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Posted Aug. 4, 2009
Predicting Future Needs – Part II
I last blogged about how it is very practical to project team needs a year in advance by looking at what we thought the needs were in the summer of 2008 and how teams drafted in the first round in 2009.
Today, I am continuing my “experiment” by predicting the top three needs for 2010 in no particular order. I’m not going to be perfect, but I am fairly confident most of these needs will be looked to be filled in the 2010 offseason. Just because I am projecting a certain need does not mean I am entirely confident as some teams are harder to predict than others.
Arizona: OT, OLB, CB
Mike Gandy is a free agent in 2010 and Arizona might want to move Levi Brown to left tackle. The team might find a better replacement in the 2010 NFL Draft with Brown’s versatility. Chike Okeafor is in a contract year and will be 34 years old in 2010. Cornerback depth is an underrated need for the Cardinals.
Atlanta: OLB, LDE, CB
Both linebacker positions might be addressed in 2010 (Mike Peterson and Stephen Nicholas.) Jamaal Anderson has been a bust up to this point and the Falcons might want to upgrade him. We will find out if Chevis Jackson is a starting quality corner next year.
Baltimore: WR, CB, RB
Derrick Mason could retire for real soon. I’m not sold on Fabian Washington or the other corners behind Domonique Foxworth. The team might cut ties with Willis McGahee in 2010 and look for another big back next to Ray Rice with LeRon McClain at fullback.
Buffalo: OT, TE, DT
I’m just not sold on Langston Walker or Brad Butler working out this season. If Shawn Nelson doesn’t step up, then tight end is a need. Defensive tackle depth could really help out the rotation.
Carolina: DT, SLB, CB
More talented players at defensive tackle are needed. Na’il Diggs could be upgraded. Depth at corner is very important behind Chris Gamble and Richard Marshall.
Chicago: WR, CB, G
Jay Cutler could use a big possession receiver (Eric Decker?). This defense could add more young talent at cornerback. Josh Beekman or Roberto Garza could be upgraded.
Cincinnati: RB, DE, CB
I really hope Cincy fans are smart enough to realize Cedric Benson can’t carry an offense. The team might want to cut ties with the pricey Robert Geathers or Antwan Odom. Johnathan Joseph needs to step up in 2009.
Cleveland: OLB, TE, WR
We’ll find out if Kamerion Wimbley steps up next season. This team doesn’t have a capable tight end after trading away Kellen Winslow Jr. Braylon Edwards is a free agent and I doubt both second-round picks (Mohammed Massaquoi/Brian Robiskie) pan out.
Dallas: WR, DT, SS
Jerry Jones might keep making excuses if Dallas doesn’t win a playoff game and try to continue building around Tony Romo. More talented is needed at 5-technique and Marcus Spears is in a contract year. Strong safety will need to be upgraded.
Denver: QB, DT, NT
Kyle Orton? LOL. This team simply needs more talent on the defensive line across the board.
Detroit: LT, DE, DT
Jeff Backus must be done away with. This team showed interest in Jeremy Jarmon so we know they are insecure about their defensive ends. Chartric Darby and Grady Jackson… ’nuff said.
Green Bay: CB, OLB, RB
Charles Woodson and Al Harris are getting older and this team could use another young corner with Tramon Williams. A pass-rusher opposite Clay Matthews could be of some use. If Ryan Grant does not step up, Ted Thompson knows the running game must be more effective.
Houston: SS, NT, FS
The back end of the secondary must continue to be upgraded by the Texans. Travis Johnson could be replaced by a far better run-stuffer in the 2010 NFL Draft.
Indianapolis: CB, DT, FS
Marlin Jackson is in a contract year. Bill Polian knows he needs to continue to upgrade defensive tackle. Antoine Bethea is in a contract year as well.
Jacksonville: WR, DT, CB
A young and very talented prospect at receiver could be of some use. This team might want to upgrade Rob Meier. Brian Williams is the projected starting corner and I’m not sold.
Kansas City: OLB, TE, WR
A pass-rusher for this 3-4 defense is a necessity in the 2010 offseason. The starting tight end just might be Sean Ryan (puke). The Chiefs have nobody opposite Dwayne Bowe.
Miami: ILB, NT, RB
Akin Ayodele could be upgraded. Jason Ferguson is getting older. Running back is a need if this team does not extend Ronnie Brown.
Minnesota: QB, CB, TE
Favre Watch 2010? Cedric Griffin could be upgraded, as could Visanthe Shiancoe.
New England: OLB, ILB, WR
Another pass-rusher could be needed on the outside for the Pats’ 3-4. A solid starter is needed next to Jerod Mayo. Randy Moss will be 33, but this team could still upgrade its third receiver (old man Joey Galloway).
New Orleans: OLB, DE, CB
Scott Shanle needs to be replaced. A talented defensive end prospect is always going to be welcomed by any defensive coordinator. Malcolm Jenkins will likely move to free safety opening up the need for corner.
New York Giants: ILB, SS, RB
Antoino Pierce is hanging by a thread and the team might release him next year. Michael Johnson could be upgraded. Jerry Reese might feel like he could do better than Ahmad Bradshaw (C.J. Spiller or Jahvid Best?)
New York Jets: DT, CB, WR
This team needs another 5-technique after trading away Kenyon Coleman. The Jets need a talented corner opposite Darrelle Revis. Wide receiver is a big need.
Oakland: DT, WR, DE
This team will get killed on defense versus the run and Crazy Al will address this position. Another receiver next to Heyward-Bey is needed. A young defensive end with a great 40 time will be chosen.
Philadelphia: DE, TE, IOL
The Eagles might look for a left or rotational defensive end in the 2010 NFL Draft. Brent Celek could be upgraded. Andy Reid might want to upgrade the interior offensive line (Max Jean-Gilles and Jamaal Jackson).
Pittsburgh: OT, CB, FS
Pittsburgh really needs to address its offensive tackles in 2010. Teams will test Deshea Townsend. Ryan Clark could be upgraded.
San Diego: RT, DT, SS
Jeromy Clary wasn’t the answer last year and won’t be this year. A 5-technique is needed on the defensive line. Clinton Hart could be upgraded.
San Francisco: QB, OLB, CB
Shaun Hill is not the franchise quarterback. Manny Lawson hasn’t lived up to the hype yet. Walt Harris will be 35 next year.
Seattle: RB, CB, QB
Julius Jones isn’t a capable starting back in this league. Josh Wilson and Kelly Jennings don’t seem like capable starters either. A future franchise quarterback might be had in the first round since Seattle was highly interested in Mark Sanchez.
Saint Louis: QB, WR, DT
Marc Bulger will likely be released from his huge contract. Keenan Burton is a projected starting receiver. Adam Carriker hasn’t played like a first-rounder yet and this is a position Steve Spaunolo will want to look at.
Tampa Bay: DT, OLB, CB
I’m not sold on Ryan Sims. Jermaine Phillips at outside backer? Quincy Black is unproven. I doubt Elbert Mack is a capable starter after Ronde Barber leaves.
Tennessee: QB, CB, ILB
This is Vince Young’s last year in Tennessee. Nick Harper MUST be upgraded. Stephen Tulloch could be replaced as well.
Washington: RT, CB, IOL
Jon Jansen will be replaced in 2010. Cornerback depth could do some good and Carlos Rogers is a free agent. Interior offensive line is a potential big need next year.
Matt McGuire's Recent NFL Draft Blog Entries:
Analyzing Andrew Luck's Decision - 1/7
Luck vs. Locker - 9/15
Top 10 Quarterback Busts - 7/7
NBA Draft vs. NFL Draft - 6/27
Six Sophomores Who Need to Step Up - 6/2
Kentucky 2010 NBA Draft Prospect Blog - 6/1
Brett Favre Retirement Conditions - 5/30
2010 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year - 5/24
2010 NFL Power Rankings Tier - 5/21
2010 NFL Power Rankings - 5/18
NFL Mailbag: C.J. Spiller and Buffalo Bills Reaction - 5/14
LeBron James Game 6 Reaction - 5/14
The Buffalo Bills - 5/13
LeBron James: Celtic Pride - 5/13
The JaMarcus Russell Lesson - 5/11
Most Productive 2010 NFL Rookies - 5/6
Double Down - 4/30
2010 NFL Draft Observations and Telecast Blog - 4/26
2010 NFL Draft Grades: Day 3 - 4/25
2010 NFL Draft Grades: Rounds 1-3 - 4/24
2010 NFL Draft Grades: First Round - 4/23
2010 NFL Draft Trade Analysis - 4/23
Random Round 1 Thoughts and Analysis - 4/23
2010 NFL Draft Class Predictions - 4/22
2010 NFL Draft Trades - 4/21
Response to Mike Mayock's Redskins-Trent Williams Comment - 4/8
Teams Misevaluating Their Own Quarterbacks - 4/6
Where Will Jimmy Clausen Go? - 4/5
2010 NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 Picks - 3/25
Gerald McCoy's Draft Range - 3/12
NFL Draft Picks Are Business Investments (Anthony Davis) - 3/11
Offense Matters - 3/9
Mel Kiper vs. Todd McShay Debate Revisited - 3/8
Taylor Mays - 3/3
"He's a Winner" ... Not Really - 3/2
Quarterback Height (Jimmy Clausen) - 2/25
The Top Five Reasons the Redskins Won't Pass on Jimmy Clausen - 2/22
2010 NFL Draft: All-Overhyped and Underrated Teams - 2/18
Matt Ryan and the Rams - 2/17
Prospect Case Study: Tim Tebow - 2/11
2010 NFL Draft Offensive Grades - 1/20
Tim Tebow at the Senior Bowl - 1/14
Junior Quarterbacks/Jimmy Clausen - 12/29
2010 NFL Draft Prospect Updates - 12/21
The Michael Oher Lesson - 12/20
Cameron Heyward's Ceiling - 12/17
Jake Locker to Return for Senior Season - 12/15
Top Four Scenario - 12/8
"Suh" is Elite - 12/7
Carlos Dunlap Update - 11/11
Player to Watch - 10/30
Alpha Quarterback - 10/29
2010 NFL Draft Mailbag - 10/28
O Bradford, Where Art Thou (Draft Stock)? - 10/27
The Trojan Torpedo - 10/26
Quarterback Mobility - 10/23
Charles Brown's Stock on the Rise - 10/18
Mays-Clausen and Gaines Adams - 10/17
Mr. Overrated - 10/14
2010 NFL Draft Cursed? - 10/8
Conservative Carroll - 9/22
The Crabtree Lesson - 9/21
Scouting Notes: Weeks 2-3 - 9/20
Terrelle Pryor - NFL QB? - 9/15
Jay Cutler Trade Evaluation - 9/14
THE Choke State University - 9/13
2009 NFL Predictions - 9/10
2009 College Football Predictions - 9/3
The Brett Favre Line - 8/20
Why Vick Hasn't Signed - 8/12
The Vince Young Lesson - 8/10
Vegas NFL Power Rankings - 8/9
Dorsey Fat - Chiefs Stupid - 8/7
Eli Manning: The $100 Million Man - 8/6
Predicting Future Needs Part II - 8/4
NFL Draft Moved - 7/24
Matt McGuire's NFL Draft Blog - Home
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