TEAM NEEDS, DAY 5, VIKES, LIONS, RAMS & MIAMI
With just five days until the draft, I intend to finish up the "Team Needs" posts by Sunday night. Writing two posts for The Kansas City Star's Upon Further Review due on Monday & Tuesday, plus a lot of final draft preparation here & the dreaded "Mock Draft" on Wednesday, so I have to get busy.
Minnesota #12
The Vikings have a number of issues, most importantly, who's going to play quarterback now that the Brett Favre era has officially ended. It has really ended hasn't it? Anyway, after a new CBA is signed, there's a strong possibility Donovan McNabb may become the Vikings new QB. With Joe Webb, Tavaris Jackson & Patrick Ramsey on the roster, something is going to have to be done & McNabb could be "The Guy" in Minnesota. Pat Williams is no longer at DT, he'll need replacing, ROT Phil Loadholt regressed his 2nd season & his standing within the offensive line will have to be evaluated by new coach Leslie Frazier. They also need help in the defensive backfield at corner & safety. Throw in a couple of interior offensive lineman while you're at it.
1. Quarterback-Decision must be made to either trade for Eagle Kevin Kolb, McNabb or draft a quarterback. But a decision will have to made before the first round of Thursday's draft.
2. Safety-Neither starter has made any impact the past two years. No first round prospects, so the Vikings will have to be efficient when the time comes to draft them.
3. Defensive tackle-Replacing the "Williams Wall" is a top priority, the Vikes run defense was centered around Pat Williams & he's gone now. A suitable stand-in to work with Kevin Williams is very important.
4. Center-John Sullivan has proven to be an underpowered replacement for Matt Birk, who left two years ago.
5. Cornerback-Cedric Griffin is coming off back to back season where he went on the IR with knee surgeries. Antoine Winfield is still a quality CB, but he wil be starting his 13th season. When Minnesota faces the WR spread formations of Green Bay & Chicago, they're simply undermanned.
Obviously a quarterback is the #1 priority & I won't be surprised if they snag Washington's Jake Locker or TCU's Andy Dalton. I do however believe they will trade for Kolb or McNabb & that would make Illinois DT Corey Liuget a possibility here.
Detroit #13
The Lions made big strides last season even without quarterback Matthew Stafford, who has missed more games than he's played in his first two pro seasons(19-13). Ndamakong Suh was the NFL defensive rookie of the year, WR Calvin Johnson made the Pro Bowl & rookie coach Jim Schwartz helped by establishing a winning attitude in the Motor City. They need a lot of help, but the Lions, for the 1st time in a long time, are headed in the right direction.
1. Outside linebacker-This position will be wiped out by free agency, which may not be a bad thing. Only Julian Peterson made any sort of impact & he'll be entering his 13th season & is also a free agent. Unfortunately, there isn't an OLB worth the 13th pick IMO, so I think they'll look elsewhere.
2. Cornerback-Right corner is void of any serious competition to start opposite Chris Houston. There's a slight possibility, ever so slight, Nebraska's Prince Amukamara could be available at #13. If he is, the Lions will sprint to the podium with his name on the card.
3. Defensive end-Kyle Vanden Bosch suffered a neck injury but appears to be ready to go, his counterpart, Cliff Avril, recorded 8.5 sacks, so the starters are solid. There is little depth capable of pressing the passer so this is where Schwartz may lean when pick #13 is called.
4. Wide receiver-Johnson has been superb & Nate Burleson was more than adequate on the other side, but there's little depth beyond this pair.
5. Defensive tackle-A solid DT to work with this imposing line would make it just that much tougher. Starter Corey Williams is more of a rotational player, so another impact player to pair with Suh is on the Lions' shopping list.
Because of the way the draft falls, I'd say Amukamara is more of a dream than a realistic hope. I think Detroit will go defensive end in this spot, Aldon Smith, Da'Quan Bowers or possibly DT Corey Liuget to pair with Suh. There's a lot of talk the Lions will go OT in round one, but with Schwartz being a defensive coach, I think they'll go this way initially.
St. Louis #14
Last year's number one overall pick, quarterback Sam Bradford was as advertised, a true franchise quarterback in the making. He needs a lot of help tho.
1. Wide receiver-Because A.J. Green & Julio Jones will be long gone by time the Rams can pick, I don't see a 1st round WR in their future, but they will jump on one or two beginning in round two.
2. Defensive tackle-Too many times last season coach Steve Spagnuolo was forced to use a patchwork defensive tackle rotation. A top flight producer is needed.
3. Running back-A reliable change of pace back to spell Steven Jackson is a high priority. Jackson has taken a beating with all his touches since becoming a Ram.
4. Outside linebacker-MLB James Laurinaitis is a true anchor in the middle but he needs help on either side. Like the DT rotation, the outside linebackers were different from week to week.
5. Guard-Adam Goldberg & Jacob Bell started all 16 games but an upgrade at the position is needed. Both tackles,Roger Saffold & Jason Smith are very young & should be solid for another decade. Center Jason Brown is solid but needs improved help to either side.
Because of their needs & the way I expect the first round to fall, I expect the Rams to go defensive tackle or possible guard with Mike Pouncey.
Miami #15
The Dolphins wish list is extensive & with today's news regarding WR Brandon Marshall, the list may have gotten longer. Their quarterback play is shaky at best, they've lost their top 2 running backs, Ronnie Brown & Ricky Williams, their tight end play is sub-par & the offensive line needs help on the interior.
1. Running back-With the aforementioned Brown & Williams leaving, Miami has nothing. I expect them to grab one early & a second on day three.
2. Center-Jake grove was a total disappointment & his replacement Joe Berger wasn't much better.
3. Quarterback-Is Chad Henne a quality NFL starter or is he a better backup? Coach Tony Sparano will have to make that decision between now & Thursday night.
4. Wide receiver-Brandon Marshall might have punched his ticket out of town today with yet another domestic mess with his very combative wife. She stabbed him in what she claims was self defense. Devon Bess is a very reliable slot receiver on third down. Brian Hartline showed a little something before he broke his hand in December. They need a game changer, someone who can stretch the defense.
5. Tight End-Anthony Fasano is a decent producer, but with only 528-yards & 4 scores, the Dolphins need more production from this position. Some of his limited stats can be traced to Henne, but Fasano was a backup when he was traded to Miami & there are those of us who believe he still is.
Sitting at #15, Miami could pick a QB like Jake Locker or Andy Dalton. They could snag RB Mark Ingram, but that would be too high IMO. Florida's Mike Pouncey is a solid choice, he can play guard or center.
Minnesota #12
The Vikings have a number of issues, most importantly, who's going to play quarterback now that the Brett Favre era has officially ended. It has really ended hasn't it? Anyway, after a new CBA is signed, there's a strong possibility Donovan McNabb may become the Vikings new QB. With Joe Webb, Tavaris Jackson & Patrick Ramsey on the roster, something is going to have to be done & McNabb could be "The Guy" in Minnesota. Pat Williams is no longer at DT, he'll need replacing, ROT Phil Loadholt regressed his 2nd season & his standing within the offensive line will have to be evaluated by new coach Leslie Frazier. They also need help in the defensive backfield at corner & safety. Throw in a couple of interior offensive lineman while you're at it.
1. Quarterback-Decision must be made to either trade for Eagle Kevin Kolb, McNabb or draft a quarterback. But a decision will have to made before the first round of Thursday's draft.
2. Safety-Neither starter has made any impact the past two years. No first round prospects, so the Vikings will have to be efficient when the time comes to draft them.
3. Defensive tackle-Replacing the "Williams Wall" is a top priority, the Vikes run defense was centered around Pat Williams & he's gone now. A suitable stand-in to work with Kevin Williams is very important.
4. Center-John Sullivan has proven to be an underpowered replacement for Matt Birk, who left two years ago.
5. Cornerback-Cedric Griffin is coming off back to back season where he went on the IR with knee surgeries. Antoine Winfield is still a quality CB, but he wil be starting his 13th season. When Minnesota faces the WR spread formations of Green Bay & Chicago, they're simply undermanned.
Obviously a quarterback is the #1 priority & I won't be surprised if they snag Washington's Jake Locker or TCU's Andy Dalton. I do however believe they will trade for Kolb or McNabb & that would make Illinois DT Corey Liuget a possibility here.
Detroit #13
The Lions made big strides last season even without quarterback Matthew Stafford, who has missed more games than he's played in his first two pro seasons(19-13). Ndamakong Suh was the NFL defensive rookie of the year, WR Calvin Johnson made the Pro Bowl & rookie coach Jim Schwartz helped by establishing a winning attitude in the Motor City. They need a lot of help, but the Lions, for the 1st time in a long time, are headed in the right direction.
1. Outside linebacker-This position will be wiped out by free agency, which may not be a bad thing. Only Julian Peterson made any sort of impact & he'll be entering his 13th season & is also a free agent. Unfortunately, there isn't an OLB worth the 13th pick IMO, so I think they'll look elsewhere.
2. Cornerback-Right corner is void of any serious competition to start opposite Chris Houston. There's a slight possibility, ever so slight, Nebraska's Prince Amukamara could be available at #13. If he is, the Lions will sprint to the podium with his name on the card.
3. Defensive end-Kyle Vanden Bosch suffered a neck injury but appears to be ready to go, his counterpart, Cliff Avril, recorded 8.5 sacks, so the starters are solid. There is little depth capable of pressing the passer so this is where Schwartz may lean when pick #13 is called.
4. Wide receiver-Johnson has been superb & Nate Burleson was more than adequate on the other side, but there's little depth beyond this pair.
5. Defensive tackle-A solid DT to work with this imposing line would make it just that much tougher. Starter Corey Williams is more of a rotational player, so another impact player to pair with Suh is on the Lions' shopping list.
Because of the way the draft falls, I'd say Amukamara is more of a dream than a realistic hope. I think Detroit will go defensive end in this spot, Aldon Smith, Da'Quan Bowers or possibly DT Corey Liuget to pair with Suh. There's a lot of talk the Lions will go OT in round one, but with Schwartz being a defensive coach, I think they'll go this way initially.
St. Louis #14
Last year's number one overall pick, quarterback Sam Bradford was as advertised, a true franchise quarterback in the making. He needs a lot of help tho.
1. Wide receiver-Because A.J. Green & Julio Jones will be long gone by time the Rams can pick, I don't see a 1st round WR in their future, but they will jump on one or two beginning in round two.
2. Defensive tackle-Too many times last season coach Steve Spagnuolo was forced to use a patchwork defensive tackle rotation. A top flight producer is needed.
3. Running back-A reliable change of pace back to spell Steven Jackson is a high priority. Jackson has taken a beating with all his touches since becoming a Ram.
4. Outside linebacker-MLB James Laurinaitis is a true anchor in the middle but he needs help on either side. Like the DT rotation, the outside linebackers were different from week to week.
5. Guard-Adam Goldberg & Jacob Bell started all 16 games but an upgrade at the position is needed. Both tackles,Roger Saffold & Jason Smith are very young & should be solid for another decade. Center Jason Brown is solid but needs improved help to either side.
Because of their needs & the way I expect the first round to fall, I expect the Rams to go defensive tackle or possible guard with Mike Pouncey.
Miami #15
The Dolphins wish list is extensive & with today's news regarding WR Brandon Marshall, the list may have gotten longer. Their quarterback play is shaky at best, they've lost their top 2 running backs, Ronnie Brown & Ricky Williams, their tight end play is sub-par & the offensive line needs help on the interior.
1. Running back-With the aforementioned Brown & Williams leaving, Miami has nothing. I expect them to grab one early & a second on day three.
2. Center-Jake grove was a total disappointment & his replacement Joe Berger wasn't much better.
3. Quarterback-Is Chad Henne a quality NFL starter or is he a better backup? Coach Tony Sparano will have to make that decision between now & Thursday night.
4. Wide receiver-Brandon Marshall might have punched his ticket out of town today with yet another domestic mess with his very combative wife. She stabbed him in what she claims was self defense. Devon Bess is a very reliable slot receiver on third down. Brian Hartline showed a little something before he broke his hand in December. They need a game changer, someone who can stretch the defense.
5. Tight End-Anthony Fasano is a decent producer, but with only 528-yards & 4 scores, the Dolphins need more production from this position. Some of his limited stats can be traced to Henne, but Fasano was a backup when he was traded to Miami & there are those of us who believe he still is.
Sitting at #15, Miami could pick a QB like Jake Locker or Andy Dalton. They could snag RB Mark Ingram, but that would be too high IMO. Florida's Mike Pouncey is a solid choice, he can play guard or center.
Comments