NFL Draft 2011: Offense or D, Which Way Will Each NFL Team Go with Its 1st Pick?

There are two ways to think of it: when a team wins an NFL game, is it because they scored more than the opponent, or because they held the other team to less points? 

A good mixture of offense and defense is always preferred, but some teams are not built that way.   

The Ram's "Greates Show on Turf" teams of the early 2000's, the triplets on the Cowboys in the mid 1990's, and the West Coast offense of the Niners in the early 1990's are all examples of great offensive teams that won Superbowls. 

Similarily, the Steel Curtain defense of the Steelers, the great Bears D of 1985, and the 2000 Ravens team are defensive minded teams that were NFL champions. 

Either way a GM decides to build his team (focus on offense or defense), a Superbowl title is a possibility if one side of the ball is so dominant it cancels out ant shortcomings of the other. 

Looking at all 32 NFL teams, this article examines whether they should go offense or defense with their first round selection.  

1. Carolina Panthers

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PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 23: Jimmy Clausen #2 of the Carolina Panthers calls a timeout during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 23, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

The Case for Offense: Last in the league in points per game (12.4), yards per game (258.4), and passing yards per game (143.1).  

Tied for second worst in the NFL in sacks allowed.  

The Case for Defense: 18th in the league in yards allowed per game (335.9), tied for 20th in league in total sacks (31).

Verdict: The Panthers are a mediocre defensive team, but really struggled on offense.  Despite numerous talented defensive lineman at the top of this draft, they need to fix their putrid offense.   

2. Denver Broncos

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DENVER - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Tim Tebow #15 of the Denver Broncos looks to deliver a pass against the San Diego Chargers at INVESCO Field at Mile High on January 2, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

The Case for Offense: 13th in NFL in yards per game (348.9), 19th in points per game (21.5), 28th in turnover margin (-9) and 26th in total rushing (1544). 

The Case for Defense: Last in the league in yards allowed per game (390.8) and in points allowed per game (29.4). 

Last in the league in total sacks (23) and tied for second worst in the NFL in interceptions (10). 

Verdict: The stats don't lie; Denver needs help badly on defense, at the DL, LB, and CB positions.

3. Buffalo Bills

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ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 26: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Buffalo Bills fumbles as he is hit by Gary Guyton #59 of the New England Patriots at Ralph Wilson Stadium on December 26, 2010 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

The Case for Offense: 25th in yards per game (304.9), 28th in points per game (17.7), last in the league in turnover margin (-17).

The Case for Defense: Tied 27th in the NFL in total sacks (27), 24th in yards allowed per game (361.6), 28th in points allowed per game (26.6).                                                                         

Verdict: The Bills were equally bad on both sides of the ball.  However, in a weak QB draft, and a year removed from selecting CJ Spiller, the Bills should go defense. They badly need a defensive end.  

4. Cincinnati Bengals

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CINCINNATI - NOVEMBER 21: Chad Ochocinco #85 and Terrell Owens #81 of the Cincinnati Bengals watch from the sideline during the final minutes of the Bengals 49-31 loss to the Buffalo Bills at Paul Brown Stadium on November 21, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The Case for Offense: 20th in yards per game (330.6), 22nd in points per game (20.1), 26th in turnover margin (-8). 

27th in yards per carry (3.6) and 28th in rushing touchdowns.  Have a QB who desperately wants out of Cincinnati. 

The Case for Defense: 15th in yards allowed per game (332), 24th in points per game (24.7), 27th in total sacks (27).

Verdict: The Bengals have way too many questions on offense to draft any other position.  QB and WR are two big needs. 

5. Arizona Cardinals

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GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 12: Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals during the NFL game against the Denver Broncos at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 12, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Broncos 43-

The Case for Offense: Second worst in the NFL in yards per game (269.3) and 26th in points per game (18.1). 

Started three different QB's over the course of last season.

The Case for Defense: Tied for 11th in interceptions (17), 18th in sacks (33).  Third worst in points per game (27.1) and fourth worst in yards per game (373.6). 

Verdict: Help at the QB position should help improve the Cardinals atrocious offensive stats. 

6. Cleveland Browns

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 21: Colt McCoy #12 of the Cleveland Browns passes during a game agaisnt the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on November 21, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

The Case for Offense: Second worst in points per game (16.9) and fourth worst in yards per game (289.7). 

Had 29 fumbles, third worst in the NFL.  No WR cracked 500 yards receiving.

The Case for Defense: 22nd in yards per game (350.1) and 25th in sacks (29), but 13th in points per game (20.8).    

Rookie CB Joe Haden finished tied for third in the NFL with six interceptions.

Verdict: The Browns need to find help for young QB Colt McCoy.  They should go offense.  

7. San Francisco 49er's

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JANUARY 02: Alex Smith #11 of the San Francisco 49ers is sacked by Darnell Dockett #90 of the Arizona Cardinals during an NFL game at Candlestick Park on January 2, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty I

The Case for Offense: 24th in points per game (19.1) and yards per game (313.3).  27th in sacks allowed (44).

The Case for Defense: 13th in yards allowed per game (327.8) and 16th in points allowed (21.6).  

Very hard to run against; sixth best rush defense in the NFL.

Verdict: A QB would be a great pick; the Niners have tons of talent on both sides of the ball, but have underachieved.  They need to find a new signal caller and leader to help direct this dysfunctional team.  

8. Tennessee Titans

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KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 26: Quarterback Kerry Collins #5 of the Tennessee Titans looks on from the bench during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs on December 26, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty I

The Case for Offense: 27th in yards per game (302.1), but 17th in points per game (22.2). 

Started three different QB's last season.

The Case for Defense: 28th in yards per game (367.7), but 15th in points per game (21.2).  

Fourth worst passing defense in the NFL. 

Verdict: This is not a good draft to go QB, even though it's an area of need..  They should select a CB or DL to get pressure on the QB to help their porous pass defense.  

9. Dallas Cowboys

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NEW ORLEANS - DECEMBER 19: Linebacker DeMarcus Ware #94 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates with defensive ends Jay Ratliff (R) #90 and Stephen Bowen (L) #72 after a sack against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome on December 19, 2009 in New

The Case for Offense: Not much case to be made: Seventh in yards per game (364.2) and points per game (24.6). 

The Case for Defense: 23rd in yards per game (351.8) and second worst in points per game (27.2).  

Seventh worst pass defense in the NFL (3894 yards allowed). 

Verdict: There's no defense in Big D.  The Cowboys need a CB to take over for the aging Terrence Newman.  

10. Washington Redskins

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 26: Quarterback Rex Grossman #8 of the Washington Redskins is pressured by Jeremy Mincey #94 of the Jacksonville Jaguars during the game at EverBank Field on December 26, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood

The Case for Offense: 18th in yards per game (335.9) and 25th in points per game (18.9).  

Offensive line allowed the fifth most sacks in the NFL (46).  

The Case for Defense: Second worst in yards allowed per game (389.2) and 11th in points per game (23.6). 

Embarrassed by Philly on Monday night 59-28, the most points ever scored on Monday Night Football.

Verdict: Their aging defense needs an influx of new talent, especially in the secondary.  

11. Houston Texans

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HOUSTON - SEPTEMBER 12: Wide receiver Pierre Garcon #85 of the Indianapolis Colts can't come up with the catch as cornerback Kareem Jackson #25 of the Houston Texans defends on the play during the NFL season opener at Reliant Stadium on September 12, 201

The Case for Offense: The Texans had one of the best offenses in the league last year, led by Arian Foster and Andre Johnson. 

Finished in the top five in both passing and rushing.  Overall, third in the NFL in total yards per game (386.6). 

The Case for Defense: Worst passing defense in the NFL.  Worst in the league in yards (4280) opponent's QB rating (100.5, only team over 100), and in forty yard+ passes allowed (18). 

Verdict: The Texans have to go defense, especially to help their awful secondary.

12. Minnesota Vikings

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 28: Injured Quarterback Brett Favre (R) #4 congratulates Joe Webb #14 of the Minnesota Vikings after scoring a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 26, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylv

The Case for Offense: 23rd in yards per game (314.9) and 29th in points per game (17.6).

Fourth worst in turnover margin (-11).  Started three different QB's last season.

The Case for Defense: Top ten in yards per game (312.6), but 18th in points per game (21.8). 

Tied for 20th in sacks (31) and 17th in interceptions (15).

Verdict: Vikings need to find the answer at the QB position, as the defense is solid.  If Cam Newton is still there, they should jump on him, or consider reaching a little for Jake Locker.   

13. Detroit Lions

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DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 12: Will Heller #89 of the Detroit Lions celebrates a for a fourth quarter touchdown with Bryant Johnson #80 and Calvin Johnson #81 while playing the Green Bay Packers on December 12, 2010 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. Detroi

The Case for Offense: Greatly improved on offense; 17th in yards per game (338.9) and 15th in points per game (22.6). 

Only allowed 27 sacks, sixth best in the league. 

The Case for Defense: 21st in yards per game (343.6) and 19th in points allowed per game (23.1). 

Had a great defense line however; their 44 sacks were sixth best in the NFL. 

Verdict: Young defense is getting better, but still need help at the OLB and in the secondary.

14. St. Louis Rams

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SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Sam Bradford #8 of the St. Louis Rams signals to his teammates during their game against the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on January 2, 2011 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

The Case for Offense: 26th in yards per game (302.9) and in points per game (18.1).  

Had no receiver over 700 yards or with more than three touchdowns. 

The Case for Defense: Seventh in the league in sacks (43) and 19th in interceptions (14). 

19th in yards per game (336.8) and 21st in points per game (20.5). 

Verdict: About equal on both sides of the ball, the Rams should go offense and upgrade the receiving core for young, talented QB Sam Bradford.  

15. Miami Dolphins

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MIAMI - DECEMBER 26: Running back Ronnie brown #23 of the Miami Dolphins is stopped by the Detroit Lions at Sun Life Stadium on December 26, 2010 in Miami, Florida. The Lions defeated the Dolphins 34-27. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

The Case for Offense: 21st in yards per game (323.1), but third worst in points per game (17.1). 

Tied for third worst in yards per carry (3.7) only had eight rushing touchdowns, again third worst. 

The Case for Defense: Very good defensive team.  Sixth best in yards per game (309.3) and 14th in points per game (20.8). 

Verdict: QB is an area of need as well, but the Dolphins need to find an upgrade at the RB position to replace the aging Ricky Williams and the injury prone Ronnie Brown.  

16. Jacksonville Jaguars

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PHOENIX - NOVEMBER 27: Quarterback David Garrad #9 of the Jacksonville Jaguars looks to pass against the Arizona Cardinals on November 27, 2005 at Sun Devil Stadium in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images)

The Case for Offense: 15th in yards per game (341.2) and 18th in points per game (22.1). 

Very good rushing team; their 4.7 yards per carry was fourth best in the NFL and were the third best rushing team overall. 

The Case for Defense: 28th in yards per game (371.8) and sixth worst in points per game (26.2). 

Very bad pass defense; allowed 28 passing touchdowns, sixth worst in the NFL. 

Verdict: Need to generate more pressure and get upgrade the secondary; DL or CB should be the pick.  

17. New England Patriots

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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 16: Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots stands on the field during their 2011 AFC divisional playoff game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on January 16, 2011 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa

New England acquired this pick from the Oakland Raiders. They also have the 28th pick.  

The Case for Offense: None really.  Top ten in yards per game, and first in points per game (32.4) and turnover margin (+28, an NFL record).  

The Case for Defense: 25th in yards per game (366.5), but top ten in points allowed.  

Jerod Mayo lead the NFL in tackles, and rookie CB Devin McCourty was second in picks. 

Verdict: The Pats don't have a lot of weakness', but should continue to let their young defense develop, drafting offensive skill positions to perfect the offense.  

18. San Diego Chargers

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DENVER - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers delivers a pass against the Denver Broncos at INVESCO Field at Mile High on January 2, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Chargers defeated the Broncos 33-28. (Photo by Doug Pensing

The Case for Offense: Rivers led the NFL in passing, but the Chargers were only 15th in rushing (1810 yards). 

Offensive line allowed 38 sacks, 21st in the league. 

The Case for Defense: First in yards per game (271.6) and tenth in points per game (20.1). 

However, allowed the most kickoff return touchdowns in the NFL (3). 

Verdict: A lineman would be a wise selection; it would improve the rush offense and give Rivers more time to throw deep to his tall receivers.  

19. New York Giants

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GREEN BAY, WI - DECEMBER 26: Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants throws against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on December 26, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

The Case for Offense: Fifth in yards per game (380.3) and seventh in points per game (24.6). 

However, second in the NFL in fumbles lost (17) and Eli Manning's 25 picks lead the league. 

The Case for Defense: Seventh in yards per game (310.8) and 16th in points allowed (21.7). 

Fifth in the league in sacks (24.6). 

Verdict: The Giants are a very balanced team, but their linebacking core could be improved.  Defense is the pick.  

20. Tampa Bay Bucs

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Josh Freeman #5 celebrates after throwing a touchdown with Dezmon Briscoe #89 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome on January 2, 2011 in New Orlea

The Case for Offense: 19th in yards per game (335.1) and 20th in points per game (21.3). 

Fifth best in turnover margin (+5).

The Case for Defense: 17th in yards per game (332.7) and ninth in points (19.9).

However, second worst in the NFL in sacks (26). 

Verdict: Tampa should go defense by selecting a DE to pair with last years first round pick Gerald McCoy.   

21. Kansas City Chiefs

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KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 26: Receiver Dwayne Bowe #82 of the Kansas City Chiefs is congratulated by fans as he jumps into the stands after making a 75 yard touchdown catch during the game against the Tennessee Titans on December 26, 2010 at Arrowhead S

The Case for Offense: 12th in yards per game (349.7) and 14th in points per game (22.9). 

Jamaal Charles finished second in the league in rushing and Dwayne Bowe's 15 receiving touchdown's led the league.

The Case for Defense: 11th in points allowed (20.4) and 14th in yards per game (330.2). 

Tamba Hali's 14.5 sacks were second in the league.  

Verdict: The Chiefs have a lot of talent on offense, and are getting better on defense.  They could use a dominant nose tackle after recent draft picks Glenn Dorsey and Tyson Jackson did not work out.  

22. Indianapolis Colts

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 08: Joseph Addai #29 of the Indianapolis Colts is tackled by Jason Taylor #99, Trevor Pryce #93 and David Harris #52 of the New York Jets during their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 8, 2011 in I

The Case for Offense: Fourth best in points per game (27.2) and in yards per game (380.8). 

Reggie Wayne was third in the NFL in receiving yards and Peyton Manning's 33 passing touchdown's were second in the league. 

However, the Colts were awful at rushing; they finished 29th in rushing yards (1483). 

The Case for Defense: 20th in yards per game (341.6) and 23rd in points per game (24.2). 

Also failed to create turnovers; second worst in the league in interceptions (10).

Verdict: The Colts need more balance on offense.  They should draft a lineman to help open holes in the run game.  

23. Philadelphia Eagles

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LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 15: Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates with team mate Mike McGlynn #77 after throwing his teams first touchdown against the Washington Redskins on November 15, 2010 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland. (Photo b

The Case for Offense: Second in the league in yards per game (389.4) and third in points per game (27.4)

Offensive line allowed the fourth most sacks in the league at 49.

The Case for Defense: 21st in points per game (23.6) and 12th in yards per game (327.2). 

Verdict: The Eagles offense is fine, led by explosive QB Mike Vick.  Defense should be the pick.  

24. New Orleans Saints

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SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 08: Quarterback Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints is introduced before their game against the Seattle Seahawks during the 2011 NFC wild-card playoff game at Qwest Field on January 8, 2011 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Ott

The Case for Offense: Sixth in yards per game (372.5) and 11th in points (24).  However, their turnover margin of -6 was 23rd.  

They also could not run the ball, with only an average of four yards per carry. 

The Case for Defense: Fourth in yards per game (306.2) and seventh in points allowed (19.2).

However, 18th in sacks (33) and last in interceptions (9).

Verdict: The Saints offense was a little off last year, but mostly due to injuries.  Defense should be the pick.   

25. Seattle Seahawks

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 16: (R) Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck #8 of the Seattle Seahawks huddles with Russell Okung #76, Tyler Polumbus #78 and other members of the Seahawks offensive line against the Chicago Bears in the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at

The Case for Offense: 28th in yards per game (297.8) and 23rd in points per game (19.4). 

Leading rusher had only 573 yards and leading receiver had only 751.

The Case for Defense: In the bottom fourth of the league in both major defensive categories.  27th in yards per game (368.6) and 25th in points per game (25.4). 

Verdict: The Hawks need help on both sides of the ball, but need to find a playmaker at the RB or WR position.  

26. Baltimore Ravens

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 15: Quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens jogs off the field against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Heinz Field on January 15, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Nick Laham/Get

The Case for Offense: 16th in yards per game (22.3) and 22nd in yards per game (322.9).  

The Case for Defense: 10th in yards per game (318.9) and third in points per game (16.9). 

Verdict: The Ravens defense is still premier despite it's aging veterans.  Offense should be the pick, possibly another receiver to help Joe Flacco.  

27. Atlanta Falcons

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 15: Curtis Lofton #50, Stephen Nicholas #54 and Vance Walker #99 of the Atlanta Falcons walk back to the locker room after warm ups against the Green Bay Packers during their 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Georgia Dome on Janua

The Case for Offense: 16th in yards per game (341.1) and fifth in points (25.9).  

Michael Turner led the NFC in rushing yards (third overall) and Roddy White was second in the NFL in receiving yards. 

The Case for Defense: 16th in yards allowed (332.4) and fifth in points per game (18). 

John Abraham was fifth in the league in sacks. 

Verdict: The Falcons played well on both sides of the ball, but they should look for another receiving threat behind Roddy White.  WR or TE should be the pick (Tony Gonzalez is not getting any younger).

29. Chicago Bears

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 23: Quarterback Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears under center while taking on the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field on January 23, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

The Case for Offense: 30th in yards per game (289.4) and 21st in points per game (20.9). 

Worst offensive line in the league, with 56 sacks allowed.

The Case for Defense: Ninth in yards allowed (314.3) and fourth in points allowed (17.9).  

Second best rush defense in the NFL (only 1441 yards surrendered).  

Verdict: The Bears need to go offense to fix their putrid offensive line.

30. New York Jets

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: The New York Jets huddle around Mark Sanchez #6 during their 2011 AFC Championship game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on January 23, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

The Case for Offense: 13th in points per game (22.9) and 11th in yards per game (351). 

One of the better rushing teams in the league, with a 4.4 yard per carry average.  Their 148.4 rushing yards per game was fourth best in the NFL.

The Case for Defense: Third in yards allowed (291.5) and sixth in points allowed (19). 

However, their 12 interceptions were 12th in the league. 

Verdict: Their offense is still young and Mark Sanchez is still developing.  The Jets need another playmaker in the secondary to pair with Revis, and Cromartie and last year's first round pick Kyle Wilson are not the answers.

31. Pittsburgh Steelers

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: Hines Ward #86 of the Pittsburgh Steelers tries to avoid the tackle of Desmond Bishop #55 of the Green Bay Packers during Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Ge

The Case for Offense: 14th in yards per game (345.3) and 12th in points per game (23.4). 

32. Green Bay Packers

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GREEN BAY, WI - FEBRUARY 08: Green Bay Packers wide receivers Donald Driver and Jordy Nelson address the fans during the Packers victory ceremony at Lambeau Field on February 8, 2011 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Matt Ludtke/Getty Images)

The Case for Offense: Tenth in points per game (24.2) and ninth in yards (358.1).  

The Case for Defense: