Sunday, April 7, 2013

2013 NFL Draft Team Needs: NFC


Following up on last post, here is a list of all 16 NFC teams, along with a few snippets about what they should be looking for in this upcoming April NFL draft.

UPDATED April 18, 2013 in ITALICS

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys: Call me crazy but if I'm Dallas I take the best running back on the board. DeMarco may have what it takes, but as of yet he hasn't carried the ball on the field enough to show it. That move, if successful, would also free up DeM as trade bait in 2014. Yes, this team has needs elsewhere, especially at DB and on the OL, but a playmaker in the backfield would elevate the Cowboys' attack up with the best in the league. They could simply outscore most opponents. I expect them to go DB-LB-OL with their first three picks, but they should go RB-OL-DB.
UPDATE: There's been plenty of talk about Dallas trading out of the #18 slot, I have them taking Datone Jones as the best player available. The option would be Jonathan Cooper. In round 2 or 3, they should look hard at RBs, like maybe LeVeon Bell.

Washington Redskins: A gamebreaking WR from the slot, like Tavon Austin, would benefit this team, as well as make Fred Davis expendable. More protection on the offensive line is a necessity, and when DeAngelo Hall is your primary pass defender you have, well, problems. The 'Skins should build around their formidable linebacker corps and use this draft to improve the necessities. I would recommend they go WR-DB-OL in this draft, they will probably go DB-OL-WR.
UPDATE: DBs and OLs should still be the areas of focus for the Skinz. They finally get to play in round 2, at which time a DB like David Amerson or DJ Hayden would be a good first pick. 

New York Giants: Giants seemed to fall apart last year, not just by electing to play one and a half wide receivers on offense, but also by quite the bit of inconsistency on defense. They would have been better off running with Reuben Randle from the beginning. Coach Coughlin's commitment to his veterans has this one down side. Now by trading Hixon, and the uncertainty on the Cruz holdout, the Giants almost have to take a WR early, again. This means holes at LB and in the secondary might not all get filled. I expect them to make a few free agent signings, and to draft RB-DL-DB, they should go LB-WR-DB.
UPDATE: Jarvis Jones is a great fit and could still be available for the Giants with the #19 pick. Then they could follow that up with Kawann Short in the second round.

Philadelphia Eagles: The entire core of this team is in flux, except at RB and perhaps at WR. If they do the smart thing and avoid drafting those positions, the Iggs can have an entirely different look under Chip Kelly in 2013. They need help at LB and in the secondary the most, and then there is that offensive line situation, which run blocks very well, but has a hard time protecting the passer. Undoubtedly, Kelly will want to make his presence felt on offense, and will do something there, too. They will draft OL-DL-WR but should probably be going OL-DB-LB.
UPDATE: Talk persists that Chip is not happy with the QBs he has and will draft one, perhaps with his first round pick. I say that would be nuts. Take Eric Fisher first, or whichever tackle is still on the board first, then take Nassib as a project. Right now I think they will wait a couple of rounds before taking a stab at a QB. 

NFC South

Atlanta Falcons: Falcons came close to the Super Bowl last year and on paper seem to have come out of free agency a bit weaker than before it. Bad move releasing Clabo, one of the league's better linemen, especially considering his manageable salary, as well as unwise dropping John Abraham, who could still be effective in a rotation; he WAS their pass rush in 2013, getting 10 sacks in limited play, while the rest of the team combined got 17... but they did sign Steven Jackson, which is a slight upgrade over the Michael Turner-Jacquizz Rodgers combo, but not much better. They will draft OL-DL-LB, they would be better off going DL-RB-LB.
UPDATE: Nearly the entire league has the Falcons grabbing a tackle with their first pick, and I originally had them tabbed for DJ Fluker. Fluker has since risen on the board considerably, and probably won't be available for Atlanta at #30. Jonathan Cooper may end up being their man, I have a strange feeling they will trade up. 

Carolina Panthers: Arguably, the two-headed beast (with an appendage) at RB is dragging this whole team down. Using RBs the way they have been has vastly reduced the value of both Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams, so much so that the Panthers might as well stay the course and draft for more pressing needs. Steve Smith has needed a complement since Muhsin Muhammad, and neither Brandon LaFell nor Dominick Hixon has the breakaway ability to exploit single-coverage matchups enough. They also need some pressure from the DL. If Beason comes back to his old self they should be OK at LB. I would also grab a DB. They will draft DL-OL-LB, they should draft DL-DL-WR, and grab the best coverage DB they can find on the open market (besides Nakamura).
UPDATE: Sheldon Richardson would be a solid selection with the 14th pick. He fits their scheme nicely and is basically a pop-and-play talent with very limited downside and risk. Remember, the Panthers have no second round pick.

Tampa Bay Bucs: Despite what some say, I like the way this team is going. Like the coaching, the team cohesion, and choice of talent under the new regime. Were I the GM, I wouldn't address the offense at all through the draft, except maybe some late stabs at QB and OL. Freeman seems to have improved a bit under Sullivan, a development which may also be due to Schiano's short leash and/or motivational skills. Still, Freeman will need to do better in clutch situations, and make better decisions with the ball, to realize his full potential. Look for them to draft TE-QB-DB, they should draft DL-LB-DB.
UPDATE: Talks for acquiring the services of Revis from the Jets have, as of this writing, broken down. Something still might get done, but as I have alluded to before, my suggestion would be for the Bucs to continue building the team their way and let someone else ransom the farm for Revis. Either way, they will be looking at DBs often and early, I still say they fool eveyone and take Ziggy Ansah, then follow that up with Jamar Taylor in Round 2.

New Orleans Saints: Payton's Place is back on the air which means more fast-paced, high-scoring offense. To keep it that way, expect them to send Colston a complement (and perhaps, a message) this year by spending a high choice on a WR. Yes, despite several defensive deficiencies and inadequate depth in key spots, this machine is built for speed. Other than that, expect them to wisely concentrate on upgrading the defense. Plus, don't underestimate what the cadence at  the line by Brees and the speed and variety of play calling does to cover up deficiencies on the offensive line. They'll go WR-DB-DL, they should go DL-OL-LB and hope somebody releases a starting-caliber DB. Can't fix it all in one year without it.
UPDATE: New Orleans has been pretty quiet in these days leading up to the draft. Dion Jordan should be their first pick at #15.

NFC North

Chicago Bears: This franchise will find it difficult to win much with Cutler as QB. The problem appears more locker-room than performance related, and I question sometimes the effort of his surrounding cast as much as I do Cutler's. My guess would be Cutler would have more success elsewhere. Assuming they roll with last year's starters on offense, and that the addition of Bennett at TE is more than a stop-gap measure, they will be able to use the draft to fulfill needs. I do like the signings of Anderson and DJ Williams to fill the holes at LB, and that move allows them to go for somebody big to help out Paea at the nose. On paper now they look better than last year already. They will draft RB-OL-LB, they would be better off going DL-OL-RB. You know who makes a lot of sense here? Geno Smith.
UPDATE: Almost sure Geno won't be around, but it would be interesting. Assuming the teams picking before the Bears address their most pressing needs, there is a very real possibility Chicago could luck into Chance Warmack, and that's my pick for them at #20.

Detroit Lions: Oh Detroit, where every step forward is one step back. Seemingly set at the skill slots, let's see which direction they go in the draft. The OL and DL are also already very good, if not great. The problem is primarily in the secondary and at LB, as neither could execute when required to finish ball games. Schwartz would be a better coordinator or sideline motivator than head coach, he is too excitable, too many ups and downs, and this is reflected by his players' performances on the field. They'll likely draft RB-DB-WR, the order should be DB-DB-DB. Yep.
UPDATE: Almost certainly either Dee Milliner or Xavier Rhodes will be the Lions' pick at #5. Then they could pick up Cyprien in the 2nd Round.

Green Bay Packers: The Packers have more or less been exposed as a two-trick pony. They throw the ball well, and rush the passer well with a certain three players. Stop the pass, play the pass, and when on offense, control those three men, and you can beat the Packers. It is imperative that this team draft or find its missing players soon, because the rest of the division is leveling the table. Top of that list is RB. I expect them to finally get it, kind of, and go RB-DB-DL, they should go RB-DL-DB. There also appears to be a problem with the coaching and/or conditioning of this team's defense, which has enough talent to be better than they are statistically. More beef or speed on the DL may be all that's missing.
UPDATE: Matt Elam makes sense for the Packers. I also like Hankins here, but DB is more of a priority for the Pack.

Minnesota Vikings: I like the style of this team, not the least because of the demeanor and sideline presence of Leslie Frazier. He reminds so much of Tom Landry I wonder what he would look like in a suit and wearing Tom's hat. His consistent patience, deference and allocation of responsibilities, and dedication to doing what his team does best paid off last year. Still, they have needs all over the field. I would also not count on Greg Jennings being the player someone of his new salary would be expected to be, but it is possible, especially if Frazier does as he has promised and moves Jennings around like he did Harvin. I would draft DL-OL-DB, the Vikings will probably go OL-DB-LB.
UPDATE: Vikings still wheeling and dealing and have decided to let the top-rated DB in the league, Antoine Winfield, go to Seattle. An already weak secondary just got weaker. Desmond Trufant and Robert Woods in the 1st Round, then Margus Hunt in the 2nd, and Minnesota should be A-OK. 

NFC West

St. Louis Rams: Jeff Fisher is a good coach that needs to make the personnel decisions in order to reach his coaching potential. He needs to have a majority of "his guys" in order to field his best team. When I think of Sam Bradford, Jay Cutler comes to mind, someone with all the tools and pedigree, who just can't seem to inspire those around him just a tad, or kick up his game when required. I would throw everyone for a loop and grab a QB early. Sure, this team has needs on the OL, even after signing Jake Long. They also should bring in a RB to at least push Daryl Richardson and Pead. I like the defense. Expect them to go RB-OL-DB, they should go QB-LB-DL and make that defense superb. Hopefully Jared Cook is the TE answer Lance Kendricks so far hasn't been.
UPDATE: With good QB play this team can make the playoffs in 2013 regardless of what it does in the draft. Since there is no QB better than Bradford in the immediate future for the Rams, they should draft Tavon Austin to help him out and play the Amendola role. Take a shot at Giovanni Bernard in the 2nd.

San Francisco 49ers: This team is strong, can go in virtually any direction, and is the most difficult team to figure out in this 2013 draft. I will hazard a guess that they go for a stand-up defensive end, or another rush-linebacker type first. They'll probably end up drafting DL-DB-OL, when they should draft RB-DB-OL. No, Frank Gore's successor is not yet on the roster.
UPDATE: Kevin Minter is my pick for them here. They also have the luxury of time to nurture the pedigree of Kyle Long if they grab him in Round 2. 

Arizona Cardinals: The desert birds look to rise like the fiery phoenix under new coach Arians. Expect a mix of what you saw last year in Indy and what he did in his last season with Pittsburgh. Having Mendenhall and Ryan Williams is a risky proposition, and despite his having other holes to fill, I anticipate Arians and his staff not being hesitant about taking a RB early. After that, they could use another "umph" factor on D. Finally, line, line, line, you can't do anything if you can't keep the defense off your QB. Even a tough blocking TE who can catch is a possibility. Their choices will probably run OL-DL-RB, would be better off in the long run going OL-OL-DL and use up some of their remaining picks on a RB and a QB.
UPDATE: After signing Carson Palmer and Drew Stanton I will say that the Cardinals stand pat at QB until the very late rounds. Lane Johnson should be their first selection, then Sylvester Williams in the 2nd.

Seattle Seahawks: This team has improved itself since the end of 2012. Its defense, especially, will be much better, and expect more consistency on offense if Russell Wilson continues to progress at the rate at which he so far has; it's arguable that he has more leadership qualities than any QB drafted in 2012, and of those, in my opinion, there are several good QBs who will be around for some time. Addressing most of their immediate needs through free agency and trades, expect Seattle to go for the best player available, with concentration on the OL. They will draft OL-DB-TE, they should draft OL-LB-TE.
UPDATE: The signing of Winfield will make it even more difficult for opponents to score through the air against Seattle. They have few needs except on the OL and perhaps at LB. I say they nab Tyler Eifert in the 2nd.



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