2011 NFL Draft: The Biggest Needs for All 32 Teams
We are officially in April, which means the draft is right around the corner. Since I wrote my first version of this article a lot has transpired. The lockout has officially begun, certain players have been franchised (or surprisingly no franchised), and there have been firings and hirings. Yet, for the most part, franchise needs have remained relatively the same.
In this slideshow, I will try to make sense of what direction teams are going to go in the draft by looking at their most glaring needs. I'm also taking into consideration as to who will be there next season—and who won't be.
The teams are sorted by division and each is designated a biggest team need and two alternative needs. Free agency hasn't transpired yet, which means teams are going to be more heavily invested in the draft. Let's take a look at each team's weaknesses to see which direction they may go in the draft.
Cincinnati Bengals
1 of 32
Biggest Team Need: Quarterback
The Bengals can choose to ignore Carson Palmer's discontentment if they so choose. They can bury their head in the sand and believe he is going to simply get over himself and put on a Bengals uniform in 2011. But the fact is, he's unhappy.
They need to pursue a quarterback in the draft before they end up with Jordan Palmer as their number one option next season. Palmer is not the quarterback of the future, he is the quarterback of the past. They don't have to go QB in the early first, but they can't afford to pass on one in both rounds.
Other Needs:
Wide Receiver
Corner
Cleveland Browns
2 of 32
Biggest Team Need: Wide Receiver
The Browns may have found their quarterback of the future in Colt McCoy. When we look back at the draft, it seems there are a lot of teams who passed on him multiple times who are going to be kicking themselves in a few years.
The Browns need to surround him with weapons on the offensive side of the ball. Josh Cribbs does everything for the Browns, but isn't a top flight receiver. Peyton Hillis is a solid option out of the backfield, but Colt McCoy can't have his number-one target be his running back for his whole career.
Other Needs:
OLB
Defensive End
Baltimore Ravens
3 of 32
Biggest Team Need: Cornerback
The Ravens have had one of the best defenses in the league for the past decade. Unfortunately, they have a couple Hall of Famers on their way out of town. Before Ray Lewis and Ed Reed retire, it would be wise for the Ravens to reload at other positions around them.
Cornerback is a glaring hole for the Ravens. Elite safety and linebacker play weren't enough to disguise the vulnerability they posed at corner. The Ravens will probably be in a position to snag a solid second tier corner in the first round this season and should not hesitate to do so.
Other Team Needs:
Offensive Line
Wide Receiver
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Pittsburgh Steelers
4 of 32
Biggest Team Need: Tackle
The Steelers had to reach far too deep in the barrel of offensive linemen well into the playoffs. Maurkice Pouncey had one of the best rookie campaigns for an offensive lineman in recent memory, but he isn't enough to make them the smash mouth team offensively that they are on defense.
The Steelers need a tackle in a major way. Big Ben sits in the pocket and takes monster hits better than any quarterback in the NFL, but the Steelers can't take advantage of that going forward. It's important to protect your assets, so getting a legitimate tackle needs to take first priority this offseason.
Other Needs:
Corner
Inside Linebacker
Indianapolis Colts
5 of 32
Biggest Team Need: Tackle
The Colts have a ton of needs for a team that continues to find success so consistently. (When Peyton Manning retires, they are going to find themselves in a world of hurt.) But for now, failing to address the tackle position would be costly for the next quarterback to come into town.
Manning can compensate for the lack of a tackle at the moment, but it is time to bring in a guy who can be a future franchise left tackle. This should take priority over everything else, as the Colts attempt to construct a legitimate NFL football team around Manning to soften the blow of his departure.
Other Needs
Safety
Linebacker
Jacksonville Jaguars
6 of 32
Biggest Team Need: Defensive End
The Jaguars are on the right track. It seems they have found an identity and want to be a team who can run the ball and stop the run. They brought in Tyson Alualu in the first round last season and should address the defensive line again this season.
The Jaguars need a defensive end who can get to the quarterback. They somewhat overachieved last year, but with the draft so top heavy with defenders, they should still see a high quality product when they are on the clock.
Other Needs:
Quarterback
Receiver
Houston Texans
7 of 32
Biggest Need: Cornerback
The Texans let Dunta Robinson go and did absolutely nothing to ensure they would have a solid option at corner. As a result, teams threw on them at will all season long. The Texans can build a masterpiece in the front seven, but their defense is going to continue to falter if teams see no resistance in the passing game.
They probably won't be in a position for a top flight corner coming out of this year's class, but Jimmy Smith wouldn't be a bad consolation prize.
Other Needs:
Defensive Tackle
Safety
Tennessee Titans
8 of 32
Biggest Team Need: Quarterback
The Titans decided to ground both children in the Jeff Fisher/Vince Young dispute. With neither in town, it is time for the next generation of Titans football. Who is to be the face of the organization? They draft relatively early, but probably still too late to nab the quarterback of their choosing.
The Titans can look to fill the need in the second round, but probably won't find their guy in this draft class. With so many teams presenting need at the quarterback position at the top of the draft, it is likely the Titans will find themselves with a veteran under center.
Other Needs:
Linebacker
Wide Receiver
Buffalo Bills
9 of 32
Biggest Team Need: Defensive End
The Buffalo Bills offer little to no resistance defensively. Their offense actually put up a lot of points, but they were somewhat lackluster defensively. They will need to solidify their defensive line next season to ensure teams don't run off tackle again all day long.
Other Needs:
Tight End
Outside Linebacker
Miami Dolphins
10 of 32
Biggest Team Need: Quarterback
The Dolphins have a franchise left tackle who has no one to protect and an elite NFL receiver with nobody to throw the ball to. Some people are saying running back is the most pressing need in Miami. Don't kid yourself.
The Dolphins need to bring someone in (preferably not named Chad) who can come in and make them the traditional offense they want to be. It appears they are trying to move away from the Wildcat and gimmickry, but they can't do so with the personnel they currently have.
Other Needs:
Running Back
Wide Receiver
New York Jets
11 of 32
Biggest Team Need: Pass Rusher
The Jets defense uses Rex Ryan as a crutch. They simply don't have any one guy who teams fear coming off the edge. If the Jets were to bring in a pass rusher who was half the player Vernon Gholston was supposed to be, they would be in business.
It is unclear what is going to transpire with Antonio Cromartie in the near future, so relying on coverage sacks may not be in the cards for the Jets going forward.
Other Needs:
Wide Receiver
Corner?
New England Patriots
12 of 32
Biggest Team Need: Defensive End
Nobody really has any clue how Bill Belichick is able to do what he does. It's as though he shies away from high profile guys who are extremely talented. Aside from Tom Brady, Jerod Mayo, and Devin McCourty, everyone on the Patriots seems like an average role player.
They ditched Richard Seymour for a 1st round pick and all indications are they might use it to bring in a five technique to replace him. They need someone who can get to the quarterback and fits the Patriot mold. J.J. Watt?
Other Needs:
Offensive Line
Outside Linebacker
Denver Broncos
13 of 32
Biggest Needs: Tight End
Tim Tebow probably isn't the future of the organization. John Elway is in charge. John Elway didn't bring him in. John Elway is looking at other quarterbacks in this year's draft. That being said, the Broncos have two quarterbacks who could start on a number of NFL teams.
Their focus needs to be on getting a tight end to be a reliable pass catcher for years to come. They have Brandon Lloyd, but a sure handed tight end would help ease a green QB into the league. This year presents no elite options at tight end, but the Broncos could get one in the early to mid-rounds.
Other Needs:
Defensive Tackle
Linebacker
San Diego Chargers
14 of 32
Biggest Team Need: Tackle
The Chargers already invested heavily in Ryan Matthews and have adequate depth at running back. They have an elite quarterback who can make any combination of receivers into a sufficient group. They need to make an investment in the offensive line.
There are worse offensive lines than San Diego, but the Chargers have a complete offense otherwise. They need to simply protect Rivers and continue to launch an aerial assault on teams. For the majority of last year, they were the number one offensive and defensive team in the league. Their biggest need is post-season consistency.
Other Needs:
Outside Linebacker
Safety
Kansas City Chiefs
15 of 32
Biggest Team Need: Defensive Tackle
The Chiefs need someone to lock down the middle of the field. They have adequate defenders on the outside and are fairly solid in their secondary. The problem with the Chiefs is that the easiest way to move the ball on them is to run right through them.
This year presents a lot of defenders who could turn out to be great NFL talents. The Chiefs don't draft until later in the first round, but could see a potentially dominant defensive tackle fall to them as a result of all the talent at the top of the draft.
Other Needs:
Center
Receiver
Oakland Raiders
16 of 32
Biggest Team Need: Outside Linebacker
Nnamdi Amougha is a free agent. Cornerback is a big need if they fail to retain him next season, but it's not the biggest need. The Raiders have a solid secondary even without Asomugha, though it obviously takes a giant leap backwards.
They have the makings of a decent defensive line and Rolando McClain looks like he can develop into a great middle linebacker. Now that they aren't going to be getting the coverage sacks they saw so frequently while Asomugha was locking down the number one target in man coverage, they need a new way to get pressure on the quarterback.
Other Needs:
Quarterback
Cornerback
Chicago Bears
17 of 32
Biggest Team Need: Tackle
It's a miracle Jay Cutler is still standing. The Bears gained some continuity up front towards the end of the season, but it is clear they need to make drastic changes along the offensive line. They have talent sparsely scattered throughout their offense, but Mike Martz' offense generates too many sacks without a solid offensive line.
The Bears are going to be in a position to draft a tackle who can start immediately. There is no Jake Long or Joe Thomas this season, but there will probably be a run on tackles as usual, even though it may come later on than usual.
Other Needs:
Guard
Wide Receiver
Detroit Lions
18 of 32
Biggest Team Need: Tackle
Some are content with the Lions' tackle situation. Matthew Stafford is probably not one of those people. They have far bigger defensive holes, but none take precedence over tackle. Stafford could be the next big thing in the NFL, but his injured throwing shoulder is a major cause for concern.
The Lions need a legitimate, high-profile, blindside protector. They have invested far too much in Stafford to see him on the sidelines every season. Franchise quarterbacks are too hard to come by for the Lions to be content with their current offensive line.
Other Needs:
Defensive End
Linebacker
Green Bay Packers
19 of 32
Biggest Team Need: Outside Linebacker
It's interesting that a position of such strength can also be one of such need. The Packers have Clay Matthews, who as we all know played a huge role in their success last season. They are getting Nick Barnett back next season, which will be a huge boost to their linebacker corp.
By adding another pass rushing threat, the Packers might have the best defense in the entire league. Matthews gives offenses headaches by himself. Imagine what Dom Capers could do with a guy who presented even half of his production on the opposite side.
Other Needs:
Guard
Training Staff
Minnesota Vikings
20 of 32
Biggest Team Need: Quarterback
No surprise here. Dragging Brett Favre out of the swamp proved to be counterproductive. It's evident that the quarterback of the future is not on roster. Leslie Frazier is going to want to get his head coaching regime off to a great start.
The best way to ensure success in the near future for Minnesota is to bring in a veteran quarterback. The second piece to the puzzle is bringing in a quarterback to groom and develop. This class is considerably weak, but don't be surprised if the Vikings leave round one with a quarterback.
Other Needs:
Outside Linebacker
Offensive Line
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
21 of 32
Biggest Team Need: Defensive End
Stylez White isn't going to cut it at defensive end. The Bucs brought in Gerald McCoy to be the next Warren Sapp in Tampa Bay. It's time to find a defensive end who teams actually fear. The youth movement in Tampa Bay forced some mainstays out of town, which created some serious holes.
The Bucs were one of the surprises of the NFL this season. The pieces are coming together and the Raheem Morris regime is off to a resounding start. Bucs fans love defense. If the Buccaneers have a chance to nab a great defensive end, he could start immediately.
Other Needs:
Offensive Line
Safety
Atlanta Falcons
22 of 32
Biggest Team Need: Wide Receiver
The Falcons have the most together offense in the entire league. They have a future Hall of Fame tight end, an explosive run game, a solid offensive line and an elite receiver in Roddy White. The fact that they have one of the best young quarterbacks in the game is borderline gluttonous.
The Falcons definitely need some help on the defensive side of the ball. John Abraham won't be there forever and they need to upgrade defensive end as is. That being said, teams figured out how to snuff out White towards the end of the season. They need a burner to stretch the field. The Falcons would be a nightmare if they had a DeSean Jackson type.
Other Needs:
Defensive End
Guard
Carolina Panthers
23 of 32
Biggest Need: Defensive Tackle
Nobody respects Carolina. They have a number of needs and very few players who are worthy of a starting spot. This need could have been a number of different positions, but given the state of affairs on defense, it's hard to ignore that side of the ball.
The Panthers need another defensive end and a defensive tackle. Having the first pick, the Panthers have the option between having a stud defensive end or defensive tackle. They are entering a rebuilding phase. They would be better suited building inside out.
Other Needs:
Running Back
Defensive End
New Orleans Saints
24 of 32
Biggest Team Need: Defensive Tackle
The Saints aren't the worst team in the league at stopping the run, but they could use some help. There is so much fire power on the offensive side of the ball that the defense doesn't have to be spectacular in order for them to win football games.
The Saints are already pretty solid along the defensive line, but they need another stud in the middle to really push them over the edge. Their pass defense ranked third in the entire league last season, so bringing the run defense up to speed has to be the priority.
Other Needs:
Offensive Line
OLB
Dallas Cowboys
25 of 32
Biggest Team Need: Tackle
The most frustrating thing for an NFL fan (with the exception of a lockout) is an underachieving team. The Cowboys were packed with talent, but suffered through a miserable season to kick off their stay in Jerry World. It appears as though the coaching void has been fixed, but the Cowboys can't afford to see Tony Romo in a sling again.
The Cowboys have all the receivers they would ever want, a good quarterback and deep backfield. What they need now is an offensive line to make everything come together. Having an undrafted left tackle is not ideal. Doug Free and Marc Columbo don't really justify a 'bookend' designation. It's time to start grooming for the future.
Other Needs:
Defensive End
Safety
Philadelphia Eagles
26 of 32
Biggest Draft Need: Middle Linebacker
The Eagles have an explosive offense, but their defense is not up to speed. They could use another pass rusher, but their main concern should be improving at middle linebacker. The Eagles could improve the run defense significantly with the addition of a tackling machine in the middle.
They would also see help in their pass defense, where they were middle of the road last year at best. With such an explosive offense, the defense doesn't need to be elite for them to win games. Even so, if they want to become relevant in the playoffs, they are going to have to become a more complete team.
Other Needs:
Offensive Line
Running Back
New York Giants
27 of 32
Biggest Team Weakness: Linebacker
The Giants are stout up front. They need to find a linebacker to take over some of the run stopping duties. The Giants defense hasn't been the same since Antonio Pierce retired and it is starting to have a resounding effect over the defense.
The easiest way to move the ball on a team should never be a run up the middle, but it seems that is exactly when teams face New York. They could use some work in restocking the aging offensive line, but they still have time to do so.
Other Needs:
Tackle
Guard
Washington Redskins
28 of 32
Biggest Team Weakness: Quarterback
The Redskins made a royal mistake by bringing in Donovan McNabb and giving him the cold shoulder during his entire stay there. It seems evident that they didn't see him as the answer they thought he was. McNabb is incredibly talented, but for whatever reason was not a good fit in Washington.
Perhaps Mike Shannahan will feel more comfortable with a quarterback he hand selects from the draft. The Redskins don't draft high enough to have their choice of quarterback, but will likely be in a position to select one of the premiere quarterbacks from this year's draft class.
Other Needs:
Defensive Tackle
Guard
Arizona Cardinals
29 of 32
Biggest Team Need: Quarterback
Really? Derek Anderson wasn't the answer in Arizona? If you were a quarterback on roster, chances are the Cardinals gave you a shot. It turns out they had a whole lot of nothing in all of their quarterbacks and couldn't even find someone to allow Larry Fitzgerald to make plays as often as he should.
The Cardinals don't need a Kurt Warner caliber quarterback to come in. They need a guy like Marc Bulger to come in and hold down the position while they groom their quarterback of the future. The premature cutting of Matt Leinart has left this team in shambles.
Other Needs:
Linebacker
Guard
San Francisco 49ers
30 of 32
Biggest Team Need: Defensive Tackle
Cornerback, quarterback and pass rusher are right there, but with Aubrayo Franklin likely on his way out, they have no legitimate starter on roster. Ricky Jean-Francois is a solid rotational defensive tackle, but he faltered when he was given the starting job temporarily last season.
Every 3-4 has to have a dominant nose to make it work. Going into next season fully reliant upon Jean-Francois may cause the one bright spot of the 49ers—run defense—to be pushed to the wayside.
Other Needs:
Cornerback
Quarterback
St. Louis Rams
31 of 32
Biggest Team Weakness:
Sam Bradford drops back to pass with great protection, play actions to Pro Bowler Steven Jackson, pump fakes and throws the ball to [fill in name of average receiver here.] The Rams need a playmaker to go along with their young gun.
The Rams might be in a position to snag a number one wide receiver in their offense this draft. Even if they aren't able to obtain a guy like Julio Jones or A.J. Green, a rookie wide receiver could come in and be a factor immediately.
Other Needs:
Defensive Tackle
Safety
Seattle Seahawks
32 of 32
Biggest Team Need: Defensive Tackle
The Seahawks need help up front defensively. They struck gold by selecting Earl Thomas in last year's draft. The Seahawks have had less luck with linebacker Aaron Curry, but it is far to early to abandon ship there.
Drafting a defensive tackle is the next logical move for Seattle. The offense is coming together nicely and Pete Carroll is going to look to sure up the defensive side of the ball, especially when it comes to stopping the run.
Other Needs:
Quarterback
Linebacker
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