NFL Draft 2011: Each Team's Biggest Need & the Perfect Prospect To Fill It
Without free agency to address team needs this offseason, NFL teams are scrambling to fill the holes left by injury, retirement and potential free agents of their own hitting the open market. There is also the need to upgrade at positions where once promising players did not live up to expectations.
At New Era Scouting, we've broken down every NFL roster looking for the one huge team need that simply cannot be ignored this year. Whether that's finding a replacement for Vince Young in Tennessee or drafting a quarterback to take Brett Favre's place in Minnesota, we have a line on every team's biggest need.
But, we're going one step further.
What good is it to know where a team's needs are if you have no idea which draft-eligible players are the best fit for your favorite team?
Keep reading to find the biggest team need for all 32 NFL teams, plus the prospect who fills that need best for them in the 2011 NFL draft.
Buffalo Bills
1 of 32
Need: Left Tackle
The Bills continue to rebuild their roster in the hope of someday competing with New England and New York for the division crown. Before they can hang with their big brothers in the AFC East, they must get better at offensive tackle.
The Bills offensive line is not terrible. They have solid pieces in place with Andy Levitre and Eric Wood at guard, but tackle is a soft spot that has to be addressed in the 2011 draft.
Prospect: Orlando Franklin, Miami (FL)
The Bills will not use the No. 3 pick overall in Round 1 on an offensive tackle. There is the chance they might trade back in Round 1, but that is getting too complicated.
Surprisingly, this draft is pretty weak on offensive tackles after the first round. The Bills would be reaching to grab any left tackles with their pick in Round 2.
In Round 3, the Bills are in a perfect situation to grab a second-tier tackle like James Brewer.
Brewer is a former basketball player with great agility and balance. He is a better pass protector on the left side than, for example, Miami's Orlando Franklin, who would be available in the second round.
Miami Dolphins
2 of 32
Need: Running Back
Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams will both enter free agency this offseason. The Dolphins are not expected to bring both back and could ultimately choose to start fresh at the position and let both leave. Whichever they decide, running back figures to be a key need for Miami in the draft.
Prospect: Mikel Leshoure, Illinois
Some will tell you this should be Alabama's Mark Ingram, but we have Leshoure ranked higher on our big board for good reason.
Leshoure has no injury concerns, is faster, shiftier and a more powerful runner. Take away Ingram's Heisman trophy and he has nothing on Leshoure.
New England Patriots
3 of 32
Need: Outside Linebacker
The Patriots drafted Jermaine Cunningham in the second round of the 2010 draft, and he looks like a keeper on the outside. As a former college defensive end, he has the tools to be a pass rusher off the edge.
Playing opposite Cunningham, the Patriots need a strongside linebacker who can rush the passer, stuff the run and drop back in coverage. This takes a special athlete.
Prospect: Akeem Ayers, UCLA
Akeem Ayers is the type of linebacker the Patriots covet. He was a playmaker for the UCLA Bruins and will bring the same level of disruption to the NFL.
Mock drafts like to project Arizona's Brooks Reed here, and we do think he is a strong possibility, but he is also not a finished product at linebacker. Ayers is.
Reed, Justin Houston and even Ryan Kerrigan are all one-dimensional players who would be able to contribute only in the pass rush as rookies.
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New York Jets
4 of 32
Need: Outside Linebacker
The Jets 3-4 defense is built on pressuring the quarterback. In 2010, they failed to do this, and it cost them a shot at the Super Bowl.
Gone is Jason Taylor in a salary cap move this offseason. All that remains at outside linebacker is Calvin Pace, who has been simply average in New York.
The Jets have other needs, to be sure. Wide receiver is a concern with three potential free agents at the position. They could use upgrades at running back, right tackle, defensive end and cornerback as well.
Prospect: Brooks Reed, Arizona
Unlike the Patriots, the Jets need a pass rusher first and foremost.
Brooks Reed is a college defensive end with freakish size and skills off the edge. He has the tools to become a dominant pass rusher—just don't ask him to do anything else.
Baltimore Ravens
5 of 32
Need: Cornerback
The Ravens have long ignored their need for a shutdown cornerback, instead choosing to place veteran band-aids on the position. They cannot afford to wait any longer.
Baltimore could also consider adding a speed receiver here or a defensive end for their 3-4 defense, but we feel their need at cornerback has to take precedence.
Prospect: Brandon Harris, Miami (FL)
Brandon Harris is the perfect prospect for Baltimore. He is fast, athletic and tough enough to mix it up with receivers in press coverage and against the run. He has also been highly productive against very good athletes in the ACC.
Harris would be a Week 1 starter in Baltimore.
Cincinnati Bengals
6 of 32
Need: Quarterback
The Bengals hopefully realize by now that Carson Palmer will never play for them again. Take a quick look at their roster and see what they have behind Palmer at quarterback—Jordan Palmer and Dan LeFevour.
While LeFevour could develop into a nice player, he's not there yet. Not even close.
Prospect: Blaine Gabbert, Missouri
Gabbert is the best quarterback in this class, in our opinion, when you combine current readiness and his potential to develop further in an NFL system.
Much like Sam Bradford last year, there are questions about his arm strength and football IQ coming from a spread system at Missouri. While we don't think Gabbert is Bradford 2.0, he's still a very good prospect.
With no clear-cut franchise quarterback on the roster, the Bengals cannot afford to not draft Gabbert.
Cleveland Browns
7 of 32
Need: Wide Receiver
The Browns are facing an offseason in which they need to add targets for Colt McCoy and rebuild their defense while changing from a 3-4 to a 4-3 system. Oh, and they must replace Shaun Rogers after releasing him in a salary cap move.
As Colt McCoy matures and becomes the Browns' franchise quarterback, he will need receivers to grow with him. Cleveland could pull the trigger as early as Round 1 on a No. 1 receiver for McCoy.
Prospect: Julio Jones, Alabama
A.J. Green of Georgia could be considered here, but we feel Julio Jones is the better West Coast offense receiver, has more "big play" ability and also does not have the stain of an NCAA suspension on his record.
Either player would do wonders for the anemic Browns' passing game.
Pittsburgh Steelers
8 of 32
Need: Offensive Tackle
The Steelers were so close to another Super Bowl ring—and we believe they have the talent to be back in the big game next season.
The team is loaded at wide receiver, running back and on defense. They also have a top-five quarterback and a young coach who are excellent leaders.
Where Pittsburgh is obviously lacking is in the offensive line and the secondary. With pick No. 31, the Steelers are in a great position to draft the best available cornerback or offensive lineman.
Prospect: Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin
The Steelers would love to find Tyron Smith (USC) or Anthony Castonzo (Boston College) available them to them with the 31st pick in the first round, but that won't happen.
There is a chance Gabe Carimi will go off the board much sooner than this, but we could also see teams passing on him for more athletic tackles like Smith and Nate Solder.
Carimi is a power blocker with the strength to anchor at left or right tackle. He can have an immediate impact as a rookie protecting Ben Roethlisberger.
Houston Texans
9 of 32
Need: Outside Linebacker
The Texans will be faced with the difficult decision of drafting a hot-rising defensive end/outside linebacker who is a perfect fit for Wade Phillips' 3-4 defense or drafting a sure-thing cover corner to anchor a weak secondary.
In the end, the need to rush the passer from off the edge will win out. The 2011 draft is deeper in the second and third round at cornerback than at outside linebacker. The Texans need to pull the trigger early on their pass rusher.
Prospect: Von Miller, Texas A&M
Von Miller may be perfect for the Houston Texans, but there's no chance he lasts until the No. 11 pick in the first round.
Houston could consider trading up, as it appears both Denver and Buffalo are interested in moving back.
Miller is the draft's best linebacker, and the most exciting edge rusher we have seen coming out of college since...actually, in my 10 years of scouting and writing about the draft, I have never seen anyone like Miller coming out of college.
He's that good.
Indianapolis Colts
10 of 32
Need: Offensive Tackle
Peyton Manning had to feel a little human this season after being beaten into the turf by the Chargers and then the Cowboys.
Even in the playoffs, Manning looked rushed, rattled and scared in the pocket. We can hardly blame him after looking at how terrible the Colts offensive line was this year.
The Colts need their left tackle to be strong enough to pass protect on the blindside and quick enough to move in their zone-blocking scheme. Oh, and he has to be smart enough to handle Peyton Manning's pre-snap cadence—something Tony Ugoh couldn't handle.
Prospect: Derek Sherrod, Mississippi State
Derek Sherrod might be a name you are unfamiliar with, as he does not receive the hype or attention of the other top offensive tackles like Tyron Smith, Nate Solder and Gabe Carimi.
Take notice—Sherrod might just be the best pure left tackle in the draft.
Sherrod is the perfect combination of strength, agility and experience for the Colts offense.
Jacksonville Jaguars
11 of 32
Need: Defensive End
The Jaguars have a ton of young talent on the defensive line, but they are lacking at left defensive end.
The front four in Jacksonville has the potential to be great if Aaron Kampman comes back healthy and/or Austen Lane continues to develop into a pass rushing force.
The Jaguars would also look at cornerback here, as the secondary was terrible in 2010.
Prospect: Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue
In trying to be somewhat realistic with who will be available for the Jaguars at pick No. 16, Kerrigan makes the most sense for them.
The Jaguars need a left end for their 4-3 defense, Kerrigan is the best fit of any defensive end available in the middle of the first round.
He's an athletic pass rusher who has shown the ability to take over games. With the dynamic duo of Tyson Alualu and Terrence Knighton at defensive tackle the Jaguars have the beginning of an unstoppable front four.
Tennessee Titans
12 of 32
Need: Quarterback
The Titans are expected to release or trade quarterback Vince Young as soon as there is a resolution to the ongoing labor unrest. When they do so they will be left with Rusty Smith at quarterback.That's it.
It is hard to imagine quarterback not being the Titans No. 1 priority in the draft. However, don't expect them to spend the eighth pick overall on a quarterback if both Cam Newton and Blaine Gabbert are off the board (they should be).
Instead, expect Tennessee to draft the best available defensive lineman and either trade back in to Round 1 for their quarterback or sit tight with pick No. 39 and hope one of the many second-tier passers fall to them.
Prospect: Colin Kaepernick, Nevada
Not only is Colin Kaepernick the perfect fit for the Titans, they are a perfect situation for him.
Kaepernick is the smart man's Cam Newton. He has the legs to make plays, the arm strength to zing the ball downfield and the pure athleticism to take over games.
In Tennessee, Colin would be given an All-Pro offensive line, the best running back in the game and a defense that can protect a lead. If wide receiver Kenny Britt can stay out of jail, he will have a top-flight wide receiver to throw to.
Call it a match made in heaven.
Denver Broncos
13 of 32
Need: Defensive Tackle
The Broncos are making a move back to the 4-3 defense under John Fox this year, leaving a big question mark at defensive tackle. The team chose to re-sign cornerback Champ Bailey, temporarily filling a need at cornerback.
The Broncos may not stop with just one defensive tackle, either. The team has no current players on the roster or as impending free agents who deserve to start in the NFL.
Prospect: Marcell Dareus, Alabama
The move to re-sign Bailey leaves Denver in position to draft Marcell Dareus, who will play next to Pro Bowler Elvis Dumervil in the four-man front.
This gives the Broncos a viable defensive line to build around and also will help pressure the quarterback and shorten the amount of time their patchwork secondary has to cover the defensive backfield.
Dareus has used the offseason to establish himself ahead of SEC rival Nick Fairley of Auburn. As the draft nears, it is becoming more likely that Dareus will be the first defensive tackle off the board.
Denver could also consider cornerback Patrick Peterson (LSU) here or trade back to a team hoping to secure Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert.
Kansas City Chiefs
14 of 32
Need: Nose Tackle
The popular mock draft choice for Kansas City is an outside linebacker or maybe even a wide receiver. We're convinced the Chiefs will wait for both.
Opposite Tamba Hali, the Chiefs need an outside linebacker who can drop into coverage. None of the linebackers available can do this, except maybe Akeem Ayers, who would be a reach here.
At wide receiver, Kansas City would be reaching to draft any of the available guys.
Prospect: Phil Taylor, Baylor
Phil Taylor is about as safe of a pick as you can find for the Chiefs. As a nose tackle, he will be asked to simply line up and clog the running lanes between the guards and center.
Taylor is a huge body with great mass, much like Vince Wilfork is for the Patriots.
Like Wilfork, he also has the quickness to penetrate the offensive line and could even play at defensive end in certain three-man fronts.
Oakland Raiders
15 of 32
Need: Cornerback
The Raiders chose to not pursue cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, once he opted out of his contract this spring. In doing so, the team left a massive hole at cornerback. Asomugha is the best cornerback in the NFL. Replacing him will not be easy—especially without a first-round pick.
Prospect: Ras-I Dowling, Virginia
Not only is Dowling super fast, he's also physical and aggressive at the line of scrimmage.
To replace Asomugha, the Raiders will need a rookie who is not afraid to step in and mix things up and also a player with the confidence to feel like he belongs on the field.
That's Dowling in a nutshell.
He is recovering from hamstring, ankle and knee injuries but will be healthy by mini-camp (if/when that happens).
San Diego Chargers
16 of 32
Need: Defensive End
The Chargers have many needs they could address here. They want to get better at outside linebacker, replace four free agents at inside linebacker, add a young defensive end and potentially replace Vincent Jackson at wide receiver.
Thankfully, the Chargers have three selections in the top two rounds.
Prospect: Cameron Jordan, California
Jordan is the perfect player for the Chargers' aggressive 3-4 defense. Trouble is, he is unlikely to be on the board when the Chargers are up at pick No. 18.
There remains the possibility the Chargers would consider trading up for Jordan, as many teams in the 7-13 range are looking to trade back to acquire extra picks.
With two picks in Round 2, the Chargers have the ammunition to move up and secure the best 3-4 defensive end in this draft.
Dallas Cowboys
17 of 32
Need: Right Tackle
The Cowboys have two solid cornerbacks in Terence Newman and Mike Jenkins. Neither had a great 2010, but both can play well enough to not hurt the team. Newman is not a long-term fit in Rob Ryan's defense, but he is a better option than almost any other player available.
Where Dallas really needs help is at right tackle.
Marc Colombo is one of the nicest guys in the world, but he is not a starting right tackle.
Prospect: Tyron Smith, USC
Tyron Smith has started at right tackle for USC and has the strength to hold up against power rushers. He is also a very good athlete and can get out in front when run blocking.
Smith is the perfect pick for Dallas with No. 9 overall.
New York Giants
18 of 32
Need: Offensive Tackle
Injuries decimated the Giants offensive line this year, but this also exposed weaknesses and areas of need. No position needs more attention than offensive tackle.
Building depth at tackle is a need, but the Giants can also look for young players who can eventually start.
Prospect: Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin
Carimi is slightly underrated by NFL analysts and TV scouts, but having seen him firsthand numerous times, it is hard to not be impressed with Carimi's ability on the blind side.
He is a dominant force in the run game, and he has the tools to become an elite pass protector.
Doubt Carimi as a left tackle? Look at his stats against the best defensive ends in the Big Ten:
vs. Adrian Clayborn (Iowa): one solo tackle, one sack
vs. Ryan Kerrigan (Purdue): two solo tackles
vs. Cameron Heyward (Ohio State): two solo tackles
Philadelphia Eagles
19 of 32
Need: Cornerback
The Eagles have needs at outside linebacker, cornerback and defensive tackle. Any of these could be addressed now or with extra selections later on through a trade.
The Eagles like physical cornerbacks who can face the receiver and make plays on the ball. Smith not only fits this mold, he has the size to run with the NFL's biggest receivers.
Prospect: Jimmy Smith, Colorado
Reid tends to like aggressive corners who attack the ball. Colorado's Jimmy Smith fits the Eagles' scheme very well.
Smith does have some character concerns stemming from a failed drug test at Colorado early in his career, but Reid has shown with Michael Vick that he is not afraid to take on a rehab project—or two.
Washington Redskins
20 of 32
Need: Quarterback
The Redskins seem dead set on trading or releasing quarterback Donovan McNabb before the start of the 2011 season. This leaves Rex Grossman as their only option to start next year.
Mike Shanahan might be crazy, but he's not stupid.
The Redskins are a target to move up in this draft for the option to draft Missouri's Blaine Gabbert.
Prospect: Blaine Gabbert, Missouri
When you look at the quarterback Mike Shanahan has worked with, you will notice a trend of mobile quarterbacks with strong arms who can make plays rolling out. John Elway, Jay Cutler and Donovan McNabb can all do this.
So can Blaine Gabbert.
Gabbert is the logical choice for Washington if they can move up high enough to secure his rights.
Thankfully, Shanahan knows a few people in Denver, where the Broncos hold the No. 2 overall choice.
Chicago Bears
21 of 32
Need: Offensive Tackle
The Bears shocked everyone by making a run to the NFC championship game this past season. Had Jay Cutler not gone down to injury, the Bears had a chance to surprise people by appearing in the Super Bowl.
What does Chicago need to do to have a legitimate chance to play for the 2011 NFL championship? Adding a left tackle to protect Cutler and wide receivers who can get open are key to this offseason.
Prospect: Derek Sherrod, Mississippi State
The Bears would love finding Derek Sherrod available with the No. 29 pick overall.
The Mississippi State product is a left tackle by trade but has the strength to play on the right side in a zone-blocking system or West Coast offense. He is an underrated run blocker, and in pass protection, he is NFL ready.
Detroit Lions
22 of 32
Need: Offensive Tackle
Jeff Backus turns 34 this season. Matthew Stafford's two seasons in the NFL have ended with injuries. Offensive tackle is a need here.
Lions fans will tell you they need to focus on defense in Round 1, but we disagree. They do need to add a cornerback and outside linebacker, but this can be done later on.
Grabbing a franchise left tackle must take precedence in a draft loaded with talent in Rounds 2 and 3.
Prospect: Anthony Castonzo, Boston College
Castonzo holds the Boston College all-time record with 53 career starts—every game in his career. He also won the Scanlan Award, BC’s highest honor, after his senior season.
Castonzo will be a high-class professional on and off the field. In him, an NFL team is drafting a high-character, hard-working player who may not have the high ceiling of other offensive tackles but also does not carry the risk either.
On the field, Castonzo is near flawless at left tackle. He has the combination of strength and speed that NFL teams covet.
Castonzo ranks as the No. 1 left tackle prospect on most draft boards.
Green Bay Packers
23 of 32
Need: Defensive End
The Packers have a few needs on the roster coming off their Super Bowl win. One need is at defensive end in the team's 3-4 defense.
The current outlook at the position is not good.
Cullen Jenkins is a free agent. Johnny Jolly was arrested last week. Mike Neal is unproven but will have a chance to start in 2011.
Prospect: Muhammad Wilkerson, Temple
Wilkerson flashes a lot of potential for coming from a smaller football program at Temple.
He projects nicely as a 3-4 end because of a long, projectable frame. While Wilkerson has solid strength right now, he should only get more powerful. Think of how the Steelers have slowly brought Ziggy Hood along while he gets more physically dominant. It might be the same career path for Wilkerson.
Minnesota Vikings
24 of 32
Need: Quarterback
The retirement of Brett Favre and the failure to develop Tavarius Jackson leave the Vikings in a terrible position entering the 2011 season if they cannot add a quarterback early in the draft or through a trade once the labor situation is solved.
While we do think the Vikings would prefer to trade for Kevin Kolb, Donovan McNabb or Carson Palmer, it is becoming more obvious as the weeks pass that they will be forced to focus on the position through the draft.
Prospect: Ryan Mallett, Arkansas
While we are not particularly fans of Ryan Mallett, he has one hell of an arm.
Mallett will do well if he can be protected by a good offensive line. While he lacks the mobility to escape the pocket, he has a big enough frame to withstand blitzes and shake off tackles. Imagine Ben Roethlisberger with no mobility. That's what you are getting with Mallett.
And if the Vikings can trade back to the early 20s and get him, they will be very happy with Mallett leading them in to the future.
Atlanta Falcons
25 of 32
Need: Defensive End
Why would Atlanta draft a defensive end here instead of a wide receiver or tight end?
Need.
John Abraham had a great season in 2010, but he is only going to last another year or two at a high level.
Kroy Biermann has been good, but he is a situational player at best. Neither of the aforementioned ends offers help in stopping the run.
Prospect: Aldon Smith, Missouri
Many will project Aldon Smith as a 3-4 outside linebacker, but we really like him as a left end in a four-man front.
He has an amazing reach with a seven-foot wingspan, excellent speed off the edge and the ability to get in the air to disrupt passing lanes.
What Smith doesn't have, and the reason we feel he projects best in a 4-3, is the flexibility to drop his hips and turn the corner when rushing up-field.
Put his hand in the dirt, pin his ears back and let Smith rush the passer.
That's what he does best and what Atlanta needs most.
Carolina Panthers
26 of 32
Need: Quarterback
I did not want to type "quarterback" here. At all.
The Panthers spent a 2010 second-round pick on quarterback Jimmy Clausen, only to throw him to the wolves behind a bad offensive line and with no playmakers at wide receiver.
Clausen predictably performed poorly in his rookie season, but who could have done well in that situation?
On the flip side, the Panthers are completely starting over. They need a visible, charismatic leader that teammates, fans and ownership can rally behind.
One player in the 2011 draft fits that billing...
Prospect: Cam Newton, Auburn
No matter what some may say about Cam Newton, you cannot argue he is an amazing talent and an unquestioned leader.
He will excite the fanbase. He will give the coaches and owners hope. And he will instill a sense of effort in the locker room after a season in which the Panthers fielded a scab-squad of players.
You may not like Cam Newton, and a lot of people won't, but you cannot argue his ability to lead a football team, make plays in and out of the pocket or his raw potential as a quarterback.
New Orleans Saints
27 of 32
Need: Defensive End
The Saints have four big-name players on their defensive line, but the production is limited.
Especially from defensive ends Will Smith (5.5 sacks in 2010) and Alex Brown (two sacks).
The Saints can live with Smith at defensive end, but Brown, at this point in his career, projects best in a rotation with a more athletic defensive end ahead of him.
Prospect: Justin Houston, Georgia
Justin Houston is normally projected as an outside linebacker for a 3-4 scheme, but we love his ability as a pure pass rusher from a 4-3 defensive end position.
Houston has experience with his hand in the dirt, not dropping back into coverage.
Given the task of attacking the quarterback every down, he could excel. Playing next to big tackles Shaun Rogers and Sedrick Ellis will not hurt, either.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
28 of 32
Need: Defensive End
The Buccaneers have young talent at defensive tackle in Gerald McCoy, Brian Price and Roy Miller. Where they are lacking is on the outside of their four-man front at defensive end.
With the 2011 offseason dependent solely on the NFL draft to bring in new talent the Buccaneers must find a defensive end to play opposite Kyle Moore.
Prospect: Adrian Clayborn, Iowa
At one point this year, we had Adrian Clayborn rated as our No. 1 overall player. That was until he decided to play poorly down the stretch and cause many to question his work ethic and character. A dominant end in 2009, Clayborn was average in 2010.
When watching Clayborn on film, you can walk away amazed or disappointed. We believe teams will look hard enough at his 2009 film to be thoroughly impressed.
If you are running a 4-3 defense, you have to consider Clayborn among the best defensive ends in the class.
Clayborn has a chance to redeem himself with a strong pre-draft workout, causing teams with a need for an outside pass rush to take a look at him late in the first round.
Arizona Cardinals
29 of 32
Need: Quarterback
The Cardinals may need a quarterback above everything else on their roster, but we do not think they should use the No. 5 pick overall on one.
Some may like Blaine Gabbert with the No. 5 pick, if he's still available at that point.
If the Cardinals wanted our opinion we would tell them to use pick No. 38 to move back in to the first round or sit tight and draft the best quarterback available early in the second round.
Prospect: Jake Locker, Washington
At the end of Round 1 or beginning of Round 2, the Cardinals should have their pick of a few quarterbacks, depending on what happens with Washington and Minnesota early in the round and which teams move back in to the end of the first round.
With their second pick overall, Jake Locker makes the most sense.
Locker is a lot like Jay Cutler was, coming out of Vanderbilt.
He's tough as hell, fast and athletic with a rocket of an arm and no idea how to use it to his advantage.
Give Locker two seasons with Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt, who prepared Ben Roethlisberger as a rookie in Pittsburgh, and Locker will be a playoff-winning quarterback.
San Francisco 49ers
30 of 32
Need: Quarterback
Much like the Arizona Cardinals before them, the San Francisco 49ers are desperate for a franchise quarterback. And like the Cardinals, they should not even consider drafting one in the first round.
The 49ers need help on defense as much as they need a new quarterback. With the seventh pick overall San Francisco can draft the best defensive player left, no matter the position, and instantly upgrade a defense that regressed in 2010.
So, who will the 49ers draft to lead them under center for the next decade?
Prospect: Andy Dalton, TCU
Andy Dalton is either loved or hated by draftniks. We fall heavily in to the "love" category.
Dalton is a winner. In four years at TCU, he led the Horned Frogs to four bowl games, where he won three MVP awards and broke Sammy Baugh's all-time wins record (30).
Dalton is also the perfect player for Jim Harbaugh's West Coast offense. He is more mobile than most recognize (watch any film from 2009 or the 2010 Rose Bowl to see this) and has better arm strength than credited for. In fact, Dalton hit on passes of 60-plus yards during his pro day workout.
Seattle Seahawks
31 of 32
Need: Quarterback
You may have noticed a trend with NFC West teams and their need for quarterbacks.
Seattle is no different.
With veteran Matt Hasselbeck entering free agency, as well as declining over the years, Seattle must look to find their next franchise quarterback.
Many thought Charlie Whitehurst would be that guy after Seattle traded a 2011 second-round pick to San Diego for him, but Whitehurst couldn't win the job over Hasselbeck and was average when he did take the field.
Prospect: Christian Ponder, Florida State
Christian Ponder is a perfect fit in Seattle for a few reasons.
1. He is NFL-ready after playing in a pro-style offense at Florida State.
2. He comes from a system very similar to that of Seahawks' head coach Pete Carroll.
3. Ponder is a perfect value pick for Seattle with the No. 25 pick overall.
The Seahawks may choose to sit Ponder for a season or two while Hasselbeck/Whitehurst play, much like Aaron Rodgers started his career in Green Bay. Or they may throw him in from day one.
Either way, Ponder is the perfect fit in Seattle.
St. Louis Rams
32 of 32
Need: Defensive End
The Rams found their franchise quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2010 draft in Sam Bradford.
In 2011, they need to find their bookend defensive end to jump-start a young defense.
Prospect: Robert Quinn, North Carolina
Many have projected Robert Quinn as a 3-4 outside linebacker after his career playing defensive end in the Tar Heels' 4-3 defense.
We like Quinn as an end or outside linebacker.
Should the Rams find Quinn available with pick No. 13 they should sprint to the podium to announce him at the newest member of the St. Louis Rams.
Quinn has high-impact potential as a rookie at a key position for the Rams.
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