Atlanta Falcons 4-12
Needs: QB,OL,DT,LB,WR,S
Offense: Where don't the Atlanta Falcons need to improve? Offensively, the Falcons don't have a quarterback, offensive line continuity (or much talent), a #1 running back, or a system everyone is familiar with. The good news is they won't be losing the talent they DO have, including Roddy White and Jerious Norwood, so the thought is they can only improve (They just cut Pro Bowl TE Alge Crumpler). Warrick Dunn may retire and for the Falcons sake, he should. Coach Smith has said he wants a power run game much like the Jags had with Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones Drew, but Neither Warrick Dunn nor Jerious Norwood fit that bill. Bobby Petrino for Darren McFadden would be an awfully nice trade for the Falcons. Don't be surprised if the Falcons pass on a QB in the first round to take the explosive back from Arkansas, particularly with the way Adrian Peterson took over the league this past season. Plenty of holes means plenty of work for the new coaching staff, but with 3 picks in the first 2 rounds and an owner willing to spend, the dirty birds will certainly have the means to improve this team right away.
Defense: the Falcons may lose linebackers Demorrio Williams, and Michael Boley two of the few playmakers they have. New head coach Mike Smith will look to add discipline and toughness to a team that has been under-coached for quite a while. The Falcons will have to replace DT Rod Coleman whom they cut this week. Smith had one of the best interior defensive lines in the NFL with Henderson and Stroud in Jacksonville and with the 4-3 defense, the Falcons will have to add along the interior. Safety must also be addressed as Lawyer Milloy has clearly lost a step and Chris Crocker is barely average. Making sure they hold onto Williams and Boley in free agency will allow the Falcons to narrow in on adding on the defensive front and backfield in the draft.
Projected 1st Round Pick: Darren McFadden RB Arkansas
Carolina Panthers 7-9
Needs: WR,DL,S,QB,TE
Offense: Somehow the Carolina Panthers won 7 games last season, despite starting Matt Moore, Vinny Testaverde, and David Carr at quarterback. That probably makes it possible for Jon Fox to avoid taking a QB in the first round, but the Panthers face the prospect of losing a number of key starters via free agency. WR Drew Carter, WR Keary Colbert, RT Jordan Gross, are all FA’s and the Panthers recently cut G Mike Wahle who has since signed with the Seahawks. That could mean a number of new faces in the starting lineup for 2008. The Panthers did sign LT Travelle Wharton, to a long term deal, and must do the same with Gross to sure up the offensive front. The Panther staff was checking out tackle prospects at the Senior Bowl, hoping to be able to fill potential gaps. The offense is predicated on that power run game, so making sure DeAngelo Williams and DeShaun Foster can get their yards is of the utmost importance (Particularly if they expect to start Matt Moore for 17 weeks). The Panthers like WR Dwayne Jarrett along side Steve Smith, but with Colbert and Carter both potentially gone, they must find another weapon whether at WR or TE. Also, if a guy like Brian Brohm is still there, don't be surprised if the Panthers take him. They were looking at QB's at the Senior Bowl and Jake Delhomme hasn't played consistently enough to prove he is a long-term solution.
Defense: DE Mike Rucker, and LB Na'il Diggs are free agents and Dan Morgan was released from a defense that underachieved last season. Defensive end and linebacker were priorities at the Senior Bowl as Carolina appears dedicated to getting younger and more athletic in their front 7. The Panthers were second to last in the league in sacking the quarterback with just 23. DE Chris Ellis from Virginia Tech caught the eye of the Panthers staff and if they look WR or QB in the first round, he could certainly be a possibility in the 2nd or even the 3rd. Carolina resigned S Chris Harris, but his counterpart Deke Cooper is better suited playing special teams. The Panthers will look to both free agency and the draft to find a suitable running mate for Harris in the defensive backfield.
New Orleans Saints 7-9
Needs: CB,DT,WR,LB,TE
Offense: Sean Payton's offense outmaneuvered itself early on, trying to get too cute and too creative in using Reggie Bush. With Duece McAllister gone, Bush predictably struggled carrying the load. A healthy backfield should provide the Saints with a formidable backfield. Drew Brees struggled early, but eventually found his groove by mid-season and got the Saints back in to the playoff race, falling short in week 17. Now, the Saints could lose starters WR Devery Henderson and TE Eric Johnson as well as slot receiver Terrance Copper to free agency. The Saints will likely attempt to retain Copper, who the coaches really like, but either way depth at wide receiver is a concern. The scouts at the Senior Bowl seemed keen on a few players in the early-mid rounds like Andre Caldwell and Devin Thomas. Eric Johnson could return, but the Saints could stand to upgrade there with a player like John Carlson 0r Martellus Bennett in the 2nd round. The Saints liked TE Kellen Davis at the Senior Bowl and he could be a potential target in the mid-rounds as well.
Defense: In '07 the defense really let the Saints down. The Colts torched them early on and it was all downhill from there. One of the only regular contributors, LB Mark Simoneau, is an UFA and the Saints will look to strengthen their linebacking core. Finding a corner to play opposite Mike McKenzie has been a struggle since McKenzie arrived in New Orleans and last season proved the Saints need to find a suitable replacement to have any chance at the playoffs. Getting a big body in the middle to help plug the run is also a key defensive priority for the off-season. There is considerably more depth at corner than DT so reaching for someone like DT Kentwan Balmer with the 10th pick and address their corner situation in later rounds would be a viable option.
Projected 1st Round Pick: #10 Mike Jenkins CB South Florida
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 9-7
Needs: OL,CB,LB,WR,RB
Offense: Interesting that a Florida team would be lead on offense by two of the elder statesmen in the NFL. WR Joey Galloway and QB Jeff Garcia flourished under Jon Gruden last season before faltering in he playoffs. The Buccaneers have shown concern over the running back situation with Cadillac Williams knee injury still giving him problems. RB Earnest Graham was the savior of the running game last season and the Bucs just signed RB Michael Bennett for insurance purposes. In front of them is a young, but talented group, although the Bucs could certainly use another blue chipper or two to help facilitate the offense. Joey Galloway also needs help at receiver. The Bucs like WR Jordy Nelson from Kansas State and with more pressing needs could address the WR issue in the mid-rounds.
Defense: Tampa Bay's defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin has been one of the most consistent defensive coaches ever. Year in and year out, the Bucs are lead by their defense, and there recent resurgence can be traced to the inspired defensive play. However, the defense, much like Kiffin, is very old at key positions. CB Brian Kelly is a free agent and Ronde Barber isn't getting any younger. OLB Derrick Brooks will turn 35 before the season and his counterpart OLB Cato June was hurt most of the season. Getting some help at linebacker will be key to patching up the holes on the defensive side of the ball. DB Dejuan Tribble of BC would be a perfect fit for the Bucs aggressive D in the mid-rounds as well.
Projected 1st Round Pick: #20 Dan Connor LB Penn State
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