NFL Draft - Team Needs

[CWood21]

For the Packers:

QB - Given that Aaron Rodgers is the presumed MVP, and the Packers drafted Jordan Love in the 1st round of last year's draft, I think it's pretty safe to say the Packers aren't in the market for a QB.  The only way the Packers select a QB in the top 3 rounds is if Trevor Lawrence falls to them, which needless to say isn't going to happen.  There's a possibility that they grab a late round QB, but it's more likely they bring in an UDFA as camp fodder.

RB - The Packers top 2 RBs (Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams) are both pending FAs, and there's probably not enough money to re-sign both.  Maybe not even either of them.  The Packers invested a SRP into one (AJ DIllon) last year, and in his first extended look of the 2020 season he played incredibly well against the Titans.  We will likely get a better look at him against the Bears and in the playoffs.  I'd imagine they'll re-sign one of their two FA RBs, and roll with them and Dillon.  Probably a late round pick is added to the mix.

WR - Davante Adams is a top 5 WR, but he's a FA after next season so an extension seems in order.  But beyond that, the Packes have a slew of WRs who have played in the WR2 role whether it be Allen Lazard or MVS.  They've still got ESB whom the Packers are high on, and Devin Funchess opted out of this season so he'll be back next year.  It was believed that the Packers would draft a WR high in last year's draft, and they didn't even select a single one.  How high the Packers draft a WR will give an idea of what the Packers view of their WR room moving forward.

TE - Robert Tonyan could make an argument for the most improved player in the NFL, and the Packers have used 3rd round picks in back-to-back years on Jace Sternberger and Josiah Deguara.  Both have struggled with injuries this year, but both probably have bright futures.  And they've brought back Marcedes Lewis on one year deals as an extra OL.  I'd imagine they'll roll with same TE room next year.

OT - Going into the season, the Packers' OT future was probably the biggest need.  Or at the very least, one of the biggest needs going into the 2021 draft but things have changed. David Bakhtiari got his well deserved extension that made him the highest paid OT in the NFL.  On the other side, both Ricky Wagner and Billy Turner have played incredibly well at RT.  Unfortunately, due to cap issues both of them could be cap casualties as cutting Turner saves a bit over $3.5M where as cutting Wagner saves just under $4.3M.  Seems likely that one gets cut.  Unfortunately, the Packers really don't have anything behind them.

OG - Elgton Jenkins played incredibly well at LG, until he was pressed into C duties with a Corey Linsley injury.  His future is still up in the air and if he moves to C, then OG probably moves up the needs board.  The Packers took two OGs in last year's draft in Jon Runyan and Simon Stepaniak who spent most of the year on the PUP list.  They'll probably add another body or two, and they could opt to bring back Lane Taylor for peanuts coming off his second season-ending injury.  Lucas Patrick is a stopgap that could be improved upon.

C - Corey Linsley is the starting C, but he's a pending FA and it's up in the air whether or not he's re-signed.  If he's re-signed, he'll likely be among the top paid centers in the NFL and they'll probably not have a huge need at C for the foreseeable future.  If they let Linsley walk, the interior OL becomes a bigger need and probably is dictated by what Elgton Jenkins' future lies.  If Jenkins moves to C full-time, then OG goes up.  If he stays at LG, then C goes up.  The Packers drafted Jake Hanson in last year's draft, but he spent most of the year on the PS IR/reserve list.

DL - The Packers have FOUR DL who play at least 33% of the defensive snaps.  Kenny Clark leads the bunch as the star of the group, but beyond that is a mixed bag.  Kingsley Keke, a former 5th round pick, has emerged as a blossoming player.  Dean Lowry is the veteran of the group, and he's a potential cap casualty as they could save $3.3M by releasing him.  And finally, the Packers have Tyler Lancaster whose a big body who offers little in terms of pressure.  And they also get snaps out of Za'Darius Smith on the DL as a whole.  I believe this position is largely dependent on what the Packers view of Keke moving forward.

OLB - I don't think it's crazy to say the Packers had arguably the best EDGE group in the NFL.  If not, they're one of the best.  Za'Darius Smith has been an absolute star since coming over from Baltimore, and probably the biggest FA signing since Charles Woodson for the Packers.  Preston Smith is going to have a $16M cap hit, and the Packers used him in coverage extensively this year which puts his future in jeopardy as that's almost too expensive to have in that role.  And the Packers drafted Rashan Gary 12th overall a little over a year ago and he's blossomed this year after looking absolutely lost during his rookie year.  The Packers also took Jonathan Garvin last year whom they like as a developmental pass rusher.  Preston Smith's future probably dictates this need.

ILB - The Packers seemed to have found their "starting" ILBs in UDFA Krys Barnes and 5th round pick Kamal Martin.  Christian Kirksey is a near lock to be a cap casualty, and Ty Summers offers some depth but more of a ST player.  What was viewed as a high need going into the 2020 draft probably doesn't have that same level of need.

CB - Like C, this probably is going to be dictated by the FA of Kevin King.  Jaire Alexander is a superstar at CB, and Chandon Sullivan is a solid nickelback.  But beyond those two, there's not a lot of known quantities.  The Packers used Josh Jackson as the other boundary corner when Kevin King was out, but despite being a former SRP he's struggled to see the field outside of special teams.  Ka'Dar Hollman and PS Stanford Samuels both have the HWS specimen that give the Packers' FO hope moving forward.

S - The Packers safety room has changed drastically over the course of the season.  The light seems to have finally come on for Darnell Savage and he's playing like an elite S the last month or so.  Adrian Amos has always been a rock solid safety, even if he doesn't do anything particularly well.  And Vernon Scott has been a solid 3rd safety and solidified his role there for next year.

ST - Mason Crosby and Hunter Bradley are both solid, but JK Scott isn't.  They'll definitely bring in some competition for Scott this offseason.

[jebrick]

I think the Salary cap number will tell us more on what the Steelers will do.  I am going to GUESS that this would be an offensive heavy draft.  At least on the Oline.  They have zero Ots under contract for 2021.  I would expect them to add a OT, OG and OC in the draft.  I would not rule out a RB either.  Mostly it will be BPA.

[animaltested]

On 11/30/2020 at 1:11 PM, animaltested said:

Seahawks 2021

 

1. IDL - Jarran Reed will be in the last year of his, and Seattle doesnt have a 3T on the roster that is a sufficient replacement. That being said, Seattle looks poised to go cheap along the DLINE, relying on bargin bin vets, UDFA, and Practice Squad thefts.

2. FS - Quandre Diggs will be in the last year of his contract. Might be a cap causality with no dead $ in 2021. Seattle's scheme is incredibly demanding of the FS, expecting the single high to be a center fielder, cutting down anything over the top. Needs to be a 4.3-4.4 guy with excellent discipline and high IQ. This is continguent on Blair's recovery, AND whether he stays at SLOT or kicks back to safety in 2021.

3. CB - Shaq Griffin and Q Dunbar are both FA at the end of 2020. Would leave Tre Flowers as the only boundary CB on the roster. I think Seattle locks Shaq to an extension, but with the potentially squeezed cap in 2021, Seattle might opt to penny pinch and let Shaq walk. Seattle is VERY stingy with drafting boundary CB. Shaq was the highest drafted in the 3rd round, pretty much all other CB's taken have been 5th or later. Profile is long, physical, fast, zone capable and HAS to be a  willing tackler.

 4. WR - Tyler Lockett will be in the last year of his contact in 2021. Low chance he is moved, unless its a prime draft pick. Even then, very unlikely. That being said, Seattle cupboard is very empty beyond DK and Tyler. David Moore is a FA in 2021, and probably worth more on the open market than Seattle will be willing to pay. Freddie Swain looks to be a slot guy. Therefore, finding another boundary WR to take pressure of DK would be great. TBH, its really hard to peg Seattle's profile at WR. 

5. LT-RT - Both Brown and Shell will are FA after 2021. John Schneider usually likes to draft ahead 1 year with pending FA. Shell might be a candidate to be extended. Maybe Brown too if he decides to play until 37+. IDK. But Seattle really needs to get some youth at the tackle position or at least someone to mold in either of those two slots opening up in 2022. 

6. EDGE - Usually a giant need here, but Seattle has filled out their edge position recently with players. Tayler, Robinson (LEO), Collier, Green (5TECH) are probably slotted into the depth chart for the foreseeable future, along with Dunlap IF they decided to keep his 14.0 cap hit (which looking at his production so far, a no brainer). With that in mind Seattle probably attempts to upgrade the position through FA/TRADE, so I dont know if they use prime capital here to address the position. Snatching another situational, 3rd rusher would be nice though. 

 

Updating this post Playoffs: 

1. IOL - LA exploited Seattles underwhelming C-LG duo. Pocic was mostly bad this year, a UFA and even if Seattle resigns him, probably needs competition at the center position. LG was a revolving door of mediocrity. Mike Iupati was dependable at times, but feel apart down the stretch. Simmons was way too inconsistent to be relied on in 2021. Damien Lewis was a fantastic plug and play RG. Seattle could really use another guy like that inside.

2. WR - Need a playmaker, YAC juggernaut. Tyler Lockett will be in the last year of his contact in 2021. Low chance he is moved, unless its a prime draft pick. Even then, very unlikely. That being said, Seattle cupboard is very empty beyond DK and Tyler. David Moore is a FA in 2021, and probably worth more on the open market than Seattle will be willing to pay. Freddie Swain looks to be a slot guy. Therefore, finding another boundary WR to take pressure of DK would be great. TBH, its really hard to peg Seattle's profile at WR. 

3. IDL - Jarran Reed will be in the last year of his, and Seattle doesnt have a 3T on the roster that is a sufficient replacement. Poona Ford is a legit IDL, and Bryan Mone flashed solid play when healthy, but both profile. That being said, Seattle looks poised to go cheap along the DLINE, relying on bargin bin vets, UDFA, and Practice Squad thefts.

4. CB - Completely dependent on how Seattle handles pending FA Shaq Griffin. DJ Reed was a godsend as a boundary CB this year, and presumably enters 2021 back on the right side. Tre Flowers had bad and good stretches in 2020 before landing on the IR. Id hope Seattle doesnt enter 2021 with Reed and Flowers are the guys on the boundary. John-Pete should at least add some competition there instead of relying on futures guys like Linder Stephens and Gavin Heslop. 

5. LT-RT - Both Brown and Shell will are FA after 2021. John Schneider usually likes to draft ahead 1 year with pending FA. Shell might be a candidate to be extended. Maybe Brown too if he decides to play until 37+. IDK. But Seattle really needs to get some youth at the tackle position or at least someone to mold in either of those two slots opening up in 2022.

[OneTwoSixFive]

@CWood21 Analysis for the Packers is spot on. With the benefit of having seen the Packers vs Rams game, where Turner was the left tackle and held up just fine against the top defense (no sacks and one knockdown for the whole line, if I recall), it is very possible he (Billy Turner) will be considered too valuable to let go, especially with there being no guarantee LT Bakhtiari will be ready at the start of the next season (he had an ACL tear late this season).

The possibilities of a rather brutal cap of $175m mean it will be very difficult get all the folllowing under the cap.

  LT Bakhtiari ($23m pa), Jaire Alexander (contract ends after 2021 - he is better than Jalen Ramsey who earns $20m), Kenny Clark ($17.5m pa),  Zadarius Smith (average of $16.5 pa), Preston Smith ($13m pa), Davante Adams contract ends after 2021, so with Julio Jones earning $22m pa, what will Adams get ? Finally there is Rodgers (average of $33.5m pa).

If the cap is $175m the Packers will lose more than one elite player. There is a good chance they lose at least two of RB Jones, C Linsley and CB King after this year, and some others as well like Edge Preston Smith, ILB Christian Kirksey and DE Lowry. I hope the cap will end up in the high 180's to mid 190's, so the cap limit is less severe on teams.

Many Packer fans think the first four picks in 2021 will be (in some order) DL, CB, WR, OT.They might be right, but GM Gutekunst often fails to do what everyone expects. He and HC La Fleur just see things differently than most posters...............and with our head coach managing a 26-6 record in two seasons, who is to argue at their methods.

Edited January 19, 2021 by OneTwoSixFive

[MikeT14]

For Washington:

QB - Who knows if Alex Smith will play again. Kyle Allen and Heinicke's sample sizes were so small, there is no reasonable way to tell if they are the QBotF. Probably not. This needs to be addressed.

TE - Logan Thomas was a pleasant surprise, but there was nothing after him. He's probably a #2 TE at best or needs a great compliment that can block.

LBs - Holcomb is solid, but never seems to get coaches to let him stay on the field. Pierre-Louis played well but is a FA. Rivera probably wants to find his Kuechly. 

CB - Darby is a FA, Moreau is a FA, and behind Fuller is a little suspect. 

S - Curl came around, and Collins is there, but we might need a true FS.

K - Hopkins had a shaky year.

OL depth - we always need this.

[xlfrosti]

For Tampa,

DL - When Via went down, we did not have much behind him and we had to rotate a lot of players in. Plus, Suh, McLendon, Nunez-Roches will all be FA, getting Suh or more back will be great, but we still need to get another DL to go along Via and Suh 

EDGE - Yes, JPP is still under contract till next year, but he is getting older. Playing great at time, other times he isn't seen on the field. Now Barrett is playing on a Franchise Tag. I don't see us not paying him, but behind the both of them we don't have much. Give us a rookie to be taught by JPP and Barrett!

O-Line Depth - Our O-line has played extremely well in the playoffs and some games throughout the season, but when one does go down we don't have great back-ups anywhere on the line. This is mainly in interior of the line, but OT is right behind them. 

CB - Davis has played great this year beside the KC game. Behind him we have SMB and Dean, now both are playing great as the season went on, but SMB had a hard time converging. Behind the 3 we don't have much. Ryan Smith is a ST ace, but nothing more. Cockrell came in when one of the 3 went out, but isn't anything special. After that, nothing really. 

RB - Ronald Jones is running great, but after him we have Fournette, McCoy and Vaughn. Both Fournette and McCoy will be FA and Vaughn did well in the games he played but we need a pass catching RB. To many drops were seen this year from both WR and RB. Tom Brady loves his check downs, if he doesn't see anything. 

QB - Tom Brady is playing like, well, Tom Brady. The thing is he is under contract for 1 more year, so who knows if he retires next year or not, but we don't have anyone behind him. Ryan Griffen, Blaine Gabbert, that is nothing to be excited about. This will be probably more of a late round flyer guy.

 

@bucsfan333 @BucsDraftGeek47 can you think of anything more?

 

 

Edited January 20, 2021 by xlfrosti

[BucsDraftGeek47]

4 hours ago, xlfrosti said:

For Tampa,

DL - When Via went down, we did not have much behind him and we had to rotate a lot of players in. Plus, Suh, McLendon, Nunez-Roches will all be FA, getting Suh or more back will be great, but we still need to get another DL to go along Via and Suh 

EDGE - Yes, JPP is still under contract till next year, but he is getting older. Playing great at time, other times he isn't seen on the field. Now Barrett is playing on a Franchise Tag. I don't see us not paying him, but behind the both of them we don't have much. Give us a rookie to be taught by JPP and Barrett!

O-Line Depth - Our O-line has played extremely well in the playoffs and some games throughout the season, but when one does go down we don't have great back-ups anywhere on the line. This is mainly in interior of the line, but OT is right behind them. 

CB - Davis has played great this year beside the KC game. Behind him we have SMB and Dean, now both are playing great as the season went on, but SMB had a hard time converging. Behind the 3 we don't have much. Ryan Smith is a ST ace, but nothing more. Cockrell came in when one of the 3 went out, but isn't anything special. After that, nothing really. 

RB - Ronald Jones is running great, but after him we have Fournette, McCoy and Vaughn. Both Fournette and McCoy will be FA and Vaughn did well in the games he played but we need a pass catching RB. To many drops were seen this year from both WR and RB. Tom Brady loves his check downs, if he doesn't see anything. 

QB - Tom Brady is playing like, well, Tom Brady. The thing is he is under contract for 1 more year, so who knows if he retires next year or not, but we don't have anyone behind him. Ryan Griffen, Blaine Gabbert, that is nothing to be excited about. This will be probably more of a late round flyer guy.

 

@bucsfan333 @BucsDraftGeek47 can you think of anything more?

 

 

pretty much nailed it my dude

i agree with the order too

Suh will be big if we can keep him 1 more year, we'll have to see what they do with Shaq

i could argue that a pass catching RB is Pri1 but its really not, but its something we need desperately, i dont see us bringing Fournette back , and i expect Rojo to be even better next year but damnit we need someone to catch passes back there

 

[Bolts223]

Chargers

• OT
• OG
• CB
• DT
• LB
• DE

 

Basically anything that isn't QB or RB. Probably not safety. O-line is the biggest need.

[43M]

Steelers IMO....

1) LT

2) C

3) TE

4) CB

5) RB

[onejayhawk]

On 12/25/2020 at 2:42 PM, onejayhawk said:

For 2021 there are a LOT of expiring contracts. Free agency is going to play a big roll. Right now, I would go this way

1. C - two players on expiring contracts and neither is cheap
2. WR - Watkins is FA and likely not back. He's not the only one
3. OT - We have Niang, but both OT will be in their last contract year and both are over 30
4. TE - Kelce is having a HoF season, but he's also piling up the mileage
5. LB - They spent a 2nd on Willie Gay, who has a ton of physical tools but has not picked things up quickly. Depth is sketchy.

J

Chiefs

This was back in November.

At OT, both starters are under contract for one more year but have worrisome injuries. However, the team has substantial young talent already--Lucas Niang and Prince Tega Wanogho. Most likely they will look for veteran help, though a developmental player is possible.

Watkins has indicated he wants to return. I will believe that when I see the contract. WR is an area to watch.

Most likely, long time FB Anthony Sherman will not be back. During his injury, Travis Kelce began spending time in the backfield. In any event, the team likes two TE sets. TE is a real option. 

Willie Gay had a season ending injury and their are contract issues at other LB spots. Both edge and off-ball LB are on the list, but the team has shown a willingness to treat this as low priority. 

I know it seems like the list leans heavily to the offense, but there has already been substantial investment in the defense. 

 

Edited February 6, 2021 by onejayhawk

[BigTimeRedskins]

Going position by position for WFT:

QB- Obviously Alex Smith is not going to be on the team beyond 2021. Heinicke and Allen will certainly be around. Nothing of note behind these 3. Obviously a top need heading into the offseason.

RB- Gibson showed he is legit. McKissic is a solid 3rd down back. Peyton Barber is alright, I guess. Bryce Love still exists. Minor need at most if anyone gets injured or traded.

WR- Terry McLaurin is obviously a legit #1 receiver. We have almost nothing behind him. To me, WR is the second biggest need behind QB this offseason

TE- Logan Thomas was a very pleasant surprise for 2020. However, similar to WR, there is nobody of note behind him. Either a decent FA signing or a mid-round pick would be ideal to me.

OT- Cornelius Lucas was another very pleasant surprise in 2020. Morgan Moses was, as well. Geron Christian is a solid backup to these guys. Not much of a need. Perhaps depth.

OG- Brandon Scherff is a free agent. Wes Schweitzer was solid at LG. Wes Martin is a mediocre at best backup. Saahdiq Charles needs to prove himself if Scherff is not resigned.

OC- Chase Roullier just signed a decently sized extension. Not sure who is backup is. Perhaps a FA signing or late rounder would be fine.

DL- Young, Allen, Payne, Ioannidis, Settle, and Sweat all exist. No need whatsoever

LB- Cole Holcomb is decent. Jon Bostic is mediocre at best. Thomas Davis is gone, as is Kevin Pierre-Louis (likely). An impact player needs to be picked up this offseason.

CB- Kendall Fuller, Jimmy Moreland, Ronald Darby, and Fabian Moreau are all average players. The latter two are free agents. I'd like Darby back, but if not, improvements would be nice.

S- Kamren Curl was awesome. Landon Collins is coming back from injury. Troy Apke is a solid STer, and Jeremy Reaves was a solid backup. No need here.

K/P/LS - No need with Hopkins, Way, and Sundberg

KR/PR - Huge need. No major impact from anyone in 2020.

 

Overall:

1- QB

2- WR

3- LB (or OG if Scherff is not resigned; move everything else down a spot if he is)

4- CB

5- TE

6- Return specialist

7- OL Depth

Edited February 23, 2021 by BigTimeRedskins

[onejayhawk]

Pre-FA signings, this is where the team sits.

Chiefs

1. OT - Both starting OT were released, partly due to serious injuries. There is a replacement for one position already on the roster, via COVID opt-out. The other is wide open, though the team wants to re-sign a journeyman 
2. TE - Kelce is 31 and there are only blocking TE behind him
3. WR - Watkins and Robinson are leaving after almost 90 receptions, 5 TD, a lot of snaps and most of the size at the position.
4. LB - They used a 2nd round pick on a LB in 2020. Here we go again 
5. DE - They have a decent rotation, but new blood is important. 

More than anything, the team lost a great deal of depth due to the large number of free agents leaving. This is a reloading year.

+++ Post FA update.

The team used serious money to sign players to deep positions, OG and DT. Both moves could affect other positions in the line.

1. DE - Not re-signing Tanoh Kpassagnon jumps this to the top of the priority list. Signing Darren Reed at DT may mean Turk Wharton is moving outside. He has the build and athleticism for it. 
2. OT - Thuney and Orlando Brown handle the left side. They re-signed a journeyman RT but most likely that will be Niang. Due to several expiring contracts, this is still a need, but no longer an urgent one.
3. TE - They signed a blocking TE and a FB to one year deals. I think they are looking for new blood, but might sift UDFA.
4. WR - They re-signed Robinson, who had third most targets on the team after Hill and Kelce. If they draft WR it may be late.
5. LB - No moves here. 
6. S - SS Dan Sorensen is 31 and on a one year deal.

Edited April 27, 2021 by onejayhawk

[ttitansfan4life]

Titans

1.) OL - All of it

2.) WR

3.) TE

4.) EDGE

5.) RB

[LinderFournette]

1 hour ago, ttitansfan4life said:

Titans

1.) OL - All of it

2.) WR

3.) TE

4.) EDGE

5.) RB

so henry is considered almost done huh

[ttitansfan4life]

53 minutes ago, LinderFournette said:

so henry is considered almost done huh

I wouldn’t say that but I damn sure wouldn’t be giving him the load he used to have. Haven’t had a good backup RB since Demarco and Henry were 1 and 2. Evans can’t stay healthy so it’s time to find someone else.