This week has been all about free agency in the NFL. And even though a lot has happened over the last three days, there is still plenty more to come. We will hold off a little longer before we give free agency grades, and we'll also wait a bit more before we release our third mock draft.
I did want to look at each team however, and discuss how their free agent moves have affected potential drafting needs (particularly in the first round). So we'll go in alphabetically order:
Arizona Cardinals - We've noted in our mocks that Arizona could really use help on the offensive line, particularly at tackle. But then they went out and signed OT Jared Veldheer to a five-year deal. That really gives them a boost. Their 7th overall selection last year was OG Jonathan Cooper, and he should return this year as well after an early season-ending injury in 2013. This really improves the offensive line, and I now don't believe they'll spend their first round pick on the line. First off, if Eric Ebron falls to them at #20, that would give them a great weapon at tight end. But I doubt he slips to them there, so I think they will likely look at CB, especially since the Honey Badger is better fit at safety. They need a solid CB opposite Peterson.
Atlanta Falcons - The Falcons haven't made a big splash in free agency, so little has changed in terms of their needs (although they have helped the run defense a little). I still think the top priority is to get an edge rusher. I really think they should trade up with the Rams for Clowney if he's available at #2. If that doesn't pan out, they may upgrade the defense, potentially with Khalil Mack who was a beast at the combine. But another big need is still on the offensive line, so a great tackle such as Robinson or Mathews is still very likely.
Baltimore Ravens - As I was writing this, the Ravens signed Steve Smith to a 3-year deal. That should really help the passing game as Flacco needed another weapon. Having Pitta healthy this season will obviously help too. But the ground game was also an issue a year ago, and I believe that had a lot to do with poor offensive line play. I now believe that's where they should be looking early in the draft. Depth on defense can be added later.
Buffalo Bills - The Bills need to support EJ Manuel in one way or another. At #9 I think they try to add protection via an offensive lineman. They should add a WR later. They clearly have a hole now at safety, as they lost Byrd to the Saints. I don't see them taking one in the first round however, but maybe later in the draft.
Carolina Panthers - When they cut Steve Smith, their first round pick is now clearly going to be a WR. They'll take the best one on their board without question. There is no other need that even compares to this one now.
Chicago Bears - The Bears have committed to defense this offseason, but there are still some question marks. They are still trying to re-sign Henry Melton, and a lot rides on that decision. If they lose Melton, then DT would be a likely option. In our second mock we went with Aaron Donald, and that still seems very likely. They also just re-signed Tillman, but it was only a 1-year deal. So they could look to draft a young cornerback. That would provide good depth now and a potential replacement later. Edge rushers will also be coveted by the Bears throughout the draft.
Cincinnati Bengals - For as good as the Bengals were last season, they seem to have multiple needs they need to address. Losing Michael Johnson could really hurt the defensive line, so adding a DE should be a new priority. They still could use another solid linebacker, so I could see them going that direction in the first round. And I still believe they need a better #2 WR opposite AJ Green. Dalton isn't an elite QB so he needs elite playmakers for him to thrive.
Cleveland Browns - The Browns had made it clear through their moves that they will take a QB with the fourth overall pick. Not only have they used free agency to address defense, but they've added another offensive weapon in Andrew Hawkins (although the Bengals could match offer even if that's unlikely), and they've released QB's Campbell and Weeden. It seems now that they are going to take the best QB available at #4 for sure and give him the chance to earn the starting job over Hoyer, who is coming off an injury.
Dallas Cowboys - Where to begin with the Cowboys... This team is a mess. They released Ware, lost Hatcher to a division rival (Redskins), and may lose Anthony Spencer as well. They've hosted multiple players but have yet to sign anyone of significance. The defense was bad last year, and on paper it will be worse in 2014. Quite simply, the Cowboys will need to address the defense early and often in the draft. Due to multiple needs on that side of the ball, they should take the best available player approach. I think a player like Calvin Pryor could bring them an mental edge they haven't had recently.
Denver Broncos - Denver has had a solid free agency. Talib, Ware, and Ward were all excellent pickups. If they don't re-sign DRC, then I still think CB should be addressed in the draft. I also think the offensive line could use a piece or two. And since they did lose Eric Decker, they should think about bringing in a talented WR that can play a little now, but could be ready for the future when Welker is done.
Detroit Lions - The Lions had two big needs entering free agency. I think they needed to find another good WR to line up with Calvin Johnson. They landed one in Golden Tate, who should produce at a career level this season. They also needed help in the secondary, particularly at CB. That's still a need. I now believe they'll take the first CB in the draft at #10, and that should be Justin Gilbert. Plus, since the Bears stole Willie Young from them, they should take a DE later in the draft as a potential replacement, or at least to add depth at the very least.
Green Bay Packers - There is still a need at TE, and there are multiple needs on defense. My bet is that they reel in a tight end via free agency, potentially Owen Daniels, who would be a great option for them. In the draft, they should likely add defensive line help even though they re-signed Raji today. Secondary help is also a must, particularly in a division with the Bears and Lions.
Houston Texans - It's very difficult to read into what direction Houston is headed. They were after McCown but didn't get him. That leads me to think they wanted a short term fix at QB so they can address needs elsewhere, win now, and find a franchise QB in another draft. But they didn't land him and they still have a giant hole at QB. On the flip side, they lost a talented player on the defensive line (Mitchell), may lose an end (Smith), still could use a linebacker, and probably should upgrade the offensive line. That means Clowney, Mack, and Robinson are in play at #1, along with Teddy, Manziel, and Bortles. So for now, it's wait and see with the Texans.
Indianapolis Colts - The Colts have been aggressive in free agency nabbing Art Jones and D'Qwell Jackson for the defense, along with re-signing Vontae Davis. That did come at the expense of losing Antoine Bethea, so they likely should nab a safety at some point in the draft. They also gave Andrew Luck another player to pass to in Hakeem Nicks. That means the only area on offense to draft for would be the offensive line. They don't own a first round pick (thanks to Trent Richardson), but they should be able to grab some talent in the rounds to follow.
Jacksonville Jaguars - The Jags have been active in free agency, but they still have a lot of holes to fill. Obviously, they still need a franchise quarterback, although they may start Henne in the short term. They also need to get a leader for the defense. My guess is that they choose between Clowney, Mack, or one of the 3 best QB's in the first round. I'm leaning QB at this point...
Kansas City Chiefs - KC hasn't done anything to add offensive firepower through free agency. The defense should still be pretty good, so they must improve that offense throughout the draft. They clearly need to go WR in the first round, and they should draft another one soon after that as well.
Miami Dolphins - The Dolphins have been aggressive in free agency for the second year in a row. Their biggest weakness last year (in many ways) was the offensive line. Adding Albert certainly helped, but they shouldn't be done. They should still address the line in the first round. Adding another WR would help in other rounds along with more defensive guys.
Minnesota Vikings - This is very simple: If one of the top 3 QB's is available at #8, they will draft one. If not, they'll take the best available defensive player on their board. I don't think they'll trade up for a QB, as they seem content with Cassel if need be in the short term, but still covet a franchise guy.
New England Patriots - With Revis on board and now Browner locked in, the secondary looks good obviously. They still have work to do on the defensive line however, especially if they part ways with Wilfork like he wants. There would suddenly be a hole up the middle, and they also need some pass rushers. The problem is that I still believe they need to give Brady another weapon. Amendola was a flop in 2013, Hernandez isn't coming back, and their best option Edelman is likely moving on. Jace Amaro is a tight end that could fill the Hernandez role, but if he's gone I think they have to go defense early, and use the depth at WR to get one later.
New Orleans Saints - Although the Saints could use another body or two in the front 7, I think they need to add to their offensive line first and foremost. Depth on defense can come on the second and third days of the draft.
New York Giants - I don't think there is any doubt this is a team going downhill. They lost multiple defensive guys which created a lot of holes. They have a bad offensive line that needs upgraded. And suddenly have few weapons to throw to in the passing game, particularly at tight end since they lost Myers. Eric Ebron is their first round pick if he's available at 12. After that they need to address multiple spots.
New York Jets - Eric Decker finally gives the Jets a quality receiver. But he's the only guy Geno has to throw to (unless you really like Kerley and/or Cumberland... which I don't). I'd still go offense (WR or TE) in the first round to get other quality options. Then offensive line. Then cornerback. Then others.
Oakland Raiders - This was a bad free agency for Oakland. They missed on a lot of guys they desired. Even had one only to lose him after a failed physical. They still have positions of need nearly everywhere they turn. If I were in charge, I'd pick best available in every round.
Philadelphia Eagles - They got one safety signed, but still are lacking there. In fact, the secondary in general must get better. That's where they start. Another player on the defensive line would come in handy too. And as good as Foles was last year, they could actually give him another WR, but I think that comes later in the draft.
Pittsburgh Steelers - As much as I'd like to say the Steelers should go with a weapon on offense, they must draft defense in the first round. That's where the success of their franchise has been. And honestly, they have holes all over the defense. So best available is what I'd do. Oh, and giving Big Ben some actually pass protection would help at some point.
San Diego Chargers - Pretty easy. They need help in the secondary. There is talent everywhere else. They should find depth at other spots for sure, but only after the secondary gets addressed.
San Francisco 49ers - The 49ers are one of the most balanced teams on paper. They have a terrific Front-7 on defense, and the offense has been improving steadily. I think that one gap in the roster is at cornerback however. And since they rely so much on the run, I'd be sure the offensive line was as strong as ever.
Seattle Seahawks - Golden Tate was signed elsewhere and Sidney Rice was released. To me, that means Seattle has to pick a WR in the draft. They've had a little turnover on the defensive line, and they also lost Browner at corner. That means they should draft at those spots as well.
St. Louis Rams - Consistently I've been predicting OT and WR with the two first rounders they own. But the signing of Saffold keeps the line in decent shape. That doesn't mean they won't draft an OT early, but it does give them a few other options. I still think trading down could benefit them, or they could take an elite talent like Clowney or Watkins.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - The Bucs have had a great offseason. But the will still need to cash in on this draft. With Lovie coaching, I would almost guarantee they go defense in round 1. We've had Khalil Mack to them in both drafts, and that still makes a lot of sense. But they could also beat the Lions and take the best corner in the draft.
Tennessee Titans - Another consistent pick in our two mocks has been Anthony Barr to them at #11. I think they are in a position though where they could draft based on value, not need. That would make the team stronger long-term.
Washington Redskins - Like the Colts, this is a team without a first round pick. When they start picking on Day 2, I'd look heavy at receiver. Garcon needs someone to take pressure off him. They should also improve the defense.
By: The Sports Guys
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