| 09 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.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS- 2008 Record- 12-4
Key Losses: Braynt McFadden, Nate Washington, Bryon Leftwich?, Kendall Simmons?
Key Additions: None
Needs: C, G, DL, RB, QB
The Steelers calling card has been their defense and the fact that their quarterback can survive near-death incidents on and off the field. The offense could use some depth on their interior line, and decided to make almost zero moves in the off-season, which may be advantageous since they won the Super Bowl. I'm not sure if Leftwich will return, but the odds are maybe since his off season value continues to drop. If he doesn't then the backup will be Dennis Dixon. The Steelers seem to have no concerns in the linebacker and secondary departments. Here's a list of some of the defensive starters that will return for Pittsburgh this season; Ike Taylor, Lamar Woodley, James Farrior, Larry Foote, James Harrison, Deshea Townsend, Ryan Clark and Troy Polamalu. Also, I begin to wonder about the longevity of "Fast" Willie Parker since he missed five games this season and was ineffective in six other games this past season. Behind him there is Rashard Mendenhall, who we all know got his shoulder broke by Ray Lewis.
Baltimore Ravens- 2008 Record- 11-5
Key Losses: Marques Douglas, Jim Leonhard, Bart Scott, Jason Brown, Kyle Boller
Key Additions: L.J Smith, Chris Carr
Needs: LB, CB
The Ravens have depth for days on every position on the offensive line minus center. The defense remains mainly in tact minus the fact that I feel that Ravens need two starting linebackers, one to replace Bart Scott, and one to play instead of Jarret Johnson. Also, the Ravens seem to be sold on Tom Zibikowski at strong safety, so much so that it appears they will take him off special teams duties with the signing of Chris Carr. Baltimore will probably be stronger on offense this season if Joe Flacco continues to mature, which he will most likely do. The addition of L.J. Smith seems to add depth behind or in front of Todd Heap who has seen his production dwindle over the past few years.
Cincinnati Bengals- 2008 Record- 4-11-1
Key Losses: Dexter Jackson, T.J. Houshmandzadeh,
Key Additions: Laveraneus Coles, J.T. O'Sullivan, Tank Johnson
Needs: LB, OL, FB, RB
I guess I could say that since the Bengals ranked almost last in every offensive category, they probably need everything offensively. The Bengals did lose Houshmadzadeh on offense and Chad Ocho Cinco is still a question mark in some regard, they have no depth currently at running back, offensive line and fullback. On defense, they need linebackers. The Benglas have a ton of holes to fill.
Cleveland Browns- 2008 Record- 4-12
Key Losses: Jason Wright, Andra Davis, Darnell Dinkins, Joe Jurevicious
Key Additions: Hank Poteat, Robert Royal, Corey Ivy, Noah Herron, Abram Elam, David Bowens
Needs: RB, OL, WR, LB
The Browns have made a fews moves, but I'm not sure if it actually improves the team or if it simply plugs holes. On the defensive side of the ball, they seem to be okay up front, but how will they/will they need to replace Willie McGinest? On offense, are they seriously trying to trade Braylon Edwards? How will Donte Stallworth's criminal proceedings affect the team? Also, rumors are Man-genius hates Brady Quinn. The Browns are a mess.
The Browns have made a bunch of moves,
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