NFL Draft 2011: Examining Each Team's Biggest Need and the Prospect To Fill It
With the 2011 NFL Draft quickly approaching, it's time to take a look at the biggest positional needs of each team in the National Football League and potential prospects to fill those needs.
The NFL Players Association and owners still haven't reached common ground on getting a new collective bargaining agreement settled, but the draft will still go on.
Franchises are built through the draft, and throughout this slideshow, you will see the biggest needs for every team, as well as some prospects they may be keeping an eye on come April 28.
Arizona Cardinals
1 of 32
2010 Record: 5-11
The Arizona Cardinals were devastated after their roster was completely ravaged with the losses of wide receiver Anquan Boldin, linebacker Karlos Dansby, safety Antrel Rolle and quarterback Kurt Warner.
Biggest Needs: QB, OT, OLB
After shuffling John Skelton, Matt Leinart, Derek Anderson, Max Hall and Richard Bartell throughout the year at the quarterback position, it's obvious they lack the leader necessary to compete in one of the weakest divisions in the National Football League.
If Blaine Gabbert is still available at No. 5 in the draft, he may be the guy Ken Whisenhut wants throwing the ball to arguably the best wide receiver in the league, Larry Fitzgerald.
Furthermore, Joey Porter is nearing the end of his career, and his pass-rushing skills are diminishing rapidly as noted by his five sacks last season.
Texas A&M pass-rusher Von Miller is the highest-rated linebacker in the draft, and newly-hired defensive coordinator Ray Horton will definitely be lobbying the front office to take him or North Carolina prospect, Robert Quinn.
Best Pick: QB Blaine Gabbert
Atlanta Falcons
2 of 32
2010 Record: 13-3
The Atlanta Falcons had a great year, thanks to a strong offense led by Matt Ryan, Roddy White and Michael Turner. However, their aging defense proved porous in the postseason, and owner Arthur Blank will need to invest in defense if the Dirty Birds hope to make a Super Bowl bid in 2011.
Biggest Needs: DE, WR, TE, OL
Defensive end John Abraham managed to record 13 sacks last year, but he is approaching 33 years of age, and Lawrence Sidbury isn't exactly the sexy name Falcons fans want as a pass rusher.
Roddy White had a great year, catching 115 passes for 1,389 yards and scoring 10 touchdowns, but running back Jason Snelling had more receptions (44) than No. 2 and No. 3 receivers Harry Douglas and Michael Jenkins.
Adding another wide receiver such as Torrey Smith or Jonathan Baldwin in the draft would allow more freedom for Roddy White, who put up those gaudy stats while being double-teamed.
Both starting guards Harvey Dahl and Justin Blaylock are set to become free agents this offseason, pending the agreement of a new CBA deal, as is right tackle Tyson Clabo. Arthur Blank needs to keep these guys around, as they have chemistry and anchored one of the most solid offensive lines in the league.
Best Prospect: Ryan Kerrigan
Baltimore Ravens
3 of 32
2010 Record: 12-4
The Ravens had another great season and were in prime position to defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers in the playoffs before blowing a 21-7 lead. Baltimore was quick to place the franchise tag on superstar defensive end Haloti Ngata, who was coming off of a great year in which he recorded 55 tackles and 5.5 sacks.
Biggest Needs: CB, ILB, WR
Ray Lewis is still one of the most dominating middle linebackers in the National Football League, but his career is coming to an end, as he is about to be 36 years old. Jameel McClain is the only other inside linebacker, and Baltimore will need to prepare for when Lewis is gone.
The Ravens secondary was an obvious weakness all year long, allowing 224 yards per game in the air, ranked 21st in the league. Chris Carr, Josh Wilson and Fabian Washington are all slated to become free agents, assuming a collective bargaining agreement is reached.
Best Pick: CB Brandon Harris
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Buffalo Bills
4 of 32
2010 Record: 4-12
The Buffalo Bills had a new general manager and a whole new coaching staff, as well as a transition from the 4-3 Tampa 2 defensive scheme to the 3-4 front entering the 2010 season. That led to the worst rush defense in the league, allowing approximately 200 yards per game on the ground.
General manager Buddy Nix knows that he has a lot of holes to fill if the Bills hope to compete with the New England Patriots and New York Jets in the AFC East.
Biggest Needs: DE, RT, OLB, CB
The Bills currently have just three defensive ends on their roster after releasing veteran Marcus Stroud, Alex Carrington—a 2010 third-round pick who didn't see much playing time last year—Dwan Edwards and Spencer Johnson.
Ryan Fitzpatrick had a solid year considering the offensive line he was behind, but he will never be the franchise quarterback they need to make a serious run.
The Bills seem confident in left tackle Demetrius Bell's ability to man the blind side, but there is a huge void at right tackle, despite the depth at the guard position.
Best Pick: DT Marcell Dareus
Carolina Panthers
5 of 32
2010 Record: 2-14
The Carolina Panthers hold the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft and have a ton of options with that choice. Matt Moore was supposedly the franchise quarterback the Panthers were confident in when they released Jake Delhomme, but that quickly changed when they selected Jimmy Clausen in the second round of the 2010 draft and signed Tony Pike as an undrafted free agent.
To make matters worse, losing Julius Peppers left a major hole on a defensive line that recorded just 31 sacks for the year.
Biggest Needs: QB, DT, CB
With Ron Rivera as the Panthers new head coach, his defensive mindset may lead him to select defense with the No. 1 overall pick.
Matt Moore is set to become a free agent, and Jimmy Clausen didn't really have a chance to showcase his full potential last year, but it's obvious that the Panthers will be eyeing Auburn quarterback Cam Newton or Blaine Gabbert—especially since running back DeAngelo Williams most likely won't be returning.
Richard Marshall needs another impact corner opposite him because Chris Gamble and Captain Munnerlyn simply don't cut it.
Best Pick: CB Patrick Peterson
Chicago Bears
6 of 32
2010 Record: 11-5
The Chicago Bears had a solid year with new offensive coordinator Mike Martz, but they still have a way to go before they are ready to compete for a Super Bowl ring.
They recently released veteran defensive tackle Tommie Harris, who hasn't really brought anything to the table in a few years, and their linebacking corps of Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs and Pisa Tinoisamoa are aging quickly.
Biggest Needs: LT, WR, DT
The Bears need to protect Jay Cutler at all costs if they hope to overtake the Green Bay Packers in the NFC North, and to do that, they need a solid pass-protecting left tackle. Frank Omiyale is solid in his run-blocking, but Cutler can't get sacked 56 times again next year.
The Bears have an interesting group of wide receivers in Johnny Knox and Devin Hester, but they lack that prototypical 6'3" 220-pound big target that Jay Cutler can rely on.
Best Pick: OT Derek Sherrod
Cincinnati Bengals
7 of 32
2010 Record: 4-12
Prior to the start of the 2010 season, the Bengals were favorites to compete for the AFC North title after losing to the New York Jets in the 2009 Wild Card round. Adding Terrell Owens, Jordan Shipley and Jermaine Gresham was supposed to make Carson Palmer the leading passer in the NFL.
However, as the Bengals turned to the pass-happy attack, they shied away from their power running style that got them to the playoffs in 2009, and now Cedric Benson and Carson Palmer want out.
Biggest Needs: WR, QB, DE, S
Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco will most likely be gone next year, allowing the Bengals to select A.J. Green out of Georgia, who is an unbelievable wide receiver prospect. This will move either Andre Caldwell or Jerome Simpson to the No. 2 receiver, as Jordan Shipley is more of a slot guy.
Carlos Dunlap had a strong finish to his rookie season, but they need another bookend opposite him to rush the passer.
Safety is another major issue, as Roy Williams is old and doesn't make plays like he used to. The Bengals have two great corners in Leon Hall and Jonathon Joseph, but their secondary won't improve unless they get get more help at safety.
Best Pick: WR A.J. Green
Cleveland Browns
8 of 32
2010 Record: 5-11
The Cleveland Browns made a lot of progress last season under new general manager Mike Holmgren despite their dismal 5-11 record. Colt McCoy is still developing, but he looks like he may be the franchise quarterback they need in the West Coast-style offense the Browns are running.
They are switching back to the 4-3 defense, and released Shaun Rogers and David Bowens.
Biggest Needs: DE, DT, RT, WR
Switching back to the 4-3 defensive front means that the Browns need defensive linemen with completely different sizes and skill sets than the players they currently have.
The Browns have one of the best left tackles in the league in Joe Thomas, but Tony Pashos struggled in his pass protection on the right side, and they recently cut John St. Clair. With Colt McCoy's small stature, he needs all the protection he can get, as he will see James Harrison, LaMarr Woodley, Terrell Suggs and Ray Lewis in his face twice a year.
Best Pick: DE/OLB Robert Quinn
Dallas Cowboys
9 of 32
2010 Record: 6-10
Jerry Jones had the grandiose idea of being the first team to play a Super Bowl in a team's own stadium, yet the Dallas Cowboys never seemed to get it together. Wade Phillips was fired and Jason Garrett has been named the new head coach.
The Cowboys have a strong nucleus of players, but still need some extra pieces to complete the puzzle.
Biggest Needs: CB, OT, DE
The Cowboys secondary was absolutely dreadful last season, thanks to Mike Jenkins, who has all the potential in the world, but only plays to it when he feels like it. His fellow corner, Terence Newman, is turning 33 and probably won't be back next year, leaving the door open to select Nebraska cornerback Prince Amukamara with the No. 9 pick in the draft.
The Cowboys also need consistency on the offensive line, as Marc Colombo, Alex Barron and Co. leave Tony Romo running for his life. With Dez Bryant and Miles Austin at wideout, Romo needs the protection to get them the ball.
Best Pick: DE J.J. Watt
Denver Broncos
10 of 32
2010 Record: 4-12
With John Fox as the new head coach, the Denver Broncos are also transitioning back to the 4-3 defensive front after utilizing the 3-4 over the past few seasons. The Broncos pass rush was diminished last year due to the loss of outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil.
There will be a quarterback controversy, as Kyle Orton and Tim Tebow will be in a tight offseason competition to earn the starting job, despite John Elway stating that Tebow is still "raw."
Biggest Needs: DT, SS, CB
The Broncos recently released defensive linemen Justin Bannan, Jamal Williams and Ronald Fields, leaving a gaping hole at the defensive tackle position. DE/OLB Robert Ayers will most likely flourish this year, as he is best fit as a 4-3 end and he was playing a pass-rush linebacker in the 3-4.
Brian Dawkins is done, Champ Bailey is 34 and Perrish Cox may be headed to jail. You could say the secondary needs an upgrade.
Best Pick: DT Marcell Dareus
Detroit Lions
11 of 32
2010 Record: 6-10
The Detroit Lions made huge strides last season, thanks to the outstanding play of rookie phenom Ndamukong Suh. If Matthew Stafford could've stayed healthy throughout the year, the Lions' record may have been better.
Biggest Needs: OT, OLB, CB
Jeff Backus is old, Gosder Cherilus hasn't lived up to his potential and Jason Fox isn't anything special. Plus, Matthew Stafford has separated his shoulder twice, and he has missed about as many games as he has started.
The Lions need to invest in an elite offensive tackle to protect their $70-plus million quarterback investment, before Stafford suffers a career-altering injury.
Detroit is pretty weak behind the defensive line after trading Ernie Sims and releasing both Julian Peterson and Zack Follett.
Best Pick: OT Tyron Smith
Green Bay Packers
12 of 32
2010 Record: 10-6
The Green Bay Packers are coming off a Super Bowl victory after a season plagued by injuries to key players such as tight end Jermichael Finley and running back Ryan Grant. Despite winning a Super Bowl, there are still some areas in which the Packers can improve.
Biggest Needs: OT, DE
With Ryan Grant set to return next year, the Packers are set at running back with James Starks and John Kuhn, but the Packers need an offensive tackle, as Chad Clifton is nearing retirement.
Defensive end Cullen Jenkins is a free agent, and the Packers probably won't want to pay $7-8 million for someone nearing the end of his career. Johnny Jolly, who didn't play a game last year due to an arrest, is entering a contract year, and it's unclear if he is still in "football shape" or will even be allowed to play.
Best Pick: DT Phil Taylor
Houston Texans
13 of 32
2010 Record: 6-10
The Houston Texans were early sleepers to make a run at the 2010 NFL playoffs in the AFC South division, but their secondary (or lack thereof) prevented them from doing so. Losing cornerback Dunta Robinson proved too much for the Texans pass defense to handle, as they ranked dead last in pass yards allowed per game (267.5).
There were some bright spots, as Arian Foster burst onto the scene to become the NFL's leading rusher. Now, former Dallas Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips is the Texans defensive coordinator, and he will utilize a 3-4 defensive front.
Biggest Needs: OLB, CB, NT
Glover Quin and Kareem Jackson are the starting corners for the Texans, but they really need a solid No. 1 corner, unless Quin can progress quickly.
With the transition to the 3-4 defense, Brian Cushing will be moving to inside linebacker alongside Demeco Ryans, but they will need to add some hybrid DE/OLB players to fit the outside position on both strong and weak sides.
Shaun Cody is the only nose tackle on the roster, however Amobi Okoye could play either end or nose.
Best Pick: CB Prince Amukamara
Indianapolis Colts
14 of 32
2010 Record: 10-6
The Indianapolis Colts fell short in the playoffs, and last year was the first time since 2001 that they didn't win at least 12 games. It's quite possible that the Colts may start sliding down the ranks of the elite teams in the National Football League, with Peyton Manning and Reggie Wayne approaching their mid 30s.
Biggest Needs: OT, DT, S
If Peyton Manning wants to extend his career for another four-to-six seasons, Charlie Johnson and Ryan Diem need to go. Manning's quick release allowed him to get sacked just 16 times, but he took a ton of hard hits after the throw that could have been avoided had the tackles executed better.
As far as the defensive side of the ball is concerned, the Colts really need someone alongside Fili Moala that would free either Dwight Freeney or Robert Mathis from double-teams. Without Bob Sanders, Indianapolis really needs a final line of defense behind corners Kelvin Hayden and Jacob Lacy.
Best Pick: OT Anthony Costanzo
Jacksonville Jaguars
15 of 32
2010 Record: 8-8
The Jacksonville Jaguars almost made the playoffs last year, but their loss to the Indianapolis Colts left them with an 8-8 record. The Jags used their first four draft picks on defensive linemen last year and still ranked 22nd against the run, allowing 121.6 yards per game on the ground.
Biggest Needs: CB, DE, S
Rashean Mathis is getting old, and second-year cornerback Derek Cox is developing into a solid corner, but they really need a top-tier guy that can go man-to-man with Andre Johnson and Reggie Wayne multiple times a season.
The Jaguars lack a pass rush, and they need a beast at the defensive end position that would allow Tyson Alualu to prosper.
Best Pick: DE/OLB Aldon Smith
Kansas City Chiefs
16 of 32
2010 Record: 10-6
The Kansas City Chiefs had a major turnaround last season, making the playoffs only to lose in the first round against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Jamal Charles dashed for over 1,400 yards, averaging over six yards per carry, which is unbelievable.
Dwayne Bowe finally performed like the player he should be, catching 15 touchdowns, and the Chiefs had a mean defense led by outside linebacker Tamba Hali.
Biggest Needs: OLB, NT, WR
Tamba Hali racked up 14.5 sacks last year, but his counterpart, Mike Vrabel, didn't register one. Vrabel is 33, and adding another outside linebacker would make opposing offenses cringe.
Glenn Dorsey and Tyson Jackson are solid defensive ends in the Chiefs 3-4 front, but veteran Ron Edwards is losing a step and adding another nose guard would allow Edwards to be a two-down player.
Dwayne Bowe is a great No. 1 wideout, but Chris Chambers and Terrence Cooper are not threatening any cornerbacks they face. Bringing in a another big wideout would make Bowe even more of a threat.
Best Pick: OLB Akeem Ayers
Miami Dolphins
17 of 32
2010 Record: 7-9
After bringing in Karlos Dansby and Brandon Marshall last year, there were huge expectations for the Miami Dolphins. Those expectations were not met, as their offense was towards the bottom 20-to-32 range in most categories.
Their defense, on the other hand, ranked no lower than 14th in the major categories.
Biggest Needs: RB, QB, S, OL
Both Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams are set to become free agents this offseason, pending an agreement to a new collective-bargaining agreement. They were a nice tandem while it lasted, but it's pretty obvious that both will not be using their "talents in South Beach" any longer.
Chad Henne was supposed to explode last season now that he had a perennial Pro Bowl wide receiver in Brandon Marshall, as well as solid speed and possession receivers in Brian Hartline and Davone Bess.
However, he wasn't able to get on the same page as them, and Marshall wasn't too happy with Henne's 15-to-19 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
Best Pick: C Mike Pouncey
Minnesota Vikings
18 of 32
2010 Record: 6-10
I don't think Brett Favre will be taking Steve Hutchinson or Ryan Longwell out to a nice steak dinner anytime soon. After his story-tale ending fell short in 2009, Favre was convinced to return for one last run at a Super Bowl to avenge his anger towards the Green Bay Packers...ironic, isn't it?
Anyways, Brad Childress is finally gone, Leslie Frazier is now the head coach and Mike Singletary is the defensive coordinator of the Vikings.
Biggest Needs: QB, OLB, S
Brett Favre and Tarvaris Jackson are gone, leaving Joe Webb as the lone quarterback on the Vikings roster. They may sign a free agent—pending the CBA free agency rules—but they will select a quarterback in the first two rounds of the draft.
Outside linebacker Chad Greenway was placed with the franchise tag, however, Ben Leber is a free agent and may not return next season, which would leave Erin Henderson in a starting role.
Safety Hussain Abdullah was tendered by the Vikings, but he isn't exactly a game-changing safety.
Best Pick: Jake Locker
New England Patriots
19 of 32
2010 Record: 14-2
The New England Patriots lost to the New York Jets in their opening playoff game, after a stunning 14-2 record on the year.
The recent retirement of veteran guard Stephen Neal and the allegations that safety Brandon Meriweather shot two people on February 27th shakes up the "dynasty" and their future.
Biggest Needs: OL, DE, OLB
Sebastian Vollmer adds strength and agility at the right tackle position, and with veteran left tackle Matt Light set to become a free agent, the Patriots need a stud blindside tackle to protect Tom Brady.
Guard Logan Mankins was franchised, but he has been in disputes for quite some time with the Patriots front office and Neal's retirement won't make things any easier.
Best Picks: DE Cameron Jordan, RB Mark Ingram
New Orleans Saints
20 of 32
2010 Record: 11-5
The New Orleans Saints weren't able to repeat their Super Bowl run this year, as they were knocked out of the playoffs in the first round against the lowly Seattle Seahawks. Injuries to Jeremy Shockey, Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush forced the Saints to alter their game plans throughout the year.
Biggest Needs: DE, OLB, S
Defensive end Will Smith is approaching 30 years old, and his fellow end Alex Brown is 31. Both players are still providing a pass rush, but they are losing a step, and some fresh legs will free up defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis to make more plays at the point of attack.
Inside linebacker Jonathan Vilma has no help on either side of him, as Scott Shanle is entering his 11th year and Danny Clark is in his 12th.
Safety Roman Harper is set to become a free agent and he struggles against the pass, as he commits to the run far too often. Adding an upgrade next to Malcom Jenkins would make it far more difficult for the pass-happy Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers to compete with them in the NFC South division.
Best Pick: DT Corey Liuget
New York Giants
21 of 32
2010 Record: 10-6
The New York Giants failed to make the playoffs despite winning 10 games last year, thanks to the infamous punt return by Philadelphia Eagles wideout DeSean Jackson. Eli Manning couldn't seem to get into a groove and running back Brandon Jacobs was completely ineffective.
Biggest Needs: LT, OLB, MLB
William Beatty, the Giants' current left tackle, has struggled with pass protection, and fellow tackle David Diel is much better suited to play inside at the guard position. Kareem McKenzie is simply a rotational tackle at best.
The Giants have two of the best defensive ends in the National Football League in Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora and used their first-round draft pick last year on South Florida standout Jason Pierre-Paul.
However, the linebacking trio of Michael Boley, Jonathon Gof and Keith Bullock is an old group, and Mathias Kiwanuka is coming off of a pretty nasty injury.
Best Pick: OT Nate Solder
New York Jets
22 of 32
2010 Record: 11-5
The New York Jets made headlines all year long, from their showcase on HBO's Hard Knocks series, to Rex Ryan's comments and apparent foot fetishes, to their coach tripping a Miami Dolphins kick returner. They failed to follow through on coach Ryan's promises to win "every f**king game" and win the Super Bowl.
Biggest Needs: OLB, DT, DE
The Jets recently cut Jason Taylor, Vernon Gholston and Kris Jenkins, leaving some holes on the defensive side of the ball that need to be filled if they hope to make another run at the Super Bowl in 2011.
Calvin Pace and Bryan Thomas are the current outside linebackers on the roster, but they are both aging and adding another pass-rushing specialist could allow them to become two-down players, elongating their careers.
Sione Pouha performed well in place of the injured nose tackle Kris Jenkins throughout the year, but he is 32 years old and won't be around for long.
Best Pick: DE Cameron Heyward
Oakland Raiders
23 of 32
2010 Record: 8-8
The Oakland Raiders made huge strides in 2010, despite the constant shuffling of quarterbacks after trading for former Redskin Jason Campbell.
Biggest Needs: CB, OL, WR
In another strange move by Raiders owner Al Davis, Nnamdi Asomughua was released, leaving Walter McFadden and soon-to-be free agent Stanford Routt as the cornerbacks.
The Raiders had a strong run game last year, but guard Robert Gallery, center Samson Satele and Langston Walker are set to become free agents. The Raiders allowed 46 sacks last year and if they want to have a more balanced offense, it will start with protection in the trenches.
Louis Murphy, Jacoby Ford and Darius Heyward-Bey are all solid No. 2 or slot receivers, but they lack a big-time possession receiver that can move the chains.
Without a first-round pick, the Raiders could find good value in the second round with offensive linemen Jah Reid or Clint Boling.
Philadelphia Eagles
24 of 32
2010 Record: 10-6
After trading Donovan McNabb to the division-rival Washington Redskins, Kevin Kolb was slated to become the starter. However, an injury in the first game of the year jump-started the Michael Vick experience.
Their playoff run ended after losing to the Green Bay Packers.
Biggest Needs: RT, CB, OLB
Jason Peters is one of the league's best left tackles, but the Eagles need another bookend to contain the pocket and allow quarterback Michael Vick more time to make his reads.
The Eagles secondary, led by cornerback Asante Samuel, isn't getting any younger. Furthermore, cornerback Ellis Hobbs and safety Quinten Mikell are set to become free agents.
The defensive line is set and the Eagles recently signed Rashad Jeanty, but they need help at weakside linebacker due to the ineffectiveness of Ernie Sims.
Best Pick: CB Jimmy Smith
Pittsburgh Steelers
25 of 32
2010 Record: 12-4
The Pittsburgh Steelers came close to earn their third Super Bowl of the decade, but fell short to the Green Bay Packers. The Steelers finished with 12 wins, despite playing the first four games of the year without quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who was suspended after allegations of rape were brought against him.
Biggest Needs: OT, CB, NT
The Steelers brought in veteran tackle Flozell Adams from the Dallas Cowboys prior to the 2010 season, moving him to right tackle. They have a solid line, but Willie Colon is a free agent and Max Starks is coming off of an injury. Jonathon Scott, who hasn't really done anything productive, is also a free agent.
Ike Taylor and Walter McFadden are both solid corners, but both are aging quickly and are risks when preventing the deep pass.
Nose tackle Casey Hampton is still one of the best in the game, but at 34 years old, how many more years does he have in him? The Steelers need to grab a nose tackle to develop under Hampton.
Best Pick: CB/S Aaron Williams
San Diego Chargers
26 of 32
2010 Record: 9-7
The San Diego Chargers offense wasn't as explosive as we are used to seeing, as Vincent Jackson became a major distraction, while Darren Sproles and Mike Tolbert took on bigger roles without LaDainian Tomlinson on the roster.
Biggest Needs: ILB, DE, OLB
Stephen Cooper, Brandon Siler and Kevin Burnett—all of the Chargers inside linebackers—are free agents, and it's highly unlikely that all three return. Shaun Phillips is solid on the outside, but Larry English hasn't panned out as the Chargers have hoped.
Luis Castillo is decent at defensive end, yet Jacques Cesaire, a 34-year-old veteran, is a free agent and his production has been declining over the past few seasons.
Best Pick: DL Muhammed Wilkerson
San Francisco 49ers
27 of 32
2010 Record: 6-10
The San Francisco 49ers were preseason favorites to win the NFC West, with playmakers such as Frank Gore, Vernon Davis, Patrick Willis and Michael Crabtree all primed for huge years. However, they were never able to get it together, leading to Mike Singletary being fired and bringing in former Stanford head coach Jim Harbaugh.
Biggest Needs: QB, CB, NT
The Alex Smith test has to be over by now, right? Coach Harbaugh was hoping to reunite with his Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck, but he opted to stay in school for another year, leaving him with Smith, Troy Smith and fellow top draft pick David Carr.
Nate Clements is still one of the top corners in the league, but at 31 years old, the 49ers have to be smart enough to release him and avoid paying the $17 million he is due over the next two years.
Best Picks: DE Da'Quan Bowers, CB Patrick Peterson
Seattle Seahawks
28 of 32
2010 Record: 7-9
Last year, the Seattle Seahawks became the first team in the history of the National Football League to earn a playoff berth with a losing record. To make matters even stranger, they defeated the reigning Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints in the first round before losing to the Chicago Bears.
Biggest Needs: CB, DE, QB
Marcus Trufant is 30 and has had to do way too much on defense to play at a high level. The Seahawks were ranked 27th in pass defense, allowing 267 yards per game in the air.
Furthermore, the Seahawks had literally no pass rush until Raheem Brock's six sacks in the last five games. Too bad Brock is 32 and a free agent.
Matt Hasselback won't be around forever, and bringing in Charlie Whitehurst was clearly a bad choice.
Best Pick: QB Ryan Mallett
St. Louis Rams
29 of 32
2010 Record: 7-9
The St. Louis Rams seem to be heading in the right direction, as they have found their "franchise quarterback" in Sam Bradford, who had a great rookie season. They have a strong nucleus of young players such as linebacker James Laurinitis, left tackle Rodger Saffold and defensive end James Hall.
Biggest Needs: WR, OLB, TE
Right now, the St. Louis Rams have five wide receivers who caught at least 20 passes last season. Danny Amendola, the team's leading receiver in all categories, caught three touchdowns. Three. Amendola is a great slot receiver, and let's not forget that Mardy Gilyard never really had an opportunity to see the field.
The Rams need a No. 1 receiver that will find the end zone and put up consistent 1,000-yard seasons as a go-to guy.
Behind the solid defensive line the Rams currently have, help is needed at outside linebacker to keep James Laurinitis from doing all the work. They don't need to go crazy with free-agent signings, but adding depth would be a plus.
Best Pick: WR Julio Jones
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
30 of 32
2010 Record: 10-6
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers went from a laughingstock franchise just a year ago to serious contenders in the NFC South. Led by head coach Rahim Moore, the Buccaneers have their franchise quarterback in Josh Freeman, a top-tier wideout in Mike Williams and defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, the third overall pick in the 2010 NFL draft.
Biggest Needs: DE, S, OLB
Gerald McCoy and Brian Price, both defensive tackles, were the Buccaneers' first two selections in the 2010 NFL draft.
Stylez White isn't producing anymore, and adding a mean pass-rusher would be a nightmare for any offensive line facing them.
Alongside middle linebacker Barrett Rudd there isn't much talent, and outside 'backer Quincy Black has struggled both in pass-rushing and dropping back in the zone coverage.
Best Pick: DE Ryan Kerrigan
Tennessee Titans
31 of 32
2010 Record: 6-10
The Tennessee Titans didn't even come close to meeting the expectations most experts believed they would reach, finishing at the bottom of the AFC South division with a 6-10 record. Vince Young still couldn't get along with head coach Jeff Fisher, who was fired after the season, and there was no consistency at the position.
Now, with new head coach Mike Heimerdinger, the Titans need to figure out how to straighten out this franchise-filled with talent.
Biggest Needs: QB, DT, C
Vince Young won't be wearing a Titans uniform next year, leaving veteran quarterback Kerry Collins and Rusty Smith as the lone quarterbacks on the roster. If the Titans want Chris Johnson to return to his 2009 play, they need a quarterback that will keep defenses honest, rather than stacking the box to contain Johnson.
Since Albert Haynesworth left Tennessee, there has been a gaping hole in the defensive line. Defensive ends Jason Babin and Dave Ball provided great pass rush, combining for 19.5 sacks, but that didn't help the run defense, which ranked 20th in the league.
Best Pick: DT Nick Fairley
Washington Redskins
32 of 32
2010 Record: 6-10
The Washington Redskins had it made prior to the 2010 season. Mike Shanahan came out of retirement to be the savior head coach the 'Skins needed. However, things quickly went downhill when defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth and Shanahan couldn't get on the same page after a certain conditioning drill incident you may have heard about.
Biggest Needs: QB, WR, ILB
When Mike Shanahan benched Donovan McNabb at the end of the year in favor of Rex Grossman, it became clear that Shanahan wants a new man under center.
Aside from Santana Moss, who is an aging free agent, the Redskins don't have a No. 1 receiver on the roster. Remaining are Anthony Armstrong, who is primarily used on special teams, and Joey Galloway, who doesn't exactly have the freshest legs.
The combined age of the two starting inside linebackers of the Redskins isl 63. They need some youth and depth at the position.
Best Pick: Trade Down or DE J.J. Watt
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