Category: Team Needs

Offseason Needs: San Diego Chargers

Chargers, Team Needs
Comments

1. Offensive Line
The San Diego Chargers offensive line is in critical condition, and it’s only going to get worse if they part ways with Jared Gaither. The Chargers first-round pick is all but guaranteed to addressnz the offensive line. Chance Warmack, Lane Johnson and Eric Fisher are all possibilities.

2. Nose Tackle
Aubrayo Franklin is an unrestricted free agent and Cam Thomas has failed to live up expectations through his first three years in the league. The Chargers need to find a solution at nose tackle in order to effectively run John Pagano’s defense.

3. Wide Receiver
Malcolm Floyd remains a reliable target for Philip Rivers, but the Chargers clearly missed Vincent Jackson this past season. The could use someone capable of playing in the slot, and also a guy who stretch the field.

Offseason Needs: Tennessee Titans

Team Needs, Titans
Comments

1. Offensive Guard
The Tennessee Titans running game has stalled over the past few years, and while some of the blame should fall on Chris Johnson, he hasn’ t been supported by the offensive line. Steve Hutchinson is a Hall of Famer, but he’s 35 and doesn’t have much left in the tank. Chance Warmack could be an option in the first round.

2. Strong Safety
Jordan Babineaux has been a weak link in the secondary for the past few years and it’s time for the Titans to bring in some competition. Matt Elam would be an ideal replacement in the second round.

3. Tight End
Jared Cook is an unrestricted free agent and never really lived up to expectations in Tennessee. If the Titans are hoping for Jake Locker to take the next step, they need to upgrade the supporting cast around him.

Offseason Needs: Buffalo Bills

Bills, Team Needs
1 Comment

1. Quarterback
The Buffalo Bills  have to end the carousel at quarterback. But is this the year? Geno Smith will likely be off the board before the Bills are on the clock, which would force them to reach to fill the need. Perhaps the right move will be to wait until the second or third round and bring in a low-risk prospect to compete with Ryan Fitzpatrick.

2. Inside Linebacker
The Bills need a new leader in the middle of the defense after a disappointing year by Kelvin Sheppard. This could be a position they try to fill with a veteran free agent. If they addressnz it early in the draft, Alec Ogletree could fill the need in the first round. Arthur Brown could be a second-round target.

3. Right tackle
The Bills offensive line was much improved in 2012, especially on the left side with Cordy Glenn showing promise as their new franchise left tackle. But the ride side of the line still needs some work, and veteran Erik Pears may have to battle a rookie for the starting job. Dallas Thomas and Justin Pugh could be second or third-round options.

Offseason Needs: New York Jets

Jets, Team Needs
Comments

1. Quarterback
It’s time for the New York Jets to move on. Mark Sanchez has been given plenty of opportunities to prove himself and he’s failed time and time again. While he will probably be on the roster in 2013, the Jets will likely bring in someone to compete for a starting job. In the second round, Tyler Wilson and Mike Glennon could be options.

2. Outside Linebacker
Rex Ryan’s defense has gotten progressively worse during his tenure in New York. And the primary reason for the struggles has been the lack of a pass rusher. This could be the Jets target in the first round. Barkevious Mingo and Dion Jordan both have the potential to offer an immediate threat, even if only in a specialist role.

3. Wide Receiver
Stephen Hill will be expected to take the next step in 2013, but the Jets clearly need another weapon. Since they need immediate help and are unlikely to addressnz this need in the first round, the Jets may push to solve this issue in free agency.

Offseason Needs: Cleveland Browns

Browns, Team Needs
Comments

1. Pass-rusher
New Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Ray Horton has yet to commit running a 3-4 or 4-3 defense, but regardless of the system he runs he’ll need another guy who can get to the quarterback. Jabaal Sheard is the Browns only legitimate pass-rush threat. A versatile prospect such as Dion Jordan or Jarvis Jones would make sense with the sixth pick.

2. Offensive Guard
Shaun Lauvao is about as bad as it gets for a starting guard in this league.  Since coming into the league, Lauvao leads all guards in penalties and sacks allowed – in other words, it’s time to move on. The Browns may consider Chance Warmack in the first round due to his ability to improve their pass protection and open things up in the power running game for Trent Richardson.

3. Cornerback
The Browns may re-sign Sheldon Brown, which would solve this issue in the short term. But if Brown leaves, cornerback is a significant issue. Buster Skrine filled in briefly for Brown this year and was victimized consistently. He clearly isn’t anything more than a middle-of-the-road nickel corner. Dee Milliner could be an option with the sixth pick if they wish to create an elite tandem at corner between him and Joe Haden.