2009 NFL Draft: Team Needs

I'm still not doing a mock draft. It's the night before the draft and I'm going out to celebrate a friend's 21st birthday. I wanted to update all the info on this page for the start of the draft. Matthew Stafford has already been signed, and I read a report that the Rams bought Mark Sanchez a plane ticket to St. Louis for Sunday. The draft is already starting to shape out. In looking at the rest of the players available I think that there are about 6 or 7 elite talents in the first round and then the talent should all be pretty close until mid-way through the second round.

4/24/09

Detroit Lions

Needs: Everything.
High Picks: Round 1 pick 1, Round 1 pick 20, Round 2 pick 1, Round 3 pick 1, Round 3 pick 18
Not very specific on needs but when a team goes 0-16 not too many players are irreplaceable. As I mentioned in the intro paragraph Stafford has been signed. Look for the Lions to draft the best available player with the 20th pick or trade it to get more picks to fill more needs. Don't count anything out at pick #20.

St. Louis Rams

Needs: WR, OT, LB
High Picks: Round 1 pick 2, Round 2 pick 3, Round 3 pick 2
Last season the Rams decided not to re-sign Hall of Fame bound receiver Isaac Bruce and this year they released Torry Holt. Orlando Pace was also let go and the team could move Alex Barron over to left tackle and target a right tackle later in the draft. They could also use a hard-hitting linebacker to put some fear in their opponents. If the Lions don't take Jason Smith the Rams likely will. Also look out for Michael Crabtree, Eugene Monroe, Aaron Curry, or Andre Smith at pick number 2.

Kansas City Chiefs

Needs: OT, DT, LB
High Picks: Round 1 pick 3, Round 3 pick 3
Aaron Curry might still make a lot of sense here. Scott Pioli seems to be high on the linebacker from Wake Forest and he could be part of a rotation that includes Derrick Johnson and the recently signed Zach Thomas inside. Any team drafting in the top 10 has to be thinking about taking a tackle, when there are players who could turn into 10 year starters available. My darkhorse at this pick is BJ Raji of Boston College. He's the only first round talent at nose tackle and the Chiefs are converting to a 3-4 defense and could use Raji in the middle.

Seattle Seahawks

Needs: G, DE, WR, HB
High Picks: Round 1 pick 4, Round 2 pick 5, Round 3 pick 4
The signing of TJ Houshmandzadeh allows the Seahawks to decide whether they would be better going with Michael Crabtree or another player who might fill more of a need. Crabtree will be great in the NFL and will be considered by the Seahawks, but the team might be better served by drafting one of the tackles in this draft and shifting their offensive line around or drafting Brian Orakpo of Texas to add depth to their defensive line. This team was a playoff team two years ago and might be only one or two players away from returning. Look for them to fill their running back hole in the second or third round.

Cleveland Browns

Needs: WR, TE, CB, LB
High Picks: Round 1 pick 5, Round 2 pick 4, Round 2 pick 18
The Browns were a huge disappointment last year and have traded away malcontent Kellen Winslow Jr. Injuries to the top 2 quarterbacks and ineffectiveness all over the offense ruined this team's playoff dreams last season. If a trade of Shaun Rogers is made look for the team to draft BJ Raji. Otherwise they would be happy to draft Aaron Curry, if available, or possibly Malcolm Jenkins at cornerback. This should be the team looking the most at trading down out of the top 5.

Cincinnati Bengals

Needs: OT, WR, DE, LB, DT
High Picks: Round 1 pick 6, Round 2 pick 6, Round 3 pick 6, Round 3 pick 34
The Bengals drafted 3 wide receivers in last year's draft and signed Laveranues Coles in the offseason which should fill their need for a receiver to replace TJ Houshmandzadeh, but Crabtree might be too tempting to pass up at this pick. A bigger need, figuratively and literally, would be offensive tackle. Stacy Andrews, the team's franchise player last season, was not retained and there is a huge need for a franchise left tackle. Look for Andre Smith, as the top two tackles should already be off the board by now.

Oakland Raiders

Needs: WR, DT, S, DE
High Picks: Round 1 pick 7, Round 2 pick 8, Round 3 pick 7
Michael Crabtree should be the choice if he is available. Jeremy Maclin is another option but he reminds me too much of Johnnie Lee Higgins and the Raiders could find a good receiver in the second round. A name that has popped up and visited with the Raiders is Darrius Heyward-Bay. They addressed their offensive line in free agency and through trade, signing tackles Khalif Barnes and Marcus Johnson and trading for center Samson Satele, all former second round picks.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Needs: OT, WR, DT, LB
High Picks: Round 1 pick 8, Round 2 pick 7, Round 3 pick 8
Stafford or Sanchez are two names I'm hearing a lot for this team as either one would have the ability to sit behind David Garrard for a year or two before inheriting the starting job. That makes sense but I think this team has more immediate needs than a player who won't play for two years, and I don't think Garrard was the problem last year. This team really needs a deep threat at receiver and I think Maclin makes tremendous sense for the Jaguars. They could also go with a middle linebacker to replace Mike Peterson, who was in the doghouse last season before signing with the Falcons. I like either Rey Maualuga or Brian Cushing of USC.

Green Bay Packers

Needs: DT, LB, CB
High Picks: Round 1 pick 9, Round 2 pick 9, Round 3 pick 9, Round 3 pick 19
The Packers' defense was terrible last season and the team is now switching to a 3-4 philosophy. They already have many players in place but the addition of BJ Raji would be hard to ignore, even with Ryan Pickett expected to play nose tackle, and this is closer to his projected value. They could also use a cornerback to inject youth into the position. Either Vontae Davis or Malcolm Jenkins makes sense.

San Francisco 49ers

Needs: QB, WR, CB, OT, DT
High Picks: Round 1 pick 10, Round 2 pick 11, Round 3 pick 10
Sanchez would make sense here to become the future quarterback for a team traditionally rich at the position, unless the team decides Alex Smith might still develop. Vontae Davis could also come in and play on the same team as his brother, starting tight end Vernon Davis. My feeling is the 49ers should stick with Shaun Hill at qb if Smith doesn't work out and go with either a receiver or tackle to help solidify the offense.

Buffalo Bills

Needs: OT, G, LB, TE, DE
High Picks: Round 1 pick 11, Round 1 pick 28, Round 2 pick 10, Round 3 pick 11
The Bills didn't need a wide receiver but the addition of Terrell Owens might change their mind on drafting a tight end in the first round, where Brandon Pettigrew is a possibility. That position can now be filled later in the draft and allow the team to focus on either the offensive line or the other side of the ball. Another linebacker to team up with Kawika Mitchell would be a good idea and there should be several still available. Earlier I had written that the Bills might trade Peters to the Eagles for draft picks and then draft Peters' replacement. I still believe that but now the question becomes which pick do the Bills use on a tackle? They will have some choices with either first round choice and might luck out later in the draft and find a starter. I think it's tackle first, offensive playmaker second.

Denver Broncos

Needs: Defense
High Picks: Round 1 pick 12, Round 1 pick 18, Round 2 pick 16, Round 3 pick 15, Round 3 pick 20
The Broncos could have a good offense next season with Kyle Orton at qb, and Eddie Royal and Brandon Marshall at receiver. The real question is how will the defense will perform in a transition to a 3-4. The biggest need is at linebacker, where either Maualuga or Cushing of USC and Laurinaitis of Ohio State would all fit in this defense. The defensive line is another priority and that need should be filled later in the draft. Keep an eye on Everette Brown or Aaron Maybin in the first round. They would play outside linebacker in a 3-4 and have ideal size and speed. BJ Raji is also a reported target but his linemate at Boston College, Ron Brace, could also play the nose in the NFL and is projected to be drafted in the second round. The team received high picks from the Bears for Jay Cutler and needs to use them well if they want to improve as a team.

Washington Redskins

Needs: OT, DE, LB
High Picks: Round 1 pick 13, Round 3 pick 16
Chris Samuels and Jon Jansen are nearing the ends of their careers and Jason Taylor has been released. The 'Skins made a huge splash in free agency with the acquisition of Albert Haynesworth and a defensive end with pass-rushing ability to play next to Haynesworth would be a great move. Robert Ayers, if available, should be the pick here. Michael Oher should also get strong consideration if the Redskins decide to go with a tackle.

New Orleans Saints

Needs: CB, LB, RB, OT
High Picks: Round 1 pick 14
The Saints released Deuce McAllister in the offseason and could be looking for another inside runner at this position. Chris Wells could fill that need. If the Saints decide Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush are good enough then cornerback should be the choice. If both Jenkins and Davis are gone then DJ Moore of Vanderbilt becomes the best corner available.

Houston Texans

Needs: CB, QB
High Picks: Round 1 pick 15, Round 2 pick 14, Round 3 pick 13
The Texans' biggest need was a defensive end to play opposite Mario Williams. That need was filled with Antonio Smith and the Texans' biggest need now is a cornerback and a backup to Matt Schaub. Dan Orlovsky was signed to be Schaub's backup, but I'm not too confident of his ability. The pick is the best corner available or Mark Sanchez or Matt Stafford if one of them fall, but look for the Texans to wait until later in the draft to find a quarterback they can develop.

San Diego Chargers

Needs: RB, DE, LB
High Picks: Round 1 pick 16, Round 3 pick 14
The Chargers restructured LaDainian Tomlinson's contract and will give him fewer touches this season, but they should be looking to draft his replacement. Knowshon Moreno of Georgia has the closest skill set but another option is Chris Wells. They also need to find a replacement for Igor Olshansky, or at least depth at defensive end if his replacement is already on the roster. Another option would be to draft Rey Maualuga to give that defense even more nastiness. He might be just what they need to finally get the team playing in February.

New York Jets

Needs: QB, WR
High Picks: Round 1 pick 17, Round 2 pick 20, Round 3 pick 12
The Jets would love for one of the top two quarterbacks to fall to them at this slot. If not they have options at receiver. Darrius Heyward-Bey is a big receiver with speed and could make whoever the starting quarterback is a better player in a season or two. Look for the Jets to address the quarterback position at some point in this draft. Josh Freeman of Kansas State is another possibility, but I think he's more bust than boom.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Needs: WR, DT, LB
High Picks: Round 1 pick 19, Round 3 pick 17
No team has undergone as much of an offseason transformation as the Buccaneers. They cut long-time leader Derrick Brooks along with 4 others and fired their head coach. This is a team undergoing a youth movement while still trying to be competitive. With the signing of Byron Leftwich they seem to be out of the running for a first round quarterback. Look for Peria Jerry out of Ole Miss to go here. He's a big defensive tackle and would immediately help this defense.

Philadelphia Eagles

Needs: WR, RB, TE
High Picks: Round 1 pick 21, Round 2 pick 21, Round 3 pick 21
The Eagles played well last season, especially after the benching of Donovan McNabb and the only significant losses this offseason have been Brian Dawkins and William Thomas. Dawkins will be replaced with Sean Jones. The team only needs to upgrade some positions and add youth to a veteran team. The receiving corps received a huge boost in DeSean Jackson in the second round last year out of Cal and could look to the same round to upgrade the position this season if a trade isn't worked out for Anquan Boldin. What I think the Eagles will do is look to draft a running back. Knowshon Moreno would be a steal for the Eagles as he is very similar to Brian Westbrook and could eventually replace him down the road. With the addition of Jason Peters via trade the team no longer has to worry about offensive tackle.

Minnesota Vikings

Needs: WR, DT, C
High Picks: Round 1 pick 22, Round 2 pick 22, Round 3 pick 22
The Vikings traded for Sage Rosenfels to upgrade the quarterback position and has a very solid defense. Depth could be added at defensive tackle in case either Kevin or Pat Williams goes down for an extended period of time. The real hole on this team is at center. Alex Mack and Max Unger are the top rated players at that position and Mack could be a great pick for this team.

New England Patriots

Needs: LB, CB
High Picks: Round 1 pick 23, Round 2 pick 2, Round 2 pick 15, Round 2 pick 26, Round 3 pick 25, Round 3 pick 33
The Patriots have a bevy of high draft picks due to smart trades from the past two seasons and received 3 compensatory picks. The biggest addition for them will be the return of Tom Brady. This is a team with very few real needs except for youth. Belichick always does well drafting and should find a star outside linebacker in this draft, as well as a possible backup quarterback somewhere in the later rounds, though Kevin O'Connell was drafted in the third round last year to serve as Tom Brady's backup and possible replacement.

Atlanta Falcons

Needs: LB, DT, S, TE
High Picks: Round 1 pick 24, Round 2 pick 23, Round 3 pick 26
The Falcons played much better than anyone expected with the additions of Matt Ryan and Michael Turner. Now it's the defense's turn for big time acquisitions. The Falcons really need a run-stopping defensive tackle and more talent at linebacker with the losses of Keith Brooking and Michael Boley. Mike Peterson was picked up to man the middle, but is past his glory days at this point in his career. Another good possibility would be the selection of Brandon Pettigrew, Travis Beckum or Chase Coffman at tight end to add more weapons to an already dangerous offense. That being said I would look for the Falcons to go defense with most of their picks. Rashad Johnson would be a great pick in the second round at safety.

Miami Dolphins

Needs: LB, CB, DT, WR
High Picks: Round 1 pick 25, Round 2 pick 12, Round 2 pick 24, Round 3 pick 23
I could see the Dolphins going after Tyson Jackson of LSU to play defensive end, a position I didn't list in the needs. His position isn't a need but he seems like a Parcells type of player. They could use a nose tackle, which they will find later in the draft or free agency and a bigger receiver to run the intermediate routes and free up the coverage for Ted Ginn Jr. to get deep. The top corners should be gone at this point in the draft and that position might be filled in the middle rounds.

Baltimore Ravens

Needs: ILB, WR, OT
High Picks: Round 1 pick 26, Round 2 pick 25, Round 3 pick 24
The Ravens lost out on some of the big name receivers on the free agent market and now have to fill that position in the draft. Hakeem Nicks, Derrick Williams, Kenny Britt and Percy Harvin could be among the available players at the position and all would fill their need. Nicks is extremely talented and could take Derrick Mason's job down the road if drafted. One name I didn't even think of until I saw it in a mock draft that actually makes perfect sense would be James Laurinaitis.

Indianapolis Colts

Needs: WR, DT, RB, LB
High Picks: Round 1 pick 27, Round 2 pick 29, Round 3 pick 28
The Colts could trade down if they don't like what they see when they pick. Percy Harvin would be an interesting choice to man the slot for the Colts and could ultimately be their choice. Depth on the offensive and defensive lines should be filled and a backup for Joseph Addai should be a priority. I like Shonn Greene in the second round to fill that role.

New York Giants

Needs: WR
High Picks: Round 1 pick 29, Round 2 pick 13, Round 2 pick 28, Round 3 pick 27, Round 3 pick 36
Looking at the Giants' depth chart I see no glaring needs. If Plaxico Burress is able to return to this team it should be considered the favorite to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. The problems facing this team last year was injury, especially to the defensive line, and with Osi Umenyiora returning this team should be back to playing like it did when it upset the Patriots in the Super Bowl. Look for the Giants to go after a receiver if they can't work out a deal for Anquan Boldin.

Tennessee Titans

Needs: WR, DT
High Picks: Round 1 pick 30, Round 2 pick 30, Round 3 pick 30
The Titans lost their best player when Albert Haynesworth signed with the Redskins and he will be very difficult to replace. Fortunately  there are some players available at the position. Evander Hood, Sen'Derrick Marks and Fili Moala all should be available when the Titans pick and are first round worthy. Marks might be the best of the trio. Receiver should also be a priority as Kerry Collins didn't have a real go-to player when he was forced to pass.

Arizona Cardinals

Needs: HB, C, DE
High Picks: Round 1 pick 31, Round 2 pick 31, Round 3 pick 31
The Cardinals surprised the nation by advancing to the Super Bowl. Larry Fitzgerald took over every game he played in the postseason and the Cardinals displayed offensive balance the first 3 games. Holes were also exposed in those games, and more were created by free agency. Antonio Smith, the starting defensive end, left during free agency and Bertrand Berry is getting older. Edgerrin James gave it his all in the playoffs but the team could use a good young running back for balance during the regular season. A name I hear a lot of is LeSean McCoy of Pitt. He's a tough runner with breakaway speed who could be just what this offense needs. Some high picks were used on the defensive line last year and if the Cardinals have faith in Calais Campbell they might not address the defensive end position. Keep an eye on Max Unger if he's available to the Cards in the second round.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Needs: OL, CB
High Picks: Round 1 pick 32, Round 2 pick 32, Round 3 pick 32
The Steelers are lucky that they don't have many needs. They can go for the top player on their draft board regardless of position. I believe they go after their top rated offensive linemen with at least 2 picks in this draft and they have to solidify the corner position. This team doesn't need to add much, as their only losses in free agency were Bryant McFadden and Nate Washington, who was going to lose playing time with the emergence of Limas Sweed.

Chicago Bears

Needs: WR, S, DT
High Picks: Round 2 pick 17, Round 3 pick 35
The Bears' offense has been lackluster the last few years but found a real gem in Matt Forte of Tulane in the second round last year. He is already their best offensive player. Their biggest need is a play-making receiver to take some of the focus off Devin Hester. Hakeem Nicks and Derrick Williams could be available in round 2 and the Bears are expected to go with a receiver unless they see a safety they like. This offense should be a lot better with Jay Cutler and Orlando Pace added to the team, but the offense could still use a few players.

Dallas Cowboys

Needs: DT
High Picks: Round 2 pick 19, Round 3 pick 5
This team is full of talent and doesn't seem to need any particular positions except for a disruptive nose tackle. Their choices will be limited after giving up first and third round draft choices for Roy Williams. They will have options, as there should be some very good defensive tackles available when they pick.

Carolina Panthers

Needs: DT, QB, TE
High Picks: Round 2 pick 27, Round 3 pick 29
Julius Peppers wants to leave the team to play linebacker in a 3-4 scheme and if Carolina is able to manage a deal they would receive a lot of draft picks in exchange, but would be stupid for doing so. Peppers is an elite talent and should be built around to make him happy. On the other side of the ball Jake Delhomme still has a little left in his tank but the time is now to start grooming his replacement. One interesting prospect could be Rhett Bomar, who was a top recruit at Oklahoma before losing his scholarship due to off-the-field reasons. He is accurate with a strong arm. He just needs to be able to make the transition from a Division I-AA school.