2007 TEAM NEEDS PRIOR TO FREE AGENCY & THE DRAFT
major need     need     depth/possible need     not a significant need

NFC EAST   major need     need     depth/possible need     not a significant need

DAL QB Romo will be fine, Bledsoe will be gone.  Depth is needed.
  RB Jones and Barber are an excellent tandem.  If one is moved, depth will be needed.
  WR Owens could implode, Glenn may be too expensive to keep, Crayton will improve, another body is needed.
  TE Witten and Fasano are an excellent 1-2 punch, but Dallas uses a lot of 2 TE offenses so another TE would help.
  OL Columbo and Gurode are UFA's, Rivera is facing surgery, the line needs to improve its pass blocking.
  DL Dallas has good players along the line although a young nose tackle should be added.
  LB Ware is a budding star, Carpenter came on strong, James is solid, another OLB should be added.
  DB A cover safety and depth at corner with Glenn getting older are needed.
  ST Gramatica is an UFA but where will he go?  A return man to relieve Newman and return kicks would be nice.
PHI QB McNabb should be back, Garcia may not.  Feeley is a solid backup id Garcia leaves.
  RB Westbrook is a star, Buckhalter played well as his backup but is an UFA and a big rookie back may be better.
  WR Stallworth is an UFA and may get big bucks to leave, Brown is a future star, Baskett looked good.
  TE Smith is solid, but will never be top tier, Scobel can catch, if a stud can be drafted great, otherwise just depth.
  OL Philly has one of the best lines in the league and also has good young depth.
  DL A defensive end is needed (Kearse injury, Howard so-so year) and Bunkley-insurance wouldn't hurt.
  LB Trotter and Jones are on their last legs.  Gaither was a find, but more LB's are needed.
  DB Depth at safety behind the starters, and a cover corner are needed with Hood likely to leave as an UFA.
  ST An upgrade at punter is a possibility, a top tier return man should be added.
NYG QB Manning needs to take a step forward or the Giants may be in the position the Texans are in now.
  RB Barber retired, Jacobs has looked good, but another body is needed.
  WR Toomer is coming off injury and getting older, Burress is solid, Moss should come on.
  TE Shockey is good, but gets banged up too much, Shiancoe is an UFA.
  OL Petitgout was released, O'Hara is an UFA. 
  DL Defensive end is set, but a tackle is needed to pair with Cofield.  Robins played well, Joseph did it.
  LB MLB Pierce is the only solid starter.  Wilkinson has potential.  Short is a decent stop-gap.
  DB Corner is an major need area.  Wilson, Demps, and Butler give them decent safeties.
  ST Feely is an UFA.  Moss needs to come on as a return man.  Morton was cut.
WAS QB Campbell showed promise, Brunell is a solid backup.
  RB Portis and Betts are an excellent 1-2 punch.  Cartwright has skills too.
  WR What happened to Lloyd?  I thought he was going to be good.  Moss and Randle El are good #1 and #3.
  TE Cooley gets it done.  Depth could be addressed.
  OL Dockery is an UFA.  Depth at guard is needed whether he returns or not.
  DL The Redskins need pass rushing ends.  Daniels and Carter combined for 9 sacks.
  LB It's time for a stud in the middle.
  DB Springs may be gone.  The Redskins will need a corner to start opposite Rogers.  Taylor and Vincent were just ok.
  ST There are some good field goal kickers in the draft.  Look for the Skins to draft one.

 

NFC NORTH   major need     need     depth/possible need     not a significant need

CHI QB Grossman will be given another year.  Griese is a good backup, but not more.
  RB Tricky spot.  I like Jones more than Benson, but Jones could be moved to allow Benson to start.
  WR Better talent than one might think because of inconsistency at QB.
  TE Clark is steady, and Gilmore is a decent backup.
  OL Brown is an UFA and the line is aging.
  DL If Harris comes back strong, this unit is set.  However backup DTs Scott and Boone are UFAs.
  LB Hillenmeyer is okay but replaceable, depth is needed.
  DB The Bears are set at corner, but a stud safety could be added as insurance against Brown's next injury.
  ST A solid unit top to bottom.
DET QB Martz likes Kitna, McCown is a good athlete at QB.
  RB Jones is coming off a major knee injury.  Calhoun was also hurt and may not be able to carry a full load.
  WR R Williams showed his stuff. Furrey played well but is more of #3 than a #2.  Additional receivers are needed.
  TE Campbell is a better blocker than receiver.  Pollard has declined.  Fitzsimmons hasn't developed as hoped.
  OL The Lions' line had a bad year.
  DL The Lions need help at end and tackle.
  LB Sims is a find.  Lewis and Bailey can compete for other outside spot.  A stud in the middle is needed.
  DB Bullocks is a player.  Kennedy still gets it done.  If Bly leaves another CB will have to be added.
  ST The best unit on the team.
GB QB Favre for now, Rodgers for later.
  RB Green is an UFA and they should let him go.  Morency is a good change-of-pace back.  A starter is needed.
  WR Driver and Jennings are a good tandem.  Depth is needed.
  TE Franks is in decline.  Martin is a backup only.
  OL Packers line is young and improving.
  DL Kampman had a great year, KGB and Jenkins are fine.  Their tackles played better than expected.
  LB A good young starting unit with Hodges pushing to get on the field.
  DB The Packers are set at 3 of the 4 starting spots.  Culver is a good backup safety.  A 3rd CB could also be added.
  ST A return man should be added and competition for Raynor should be brought to camp.
MIN QB Jackson is their future, but the Vikes are higher on him than me.  Bollinger is a solid backup.
  RB Again, the Vikings like Taylor better than me.  I actually think Moore would be more explosive.
  WR It may be time to give up on Williamson as a starter, Taylor is an UFA. This position needs a make-over.
  TE Kleinsasser and Wiggins are both solid NFL players.
  OL Center and the left side is top notch.  The right side could be upgraded.
  DL The Vikings have talent here if they stay healthy and play up to their ability.
  LB Harris is an UFA but may be allowed to leave with Greenway coming back and Henderson on the bench.
  DB With Smoot not expected back and Smith also a possible cut, depth will be needed.  Griffin and Blue are set to start.
  ST Maybe a punter, but its not a major need.  With Johnson leaving a kick returned could be added.

NFC SOUTH   major need     need     depth/possible need     not a significant need

ATL QB Not a need unless the team moves Schaub, then a backup for Vick will be needed.
  RB I like the tandem of Dunn and Norwood but neither may be a Petrino back.
  WR Is it the QB or the WRs?  With 3 formers 1st-rounders at WR it's a question to ask.  I especially liked White in college.
  TE Crumpler is solid, a backup could be added.
  OL This is an excellent run blocking line, but Petrino may want to bulk it up for pass protection.
  DL Kerney leaving makes this a need.  Abraham can't stay healthy.  The tackles are fine.
  LB If Hartwell is cut, depth will be needed.  Beck is a good young talent to take over in the middle.
  DB A starting corner and a starting free safety need to be added.
  ST Andersen is ancient and their are some good young kickers in the draft.  Rossum is fine, but not a game breaker.
CAR QB Time to bring in a young QB to backup Delhomme and be the QB of the future. 
  RB Williams is going to be a star.  If Foster is cut in a cap move, a big back to compliment Williams could be added.
  WR Panthers should grab a receiver in this receiver rich draft.  Even if KJ comes back a replacement should be groomed.
  TE If Panthers want to throw more to their TE, they to get one who is a receiving threat.  Not a deep position in the draft.
  OL Solid, but not a spectacular line.  Bodies who can compete now or in near future should be added.
  DL Even if Rucker comes back, a young DE should be added.  This is a good draft for DE.
  LB Draft is an UFA, Morgan is a concussion away from retirement.  A MLB is needed.
  DB A safety to pair with Minter is needed.  The Panthers are fine at corner.
  ST A dynamic returner to allow Williams and Smith to concentrate on offense would help.
NO QB Competition for Martin as backup QB should be brought in.
  RB McAllister and Bush are a greta 1-2 punch.  Stecker is a solid #3.
  WR If Horn leaves, a body for depth could be added.
  TE Miller is an UFA.  A backup receiving TE could be added in the draft.  Their are a couple of receiving only TEs.
  OL The Saints' line was an excellent pass blocking unit and good run blocking unit.  Stinchcomb is an UFA.
  DL Thomas and Lake are UFAs and a run-stuffer would help whether they come back or not.
  LB As a unit they played better than expected.  Adding a stud would upgrade the unit.
  DB Two corners are needed.  A Started and a backup.  Insurance for the rookie Harper should also be added.
  ST How long can Carney continue?  There are some good young kickers in the draft.
TB QB Simms could be good, but he is a question mark.  Same for Gradkowski.  A veteran should be added.
  RB I'm still a Caddy man.  Pittman is a solid backup.
  WR Galloway is productive but aging.  Clayton is not a starter.  Stovall, maybe.
  TE Smith is a good young TE.  Bechte can block.
  OL Mahan is an UFA and the Bucs may look to upgrade.  The Bucs may finally be turning the corner on their OL.
  DL White is an UFA.  Rice needs to rebound, but can he?  A run-stuffer is needed.
  LB Brooks and Quarles are aging.  Ruud will eventually replace one of them.  Nece can be improved upon.
  DB Kelly coming off injury, Buchanon is an UFA.  Both safeties had their ups and downs.
  ST Upgrade at returner will be considered.

NFC WEST   major need     need     depth/possible need     not a significant need

ARZ QB Leinart starting and Warner backing up is a good situation.
  RB James showed flashes but a young back should be added.
  WR Deep and talented unit.
  TE Pope has some upside.  A backup should be added.
  OL Davis, who hasn't lived up to his billing is an UFA.  The Cards only averaged 3.2 yards per rush.
  DL Berry-insurance should be added.  I like the Cards tackles.
  LB Huff is an UFA and needs to be replaced anyway.  Whatever happened to Blackstock?
  DB A starting corner and a starting free safety need to be added.
  ST Competition at punter and in the return game should be brought into camp.
STL QB Nice mix of starter, veteran backup, and young #3. 
  RB Jackson is a top back.  A backup who the coach's believe in to spot him should be added.
  WR With Curtis and McDonald UFAs, Brice aging and Holt coming off injury, this position isn't as solid as in the past.
  TE Klopfenstein has a nice upside. Byrd can be a good backup if he keeps his head straight.
  OL Timmerman was cut, Steussie is an UFA.  The line is getting younger, but depth is now needed.
  DL A pass rusher opposite Little and a run stuffer next to Glover should be added.
  LB Time for a young LB to step up to play with Tino and Will.  Maybe Chillar.  Maybe Alston.  Maybe not.
  DB Depth and competition at corner and safety are needed.  Outside of Hill all are replaceable as starters.
  ST Turk is an UFA.  Ponder is a good KR, but PR McDonald is an UFA.
SF QB Smith improved, still not completely sold.  Dilfer is good.  I would bring in a #3 that could be developed.
  RB Gore had a great year.  Can he hold up?  His backups are just okay.
  WR NO #1.  A #2 (Bryant) who can't always be relied upon.  A solid #3 (Battle) and #4 (Williams).
  TE Davis is a future star.  Even without Johnson, depth is fine.
  OL The 49er's line played well and have a future starter Baas on the bench.
  DL The 49ers should draft a nose tackle and go to a 3-4.  They have 3-4 ends.
  LB The 49ers have the bodies for ILB in the 3-4, but need an OLB to pair with Lawson.
  DB Depth at corner is needed, badly.  I like Lewis better than most, Roman less than most.
  ST Solid, if unspectacular unit.  Williams should improve as a PR.
SEA QB Not a need this year unless Greene doesn't take a step forward.  An arm to compete with him in camp is it.
  RB Alexander and Morris are a good tandem.  A third back to pair with Morris if Alexander goes down again would help.
  WR Even with Engram an UFA, this is a deep a unit as there is in the league.
  TE Stevens is an UFA.  He's been up and down anyway.
  OL Womack and Gray are UFAs.  The team missed Hutchinson.
  DL A bunch of good players but no dominate ones.  If addressed it should be with a difference maker.
  LB May be the best starting unit in the NFL.  Depth could be added.
  DB Depth at CB is needed.  Hamlin is an UFA.
  ST Solid all around.

AFC EAST  major need     need     depth/possible need     not a significant need

BUF QB Losman is developing fine.  Nall and Holcomb provide depth.
  RB The Bills are talking trade for McGahee.  That's good because he is a good but replaceable back.
  WR I see Pro Bowls in Evans's future.  Price and Reed are okay, but an upgrade opposite Evans would help.
  TE Royal is better than many think.  Time for Everett to step forward, or get cut.
  OL Gandy is an UFA.  The line gave up too many sacks and didn't run block well.
  DL The team is fine at end, but a run-stuffer at DT would help.
  LB Fletcher-Baker is an UFA.  Spikes didn't come back all the way.  Crowell can play.  Ellison showed promise.
  DB An excellent young safeties.  Youboty may only be a nickel this year so a starter for UFA Clements is needed.
  ST Good unit.
MIA QB Culpepper is a question mark.  Lemon showed something, but is it enough?  Harrington has run out of chances.
  RB Brown is solid.  Morris and Minor are UFAs.  Williams is, well, Williams.  Depth is needed.
  WR I'll attribute Chambers' fall off to poor QB play and a bad coach.  Booker, Hagan and Welker are solid.
  TE McMichael can play.  Depth is just okay.
  OL LT McIntosh is an UFA.  Depth also needs to be addressed.
  DL If Cater leaves a 3-4 DE is needed.  So is a backup NT.
  LB Spragen is ok, but can be improved upon as a starter.
  DB Underrate safeties and overrated corners.
  ST Upgrade at kicker is a must, punter a possibility.
NE QB Brady is as good as it get. Cassel may eventually leave in free agency so a young #3 should be added.
  RB Maroney will overtake Dillon this year.  If Dillon leaves a backup is needed.
  WR Does it matter?  Gaffney and Caldwell start, and could be improved upon.  Jackson has promise.
  TE Even if Graham leaves this is a deep and talented unit with Watson, Thomas and Mills.
  OL Very good unit.  More depth never hurts.
  DL Excellent starters, maybe the best for a 3-4 team.  Depth is ok but can be upgraded.
  LB Banta-Cain is an UFA.  Bruschi is always a risk to retire. Vrabel is aging. Mays is a sleeper.
  DB There is always talent, always injuries, and always potential depth problems.  But they get it done in the end.
  ST A nice mix of players.
NYJ QB  Pennington rebounded well.  Clemens is the future but I'm not convinced.  I may be the last Ramsey fan left.
  RB Washington and Houston aren't bad, a true stud would be better.
  WR Cotchery is terrific.  Coles played well but has the look of a player that could fall off quickly.  Better to be prepared.
  TE Baker in underrated.  Depth is okay.
  OL The Jets are building a top line.  The left side is set for years, the right side is good, but I can see them going for great.
  DL How about a true NT, and then moving Robertson to end in their 3-4 (Thomas is really a solid OLB).
  LB Who would have thought Hobson would be their best LB.  Vilma is better in a 3-4.  Barton need to be replaced.
  DB Surprisingly solid at both corner and at safety.  Depth at corner would help.
  ST Very good special teams.

AFC NORTH  major need     need     depth/possible need     not a significant need

BAL QB McNair is now just above average.  Boller needs to go elsewhere to start fresh.
  RB Lewis is no longer a threat to go the distance.  He should be replaced.
  WR Clayton is a future star.  Mason is still solid.  I like Williams' potential.
  TE Heap and Wilcox are just fine.
  OL Pashos is an UFA and will need to be replaced if he leaves.
  DL A top starting unit, depth couldn't hurt.
  LB Thomas is an UFA and will need to be replaced.
  DB Good starters, good nickel.  A backup safety is about all that is needed.
  ST Fine unit if Sams comes back healthy.
CIN QB Palmer and Wright are a good 1-2, but Wright is an UFA.
  RB Perry can't stay healthy.  A speed back to pair with Johnson would help.
  WR If Henry keeps out of trouble the unit is fine as is, but that is a big if.
  TE Again, it's time for a difference maker at TE - think what that would do to this offense. But not a good TE draft.
  OL Steinbach is an UFA.  His replacement may be on the roster already (Whitworth).
  DL Geathers can rush the passer.  Adam can stop the run.  Smith is a bit overrated.
  LB If Thurman comes back and stays back, a bigger if than Henry, this unit is solid.  If not ....
  DB Better players than they showed last year.  James and Kaesviharn are UFA.  A corner and safety should be added.
  ST An upgrade at PR is a must.  Holt showed something as a KR but will he make the team?
CLE QB Anderson and Frye are question marks, although both have showed promise.  At minimum, add a veteran.
  RB I actually like their #3 and #4 RBs (Harrison, Barclay) better than their #1 and #2 (Droughns, Wright)
  WR Edwards looks like a star in the making.  A reliable #2 is needed.
  TE Winslow and Heiden are an excellent 1-2.
  OL Fraley and Friedman are UFAs.  A starting OT and a solid backup are needed.
  DL McKinley is an UFA, Roye is coming off an injury.  Washington is getting up in age.
  LB Solid and deep unit.  I like McMillan, if they don't maybe a young player to groom behind McGinest.
  DB Russell and Brown are UFAs.  Safety is young and three deep, if Baxter can stay healthy corner is also set.
  ST Competition for all should be brought in.  PR Northcutt is an UFA.
PIT QB  Big Ben is a big talent and didn't have as bad a year as the stat-geeks indicate.  Batch is solid.  A #3 is needed.
  RB Parker is the real deal.  A better backup is needed.
  WR Ward is a top talent.  Holmes looked good.  Washington was inconsistent.  Depth is needed.
  TE Maybe the new coaching staff will actually use Miller.  Tuman is a sold backup.
  OL Starks is replaceable at RT.
  DL The line was built for the 3-4, but Tomlin will be changing to a 4-3 sooner rather than later.
  LB Farrior and Foote could be fine is a 4-3, but can Hagan or Porter hold down the SAM long term?
  DB Carter is an UFA and is a valuable sub.  The Steelers are talented and deep at corner and safety.
  ST As Holmes gets more valuable on offense, an alternative on returns could be brought in.

AFC SOUTH  major need     need     depth/possible need     not a significant need

HOU QB Is it Carr or the line?  It may be time to look at other options at QB.
  RB Dayne is an UFA.  I thought Lundy and Gado had promise.  Again is it the line?  This time probably not.
  WR Johnson is a star.  Moulds has slipper, but is okay.  Walter should be a 4, not a 3.
  TE Daniels had a nice rookie year.  Putzier is a good backup.  Bruener can block.
  OL A mess.
  DL A pass rushing DE is needed.  Then Weaver can move inside. 
  LB Ryans was a find.  Greenwood is okay, but replaceable.  Orr didn't get after the QB as hoped.
  DB The Texans' best unit on defense.  Depth and competition couldn't hurt.
  ST Brown can be inconsistent, but isn't a bad kicker.  Staley is just okay.  The jury is still out on Wynn.
IND QB Manning and Sorgi are set.  A #3 could be added.
  RB Rhodes is an UFA.  Can Addai carry the full load?  A backup is needed in any case.
  WR Morehead came on as #3 but is an UFA.  Harrison and Wayne are top tier, but depth is needed.
  TE Deep and talented position.
  OL Time to bring in some good young depth.
  DL McFarland gets banged up a lot.  Another run stuffer would help.  Freeney is franchised.  A holdout could follow.
  LB June and Moirris are UFA's.  Hagler may be okay, Keiaho  may not.
  DB Harper and Doss are UFAs.  Harper would be missed, Doss not so much.
  ST Top kickers, but Wilkins is an UFA so a return man will be needed.
JAC QB If you have 3 QBs, does that mean you don't have any?  I still like Leftwich, but he's wearing on me.
  RB Taylor and Jones-Drew are a good 1-2.  Pearman and Greg Jones add depth.
  WR A disappointment.  Jones still has time, Williams not so much.  Their a re a lot of good #2 WRs in the draft.  Get one.
  TE Lewis and Wringster are back.  Brady is an UFA.
  OL A good line.  Depth can always help.
  DL Can't count on Hayward coming off knee injury so a pass rusher is needed.
  LB This unit played well even after Peterson's injury.
  DB Grant is an UFA, Darius is coming off an injury.  Sensabaugh is a good young player but more like Darius than Grant.
  ST Competition for all should be brought in.  PR Northcutt is an UFA.
TEN QB  Young proved why he was my #1 QB in the draft.  Collins is an UFA so a backup is needed.
  RB Brown is an UFA, Henry will have to restructure, White is a question mark.
  WR Bennett is an UFA, Wade is a #3, I'm still waiting on Roby, Jones shows signs but may never develop.
  TE Sciafe showed signs.  Kinney needs to get healthy.
  OL An improving unit.  Depth is needed.
  DL LOts of bodies, lots of potential, but few have come through.  I wouldn't give up, but I would continue to add bodies.
  LB I like Bullock (what's not to like), but Thornton and Sirmon don't thrill me.
  DB Keep Hope, Hill as a nickel, and Finnegan as a backup, rebuild the rest (yes get rid of the talented thug Jones).
  ST If Jones is dumped as I suggest, a PR is needed.

AFC WEST  major need     need     depth/possible need     not a significant need

DEN QB With Plummer likely gone, a backup for Cutler
  RB If T Bell was the answer he would have had the job full time by now.  M Bell is a solid backup.
  WR Walker and Marshall will be a top tandem for years.  Smith is a solid #3 now, but a young player should be added.
  TE Scheffler looked good.  Alexander can block.
  OL Carlisle is an UFA.  His replacement may be on the roster (Kuper, Meyers) but another body should be added.
  DL This unit can use a make-over.  Ekuban and Warren could stick, and Dumervil as a situational guy.
  LB Burns, a key backup, is an UFA. The starters are fine but backups are needed.
  DB WTime for Paymah to match the success of Williams and Foxworth.  A young CB and S should be added.
  ST The Broncos need a good return man.
KC QB Huard or Green will suffice as a starter for now, Croyle will be a good one later.
  RB Johnson and Bennett are a good 1-2.
  WR Personally, I'd keep their backups (Hannon, Webb, Hall) and get two new starters.
  TE Gonzalez and Wilson are a good 1-2.
  OL Shields and Wiegmann are considering retirement, Black  is an UFA.
  DL Ends are fine, tackles are not.
  LB Mitchell is an UFA, Bell is overrated.  Fox could step in for Bell.
  DB Good young safeties, solid old corner.  Maxey is a young corner with promise. 
  ST Both kickers are replaceable, although punter won't be touched yet.
OAK QB As the band Orange Juice said in the 80's, rip it up and start again.
  RB Jordan has talent, apparently, so does Fargas.
  WR Who knows.  Will Moss be there?  How about Porter?
  TE Anderson shows talent but is inconsistent.  Williams is a solid sub.
  OL Looked horrible last year.
  DL Played well, Burgess is a star.  Depth is needed.
  LB Morrison and Howard are keepers.  I'm not sure about Williams.  Bring in competition.
  DB Good young unit with solid depth.
  ST I would bring in competition for Janikowski.
SD QB  The roster is set with a young starter, experienced backup, and developmental #3.
  RB This only becomes a need area if Turner is moved.  Then a backup would be needed.
  WR Jackson has upside.  McCardell is at the tail end of his career.  Parker should be a #3.
  TE Another position where the roster is set.
  OL Dielman is an UFA.
  DL A backup nose tackle, a fourth DE.  Picky, but that's it.
  LB Edwards and Godfrey are UFAs.  Their replacements are on the roster (Cooper, Wilhelm), but depth will be needed.
  DB A starting SS is needed.  The Chargers are set at corner and have depth.
  ST A solid return man would help, especially if Turner leaves.