NFC West 2008 Draft Needs

by | Apr 24, 2008 | NFL Draft

NFC West 2008 Draft Needs, Team by Team

Seattle Seahawks
Top Needs: TE, OL, DT
The Seahawks have been looking for a solid pass catching threat at TE for years—surprisingly, Jerramy Stevens couldn’t stay out of jail, and Marcus Pollard wasn’t the answer last year. The Seahawks are still paying for failing to make Steve Hutchinson their franchise player—both for losing and not being able to replace Hutchinson, and for overpaying WR Nate Burleson as a revenge move. Mike Wahle may step in and be ok this season, but both he and Walter Jones are getting up there in age, and will likely need to be replaced within a few short years. Defensive tackle is more of a depth concern—along with Wide Receiver, where the team’s supposed best player (Deion Branch) is still failing to live up to his ridiculous contract demands and being outperformed by the apparently ageless Bobby Engram and previously mentioned Burleson.

Arizona Cardinals
Top Needs: OLB/DE, CB, RB
For the first time in recent memory, the Cardinals can go into the draft this year thinking about positions other than offensive line in the early rounds. They still may need to add some depth, but they can finally address some of their other pressing needs. Finding a 3-4 pass rusher is probably their top need, as a lot of their current guys are still more 4-3 converts. The Cards need for a CB has also increased with the move of Antrel Rolle to safety. Running Back isn’t a huge need right away, with Edgerrin James continuing to pound away—but someone needs to give him a break, and Marcel Shipp hasn’t shown much.

San Francisco 49ers
Top Needs: WR, DL, OL
The 49ers need to address their lack of WR one of these years—Isaac Bruce helps, but he’s well past his prime. The signing of Justin Smith helps the defensive line, but probably not enough to offset the loss of Marques Douglas to the Bucs and Bryant Young to retirement. Offensive line continues to be a need too, with possibly two new guards starting if Larry Allen decides to retire, and having lost Justin Smiley to the Dolphins, and right tackle appearing to be vacant with 2007 1st rounder Joe Staley moving to the left side. Unfortunately for the 49ers, what they really needed this year was for QB Alex Smith to get a positive guiding force that would stick with him for a few years at offensive coordinator—and what he got was Mike Martz, who still wants to be a head coach, tends to be divisive, and runs an offense that may not work well on grass (and without wide receivers).

St. Louis Rams
Top Needs: DE, OL, WR
The Rams were not a good football team in 2007, and are possibly going to be worse in 2008. They got very little pass rush last year, already released James Hall, and Leonard Little is somehow already 33 years old and coming off a toe injury that forced him to miss over half of last year. On the offensive line, the Rams have to start preparing for the loss of Orlando Pace to retirement, as he’s been limited to nine games over the last two years. Alex Barron may be able to slide over to the LT spot, but would leave a gaping hole on the right side. Torry Holt continues to produce at WR, but his age and a chronic knee injury are major concerns—as is Drew Bennett’s performance last year in competing with since released Isaac Bruce for the #2 WR spot.

AFC West 2008 Draft Needs

by | Apr 24, 2008 | NFL Draft

AFC West 2008 Draft Needs, Team by Team

San Diego Chargers
Top needs: DL, OL, DB
San Diego is another team heading into draft day with the flexibility to focus on adding depth. Jamal Williams is still a monster in the middle of the defense, but he has been somewhat injury prone and he is approaching his mid 30s. The wear-and-tear of being a 330 pound tackle in the 3-4 defense would seem to predicate making plans to replace him, or at least give him a rest once in awhile. By many accounts, LT Marcus McNeill took a step back last season. While his job isn’t likely in jeopardy Zoneblitz is a believer in building via the lines. As such, with as few weaknesses as this team has, investing in a couple linemen on either side of the ball to challenge current starters would be wise. At DB, Eric Weddle is expected to step in at one safety spot this season. But the Chargers lost Drayton Florence, who lost his job to Antonio Cromartie. So, if I were in charge, a good nickel back that could also back up at either CB or safety would be at the top of my list.

Denver Broncos
Top needs: S, DT, LB
While Mike Shanahan is always looking for ways to add more running backs to his committee it’s the Broncos defense that has gotten bucked in recent years with an inability to stop the run or the pass. Most publications have been saying that defensive tackle is the biggest need so Zoneblitz decided to list safety first, just to shake things up. In truth, the team has little talent in either area. The team is a sieve to a good, power running game, giving up more than 140 yards a game in 2007 and more than 400 points. Linebacker is also a necessity. DJ Williams was miscast as a middle linebacker last season and he is penciled in at weakside heading into the draft. Someone will have to fill the spot last ably manned by Al Wilson. One need the Broncos do have on the offensive side of the ball is at left tackle where the solid Matt Lepsis decided to hang it up.

Kansas City Chiefs
Top needs: OL, QB, DB
At the moment the Chiefs are one of the league’s worst teams. Kansas City management seemed to be in denial that Will Shields and Willie Roaf would at some point decide to retire. But the offensive line, once a strength, was allowed to age and now it stands as a weak spot. It’s a spot desperately in need of improvement too as the team sports one of the league’s best running backs in Larry Johnson and a developmental quarterback in Brodie Croyle, who might be destined to follow in David Carr’s pussy-footsteps anyway, but certainly won’t be helped during the growing process if he is constantly smeared all over the Arrowhead Stadium turf. Zoneblitz has always believed Croyle was overrated as even a mid-round draft prospect anyway but he’ll be curled up in the fetal position by the midway point of 2008 if the line remains a weak spot. Patrick Surtain and Ty Law will both jump from the NFL to social security in the next few years, also necessitating some younger blood. But again, picking a top three needs for the Chiefs is pretty much like shooting ducks or dogs or whatever kind of animal the saying uses in a barrel. This team needs to tear it all apart and start over.

Oakland Raiders
Top needs: Owner, WR, OL, DT
Just what in the hell is this team doing? The coach reportedly hates the owner. The owner supposedly tried to get the coach to quit and he took away most of the personnel power Lane Kiffin had when Kiffin wouldn’t leave. He then went and spent countless millions retaining and adding mediocre, injury-prone and malcontent free agents that left most observers picking their jaws up off their keyboards. The Raiders need some targets for QB JaMarcus Russell. Javon Walker might be one of them. But then again, just as likely, he might not. But the Raiders gave one of the league’s biggest whiners a six-year deal that maxes out at $55 million in hopes that he will help the Raiders thumb their noses at former coach Mike Shanahan in Denver. The guess here at Zoneblitz is that Shanny gets the last laugh on that move. Kwame Harris isn’t a complete waste of space at tackle, but he doesn’t solve the Raiders’ immense needs there either. Finally, despite spending more millions retaining Tommy Kelly and adding William Joseph, most observers say the Raiders still haven’t effectively replaced the retired Warren Sapp yet either. A year ago it appeared as though the Raiders might be at least moving in the right direction. Now it appears as though the Silver and Black is nowhere near being back.

NFC South 2008 Draft Needs

by | Apr 23, 2008 | NFL Draft

NFC South 2008 Draft Needs, Team by Team

Carolina Panthers
Top Needs: OL, DL, RB
The Panthers needs aren’t as massive as some other teams, but depth is going to be a major concern.  They have some flexibility on the offensive line with Travelle Wharton, so replacing Mike Wahle may not require a specific position to be drafted, other than someone who could step in.  They could also use some depth along the defensive line, especially at DE, with Mike Rucker possibly not coming back.  The Panthers don’t need a RB to step in and start, with DeAngelo Williams on board, but they would like someone to help carry the load, as Williams did with DeShaun Foster the last two seasons.  They also would like to find a WR to help Mushin Muhammad push Dwayne Jarrett, and could use some additional competition at Free Safety as well.

New Orleans Saints
Top Needs: DB, DT, OL
The Saints upgraded their defensive backfield with Patriots CB Randall Gay, but that isn’t saying much—Gay isn’t that good, and their DBs were horrible.  That many experts project Gay to battle with Jason David for a starting spot is a prime example of this—if the Saints had signed a top CB in free agency, David likely would have been on the first bus out of town.  Hollis Thomas and Brian Young don’t really inspire at DT, but they should hold their own while showing a rookie the ropes.  The Saints could also use someone to challenge for a spot on the offensive line—they are set at LT, but other than that, they could upgrade a spot, and appear to have some flexibility to move guys around.  Drafting a project QB this year should also be a given for the Saints, with ex-QB Jay Payton at the helm and backup Jamie Martin being 38 years old and not all that inspiring.

Atlanta Falcons
Top Needs: QB, T, MLB
No doubt the Falcons need a quarterback, with Mike Vick still playing touch football in Leavenworth, Byron Leftwich released, Chris Redman penciled in as the starter and Joey Harrington re-signed but having his decision making skills questioned again after marrying Mick Jagger castoff Jerry Hall.  The Falcons also could use some help at both tackle spots, and up the middle on defense—at DT, MLB and S.  But at least they’re set at RB, after adding Michael Turner to the mix with Jerious Norwood, who apparently no one but us thought could be a full time starter.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Top Needs: WR, DT, CB
The Bucs appear to be the other front-runner in the Jared Allen sweepstakes, which would impact their draft significantly—and possibly questionably, given that a starting DE doesn’t appear to be as significant a need as some other spots, with Gaines Adams and Greg White looking to start, and Jimmy Wilkerson added to the mix.  Defensive Tackle would be another story, though, as Jovan Haye being nothing special, and Chris Hovan arguably not deserving a job in the league for several years.  Wide receiver is probably the biggest need for the Bucs, with Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard getting ready for Medicare and Michael Clayton entering the witness protection program after his rookie year.  The Bucs could also use some help at DB, especially with Ronde Barber soon to join his brother Tiki on the unemployment line (ok, technically Tiki isn’t unemployed—but he should be).  It would be somewhat surprising to see the Bucs draft a quarterback, given Jon Gruden’s penchant for aged veterans, but at some point, someone in the front office needs to realize that guys like trading for guys like Brian Griese and Jake Plummer year after year isn’t that bright.

AFC South 2008 Draft Needs

by | Apr 23, 2008 | NFL Draft

AFC South 2008 Draft Needs, Team by Team

Indianapolis Colts
Top needs: DT, DB, OL
Calling any of these positions areas of need might be a stretch. The Colts appear on paper to be one of the most complete teams in the league heading into draft day. Their biggest needs are depth on the lines and in the defensive backfield. Of course those depth needs are pretty big in some spots. But if you can go into the NFL draft saying your starting spots are all sewn up and you are trolling for backups or for guys that might become starters a year or two down the road you’re in pretty damn nice shape. Good luck in your new stadium, Tony Dungy.

Jacksonville Jaguars
Top needs: DE, WR, DT
The Jacksonville Jaguars could be the second or third best team in the AFC right now if David Garrard can repeat his success from a year ago. But there are some holes to fill, especially along the defensive line. Sometimes-stud tackle Marcus Stroud went to Buffalo and end Bobby McCray signed with New Orleans. John Henderson and Paul Spicer remain but the Jags need to fill those holes before the season starts. Jacksonville also still needs a game-breaking receiver. Matt Jones and Reggie Williams remain but they’ve been far from great. Ernest Wilford, a guy I thought should have played more on this team, left for Miami. Jerry Porter could help if he stops being a whiny bitch, but Troy Williamson is unlikely to be a long-term answer, despite being reunited with Mike Tice, who coached the fumble-fingered wideout when both were in Minnesota.

Tennessee Titans
Top needs: WR, DE, G
This team went 10-6 last season and made the playoffs despite having few weapons for supposed-franchise savior Vince Young. A deep threat is probably more of a need than another possession receiver, which the roster seems to be loaded with. Someone to go with new TE find Alge Crumpler would really help the young QB develop. Whether that need or the Titans’ dearth of defensive ends is the most pressing spot is a toss-up. Not that Antwan Odom and Travis LaBoy are studs, but breaking news, it helps to have one or two ends on the team to field a complete defense. The Titans also lost guard Jacob Bell to St. Louis, so they’ll need to grab a couple linemen as well.

Houston Texans
Top needs: RB, DL, DB
Ahman Green and Darius Walker? Chris Brown? While one half of the Zoneblitz duo invested in some Walker rookie cards somewhere along the line, if those are the top three guys on your RB depth chart heading into 2008, it’s definitely a top need. The up-and-coming Texans are unlikely to make many strides offensively if they can’t keep QB Matt Schaub healthy and one way to do so would be to develop a running game that can at least tease a defense once in awhile. The Texans also need a DT and DE to team with Mario Williams and Amobi Okoye, two young, budding superstars. Finally, with Dunta Robinson nursing injuries that could go into the season and the defensive coming off a season in which it intercepted just 11 passes, this improving team is likely to work the D-backfield into play on draft day.

Dolphins Go Long at #1

by | Apr 22, 2008 | NFL Draft

Well, contrary to ProFootballTalk’s belief that the Jake Long contract talks were a ruse to get someone else to agree to a lower deal, Miami has apparently agreed to terms with Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long.   Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that the deal is 5-years, $57.5 million, with $30 million guaranteed.

PFT points out that it’s less money than JaMarcus Russell got last year, but it’s also one less year. Personally, I think the comparison is moot anyway, as you’re comparing a tackle to a quarterback.

More importantly, Long will avoid the holdout that Russell had last year, and will likely step right into the lineup on day one, protecting presumably John Beck’s blind side.

The St. Louis Rams are on the clock, and can negotiate with other rookies.

And most importantly, the ZoneBlitz.com Mock Draft, coming on Friday, is 1 for 1–we never fell for the ruse talk, and would have guessed Jake Long 2 months ago, if forced to have made a guess.  Our pick for #2 overall spot is that the Rams will go DE Chris Long, meaning both Howie and his son will play for franchises that used to be in Los Angeles.