Offseason Needs: Miami Dolphins

1. Wide receiver
The Miami Dolphins have survived with Brian Hartline and Davone Bess, who have developed into quality second and third options. But Ryan Tanneshill needs a true No. 1 receiver to help him develop into the quarterback the Dolphins believe he can be. Ideally, the Dolphins can land a tall, outside receiver to complement Bess, who excels in the slot.

2. Defensive end
The Dolphins have been playing Jared Odrick out of position at defensive end when he would be better suited to play the three-technique tackle position. Cameron Wake is an elite pass rusher, but replacing Odrick with a more traditional end.

3. Offensive line
If Jake Long isn’t re-signed, this need jumps to No. 1. Jonathan Martin struggled as a rookie at right tackle and the Dolphins can’t afford to shift him to left tackle. In fact, they should probably consider a shift inside to guard.

Posted on February 11, 2013 by Ryan McCrystal in Dolphins, Team Needs Leave a comment

Offseason Needs: San Diego Chargers

1. Offensive Line
The San Diego Chargers offensive line is in critical condition, and it’s only going to get worse if they part ways with Jared Gaither. The Chargers first-round pick is all but guaranteed to address the offensive line. Chance Warmack, Lane Johnson and Eric Fisher are all possibilities.

2. Nose Tackle
Aubrayo Franklin is an unrestricted free agent and Cam Thomas has failed to live up expectations through his first three years in the league. The Chargers need to find a solution at nose tackle in order to effectively run John Pagano’s defense.

3. Wide Receiver
Malcolm Floyd remains a reliable target for Philip Rivers, but the Chargers clearly missed Vincent Jackson this past season. The could use someone capable of playing in the slot, and also a guy who stretch the field.

Posted on February 6, 2013 by Ryan McCrystal in Chargers, Team Needs Leave a comment

Offseason Needs: Tennessee Titans

1. Offensive Guard
The Tennessee Titans running game has stalled over the past few years, and while some of the blame should fall on Chris Johnson, he hasn’ t been supported by the offensive line. Steve Hutchinson is a Hall of Famer, but he’s 35 and doesn’t have much left in the tank. Chance Warmack could be an option in the first round.

2. Strong Safety
Jordan Babineaux has been a weak link in the secondary for the past few years and it’s time for the Titans to bring in some competition. Matt Elam would be an ideal replacement in the second round.

3. Tight End
Jared Cook is an unrestricted free agent and never really lived up to expectations in Tennessee. If the Titans are hoping for Jake Locker to take the next step, they need to upgrade the supporting cast around him.

Posted on February 6, 2013 by Ryan McCrystal in Team Needs, Titans Leave a comment

Offseason Needs: Buffalo Bills

1. Quarterback
The Buffalo Bills have to end the carousel at quarterback. But is this the year? Geno Smith will likely be off the board before the Bills are on the clock, which would force them to reach to fill the need. Perhaps the right move will be to wait until the second or third round and bring in a low-risk prospect to compete with Ryan Fitzpatrick.

2. Inside Linebacker
The Bills need a new leader in the middle of the defense after a disappointing year by Kelvin Sheppard. This could be a position they try to fill with a veteran free agent. If they address it early in the draft, Alec Ogletree could fill the need in the first round. Arthur Brown could be a second-round target.

3. Right tackle
The Bills offensive line was much improved in 2012, especially on the left side with Cordy Glenn showing promise as their new franchise left tackle. But the ride side of the line still needs some work, and veteran Erik Pears may have to battle a rookie for the starting job. Dallas Thomas and Justin Pugh could be second or third-round options.

Posted on February 5, 2013 by Ryan McCrystal in Bills, Team Needs 1 Comment

Offseason Needs: New York Jets

1. Quarterback
It’s time for the New York Jets to move on. Mark Sanchez has been given plenty of opportunities to prove himself and he’s failed time and time again. While he will probably be on the roster in 2013, the Jets will likely bring in someone to compete for a starting job. In the second round, Tyler Wilson and Mike Glennon could be options.

2. Outside Linebacker
Rex Ryan’s defense has gotten progressively worse during his tenure in New York. And the primary reason for the struggles has been the lack of a pass rusher. This could be the Jets target in the first round. Barkevious Mingo and Dion Jordan both have the potential to offer an immediate threat, even if only in a specialist role.

3. Wide Receiver
Stephen Hill will be expected to take the next step in 2013, but the Jets clearly need another weapon. Since they need immediate help and are unlikely to address this need in the first round, the Jets may push to solve this issue in free agency.

Posted on February 5, 2013 by Ryan McCrystal in Jets, Team Needs Leave a comment

Offseason Needs: Arizona Cardinals

1. Offensive Line
While the Arizona Cardinals obviously need a quarterback, it would be foolish to bring anyone in before the offensive line is fixed. Former 1st-round pick Levi Brown returns from injury, but he has been playing out of position at left tackle for years. 2012 4th-round pick Bobby Massie is coming off a season in which he led the league with 13 sacks allowed and may be better suited to play guard. Brown may be the only lineman whose job is relatively safe.

2. Quarterback
The Cardinals could be competitive with Kevin Kolb if the offensive talent, especially the line, were upgraded around him. But it has become clear that the quarterback of the future is not on the roster. Arizona may consider a quarterback in the first round, but the safer route would be wait until the second or third round and bring in a developmental prospect such as Ryan Nassib or Tyler Wilson.

3. Linebacker
Daryl Washington has emerged as one of the league’s premier inside linebackers, but there should be a competition for the other three linebacker positions in training camp. Paris Lenon is an unrestricted free agent, and the Cardinals don’t have an adequate replacement on the roster. Bruce Arians and Todd Bowles’ decision about sticking with the 3-4 or shifting to a 4-3 scheme will have a significant impact on how the front office approaches the linebacker position this offseason.

Posted on February 3, 2013 by Ryan McCrystal in Cardinals, Team Needs 1 Comment

Offseason Needs: Cleveland Browns

1. Pass-rusher
New Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Ray Horton has yet to commit running a 3-4 or 4-3 defense, but regardless of the system he runs he’ll need another guy who can get to the quarterback. Jabaal Sheard is the Browns only legitimate pass-rush threat. A versatile prospect such as Dion Jordan or Jarvis Jones would make sense with the sixth pick.

2. Offensive Guard
Shaun Lauvao is about as bad as it gets for a starting guard in this league. Since coming into the league, Lauvao leads all guards in penalties and sacks allowed – in other words, it’s time to move on. The Browns may consider Chance Warmack in the first round due to his ability to improve their pass protection and open things up in the power running game for Trent Richardson.

3. Cornerback
The Browns may re-sign Sheldon Brown, which would solve this issue in the short term. But if Brown leaves, cornerback is a significant issue. Buster Skrine filled in briefly for Brown this year and was victimized consistently. He clearly isn’t anything more than a middle-of-the-road nickel corner. Dee Milliner could be an option with the sixth pick if they wish to create an elite tandem at corner between him and Joe Haden.

Posted on January 31, 2013 by Ryan McCrystal in Browns, Team Needs Leave a comment

Offseason Needs: Detroit Lions

1. Defensive End
If the Detroit Lions re-sign Cliff Avril, this becomes slightly less of a need. But regardless of Avril’s future with the team, they need to find a replacement for veteran Kyle Vanden Bosch who is well past his prime and was a liability this past season. Bjoern Werner, Damontre Moore and Dion Jordan should all be near the top of the Lions draft board.

2. Cornerback
The Lions best corner, Chris Houston, is an unrestricted free agent and the depth behind him is severely lacking. They could potentially bring in two or three players this offseason who emerge as impact players in the secondary. Dee Milliner is an option in the first round if they address the defensive line through free agency.

3. Offensive Line
If Gosder Cherilus is not re-signed, this need may jump up on the list of needs. Jeff Backus remains under contract but is coming off another disappointing season. Riley Reiff was selected in the first round in 2012 as his replacement, but may be forced into action on the right side if Cherilus does not return. The Lions may also be interested in bringing in a young center behind 34-year-old Dominic Raiola.

Posted on January 30, 2013 by Ryan McCrystal in Team Needs 1 Comment

Offseason Needs: Philadelphia Eagles

1. Quarterback
The Philadelphia Eagles are expected to end the Michael Vick era this offseason. And while Nick Foles may be worth developing, he isn’t an immediate answer to their issues at quarterback. If they’re interested in keeping Foles, then signing a veteran makes the most sense. But if the new regime isn’t interested in Foles, Geno Smith may be a first-round option.

2. Offensive Line
By season’s end, the Eagles had arguably the worst offensive line in the league. But a major reason for their struggles was the injury bug that bit Jason Peterson, Todd Herremans and others. Simply by getting everyone healthy the Eagles line will improve, but some changes are likely coming. Luke Joeckel and Eric Fisher are strong possibilities in the first round.

3. Cornerback
Nnamdi Asomugha has been a huge disappointment and will only return to Philly if he restructures his contract. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is also an unrestricted free agent and is unlikely to return after a few sub-par seasons with the Eagles. Dee Milliner could be an option in the first round, but the depth at the cornerback position could cause them to wait until the second round to address the need.

Posted on January 30, 2013 by Ryan McCrystal in Team Needs 1 Comment

Offseason Needs: Oakland Raiders

1. Quarterback
The Oakland Raiders could survive another year or two with Carson Palmer if they upgrade the talent around him. But it is definitely time to begin the search for his replacement. And no, Terrelle Pryor is not the answer. Geno Smith may be an option with the third pick, but they are more likely to hold off and take a developmental prospect in the second or third round.

2. Defensive Line
Unrestricted free agent Richard Seymour will be too expensive to bring back. Desmond Bryant, who emerged as a quality starter this season, is also set to hit the market. The Raiders will likely try to bring Bryant back, but some big changes are definitely coming on the defensive line. This will likely be a position they address in the first round with Damontre Moore, Bjoern Werner or Star Lotulelei.

3. Cornerback
Michael Huff ‘s transition to cornerback worked better than expected, but he’ll be 30 in March and isn’t a long-term answer at the position. To make matters worse, nickleback Joselio Hanson is also set to become an unrestricted free agent. The Raiders could potentially take Dee Milliner with the No. 3 pick to address this need.

Posted on January 29, 2013 by Ryan McCrystal in Team Needs 3 Comments

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