NFL TEAM NEEDS

Arizona Cardinals
Depth Chart

1. Cornerback: Eric Green and Rod Hood are nothing to write home about and Antrel Rolle could be moving to safety in the near future. If/when that happens they would be lacking both quality and depth.
2. Defensive End: Darnell Dockett is a perfect fit at defensive end in their 3-4 scheme but the Cards could still use an upgrade opposite him where Antonio Smith is, at best, merely an average NFL starter.
3. Running Back: Edgerrin James is nearing that dreaded 30 year old mark and has a lot of miles on his tires but even assuming that he can stay both healthy and productive a better backup is needed.


Atlanta Falcons

1. Quarterback: Neither Joey Harrington or Byron Leftwich are the long-term answer and even though Chris Redman played admirably late in the year this franchise needs a signal caller in the worst way.
2. Offensive Tackle: It certainly looks like Wayne Gandy's days are numbered and there is little or no depth to speak of at either tackle position, or really anywhere along the offensive line for that matter.
3. Running Back: Warrick Dunn might be finished in the ATL and for one reason or another (i.e. health/lack of a real opportunity) Jerious Norwood hasn't yet proven to be an every-down runner in the pros.




Baltimore Ravens


1. Quarterback: Even if he could manage to stay healthy the days of Steve McNair being a top signal caller are long gone. Meanwhile Kyle Boller has shown time and time again that he's not the answer.
2. Cornerback: Chris McAlister has battled injuries and Samari Rolle is getting older and he also battled injuries and a illness. Even more disturbing is their extreme lack of depth beyond those two starters.
3. Defensive Line: Trevor Pryce is still playing well but that will not last forever and there really isn't much depth to speak of behind the starters at either defensive end position or nose tackle Kelly Gregg.


Buffalo Bills


1. Wide Receiver: This is a team in desperate need of some size at wideout. Lee Evans, Peerless Price, Roscoe Parrish & Josh Reed are all under 6-feet tall so it's time to add a big guy to complement them.
2. Tight End: Robert Royal is not going to strike fear in the hearts of many defenses, especially in the passing game, and a great way to improve a young offense that lacks explosiveness is to add a top TE
3. Cornerback: The Bills not only lost a shutdown corner when Nate Clements bolted as a free agent a year ago but their overall depth behind Terrence McGee also took a major hit so they could use help.


Carolina Panthers


1. Offensive Tackle: Both Jordan Gross and Travelle Wharton are set to become unrestricted free agents and odds are at least one of them will not be back in '08 so they'll be in the market for a starter.
2. Safety: Chris Harris turned out to be a steal and is solid at one spot but Deke Cooper is more of a backup and could be upgraded. There really isn't a whole lot of depth to speak of at safety either...
3. Quarterback: Jake Delhomme is coming off a serious injury and had been on shaky ground before that. Meanwhile David Carr was a huge flop and Matt Moore is still unproven and more of a #2 or 3.


Chicago Bears


1. Quarterback: Is there any doubt that this is #1? For years now the Bears have had issues under center and it may have cost them a Super Bowl. It's time to find a long-term solution once and for all.
2. Offensive Tackle: Fred Miller has played his last down in a Bears uniform so a starter is needed at right tackle and with John Tait also getting up there in years depth is going to become an issue as well.
3. Offensive Guard: Reuben Brown's seen better days and is a free agent so unless they are real confident that either Terrence Metcalf or Josh Beekman can start at left guard they have a major problem.


Cincinnati Bengals


1. Defensive Tackle: Domata Peko's developed into a solid starter and is still improving but John Thornton's best days are behind him and the same can be said for their top backup Bryan Robinson too.
2. Outside Linebacker: Landon Johnson, Caleb Miller, Dhani Jones and Lemar Marshall are all set to become unrestricted free agents this offseason. That's four free agent linebackers. Need I say more?
3. Defensive End: Robert Geathers has really been a nice surprise and is entrenched on one side but franchise player Justin Smith is a free agent and it looks as though he'll be allowed to leave this time.


Cleveland Browns


1. Defensive Tackle: One of the keys to any good 3-4 defense is a top nose tackle in the middle and the Browns don't have one unless you want to count 39-year-old Ted Washington, who's a free agent.
2. Defensive End: They have some solid guys like Robaire & Shaun Smith and Orpheus Roye but still lack a difference maker and Romeo Crennel is still looking for his very own version of Richard Seymour.
3. Outside Linebacker: Kamerion Wimbley is one of the best pass rushing linebackers in the league but Willie McGinest is nearing the end of the line and it's probably time to start grooming a successor.





Dallas Cowboys


1. Cornerback: Jacques Reeves was picked on often in 2007 and is a free agent to boot. At the absolute least Dallas needs an upgrade in the nickel that they can groom to eventually start down the line.
2. Wide Receiver: Patrick Crayton emerged and he was locked up long-term but Terrell Owens is getting older and Terry Glenn may be just about finished so they could use a young, speedy deep threat.
3. Running Back: Julius Jones is a free agent who is not expected back and even though Marion Barber will do fine as the starter he is unproven to a degree and they need someone to complement him.


Denver Broncos


1. Defensive Tackle: The Sam Adams experiment was a huge bust and to say that there is almost nothing beyond last years 4th round pick Marcus Thomas would likely qualify as a major understatement.
2. Safety: John Lynch is nearing the end of his great career and he will have to be replaced soon. Meanwhile neither Hamza Abdullah or Nick Ferguson have proved that they are the answer alongside him.
3. Offensive Tackle: With the somewhat unexpected retirement of Matt Lepsis left tackle could be a concern if Ryan Harris is not up to the job. Even if he is though depth now becomes a problem as well.


Detroit Lions


1. Cornerback: After you get past Fernando Bryant there might not be another starting-caliber corner on the roster so after using early round picks on safeties in recent years it is time to find a cover guy.
2. Offensive Tackle: George Foster was a massive disappointment and things got so bad that Damien Woody, a natural guard / center, was actually seeing action at right tackle by the end of the season.
3. Tight End: Dan Campbell would be okay in a backup role but as a starter he leaves something to be desired so they should be in the market for someone who can be more of weapon in the pass game.


Green Bay Packers


1. Cornerback: Al Harris and Charles Woodson are about as good of a starting duo as there is in the league but there is essentially nothing behind them and that lack of depth is a pretty major issue.
2. Safety: Despite investing a number of draft picks on the position in recent years they still have issues alongside Nick Collins and the fact that Atari Bigby was starting for them in 2007 speaks volumes.
3. Linebacker: Nick Barnett and A.J. Hawk are two of the very best youngsters at their positions but Brady Poppinga is merely average on the strongside and there really isn't too much depth to speak of.


Houston Texans


1. Safety: This team hasn't had a top safety since its inception and now it looks like Von Hutchins, Will Demps, Michael Boulware, Glenn Earl and Jason Simmons are all set to hit the market this off-season.
2. Cornerback: Dunta Robinson is coming off a career-threatening injury and won't be ready for the start of the '08 season and even when he does come back their lack of depth will still be a problem.
3. Offensive Tackle: From the broken record department: Houston still doesn't have a stud left tackle and you have to think they will eventually want to address that long-standing problem. You'd think.


Indianapolis Colts


1. Offensive Guard: Both Ryan Lilja and Jake Scott are free agents and it looks like at least one of them, if not both, will be allowed to leave so if nothing else the depth is gonna need to be replenished.
2. Linebacker: As expected Freddy Keiaho stepped in for Cato June and Indy didn't miss a beat but they could probably use an upgrade on the other side and their overall depth is still pretty questionable.
3. Defensive End: Dwight Freeney's season-ending injury exposed their lack of depth to a degree so after fortifying the middle with Ed Johnson & Quinn Pitcock last year it is time to do the same outside.


Jacksonville Jaguars


1. Defensive End: Bobby McCray is going to be an unrestricted free agent and probably won't be brought back while Reggie Hayward is still trying to regain his pre-injury form so a pass rusher is needed.
2. Wide Receiver: It appears as though charter member of Jack Del Rio's doghouse Matt Jones' days in Jacksonville are numbered and Ernest Wilford is also a free agent so they have issues at wideout.
3. Safety: After selecting Reggie Nelson in round one last year they are set at free safety but Gerald Sensabaugh is more than likely not the answer alongside him while Sammy Knight was just a stop-gap.


Kansas City Chiefs


1. Offensive Line: What had been a team strength for many years has now become their greatest weakness. It's not easy to replace guys like Willie Roaf and Will Shields and they certainly proved that.
2. Cornerback: Both Ty Law and Patrick Surtain are really beginning to show signs of their advanced age and undrafted free agents like Benny Sapp, Tyron Brackenridge & Dimitri Patterson provide depth.
3. Wide Receiver: It looks like they definitely found a keeper with Dwayne Bowe a year ago but Eddie Kennison has seen better days and to say that they lack depth would be quite the understatement.


Miami Dolphins


1. Defensive Tackle: Keith Traylor was released and neither Steve Fifita or Paul Soliai will be the long-term answer so they will have to find someone to handle that critical nose tackle position in their 3-4.
2. Inside Linebacker: Zach Thomas is now winding down toward the end of his career and will be 35-years-old next season but even if that weren't the case he's a bad fit for a "Parcells Style" defense.
3. Offensive Tackle: Left tackle Vernon Carey is better suited to be playing on the other side and his best fit might even be inside while L.J. Shelton and his top backup at right tackle were shown the door.


Minnesota Vikings


1. Wide Receiver: It looks like they have found at least one keeper in Sidney Rice but Bobby Wade would be better as a #3 option and Troy Williamson will likely be playing for someone else next season.
2. Defensive End: Erasmus James has been a big bust and Kenechi Udeze is solid but nothing special so despite using two #1 picks on defensive ends they are still in search of a true impact pass rusher.
3. Safety: He may be getting up there in years yet Darren Sharper is still solid but Dwight Smith keeps getting into off-the-field trouble and both backups, Mike Doss and Tank Williams, will be free agents.


New England Patriots


1. Linebacker: Tedy Bruschi and Junior Seau could both be riding off into the sunset. Meanwhile all of their starting linebackers are at least 30-years-old and there is really no quality depth to speak of.
2. Cornerback: Asante Samuel will be a unrestricted free agent and cannot be franchised so unless the Patriots are willing to give him a $80+ million contract (don't count on it) he is more than likely gone.
3. Offensive Tackle: Matt Light is solid at left tackle but certainly not special while Nick Kaczur has been just a marginal starter in the NFL and was exposed at times throughout the season and playoffs.


New Orleans Saints


1. Cornerback: For years this position has been an issue yet they refuse to address it. The signing of Jason David didn't work out as planned so they still need to bring in help opposite Mike McKenzie.
2. Middle Linebacker: Mark Simoneau is just average at best and word has it that the Saints were getting ready to take AJ Hawk with the #2 overall pick back in 06 before Reggie Bush fell into their laps.
3. Defensive Tackle: Brian Young, Hollis Thomas & Kendrick Clancy are all okay but there is not an impact player among them and it is probably time to bring in a difference maker in the middle of the line.


New York Giants


1. Outside Linebacker: Kawika Mitchell was just a stop-gap and he's a free agent again while the Mathias Kiwanuka experiment is still up in the air and he may even be moving back to defensive end.
2. Cornerback: Aaron Ross is a keeper but Sam Madison and R.W. McQuarters are nearing the end of their career and even though he showed improvement Corey Webster's still somewhat of an enigma.
3. Safety: Gibril Wilson is a free agent, James Butler blew a lot of assignments last year and they basically just have a bunch of late rounds picks and undrafted free agents littering their depth chart.


New York Jets


1. Nose Tackle: Dewayne Robertson has done an admirable job but he has been playing out of position at nose tackle in a 3-4 so they're going to have to add a run stuffer in the middle of the "D".
2. Outside Linebacker: Bryan Thomas took a step backwards in '07 and Victor Hobson is a free agent who isn't expected back so they need to bring in a true stud pass rusher to be their Willie McGinest.
3. Offensive Line: Anthony Clement is just an average starter at right tackle and they really had nothing but trouble at left guard since trading away Pete Kendall following an ugly contract dispute.


Oakland Raiders


1. Defensive Tackle: Terdell Sands failed to live up to expectations after signing a new contract and now that Warren Sapp has retired this position has become just that much more of a pressing concern.
2. Offensive Tackle: Barry Sims was okay and Mario Henderson is the future on the left side but Cornell Green is a free agent and the team was most likely going to be searching for an upgrade anyway.
3. Running Back: It sure looks like both LaMont Jordan and Dominic Rhodes might be shown the door this offseason and even though he played really well down the stretch Justin Fargas is a free agent.


Philadelphia Eagles


1. Cornerback: Lito Sheppard and Sheldon Brown are a very solid set of starters but there's no depth to speak of since they're pretty down on William James so an infusion of young talent is necessary.
2. Wide Receiver: Reggie Brown's a nice #2 target but Kevin Curtis is probably better suited for a #3 role like he played with the Rams. They can get by with this group but they could also use a stud #1.
3. Offensive Line: William Thomas and Jon Runyan are nearing the end of the road and after his disastrous performance against Osi Umenyiora this season who knows if Winston Justice is still a factor.


Pittsburgh Steelers


1. Offensive Guard: Alan Faneca is one of the best in the business but he's an unrestricted free agent and it doesn't look like he will be back next season since their contract negotiations have been rocky.
2. Offensive Tackle: Willie Colon was okay in his first year at right tackle but he may be a better fit inside. Meanwhile Max Starks is an unrestricted free agent and Marvel Smith could bolt next offseason.
3. Defensive Back: If Anthony Smith isn't the long-term answer at free safety then that is a problem area and they could probably use a top cornerback as well since Ike Taylor has disappointed at times.


San Diego Chargers


1. Safety: Marlon McCree has been a disappointment and won't be back in 2008 and Clinton Hart is more of a backup so they'll have to bring in someone to team with Eric Weddle next year and beyond.
2. Defensive Line: They are fine when it comes to the starters but Luis Castillo has had a lot of trouble staying healthy and there is no depth behind Jamal Williams so if he gets hurt they're in big trouble.
3. Offensive Line: Right tackle Shane Olivea took a step backwards in 2007 and was actually benched for Jeromey Clary, who is not the answer, and right guard Mike Goff won't be around for much longer.


San Francisco 49'ers


1. Wide Receiver: Darrell Jackson didn't live up to all of those high expectations, Ashley Lelie was basically a non-factor and 3rd round pick Jason Hill played in just five games and caught one ball all year.
2. Defensive Line: The great Bryant Young has hung up his cleats and now they don't really have a standout at either defensive end or tackle, which could definitely spell trouble in a scheme like theirs.
3. Outside Linebacker: Manny Lawson is still coming along but Tully Banta-Cain did not have nearly the type of impact they anticipated after signing on as a free agent and another pass rusher is needed.


Seattle Seahawks


1. Tight End: Marcus Pollard is a free agent but he was just a stop gap anyway so they will need to bring in someone who can be an effective blocker as well as a dynamic weapon in the passing game.
2. Running Back: Shaun Alexander might never be the same again and Maurice Morris is merely a backup so it is probably time to look towards the future, like they did in '00 when they chose Alexander.
3. Offensive Line: Right tackle Sean Locklear is set to hit the open market and Ray Willis may not be ready to replace him. Right guard Chris Gray is going to be 38-years-old and he may be done as well.




St. Louis Rams


1. Defensive End: Leonard Little will turn 34-years-old during the '08 season and he is starting to wear down while James Hall is just a average starter and can certainly be upgraded on the other side.
2. Offensive Line: Two years in a row now Orlando Pace has gone down with season-ending injuries, Alex Barron is best suited for the right side and there are still a ton of question marks on the interior.
3. Wide Receiver: Isaac Bruce can't play forever so it's time to start building some quality depth beyond Torry Holt and Drew Bennett for the day that he leaves, which will likely be sooner rather than later.


Tampa Bay Buccaneers


1. Defensive Tackle: The days of Warren Sapp & Booger McFarland wreaking havoc in the middle are long gone and now they've been replaced by Chris Hovan & Jovan Haye. It just isn't quite the same.
2. Wide Receiver: Joey Galloway is still pretty productive but he is going to be 37-years-old next season and beyond him there is not too much to get excited about. Sorry Ike Hilliard and Maurice Stovall.
3. Cornerback: Ronde Barber is not getting any younger, Brian Kelly is going to be a unrestricted free agent and there is no depth outside of Phillip Buchanon so it's high time for an infusion of youth.


Tennessee Titans


1. Wide Receiver: They have used quite a few mid-round picks on wideouts in recent drafts but the results have been mixed (at best) so it is probably time to finally give Vince Young that true #1 target.
2. Defensive Line: Both Antwan Odom and Travis LaBoy are free agents at end and Albert Haynesworth might hit the open market as well but even if he is re-signed they still need some depth inside.
3. Tight End: Ben Troupe is going to hit the open market and might not be brought back, which leaves only Bo Scaife and he's more of an H-Back. At the absolute least they'll have to bring in some depth.


Washington Redskins


1. Defensive End: Andre Carter has turned out to be a real good free agent signing and he's racking up sacks but Phillip Daniels is 35 years old and there is basically little or no quality depth to speak of.
2. Wide Receivers: Starters Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El are both listed at under 5-10 so it might be a good idea to bring in a bigger, more physical wideout to play alongside/complement them.
3. Defensive Back: Shawn Springs may be a cap casualty which will create depth issues at cornerback while the unfortunate and tragic death of Pro Bowler Sean Taylor created some questions at safety.