2011 NFL Draft: Breaking Down the Most Pressing Need for Each NFL Team
Is it ever too early to talk about the draft?
Nope.
Simply put. Nothing gets NFL fans more excited than the prospects of their team accumulating a Dallas Cowboys 1989-esque draft, and the possibility that the college stars and unknowns will lay the foundation for a dynasty.
So, before we discover which 2010 draft picks pan out, and which players will breakout into stardom and fill previously dire team needs, let's take a look at which position each NFL team most needs to address in the 2011 NFL Draft. Obviously, things will change, and nothing is ever as it seems. Chances are, more than half of these will change by Week 6 or 7.
But, hey, it's never too early to talk about the draft.
Arizona Cardinals: Cornerback
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Judging by the course they have taken this preseason, the Cardinals may very well be in the market for a quarterback in the first round of the 2011 Draft.
However, Derek Anderson deserves a shot, and the team feels strongly enough about rookies John Skelton and Max Hall to reportedly shop Matt Leinart.
The Cards could use some help along their offensive line, but could use even more help in shoring up their 23rd ranked pass defense.
Arizona could give Virginia's Ras-I Dowling a look. Pair him up with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, and the Cardinals have one of the best cornerback-name duos of all time.
Atlanta Falcons: Defensive End
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Attempting to rebound from a speed-bump year in 2009, the Atlanta Falcons will rely heavily on Matt Ryan's passing attack, and Michael Turner to lead them back into the postseason. The Falcons had a glaring need at cornerback, but solved that for years to come by signing Dunta Robinson to a lucrative contract.
So, the team's biggest need narrows down into their defensive front seven. John Abraham is aging quickly, and Jamaal Anderson has been a royal bust after four years in the league.
Atlanta figures to be picking in the latter part of the first round, making Purdue's Ryan Kerrigan a viable, and enticing option for Thomas Dimitroff and the Falcons.
Baltimore Ravens: Cornerback
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The injury bug visited Ravens camp this summer, and resided somewhere in the defensive backs' section of the locker room. The team was forced to place cornerbacks Dominique Foxworth and Walt Harris on injured reserve, while Ladarius Webb and Chris Carr have missed time with injuries throughout training camp.
The Ravens recently acquired Josh Wilson from the Seahawks, but he will likely be nothing more than a short-term fix. Even though they will get Foxworth and Harris back next season, there's no guarantee they regain form, and this defense is getting very old, very quickly.
This is the first time Baltimore's offense looks arguably more potent than its defense, and the team will likely target a cornerback or a safety next April. Florida's Janoris Jenkins is projected as a late first-round pick, and could find himself in Baltimore next summer.
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Buffalo Bills: Quarterback
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It is hard to foresee a winning season for the Bills in 2010, nevertheless a season in which they win more than a small handful of games.
Unless Trent Edwards or Brian Brohm experience an epiphany and suddenly solve the secrets to becoming a Pro Bowl quarterback, Buffalo will address the quarterback position with their first pick.
If there was a Jake Long or Joe Thomas-esque offensive tackle in this draft, the Bills might look to replace Jason Peters, but with Jake Locker likely to be on the board when they pick, Buffalo simply cannot pass up on the opportunity to finally replace Jim Kelly and pin a face to its franchise.
Carolina Panthers: Wide Receiver
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The Carolina Panthers possess one of the best running back duos in recent NFL history, and drafted Jimmy Clausen to eventually captain their passing game. Most notably, the Panthers possess one of the league's most dominant receivers, Steve Smith.
However, Smith is already 31, and beyond him, Carolina possesses literally no other receiver threats. The team spent a third-round draft pick on LSU's Brandon Lafell in 2010, but unless he bursts onto the scene this year, the Panthers will be forced to scour the market for a legitimate receiver.
If a player like Alabama's Julio Jones is on the draft board when the Panthers pick next April, it would be very difficult for them to pass up on him. Not only would he accelerate the production of Jimmy Clausen (assuming he soon replaces Matt Moore), but he would finally permit Steve Smith some breathing room to further utilize his skills.
Chicago Bears: Wide Receiver
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Like the Carolina Panthers, the Chicago Bears seriously need to bolster their receiving corps. The Bears have been trying to pass with a scrappy bunch of receivers who are continually labeled as breakout candidates until, well, they don't breakout.
Da Bears could definitely use help along their offensive line, especially with Olin Kreutz in a contract year. However, this team is now banking on Mike Martz to be their offensive savior, but without a true No.1 receiver, neither he nor Jay Cutler can meet the expectations that have been pinned onto them.
If a player like Notre Dame's Michael Floyd or Pitt's Jonathan Baldwin are available when they pick, the Bears will likely look to add one of them to their struggling receiving corps.
Cincinnati Bengals: Safety
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The Cincinnati Bengals had the league's sixth best passing defense in 2009, but they featured a secondary anchored by Chris Crocker and Roy Williams, both of whom are approaching 31 years of age.
The Bengals could look to youngsters Tom Nelson and Chinedum Ndukwe to replace their aging safeties, but considering neither have proven themselves as viable starting options, that is a chance the team is probably not willing to take.
Cincinnati will certainly be in the market for a safety come April 2011, and UCLA's Rahim Moore could fill the void.
Cleveland Browns: Defensive Tackle
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Shaun Rogers' decision to attempt carrying a gun through airport security did not earn him a suspension from the NFL, but the Browns may get fed up with his antics sooner than later. Rogers publicly voiced his desire to be traded last season, and had two run-ins with the law this summer.
Although the Browns inked Rogers to a six-year deal just two seasons ago, the three-time Pro Bowler will soon turn 32, and football czar Mike Holmgren will continue ushering in his own players.
The Browns certainly need a quarterback, but Jake Delhomme still has a few years left in the tank, and the team will continue breeding Colt McCoy. In all likelihood, Alabama's Marcell Dareus will be on the board when the Browns pick in April, and he is a truly special nose tackle that could fill the Browns' middle for years.
Dallas Cowboys: Offensive Tackle
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Miles Austin, Felix Jones, Roy Williams, Dez Bryant, Marion Barber, Jason Witten, Tony Romo, and Tashard Choice give the Cowboys once of the most loaded offenses the NFL has seen in years. The only thing keeping them from serious dominance? Offensive tackle.
The Cowboys cut ties with veteran Flozell Adams this summer, placing faith in youngster Doug Free to protect Tony Romo's blindside. Free played quite well in the seven games he started last season, but he still needs to prove that he can produce at a very high level.
Unless Free really wows the Cowboys, they will look to add some athletic youth to their offensive line, and Miami's Orlando Franklin could be a cornerstone for their offense for years to come.
Denver Broncos: Defensive End
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After a 6-0 start to the 2009 regular season, Josh McDaniels was labeled as "wonderboy," and the Broncos were suddenly dark-horse Super Bowl contenders. However, all hell broke loose, and Denver finished the season 8-8.
In retrospect, the Broncos' front seven appears to be a very worthy scapegoat. While Denver's pass defense finished third best in the NFL, its young front seven failed to hold down their end of the job, and finished the season ranked 26th against the run.
And, set aside Elvis Dumervil's league-leading 17 sacks, this unit mustered up only 23 sacks.
With D.J. Williams and Elvis Dumervil hovering around at linebacker, the Broncos need to put a staple to their defensive edge. Expect Denver to pursue a defensive end with its first pick, and Miami's Allen Bailey could step right in and make the impact they need.
Detroit Lions: Offensive Tackle
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Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson, and Jahvid Best are providing the Lions with the most explosive and captivating lineup of players the franchise has seen in a long, long time. But before these three can begin to fully utilize their skills and fully reach their potential, Detroit must shore up its offensive line.
Their 2008 first-round pick, Gosder Cherilus, has been a disappointment thus far, leaving the Lions in search of the man who will serve as Matthew Stafford's body guard and protect his blindside.
The Lions have a few needs, namely at cornerback and linebacker, but none outweigh their need for a franchise left tackle. Unfortunately for the Lions, the 2011 Draft class does not feature a blue-chip tackle as in years past. Not yet, anyway. Regardless, the Lions will likely pick high, and Colorado's Nate Solder is the early favorite to be the first tackle taken.
Green Bay Packers: Cornerback
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One year after finishing fifth best in the league against the pass, the Green Bay Packers' secondary has already become the team's weak link for 2010.
Cornerback Al Harris, already 35, suffered an ACL tear late in the season, and despite winning Defensive MVP honors last season, Charles Woodson will turn 34 in October. Age is only a number, but the Packers desperately need to add youth to their secondary, specifically at cornerback.
The Pack will likely pick towards the tail end of the first round, and in an extremely cornerback-heavy draft could snag the services of LSU's Patrick Peterson.
Houston Texans: Defensive Tackle
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Four years ago, the Houston Texans selected 19-year-old defensive tackle Amobi Okoye out of Louisville with the 10th overall pick. Okoye figured to be a cornerstone in the Texans' defense for at least a decade, but after a stellar rookie season, his play has been nothing more than pedestrian.
The departure of Dunta Robinson has left Houston with some secondary concerns, but the team will look to 2010 first-round pick Kareem Jackson to eventually pick up the slack.
Instead, the Texans need to add a player who can wreak havoc up the middle, and North Carolina's Marvin Austin could do just that. A player like Austin could free up Mario Williams, alleviate pressure from the secondary, and also resurrect Okoye's career by demanding the attention of opposing offensive lines.
Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Castonzo
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If there's one thing Bill Polian and the Indianapolis Colts are worried about, it's Peyton Manning. There's nothing wrong with Peyton, but the prospect of something happening to him is enough to give the whole organization nightmares.
And since the 2007 departure of Tarik Glenn, the Colts are yet to really secure their immortal quarterback's safety. Indianapolis has experimented with Tony Ugoh and Charlie Johnson, but neither are long term solutions.
The Colts will likely look to the 2011 Draft to address their most pressing need, offensive tackle. In a fairly thin offensive line class, Boston College's Anthony Castonzo could provide what the Colts need.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Quarterback
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The Jacksonville Jaguars jumped the gun and handed quarterback David Garrard a franchise record six-year, $60 million contract after he led the team into the divisional round of the 2007 playoffs. Garrard has failed to quite live up to the deal, though he has been very productive and very consistent.
One could attribute his shortcomings to a lack of depth at wide receiver, but still, does anybody really believe that David Garrard will lead the Jaguars to a Super Bowl?
Moreover, the Jaguars are absolutely desperate to pin a label to their franchise, and a highly touted quarterback would do just that. Ryan Mallett has NFL written all over him, and if the Jags address their biggest need in April, he or Jake Locker will be their pick.
Kansas City Chiefs: Linebacker
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Scott Pioli, Todd Haley, Charlie Weiss, and Romeo Crennel combine to give the Kansas City Chiefs one of the best foundations in the NFL. The Chiefs have a solid mixture of young and veteran players on the offensive side of the ball, and though their offensive line could use help, this team is in dire need of assistance to its 31st ranked rush defense.
Kansas City will continue to develop Tyson Jackson and Glenn Dorsey, so adding a linebacker is the most sensible and necessary move at this juncture.
Boston College's Mark Herzlich is gaining steam as a stud NFL prospect (and is an awesome story after overcoming cancer) and could be a viable option if the Chiefs continue to struggle in the standings.
Miami Dolphins: Running Back
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Entering his fourth year as football czar of the Miami Dolphins, Bill Parcells is slowly piecing together a Super Bowl contender. However, before the Dolphins can establish themselves as perennial contenders, they must address their running back conundrum.
The Dolphins currently have Ricky Williams (33) and Ronnie Brown (28) under contract for one year each. Williams has hinted he might player another year, but Brown's contract expires at the end of 2010, and it's unclear if the Dolphins wish to keep the oft-injured back.
If they wish to make deep playoff runs in the near future, the Dolphins need a young, franchise running back, and a player like Ryan Williams might bring that to the table.
Minnesota Vikings: Defensive Tackle
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Over the past five seasons, Kevin and Pat Williams have teamed up to give the Minnesota Vikings one of the most fearsome interior defensive lines in the NFL. Adding Ray Edwards and Jared Allen on the ends has only allowed the Williams' brothers (they're not really brothers) to dominate even further.
However, all good things come to an end, and Pat will soon turn 38, which will force the Vikings to pursue a young, space-eating, talented defensive tackle to replace him.
The Vikings should have plenty of opportunities to address their biggest need in a deep-defensive tackle draft. Nebraska's Jared Crick seems to fit the mold for the Minnesota, and he could step in right away into one of the NFL's best defensive lines.
New England Patriots: Running Back
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Throughout his reign in New England, Bill Belichick has done his best Mike Shanahan impression. He refuses to draft big name running backs, preferring to pick up other teams' trash and turn them into gold. That may have worked for Corey Dillon and Antwan Smith, but rotating between Kevin Faulk, Sammy Morris, Fred Taylor, and Laurence Maroney is starting to work against the Pats.
One can only wonder how good the Patriots could have been with a stellar young running back through all these years, but now, Belichick must address the position. Faulk (34), Morris (33), and Taylor (34), will soon be out of the league, and Maroney, despite ample opportunity, has yet to prove he can carry a full workload.
Remember, the Patriots acquired the Oakland Raiders' first-round pick in the Richard Seymour trade last year, which should provide them with an opportunity to grab the best running back on the board, making a player like Mark Ingram a distinct possibility.
New York Giants: Center
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Last season, the New York Giants' rushing offense dropped from first to seventeenth. A product of Brandon Jacobs sudden decline, or an overwhelmed offensive line?
Probably a combination.
Ahmad Bradshaw managed to salvage the Giants' run game, and gave opposing defenses something to fear and will do so in 2010, eliminating the team's need for a running back. Instead, the Giants need to make improvements along their interior offensive line, namely at center.
Shaun O'Hara has been a tremendous player in this league, but at age 33, and a history of injuries, the Giants must find his heir. Florida State's Rodney Hudson is currently the highest-rated center of the 2011 draft class, and could make a nice fit for New York.
New York Jets: Defensive End
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The New York Jets' off-season shopping spree filled most of the team's more pressing needs. They secured the services of a running back to spell Shonn Greene, a compliment to Braylon Edwards, and a second-hand man for Darrelle Revis.
The Jets also picked up Jason Taylor to fill a pass rushing hole at defensive end. However, Taylor (36) comes into a defensive line that is rather long in the tooth. Taylor is accompanied by Shaun Ellis (33), and Kris Jenkins (31).
Taylor has, at maximum, two years left in the tank, and Ellis may have three or four. Either way, the Jets need to add some youth and speed to their defensive line, and Iowa's Adrian Clayborn fits the bill for New York's most pressing need.
New Orleans Saints: Outside Linebacker
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What do you give to the team who has everything? How about an outside linebacker?
The Saints are stacked at virtually every position, but the departure of Scott Fujita does leave a hole at outside linebacker. This season, New Orleans will give Clint Ingram a chance to fill Fujita's shoes, but he may not be able to live up to the challenge.
New Orleans could easily look for a safety to replace Darren Sharper in next year's draft, but the team has the omnipresent option of moving Malcolm Jenkins back there. Instead, the Saints should address a more pressing need at outside linebacker, and in a draft that features plenty, North Carolina's Bruce Carter stands out as a likely option.
Oakland Raiders: Defensive Tackle
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Rather than wait and try to find the next Richard Seymour with a top draft pick, the Oakland Raiders traded for the actual 30-year-old Richard Seymour, surrendering a 2011 first-round pick to the Patriots.
Although their list of dumbfounding moves are long, the addition of Jason Campbell brings a monumental upgrade to the Raiders offense and team as whole. More importantly, it plugs a hole at quarterback.
Campbell's presence turns attention to the defense, where Oakland has a serious need at defensive tackle.
The Raiders gave Tommy Kelly a questionably huge contract extension in 2007, but he has done little to earn his paycheck since. Kelly's struggles make defensive tackle the team's biggest need (though guard is arguably of equal need), and Ole Miss' Jerrell Powe is among a slew of very talented tackles that may be available in the second round.
But, the Raiders reside in a land of delusion Honestly, this pick will probably boil down to whichever defensive tackle can run the fastest 40 time. Because that, in Al Davis' rationale, makes for a great player.
Philadelphia Eagles: Safety
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Last April, the Philadelphia Eagles entered the NFL Draft with two pressing needs: outside linebacker and safety. Long story, short, the Eagles traded up and selected Michigan linebacker Brandon Graham over Texas safety Earl Thomas.
By doing so, Philly shored up its ninth-ranked rush defense rather than its 17th-ranked pass defense. So, naturally, the team's biggest need headed into the 2011 Draft is safety.
The Eagles are still searching for a Brian Dawkins replacement, and they should have plenty of talented safeties to choose from, including West Virginia's Robert Sands next April. Sands could provide the Eagles with an athletic safety blanket for Asante Samuel and Ellis Hobbs.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Cornerback
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The Steelers' most pressing draft need will hinge on their activity next off-season. Pittsburgh has three key players entering the final year of their contracts, and whom they choose to resign will dictate which position they address in April.
Offensive tackle Willie Colon, linebacker LaMarr Woodley, and cornerback Ike Taylor are all due for free agency next season, putting the Steelers in a bind. Colon and Woodley will likely take priority over Taylor considering their skill, age, and the abundance of high end cornerbacks likely to be available with the 2011 Draft Class.
Taylor is 31, and although the Steelers have a habit of resigning older plays to extensions, they need to add youth to their 17th-ranked pass defense, and a player like Miami's Brandon Harris could do just that.
St. Louis Rams: Wide Receiver
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Peyton Manning has Reggie Wayne, Drew Brees has Marques Colston, Tom Brady has Randy Moss, Aaron Rodgers has Greg Jennings, and Sam Bradford has Laurent Robinson? Every great NFL quarterback is blessed with a great wide receiver, but Rams rookie and 2010 first overall pick Sam Bradford is not.
It's possible that Bradford could have a Matt Ryan-like effect, and turn Laurent Robinson or Mardy Gilyard into an all-pro, but those odds are pretty slim. Instead, the Rams will have to address their biggest need, wide receiver, with their 2011 first-round pick.
The Rams figure to be drafting pretty high, making A.J. Green a sincere possibility, and a match made in heaven. Green is flat out dominant, and pairing him with Bradford could equate to a deadly passing attack in the near future. If the Rams want Bradford to reach his potential, Green will be their pick.
San Diego Chargers: Cornerback
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Vincent Jackson's flaky status with the San Diego Chargers suddenly gives them a substantial hole at wide receiver. But, the Chargers still have three young receivers, Malcolm Floyd Legedu Naanee, and Buster Davis, who have a chance to prove themselves as noteworthy players in 2010. Plus, San Diego's passing game will remain potent so long as Antonio Gates is on the field.
Although wide receiver could wind up being this team's biggest need, cornerback stands out as an even more pressing need. The Chargers were able to rid themselves of Antonio Cromartie, but even though his play had become lethargic, he still provided the team with a legitimate cornerback.
Now, the Bolts are left with an aging Quentin Jammer, and a young, unproven Antoine Cason. Cason is yet to show he can that he is capable of being a starting corner, and may be better suited at nickelback. In one of the deepest cornerback drafts possibly of all time, Nebraska's Prince Amukamara might fall into their lap.
San Francisco 49ers: Linebacker
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For roughly the past five or so seasons, the San Francisco 49ers have been nothing more than a trendy sleeper pick. They occasionally finish the year strong, and pundits soon begin anticipating the maturation of Alex Smith and a resurfacing of the 49ers in the postseason.
That has yet to happen, although this 2010 49ers team seems to have the right pieces and coaching to put it all together. However, like in years' past, San Francisco is banking on unproven players to fill big roles. This year, they are placing some serious faith into a core of outside linebackers that has little experience and little skill.
The 49ers have needs at cornerback, and potentially quarterback, but their first priority should be to add a playmaker to their front seven, and Texas A&M's Von Miller could be just that.
Seattle Seahawks: Defensive End
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Pete Carroll's arrival in Seattle has produced a buzz around the city's favorite team. Carroll seems to have a knack for bringing in college stars (Mike Williams, Charlie Whitehurst, Golden Tate, Earl Thomas), so his plan for the 2011 season will likely revolve around some current big names in the college football landscape.
The Seahawks' offense is young, and loaded with potential, but this team still has a ways to go defensively. Most notably, Seattle is seriously lacking a pass rush. Their front seven managed a measly 28 sacks in 2009, placing them sixth worst in the league.
The 2011 draft class has a slew of defensive ends that have already made careers wreaking havoc on opposing offenses, and Cameron Heyward is one of them. He has a freakish build, and he doubled his sack total from 2008 to 2009, leaving a high ceiling for his 2010 season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Defensive End
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Is it a coincidence that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have only two players over 30 years old on their roster? After all, head coach Raheem Morris is only 34, so perhaps he feels the need to maintain some kind of an age superiority over his players.
Regardless, Morris is slowly stocking his team with very, very young players. Whether or not these players will all grown into form obviously remains to be seen, but after a few years with some very high end draft picks, Morris could right the ship in Tampa Bay.
Last season, he addressed the team's defensive line struggles by drafting defensive tackle Gerald McCoy with the third overall pick. This season, Morris will likely readdress the defensive line, specifically defensive end, his team's most pressing need. The Bucs defensive ends corps are currently headlined by Stylez G. White. It goes without saying, that is not a good thing.
Fortunately for the Bucs, the 2011 draft class is deep at defensive end, and is headlined by North Carolina's Robert Quinn, who could easily be around if and when Tampa Bay picks around the top five. Quinn is a monster and a force to be reckoned with, and placing him next to McCoy could be a lethal combination for opposing offenses.
Tennessee Titans: Cornerback
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Does Vince Young have a medical degree? Because the Titans quarterback pulled a defibrillator out of his pocket and revived his team last season, leading the team to an 8-2 record after a Kerry Collins-led 0-6 start.
Although Collins absorbed most of the blame for Tennessee's early 2009 struggles, and deservedly so, he was not the sole reason the team struggled so mightily. The Titans secondary finished 31st in the league against the pass in '09. They were torched virtually every week, and the team's only two losses down the stretch that prevented a playoff berth came at the hands of Peyton Manning and Philip Rivers' passing attacks.
Needless to say, the Titans are desperate for help, and although they are one of five teams who might be looking for a cornerback in the first round of the 2011 Draft, they won't suffer, and could grab Texas' Aaron Williams.
Washington Redskins: Running Back
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Donovan McNabb and Mike Shanahan have something in common. Both are incredibly skilled at making average players look outstanding.
McNabb quarterbacked the Eagles to a handful of NFC Championship games throwing to the likes of James Thrash, Freddie Mitchell, and Todd Pinkston, while Shanahan's famed system has allowed the likes of Olandis Gary, Mike Anderson, Tatum Bell, and Reuben Droughns rush for over 1,000 yards.
Ironically enough, the Redskins are very thin at both receiver and running back, and both McNabb and Shanahan will have to work their respective magic again. Certainly, Clinton Portis deserves copious credit for an outstanding NFL career, but he will soon turn 30 and extremely injury prone. And beyond him, Washington has little else (assuming Willie Parker and Larry Johnson are cut, not that they would be any better).
Shanahan did break his "find a running back no one else wants and make him great," routine one time, when he drafted Portis with a second-round pick while in Denver in 2002.
In their short time together, Shanahan made Portis look like a future Hall of Famer, and this year, he will have a chance to draft an heir apparent to Portis, and address the Skins' biggest need at the same time.
Another Miami Hurricane running back, Graig Cooper, has slowly established himself as one of college football's most dangerous runners, and could easily warrant a first-round selection from Shanahan next year.
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