2010 NFL Team Needs: AFC West

Denver Broncos: 3-4 NT, 3-4 DE, RT, S, ILB, TE

After the upheaval in Denver, mockers will have to play a wait-and-see approach to what types of schemes and preferences the new regime brings to the team. I can’t imagine the Broncos going back to the 4-3 defense after just a recent change to the 3-4, even as poor a fit it may seem based on current personnel. Finding a nose tackle to anchor the front seven should be the team’s biggest priority. Jamal Williams is a shadow of what he once was and isn’t getting any younger. As pressing as their need in the middle is, their need for a defensive end, or even two, is just as high. If they can rebuild the defensive line, the return of Elvis Dumervil at OLB should help turn around this defense quickly, especially if they can re-sign Champ Bailey in the secondary. If he signs elsewhere, it leaves another huge vacancy on this defense. At safety, the Broncos will also be searching for a replacement for Brian Dawkins. Great safeties, though very few exist in today’s game, can make a huge impact on the secondary. There’s also a void at inside linebacker, though it’s not nearly as big as some of their other needs on that side of the ball. Finding a good pass rusher could also be another avenue for the Broncos if they don’t believe Dumervil will be the same impact player he was pre-injury. On offense, it’ll be interesting to see what type of system they bring in for Tim Tebow. It’s going to have to be something creative that can take advantage of his size and running ability, but also mask some of his passing deficiencies right now. Regardless, with Ryan Harris most likely heading out the door, the Broncos will need a tackle that can protect Tebow’s blindside (remember that he’s a left-handed quarterback). The Broncos struck gold on their free agent signing of Brandon Lloyd and drafted two capable receivers in Thomas and Decker as well, so Tebow has some targets to toss the ball to. At tight end though, they don’t have a receiver capable of stretching the seam, which could help open up the offense.

Kansas City Chiefs: RT, WR, 3-4 NT, 3-4 OLB, ILB, OL depth

With the progression of Matt Cassel at quarterback, the Chiefs are just a few pieces away from being an elite offense and that’s the direction I think they’ll go this offseason. It starts with improving the right tackle position, where Barry Richardson was just serviceable and the weak link this year. Though age could take a toll on the interior line with both Casey Wiegmann and Brian Waters well over 30, adding a top flight right tackle would give the Chiefs a pair of bookends for a decade. For this reason too, improving offensive line depth will be crucial so there isn’t much of a letdown when there is a noticeable drop-off in their play. The other important addition they must make on offense is at wide receiver opposite Dwayne Bowe. Bowe had a fantastic and efficient bounce back season, but the “other” receiver position opposite him has been largely unproductive. Dexter McCluster could be great operating out of the slot, but finding another starting caliber receiver would help bring great balance to an offense that’s on the cusp of breaking out. Defensively, the Chiefs secondary is young and nearly elite. The free safety spot next to Eric Berry is the one question mark, but aside from that, no other secondary has as much long term upside as does Kansas City’s. Up front though, the team has some work cut out for it. Tamba Hali is a terrific pass rusher and if they can pair him with another great speed rusher, the Chiefs could convert more of Hali’s pressures into sacks. The weakness on the defense this year was stopping the run, primarily up the middle. Starting NT Ron Edwards is a good rotational man, but not a good enough starter. Behind him, the same applies for Jovan Belcher. Improving the run defense for the Chiefs begins with bolstering the middle of the defense.

Oakland Raiders: QB, CB, WR, RT, DE, OLB, C

Quarterback is only a team need if they’re in a position to land a franchise caliber player, otherwise Jason Campbell will suffice for one more year. With JaMarcus Russell’s stink still in Oakland, it will probably convince the Raiders to not commit that much guaranteed money to an unproven quarterback until the rookie pay scale has been implemented. More realistic upgrades this season will continue along the offensive line. The loss of Tom Cable may prove to be even bigger than most expect. He was able to get the most of his inexperienced players and develop a good running game, though they struggled in pass protection. The Raiders do like the unproven Jared Veldheer on the left side, but the right tackle position is still a big hole and responsible for many of the sacks allowed last year. At center, Samson Satele played okay, but can definitely be upgraded with a bigger center that can get more push in the run game. However, the biggest expectation for the Raiders in free agency may be to target one of the true number one receivers available. Ford, Murphy, and Heyward-Bey would make for nice players at the 2-4 slots, but there’s no real go-to target outside of Zach Miller, the tight end. Defensively, the Raiders have made big improvements and to continue in a positive direction, re-signing Richard Seymour will be pivotal this offseason. The Raiders have done a good job of adding defensive linemen over the past few drafts, but should continue to keep doing that. Wimbley had a terrific season at outside linebacker for the Raiders, but on the other side, the Raiders must make an improvement. Re-signing free agent-to-be Nnamdi Asomugha will also be important, but with the inability to use the franchise tag on him, it’ll be interesting to see if Scrabble wants to actually re-sign with Oakland. The already pressing need at cornerback will otherwise get that much bigger.

San Diego Chargers: DE, RT, WR, OLB, CB, QB

Despite missing the playoffs, the Chargers seemingly have few needs on paper. They clearly need help on special teams and the only way to improve is through a coaching change and better health next season. The injuries they had at receiver and tight end that may have factored into their poor special teams play, which is why adding depth at those positions will be important. The Chargers will keep probably one of their two big play receivers, which should open up room on the roster. However, since Rivers proved capable of still putting up great numbers with a ragtag group of receivers, the need at the position isn’t as great as it may appear on paper. Even more important offensively will be finding a more capable right tackle to replace Clary who didn’t breakout as the Chargers expected he would. With Whitehurst out, a young back-up quarterback for Norv Turner to develop seems likely. Defensively, the Chargers played well and found a terrific nose tackle in Antonio Garray. Now they’ll need to add to the defensive line by adding a starting defensive end. Right now, they have a lineup of mostly rotational players. Shaun Phillips had a terrific season as a pass rusher, but the Chargers don’t have a player holding down the other spot. Depth at cornerback could also be a concern moving forward.

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