On the eve of the 2011 NFL Playoffs, I thought I would explore something that most don’t. At the end of the regular season, everyone talks about the teams picking in the top ten of the draft, and rightfully so. Teams picking that high have nothing to look forward too besides the draft. They are usually the teams in need of a major talent upgrade. On today, I want to take a look at the bottom 12 teams. Let’s take a peek at what their team needs are and what players in the draft could fill them.
AFC TEAMS:
1. Kansas City Chiefs – The Chiefs are enjoying somewhat of a resurgence. They’re are back in the playoffs for the first time since 2006. Even after a huge turnaround, holes still remain on the roster. They need players opposite of Tamba Hali and Dwayne Bowe, and Mike Vrabel, Casey Weigman, and Brian Waters are getting old.
Team Needs: SOLB, NT, WR, OC, ILB, OT
Players: Akeem Ayers, Jermey Beal, Jerrell Powe, Sione Fua, Justin Blackmon, Julio Jones, Stefen Wisniewski, Kris O’Dowd, Mason Foster, Nate Irving, Derek Sherrod, Tyron Smith
2. Baltimore Ravens – The Ravens are one of the more consistent teams in the NFL. No matter who goes in and out of the lineup, they still find a way to succeed. Nonethless, they have a few positions that need to be solidified if they want to make a championship run.
Team Needs: CB, OT, OG, WR, OLB
Players: Jimmy Smith, Aaron Williams, Gabe Carimi, Nate Solder, Mike Pouncey, Benjamin Ijalana, Michael Floyd, Torrey Smith, Justin Houston, Von Miller
3. New York Jets: The Jets defense just doesn’t seem the same this year. They put up great numbers, but they did not impose their will on other teams, like they did last year. They need a shot of talent in the front seven.
Team Needs: OLB, NT, DE
Players: Justin Houston, Von Miller, Phil Taylor, Kendrick Ellis, JJ Watt, Cameron Heyward
4. Indianapolis Colts: Bill Polian does a great job at building a team and keeping it relevant. However, he hasn’t done such a great job as of late with bringing in offensive line talent. Peyton has been hit more this year, than any other. The run defense was also average in 2010.
Team Needs: OT, OG, DT
Players: Derek Sherrod, Tyron Smith, Stefen Wisniewski, Mike Pouncey, Marvin Austin, Drake Nevis
5. Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers suffered through a lot of injuries on the offensive line in 2010. Their roster is full of depth everywhere but their offensive line. I fully expect them to address some of those needs in the draft. They also could bolster their secondary and look to bring in Casey Hamptons future replacement.
Team Needs: OT, OG, CB, NT
Players: Gabe Carimi, Nate Solder, Mike Pouncey, Benjamin Ijalana, Jimmy Smith, Aaron Williams, Jerrell Powe, Sione Fua
6. New England Patriots: The Patriots needs are mainly on defense. They lack consistency in rushing the passer, and they can afford to become stouter at the point of attack. The one need I see on offense is center. The entire AFC East runs the 3-4, so the center needs to be able to handle big nose tackles. Dan Koppen is getting pretty old.
Team Needs: OLB, DE, OC
Players: Ryan Kerrigan, Robert Quinn, Marcell Dareus, JJ Watt, Stefen Wisniewski, Kris O’Dowd