2011 NFL Draft Needs: AFC East | AFC North | NFC East | NFC North
No. 12 Minnesota Vikings
Team Needs: QB, DT, DE, S, LB
Leslie Frazier has plenty of holes to fill in his first draft as head coach of the Vikings, perhaps none bigger than at quarterback. Brett Favre won’t be back and if Tarvaris Jackson is re-signed (which is a big “if”), he certainly won’t be handed the starting job. If Ryan Mallett or Cam Newton slips to Minnesota at No. 12, they’re definite possibilities to land in the Twin Cities. Defensively, Pat Williams probably won’t be back and it’s doubtful the Vikes see either Jimmy Kennedy or Letroy Guion as potential starters alongside Kevin Williams next year. On the outside, free agent Ray Edwards racked up eight sacks in 2010 but his production has dropped and thus, the Vikings have a reason not to break the bank to retain him this offseason. Everson Griffen and Jayme Mitchell have flashed their potenital, but can either be counted on as a starter opposite Jared Allen? At safety, Madieu Williams isn’t likely to be brought back and the Vikes could use a ballhawk to go along with either Husain Abdullah or Tyrell Johnson. The recently released O.J. Atowge might be a possibility via free agency.
First Round Possibilities: Cam Newton (Auburn), Ryan Mallett (Arkansas), Akeem Ayers (UCLA), Robert Quinn (North Carolina), Marcell Dareus (Alabama), Cameron Jordan (Cal), Aldon Smith (Missouri), Von Miller (Texas A&M).
No. 13 Detroit Lions
Team Needs: CB, OT
The Lions acquired Chris Houston and Alphonso Smith last year but seeing as how they play in a division that features two explosive passing attacks in Green Bay and Chicago, Detroit needs to continue to add pieces to its secondary. They should have a chance to land one of the top 3 corners (Patrick Peterson, Prince Amukamara, Brandon Harris) at No. 13 and if someone like Amukamara falls in their lap, I can’t see the Lions passing on such a highly touted prospect. Staying on the defensive side of the ball, this team needs more playmakers at the linebacker position. The Lions have already told Julian Peterson that he won’t be back and while the team may re-sign Bobby Carpenter, he’s best served as a backup. On the other side, Landon Johnson is unlikely to return as well after being placed on I.R. in late December. It seems like Detroit usually enters drafts needing to target linebackers and this year is no exception. Offensively, the line is improving and isn’t a pressing need but the team could stand to add depth.
First Round Possibilities: Patrick Peterson (LSU), Prince Amukamara (Nebraska), Brandon Harris (Miami), Jimmy Smith (Colorado), Nate Solder (Colorado), Greg Jones (Michigan State), Akeem Ayers (UCLA), Von Miller (Texas A&M), Bruce Carter (North Carolina), Mike Pouncey (Florida), Derek Sherrod (Mississippi State), Anthony Castonzo (Boston College).
