| Fantasy Football Picks That Hit the Target | ||
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| Polls |
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| NFC Draft Needs |
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| Written by Phil Unwin | |
| Saturday, 12 April 2008 | |
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Arizona – The Cardinals really need some help at cornerback and will be looking at that spot early and often, as they have neither quality nor depth at that spot. A pass rushing OLB or DE should be a priority as well, as Calvin Pace left in free agency after a breakout season. Finally, they might consider drafting a running back in the middle rounds, as Edgerrin James is getting worn down. Atlanta – Quarterback tops the list. Michael Vick suddenly, and dramatically, exited the picture last year, just after the Falcons traded away Matt Schaub. The good news for the Falcons is that they have three second round picks, and there’s a decent chance they can pick up Brian Brohm, Joe Flacco or Chad Henne there, if they don’t want to take Matt Ryan in round 1. Defensive tackle will also be a priority, and they are seriously considering Glenn Dorsey at 3. They’ll also be looking to upgrade at offensive tackle. Carolina – The Panthers went through no fewer than 4 QBs last year, and it’s clear they need a long term solution at that spot, as Jake Delhomme’s magic carpet ride appears to be coming to an end. However, they’re in a bit of a rough spot at #13: Matt Ryan probably won’t fall to them, and it’s too early for Brian Brohm. Meanwhile, there’s a good chance that Chad Henne and Joe Flacco will be gone by their second round pick. Apart from that, offensive tackle will be a priority, and the Panthers haven’t had a pass catching tight end since Wesley Walls. Chicago – Quarterback, quarterback, quarterback. The Rex Grossman Era has run its course, and Kyle Orton is nothing more than an adequate backup. Unfortunately, the Bears are in a box much like the Panthers are. They have an extra third round pick, however, and a higher third rounder as a result of the 49ers’ tampering, so a trade up may be a possibility. The Bears also lost their starting receivers from 2007, so that position needs help, too. Dallas – The Cowboys don’t have any real pressing needs, and have the luxury of two first round picks, so they’re sitting pretty in this draft. They’ll probably look for a wide receiver, since they’re not completely sold on Patrick Crayton, and Terry Glenn is nearing the end of the line. More depth on the defensive line, particularly end, might be welcome, as might some help at cornerback, where Anthony Henry is better suited to the nickel. The Cowboys will probably end up with PacMan Jones, lessening that need somewhat, but Jones’ various and sundry off-field issues mean they should probably invest in a backup plan. Detroit – Kevin Jones was a bust, and Tatum Bell looks that way too, so running back will be at or near the top of the list. Rashard Mendenhall could be an option in round 1. Offensive tackle is another area of need, as George Foster didn’t work out and Damien Woody, who filled in admirably, left via free agency. The Lions will also be looking to upgrade much of their front seven, if possible, as many of their players don’t fit the Tampa 2 defense favored by coach Rod Marinelli. Green Bay – The retirement of Brett Favre certainly leaves a big hole, and the Packers will probably give Aaron Rodgers the first shot at filling Favre’s massive shoes, though the possibility of taking a QB can’t be ruled out. The Packers are aging rapidly at offensive tackle and cornerback, so youth would be welcomed in those spots. Minnesota – The Vikings need a pass rushing defensive end, which is surprising, considering they’ve spent two recent first round picks trying to address that need. They’re another team rumored to be interested in Jason Taylor, so they might address that need via trade, rather than the draft. Offensive tackle is a problem, doubly so if they ultimately opt to part ways with Bryant McKinnie, as has been rumored more than once over the years. Finally, the Vikings are far from convinced that Tarvaris Jackson is the answer at QB, and they may look for a replacement. New Orleans – The Saints are in dire need of an outside linebacker who can make some plays. A defensive tackle who can do the same would also be helpful. The departure of Jeff Faine, who anchored the line, leaves a big hole up front. Unfortunately, this is a weak draft for centers, so the Saints are in some trouble there. New York – Super Bowl Champions tend not to have lots of needs. However, the Giants were raided in free agency, and have some holes to fill. The Giants have shuttled Mathias Kiwaunka back and forth between OLB and DE, so one assumes he’ll play OLB with all the losses they’ve suffered there, but even then, they need another player. Dan Connor is someone sure to be high on their wish list. Help in the secondary is needed, too, with Gibril Wilson gone, and Sam Madison showing his age. Philadelphia – The Eagles made runs at both Randy Moss and Larry Fitzgerald this offseason, so it’s safe to say they’re looking for help at wide receiver. Fortunately, this is an absolutely loaded draft for receivers, especially from the middle of round one to the early part of round two. The Eagles need help at linebacker, too, as Takeo Spikes never worked out, and they don’t have a lot else there. San Francisco – The offensive line is in disarray, with Justin Smiley having left via free agency and Jonas Jennings not paying the dividends the Niners hoped he would, so they should be looking for a lineman early in the draft. Gosder Cherilus would be a good fit for the Niners, who feel that Joe Staley is a better fit at left tackle. They will also look for help at outside linebacker, as Tully Banta-Cain was a bust. Seattle – It’s amazing, but the Seahawks might be looking for help at running back. Shaun Alexander has aged in dog years, and while the team added Julius Jones and TJ Duckett in free agency, they may not have a real franchise back in the group. Jonathan Stewart would make some sense for this team, since Stewart figures to fall in the draft because of his injury, but could be a franchise back if healthy. A pass catching tight end would be a welcome addition to this team, too. St. Louis – Orlando Pace is nearing the end of the line, and none of the other starters on the line, save right tackle Alex Barron, are even average, so the Rams should look for at least two linemen in this draft, with at least one of them on the first day. Jake Long is a very real option at 2, if Miami passes on him. The Rams also need help at defensive end, with Leonard Little aging and no real quality elsewhere. In fact, there are few players on the defense that couldn’t be improved upon. Tampa Bay – The Bucs need help at wide receiver, with Joey Galloway aging, and no one else worthy of being an NFL starter. A long term plan at QB should be considered, as well, with Jeff Garcia 38 years old. The Bucs have plenty of QBs on the roster, but none other than Garcia should be starting. Help at defensive tackle would also be welcome. For that matter, both Derrick Brooks and Ronde Barber, long the linchpins of the defense, are getting old, too. Washington – The Redskins need a big wide receiver who can complement the diminutive Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle-El. Fortunately, the draft is loaded with players who fit the bill: Limas Sweed, James Hardy, Malcolm Kelly and Devin Thomas are all options in round 1. A pass rushing defensive end is also a priority, but that will probably need to wait, since neither Derrick Harvey nor Philip Merling figure to be around for the Redskins’ pick in round 1. The Redskins’ offensive tackles are aging as well, and adding some youth and depth there would help. |
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