A look at team needs at the skill positions-UPDATED (1 Viewer)

[Ministry of Pain]

Let’s really break down who needs what in the upcoming draft. Most of it is going to be directed at RB, with some on the WR and QB. A lot of teams could use upgrades at TE but I am going to gloss over that for much of this thread. I think the situation that a player is sent into is almost as important as their abilities on the field.

AFC East

New England: Clearly they have all their starters locked down on offense. Brady, Moss, Maroney, Welker…sure they could always use another RB but that person will have to get ahead of Maroney and Sammy Morris…don’t think for a second that Morris will not be in the mix again there in New England.

Buffalo: The real need for them is at WR. They are going to take a WR, just a matter if they grab one in the 1st or gamble they can find something in the 2nd. They had good luck in the 1st with Lee Evans…at the time I remember many people were not excited about them getting Evans but he has produced anytime they have called his number. At QB, they seem to be OK with Edwards and Losman at this point.

New York Jets: RB is a clear need but then again I would not assume Thomas Jones would just be relegated to the bench week 1 of the season either. Whoever they take and wherever they take them, I would temper rookie expectations as they do have a formula in place there. Jones is going to be 30 but he might also get motivated when they draft a big rookie…he was able to fight off Cedric benson pretty well in Chicago but he was 3 years younger which in football years is about 20.

I also believe the Jets will look for a decent WR3 in the draft, a playmaker to stretch the field. Cotchery and Coles are interchangeable IMO, they still need a deep threat to make the offense more explosive.

Miami Dolphins: Ronnie Brown will be coming off an ACL tear and they have some other RB in place there but I wouldn’t put it past them to at least take a look at a RB…maybe a Steve Slaton in the 4th or 5th round if he is still on the board. They also need a WR2, maybe a WR1 depending on how you feel about Teddy Ginn. I would love to see them grab Flacco at the top of the 2nd and have 2 young arms to develop. Not sure Miami will do that however I feel they need to pour more energy and skill into the QB position.

AFC North

Pittsburgh: Maybe an RB2 and a WR3 although I still like Nate Washington. Nothing pressing for Pittsburgh and I would not get overly excited about any skills position players they select in the draft.

Cincinnati: WR3, or someone to develop behind Chad and TJ…Palmer is still pretty young and might be in the league another 8-10 years so you definitely want to keep the WR spots full of talent. Shame what happened with henry as the trio of Chad, TJ, and Henry could have been really special. I don’t think a RB is out of the question either although they do have a lot of guys in the mix right now.

Cleveland: An RB2 is almost a given but Jamal Lewis has the RB1 slot for the time being, maybe a little longer…2 more seasons. If you like who they get in the draft, you are almost relegated to not seeing a big return on investment for maybe 1-2 years which in Dynasty can really drag out. Another thing to keep in mind is that even if they get a name in the draft, things could really change in a year or two. Do you think Michael Turner owners are jumping up and down right now?

Baltimore: They need a QB, they need an RB2 although that person will not jump McGahee, and they probably need another WR. Not overly excited about their new HC, but there is a need for some young infusion of talent along their offense.

AFC South

Indianapolis: Other than maybe an RB2, possible another WR so that when Marvin reitres in the next year or two that they still have 3 solid WR to toss it around to.

Jacksonville: QB is now cemented, they brought in a bunch of WR although I don’t think any of them are a true WR1 which is what they lack,a dn I would say they need an eventual replacement for Fred Taylor as MJD will never be a 300 carry type back.

Houston: They really really really need a RB. One of the most open RB positions in the entire NFL outside of places like Detroit. If they take a big name RB in the 1st round, I would be more optimistic than pessimistic that the rookie will come in and make a big impact. They are set at QB, they have their true WR1, and they showed they have enough behind that as well with guys like Andre Davis who came in and did well while AJ was sidelined most of the season.

Tennessee: Whether you like Vince Young or not, the Titans do and they are set for many years with him. They need a true WR1 but I don’t think they will draft a WR in the 1st round. They probably want to give Roydell, Brandon Jones, and Justin Gage another year…however I don’t see any of them being super elite WR in the NFL.

The Titans likely are still searching for that true RB1, a real Eddie George type and there are several in this NFL draft…however they have invested 2 2nd rounders the past 2 years on LenDale White and Chris Henry so I have to believe they will roll with that unless someone slips to them that they cannot pass up. There can’t be that much money locked up at RB to the point they couldn’t make a major splash in the draft…in fact I think the Titans should be looking at one of the top prospects at Rb with the way they like to move the ball.

AFC West

Denver: RB, mark it down as they will definitely take a RB IMO in the 1st 2-3 rounds of the draft. They have their QB. Suddenly WR seems like an area where they need to shore things up and I would not be surprised if they draft a WR in the 1st either.

Oakland: QB…check, WR…check, RB…check. They have most of their startes in place. Fargas, Rhodes, and Michael Bush, oh yeah and Lamont Jordan is still on the team. They have Wlaker and Curry at WR…I don’t see a rookie coming in and doing much of anything here, unless they get McFadden and start ripping up the contracts of Rhodes, Jordan, and Fargas which they could do.

Kansas City: Let’s see here…they need a QB, yes they do. They need a good WR2 to compliment Dwayne Bowe. And they likely need a RB to groom behind Larry Johnson.

San Diego: Sure they need an RB2 but what good is that going to do on your fantasy roster for the next 3 years? QB, nope. WR? What’s the difference as they have Chambers and Gates to throw it to after they are done calling LT’s number…I see no impact for a rookie on this team.

NFC still to come.

 

[djcolts]

Colts could use a 2nd TE, too, with Utecht going to the Bengals.

 

[greenf7cat]

Let’s really break down who needs what in the upcoming draft. Most of it is going to be directed at RB, with some on the WR and QB. A lot of teams could use upgrades at TE but I am going to gloss over that for much of this thread. I think the situation that a player is sent into is almost as important as their abilities on the field.

AFC East

New England: Clearly they have all their starters locked down on offense. Brady, Moss, Maroney, Welker…sure they could always use another RB but that person will have to get ahead of Maroney and Sammy Morris…don’t think for a second that Morris will not be in the mix again there in New England.

Buffalo: The real need for them is at WR. They are going to take a WR, just a matter if they grab one in the 1st or gamble they can find something in the 2nd. They had good luck in the 1st with Lee Evans…at the time I remember many people were not excited about them getting Evans but he has produced anytime they have called his number. At QB, they seem to be OK with Edwards and Losman at this point.

New York Jets: RB is a clear need but then again I would not assume Thomas Jones would just be relegated to the bench week 1 of the season either. Whoever they take and wherever they take them, I would temper rookie expectations as they do have a formula in place there. Jones is going to be 30 but he might also get motivated when they draft a big rookie…he was able to fight off Cedric benson pretty well in Chicago but he was 3 years younger which in football years is about 20.

I also believe the Jets will look for a decent WR3 in the draft, a playmaker to stretch the field. Cotchery and Coles are interchangeable IMO, they still need a deep threat to make the offense more explosive.

Miami Dolphins: Ronnie Brown will be coming off an ACL tear and they have some other RB in place there but I wouldn’t put it past them to at least take a look at a RB…maybe a Steve Slaton in the 4th or 5th round if he is still on the board. They also need a WR2, maybe a WR1 depending on how you feel about Teddy Ginn. I would love to see them grab Flacco at the top of the 2nd and have 2 young arms to develop. Not sure Miami will do that however I feel they need to pour more energy and skill into the QB position.

AFC North

Pittsburgh: Maybe an RB2 and a WR3 although I still like Nate Washington. Nothing pressing for Pittsburgh and I would not get overly excited about any skills position players they select in the draft.

Cincinnati: WR3, or someone to develop behind Chad and TJ…Palmer is still pretty young and might be in the league another 8-10 years so you definitely want to keep the WR spots full of talent. Shame what happened with henry as the trio of Chad, TJ, and Henry could have been really special. I don’t think a RB is out of the question either although they do have a lot of guys in the mix right now.

Cleveland: An RB2 is almost a given but Jamal Lewis has the RB1 slot for the time being, maybe a little longer…2 more seasons. If you like who they get in the draft, you are almost relegated to not seeing a big return on investment for maybe 1-2 years which in Dynasty can really drag out. Another thing to keep in mind is that even if they get a name in the draft, things could really change in a year or two. Do you think Michael Turner owners are jumping up and down right now?

Baltimore: They need a QB, they need an RB2 although that person will not jump McGahee, and they probably need another WR. Not overly excited about their new HC, but there is a need for some young infusion of talent along their offense.

AFC South

Indianapolis: Other than maybe an RB2, possible another WR so that when Marvin reitres in the next year or two that they still have 3 solid WR to toss it around to.

Jacksonville: QB is now cemented, they brought in a bunch of WR although I don’t think any of them are a true WR1 which is what they lack,a dn I would say they need an eventual replacement for Fred Taylor as MJD will never be a 300 carry type back.

Houston: They really really really need a RB. One of the most open RB positions in the entire NFL outside of places like Detroit. If they take a big name RB in the 1st round, I would be more optimistic than pessimistic that the rookie will come in and make a big impact. They are set at QB, they have their true WR1, and they showed they have enough behind that as well with guys like Andre Davis who came in and did well while AJ was sidelined most of the season.

Tennessee: Whether you like Vince Young or not, the Titans do and they are set for many years with him. They need a true WR1 but I don’t think they will draft a WR in the 1st round. They probably want to give Roydell, Brandon Jones, and Justin Gage another year…however I don’t see any of them being super elite WR in the NFL.

The Titans likely are still searching for that true RB1, a real Eddie George type and there are several in this NFL draft…however they have invested 2 2nd rounders the past 2 years on LenDale White and Chris Henry so I have to believe they will roll with that unless someone slips to them that they cannot pass up. There can’t be that much money locked up at RB to the point they couldn’t make a major splash in the draft…in fact I think the Titans should be looking at one of the top prospects at Rb with the way they like to move the ball.

AFC West

Denver: RB, mark it down as they will definitely take a RB IMO in the 1st 2-3 rounds of the draft. They have their QB. Suddenly WR seems like an area where they need to shore things up and I would not be surprised if they draft a WR in the 1st either.

Oakland: QB…check, WR…check, RB…check. They have most of their startes in place. Fargas, Rhodes, and Michael Bush, oh yeah and Lamont Jordan is still on the team. They have Wlaker and Curry at WR…I don’t see a rookie coming in and doing much of anything here, unless they get McFadden and start ripping up the contracts of Rhodes, Jordan, and Fargas which they could do.

Kansas City: Let’s see here…they need a QB, yes they do. They need a good WR2 to compliment Dwayne Bowe. And they likely need a RB to groom behind Larry Johnson.

San Diego: Sure they need an RB2 but what good is that going to do on your fantasy roster for the next 3 years? QB, nope. WR? What’s the difference as they have Chambers and Gates to throw it to after they are done calling LT’s number…I see no impact for a rookie on this team.

NFC still to come.

I agree with a WR2...thats a given. I disagree with needing a BRB to groom behind LJ.. Kolby Smith played well filling in for LJ last year, even with their awful line. Finally, KC doens't know what they have in Croyle yet. Brady/Manning would have had a down year behind that OL (if you even want to call it that). He needs 1 more year to show whether he's got it or not

 

[switz]

AFC EastNew England: Clearly they have all their starters locked down on offense. Brady, Moss, Maroney, Welker…sure they could always use another RB but that person will have to get ahead of Maroney and Sammy Morris…don’t think for a second that Morris will not be in the mix again there in New England.Buffalo: The real need for them is at WR. They are going to take a WR, just a matter if they grab one in the 1st or gamble they can find something in the 2nd. They had good luck in the 1st with Lee Evans…at the time I remember many people were not excited about them getting Evans but he has produced anytime they have called his number. At QB, they seem to be OK with Edwards and Losman at this point. New York Jets: RB is a clear need but then again I would not assume Thomas Jones would just be relegated to the bench week 1 of the season either. Whoever they take and wherever they take them, I would temper rookie expectations as they do have a formula in place there. Jones is going to be 30 but he might also get motivated when they draft a big rookie…he was able to fight off Cedric benson pretty well in Chicago but he was 3 years younger which in football years is about 20. I also believe the Jets will look for a decent WR3 in the draft, a playmaker to stretch the field. Cotchery and Coles are interchangeable IMO, they still need a deep threat to make the offense more explosive.Miami Dolphins: Ronnie Brown will be coming off an ACL tear and they have some other RB in place there but I wouldn’t put it past them to at least take a look at a RB…maybe a Steve Slaton in the 4th or 5th round if he is still on the board. They also need a WR2, maybe a WR1 depending on how you feel about Teddy Ginn. I would love to see them grab Flacco at the top of the 2nd and have 2 young arms to develop. Not sure Miami will do that however I feel they need to pour more energy and skill into the QB position.

I don't have much to say about NE and BUF. My only comment on NE is that the coaches don't seem so enamored with MAroney, at least that's my take, so seeing an RB land there wouldn't surprise me at all. But I agree, they'd be in a mix.Jets, I agree about Jones.MIA - not sure if they grab an RB, they seemed happy about Booker, and Ricky is there to hold the fort down while Brown recovers. I just see so many needs elsewhere.

AFC NorthPittsburgh: Maybe an RB2 and a WR3 although I still like Nate Washington. Nothing pressing for Pittsburgh and I would not get overly excited about any skills position players they select in the draft.Cincinnati: WR3, or someone to develop behind Chad and TJ…Palmer is still pretty young and might be in the league another 8-10 years so you definitely want to keep the WR spots full of talent. Shame what happened with henry as the trio of Chad, TJ, and Henry could have been really special. I don’t think a RB is out of the question either although they do have a lot of guys in the mix right now. Cleveland: An RB2 is almost a given but Jamal Lewis has the RB1 slot for the time being, maybe a little longer…2 more seasons. If you like who they get in the draft, you are almost relegated to not seeing a big return on investment for maybe 1-2 years which in Dynasty can really drag out. Another thing to keep in mind is that even if they get a name in the draft, things could really change in a year or two. Do you think Michael Turner owners are jumping up and down right now?Baltimore: They need a QB, they need an RB2 although that person will not jump McGahee, and they probably need another WR. Not overly excited about their new HC, but there is a need for some young infusion of talent along their offense.

I could see Pittsburgh and Baltimore getting WRs.

AFC SouthIndianapolis: Other than maybe an RB2, possible another WR so that when Marvin reitres in the next year or two that they still have 3 solid WR to toss it around to. Jacksonville: QB is now cemented, they brought in a bunch of WR although I don’t think any of them are a true WR1 which is what they lack,a dn I would say they need an eventual replacement for Fred Taylor as MJD will never be a 300 carry type back. Houston: They really really really need a RB. One of the most open RB positions in the entire NFL outside of places like Detroit. If they take a big name RB in the 1st round, I would be more optimistic than pessimistic that the rookie will come in and make a big impact. They are set at QB, they have their true WR1, and they showed they have enough behind that as well with guys like Andre Davis who came in and did well while AJ was sidelined most of the season. Tennessee: Whether you like Vince Young or not, the Titans do and they are set for many years with him. They need a true WR1 but I don’t think they will draft a WR in the 1st round. They probably want to give Roydell, Brandon Jones, and Justin Gage another year…however I don’t see any of them being super elite WR in the NFL. The Titans likely are still searching for that true RB1, a real Eddie George type and there are several in this NFL draft…however they have invested 2 2nd rounders the past 2 years on LenDale White and Chris Henry so I have to believe they will roll with that unless someone slips to them that they cannot pass up. There can’t be that much money locked up at RB to the point they couldn’t make a major splash in the draft…in fact I think the Titans should be looking at one of the top prospects at Rb with the way they like to move the ball.

I tihnk the Colts are really trying to build depth on their D.JVille - MJD can't be a full time RB - waiting for the bomb to drop.... (but I was saying this before hehe)HOU - yeah, defintiely an RB< probably a WR as AJ is never healthyTEN - RB and WR are real needs, but their coaching philosophy doesn't seem to believe in offense

AFC WestDenver: RB, mark it down as they will definitely take a RB IMO in the 1st 2-3 rounds of the draft. They have their QB. Suddenly WR seems like an area where they need to shore things up and I would not be surprised if they draft a WR in the 1st either. Oakland: QB…check, WR…check, RB…check. They have most of their startes in place. Fargas, Rhodes, and Michael Bush, oh yeah and Lamont Jordan is still on the team. They have Wlaker and Curry at WR…I don’t see a rookie coming in and doing much of anything here, unless they get McFadden and start ripping up the contracts of Rhodes, Jordan, and Fargas which they could do.Kansas City: Let’s see here…they need a QB, yes they do. They need a good WR2 to compliment Dwayne Bowe. And they likely need a RB to groom behind Larry Johnson. San Diego: Sure they need an RB2 but what good is that going to do on your fantasy roster for the next 3 years? QB, nope. WR? What’s the difference as they have Chambers and Gates to throw it to after they are done calling LT’s number…I see no impact for a rookie on this team.

DEN - will probably wait til round 5 and grab Slaton LOLOAK - I agree, I think they are happier with Huggy Bear than people here believeKC - they need everythingSD - defense defense defenseReally good breakdown IMO MOP

 

[Chicago Hooligan]

Colts could use a 2nd TE, too, with Utecht going to the Bengals.

Doesn't look like TEs were considered...?

 

[Spike]

I feel the Pats very much need another TE - maybe two of them. They didn't retain Brady and having that "extra lineman" is something they use a lot of. I also feel they need another option at the receiving TE as Watson is injured (and always seems to be) and Dave Thomas is hurt now (I believe).

 

[Boston]

I feel the Pats very much need another TE - maybe two of them. They didn't retain Brady and having that "extra lineman" is something they use a lot of. I also feel they need another option at the receiving TE as Watson is injured (and always seems to be) and Dave Thomas is hurt now (I believe).

Thomas should be all set injurywise. He's an intriguing player who I have high hopes for but he's far from a definite. I do believe the Pats will add another TE. They could use a big time blocker as Kyle Brady is gone. I wouldn't be surprised to see a TE picked in that round 3-4 area.

 

[Chachi]

New York Jets: RB is a clear need but then again I would not assume Thomas Jones would just be relegated to the bench week 1 of the season either. Whoever they take and wherever they take them, I would temper rookie expectations as they do have a formula in place there. Jones is going to be 30 but he might also get motivated when they draft a big rookie…he was able to fight off Cedric benson pretty well in Chicago but he was 3 years younger which in football years is about 20.

What exactly is their formula, same formula they had to be 4-12 last year? Same formula where Jones had a 3.6 average and 1 TD last year? Sarcasm aside, I don't think they have a formula or one that works and if they do they might want to rethink it.

 

[Polyethylene Bag]

JVille - MJD can't be a full time RB - waiting for the bomb to drop.... (but I was saying this before hehe)

What are you (and MOP) basing this assertion on? I know you blindly hate MJD Switz but "can't be a full-time RB"? I don't get it. Dude does it all.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Really good breakdown IMO MOP

Thank you, very much appreciated

 

[FantasyTrader]

Rock solid MOP.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

New York Jets: RB is a clear need but then again I would not assume Thomas Jones would just be relegated to the bench week 1 of the season either. Whoever they take and wherever they take them, I would temper rookie expectations as they do have a formula in place there. Jones is going to be 30 but he might also get motivated when they draft a big rookie…he was able to fight off Cedric benson pretty well in Chicago but he was 3 years younger which in football years is about 20.

What exactly is their formula, same formula they had to be 4-12 last year? Same formula where Jones had a 3.6 average and 1 TD last year? Sarcasm aside, I don't think they have a formula or one that works and if they do they might want to rethink it.

Good points but I also think Leon Washington has to be thought of as part of the plan.

 

[Wadsworth]

Jacksonville: QB is now cemented, they brought in a bunch of WR although I don’t think any of them are a true WR1 which is what they lack,a dn I would say they need an eventual replacement for Fred Taylor as MJD will never be a 300 carry type back.

While I'll avoid the debate as to if MJD will ever be a 300 carry RB, I would point out the Fred Taylor has only had 300+ carries once in 10 seasons. So even if MJD is not a 300 carry RB, he could still replace Fred Taylor.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Jacksonville: QB is now cemented, they brought in a bunch of WR although I don’t think any of them are a true WR1 which is what they lack,a dn I would say they need an eventual replacement for Fred Taylor as MJD will never be a 300 carry type back.

While I'll avoid the debate as to if MJD will ever be a 300 carry RB, I would point out the Fred Taylor has only had 300+ carries once in 10 seasons. So even if MJD is not a 300 carry RB, he could still replace Fred Taylor.

Why do people/posters get so hung up on a number? Has Fred Taylor gotten the bulk of the work over the past 10 years in JAX?My point was I don't see MJD being the guy getting 60-75% of the carries...ever. At most I think a 50/50 split with him. 275 carries, 280, 285...300 was just a baseline.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Let’s bounce over to the NFC now and look at needs and what we would like to see in the draft.

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys: Rumors swirl that Dallas wants to move up in the draft and nab a guy like Darren McFadden. I can see with all the talent in Big D how folks would be excited about a skills position player being drafted there. I think that MB III has the starting spot nailed down although he never seems to have a coach come out and say “MB is our guy”. I also believe the Cowboys need another WR as Crayton is the not the longterm solution and Owens covers up a lot of his shortcomings.

New York Giants: They have the trio of Jacobs, Bradshaw, and Ward coming back this year. They will likely not draft a RB very high. QB is certainly nailed down, and WR is a bit of a mystery. It appears they are fine at WR2 and WR3 with Toomer and Steve Smith, just a matter of time before Smith is the WR2 in NY. We could talk about Shockey and I do think they need to trade him but what will they get for him? 2nd rounder…3rd rounder? Not sure you can get what he is really worth.

Philadelphia Eagles: WR, WR, WR, WR, WR, WR, WR, WR, WR, WR, did I metion they need some WR help? The rest seems pretty solid and even if you think McNabb’s career is ending soon, it appears they like who they have behind him. I understand people will argue about Kevin Curtis and Reggiw Brown but I don’t see either as a true WR1, and we have seen the success McNabb can bring when he has that true weapon at WR.

Washington Redskins: The Skins don’t need a thing, they will win every game they take the field for this season, in fact they may never lose a game ever again (For those that have not been following, I have managed to tick off the entire Redskins Nation in the Shark Pool so I try and dance lightly around their team).

Seriously, the Skins need another WR although Randel El has been terrific for them but I would like to see him line up more in the slot in a 3WR set with Cooley also going down the middle…that would be pretty frightening for any Secondary to cover. At QB, the jury is still out on Campbell but I like the fact Jim Zorn has come out and supported JC, very important and I think it send the right message to the team. Portis? No comment.

NFC North

Chicago Bears: What don’t they need? They absolutely need to start looking in another direction at QB and RB…their backfield as it stand right now is truly one of the worst in football…and they haven’t done a thing this off season to make it any better. I still like some of what Grossman can do but he needs a very effective running game so he can drop back and do what he does best and that is make defenses pay for pinching up. However, now I don’t think he has anyone to really throw the ball to so it matters little. They need a QB, RB, WR1, WR2, WR3 perhaps even…Greg Olsen can’t do everything for them.

Detroit Lions: I go on record now as saying whoever the Detroit Lions pick at RB with their 1st round choice, that RB will have the easiest road to being a starter than almost any other rookie coming out in the draft. Kevin Jones was cut and Tatum bell was dumb enough to let them talk him into staying. Who will it be? Odds are Rashard Mendenhall is going to be that name called in about 2 weeks. I have the 1.01 in one of the Dynasty Leagues I am in and I will be basically be watching the Lions on Draft Day…not Darren McFadden unless he falls magically to Detroit and then I would consider him. Whoever the Lions pick, you can be sure that RB will be in line to get about 300 carries and probably another 40 cathces…TD? Who knows, but the Lions are going to need to score a lot of points as they let Shaun Rodgers go and when he was healthy he clogged up the middle of that defense pretty well, he leaves behind a major hole.

The Lions have their QB situation settled for the moment although Stanton will get a shot in the next year or two. They certainly are loaded at WR with Williams and Johnson.

Green Bay: I see them taking a QB at some point to back up Rodgers. They have their RB in Ryan Grant although I believe he sees a major dip in his numbers. Green Bay has a trio of talented WR, let’s hope all that talent is not wasted with poor QB play.

Minnesota: Hmmmm, they have Sydney Rice who they drafted last year, just signed Bernard Berrian to a billion dollar contract, Adrian Peterson was a HR they made in the 1st round of the 2007 draft…that draft may prove to be one of their best ever. Hmmmm, what’s missing? Quarterback!!! I know they are going to go with TJax for the time being but I think they need to draft someone that can push him along…I really think Joe Flacco makes a lot of sense for these guys. Flacco has the arm, is not terribly mobile so he needs a good OL in front of him which the Vikes have, and he has the 1-2 punch of Peterson and Taylor behind him. There is a defense that is awful tough against the run…I see all the signs of a Ben Roethlisberger type of move here. Big Ben walked into a good OL, good WR, good running game, and a good/great defense. This is where you want to see a young QB go who might need a year or two of seasoning, but if they Vikes come out and need a spark at that position, Flacco may just be what the doctor ordered.

NFC South

Atlanta: Plain and simple, they need to get a QB. Is Matt Ryan that guy? I have no idea but they need a lot of help, and as I said last season, Michael Vick’s demise would be disastrous for the Atlanta Falcons.

They have their RB in Turner although I feel he will be hard pressed to score 6-8 TD and his yds will be nowhere near what Dyansty owners had hoped for. And at WR, I still think they need some long term help but Roddy White has been coming along great as of late.

Carolina: The 1st thing they really need is a QB to groom and possibly even take the field their rookie year. Here is another situation where there is talent in place and a rookie QB could have some mild success if they had all the tools already needed to play the position.

As a DeWilliams owner in a few leagues, I would very much like to see the Panthers pass on a RB until at least the 3rd round. If you look at how Fox works in rookies which isn’t all that much, you have to be optimistic about DeWill’s chances this upcoming season.

They signed Muhammed to line up opposite of Steve Smith, they appear to be good to go at the WR position for the moment. DJ Hackett to boot as well.

New Orleans: They do need a RB as Bush cannot take the pounding or simply is not effective getting 20-25 touches a game…he needs to be pulled back to about 15-20 tops including his receptions. I think Deuce is pretty much toast at this point and I will not be surprised to see new Orleans go to the podium and select one of these 5-6 RB that are getting hyped in the upcoming draft. The Saints are fine at QB, and even WR they seem to have covered for right now.

Tampa Bay: WR is a definite need for them. I still hold out hope that rookie Michael Clayton will come back to us but it just doesn’t seem to be in the cards. Look for TB to bring in a WR early in the draft. I feel they will go with Graham and Dunn at RB for the most part until Caddy makes a return if ever. QB? Gruden doesn’t develop QBs very well but he sure can take a veteran and make them look good.

NFC West

Arizona: They need a RB behind James. They have an interesting duo at QB, and they have about the best 1-2 punch at WR in the league. I do see them taking a RB at some point. What type of back though? A smaller guy that can run between the tackles well like a Ray Rice, or do they look for a little more size and target a guy maybe slightly later in the draft? No immediate need but I can see a rookie going there and pushing James to the side after 1 season if they can make the adjustment to the pro game quickly.

St. Louis Rams: The glaring need for them will be a new WR because Drew Bennett didn’t do much of anything last year and I have a hard time seeing him catch 70-80 balls this season even with Bruce gone to SF. Qb and RB are locked down, not much else to see here.

San Fran: God help a RB taken in the draft…might not make the team playing behind Gore and Foster. At WR they now have Bruce, Bryant Johnson, and Arnaz Battle so I can’t see a rookie WR having a bright future immediately in SF. QB? Shaun Hill looked pretty good backing up Alex Smith.

Seattle: Even with Julius Jones signed, I still think they look at a RB in the upcoming draft. They have had Curt Warner, Chris Warren(Led the team 6 years in a row rushing), Ricky Watters, and Shaun Alexander. I think they will need another franchise type RB and perhaps they can find that in the draft.

They lost DJ Hackett and DJax over the past couple of years and Deion Branch cannot stay on the field…I won’t count his rookie year but over the next 5 seasons he has started a total of 50 games out of 80…he misses about 1/3 of every season. And he is 28, entering his 7th season in the NFL…enough already. He teases but he is almost like Donte Stallworth at this point. And his TD totals over those 5 years are 3, 4, 5, 4, and 4…so he averages 4 TD a season.

Chime in…

 

[Mr. Brownstone]

Jacksonville: QB is now cemented, they brought in a bunch of WR although I don’t think any of them are a true WR1 which is what they lack,a dn I would say they need an eventual replacement for Fred Taylor as MJD will never be a 300 carry type back.

While I'll avoid the debate as to if MJD will ever be a 300 carry RB, I would point out the Fred Taylor has only had 300+ carries once in 10 seasons. So even if MJD is not a 300 carry RB, he could still replace Fred Taylor.

Why do people/posters get so hung up on a number? Has Fred Taylor gotten the bulk of the work over the past 10 years in JAX?My point was I don't see MJD being the guy getting 60-75% of the carries...ever. At most I think a 50/50 split with him. 275 carries, 280, 285...300 was just a baseline.

Because you stated it in your original post.

 

[fatness]

Washington Redskins: The Skins don’t need a thing, they will win every game they take the field for this season, in fact they may never lose a game ever again (For those that have not been following, I have managed to tick off the entire Redskins Nation in the Shark Pool so I try and dance lightly around their team).

True.

Seriously, the Skins need another WR although Randel El has been terrific for them but I would like to see him line up more in the slot in a 3WR set with Cooley also going down the middle…that would be pretty frightening for any Secondary to cover. At QB, the jury is still out on Campbell but I like the fact Jim Zorn has come out and supported JC, very important and I think it send the right message to the team.

You're redeeming yourself here. Randle El has been adequate at WR2 but nothing more, and never will be. He's also doing worse as a punt returner. Randle El should be WR3 and the Skins need a WR2 or WR1. Moss is almost uncoverable when he's healthy, but that has not been a lot of the time. It doesn't matter how good he is if he's underperforming or on the bench due to hurt hamstrings or other injuries. The Redskins do need a young potential starting QB in case Campbell fails in the next several years. I don't personally think he will --- he's bright, coachable, and Zorn is great with QB's. But to not have a future backup plan at QB would be a mistake. Redskins are in excellent shape at TE with Cooley.

Portis? No comment.

Portis is an excellent starting RB and Betts is a more-than-adequate backup. Can't let it go, can you?

 

[gianmarco]

I would like to see the Saints get Dustin Keller at TE before they get another RB. I think Stecker has proven enough to at least be effective for this year with Bush if need be. I think Pierre Thomas looked fantastic. I watched him in the preseason and was thoroughly impressed. Unfortunately, didn't get to see him for the majority of the year, but when he did get his chance at the end of the year, he shined. Between Bush, Stecker, and Thomas as well as Deuce still in the mix, I think the Saints are actually quite comfortable there.

Meachem should get a chance as the #2 WR and I think we might be pleasantly surprised there. However, at the TE spot, it just hasn't been there and it's not going to be. I think Keller could make an immediate impact in the passing game to give Meachem a little help developing as well as taking some heat off of Colston.

I think it's obvious the Saints will address the defensive backfield in round 1, but Keller as a 2nd round pick would have me ecstatic.

 

[FUBAR]

Portis? No comment.

Portis is an excellent starting RB and Betts is a more-than-adequate backup. Can't let it go, can you?

there must be more to this than what's written here. "no comment" hardly means he thinks they need to bring in a replacement.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Portis? No comment.

Portis is an excellent starting RB and Betts is a more-than-adequate backup. Can't let it go, can you?

there must be more to this than what's written here. "no comment" hardly means he thinks they need to bring in a replacement.

Correct

 

[puckalicious]

Detroit Lions: I go on record now as saying whoever the Detroit Lions pick at RB with their 1st round choice, that RB will have the easiest road to being a starter than almost any other rookie coming out in the draft. Chime in…

True, if the Lions nab Mendenhall/Stewart in the 1st, they will have probably the easiest road to being a starter. But I don't like their odds of having any semblance of a good fantasy season in 2008 or beyond. Have you seen the lack of O-line there? If Detroit takes RB in the first, and follows up with anything besides Oline in the 2nd, count on a dismal running game yet again in the D.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Bumped for reflection after Day 1 of the Draft.

 

[Yankee23Fan]

Let’s bounce over to the NFC now and look at needs and what we would like to see in the draft. NFC EastNew York Giants: They have the trio of Jacobs, Bradshaw, and Ward coming back this year. They will likely not draft a RB very high. QB is certainly nailed down, and WR is a bit of a mystery. It appears they are fine at WR2 and WR3 with Toomer and Steve Smith, just a matter of time before Smith is the WR2 in NY. We could talk about Shockey and I do think they need to trade him but what will they get for him? 2nd rounder…3rd rounder? Not sure you can get what he is really worth. Chime in…

I'd like to see a WR taken on day 2, and other then that just grab some O-line depth and BPA and we are good. I might be in the minority but I like Shockey and don't want him to go.