NFL Draft 2012 NFC
Zach Kruse
TEAM NEEDS New Orleans Tampa Bay
Help wanted: Carolina is a team on the rise with QB Cam Newton, but there are needs abound at defensive tackle, linebacker, cornerback and receiver. If they can shore up some of their more obvious holes in the draft, the Panthers might take a run at a playoff spot in 2012.
Carolina
Dallas
Help Wanted: The Cowboys finished in the bottom 10 of pass defense in 2011 and stand to lose CB Terrance Newman as a salary cap casualty. The pass rush around DeMarcus Ware also needs to be addressed, along with an upgrade on the interior of the offensive line.
Help wanted: By the time free agency is done, the Falcons could look like a much different team from the one that has won 23 regular season games over two seasons. Important free agents include Curtis Lofton, Brent Grimes, John Abraham and Thomas DeCoud. While Atlanta doesn’t have a first round pick, it needs help on every defensive level and the offensive line.
Atlanta
Philly
Help wanted: A defensive line that registered 44.5 sacks and a talented secondary that slowly gelled was undermined by the Eagles’ glaring weakness at linebacker. Addressing that position has to be a high priority. Philadelphia could also be in the market for a play-making receiver if the enigmatic DeSean Jackson leaves in free agency.
Help Wanted: New York is loaded on the defensive line but has annually lacked a presence at linebacker since Antonio Pierce retired. With a tackling machine at the second level, the Giants could have a scary defense. G.M. Jerry Reese might also look at a guard or center to help jump-start New York's 32nd ranked running game.
New York
washinton
Help wanted: Another offseason in Washington means another round of wondering what the Redskins will do at quarterback. No team in the NFL currently needs a franchise-type player at the position more than Washington, as the veteran combination of Rex Grossman and John Beck might rank as the worst in the league.
Help wanted: Like the Falcons, New Orleans might be forced to fill a few cracks in the roster after free agency. Carl Nicks, Marques Colston, Tracy Porter and Robert Meachem are all unrestricted free agents this offseason, and the Saints can’t be expected to retain all of them. Offensive and defensive tackle should be high priorities.
Help wanted: A young roster took a huge step back in 2011. Now, following a 4-12 season, the Bucs need to use the draft to address holes at cornerback, receiver, linebacker and offensive tackle. Greg Schiano’s first draft has to find impact players to get this franchise back on track.
“could have a scary defense” 16 | Cheesehead TV 2012 Draft Preview
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