2010 NFL Team Needs: NFC West

Arizona Cardinals: QB, 3-4 OLB, CB, OL, TE, WR depth

If there were any question on how important the quarterback position is in the NFL, look no further than the 2009 and 2010 Arizona Cardinals for your answer. Without Kurt Warner, the Cardinals showcased a revolving door of hot garbage one after the other. That’s not to say that either Max Hall or John Skelton can’t be the answer, just that they were FAR from it this year. Still, that’s also not to say they should focus their entire offseason around finding a franchise quarterback, but just someone capable of winning some football games and consistently getting the ball out to the talented playmakers. In front of him, the Cardinals must improve the offensive line if they’re going to have success and they can’t handcuff themselves looking for a certain position as they did when they drafted Levi Brown. They need to take the best player available and let the rest play out in training camp and preseason for the starting five. They should further hard to improve their tight ends, a position that’s becoming more important in the NFL. Either a great blocker or receiver could really open up the run game or the pass game. Steve Breaston may not return due to health concerns and adding depth at receiver going forward may be considered. Still, the number five pick seems too high to target a quarterback or any of their offensive needs, so either trading down or turning to defense seems like the appropriate direction. On that side of the ball, cornerback and outside linebacker are both big needs. The pass rush last year was uninspired with Calais Campbell leading the team in sacks (6). At outside linebacker, they need better production than they received from the past-prime Joey Porter and Clark Haggans. In the secondary, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie took a gigantic plunge backwards and allowed too many plays in the backend. Greg Toler on the other hand played better than expected, but not good enough to be a full time starter. If they can find impact player at each of these positions by next season, their defense will be in good position to keep the team competitive on a weekly basis. That would just leave the issue of finding a productive quarterback to take the team back into the Super Bowl hunt.

St. Louis Rams: WR, OG, DL, OLB, CB depth, RB depth

For their organization, it seems the Rams made the right decision in selecting Sam Bradford #1 overall, no matter how impressive Suh has looked in Detroit. Now that they’ve made the decision, they can’t stunt his growth and must continue to surround him with the type of weapons that will make him a successful quarterback and build the offense into a powerhouse. Though they suffered many injuries at wide receiver, it’s important they head into this offseason with the objective of improving the position and finding a player with whom Bradford can develop a great connection. Both the draft and free agency have several options. The other important area of improvement should come from the interior line. The starters were weak and it doesn’t appear they have anyone on the bench they can count for internal improvement. Solidifying the middle of the line will not only curtail pressure in Bradford’s face, but more importantly help Steven Jackson return to producing like one of the league’s elite backs. This was an area in which he struggled to produce last year. As Jackson gets older, he may still be a good power back, but complementing him with a speed back could extend his use in St. Louis. Defensively, the Rams have really whiffed on their draft picks on the defensive line over the last decade. Chris Long finally took a big step forward in 2010 and finished near the top of the league in quarterback pressures, but he can’t carry the line on his own. At the other end, they have a pair of rotational guys in James Hall and George Selvie, but could use a true starter. At defensive tackle the resurgent Fred Robbins won’t be enough. They passed on an elite disruptive tackle last year, but shouldn’t pass up the opportunity this year if it becomes available to them. Outside linebacker is another position they’ve had struggles filling the last few years. Right now they start a pair of 7th round picks from years past, but should look to surround James Laurinaitis with more talent. Their secondary emerged as one of the big surprises for the Rams’ in 2010. The tandem of Bartell and Fletcher may be shut-down for years to come and only their sub-package defense remains a concern. This improvement could come internally with several young players vying for the position, but a veteran free agent could bolster it even sooner with more reliability.

San Francisco 49ers: QB, 3-4 OLB, CB, WR, 3-4 NT, OL depth

The 49ers landed the prized coach of the offseason by hiring Stanford’s Jim Harbaugh. He was not only instrumental in turning around two collegiate programs, but also in the development of two great collegiate quarterbacks in Josh Johnson and Andrew Luck. The organization has high hopes and expects him to do the same in San Francisco. While he’ll become the de facto offensive coordinator, sources expect him to bring his Stanford defensive coordinator, Vic Fangio, with him to NFL. If this materializes, expect him to retain the 3-4 defense. This means re-signing Aubrayo Franklin and/or finding another nose tackle will be important this offseason. Even more so will be finding a pass rusher off the edge, something the Niners haven’t had for a couple years. If they can build a strong front 7 this year, Fangio can utilize his Dom Capers-like defense to cause pressure and force turnovers. In the secondary, the Niners need to be able to find more stability at cornerback. Nate Clements is still playing pretty well for them, but is scheduled to make $7.25 million this upcoming year. He could be a potential cut candidate, which would widen the void at the position. Offensively, Harbaugh will probably begin his search for his own quarterback rather than re-signing Alex Smith, as most new head coaches do once they arrive at their new destination. In the first round, the 49ers have some options, but they could also delay until next year and decide to go the route of free agency for a short term fix. With the urgency of rebuilding the offensive line last year and the selections of Crabtree and Vernon, the 49ers seem to be working their way to an elite offense without the quarterback. They should continue to strength the wide receiver position, which would make the development of a quarterback that much easier and continue to add late draft picks to the offensive line to bolster the depth up front. With an offensive-minded coach and a lot of strengths on that side of the ball, it sure seems that offense will be driving this team in the future.

Seattle Seahawks: QB, RT, CB, SS, OG, DL depth

Who would have believed that it would be the NFC West champs that would knock out the defending Super Bowl champions from the playoffs? This is a completely different team from the days when Matt Hasselbeck was a Pro Bowler. The Seahawks are a young team looking to slowly part ways with its aging veterans and rebuild as a team of the future. Despite Hasselbeck’s eye-opening performance versus the Saints, he isn’t getting younger and his arm isn’t getting strong. Quarterback will still sit atop the Seahawks’ draft needs this offseason. After several years in the league, it’s obvious that Charlie Whitehurst is not the answer to their solution, though the organization may still hold out hope. At left tackle, Russell Okung is going to be a Pro Bowler if he can manage to stay healthy, but the right tackle and offensive guard situations are murky at best. If they can continue their rebuilding effort up front, the combination of Lynch, Washington, and Forsett at running back would suffice as would their receiving corps. There’s talent and depth at each of their skill positions and if coupled with a strong offensive line, could make the backbone of a powerful offense. On the other side of the ball, the strength of the team lies in its front 7. Brandon Mebane is about as good as they come versus the run as a defensive tackle. The pass rush had some unexpected success by the combination of Raheem Brock and Chris Clemons on the outside. If they can continue to add depth along the line and develop their young players, it could be the unit that leads a sturdy defense. The linebackers are equally as impactful. In the secondary, the Seahawks do have some concerns. They found a terrific ballhawk in Earl Thomas whose shown rare range for a safety. At strong safety, the aging Lawyer Milloy is a free agent and won’t provide them with many good years. At cornerback Kelly Jennings is a free agent, but Walter Thurmond appears to be a good find. The position isn’t weak, but could still be improved in a major way as indicated by the 31 touchdowns allowed on the year.

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