It is time to do my greatest masterpiece yet: the NFL team needs list. In order of 1st round pick, I decipher what each team's three biggest needs are and who would be the ideal pick for each position. This will conclude with a 3 round "ideal mock draft." This is not like other mock drafts- this is not what I think WILL happen, but rather what should happen (hence ideal.0 Happy reading!
NFL Team Needs:
Kansas City Chiefs- 2-14
For a team that was-based on record-the worst in the NFL,
the Chiefs actually don’t have many needs. Most of their poor play was based on
bad coaching and some bad luck. The few needs like quarterback, offensive
lineman and cornerback were addressed in free agency and through trades. Their
focus in this draft should be to add young depth to the team and fill the few
needs that the team still has lingering.
1] Offensive Tackle-
regardless of whether the Chiefs make Brandon Albert a right tackle or left
tackle, one of the tackle spots needs to be fulfilled in the draft. And maybe
two are needed if Albert is traded for a second round pick as he is rumored to
be. This will probably end up being Luke Joeckel with the first overall pick,
which is a solid selection for the Chiefs biggest need.
Ideal Pick: 1(1): OT
Luke Joeckel- Texas A&M
2] Inside Linebacker-
The Chiefs, who play a 3-4, need a inside linebacker to play alongside Derrick
Johnson after the unfortunate Jovan Belcher death. The Chiefs did not sign an
inside linebacker in free agency which leads me to believe that they are
looking to address it in an early round in the NFL draft.
Ideal Pick: 3(1): ILB
Jonathan Bostic- Florida
3] Running back- Seriously,
the Chiefs have so much talent that they are looking for back ups in the draft.
Jamal Charles is a quality running back but he is always having injury issues. Peyton
Hillis provided the thunder to Charles’ speed but he has fallen off the face of
the NFL due to injury issues of his own. Teams need at least two quality
running backs in the NFL, so the Chiefs must address it in the draft. They
Chiefs have a compensatory pick, which they will use here.
Ideal Pick: 3(34): RB
Stephon Jefferson- Nevada
Jacksonville Jaguars- 2-14
The Jaguars are in the parallel opposite of the Chiefs. They
could draft any player and it would fill a need, to a certain extent. The team
is a mess but luckily, Gus Bradley is looking to turn things around. I think
the Jaguars need to focus on drafting a mix of quality playmakers and safer,
role players. Basically, they need to go into every pick with the thought that,
whoever they draft, will be their starter next year. They are a rebuilding
team. This draft should focus on defense though, since it is the stronger part
of the draft.
1] Outside Linebacker-
After Daryl Smith was mysteriously not resigned, the Jaguars have a massive
need at outside linebacker. The signing of Geno Hayes takes care of one outside
linebacker but another is in desperate need. The team was dead last in the NFL
in sacks and had one of the worst run defenses in the NFL. That being said,
this is a very deep class in terms of linebackers so the Jaguars would be
better off if they waited at least to the second round to draft an outside linebacker
who can also rush the QB. No reason to waste a first round pick on a player who
is slightly better than his peers.
Ideal Pick: 2(1): LB Khaseem Greene- Rutgers
2] Cornerback- Here
are the two cornerbacks on the Jaguars roster: a six round pick named William
Middleton, and recently signed free agent Alan Ball who is a career backup and
more effective on special teams than coverage. It is time that Jacksonville
find one, if not two, solid young corners to solidify the secondary. And, they
should look early, with their first round pick. Gus Bradley understands the
necessity of cornerbacks, (see the Seattle duo) and with the amount of talent
early in the draft at this position, it becomes a no brainer. I like DeMarcus
Milner and Xavier Rhodes, but Milner is a better fit for Bradley’s defense as
his physical style is needed to stop the run effectively as well as play solid
man coverage.
Ideal Pick: 1(2): CB
DeMarcus Milner- Alabama
3] Strong Safety- This
was a toss up between offensive tackle and strong safety, but at least the
Jaguars have Cameron Bradfield to fill the right tackle position if need be.
The Jaguars don’t have anyone at strong safety since Dawan Landry signed with
the Jets. With such a talented class of safteys this year in the draft, the
Jaguars would be wise to draft one in an early round to help the backend of the
defense as well as get a hard hitter.
Ideal Pick: 3(2): SS
T.J. McDonald- USC
Oakland Raiders- 4-12
The Oakland Raiders are a mess. They have way too many
inconsistencies and organizational turnover. Luckily, the draft is the best way
to establish good talent. The Raiders, like the Jaguars, have needs at many
positions and would be best suited to draft the best player available. Also
like the Jaguars, they should focus on defense.
1] Free Safety- Like
the Jaguars, the Raiders biggest need comes at a position which has a lot of
depth in this year’s class. The Raiders lost Michael Huff, who was their most
talented player on the Raiders’ defense last year (not saying much), to the
Ravens in free agency. This is a huge need since it seems like whoever is
playing free safety will need to play great deep coverage as the Raiders’
corners are suspect. Since the Jaguars do not have a 2nd round pick,
and they need to fill their third round pick with another position, they will
have to reach deep. But, like I said, I think there is good talent back there.
Ideal Pick: 4(3): FS
Josh Evans- Florida
2] Pass rusher- It
doesn’t matter if it’s a defensive end, tackle, linebacker (inside or outside),
someone for the silver and black needs to sack the quarterback! (hey, that
rhymed) Here is the deal, the Raiders have signed multiple one or maybe two
year starters to add depth but they need an explosive play maker so that they
don’t keep ending up drafting in the top 10 ever year. If the Jaguars do end up
taking a corner, then the Raiders can have their way with the talented group of
players.
Ideal Pick: 1(3): DE
Ezekiel Ansah- BYU
3] Tight End- This
draft should be defensive for the Raiders but drafting a tight end is a must
since they lost Brandon Myers to the Giants. Matt Flynn needs a solid tight end
to build his confidence and to compliment the speedy wide outs of Oakland. This
is a pretty good crop of tight ends at the top so the Raiders may need to trade
up or get lucky.
Ideal Pick: 3(4): TE
Jordan Reed- Florida
Philadelphia Eagles- 4-12
The “dream team” is over but the good news is that a
complete rebuild is not necessary. The Eagles have some good young talent to
help recoup the mess of the past couple of years. The Eagles need to focus on
the offensive line in this draft. They couldn’t block anyone last year, which
resulted in Michael Vick being rushed out of the pocket constantly and end up
with broken bones and interceptions. Other than that, the Eagles have done a
nice job in free agency to fill all of the big needs.
1] Right Tackle- Jason
Peters coming back is a good thing, but his recovery may be slow. And that’s on
the left side of the line! King Dunlap was playing right tackle and, despite
the fact that he was terrible, is gone anyway. The need for right tackle
becomes even more eminent when one considers that Michael Vick is a lefty, which
means the right side is the blind one. That all being said, with such a good
class, the Eagles can probably find a competent starter early.
Ideal Pick: 1(4): OT
Eric Fisher- Central Michigan
2] Cornerback-
Remember when everyone thought the Eagles were Superbowl bound because they
signed Dominique Rodgers Cromartie AND Nnamdi Asomough? That ended in failure
as the team ended up in a worse place in coverage then they were the year
before. Now the Eagles have Cary Wiliams and Bradley Fletcher, but neither of
those can take on a top wide receiver like Hakeem Nicks or Dez Bryant (who make
up 4 of the Eagles games.) The Eagles need to take one early, and probably need
to take another corner in the later rounds.
Ideal Pick: 2(3): CB
Jamar Taylor- Boise State
3] Center- The
Eagles have a starting center in Jason Kelce but his poor play and injury
history probably deems an upgrade necessary. With the focus of the draft being
on the offensive line, grabbing a starting center in an early round can at
least add depth and at most help Vick stay on his feet.
Ideal Pick: 3(5): C
Travis Frederick- Wisconsin
Detroit Lions- 4-12
The Lions have some major organizational issues. They make
boneheaded plays, always have locker room drama and can never seem to do enough
to solidify a victory. This draft should focus on drafting quality guys- both
on and off the field. Detroit needs a major attitude adjustment if they want to
reach the level of success, which they have the talent for.
1] Defensive End- The
Lions lost Cliff Avril to the Seahawks in free agency, which is unfortunate
given the amount of young talent he had and the relatively cheap price he
signed for. The Lions also probably need to find a successor to Kyle Vanden
Bosch who really regressed this past season. Luckily, the talent at the top of
the draft is really good this year for defensive end so the Lions should have
no problem drafting a quality defensive end to fill their biggest need.
Ideal Pick: 1(5): DE/OLB
Dion Jordan- Oregon
2] Offensive Tackle- It
was a toss up between offensive tackle and defensive end for the Lions’ biggest
need. Jeff Backus retired and Riley Reiff is moving to guard which means the
Lions are probably looking for two offensive tackles. One must be drafted in
the first two rounds of the draft, as the Lions did sign Corey Hilliard who
could be the other starter if a late round flyer doesn’t work out. What I like
about Kyle Long is that he can also play guard so if Reiff stays at tackle, the
Lions can use Long as the right or left guard.
Ideal Pick: 2(4): OT
Kyle Long- Oregon
3] Wide Receiver-
This sounds crazy considering the Lions have the best receiver in the NFL but
the team is in desperate need of a #2 wide receiver. Ryan Broyles, while
talented, has torn two ACLs his short football career. Nate Burleson, Bryant
Johnson and Mike Thomas are backups at best. The Lions have to add more weapons
in order to keep Stafford confident and keep the tempo of the game up.
Ideal Pick: 3(3): WR
Ryan Swope- Texas A&M
Cleveland Browns- 5-11
The Browns are a young team who can never finish a game.
They have some young offensive stars and a very underrated defense. If they can
have a good draft here, they make surprise some folks next year. In the draft, the
Browns have a myriad of positions to fix so they would probably be best suited
taking the best player available. Lucky for them, the high draft picks will
probably allow them such options.
1] Inside Linebacker-
Don’t be surprised if the Browns trade down this year considering they lost a
second round pick in the supplemental draft (Josh Gordon) and really like Manti
Te’o, who would be a major reach at the 1(6). Chris Gocong is an average player
who is coming off a torn Achilles while D’Qwell Jackson is probably best suited
as the weak side linebacker. Assuming the Browns stay where they are, this pick
is probably best suited for a later round as the talent this year is deep.
Ideal Pick: 4(7): ILB
Nico Johnson- Alabama
2] Offensive Guard- The Browns have a solid
offensive line, but their weak link is Shawn Lauvao who should have been
replaced midway through the season. Spending an early pick on a guard makes
sense given the talent in this year’s class and the relative need for the team.
Trent Richardson cannot go down with another injury and, if nothing else,
adding a guard would provide more depth for a team that desperately needs it.
Ideal Pick: 3(6): G Barrett Jones- Alabama
3] Cornerback- Even
though the Browns did sign Chris Owens and have Joe Haden, a team can never
have too many good cornerbacks, especially a team that was constantly beaten
deep like the Browns were. Assuming the Browns stay at the 1(6), this is
probably the best chance they have to solidify their secondary as either Xavier
Rhodes or Dee Milner would fill the need. Since I have Milner taken early,
Rhodes will be taken here.
Ideal Pick: 1(6): CB
Xavier Rhodes- Florida State
Arizona Cardinals- 5-11
The team started 4-0 but then lost 11 of their last 12
games! The good news is that Arizona has a young, talented defense so look for
them to draft offense. They need help along the line and probably need some
more explosive playmakers as well. A few late round defensive players make
sense especially given the talent and depth of the defense this year.
1] Quarterback- This
will be my most controversial selection in the entire ideal mock draft so hang
tight- just to let you know, the ideal pick is Matt Barkley at the 1(7). The
NFL Draft is notorious for selections which don’t make that much sense at first
but after a deeper look, can be made much more clear. First, start with Carson Palmer.
He is old and has lost a lot of his talent (see Oakland 2012) so giving the
team the option of going with the young guy if Palmer doesn’t work out is a
huge possibility. Even though the Cardinals did sign Drew Stanton, he has
proven nothing more than a career backup. But why does that have to be a first
round pick given the terrible talent in this year’s class? I think that is
silly logic, grouping a QB class together doesn’t make sense given that every
QB and his story is different. And each QB would be a different fit in
different offenses. Barkley would be a great fit in Bruce Arians’ offense as
his accuracy and potential is just a step behind Andrew Luck. Barkley would
have a mentor in Carson Palmer (who also went to USC) similar to Drew Brees to
Phillip Rivers or Kurt Warner to Eli Manning. Once Palmer proves he has lost a
step, Barkley can come in. And, its not like the Cardinals are all that
invested in Palmer since he was just a 7th round pick. Barkley would
be popular with the fans and they can correct the wrongs of a past USC QB
mistake they made. If they wait till the second round, some team will take a
leap and draft Barkley. The pick has to be now.
Ideal Pick: 1(7): QB Matt
Barkley- USC
2] Offensive Tackle-
Levi Brown was injured this past year but also needs to be upgraded or at least
moved to right tackle until he can fully unleash is potential. The Cardinals
have done nothing at this position in free agency so that probably means they
will be looking for one in the draft. Unfortunately for them, Joeckel and
Fisher will probably both be off the board at this point and Lane Johnson isn’t
nearly as talented as the other two are so look for them to take a tackle in a
later round. Also, Justin Pugh makes the most amount of sense for the Cardinals
since he can play guard, which is also a position of need for them. If Pugh
doesn’t work at tackle, moving him to guard is an option which means that the
Cardinals would not be wasting a high second round pick on a backup (as they
have been known to do.)
Ideal Pick: 2(6): OT/G
Justin Pugh- Syracuse
3] Inside Linebacker-
The Cardinals are in desperate need for an inside linebacker. Daryl
Washington has been suspended 4 games due to substance abuse while Paris Lennon
is a 35 year old free agent who should probably just retire. The Cardinals have
also done nothing about this position in free agency but that shouldn’t be a
problem given that there is tremendous depth at inside linebacker this year. Cornelius
Washington can also play outside linebacker which, like Pugh, would fill
another need if he were to move there.
Ideal Pick: 3(7): ILB
Cornelius Washington- Georgia
Buffalo Bills- 6-10
Every year, experts say “this is the Bills’ year!” And it
never is. The Bills have a lot of talent but just no leadership or real quality
where it counts. This draft they have to focus on drafting leaders to help
rally the team around, specifically on offense. They have enough soldiers who
can do the work but they need a few of the special players to maximize their
talents.
1] Quarterback- No
position screams leadership more than QB. Ryan Fitzpatrick is a smart QB but
just lacked the it factor necessary to take this team to the next level. He was
cut. Signing Kevin Kolb means that the Bills probably wont take a QB in the
first round but it is a must by round 3. What I like in particular about Ryan
Nassib is his leadership. He carried an average Syracuse team to a pretty good
record and was reported to be extremely impressive in interviews. He is a prime
candidate to stay in New York, just go a little south to Buffalo.
Ideal Pick: 2(10): QB
Ryan Nassib- Syracuse
2] Wide Receiver- The
team lost David Nelson in free agency, so they are desperate for a second wide
receiver to compliment Stevie Johnson. This is unfortunate as the wide receiver
class is pretty weak this year. But, thankfully the Bills have a high draft picks
o they can probably get the first swipe on any receiver they would like. Either
Cordarrelle Patterson or Tavon Austin could be the dynamic #2 for Nassib, but I
like Patterson better because he seems like a better locker room guy and steps
up on the field. He plays with a chip on his shoulder, which should propel him
to a great NFL player.
Ideal Pick: 1(8): WR
Cordarrelle Patterson- Tennessee
3] Guard- Losing
Andy Levitre was huge for this team as he lead the way for CJ Spiller. A
replacement for him should be the #1 need for the team, but in a draft deep
with guards and without a great passing game, guard comes in third.
Ideal Pick: 3(9): G David
Quessenberry- San Diego State
New York Jets- 6-10
The Jets were a comedy of errors last year but have the
personnel to turn it around. They, like the Jets, lack offensive power to match
the defensive prowess. So, this draft must focus on offense. Unfortunately,
this is a rather defensive draft so it looks like the Jets will have some slim
picking, especially in later rounds. This is why they must focus on offense in
the early rounds in order to make it back to the AFC championship.
1] Offensive Tackle- Many
people think that Mark Sanchez was at the heart of the failures of this team
last year but he also played with a terrible right tackle in Austin Howard. In
fact, Austin Howard was the worst right tackle in the league last year. I’m not
saying Sanchez would have been a pro bowl player with a better right tackle,
but he did lead his team to back to back AFC championships. Something has to be
done, and I think the Jets can get it done in round 2.
Ideal Pick: 2(8): OT
Menelik Watson- Flordia State
2] Running back- Shonn
Greene left for Tennessee but he wasn’t very good anyway. The Jets are built to
be a run first team and, with the amount of depth at this position in this
year’s draft, may address this position twice in the draft.
Ideal Pick: 3(10): RB
Andre Ellington- Clemson
3] Rush Linebacker- Antwan
Barnes is the only rush linebacker on the Jets roster. Given that it is the
most talented spot in the draft, especially at the top, the is probably where
the Jets will spend their first round pick. The Jets are a defensively minded
football team, and need to get after the quarterback.
Ideal Pick: 1(9): DE/OLB
Bjorn Werner- Florida State
Tennessee Titans- 6-10
The Titans were the most inconsistent team last year. They
were blown out big and they won big games. The problem is twofold: lack of
organizational leadership and the lack of defensive talent. The draft should be
able to fix the later, as the defense this year is solid.
1] Guard- Yes, I
know the Titans have signed Andy Levitre but they need a second guard to
compliment him on the other side. CJ2K needs to find his explosiveness again
and part of the problem is that he had to dance around defenders coming up the
middle. This, like I’ve said before, is a talented group of guards. The Titans
should be able to find someone in a second round.
Ideal Pick: 2(9): G
Larry Warford- Kentucky
2] Defensive End-
The Titans need a big defensive end that can pressure the QB and stop the run.
Luckily, there are two this year that will probably be drafted in the top 15.
The Titans do have Kameron Wimbley and Derrick Morgan, the later playing much
better than the former. Still, it is probably the reason why they would be more
inclined to take Star Lotulelei as opposed to Sharif Floyd. Lotulelei can also
play nose tackle and his size will also serve him well as an end. Think of
Lotulelei as the return of Albert Haynesworth when he was good on the Titans.
Ideal Pick: 1(10): DT
Star Lotulelei- Utah
3] Cornerback- The
Titans have a terrible secondary but they have some young cornerbacks. Drafting
someone early, though, makes sense if the other young guys don’t work out. You
can never have too many corners, especially with Verner being a free agent next
year. Maybe they draft a starter but some depth at the position would also be
good.
Ideal Pick: 3(8): CB
Jordan Poyer- Oregon State
San Diego Chargers- 7-9
The Chargers are just good enough to break your heart. No
longer are the days of a young Philip Rivers and a great defense. The Chargers
have become the classic choke case, both in games and throughout the season. The
Chargers need to focus on offensive line, at all positions, if they want to
reach the next level.
1] Offensive Tackle-
Jared Gaither, Jeremy Clay and King Dunlap make the leagues worst offensive
tackles in the NFL. They probably need to replace all 3 of them (yes, I know
they just signed Dunlap but he is awful.) This definitely needs to be the first
round pick, even if they have to trade up to get one of the three best ones.
Ideal Pick: 1(11): OT
Lane Johnson- Oklahoma
2] Offensive Guard-
Losing Louis Vasquez was huge, considering he was the only good offensive
lineman on the Chargers. They need to find at least one in the draft, and early
in the draft, to compensate for this loss. They did sign Chad Rinehart who is a
serviceable starter, but drafting a young guy is the right thing for them to
do, especially if they are about to rebuild.
Ideal Pick: 2(15): G
Terron Armstead- Arkansas Pine Bluff
3] Quarterback- The
Chargers probably have to draft too many offensive lineman in this draft to
focus on a QB in the first two rounds, but it is a huge need. In a situation
where Rivers goes down or is broken beyond repair, the Chargers need to look younger
at a guy to develop. And, the Chargers are in a great situation to do it now
considering Ken Wisenhunt, who is normally pretty good at developing young
project players, is the new head coach.
Ideal Pick: 3(14): QB
Mike Glennon- N.C. State
Miami Dolphins- 7-9
If the offseason was a game, then the Dolphins tried their
very best to win. They tried to create a dream team via free agency, which has
no proven success in the NFL. Still, overpaying free agents means that, in the
draft, their focus should be on the future. This team actually has a lot of
talent and if they can get everything together, they can create some damage. Plus,
they have 5 picks in the first three rounds so they can add some young depth.
Note: Since the
Dolphins have 5 draft picks, I am going to arrange it by draft pick as opposed
to the level of need.
1] Defensive Tackle-
The Dolphins just franchised Randy Starks, but he is only on a one year dear
and will turn 30 this year. In a year with so much talent at defensive tackle,
the Dolphins have to take a defensive tackle early this year. Especially if one
of the top ones “slides” like he does in my ideal draft, the Dolphins have no
choice. It fills a future need.
Ideal Pick: 1(12): DT
Sharif Floyd- Florida
2] Offensive Tackle-
One free agent the Dolphins were not able to sign was Jake Long, who was a left
tackle. Jonathan Martin will move to the blind side, which means the Dolphins
will probably look to an early draft pick to solidify the other offensive
tackle.
Ideal Pick: 2(11): OT
David Bakhtiari- Colorado
3] Cornerback- The
Dolphins get another second round pick for Vontae Davis. Ironically, they will
be looking for a cornerback with this selection since Davis, and now Sean
Smith, is gone. They did sign Brent Grimes but he is coming off an injury and
the Dolphins need two cornerbacks, so Grimes only fills one need. And, like
I’ve said, you can never have too many cornerbacks.
Ideal Pick: 2(24): CB Darius
Slay- Mississippi State
4] Pass Rusher- The
Dolphins signed Dannell Ellerbe and Phillip Wheeler, but Cameron Wake is the
only true pass rushing linebacker that the Dolphins have. In such a deep class,
and with so few true needs, the Dolphins would be wise to add depth here.
Ideal Pick: 3(15):
DE/OLB Jamie Collins- Southern Mississippi
5] Interior Line
Depth- The Dolphins need younger offensive linemen who can step in if
injury or poor play consumes the rather veteran starting group.
Ideal Pick 3(20): G
Garrett Gilkey- Chadron State
Tampa Bay Buccaneers- 7-9
This team is a rollercoaster. When they play their best, they
are as good as anyone. When they are playing their worse, they remind fans of
the old buccaneers. Who is this team? The draft is a great way to answer the
question. Building a solid defense should be the first priority, as the offense
is actually pretty well rounded.
1] Cornerback- The
Buccaneers had the worst secondary last year. Part of it was bad safety play,
which they fixed by signing Dashon Goldsen and drafting Mark Barron last year.
The other part was bad cornerback play. Eric Wright was a free agent bust, and
he’s about it at cornerback. The Buccaneers are making a push for Revis, so
maybe they won’t stay here in a few weeks. Assuming they do, look for them to
draft a cornerback in several early rounds.
Ideal Pick: 1(13): CB
Desmond Trufant- Washington
2] Defensive Tackle- 3
of the 4 defensive linemen are set for the Buccaneers. DaQuan Bowers and Adrian
Clayborn play the ends and Gerald McCoy is one of the defensive tackles. But
Roy Miller left for Jacksonville so there is a hole at defensive tackle.
Someone early in the draft should fix that.
Ideal Pick: 2(12): DT
Datone Jones- UCLA
3] Another
Cornerback- Like I said before, the Buccaneers had the worst secondary.
They actually don’t have that many other needs, besides tight end, so another
cornerback here would help solidify a weak secondary. This is a must.
Ideal Pick: 3(11): CB
B.W. Webb- William & Mary
Carolina Panthers- 7-9
Cam Newton may have fallen victim to the sophomore slump but
the Panthers improved as an overall team. With a more cohesive defense and an
explosive offense, this team may be a few pieces away from breaking out. One
thing is for certain, though, they have to have a good draft. It starts with
defense.
1] Cornerback- Chris
Gamble retired early and was the leader of the Panthers’ secondary. The
Panthers brought in some depth by signing DJ Moore and Drayton Florence and
resigning Captain Munnerlyn, but what they lack is a true #1 cornerback who can
match up with #1 receivers. Drafting a big corner early in the draft is a huge
priority.
Ideal Pick: 2(13): CB
David Amerson- N.C. State
2] Defensive Tackle- Like
cornerback, the Panthers are lacking a legitimate #1 defensive tackle but did
bring in some depth with Collin Cole and Dwan Edwards. For the team to reach
the next level, a consistent pass rusher and run stopper is needed.
Ideal Pick: 1(14): DT
Sheldon Richardson- Missouri
3] Free Safety- This
was a toss up between offensive line depth and free safety. Since this draft
has to focus on defense, I went with the latter. Hiro Nakamura has shown
nothing so bringing in some early round competition will either spark his
potential or be a replacement. Either way, the Panthers need to stop big plays
deep.
Ideal Pick: 4(11):
New Orleans Saints- 7-9
The Saints are a great example of why a head coach is the
most important position on a football team. This former playoff team failed to
have a winning record. Most of that has to do with the league worst defense,
which should make up every single draft selection this year. The Saints have
hired Rob Ryan to help their efforts, which puts even more emphasis on finding
guys who fit his scheme.
1] Safety- The
Saints allowed the most deep pass plays of any other team last year. Malcolm
Jenkins and Roman Harper looked completely out of place throughout the year.
Maybe that has to do with poor coaching, but Harper will be 31 and Malcolm
Jenkins is on the last year of his deal, so a new safety is probably needed
regardless. Someone early in the draft should solve the trick.
Ideal Pick: 1(15): S
Kenny Vacaro- Texas
2] Outside
Linebacker- The Saints have added some depth here with Victor Butler and
Junior Gallette, but in Ryan’s scheme you can never have too many outside
linebackers. Spending an early pick on an outside linebacker is also a need
considering the Saints were terrible when trying to stop the run. A guy who can
pass rush would be an added plus.
Ideal Pick: 3(13): LB
Corey Lemoiner- Auburn
3] Inside Linebacker-
Vilma is getting older and after the Bountygate scandal, it makes sense for the
Saints to draft a young guy to be the eventual replacement. And, like I said
above, the more linebackers the better for Rob Ryan.
Ideal Pick: 4(12): ILB
Steve Greer- Virginia
St. Louis Rams- 7-8-1
Will Sam Bradford break out? The Rams have to ensure he has
enough weapons and enough protection so that he can maximize his potential. This
draft has to focus mostly on offense, as the defense was extremely effective
and underrated. I like the Rams and they could sneak up on some teams next
year.
1] Wide Receiver-
Since Torry Holt left, the Rams have yet to find a #1 receiver. This must be
their first priority in this draft considering Danny Amendola left and the team
is without a real threat. It will be interesting to see how Brian Quick turns
out, but even if he ends up being a star, Bradford needs more real weapons. This
is the only way to see whether he actually deserved to be drafted #1 overall.
Ideal Pick: 1(16): WR
Tavon Austin- West Virginia
2] Running back- Longtime
Ram Steven Jackson bolted for Atlanta. Daryl Richardson and Isiah Pead are good
change up backs but neither are sufficient to be starters for a run first team.
The Rams have to draft a running back early, and they will be one of the few
teams to do so. They will have the first swipe at the surprisingly decent group
of running backs this year.
Ideal Pick: 1(22): RB
Eddie Lacy: Alabama
3] Safety- The
Rams’ weakest position on defense last year was safety. The Rams have to draft
a player that can play both strong and free since their defense has a
rotational safety. This means that they have to draft Eric Reed, even if it is
early in the second round. Reid is the best player for their specific defense
and would be a huge upgrade over their current regime.
Ideal Pick: 2(16): S
Eric Reed- LSU
4] Offensive Guard-
I don’t normally fill out 4 needs, but since the Rams have two first round
picks, they have a third rounder as their 4th pick. Offensive guard
is the next biggest need as Sam Bradford is fragile and needs all the upgrades
on the offensive line he can get. The Rams did sign Jake Long to fill out the
left tackle and resigned Chris Williams to be guard. But, depth is always
needed on the offensive line.
Ideal Pick: 3(16): G
Alvin Bailey- Arkansas
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