Atlanta Falcons: DE, OLB, WR, OG/OC, NT
The Falcons have found a nice pass rush and tackle inside in Jonathan Babineaux, but one-more-year Anderson has used up every bit of patience the organization and the fans have. They need to find an end that can draw attention and consistently apply pressure on the passer. Inside, they’ll have Peria Jerry coming off the IR, but should still look for a low investment at Nose Tackle in case he isn’t able to provide much of a run-stopping presence. Mike Peterson looked good early in the year at OLB, but struggled later on. If they can find a weakside player, they’ll have superb, young group headed by Curtis Lofton. On offense, how many more years can they go on with Michael Jenkins as their number two? He’s developed into a reliable player, in that you can rely on him to make few plays and get you around 600 yards per season. Another boost to the passing game could come by finding better interior pass protectors. The worst pass rush Matt Ryan faced all year was up the middle, which makes it difficult as a quarterback.
Carolina Panthers: DT, WR, DE, OL depth, QB depth, OLB
With an insurmountable running game, the Panthers should make attempts this offseason to bolster the rest of the offense and build from there. Most importantly, that includes giving Matt Moore a legitimate number 2 option. Behind Moore they could use a veteran or another mid-round pick to compete in case things turn sour. In the meantime, they should use last year as a lesson in improving the offensive line depth. The starting RG position is still questionable, though it’s not the most crucial upgrade right now. What they need to do is find an athletic lineman possibly capable of filling in for their powerful left side if either Gross or Wharton goes down. Defensively, the Panthers were ravaged with injuries at defensive tackle and after releasing a pair of veterans, they only have bodies. They should look to infuse the entire line with talent after losing Julius Peppers as well. At outside linebacker, James Anderson still has much to prove while Thomas Davis will be returning from a torn ACL injury that cost him much of the year.
New Orleans Saints: DE, OLB, DT, S, C
Not surprisingly, the majority of the needs for the league’s best offense and Super Bowl champions lie on the defensive side of the ball. They’re a very opportunistic defense, but are susceptible to allowing points in bunches. Aside from Will Smith, the Saints struggled to dial up much of a pass rush. If Smith falls off, the Saints will be very susceptible to good offenses. In the middle they could also stand to add a run-stuffing defensive tackle to play alongside Sedrick Ellis. The Saints’ secondary played well last year with the defense picking off 26 passes, especially the corners. The team has an offer on the table to free safety Darren Sharper, but if the two sides can’t come to agreement, the team will look for a player to replace him, which would allow Malcolm Jenkins to stay at cornerback. Their lone need on offense exists in the middle of the offensive line at center. While Jonathan Goodwin played well, he enters this season on a contract year while turning 32 in December.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: DT, WR, CB, DE, OL
The biggest concern in solidifying the Buccaneers defense is plugging up the middle of the line and getting some decent production out of it. One of the top two defensive tackles in the draft could be a great place to start rebuilding. The work won’t be done there though, as they’ll need a consistent threat off the edge to cure one of the most lethargic pass rushes in the league over the past 2 years. In the secondary, Aqib Talib is making is a name as one of the better young corners, but Ronde Barber is slowly regressing and the Bucs’ bench has no prospect who can realistically step up when he’s gone. The biggest need on the other side of the ball is a pure number one receiver – a playmaker who can impose a scare into a defense and utilize Josh Freeman’s cannon. There are mixed opinions about nearly every player on the offensive line and it’s tough to grade them when they have such little talent and inconsistent play around them. The best way to improve the line is start drafting linemen that can play multiple positions and open up battles in camp to see what they truly have.
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