| 08 April 2009
In the weeks leading up to the draft, LWN will take a look at team needs for each division prior to the draft. Then he will come out with the draft preview the week prior. We will look at each division in order of record from last season.
MIAMI DOLPHINS- 2008 Record 11-5
Key Losses: Vonnie Holiday, Samson Satele, Andre Goodman
Key Additions: Jake Grove, Eric Green, Gibril Wilson, Tony McDaniel
Needs: WR, OL, LB, S
Obviously the Dolphins smashed expectations in year one of the Sparano era. The question is, can they continue to improve or will this be a one year wonder? The core of the team looks pretty good on paper. Considering the Dolphins were able to re-sign Yeremiah Bell and Channing Crowder, that does help give them keep an identity. It's obvious that they have talent on both sides of the ball including one of the best running back tandems in the NFL. The question is, will the Dolphins go after a WR in the high rounds to compliment Ted Ginn? I'm not certain because of the faith they seem to have in Greg Camarillo and Davon Bess. Throw in the budding Anthony Fasano, and that's a decent corps considering Chad Pennington's lack of ability to throw the long ball. The Dolphins will need to add interior lineman on offense and linebackers. I also know someone who wanted Taylor Mays to come out and join the Dolphins. Look for them to address those needs on day one.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS- 2008 Record: 11-5
Key Losses: Matt Cassel, Junior Seau, Rodney Harrison, Deltha O'Neal, Roosvelt Colvin, Larry Izzo
*Note, some of these players may still be re-signed.
Key Additions: Shawn Springs, Fred Taylor, Leigh Bodden, Joey Galloway
Needs: RB, FB, DL, LB, S
Most of America cheered when the 2008 Patriots failed to make the playoffs. Never mind though, the Patriots will always make moves adding role players, veterans and cast-offs to the team nucleus to continue to move the machine forward. New England did trade Cassel for a draft pick, which seemed like a gift to Todd Haley. On paper it looks like the Patriots are old and needy in many areas. Then again, they recently drafted Brandon Meriweather at SS, Jerod Mayo at LB, and added Leigh Bodden at corner. They don't seem to have many glaring needs, but if Tom Brady cannot come back from surgery and play at a high level, that Patriots defense will be on the field a lot. There are rumors swirling that the Pats are attempting to grab Julius Peppers from Carolina. Is this a case of the rich getting richer? We will see. Look for New England to trade a draft pick for a player on day one.
NEW YORK JETS- 2008 Record: 9-7
Key Losses: Brett Favre, Chris Baker, Laveranues Coles
Key Additions: Bart Scott, Jim Leonhard, Lito Sheppard, Larry Izzo
Needs: QB, WR, DL,LB
Does anyone notice a trend when looking at the Jets signings? Rex Ryan is a defensive man, and all his major signings are on that side of the ball. The Jets defense will be significantly improved, and on paper they may be one of the best in the AFC. The only weak point I see on the defensive side of the ball is linebacker. I say this and they have added Bart Scott. What does that tell you? Obviously they will need to make a decision at quarterback, but I say you drafted Kellen Clemons for a reason so give him a shot. The Jets will also need to try to replace Coles at the WR spot because I don't think Chansi Stuckey or Brad Smith are the answer.
BUFFALO BILLS- 2008 Record 7-9
Key Losses: Jabari Greer, Derrick Dockery, Robert Royal
Key Additions: Terrell Owens, Drayton Florence, Pat Thomas
Needs: OLB, OL, TE, RB?
Since the Bills cut two TEs what do you think they will do in round one or two? Also, if Trent Edwards is going to develop, the Bills should probably try to tighten up the right side of the line. The OL was a disaster down the stretch and was unable to defend against the pass rush, or you could say Edwards holds the ball too long depending on your view of offense. The defense is pretty solid and I love their secondary. Linebacker depth is a pretty big cause for concern as well. The addition of T.O. will certainly change the way teams defend the Bills, but it remains to be seen if that will make them explosive in bad weather. Also, Marshawn Lynch's gun charges may be a cause for concern, unless you think Fred Jackson is an every down player.
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Comments (7)
Subscribe to this comment's feedNice analysis
Unless there is a huge value on the board, I think the Bills should go after a TE in the 2nd round.
With Shoebel out, their defense was really exposed, mainly their inability to put ANY pressure on a QB. That DE out of Penn State is pretty good I hear. Tight End seems like a reach in the first round. They should be able to get something in Rd. 2
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Jason Peters
At least they now have a shitload of draft picks I guess
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agreed
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Peters
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