This report will highlight team needs and war room strategies including possible decisions that will be made that will ultimately have a direct effect on the short and/or long term fortunes of the team in question. Of course I will be injecting my own opinion at times throughout this report, with comments about the front office and free agency moves, plus notable quotes, past and present, some complementary and some not so complimentary. 

The NFL draft is never an exact science, but like in any profession there are good managers and bad managers.  Put into football speak, some teams are good on draft day (and in free agency) and some are bad.  I respect those who do their job well while continuing to shake my head (and write cynical comments) about those who can’t seem to get things right.  Why certain teams, owners, and GM’s keep making mistakes is beyond comprehension, but that is what makes covering the draft all these years so much fun. 

- Houston Texans:           

FREE AGENCY ANALYSIS AND STAFF NOTES (Short Version): Houston was in “purge the roster” mode under their new coach, signing only average DL Jerrell Powe and rotational DB Kendrick Lewis.  Losses include RB Tate, TE Daniels, DL Earl Mitchell, Antonio Smith and Terrell McClain, and four LB’s including Darryl Sharpton and Joe Mays.  Once QB Fitzgerald was signed Matt Schaub was traded to Oakland. 

2014 DRAFT NEEDS: QB, 2 DL, 2 LB’s, TE, OL, CB and DB depth, RB.  QB is obvious.  J.J. Watt is lonely along the DL.  The Texans have needed a DT/NT with size for a long time, and now need multiple bodies.  Joe Mays and Darryl Sharpton overachieved at ILB.  Both are gone, and Brian Cushing will be off yet another serious injury!  TE Graham was decent but another player needs to be added.  The new regime may scrap the zone blocking scheme, meaning new OL must be added.  Will CB Joseph return?  The other CB’s are Kareem Jackson and Brice McCain.  RB Foster may return healthy but other than the untested Ray Graham and the smaller Dennis Johnson there’s not much else available.

RECENT DRAFT HISTORY AND TENDENCIES FOR 2014: GM Rick Smith remains.  In the past he worked closely with not only Gary Kubiak but also DC Wade Phillips.  He’s not afraid to trade, although many of the trades have come later in the draft.  Bill O’Brien may be a rookie HC but the guess here is that he will have a fairly decent say in the draft room.

DRAFT PICK OVERVIEW: Picks in 1st 3 rounds: 1, 33, 65

Houston has 11 overall picks in this draft, giving them a chance to forget all about last season.  The Texas traded Matt Schaub to Oakland for a 6th round pick.  Houston has compensatory picks at the end of the 4th, 6th and 7th round (last pick of the draft).

ROUND ONE PREVIEW: All the talk about taking a QB seems to have died down.  Houston will have plenty of offers to trade the pick, but already armed with 11 draft choices, I don’t see the value in trading down unless the bounty includes multiple picks in this deep draft, plus a 1st round draft pick for next year.  If they stay here the pick looks like it will be Clowney.  If they trade down then it’s to get a QB or one of the top OL.

REST OF THE DRAFT: The needs above must be met.  If it’s Clowney 1st, then expect a QB next and hopefully a LB, OL or TE at pick #65.  The way the rumor mill is right now, that 2nd round pick might still net them Teddy Bridgewater.  Adding Clowney and Bridgewater to a team that is one year removed from thinking Super Bowl would be outstanding.  A solid ILB or a highly rated OG should be easily available at the top of the 3rd round.  Don’t rule out a trade UP from pick #33 in order to grab a QB.

- St. Louis Rams:    

FREE AGENCY ANALYSIS AND STAFF NOTES (Short Version): The Rams brought back Roger Saffold after he supposedly failed his physical in Oakland.  Jeff Fisher and WR Kenny Britt reunite, and Britt is young enough to be an asset to this offense if he improves his on and off-field work habits.  CB Finnegan did not play as well as expected and he’s gone.  Bounty-Gate ringleader Gregg Williams is an upgrade as the new Defensive Coordinator.  His defenses tend to play more press defense, and that is much needed here with the Rams.

2014 DRAFT NEEDS: 1-2 right side OL, safety, OLB and OLB depth, elite CB, young back-up QB, extra RB.  I’ve noted elite CB.  The CB’s are young and another elite player might help IF he is a cover CB.  Any other needs here are just to add depth.  RG Dahl is gone.  RT Barksdale could use an upgrade.  Dunbar has done what he could at OLB but STL could add a real stud here, preferably again with cover skill.  I’m not completely sold on SS McDonald and even if he performs the FS is Rodney McLeod and the back-ups are not at all serviceable.  It’s time to get serious about adding a young signal caller.  Unless Richardson is out of the doghouse an extra RB could be considered.  Removed from this list is elite WR.  Kenny Britt adds to an already decent group and the Rams have far greater issues to deal with, as noted above.

RECENT DRAFT HISTORY AND TENDENCIES FOR 2014: When Jeff Fisher was hired the Rams not only got a coach, they got someone with a vision.  Fisher, GM Les Snead and COO Kevin Demoff have combined to give the Rams a master plan for the 1st time in decades!  Fisher’s track record is to pay attention to the DL and ending the draft with more picks than when they started.  Given that the Rams already have 12 picks now, perhaps they should trade up, and even on day #3 of the draft. 

DRAFT PICK OVERVIEW: Picks in 1st 3 rounds: 2, 13, 44, 75.

As usual with a Jeff Fisher coached team, the Rams have plenty of picks.  They begin this draft with a league high 12, including the 2nd overall pick obtained as final payment from Washington in the RG III deal.  Six of the picks are in the final two rounds, including a trio of compensatory picks. 

ROUND ONE PREVIEW: The OL will be addressed early, but the hope is the 2nd of the early picks is used wisely for a quality safety or an OLB.  The Rams want to trade down, but if they do they could miss out on OT Robinson and OT Matthews.  They could take a risk and trade back a few spots, hoping one of the OT prospects remain on the board.  Getting an elite OT along with either Clinton-Dix or Pryor at safety with the 13th pick would fill two immediate needs!  Why mess around?  They are looking at WR but that should wait as they have depth at that position.  Other looks could be LB Mack (2nd), CB (13th) or LB Shazier (trade back from pick #13).  Don’t be surprised if the Rams trade at least once during the 1st round!

REST OF THE DRAFT: The Rams can easily fill all needs listed above, especially with just one trade back.  The Rams can easily double up at some positions, and of course I expect Jeff Fisher to take additional DL at some point during the draft.

- Jacksonville Jaguars:

FREE AGENCY ANALYSIS AND STAFF NOTES (Short Version): Bad teams can’t get by with drafts of five players.  The Jags did that for years under the former GM and paid the price.  This free agency has seen them add several players who can help with the transition, including RB Gerhart, OG Beadles, DL Hood, Bryant and Clemons, LB Dekoda Watson and safety Sherrod Martin.  DL benefited the most.  Maybe one could argue that RB Maurice Jones-Drew is a loss, but he’s replaceable.

2014 DRAFT NEEDS: QB, 2 OL, 1-2 CB’s and DB depth, RB, 2 OLB’s WR, pass rushing specialist, #2 TE.  Chad Henne did what he could but his best role would be as a priority NFL back-up.  Even with OG Beadles there are not enough starting caliber OL on this team.  Remember, OC Meester is retiring.  As noted above, the Jags added three CB’s in the ’13 draft.  Only one was rated by highly by me so another dip into the CB market is necessary.  Young legs as overall depth are concerns at RB.  The OLB’s read Geno Hayes, John Lotulelei and Russell Allen.  An upgrade or two would be welcome.  Justin Blackmon is on suspension and while he’s a solid #1 WR on the field he is one more suspension away from a long vacation from the NFL.  The Jags need to plan ahead for his departure.  As documented, sack pressure must improve defensively.  Another pass rusher in addition to the free agency signings is recommended.  TE Lewis runs more cold than hot.  Someone to assist him and eventually replace him is needed. 

RECENT DRAFT HISTORY AND TENDENCIES FOR 2014: New GM David Caldwell made his first trade in the ’13 draft at the top of round #4, the round I call the “homework” round.  He traded DOWN.  The past regime consistently traded up, often uselessly.  I suspect that with 11 picks there will be more trades this time around, possibly beginning with pick #39

DRAFT PICK OVERVIEW: Picks in 1st 3 rounds: 3, 39, 70.

The Jags have a rare (for them) chance to rebuild their roster with 11 total picks.  They have four extra picks in rounds 3-5.  Two are from Baltimore (OT Monroe).  One is from SF (trade of QB Gabbert).  One is from the Lions (WR Mike Thomas).

ROUND ONE PREVIEW: Could the Jags make a late attempt to move up to get DE Clowney?  If not, the general consensus is that they take one of the OT’s in this spot.  WR Watkins or LB Mack might get attention as well.

REST OF THE DRAFT: With 11 picks, could pick #39 be packaged to move back into the 1st round to get a QB?  I believe that is precisely what they may do, with Pick #39 too late to get the top three (or four counting Carr).  Of course if they want a different QB then they can wait, and go CB here.  The Jags took lower level talent from my draft board in ’13.  That shouldn’t happen in this deep draft.  Pick #70 seems like a good time to address RB unless a rated CB or OLB falls that far.  Many needs need filling.

- Cleveland Browns:

FREE AGENCY ANALYSIS AND STAFF NOTES (Short Version): Brian Hoyer is left at QB.  Ben Tate is an instant upgrade at RB.  Nate Burlson add WR depth.  OL Paul McQuistan was added.  Carlos Dansby is a good player but why not just re-sign younger LB D’Qwell Jackson?  Adding Donte Whitner does not quite make up for losing solid safety T.J. Ward.  Mike Pettine is the new Head Coach.  He’s had a successful, though short career as a Defensive Coordinator.  Kyle Shanahan and his “less than outstanding” ability to work well with others is the new Defensive Coordinator.  Co-conspirator’s Banner and Lombardi were axed early in ’14.  The young and very self-confident Ray Farmer is the sole GM.  

2014 DRAFT NEEDS: QB, RT and RG, #2 WR and WR depth, ILB and LB depth, CB, RB, DE, safety depth.  Cleveland must take a QB early.  OL needs are real on the right side.  The WR need behind stud Josh Gordon is real but can be addressed later thanks to the deep crop.  Even with Dansby, ILB especially looks weak.  A replacement for CB Skrine and competition for FS Gipson are the needs at DB.  Is Ben Tate going to be the sole RB?  No one else on the current roster can help.  There’s some youth and maybe talent along the DL but by no means are players such as Billy Winn, John Hughes and Armonty Bryant sure things. 

RECENT DRAFT HISTORY AND TENDENCIES FOR 2014: The recent draft history is ugly!  Remember, Josh Gordon was a July supplemental pick and not part of an April draft.  Cleveland panicked in ’12, first trading four picks to move up one spot, and then trading back up to reach for QB Weeden and later drafting a DT who went unrated on my board in the 3rd round who himself was expecting to be drafted on Saturday, not Friday!  Last year the Browns did not even participate, trading out of the early rounds.  Their third pick was #175!  This, along with the Richardson trade does set them up for a draft bonanza this May.   This is essentially all up to one person and that person is NOT Kevin Costner!  How will new GM Ray Farmer perform?

DRAFT PICK OVERVIEW: Picks in 1st 3 rounds: 4, 26, 35, 71, 83.

Cleveland has ten picks in this draft, including a whopping seven of the 1st 127.  Pick #26 is from Indy for RB Trent Richardson.  Draft day trades with rivals Pittsburgh and Baltimore got them extra picks in the 3rd and 4th rounds. 

ROUND ONE PREVIEW: As of this writing, Cleveland can have their pick of QB’s with the 4th choice.  I think they will take another postion here, and trade UP from #26 to take their QB of the future.  Logical trading partners are Baltimore at #17 and GB at #21.  Do they go WR Watkins, OT’s Robinson or Matthews or LB Mack with the 4th pick?  If they do select a QB, then pick #26 could easily be used for one of their other top areas of need.

REST OF THE DRAFT: One scenario I would like is to go OT, QB and then WR Matthews at #35.  They might also consider one of the top five CB’s at #35, and there’s a chance one could fall that far.  By the time Cleveland picks at #127 let’s hope they have addressed all of the bolded area needs with highly rated personnel. 

- Oakland Raiders:        

FREE AGENCY ANALYSIS AND STAFF NOTES (Short Version): Oakland went from an astounding $49 million in dead money in ’13 to a league high $65 million (give or take a few dollars) in ’14.  Letting LT Veldheer and DE Houston go was a poor start.  Oakland rebounded to some extent by signing OT Penn, OT Howard and interior OL Boothe for the offense, and DE Tuck and a couple filler types for the DL.  James Jones should help at WR, and is better than the now departed Jacoby Ford.  Jones-Drew certainly adds RB depth.  LB Woodley is young enough to produce and upgrade Oakland at LB.  Last year’s rent a CB’s Tracy Porter and Mike Jenkins left.  Carlos Rogers could help.  Every year Oakland adds a QB.  This year it’s Matt Schaub, via a trade with the Texans.  No coaching changes were made.  Is that a good thing?

2014 DRAFT NEEDS: 2 DB’s, Feature WR and an extra WR, 1-2 DL, QB, OL, impact TE.  Oakland has regressed mightily stopping the pass under the current staff.  The secondary is a mess, even with recent free agency signings.  Oakland has complimentary WR parts but lack a true go-to guy.  The DL is weaker and might not be able to hold up at the point of attack.  This QB need is placed 4th because there is too much roster work to do before adding a young signal caller.  There “might” be enough OL talent on the current roster but it wouldn’t hurt to add someone, perhaps at OG.  Oakland drafted two TE’s in ’13.  Rivera had a nice debut.  What is his ceiling?

RECENT DRAFT HISTORY AND TENDENCIES FOR 2014: For the second year in a row Oakland has GUTTED their roster.  Once again some older vets have been acquired, but ultimately it’s draft success that must rebuild this roster.  GM Reggie McKenzie will call all of the shots and no doubt his pedigree is to add and not subtract picks.  He did just that in ’13, but still took CB Hayden too high, leaving higher rated talent on the board.  Reggie has to do better this time around.

DRAFT PICK OVERVIEW: Picks in 1st 3 rounds: 5, 36, 67.

Oakland has picks in rounds 1-4, but no picks in rounds 5-6.  They lost their 5th round pick thanks to the Matt Flynn debacle.  The 6th round pick was traded to Houston for Matt Schaub.  The QB trifecta completes with an extra 7th for QB Palmer (Arizona).

ROUND ONE PREVIEW: No one knows.  It’s too early for a CB.  I would take WR Watkins or trade down if he’s gone by pick #5.

REST OF THE DRAFT: When does the trade down occur?  Can they get a taker at pick #5?  Getting Watkins and a feature DB early, then trading down at pick #67 would be ideal.  A draft dropping DL or an “elite” QB could be considered at #36.  The OL can be addressed later, as can an extra WR in this WR loaded draft.  Doubling up at DB is essential and not debatable!

- Atlanta Falcons:

FREE AGENCY ANALYSIS AND STAFF NOTES (Short Version): OG Asamoah and swing OL Carimi arrive on offense and DT’s Tyson Jackson and Paul Soliai hope to solidify a less than solid DL.  Average CB Josh Wilson had 93 tackles last year for Washington.  Devin Hester could jump start the return game.  The elite TE Tony Gonzalez retired.  Scott Pioli is the new Assistant GM.  His overall track record is not that impressive.

2014 DRAFT NEEDS: Impact DE 1-2 OL, including a LT, impact LB, safety, long term RB, extra TE, back-up QB.  Atlanta has work to do in reshaping this roster.  No team needs DE Clowney more than this one.  Can they make it happen?  Sam Baker is hardly an elite LT and he’s coming off surgery.  The entire OL underachieved in ’13 and needs rated talent.  A pair of undrafted rookies made their mark at LB in ’13.  That’s nice, but this unit needs a statement LB.  Even before the release of FS Thomas DeCloud an upgrade was necessary.  Atlanta needs to find a younger, every down RB.  ’13 rookie Toilolo is the new #1 TE but he was injury prone in college and every NFL team needs at least two options at this position.  Dominique Davis is the back-up QB.  

RECENT DRAFT HISTORY AND TENDENCIES FOR 2014: Will there be too many voices in the Falcon draft room now that Scott Pioli has been added?  GM Dimitroff has never been afraid to make a splash trade.  He wants DE Clowney in the worst way but has to now wait until Houston makes up his mind.  With ten draft picks I do expect some trading to take place. 

DRAFT PICK OVERVIEW: Picks in 1st 3 rounds: 6, 37, 68.

Atlanta has ten picks.  They have their original seven plus compensatory picks in the 4th and 7th rounds (139, 253, 255).

ROUND ONE PREVIEW: If possible, Atlanta will trade with the Rams to get Clowney.  If that can’t happen then they probably do DL over OL because they are not seeing the same urgency as I am in moving Baker from LT to RT.  Of course if OT’s Robinson and/or Matthews are available then Atlanta can jump right in and fill this critical need. 

REST OF THE DRAFT: Atlanta selected four NR (unranked) players at the back end of the ’13 draft.  The three defensive players combined for 22 tackles and all are buried on the depth chart.  QB Renfree sat.  Atlanta can’t afford a repeat performance.  Can the Falcons find a way to get immediate impact at both OT and DE?  At least one highly rated LB or safety will be available at pick #68.  I expect GM Dimitroff to be active on draft day and would encourage him to trade a pick in the 2nd, 3rd or 4th round of the ’15 draft in order to fill these critical needs.  Why?  Because Atlanta has to think big, and if all goes well they will be drafting late in each round in the ’15 draft instead of early like this year.  

Tampa Bay Buccaneers:     

FREE AGENCY ANALYSIS AND STAFF NOTES (Short Version): QB Luke McCown has already been anointed the starter over Glennon.  Reserve WR Louis Murphy and TE Brandon Myers add depth, but will not make up for the loss of traded WR Mike Williams.  OT Anthony Collins should start.  Tampa did suffer multiple OL defections, including OT Penn, OG’s Joseph and Lawsen, OC Zuttah and swing OL Carmini.  Defensively, DE Michael Johnson could give a lift to the pass rush.  CB’s Verner and Jenkins will be a nice fit in the new scheme.  Tampa did not pick up CB Revis and his bloated salary.  Safety Major Wright has been reunited with HC Smith.  Former Cal coach Jeff Tedford is the new Offensive Coordinator.  Former Viking Head Coach Leslie Frazier is the new Defensive Coordinator.  Expect the pass D% to remain over 60% with the softer cover two scheme.

2014 DRAFT NEEDS: WR, right side OL and possibly OC, OLB, safety extra DL. WR jumps to the job of the list as after Vincent Jackson there is NOTHING.  RG Joseph is gone and RT Dotson is replaceable with the right selection.  Dekoda Watson left and there is no OLB on the roster who should be a starter.  LB depth as a whole is weak.  FS Goldson had a rocky Tampa debut and there is currently no one else available at that position.  Tampa added two DL but could use one more.

RECENT DRAFT HISTORY AND TENDENCIES FOR 2014: Not noted above is that Jason Licht is the new GM.  Licht has paid his dues and has been with a few organizations who have drafted well.  It will be interesting to see what his philosophy about trading in the draft will be.  His last four years was spent with Arizona, a team that never traded much.  Still, Tampa could use more than six draft picks.  Expectations are that HC Lovie Smith will play an active role as well on draft day.

DRAFT PICK OVERVIEW: Picks in 1st 3 rounds: 7, 38, 69.

Tampa has six picks in this draft.  Their early 4th round pick is with the Jets as final payment for now ex-Buccaneer Darelle Revis.  They recouped their 6th round pick (obtained OL Gabe Carimi) with the trade of WR Mike Williams to the Buffalo Bills. 

ROUND ONE PREVIEW: Will Sammy Watkins fall to them?  Are they more interested in Mike Evans?  WR is Tampa’s clear #1 need and unless they want LB Mack or maybe one of the top safeties the Bucs draft a WR.  Another possibility is to trade back a bit (10, 14, 16 for example) so that they can end up with more than just six selections in this deep draft.  Draft analysts seem to think Tampa will take a QB at pick #7.  I think it’s all a smokescreen.  QB does NOT appear on my need board, at least for now.

REST OF THE DRAFT: My choice would be to package 38 or 69 in a trade down unless the absolute right person is there.  OLB might be the toughest to fill after the 2nd round, at least with a highly rated draftee.  OL is higher on the need board and many RT’s or RG’s should be available.  It will be interesting to see how new GM Licht operates in his 1st draft as the main guy.  

- Minnesota Vikings:

FREE AGENCY ANALYSIS AND STAFF NOTES (Short Version): Minny lost back-up RB Gerhart and added former Jet OL Ducasse in a decent low-risk proposition.  Randall, Joseph and Wootton are in and Guion is out along the DL but Minny lost stud DE Jared Allen and is expected to lose longtime DL Kevin Williams.  LB Erin Henderson was released.  CB’s Cox and Munnerlyn will join youngsters Josh Robinson and Shaun Prater with former starter Cook off to SF.  Norv Turner joins Mike Zimmer’s staff as the new Offensive Coordinator.  He’s talented, but sacks allowed under his pass formations must be reduced.  George Edwards was the Miami LB coach and is the new Defensive Coordinator.  The one concern is the new DL coach, Robb Akey.  Robb was fired as the Head Coach of Idaho in ’12 and his teams never stopped the run.  He’s never had an NFL job!

2014 DRAFT NEEDS: QB, at least 2 OL, DE, and DL depth, DB and DB depth, cover LB, extra WR.  If you have three QB’s you have ZERO!  Minny needs a new direction at QB.  LG is a need, as is RT.  RT Loadholt is a liability in pass protection.  DE Allen will be missed.  The DL needs to add more impact players.  The LB’s have to do more than take up space.  There is room to upgrade at safety and maybe CB.  It wouldn’t hurt to add another rated WR.

RECENT DRAFT HISTORY AND TENDENCIES FOR 2014: GM Spielman has had a strong couple of years after a slow start.  In the past he has practically been the sole voice in the Vikings war room.  As I said in this report last year, he’s also known for a for a bit of deception (Kalil in the ’12 draft, Percy Harvin trade last year, etc.) so don’t believe anything he tells you!  I expect him to be active on an as needed basis on draft day.  It will be interesting to see how much input new HC Mike Zimmer has.

DRAFT PICK OVERVIEW: Picks in 1st 3 rounds: 8, 40, 72, 96.

Minny has eight picks.  They have pick #96 from Seattle as final payment for Percy Harvin.

ROUND ONE PREVIEW: Unless one of the top OT’s surprisingly falls to this slot the Vikings absolutely have to draft a QB.  In my opinion the best fits for THIS team are Teddy Bridgewater 1st, and Blake Bortles 2nd.  Spielman may roll the dice and either trade back from #8 or trade up from #40 but no matter what, these Vikings are pretenders without addressing this postion. 

REST OF THE DRAFT: There are voids along the DL and talent issues along the OL.  Depth at LB is an issue.  The pass D is high but some talent exists and Zimmer is a good defensive teacher.  If Minny comes out of this draft with one of the QB’s listed above, multiple rated OL and DL, plus a “cover” LB then they have done their job and then some! 

- Buffalo Bills:

FREE AGENCY ANALYSIS AND STAFF NOTES (Short Version): Buffalo’s additions are more role players as opposed to actual starters.  OG Chris Williams will start, and LB’s Spikes and Rivers will either start or be expected to contribute in various packages.  WR Mike Williams came in a pre-draft trade.  Losing safety Byrd was expected, but unfortunate.  Jim Schwartz is the new Defensive Coordinator.  Perhaps that will be a plus for the run defense but how will the move impact the overall defense?  Buffalo finished 2nd in the NFL in sacks and interceptions in ’13. 

2014 DRAFT NEEDS: Run stoppers along the front seven, 2 DB’s, RT.  Mario Williams, Marcell Dareus and Kiki Alonzo are solid players, but where is the toughness vs. the run on this side of the ball?  FS Byrd must be replaced.  The current DB back-ups are filler types and depth could be added even with the free agency acquisitions.  RT Pears is not a quality starter.  

RECENT DRAFT HISTORY AND TENDENCIES FOR 2014: GM Doug Whaley worked under Buddy Nix and succeeded Nix in May of ’13, after last year’s draft.  Draft ratings here have been average.  With HC Doug Marrone in his second year there could be more of a team effort for this draft.  Regardless, there is work to be done and talent evaluation must be at a premium.

DRAFT PICK OVERVIEW: Picks in 1st 3 rounds: 9, 41, 73.

Buffalo is down one pick after trading pick 185 to Tampa for WR Mike Williams.    

ROUND ONE PREVIEW: Last year everyone was fooled when Buffalo traded back and then took QB Manuel.  This year the guesses are wild, and probably all incorrect.  Guesses range from trading up to get LB Mack, WR Watkins or WR Evans, or staying put and landing OT Matthews or TE Ebron.  I understand the TE need and could have included it above, but it clearly pales in my eyes when compared to my top two need areas.  Buffalo could trade down a few picks and still address their run D or DB need, while adding a pick or two.

REST OF THE DRAFT: Protect the young QB and address the needs listed above.  This is a simpler need board than what exists with most teams, so just focus!  I took WR off the need board with the trade for Mike Williams, but adding a more than solid WR on day #3 should be easy in this draft.  Another area of consideration could be OLB.  I may be letting the cat out of the bag, but if Buffalo makes the right moves on draft day there is no reason these Bills can’t make the playoffs, finally!

- Detroit Lions:

FREE AGENCY ANALYSIS AND STAFF NOTES (Short Version): The biggest addition was reliable WR Tate.  Depth was added along the DL, but not impact.  Injuries stunted the performances of WR Burleson and safety Delmas and both players were released.  Jim Caldwell is the new Head Coach.  Joe Lombardi (ex-Saints QB coach) is the new Offensive Coordinator.  Teryl Austin is the new Defensive Coordinator.

2014 DRAFT NEEDS: 217 CB’s (finally this number has been reduced!), OL, safety, LB, late WR, return specialist, PK.  My long time readers know all about what I think of the Lion’s not drafting a highly rated CB.  Maybe this will be the year?  Is undrafted rookie RT Waddle good enough to start?  The Lions needs to figure this out.  Maybe Detroit can upgrade at LG, where Rob Sims resides.  Glover Quin needs a partner at safety.  LB’s Levy and Tulloch are not household names, but it’s Ashlee Palmer and the other LB’s who could be supplanted by better talent.  A number of great options at WR will be available for the Lions.  The Lions have not had much success of late returning kicks.  PK Akers is not on the roster.

RECENT DRAFT HISTORY AND TENDENCIES FOR 2014: Unfortunately, the Lions DO have the same draft team in place.  This draft team has continued recent trends of a) drafting players with known injury records, b) drafting “me first” players who celebrate sacks and personal accomplishments over team goals, and c) ignoring rated CB’s despite years of bottom five pass D% play.  GM Mayhew had added input from HC Schwartz last year, especially since that Lions staff coached in the Senior Bowl.  As said in this report in ’13, “This is their last chance to make things right.  Can either of these guys be trusted with drafting correctly?”  New HC Jim Caldwell likely won’t have as much of a say on draft day.  Ansah and Warford had solid rookie seasons.  Now it’s time to draft a rated CB.  The Lions typically have not traded much in the early rounds of the draft.

DRAFT PICK OVERVIEW: Picks in 1st 3 rounds: 10, 45, 76.

The Lions have eight picks, including two compensatory picks at the end of the 4th round.  They gave up their 5th round pick to Jacksonville for WR Mike Thomas.

ROUND ONE PREVIEW: You know the drill, so watch for WR Evans!  Yes, I would take CB Gilbert or maybe any top rated CB. Gilbert would fill the return specialist role as well.  Lion return specialists have been subpar for quite a few years.  The Lions could draft a highly rated safety instead of CB early, and for that matter may look in-state at Michigan OT Lewan.

REST OF THE DRAFT: They’ll draft a CB, even after taking three in ’12.  Aaron Colvin (Oklahoma) is coming off a serious injury so he figures to be right on the Lions’ radar screen.  In a more serious vein, the Lions must address OL and DB as these are far more serious needs than WR, especially after the signing of WR Tate.  Don’t underestimate Tate as strong #2 option as he is now on a team that features a more pass friendly offense! 

- Tennessee Titans:   

FREE AGENCY ANALYSIS AND STAFF NOTES (Short Version): Charlie Whitehurst replaces Ryan Fitzpatrick at QB.  Versatile Dexter McCluster and decent RT Oher were added.  RB Johnson was cut.  As expected, WR Britt left.  DE/pass rushing LB Shaun Phillips should add some juice up front.  Overachieving LB Woodward adds depth.  An already suspect secondary will miss solid CB Verner.  While Whisenhaut and Ray Horton have solid coaching resumes, the new Offensive Coordinator is Jason Michael.  He’s generally been only a tight ends coach. 

2014 DRAFT NEEDS: 2 LB’s, cover CB, NT, safety depth, QB decision, extra RB, extra WR,  late OL for depth.  Tennessee is likely moving to a 3-4 defensive alignment.  They don’t have enough quality LB’s right now to make that shift.  The pass D% won’t go down until a more active (fast, press style) CB is added.  The DL has some talent but lacks a NT for the new scheme.  An additional safety pick should be considered.  Is Jake Locker the guy?  Tennessee might wait and hope he can play all 16 games in ’14.  RB Johnson is gone.  It would help to add another player to the mix.  WR Britt is gone.  He underachieved, but Tennessee could still use additional depth.  Oher helps, but another OL should be added. 

RECENT DRAFT HISTORY AND TENDENCIES FOR 2014: GM Ramon Webster begins year #3 in the war room.  He’s been pretty much the sole decision maker the 1st two years.  HC Whisenhaut is respected so maybe there will be some sharing this time around.  Webster’s first two drafts were middle of the road.  My complaints are a lack of focus on true need areas and the overtrade for WR Hunter in the ’13 draft.  Webster won’t outsmart other GM’s on draft day but must make his limited number of selections in this draft count as otherwise glaring roster holes will remain.

DRAFT PICK OVERVIEW: Picks in 1st 3 rounds: 11, 42.

Tennessee has six picks.  They moved up for WR Hunter in the ’13 draft, giving up this year’s 3rd round pick.

ROUND ONE PREVIEW: You can easily get a LB or CB at #11.  I would move 11 for 17/77 or so, recouping that 3rd round pick.  There will still be great choices left at #17.  If Tennessee is dead set on OLB Barr or CB Gilbert then they (providing one or both remains on the board) might have to pick at #11.

REST OF THE DRAFT: Tennessee’s needs are mostly defensive ones.  The bolded needs must be addressed 1st, unless the Titans have a plan to draft an impact QB.  All other offensive needs should wait, as RB’s, WR’s and depth along the OL can be addressed mostly on the 3rd day of the draft.

- New York Giants:        

FREE AGENCY ANALYSIS AND STAFF NOTES (Short Version): The NYG have been active this March and April.    Offensively, RB Rashad Jennings is a nice addition, as is OT Geoff Schwartz.  OL John Jerry was a liability last year in Miami and OT Brown lost his job in New Orleans.  Can they contribute in a new setting?  Two OL are gone.  TE Myers was never a good fit.  WR Nicks was at least a solid #2 when healthy.  The NYG need to find his replacement.  ’13 rookie QB Nassib has company now with Josh Freeman on board.  The DL lost Tuck and Joseph, while adding Robert Ayers.  Jameel McClain is in at LB but Keith Rivers is out.  Adding Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Walter Thurmond at DB is a bit of an upgrade.  The return game may benefit from safety/return specialist Demps and the super speedy but fumble prone Holiday.  Ben McAdoo (Green Bay) replaces Kevin Gilbride as Offensive Coordinator.  He was their QB coach.  Eli Manning will get a double dose of advice in ’14 with the hiring of former OSU OC and QB coach Danny Langdorf.

2014 DRAFT NEEDS: 1-2 LB’s, #2/3 WR, DL/sack specialist, OL, TE, safety, late RB.  It’s time for the NYG to select a LB early in the draft process.  LB play has held them back.  WR Randle could be the new #2 option but that does not mean the NYG should ignore finding more talented targets for Eli Manning.  Sack protection has tailed off lately.  Tuck is gone and the DL lacks depth and a companion for Pierre-Paul.  The OL showed its age last year.  Another young starter is needed.  I omitted TE as a need in earlier reports.  The NYG have very little proven TE talent on the current roster.  I question the starting safety talent on the roster.  With Wilson’s injury status the NYG might add a RB late in the draft.

RECENT DRAFT HISTORY AND TENDENCIES FOR 2014: Jerry Reese runs the draft and he knows what he’s doing.  He will continue to seek input from HC Coughlin as he makes selections.  The NYG use the best player available approach.  They do not often trade on draft day.

DRAFT PICK OVERVIEW: Picks in 1st 3 rounds: 12, 43, 74.

The NYG are without a 7th round pick, but are happy with LB Beason.  Their compensatory pick is at the end of the 5th round.

ROUND ONE PREVIEW: It’s been over five years since the NYG have correctly addressed LB needs.  HC Coughlin prefers building from the inside out so drafting another DL is the likely route.  TE Ebron is on their radar screen and some people are saying they could look at DL Donald or OL Zack Martin.  They all fit, but I’d like them to strongly consider LB C.J. Mosley.

REST OF THE DRAFT: How about an EARLY LB.  Going DL/sack specialist, LB and WR or TE with the picks listed above would work.  Since the NYG tend to use the “best player available” approach, a draft dropping OL would be a solid choice as well.  This organization has been more active than usual, maybe because recent draft grades have tapered off a bit.  The NFC East is still wide open, so a focused draft by GM Reese could yield some immediate dividends. 

- Chicago Bears:  

FREE AGENCY ANALYSIS AND STAFF NOTES (Short Version): As of April 23rd Chicago has signed 16 players including DE’s Lamarr Houston and Jared Allen.  Chicago is serious about adding defensive pressure.  Many signees are rotational or filler types but safeties M.D. Jennings and Ryan Mundy might contribute on a more regular basis.  The biggest losses were back-up QB McCown, DT Melton and older situational sacker Julius Peppers.  Additional losses include DL Wootton and return specialist Devin Hester.  Releasing Punter Podlesh might be a good thing.  Paul Pasqualoni is the new Defensive Line coach. 

2014 DRAFT NEEDS: DT run stuffer, DB, back-up TE, short yardage RB to replace Michael Bush, #3 WR to challenge Earl Bennett, back-up QB, extra LB, extra safety, Punter, return specialist.  The DL added impact with Jared Allen but could use additional help in the middle of the line.  The pass D regressed badly in ’13 and is in need of early round impact.  Chicago signed two TE’s but still needs a real #2 option.  With Cutler’s recent injury history a back-up QB is essential.  Though a far lower priority, WR talent can easily be added in this draft.  Depth at LB and at safety wouldn’t hurt.  The Punter was just cut and Hester is gone.

RECENT DRAFT HISTORY AND TENDENCIES FOR 2014: GM Emery took over in ’12.  The previous regime was about as bad as any in the NFL.  Google Chicago’s 1st round pick history and then close your eyes!  Emery’s initial draft has been only slightly better, with 1st round choice McClellin not living up to his draft status but 2nd round WR Jeffrey playing lights out in ’13.  The Bears took a chance by drafting OT Long and his four collegiate starts but so far Long looks like a real keeper.  Emery should have better understanding of what 2nd year HC Trestman wants in this upcoming draft.

DRAFT PICK OVERVIEW: Picks in 1st 3 rounds: 14, 51, 82.

Chicago begins this draft with seven picks, including a pair of 6th round choices.  They do not have a 7th round selection. 

ROUND ONE PREVIEW: DL Donald makes a ton of sense.  Will he still be available?  What is the back-up plan?

REST OF THE DRAFT: More of the immediate needs are clearly on defense, but for the long haul Chicago must think about adding several skilled players to the offense as well as rebuild a slightly depleted special team unit.  Getting Donald and a CB or a safety such as WSU’s Buchanon with the 1st two picks would be ideal.  I only list two bolded needs, so my personal plan would be to make certain these needs are filled.  It should be noted that while I have a short list of critical needs, the overall list is 10 deep!   The key for GM Emory is to make certain rated players are chosen in this extremely deep and talented draft.

- Pittsburgh Steelers:    

FREE AGENCY ANALYSIS AND STAFF NOTES (Short Version): Pittsburgh has never been a big player in free agency but this year they made more moves than usual.  The offense loses rotational RB Dwyer, complimentary WR’s Sanders and Cotchery and injured OT Brown.  RB Blount is a nice fit in this power offense.  WR Lance Moore might help, along with four longshot WR’s, including former 1st round Raider WR Heyward-Bey as well as Jasper Collins.  The defense loses DL Ziggy Hood and Al Woods, LB’s Lamar Woodley and Larry Foote, overdrafted CB Curtis Brown and longtime safety Ryan Clark.  DT Cam Thomas adds DL depth.  Average LB Moats and average safety Mike Mitchell signed on.

2014 DRAFT NEEDS: DL, 2 OL, CB, young safety, Speed at RB, LB. better back-up TE, return specialist to replace WR Brown.  Cam Thomas might work out at NT, but Pittsburgh needs a contingency plan along with another DL starter.  Is undersized Beachum the answer at LT?  Does Mike Adams slide over to OG where Foster and Gilbert are barely hanging on?  Cortez Allen has limitations at CB and Ike Taylor may be slowing down.  Pittsburgh drafted the undersized Thomas at safety but may need more young talent with Polamalu getting up in years and Clark on his way out.  They don’t like to do it, but it’s time to add diversity to the run game by drafting a RB with timed speed and cutback ability.  How good is starting ILB Vince Williams?  Another TE and someone to return kicks so that Antonio Brown can stay fresh are late needs.

RECENT DRAFT HISTORY AND TENDENCIES FOR 2014: Mike Tomlin has considerable input but ultimately the final decision-maker is GM Colbert.  Colbert usually targets the right areas of need, but just as often does so with players lower rated on my board.  This has had an effect on team depth and impact.  In ’12 the injury bug hit their draft choices hard, but so did the police blotter.  Injuries also slowed down the growth of their 2nd round selection (RB Bell) as well as their 3rd round selection (WR Wheaton) in the ’13 draft, but the reality was that not one of their final five draft picks from last year did anything, and three were unrated (grade of NR) on my board!  Mike Tomlin generally prefers players who have a “four year body of work”.

DRAFT PICK OVERVIEW: Picks in 1st 3 rounds: 15, 46, 97.

Pittsburgh has nine draft choices.  They traded their 3rd round pick a year ago to move up for safety Thomas but picked up a compensatory pick at the end of the 3rd round, along with compensatory picks at the end of the 5th and 6th rounds.

ROUND ONE PREVIEW: The DL got old.  Perhaps signing Cam Thomas is not enough.  Pittsburgh will look this way but also will be in a fairly good position to catch a draft dropper at CB, safety or OL.  This should be a good choice.

REST OF THE DRAFT: Here’s the thing!  Draft rated players this year!  The last five players rated NR (’12 and ’13 drafts) are either gone or had no playing time!  I would consider double-dipping at DL, OL and DB.  With nine draft choices the Steelers can still fill their entire need board if they get this right.  Getting the board wrong could mean missing the playoffs a 3rd straight time. 

- Dallas Cowboys:

FREE AGENCY ANALYSIS AND STAFF NOTES (Short Version): Dallas added DL Melton, McClain and Mincey but lost DL Hatcher and Ware making this a net loss.  As expected Dallas released WR Austin.  Beleaguered QB Weeden is here. Past his prime Defensive Coordinator Lane Kiffin was demoted.  Rod Marinelli was promoted.  A splash hire would have been better.

2014 DRAFT NEEDS: DL, 1 impact DB and 2-3 new DB’s overall, WR, OG, OLB, back-up/depth at OT.  Does Dallas have any reliable starter along the DL?  The newly signed Melton could help but the DL still might need a spark not only rushing the passer but also defending the run.  Part of the problem is coaching but the DB’s lack impact.  Dez Bryant is in a contract year, Terrance Williams is young and Cole Beasley has a #3 WR ceiling.  Dallas is improving along the OL but OG’s Leary and Bernadeau are average at best.  When healthy, Sean Lee is a star.  His LB mates run hot and cold and the bench players are poor.  There is also no OT talent behind LT Smith and the erratic Doug Free. 

RECENT DRAFT HISTORY AND TENDENCIES FOR 2014: Jerry said he would have “fired himself” as GM based on his track record but instead he probably gave himself a raise.  The Cowboys have traded their 1st round pick somewhere between 16-20 times over his tenure.  Nothing would surprise us.  Dallas has made draft day trades in 23 of their 25 drafts under Jerry. He once drafted 12 players (trading out of the 1st round), and all 12 picks were panned by me!  That draft had no impact.  I called the ’12 draft uninspiring after the pick of CB Claiborne and it remains as such.  The ’13 draft yielded OC Frederick, WR Williams and raw, but decent safety Wilcox, yet Dallas could have made a better 1st round pick and still got Frederick in the 2nd instead of drafting a TE (Escobar) at a position without a need.  Such is life in Jerry’s world.  It is likely that more trades and probably more headscratching decisions will be on the horizon again in this draft.  That is precisely why covering the draft is so much fun!

DRAFT PICK OVERVIEW: Picks in 1st 3 rounds: 16, 47, 78.

Dallas has picks in rounds 1-5, no pick in the 6th round and a whopping five picks in the final round.  Three of those late picks are compensatory.

ROUND ONE PREVIEW: This team will look to replace DE/LB Ware.  They might need to trade up to get DL Donald.  They are also interested in LB Shazier.  It appears they like OT/OG Zack Martin as well.  So far there has been very little CB talk.

REST OF THE DRAFT: To their credit, Dallad drafted six rated players last year.  Can they do the same while hitting all their need areas?  DB, DL, OG and WR.  These are my target areas.  Jerry will likely trade up and down during the draft.  This should be fun to watch. 

- Baltimore Ravens:       

FREE AGENCY ANALYSIS AND STAFF NOTES (Short Version): Baltimore signed solid WR Steve Smith.  Baltimore lost OT Oher, FB Leach, DE Arthur Jones, LB McClain and CB Corey Graham.  All of these guys are decent but not elite players.  TE Owen Daniels could be a nice signing.  Gary Kubiak is the new Offensive Coordinator and this is a good role for him. 

2014 DRAFT NEEDS: 1-2 OL, 1-2 DB’s, LB, WR, DL depth, shifty RB.  Baltimore needs to replace RT Oher and find a quality interior starter.  Jimmy Smith is the 2nd best DB, ahead of Lardarius Webb and James Ihedigbo.  More is needed to make this unit complete.  Baltimore is not necessarily hurting at LB but someone can be added to the mix.  Even with Steve Smith, a solidly rated WR can easily upgrade this unit and make it more dangerous.  DL youth is strongly recommended.  A RB with some speed might help diversify things in a backfield which underachieved in ’13.

RECENT DRAFT HISTORY AND TENDENCIES FOR 2014: No introductions are necessary.  Ozzie Newsome has been mostly brilliant, although recent grades have tapered off a bit.  Past history tells us that Ozzie trades down more than up, but only a few spots at most.

DRAFT PICK OVERVIEW: Picks in 1st 3 rounds: 17, 48, 79, 99.

Baltimore has eight picks in round 1-6.  They lost picks in rounds 4-5 for OT Monroe but picked up compensatory picks 99, 134 and 138. 

ROUND ONE PREVIEW: The Ravens lost RT Oher and could look here or CB.  Some say they may look at WR, but with such a deep group, along with the signing of Steve Smith,  the first look should be OT or DB.  They often trade back a bit in the 1st round but if the right fit is there the recommendation is to just stay put and take him.  They might have a choice between Zach Martin or Calvin Pryor.  I think Baltimore might trade back in the 1st round but in the end they will draft either an OL or a DB.

REST OF THE DRAFT: Let’s not forget about RB given ’13 troubles on the field and recent troubles for Ray Rice OFF the field.  It would not be unreasonable to move RB up on my need board.  I expect the Ravens to address all the areas after OL and DB.  The bigger question will be how many OL and DB’s do they draft, and how highly ranked will they be. 

- New York Jets:  

FREE AGENCY ANALYSIS AND STAFF NOTES (Short Version): Last year the roster was purged, especially defensively.  The losses this year include WR Holmes, OT Howard and CB Cromartie.  Eric Decker more than makes up for Holmes.  Jacoby Ford adds WR depth and could fill the return specialist role.  OL needs remain.  The Jets added four DB’s.  Many of these players (Dowling, Patrick, Hardin) once showed promise but injuries have caused them to miss way too much time.  Mike Vick is in, and Mark Sanchez is out. 

2014 DRAFT NEEDS: WR, TE, RT and RG, severe back-up depth at LB, DL depth, CB (?), KR specialist.  Adding Eric Decker and Jacoby Ford is just a start.  Another big time target would help QB Smith’s development.  RB Chris Johnson was cut by Tennessee.  When motivated, Johnson is still a #1 RB who does not need to be in a rotation.  TE Cumberland was just resigned but so far has not emerged.  Winslow is facing suspension.  This team needs a more relevant TE.  RG Colon is serviceable but replaceable and off a major injury.  RT Howard is gone.  The four starting LB’s are good but the reserves are not even close.  Two-thirds of the DL can really play.  The other options narrow down to unknown Harrison and not yet emerging Ellis.  The Jets have added quantity at CB but is there a true starter in the bunch?  Do the Jets have a true KR?

RECENT DRAFT HISTORY AND TENDENCIES FOR 2014: The Jets had been known to turn eight picks into five, routinely trading away multiple selections every year.  That changed in ’12, the year before current GM John Idzik arrived.  The Jets had a pair of 1st round picks last year thanks to the Revis trade and picked up CB Milliner and DT Richardson with these picks.  The only real trade during the ’13 draft was obtaining RB Ivory for their 4th round pick.  Many people thought Rex Ryan was a lame duck coach a year ago.  He’s back, and will have at least a partial voice on what positions to target in this draft.

DRAFT PICK OVERVIEW: Picks in 1st 3 rounds: 18, 49, 80.

The “old” Jets averaged less than five selections per draft over a five year period!  This year they will begin the draft with 12 selections, tied for the most with the Rams.  Picks 137, 209, 210 and 213 are compensatory, based on all the free agent losses they absorbed a year ago.  Pick #104 is from Tampa as final payment for Darelle Revis.

ROUND ONE PREVIEW: WR tops my need board and the early buzz is that it’s #1 on the Jet list as well.  A wide variety of WR’s have been suggested.  WR Lee from USC might be my best fit for this team.  The Jets have reportedly shown interest in some of the top CB’s as well as safety Pryor.  How the draft shakes out will determine who is left at DB when the Jets are on the clock.  TE is a need but this team has plenty of current skilled position players who drop passes.  Ebron is a potential impact TE due to his athleticism but he drops too many passes to be a great fit with this team.

REST OF THE DRAFT: Expectations are that they will address WR and OL needs.  I may not love Ebron to the Jets but will they recognize the need for a solid TE?  Unless they opt for immediate impact at CB, the early round picks would be best utilized for their offense.

- Miami Dolphins: