| 12 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.
TENNESSEE TITANS- 2008 Record- 13-3
Key Losses: Albert Haynesworth, Chris Carr,
Key Additions: None
Needs: CB, OL, DT, WR
The Titans return the vast majority of a team that went 13-3 in 2008. The only major loss is Albert Haynesworth, which is substantial. Tennessee seems to feel that they are set as well since they made no moves to improve the team during the off season. The constant concern is that while they can run the ball on offense, at some point they may want to entertain the notion of using this forward pass thingy. The Titans look like they are in pretty good shape.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS- 2008 Record- 12-4
Key Losses: Marvin Harrison
Key Additions: None
Needs: DT, LB, WR, S, CB
The Colts finally lost their grip on the AFC South after dominating the division for the better part of the last eternity. But there are chinks in the armor. The defense has some holes to fill and they are not that physical on defense. A run-stuffing linebacker might be in the cards for Indy. Also, with the defection of Marvin Harrison, the Colts will plug in Anthony Gonzalez, but will need to add depth at the Wide Receiver position.
Personally, I feel that the Colts cornerbacks are not very good, and Bob Sanders cannot stay healthy. This gives me a cause for concern if I am new head coach Jim Caldwell.
HOUSTON TEXANS- 2008- 8-8
Key Losses: Ephriam Salaam, Anthony Weaver, Will Demps,
*Note- Some players may still get re-signed
Key Additions: Cato June, Shaun Cody
Needs: RB, WR, DE
If the Texans are cutting Anthony Weaver, then they need to find another defensive end that can come in and start right away. Beyond that, they Houston defense may finally be ready to make a leap forward this season. Think of all the young talent: Dunta Robinson, Amobi Okoye, Mario Williams, DeMeco Ryans. This defense should be good. Offensively, the Texans need some help. Sure, they have Andre Johnson but that is the only WR on the roster worth anything. They do have the exciting newcomer Steve Slaton in the backfield but he is not an ever down player. Finally, is Matt Schaub the answer at quarterback? I think the Texans are a 10-6 team this season.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS- 2008 Record- 5-11
Key Losses: Tony McDaniel, Matt Jones, Khalif Barnes, Fred Taylor, Drayton Florence, Gerald Sensabaugh, Mike Peterson, Paul Spicer
Key Additions: Tra Thomas
Needs: OT, RB, WR, DL, S
The Jags have dismantled their defense and it looks like this may be Del Rio's last stand. There is a new general manager who may want someone else in the near future if the Jaguars can't return to the playoffs. The Jaguars have needs all over the field including all skill position players on offense. Since they cut Matt Jones, Jerry Porter and Reggie Williams, they need an entire new WR corps. Since they cut Fred Taylor, they only have Maurice Jones-Drew in the backfield. Considering there are still reliable WRs out on the free agent market it is a wonder the Jaguars don't go after one or two. In any event I don't think things look good in North Florida for the 2009 season.
Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites
