alone for now.

Can we really get a pulse of where a team will go without the coach or general manager in place, even with the knowledge of the makeup of certain rosters? For example, in 2014, the Philadelphia Eagles desperately needed help at cornerback, safety and offensive line.

Who did then-coach/head of player personnel Chip Kelly select in the first round? Nelson Agholor, a wide receiver. The draft is a crapshoot, and we haven't even made it to the combine yet.

So some of the teams on this list have problems that need to be addressed long before they reach draft day on April 28. But others are focused on position needs, so it should keep a balance. 

And by problems, the majority of issues highlighted in this list are teams who need a general manager or head coach. (If you're the Cleveland Browns, you need an entire front office re-structuring.)

As you navigate through the list, I highlight my biggest concern and then the move/moves I'd make.

Philadelphia Eagles

Chuck Burton/Associated Press

Most Pressing Concerns: Coach and GM

Regardless of whether or not you believe Kelly can coach in the NFL, he didn't fare well as a GM.

We've all heard about the moves that left us confused (especially Eagles fans): releasing DeSean Jackson, keeping Riley Cooper, letting Jeremy Maclin walk, trading LeSean McCoy for Kiko Alonso—who looked lost in the few games he played—signing Byron Maxwell to a lucrative contract and signing DeMarco Murray then not using him and so on.

But what's most concerning is that Howie Roseman, whom Kelly ripped power from when he wanted to be the quasi-GM, is now back in charge. (The Eagles don't have a person with the title of “GM,” but we know who the GM was.)

Team owner Jeffrey Lurie said the team wasn't looking to hire a GM in an interview with reporters, per Brandon Lee Gowton of bleedinggreenation.com. Basically, Roseman would be the vice president of football operations and Tim Donahoe would be head of player personnel.

However, ESPN's Chris Mortensen has a different take. “As of now, Roseman will not be the general manager again,” Mortensen said via Gowton. “Tom Donahoe has been promoted to head the personnel department, but he has no desire to serve as the GM at this stage of life.”

So depending on who you believe, the problem is there. Roseman is not trusted by anyone to be the clear-cut GM.

Now, reports have surfaced that Sean Payton is a top candidate for the Eagles, according to Paul Domowitch of the Philadelphia Daily News.

But with teams like the San Francisco 49ers and New York Giants having more to offer (the Eagles don't have their second-round pick this season), it seems Payton may cost too much. And if you're the Saints, why not let there be a bidding war?

In that case, the Eagles should take a long look at Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott, who not only has a history with the Eagles, he could help re-shape a terrible defense. (First, he could shift them to a 4-3.) And Payton does have a history of trotting out awful defenses.

The Move: Eagles hire McDermott as head coach and hire a bona fide GM. There's a reason the most successful franchises have a clear hierarchy. It's too much work for one person. Conversely, it's not good to have multiple people making decisions because there is no clear direction.

New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers

David Goldman/Associated Press

Most Pressing Concerns

New Orleans Saints: Collecting assets

San Francisco 49ers: Finding a head coach

There are a multitude of issues in New Orleans. It's  over the projected 2016 $150 million salary cap already with only 41 players on the roster, according to Mike Triplett of ESPN.com.

But the biggest concern is Payton. The Payton era in New Orleans seems to be over, and sometimes that's not a bad thing. Payton had his run—winning a Super Bowl and taking the franchise to the next level—but with 37-year-old quarterback Drew Brees near the end of his career, and Payton's defense was abysmal again.

So why are they together on this list? Well, maybe they can help each other out.

The 49ers have reeled since they let go of Jim Harbaugh and hired Jim Tomsula to take over. And after the 5-11 finish, Harbaugh had his own shade to throw:

"

Do not be deceived. You will reap what you sow.

— Coach Harbaugh (@CoachJim4UM) January 4, 2016"

It seems Harbaugh hasn't forgiven the 49ers yet.

Payton is still under contract, meaning the Saints could get a pick in exchange for him. Yet there are conflicting reports on what the Saints could be searching for in terms of that pick.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com:

"

From what I am told, the potential price placed by the #Saints on Sean Payton is a 2nd rounder… That's what it'll take to pry him.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 4, 2016"

However, CBS's Jason LaConfora says Payton won't cost that much:

"

Would not be surprised if ultimately Sean Payton is dealt for a mid-round pick. He won't want new team to give up too much. Maybe a 4th

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) January 4, 2016"

The Move: Here's the bottom line: The 49ers need a coach. Payton is a Super Bowl winner who is actually on the market. (Not the "market," which Monday Night Football analyst Jon Gruden is on every year.) And it seems Payton is genuinely interested in the job, according to Rapoport:

"

If the #49ers make a move, worth noting: Last year, a person close to Sean Payton made it known he'd consider the SF job if he was free.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 3, 2016"

The Saints could get an extra pick for their rebuild, and the 49ers could replace their newly departed head coach, with a relatively low cost that allows them to stay at the No. 7.

Cleveland Browns

Ed Zurga/Associated Press

Most Pressing Concerns: Front-office structure, quarterback

I don't like saying this, Browns fans, but Cleveland is a mess. Is it still a wanted job for coaches?

In owner Jimmy Haslam's defense, a new ownership group would cause a weird limbo state for a franchise as his philosophies seep into the system.

Then again, it seems Haslam's philosophy is a Browns' continuation of a high turnover rate, according to Adam Schefter:

"

Last time a non-Browns HC was fired in the AFC North was Brian Billick on Dec. 31, 2007. Since then, Browns have fired 5 HCs, incl Pettine.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 4, 2016"

After firing both head coach Mike Pettine—after two seasons—and GM Ray Farmer, Haslam promoted Sashi Brown from general counsel to vice of football operations.

And according to ESPN's Chris Mortensen, the Browns made a splash hire.

If you forget, DePodesta was involved in the Moneyball revolution with the Oakland Athletics. It seems the Browns want an analytic influence.

But that's not where the confusion ends. According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, Haslam plans on being more than involved this upcoming season.

“The Browns will hire their head coach first, and then let him participate in finding the GM,” said Cabot. “But the new GM won't have the same authority as Farmer, who had final say over the draft and the roster. The coach will report to Haslam and the new GM will report to Brown.”

You read that right. The coach will be hired first and then report to Haslam, while the GM will report to Brown. Even if the quirky structure isn't uncommon (Jerry Jones anyone?), the fact that the GM and coach will essentially be separated and the GM will fit the coach goes against conventional wisdom.

It's not conventional for a coach to be directly involved in operations, and if the new coach is to report above the head of the GM, it's asking the system to fail.

Even when Joe Banner was CEO of the team back in 2013, then-head coach Rob Chudzinski reported to Banner, not Haslam.

More, Joe Thomas, the left tackle and best player on the team, may want out.

The Browns' instability may have broken Thomas. “As you get older, the tomorrows become fewer and far between and you become more reflective on your own football mortality," Thomas said, per Pat McManamon of ESPN.com. “Who knows who's going to be back in this locker room next year?”

Again, here's the instability Thomas mentions, per NFL on CBS:

"

You might notice an interesting trend here... pic.twitter.com/knutITvItk

— NFLonCBS (@NFLonCBS) January 4, 2016"

One of the most stable parts of an organization has been the left tackle whose loyalty to the team has left him powerless. I feel for Thomas.

Now to the Johnny Manziel situation.

The Browns are reportedly over Manziel after he didn't show up to the facility on game day, even though he wasn't playing due to a concussion. According to Peter King of MMQB.com:

"

JFF1: Reported this on @SNFonNBC re Manziel: Browns require players in concussion protocol to be seen by team medic at 9 am on Sunday …

— Peter King (@SI_PeterKing) January 4, 2016"

"

JFF2: … even if they’re not playing. Manziel didn’t show up Sunday. Browns couldn’t reach him on phone. At this point I can tell you …

— Peter King (@SI_PeterKing) January 4, 2016"

"

JFF3: … Browns are so done with the guy. I will be stunned if he ever plays another snap for Cleveland. He wants to go to Dallas.

— Peter King (@SI_PeterKing) January 4, 2016"

It's a bad situation, considering Manziel may have been in Las Vegas the night before the team's game on Sunday, wearing a wig and mustache while out at a nightclub, according to ESPN Las Vegas (h/t the Big Lead). 

I think Manziel shouldn't be on any NFL team, not because of his lack of ability (no matter how overrated you may believe he is), but because he has a problem. The Browns shoulder some of the blame for their mishandling of the situation, but most of it is on Manziel.

If the Browns want to cut ties, I think it would be best for both parties.

If the Browns decide to release Manziel, then I hope he gets the help he needs. And if he latches on with the Dallas Cowboys, like he hopes to, according to King, then the Browns may be able to get a pick for him.

The Move: If Haslam thinks the Browns need to rebuild, it's time to change everything. That includes cutting Manziel and trading Thomas while he still has value.

The Browns will have an opportunity to start big with the No. 2 pick in the draft, if only they can detach from their draft history.

Haslam's philosophy has to change. If DePodesta is the start of a new philosophy in terms of evaluating talent, that's fine, but the front-office structure can't have that many loop-de-loops.

And finally, stop firing coaches after one or two seasons. That's not how a rebuild works.

St. Louis Rams

Jonathan Bachman/Associated Press

Most Pressing Concerns: Quarterback and wide receiver

Applause to Jeff Fisher for stealing another year of head coaching checks.

Since we know the front office and coaching staff are remaining in tact—though Fisher is talking about changes—we can focus on the position needs for the Rams.

For one, they need a quarterback. In a vacuum (meaning without the second-round pick), the Rams lost the Sam Bradford-Nick Foles trade by default. Luckily, the Rams didn't strap themselves to Foles.

More, Case Keenum is the starting quarterback for now, though Fisher did say everything is open for change. 

“Yes, there will be competition there," Fisher said, per Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com. "But Case is going to come back as the starter.”

So, if the quarterback is in place, and there aren't any projected franchise quarterbacks around this area of the first round, the Rams should go for their No. 1 wide receiver, which they desperately need.

Tavon Austin can make plays, but no team is going to make a huge impact on offense with him.

Enter Mississippi's Laquon Treadwell.

Bleacher Report's Matt Miller has the Rams taking Treadwell at No. 15, but another mock draft from CBS Sports' Dane Brugler has Treadwell as high as No. 4.

The Move: With the state of the NFL, wide receivers are at an importance that's never been higher.

It maybe a stretch, but if Treadwell manages to make it to double digits in the first round, the Rams have to move up and take him.

If Brugler is correct and Treadwell is similar to the Dallas Cowboys' Dez Bryant in some aspects, the Rams need him. Dangle that extra second-round pick, St. Lou—er, Los Angeles, Treadwell can be your stud receiver.

Tennessee Titans

Rogelio V. Solis/Associated Press

Most Pressing Concern: Protecting quarterback Marcus Mariota

The Tennessee Titans are without a coach or GM, and while we can speculate about Kelly's reunion with Mariota, the variables are few enough that we can stick to the players.

The Titans have the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, meaning the mocks have the best shot at getting this pick right because every player is available. 

Pass-rushers' values have jumped enormously over the years since the NFL became a passing league. Steve Palazzolo of Pro Football Focus believes that the defenses' abilities to move lineman has dropped the value of offensive linemen just a bit. 

It's a good argument. With the evolution of the pass-rusher, it does minimize the importance of a left tackle, per say, since these dudes can match up against any of those on the line.

But that's why the Titans need offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil out of Ole Miss. They need a stalwart on the line to bolster the unit as a whole.

No matter how important pass-rushers are in the NFL, they'll never be as important quarterbacks.

The only thing protecting Mariota from J.J. Watt twice a year would be Tunsil and the offensive line.

The Move: The Titans are in the rare position of actually having their franchise quarterback in place, already. If they want to maximize Mariota's potential, then the Titans have to protect him.

See, defensive linemen and offensive linemen are joined at the hip. If the value of one goes up, then value of the other goes up by default because they're each other's matchup. The only thing that stops pass protection is pass rush, and the only thing that stops pass rush is pass protection.

It's boring and it's not flashy, but Tunsil is the right pick.

Dallas Cowboys

Butch Dill/Associated Press

Most Pressing Concern: Tony Romo's successor

If we learned anything from the Dallas Cowboys' season, it's that the quarterback is the most important position on the field. (Snaps for Captain Obvious.)

In all seriousness, being without Romo for virtually a season should have been a wake-up call for the Cowboys. Romo is 36 and on the decline from a health standpoint, and there is no one behind him the Cowboys can count on in the future.

Imagine the next years of that Cowboys offensive line wasted because they have awful quarterbacks under center. (As an Eagles fan, I hope they do draft Treadwell and leave the quarterback spot open.)

Now imagine a young quarterback being groomed behind Romo for the next season or two, and could he be ready to take over afterward?

In the mocks, Memphis' Paxton Lynch doesn't grade out as highly as Cal's Jared Goff, but Lynch has the higher ceiling, according to Miller's mock. (You'll never hear the words "high ceiling" more often than draft time in the NFL. I'm sure there's a carpenter's joke in there somewhere.) 

Miller has the Cowboys taking Lynch at No. 4.

Brugler also sees Lynch as a long-term project, making him an even better option for the Cowboys.

If Lynch pans out, with his size (6'7", 245 lbs) and his arm strength, he'd be a good fit for the Cowboys' future.

The Move: Do not trade for Manziel. Draft Lynch.

Manziel may be the flashy pick, but you're asking for the two biggest distractions in the NFL to be on the same team. (Greg Hardy being the other.)

Manziel still hasn't proven he belongs in the league, and it's only a matter of time before his over-relying on scrambling gets him injured. Not to mention his off-the-field issues are too great to be a quarterback for an NFL team.

Romo, when healthy, is still a viable quarterback in the league and arguably the best in the NFC East.

Put someone behind him to groom him for the future, which Romo said he's fine with, according to ESPN's Todd Archer.

The Cowboys were 12-4 in 2014 when Romo was healthy, so they may not be drafting this high in upcoming drafts.

And, if No. 4 is too high to draft Lynch, the Cowboys can trade back a few spots and pick up other assets.

Indianapolis Colts

Darron Cummings/Associated Press

Most Pressing Concerns: GM Ryan Grigson

When I first wrote this, head coach Chuck Pagano had been the ex-coach and Grigson was still around.

Then this happened, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com:

"

The #Colts reached a contract extension with head coach Chuck Pagano. wow.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 5, 2016"

So that means Grigson is out right? It's widely known that Grigson and Pagano don't get along.

In fact, WTHR's Bob Kravitz said Grigson had meddled in affairs that undermined Pagano. “According to sources, when Pagano wanted to discipline players—one of them being Billy Winn, who was late for some meetings—Grigson overruled him and would not let Pagano do what he wanted to do,” Kravitz said of the Grigson-Pagaon feud.

So how did Grigson survive? I mean, he traded a first-round pick for a running back. Even worse, he traded for a running back named Trent Richardson. He hasn't improved the offensive line (Todd Herremans?) and signed Andre Johnson, who was a virtual non-factor this season.

Again, per Rapoport:

"

#Colts owner Jim Irsay said Chuck Pagano said he wanted to make sure he's tied at the hip with GM Ryan Grigson. Stunning turnaround.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 5, 2016"

And finally, the piece de resistance:

"

#Colts owner Jim Irsay: "Bill Polian is going into the Hall of Fame. His first four years, Ryan (Grigson) has outdone him."

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 5, 2016"

The Move: First, knock some sense into owner Jim Irsay.

Binding two employees who don't like each other "at the hip" in hopes they'll get along is asking for it to go wrong, especially when the coach takes possible veiled shots in the media. 

The best move the Colts could make is fire Grigson. If that means keeping Pagano, so be it, but the problem is Grigson. (You could convince me that Grigson is actually out to end Andrew Luck's career.)

To go from Super Bowl contenders in the preseason to 8-8 and missing the playoffs after the offseason moves, it's more than just coaching.