2011 NFL Draft Needs: AFC East | AFC North | NFC East | NFC North
No. 3 Buffalo Bills
Top Needs: DE, OLB, QB, OT
When a team holds the No. 3 selection in the draft they usually don’t have just one need: they have multiple needs. That fits the Bills, who could stand upgrades at linebacker, offensive tackle, quarterback and defensive end. Linebacker is arguably their biggest positional need seeing as how Akin Ayodele is a free agent and Andra Davis (who was replaced in the starting lineup by Ayodele during the season) has just one year remaining on his current deal. Finding someone to play alongside Paul Posluszny in the middle is important but locating a solid pass-rusher is vital, whether that comes at defensive end or outside linebacker. If Buffalo thinks Shawne Merriman can resurrect his career, they can either invest their top pick in a D-end or a quarterback.
Possibilities in the First Round: Da’Quan Bowers (Clemson); Cam Newton (Auburn), Blaine Gabbert (Missouri).
No. 15 Miami Dolphins
Top Needs: RB, QB, S
Two years ago when the Dolphins were running the updated version of the single wing (or as the kids call it these days, “the Wildcat formation”), they had two capable runners in Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams. But there’s a good chance that both have played their final downs in Miami. Brown can’t stay healthy through a full 16-game season and Williams is a free agent (who has also taken to criticizing his head coach and teammates). South Beach has been mentioned as a possible landing spot for DeAngelo Williams, which makes sense. But with the uncertainty of the CBA deal, I wouldn’t be shocked if the Dolphins took someone like Alabama’s Mark Ingram in the first round. If not, there’s no doubt that this team needs more consistency at the quarterback position, which is where a signal caller like Ryan Mallett of Arkansas makes sense. (Or Cam Newton if he falls.)
Possibilities in the First Round: Mark Ingram (Alabama), Ryan Mallett (Arkansas), Cam Newton (Auburn).
No. 17 & No. 28 New England Patriots
Top Needs: DE, LB, WR, OG
The Patriots’ biggest priority now is the same as it was a year ago: they need to add more pass rushers. And just as I wrote in the Bills’ write up, whether that comes from the defensive end position or linebacker, Bill Belichick needs to add another player or two that can get after the quarterback. Ever since Belichick parted ways with Richard Seymour two years ago, his defensive front hasn’t been the same. And the injuries to Ty Warren and Mike Wright certainly didn’t help. Gerard Warren is a free agent and at 32, he might not be back so simply put, the defensive end position is a major priority for the Patriots this offseason. The linebacker corps could use a boost as well. Tully Banta-Cain and Rob Ninkovich are capable, but they’re not consistent playmakers. With two picks in the first two rounds, Belichick could address the defensive end and linebacker positions if he doesn’t trade the selections away.
First Round Possibilities: Justin Houston (Georgia), Cam Heyward (Ohio State), Aldon Smith (Missouri), Muhammad Wilkerson (Temple).
No. 30 New York Jets
Top Needs: LB, DE, WR, DT
Shaun Ellis had a solid season for the Jets but he’s a free agent and Trevor Pryce (who was a part of the Jets’ D-line rotation) is considering retirement. Rex Ryan needs to get younger at the defensive end position, even if Ellis (33) does return. As is the case with the Bills and Patriots, the Jets would love to add a pass-rusher on the outside, too. Jason Taylor is owed a $10 million roster bonus, which is way too much for a declining pass rusher who turns 37 in the fall.
First Round Possibilities: Justin Houston (Georgia), Cam Heyward (Ohio State), Aldon Smith (Missouri), Muhammad Wilkerson (Temple), Torrey Smith (Maryland), Phil Taylor (Baylor), Corey Liuget (Illinois), Akeem Ayers (UCLA).
