2011 NFL Draft Needs: AFC East | AFC North | NFC East | NFC North
No. 9 Dallas Cowboys
Top Needs: S, OT, CB
The Cowboys’ biggest priority heading into the offseason appears to be safety. Alan Ball’s lackluster play at free safety was one of the main reasons the Cowboys were torched through the air last season. If he returns, it’ll likely be as a backup in a nickel or dime package. Gerald Sensabaugh is a free agent and even if he does come back, the ‘Boys are likely to add another body to push him for the starting job. Seeing as how Mike Jenkins and Terrence Newman also contributed to the team’s problems in pass defense, the Cowboys will probably look to add more pieces at cornerback as well. Offensively, there’s talk that right tackle Marc Colombo could be released over concerns about his durability and declining production. Alex Barron resembled a turnstile when he played, so chances are the tackle position will be a priority for Dallas this offseason as well. You may even see them draft a tackle in the first round.
First Round Possibilities: Anthony Castonzo (Boston College), Nate Solder (Colorado), Gabe Carimi (Wisconsin), Derek Sherrod (Mississippi State), Stefan Wisniewski (Penn State), Tyron Smith (USC), Prince Amukamara (Nebraska), Jimmy Smith (Colorado), Patrick Peterson (LSU).
No. 10 Washington Redskins
Top Needs: QB, WR, LB, RB, OT, CB, DT
What don’t the Redskins need? It’s highly unlikely that they’ll pay Donovan McNabb when it’s clear that Mike Shanahan doesn’t have a ton of trust in him to run his offense. So then what? Do they go with Rex Grossman as the starter? Do they draft a signal caller in the first round? The entire offense is lacking playmakers, especially at the wide receiver position. Santana Moss is their top playmaker but he’s a free agent and Malcolm Kelly has been a major disappointment. So if Washington doesn’t draft a QB in the first round, they could certainly target a wideout like Alabama’s Julio Jones. Defensively, Andre Carter is a bad fit for the 3-4 and Rocky McIntosh is a free agent that probably won’t be back because Shanahan was none too pleased that he skipped all of 2010 offseason workouts. London Fletcher and Brian Orakpo remain fixtures at linebacker, but the Skins need to add another pass-rusher opposite Orakpo on the outside. At cornerback, DeAngelo Hall and Carlos Rogers are both free agents, but the Skins can’t allow both of them to walk with so few draft picks. Once Albert Haynesworth is dumped, the defensive tackle position becomes a need as well. Simply put, the Skins have too many holes to fill in just one offseason. It’s going to take Shanahan and Bruce Allen time to rebuild this roster.
First Round Possibilities: A.J. Green (Georgia), Julio Jones (Alabama), Robert Quinn (North Carolina), Derek Sherrod (Mississippi State), Mike Pouncey (Florida), Anthony Castonzo (Boston College), Gabe Carimi (Wisconsin), Cam Newton (Auburn), Ryan Mallett (Arkansas), Marcell Dareus (Alabama), J.J. Watt (Wisconsin), Von Miller (Mississippi State), Akeen Ayers (UCLA).
No. 19 New York Giants
Top Needs: LB, CB, OL, RB
Jonathan Goff wasn’t great in the middle last year but he held his own and will likely be given another opportunity to start under DC Perry Fewell’s guidance. Michael Boley is entrenched at one outside linebacker spot, but the position opposite him in the defense needs to be addressed. Keith Bulluck was a serviceable starter when he was healthy, but the team needs a more reliable option at the strong-side position. It would be nice if third-year player Clint Sintim would make growths in his development, but he just hasn’t contributed much. I wouldn’t be shocked if the Giants drafted another corner in the first couple rounds. Terrell Thomas and Corey Webster are fine, but they battled inconsistency throughout the year. Aaron Ross just hasn’t been the same player he was as a rookie and his contract is expiring, meaning the Giants could stand to upgrade the position. Adding someone who could push Ross for the nickel spot and be viewed as a potential starter down the road would be beneficial. The offensive line will also be addressed at some point this offseason, whether that comes via free agency or the draft.
First Round Possibilities: Mike Pouncey (Florida), Bruce Carter (North Carolina), Brandon Harris (Maimi), Robert Quinn (North Carolina), Ryan Williams (Virginia Tech), Nate Solder, (Colorado), Anthony Castonzo (Boston College), Mark Ingram (Alabama), Akeem Ayers (UCLA), Tyron Smith (USC).
No. 23 Philadelphia Eagles
Top Needs: CB, LB, DE, S
The Eagles could go in a number of different directions this offseason. Ellis Hobbs is retiring due to a neck injury and while he’s leaving the door open for a possible return, he’s suffered two neck injuries in two years so the Eagles need to add to their cornerback position. Asante Samuel is a fixture at one spot, but there’s talk that the team might pursue free agent Nnamdi Asomugha. If they land the former Raider, then they can cross cornerback off their list of priorities. Linebacker needs to be addressed as well. Shawn Bradley and Ernie Sims are both free agents but only Bradley is expected to return. Sims recorded just 55 tackles and two sacks in 15 games while losing late-season snaps to Akeem Jordan, so he’s not expected to be retained. Bradley could move back outside with the emergence of Jamar Chaney, but the Eagles will still have to add bodies because Jordan and Omar Gaither are both free agents. If Brandon Graham and Ricky Sapp can bounce back after suffering knee injuries, then acquiring a pass-rusher at the defensive end spot becomes less of a priority. The offensive line gave up 54 sacks in 2010, so don’t rule out the Eagles drafting an O-lineman in the first round.
First Round Possibilities: Aaron Williams (Texas), Stefen Wisniewski (Penn State), Gabe Carimi (Wisconsin), Mike Pouncey (Florida), Derek Sherrod (Mississippi State), Brandon Harris (Miami), Tryon Smith (USC), Akeem Ayers (UCLA), Jimmy Smith (Colorado).
