2008 Offseason Team Needs |
| AFC EAST |
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1. Cornerback - Losing Nate Clements last offseason was a serious blow to the Bills secondary. Terrence McGee and Jabari Greer should not be starting in this league. |
| 2. Wide Receiver - Peerless Price is past his prime and Lee Evans is only a complimentary guy. Sam Aiken, Felton Huggins and Scott Mayle are their only receivers over 6'0. |
| 3. Offensive Tackle - I like Jason Peters, but I'm not sold that he's a left tackle. If they can find a left tackle they like, Peters could move to RT and Langston Walker becomes expendable. |
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1. Offensive Line - Vernon Carey are Samson Satele are the only guys worth keeping. Everyone else is very expendable this offseason. |
| 2. Cornerback - Michael Lehan is a free agent (who won't be missed if he leaves) and Will Allen, Travis Daniels and Andre Goodman aren't getting the job done. |
| 3. Defensive Tackle - Keith Traylor is surprisingly effective for a 38 year old but you have to wonder how much he has left. Vonnie Holliday (32) isn't getting any younger either. |
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1. Cornerback - Depth was a slight concern this year, but if Asante Samuel and Randall Gay depart it will be come a fairly serious issue entering the '08 season. |
| 2. Wide Receiver - If they resign Randy Moss that solves the need immediately, but if Moss walks they could be in trouble. Welker isn't a #1 guy, and Stallworth was a non-factor this year. |
| 3. Linebacker - All four starters are over 30, and depth was a concern all year. Junior Seau may retire and Tedy Bruschi is a free agent. Even if they return, the Pats need some youth here. |
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1. Defensive End - The Jets have some talent on the defensive line, but they just don't have the personnel to effectively run the 3-4 defense. |
| 2. Linebacker - Its the same issue as with the defensive line, Mangini tried to install a system without having the proper personnel in place for it to work effectively. |
| 3. Offensive Guard - D'Brickashaw Ferguson and Nick Mangold are two of the top young players in the league, but the Jets must surround them with more talent on the offensive line. |
| AFC North |
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1. Wide Receiver - Mark Clayton has essentially been a bust and Derrick Mason is clearly on the downswing of his career. This has been a need in Baltimore for far too long. |
| 2. Linebacker - If Terrell Suggs isn't resigned it will be a much bigger issue, but even if he's back, they missed Adalius Thomas and Ray Lewis is wearing down. |
| 3. Quarterback - This one is debatable. Troy Smith played well down the stretch and may get another shot next year. Early indications are they won't address this need in the first round. |
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1. Outside Linebacker - Injuries, suspensions and ineffective play have all contributed to the Bengals having arguably the worst linebackers in the league. |
| 2. Defensive Tackle - John Thornton is on the downside of his career and no one else has been able to step up as a run stuffing interior lineman. |
| 3. Defensive End - Re-signing Justin Smith is a priority this offseason, but even if he returns the Bengals need to a get a true pass rusher on the defensive line. |
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1. Defensive Tackle - They need a true nose tackle to anchor their defensive line. Ethan Kelly and Ted Washington are free agents which could leave Louis Leonard as their only DT returning. |
| 2. Running Back - After a big rebound season for Jamal Lewis he could be difficult to re-sign, and the Browns don't want to enter '08 with Jason Wright as their starting running back. |
| 3. Outside Linebacker - As good as Kamerion Wimbley is, he can't do it alone. Willie McGinist is at the tail end of his career and may ever retire. |
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1. Offensive Guard - Alan Faneca is a free agent and unlikely to return. That would leave a gaping hole on the left side and make life far more difficult for Willie Parker. |
| 2. Cornerback - This was an area that needed to be addressed last year. They have enough talent to get by, but they'll need a shutdown corner for their defense to take the next step. |
| 3. Free safety - Ryan Clark leaves a lot to be desired at the free safety position. Its not a pressing need, but an upgrade here would be welcomed. |
| AFC South |
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1. Running Back - Ahman Green was decent when healthy, but the Texans are desperate for a true franchise running back. |
| 2. Offensive Line - Eric Winston and Chester Pitts have performed well, but they're still looking for that franchise left tackle to anchor the line. |
| 3. Safety - Five of their safeties are free agents and none would be missed if they left. Any help in their secondary would be welcomed with open arms. |
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1. Offensive Line - Ryan Lilja and Jake Scott are both unrestricted free agents. Bringing back Scott is a priority. Lilja is expendable, but there isn't a slid replacement already on the roster. |
| 2. Cornerback - Marlin Jackson hasn't lived up to his potential and Kelvin Hayden isn't a shutdown corner. They can't afford to pass up on a true number one corner if the opportunity presents. |
| 3. Tight End - If Dallas Clark is re-signed that solves this issue. If not, it create a huge void, as Gijon Robinson is next in line on the current depth chart. |
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1. Defensive End - Bobby McCray, the only Jaguar to reach double-digit sacks since 2001, is a free agent. A pass rush specialist is a priority for the Jaguars. |
| 2. Wide Receiver - The Jaguars have had far too many top draft picks at this position turn into busts. It might be time to address this need through free agency. |
| 3. Strong Safety - Reggie Nelson has the free safety position locked up, but he needs some help in the secondary. Last years starter, Gerald Sensabaugh, is a restricted free agent. |
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1. Wide Receivers - If they want to see Vince Young continue to develop, the Titans absolutely must give him some weapons to work with. |
| 2. Defensive Tackle - Re-signing Albert Haynesworth is a priority, but even if that deal gets done, he could use some help on the interior line. |
| 3. Defensive End - Travis LaBoy and Antwan Odom are unrestricted free agents and Kyle Vanden Bosch is showing signs of slowing down. |
| AFC West |
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1. Offensive Tackle - A once proud offensive line is just a shadow of its former self. Ryan Harris doesn't have what it takes to anchor a team at left tackle. |
| 2. Defensive Tackle - Marcus Thomas had a solid rookie season, but there's no depth on the line and they can definitely do better than starting Alvin McKinley. |
| 3. Safety - John Lynch is all but finished, and an immediate upgrade at strong safety is needed. Nick Ferguson is an unrestricted free agent and likely won't be back. |
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1. Quarterback - Brodie Croyle should not be starting in this league and Damon Huard isn't good for much more than keeping the seat warm for the next guy. |
| 2. Offensive Tackle - Kyle Turley is a free agent and Damion McIntosh is not a franchise left tackle. All five of their starting offensive linemen are over the age of 30. |
| 3. Cornerback - Ty Law and Patrick Surtain are well past their prime. Dimitri Patterson and Benny Sapp are next on the depth chart; that should tell you all you need to know. |
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1. Offensive Tackle - 33 year old Barry Sims is not the answer at left tackle . They have some young prospects (Paul McQuistan and Mario Henderson) but neither has shown much yet. |
| 2. Wide Receiver - The Raiders have been looking for a true number one receiver since Tim Brown's last Pro Bowl year in 2001. |
| 3. Defensive End - Derrick Burgess has one spot locked up, but Chris Clemons is nothing but a pass rush specialist and is a free agent. |
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1. Inside Linebacker - Matt Wilhelm and Stephen Cooper performed better than expected, but if a better option presents itself the Chargers must take a look. |
| 2. Safety - They have high hopes for Eric Weddle at strong safety, but Marlon McCree isn't the guy you want starting at a free safety on a team with Super Bowl aspirations. |
| 3. Wide Receiver - Chris Chambers was an excellent addition, but Vincent Jackson hasn't lived up to potential and Buster Davis already looks like a bust. |
| NFC East |
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1. Offensive Tackle - Flozell Adams has developed into a very reliable left tackle, however, he's an unrestricted free agent. Re-signing him is this offseason's top priority. |
| 2. Cornerback - Terence Newman and Anthony Henry get the job done, but neither has the speed and athleticism to be the true shutdown corner that the Cowboys would like. |
| 3. Running Back - Julius Jones is as good as gone and Marion Barber is a restricted free agent. Assuming Barber returns, at the very least they need a replacement for Jones. |
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1. Offensive Tackle - David Diehl is better suited as a right tackle. If a franchise left tackle is available the Giants have to consider making a move. |
| 2. Cornerback - Sam Madison is nearing the end of his career, and depth at the position is a serious issue. Aaron Ross had a nice rookie year, but they need more help at corner. |
| 3. Outside Linebacker - Kawika Mitchell had a strong postseason, but he was up and down all year. He's a free agent and even if he's brought back they could use some added depth. |
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1. Wide Receiver - At some point the Eagles need to step up and provide their quarterback (whoever it may be next year) with some legitimate targets. |
| 2. Defensive End - Jevon Kearse can't stay healthy and isn't the player he once was even when he is on the field. |
| 3. Offensive Tackle - William Thomas and Jon Runyan are both well on the wrong side of 30 and its time for the Eagles to start thinking about the future of their offensive line. |
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1. Defensive End - Other than Andre Carter this year, the Redskins haven't had a defensive end reach double-digit sacks since Marco Coleman and Bruce Smith in 2000. |
| 2. Wide Receiver - Santana Moss and Antwaan Randel El are most effective when complimented by a taller, possession receiver on the opposite side. |
| 3. Safety - At the start of this season the 'Skins had the best young safeties in the game. Unfortunately the tragic death of Sean Taylor has made safety a need yet again. |
| NFC North |
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1. Quarterback - Rex Grossman is not the answer. Neither are Kyle Orton or Brian Griese. Its time for the Bears to start over at quarterback. |
| 2. Offensive Line - The line is still solid, for now. However, Roberto Garza is the only starter under the age of 30. |
| 3. Wide Receiver - Mushin Muhammad is still effective, but he's 34 years old. Bernard Berian is a free agent and there isn't much depth beyond those two. |
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1. Cornerback - Fernando Bryant and Stanley Wilson would make excellent 3rd and 4th cornerbacks. Unfortunately they were starting for Lions this year. |
| 2. Offensive Tackle - Jeff Backus is better suited as a right tackle. If the Lions can land a franchise left tackle to anchor the line they have to make the move. |
| 3. Wide Receiver - ... just kidding... Outside linebacker could become an issue if Boss Bailey isn't re-signed. And upgrade over Paris Lenon at inside linebacker is needed as well. |
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1. Cornerback - Al Harris and Charles Woodson are both on the downside of their careers. Finding a replacement for Harris is the more pressing issue. |
| 2. Tight End - Donald Lee stepped up nicely this year, but he isn't the long term answer. The Packers need a tight end that can make a larger impact in the passing game. |
| 3. Outside Linebacker - An upgrade over Brady Poppinga would give the Packers would of the best young trios of linebackers in the league. |
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1. Quarterback - Everyone other that Brad Childress seems to agree that Tarvaris Jackson is a compete bust. But then again, only Childress ever had expectations for him. |
| 2. Defensive End - How many top draft picks can they waste on one position? Maybe its time to address this need in free agency. |
| 3. Wide Receiver - Like defensive end, the Vikings seem to have a knack for finding the best busts at the receiver position. Whoever plays QB next year needs at least one reliable target. |
| NFC South |
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1. Running Back - Jerious Norwood could be the future, but he'll have to stay healthy before the Falcons are ready to rest their future on his legs. |
| 2. Wide Receiver - Roddy White and Michael Jenkins haven't panned out and Joe Horn doesn't have much left in the tank. |
| 3. Quarterback - I still have faith that Byron Leftwich can start in this league, but now is the time to bring in a young quarterback to groom for the future. |
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1. Quarterback - Given his recent injuries and the fact that he's 33 years old, the Panthers need to think about finding Jake Delhomme's replacement. |
| 2. Offensive Tackle - Travelle Wharton and Jordan Gross are both unrestricted free agents and it going to be very difficult to bring both of them back. |
| 3. Safety - Chris Harris has the strong safety spot locked up, but Deke Cooper is a free agent and likely won't be re-signed. They don't want to go into '08 with Nate Salley as the starter. |
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1. Cornerback - I can't remember the last time the Saints entered an offseason without cornerback as a need. Its time the address the need with a major draft pick or free agent signing. |
| 2. Linebacker - Mark Simoneau is an unrestricted free agent, but even if he's brought back the Saints could use an upgrade at any of the three linebacker positions. |
| 3. Tight End - The last Saints tight end to go over 500 yards receiving was Cam Cleeland in 1998. If that isn't reason enough for it to be a need, Eric Johnson is a free agent. |
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1. Wide Receiver - Joey Galloway continues to be productive at 36, but you have to assume he's only good for two more years at the most. |
| 2. Cornerback - Ronde Barber is 32 and Phillip Buchannon isn't cut out to be a starter in this league any more. To make matters worse Brian Kelly appears to already be out the door. |
| 3. Outside Linebacker - Its about time the Bucs find Derrick Brooks replacement. No one on the current roster is cut out to take his place when he finally calls it quits. |
| NFC West |
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1. Cornerback - Antrel Rolle has been a complete bust and they're left with Rod Hood and Eric Green starting. They need to add a big name to one of the league's worst secondaries. |
| 2. Outside Linebacker - They don't have the necessary personnel for the 3-4 defense to work right now. And to make matters worse Calvin Pace and Karlos Dansby are free agents. |
| 3. Running Back - By the start of next season Edgerrin James will be on the wrong side of 30 and the depth behind him is non-existent. |
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1. Outside Linebacker - This has been a need for far too long and they've seen their fair share of busts try to fill holes. Its time the Rams find a legitimate star to anchor their defense. |
| 2. Offensive Line - Orlando Pace's career is winding down and its time their lack of depth on the line was exposed by the onslaught of injuries they suffered this year. |
| 3. Wide Receiver - Isaac Bruce is 35 and Torry Holt is now on the wrong side of 30. Its time to bring in a young receiver to pump some life into their offense. |
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1. Defensive End - Bryant Young and Marques Douglas are both free agents. You can't effectively run the 3-4 without a solid line to anchor the defense. |
| 2. Offensive Guard - Larry Allen's career may finally be over and Justin Smiley is a free agent on the other side. They need to be able to keep Alex Smith on his feet next year. |
| 3. Wide Receiver - They have to address more basic positions first, but once those are filled its time to give Alex Smith some weapons to work with. |
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1. Running Back - Shaun Alexander is all but done. He's got enough to stick around as a backup for awhile, but his days as NFL MVP are long behind him. |
| 2. Offensive Line - Its not a coincidence that the Alexander's production dropped along with the departure of Steve Hutchinson two years ago. |
| 3. Tight End - Jeremy Stevens never panned out and now Marcus Pollard is a free agent and at age 36, probably won't be brought back. |
