NFC EASTDallas Cowboys: 2005 Record: 9-7 Needs: Youth on Offense
The Cowboys have a solid group of youngsters who can play on defense. However, look for them to cut La’Roi Glover for cap reasons. On the other side of the ball, the Boys are old and getting older. Look for them to upgrade at offensive tackle through the draft. Word is still out on whether Drew Henson is the next big thing.
N.Y. Giants: 2005 Record: 11-5 Needs: DB, LB
Coming off a sold 2005 season, the Giants biggest need is in the defensive backfield. Will Allen is leaving and Will Peterson has been a huge disappointment. The linebacker core is solid, but a little slow in a division that boasts some speed in the backfield. A quicker group to compliment Antonio Pierce is going to be explored.
Philadelphia Eagles: 05/06 Record: 6-10 Needs: DL, LB, WR, OL
This is by far the most important offseason in recent memory. If they make the right moves, the Birds will be in the Super Bowl again. They need to spend the first day of the draft on the defensive front seven. The first round pick should be used on a linebacker. The free agent pool should be dipped into for a solid receiver. There’s no need to break the bank on someone who will demand top dollar like Reggie Wayne. Jon Runyan needs to be brought back for another year. If he is re-signed, look for Tra Thomas to be cut.
Washington Redskins: 2005 Record: 10-6 Needs: WR, S, OL, LB
The Redskins are in the worst shape in the NFC East with the cap. They are millions over and huddled with large contracts for some solid players. LaVar Arrington might be a major cap casualty. Offensive line depth is potentially an issue with the retirement of Ray Brown. They no longer have any backups with NFL experience. A solid receiver opposite of Santana Moss is a priority to take some heat away from the all-pro. With Sean Taylor’s off and on the field problems, the Skins might look into another top notch safety.
NFC NORTH
Chicago Bears: 2005 Record: 11-5 Needs: QB, WR
Chicago is one team that played well last year that has a big upside. Ten starters are signed off of the leagues stingiest defense, which managed to leave some good cap space to fill the glaring holes on offense. Rex Grossman will be given another year to prove he can stay healthy and be an efficient professional starter. Look for a veteran upgrade at backup quarterback. Another receiver would do the Bears some good, though they might look for a second tier guy after Muhsin Muhammad didn’t net them the serious offensive threat they hoped for.
Detroit Lions: 2005 Record: 5-11 Needs: DB, QB, DE
With Mike Martz as the new offensive coordinator, Joey Harrington’s spot might be saved for one more year, though Martz will probably get fed up with his inconsistency and inability to read NFL defenses. Eddie Drummond and our favorite hero Drew Rosenhaus want a big raise from last year, so look for Eddie to be on the market soon after the deadline approaches. Defensive backfield could become a concern especially if the Lions let R.W. McQuarters walk. Lions also need help on the ends. Lack of a consistent pass rush is an area that needs to be rectified before camp opens.
Green Bay Packers:2005 Record: 4-12 Needs: DT, CB
If Favre retires, the job is Aaron Rodgers’ to lose. All three of Green Bay’s injured running backs are free agents Green, Davenport and Fisher. However, with the emergence of Samkon Gado, the Packers should stand pat and wait to see if he truly can develop considering he is only making the league minimum. The Pack need to upgrade at corner back considering Al Harris is a human pass interference call. Defensive tackle needs to be addressed. Green Bay was gouged by the running game too frequently between the tackles.
Minnesota Vikings: 2005 Record: 9-7 Needs: LB, DB, DE
Minnesota is in one of those precarious positions regarding a few positions on offense. Quarterback is the obvious front, with Culpepper due to receive a substantial roster bonus and Brad Johnson resurrecting the Vikings team last year, the next few weeks look to be interesting. At running back, the Vikings will probably let Michael Benett leave with Onterrio “the Whizzinator” Smith returning. Definite needs are a playmaking linebacker and defensive backfield help. Look for the draft to net them a linebacker and with the wealth of free agent corners, the Vikings will more then likely sign one.
NFC SOUTH
New Orleans Saints: 2005 Record: 3-13 Needs: Defense all positions, QB
Todd Bouman is the projected quarterback in 2006. Look for this position to be upgraded in free agency. They need players at every position on defense, plain and simple. Run or pass, teams moved the ball easily on the Saints, thus they need serious upgrades. First year coach Sean Payton will have his hands full this year trying to scratch out four wins.
Atlanta Falcons:2005 Record: 8-8 Needs: OL, DL
Atlanta is pretty well set at the skill positions. They are one of the middle-of-the-road cap teams, so they will probably not make a tremendous splash in the free agent market. They have a solid young group of receivers with Michael Jenkins from Ohio State and Roddy White from UAB. Look for Atlanta to upgrade their lines by way of the draft. Another end to offset, Patrick Kearney, will be in order. Adding another linebacker couldn’t hut either.
Carolina Panthers: 2005 Record: 11-5 Needs: RB, TE, OL, OLB
Carolina has some big decisions to make this offseason. Is DeShaun Foster worth the money? If not, then who do you get to plug in? The Panthers are six million dollars over the cap, so look for Stephen Davis to be let go. Will Witherspoon is going to seek some hefty free agent money, so he will most likely be replaced through the draft. Tight end play in Carolina has been below par. A big target in the middle will help Steve Smith on the outside.
Tampa Bay: 2005 Record: 11-5 Needs: CB, WR, OL
Tampa Bay looking for a new corner is not such an outrageous scenario. With Ronde Barber and company starting to get up there in age, now might be a time to start grooming replacements. Wide receiver is a position the Bucs need to address as well. Ike Hilliard is a free agent and I don’t think even John Gruden knows what he is going to get out of Michael Clayton in 2006. The Bucs made big strides last year especially in the running game, but top offensive lineman Kenyatta Walker is a free agent and will bring a nice price in the open market. This will be their biggest draft day need.
NFC WEST
Arizona Cardinals: 2005 Record: 5-11 Needs: RB, OL, DT, QB
With the Cardinals now committed to Kurt Warner for the next three years, their only young and viable backup is Josh McCowen, and he has told reporters that he wants out, so a nice project QB would be a great fit. With the tenth spot in the draft, look for Arizona to bring in a running back. Shipp is an admirable backup and J.J. Arrington has been a bust, so the Cardinals need to bring in someone for defenses to key on other then Kurt Warner. An upgrade on the offensive front to keep Warner off the turf will definitely be addressed on the first day of the draft as well.
St Louis Rams: 2005 Record: 6-10 Needs: OL, DL, S, TE, LB
Scott Linehan inherited a team with a lot of holes. Adam Archuleta could be on his way out of town. Defensive coordinator Jim Haslett wants him back, but with his underachievements the past few seasons, his price will be more than what the Rams will pay. Linebacker is a big question mark for the Rams, who haven’t had a top end player at that position since London Fletcher. The defensive line had holes before and still does. If Damione Lewis departs, they will be in even worse shape.
San Francisco 49ers: 2005 Record: 4-12 Needs: DL, LB,
DB, WR
The two biggest names on the defensive half of the ball will most likely not be part of the team. Julian Peterson will not be re-signed and Ahmed Plummer will more than likely be cut before his 5.5 million dollar option kicks in. So both of those needs will have to be addressed. Also look for an upgrade at receiver. Arnaz Battle is improving and Brandon Lloyd is what he is – a serviceable wide out. It wouldn’t hurt second year quarterback Alex Smith if he had another number two guy to go along with Battle and Lloyd..
Seattle Seahawks: 2005 Record: 13-3 Needs: RB, DL, WR
Seattle is a team that sits in heavy limbo. Three top names are going to hit the market from last year’s NFC championship team. The high profile Shaun Alexander, left guard Steve Hutchinson and defensive tackle Rocky Bernard. If Alexander indeed walks, the Seahawks will re-sign backup Maurice Morris and add someone to split time with him who is probably a little more versatile. The Seahawks wide receivers are a good bunch, but Darrell Jackson and Bobby Engram are both injury prone, so a solid receiver to fill in if one goes down would be a good investment. The Seahawks aren’t in bad shape, but a few small upgrades and they will be back at the top of the NFC. But they also have to overcome the Super Bowl Hangover, which is another issue by itself.