Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - A capsule look of the major needs and a
possible course of action for the NFC teams in the 2012 NFL Draft, which
will take place at New York's Radio City Music Hall from April 26-28.
NFC EAST
Dallas (8-8)
Top Needs: WR, S, OLB
First Three Picks: No. 14, No. 45, No. 81
Number of Selections: 8 (1, 2, 3, 4, 4, 5, 6, 7)
Shoddy defensive play was a prime culprit in Dallas' 1-4 finish to last
season, therefore it's hardly shocking that the majority of prospects rumored
to be on the team's first-round radar come from that side of the ball.
Defensive tackles Dontari Poe (Memphis) and Fletcher Cox (Mississippi State),
South Carolina cornerback Stephon Gilmore and three Alabama players -- safety
Mark Barron, cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick and outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw
-- have all been heavily linked to the Cowboys, and all would aid a unit that
displayed signs of age while fading badly down the stretch this past year.
Dallas won't be ignoring offense in this draft, however, as the offseason
departure of 2011 breakout performer Laurent Robinson has made finding a
reliable No. 3 receiver a chief objective and a backup tight end would be of
use as well. Though the Cowboys appear set at running back with second-year
standout DeMarco Murray and former first-round pick Felix Jones, both have had
durability issue during their careers, so don't discount Jerry Jones spending
a second-day selection at the position to bolster the group.
N.Y. Giants (9-7)
Top Needs: RB, WR, DT
First Three Picks: No. 32, No. 63, No. 94
Number of Selections: 7 (1, 2, 3, 4, 4, 6, 7)
The defending Super Bowl champions enter the draft seeking replacements for a
pair of key contributors to their latest championship run, wide receiver Mario
Manningham and running back Brandon Jacobs. And with leading rusher Ahmad
Bradshaw a significant health risk due to chronic foot problems, acquiring
some protection in the form of a first or second-day selection figures to be
in the team's plans. Manningham's exit leaves New York without a dependable
No. 3 receiver, while the ACL tears that tight ends Jake Ballard and Travis
Beckum sustained in the Super Bowl has created a dangerously thin situation at
that position even after the recent signing of ex-Cowboy Martellus Bennett.
The Giants could also use a bit more interior depth along the defensive line,
an area in which general manager Jerry Reese has been a proponent of
stockpiling high-ceiling talent in the past, so an early pick on a young
tackle makes some sense as well. Reese did spend a second-round choice on the
promising Marvin Austin in last year's draft, but the former North Carolina
Tar Heel hasn't played regularly since 2009 because of a pectoral injury and
college suspension.
Philadelphia (8-8)
Top Needs: S, OLB, RB
First Three Picks: No. 15, No. 46, No. 51
Number of Selections: 9 (1, 2, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 6, 6)
The Eagles are usually active movers on draft day, and with an extra second-
round pick gained from last summer's Kevin Kolb trade and nine selections
overall, they appear to have the flexibility to maneuver up or down the board
to obtain a player they covet. Philadelphia also has a history of targeting
the trenches early in the draft, as seven of the franchise's 11 first-round
choices in the Andy Reid era have come from the offensive and defensive lines,
and the team has shown a lot of interest in Mississippi State defensive tackle
Fletcher Cox during the scouting process. The Eagles have also closely studied
quarterbacks Ryan Tannehill (Texas A&M) and Kirk Cousins (Michigan State), and
it wouldn't be a shock if they make a play for either one considering Michael
Vick's age and injury history and the lack of an ideal backup, though they'd
likely have to get into the top 10 to land the fast-rising Tannehill. Last
month's trade for veteran DeMeco Ryans has stabilized a shaky situation at
middle linebacker, but there's more quantity than quality at the outside
flanks, and the safety positions remain dicey despite Reid having invested a
second-round pick there two straight years. A versatile running back that can
spell All-Pro LeSean McCoy may also rate among Philly's draft priorities.
Washington (5-11)
Top Needs: QB, ILB, OL
First Three Picks: No. 2, No. 69, No. 102
Number of Selections: 7 (1, 3, 4, 4, 5, 6, 7)
The Redskins made their draft intentions abundantly clear by orchestrating a
bold trade with St. Louis back in March, shipping their first (No. 6 overall)
and second-round (No. 39) selections plus two future first-rounders to the
Rams to secure the No. 2 overall pick and place themselves in position to land
one of this year's prized quarterback prospects, either Baylor playmaker
Robert Griffin III or Stanford's Andrew Luck. With Luck expected to go to
Indianapolis with the top choice, Griffin stands as the most likely candidate
to end Washington's longstanding quest for a top-flight signal-caller, and the
reigning Heisman Trophy winner's arm strength and elite athleticism make him a
natural fit for Mike Shanahan's offense. Shanahan and general manager Bruce
Allen will allocate the rest of the draft towards replenishing depth and
filling less crying needs, with an eventual successor to soon-to-be 37-year-
old inside linebacker London Fletcher and competition for injury-prone right
offensive tackle Jamaal Brown near the top of the list. Washington does have
an extra fourth-round pick as compensation for the 2010 trade of quarterback
Jason Campbell to Oakland.
NFC NORTH
Top Needs: OL, DE, WR
First Three Picks: No. 19, No. 50, No. 79
Number of Selections: 7 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
Protecting quarterback Jay Cutler has been a major problem for the Bears over
the past two seasons, therefore it wouldn't be a stretch if the team spends
another high draft pick on an offensive tackle even after grabbing promising
right-side regular Gabe Carimi in the first round last year. Depth is needed
behind Carimi and inconsistent left-side starter J'Marcus Webb regardless, and
the guard positions could use some retooling as well. The overtures made to
free-agents Mario Williams and Jeremy Mincey during the offseason also suggest
that Chicago will be in the market for a pass-rushing end to team with
perennial Pro Bowler Julius Peppers, and last month's trade for Cutler
confidant Brandon Marshall doesn't completely rectify the club's flimsy
situation at wide receiver, as speedster Johnny Knox's 2012 status is cloudy
due to a serious back injury and the mercurial Marshall has encountered his
share of trouble away from the field. Look for the Bears to use the later
rounds to inject some youth into other areas of the defense, namely linebacker
and the interior line.
Detroit (10-6)
Top Needs: CB, OT, OLB
First Three Picks: No. 23, No. 54, No. 85
Number of Selections: 7 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 7)
A series of outstanding drafts has built the up-and-coming Lions to the point
where the 2011 playoff participants can now use the early rounds to focus on
fixing specific weaknesses, and there are two areas that stand out as
potential deficiencies on an otherwise well-stocked roster. The most glaring
hole is at cornerback, as Detroit's pass defense collapsed down the stretch of
last season and veteran starter Eric Wright left via free agency, and the team
may not hesitate to take Alabama's Dre Kirkpatrick or South Carolina's Stephon
Gilmore if either is still around at the No. 23 overall pick. The Lions will
also have an eye on an offensive tackle, with longtime left-side starter Jeff
Backus having shown signs of breaking down and former first-round choice
Gosder Cherilus entering the last year of his contract. Outside linebackers
Justin Durant and DeAndre Levy are also set to hit free agency after this
season, so future replacements may also be sought after there at some point of
this draft, and there's still some concern at running back despite the recent
high selections of Jahvid Best and Mikel Leshoure. Best has been plagued by
concussions throughout his brief pro career, while Leshoure missed his entire
rookie season with a torn Achilles.
Green Bay (15-1)
Top Needs: OLB, S, DE
First Three Picks: No. 28, No. 59, No. 90
Number of Selections: 12 (1, 2, 3, 4, 4, 4, 5, 6, 7, 7, 7, 7)
Though the Packers remain in very good shape over the long haul, as a team
that won a Super Bowl in 2010 and lost just one regular-season game last year
fields one of the league's youngest rosters and has most of its core members
under contract for the foreseeable future, the defending NFC North champs
still could use some fine-tuning. General manager Ted Thompson probably won't
sway much from his subscription to taking the best available player, a
philosophy that's bred considerable success, but it's likely he'll be spending
a lot of attention towards repairing a suspect defense that allowed the most
yards in the NFL this past season. Green Bay still lacks a reliable complement
to pass-rushing terror Clay Matthews at outside linebacker, and the team
failed to come up with an adequate fill-in for free safety Nick Collins after
the three-time Pro Bowler sustained a potentially career-threatening neck
injury in September. A lack of impact players at the end spots also
contributed to last year's defensive downturn, so it's almost certain Thompson
will be using at least one of the Pack's 12 picks on solidifying that
department. He'll also be on the lookout for a developmental quarterback to
replace free-agent departure Matt Flynn and possibly another running back, as
veteran Ryan Grant has yet to be re-signed and leading rusher James Starks has
had difficulty staying healthy over his career.
Minnesota (3-13)
Top Needs: S, OL, WR, MLB
First Three Picks: No. 3, No. 35, No. 66
Number of Selections: 10 (1, 2, 3, 4, 4, 4, 5, 6, 7, 7)
After tying a franchise record for losses in a season in 2011, the Vikings
head into a very important draft with 10 total picks and several areas in need
of an upgrade. Chief among them is the left side of the offensive line, where
longtime anchor Steve Hutchinson's release creates a gaping hole at guard and
tackle Charlie Johnson is coming off a rough year as young quarterback
Christian Ponder's blind-side protector. With the third overall selection,
Minnesota is in perfect position to take the best left tackle prospect of this
class, Southern California's Matt Kalil, and kick Johnson inside, though
general manager Rick Spielman has publicly acknowledged he's open to trading
down if a team meets his asking price. Expect Spielman to also set his sights
on a wide receiver early on to give Ponder another playmaker alongside top
target Percy Harvin, whose injury history increases the importance of
bolstering that position. On defense, the Vikings will be likely seeking some
help at safety, a continual sore spot in recent years, and may bring in
reinforcements at cornerback as well considering Antoine Winfield's age (35 in
June) and fellow projected starter Chris Cook's off-field issues. Veteran E.J.
Henderson's departure also makes middle linebacker a concern, though the team
appears comfortable with the unproven Jasper Brinkley as a stand-in.
NFC SOUTH
Atlanta (10-6)
Top Needs: OL, TE, DE
First Three Picks: No. 55, No. 84, No. 157
Number of Selections: 6 (2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 7)
Last year's bold trade-up to land promising wide receiver Julio Jones has left
the Falcons a bit short-handed in this draft, as the team sent its 2012 first
and fourth-round picks to Cleveland as part of the package to make the move.
General manager Thomas Dimitroff's strategy this time around could be geared
towards addressing age issues at a few key positions, with prolific tight end
Tony Gonzalez, top pass rusher John Abraham, longtime center Todd McClure and
backup quarterback Chris Redman all in their mid-30's and nearing the end of
the line. The most pressing concern on the offensive line may not be at
McClure's spot, though, as former first-round choice Sam Baker has
disappointed at left tackle and enters the final year of his contract, plus
there's a void at right guard. If a young defensive end that can pressure the
quarterback is still on the board at Atlanta's late second-round selection
(No. 55), Dimitroff likely won't hesitate to strike. If not, that pick could
be used to nab Gonzalez's eventual replacement. The Falcons probably won't
have a chance at the top tight end of this class, Stanford's Coby Fleener, but
have shown interest in Louisiana-Lafayette's Ladarius Green.
Carolina (6-10)
Top Needs: DT, CB, LB
First Three Picks: No. 9, No. 40, No. 104
Number of Selections: 7 (1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 6, 7)
Moving the football and scoring points weren't problems for the Panthers in
year one of the Cam Newton era, but preventing the opposition from doing so
was a major challenge last season. As a result, expect Carolina's 2012 draft
class to be heavily skewed towards the defensive side. The most obvious
weakness resides in the middle of the line, even though the team invested
third-round picks on tackles Sione Fua and Terrell McClain in the most recent
draft. Both appear to be complementary players rather than impact performers,
however, and veteran Ron Edwards turns 33 in July and is coming off a torn
triceps. Finding a big, physical cornerback to play alongside standout Chris
Gamble and who can allow the diminutive Captain Munnerlyn to move to a more
suitable role covering the slot will also be a high priority, and the injury
histories of outside linebacker Thomas Davis and right offensive tackle Jeff
Otah create a need for additional depth at those positions as well.
New Orleans (13-3)
Top Needs: DL, CB, WR
First Three Picks: No. 89, No. 122, No. 162
Number of Selections: 5 (3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
General manager Mickey Loomis and his staff will have ample time to survey
their board, as the Saints aren't scheduled to pick until near the bottom of
the third round after dealing away their first-round selection to grab running
back Mark Ingram during last year's draft and having their second-rounder
stripped as punishment for the team's well-publicized bounty program. When the
defending NFC South champions are finally on the clock, odds are Loomis will
be seeking reinforcements to a defense that had trouble getting to the
quarterback in 2011 and is now short at cornerback following Tracy Porter's
free-agent departure. With proven pass rusher Will Smith facing possible
league discipline for his involvement in the bounty scandal, the need for
someone who can bring pressure from either the outside or the interior becomes
even more pronounced. Though New Orleans re-signed Marcus Colston and appears
well set at wide receiver, don't discount the club using one of its five
choices on adding another target for Drew Brees and the league's best passing
attack.
Tampa Bay (4-12)
Top Needs: LB, RB, S, CB
First Three Picks: No. 5, No. 36, No. 68
Number of Selections: 6 (1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7)
Tampa Bay's uncharacteristic big spending on this year's free-agent market
helped take care of a few of the team's greatest areas of deficiency, but
there are still some holes to fill on a very young roster that experienced its
share of growing pains last season. The Buccaneers are looking for a
dependable running back with receiving skills to pair with bruiser LeGarrette
Blount, who doesn't offer much in the passing game and was plagued by fumbling
problems during his sophomore slump, as well as added help to a defense that
was routinely shredded down the stretch of 2011. Tampa is believed to be
extremely high on Trent Richardson and would seriously consider taking the
dynamic Alabama back if he's available at its No. 5 overall choice, with LSU
cornerback Morris Claiborne a strong option as well if the club stays put.
With only six picks at the Bucs' disposal at the moment, trading down to
augment the selection total may also be an avenue general manager Mark Dominik
pursues. Dominik would like to come away with a starting-caliber linebacker,
one of the team's biggest weak spots a year ago, and a difference-maker to a
secondary that allowed 30 touchdown passes this past season.
NFC WEST
Arizona (8-8)
Top Needs: OT, OLB, WR
First Three Picks: No. 13, No. 80, No. 112
Number of Selections: 7 (1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 6, 7)
There are three positions that stand out as problem areas on Arizona's current
roster, so expect the team to spend its No. 13 overall draft choice on either
an offensive tackle, outside linebacker or wide receiver. Pass protection was
a huge liability for the Cardinals in 2011, with the line's allowance of 54
sacks the second-highest total in the league, and obtaining a tackle that can
step in alongside returnee Levi Brown and man either side is a must. The
promise that youngsters Sam Acho and O'Brien Schofield have displayed makes
outside linebacker less of a trouble spot, but neither is a proven commodity
and there's virtually no depth behind them. Arizona would likely take a hard
look at South Carolina tweener Melvin Ingram, who fits the mold defensive
coordinator Ray Horton looks for in an edge rusher, if he's still on the board
when it selects. Though the Cards have one of the game's premier receivers in
Larry Fitzgerald, another outside threat that can draw double teams away from
the perennial All-Pro would further diversify the offense. Don't rule out
general manager Rod Graves trading down in the first round as well, since the
Cardinals sent this year's second-rounder to Philadelphia in last summer's
deal for quarterback Kevin Kolb. Grabbing a developmental passer is also a
possibility, as neither Kolb nor cohort John Skelton was particularly
consistent under center this past season.
San Francisco (13-3)
Top Needs: OG, DL, S
First Three Picks: No. 30, No. 61, No. 92
Number of Selections: 7 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
The 49ers will have all but two starters returning from last year's near-Super
Bowl squad, with wide receiver Josh Morgan and right guard Adam Snyder the
lone significant defections. The additions of ex-Giant Mario Manningham and
the unretired Randy Moss should offset Morgan's loss. leaving an interior
lineman that can offer Snyder's versatility as the most prominent deficiency
on the roster. Building some depth on the defensive line will also be a
priority in this draft, as All-Pro tackle Justin Smith turns 33 this season,
end Ray McDonald has battled knee problems and nose tackle Isaac Sopoaga is an
impending free agent. The Niners applied the franchise tag to playmaking
safety Dashon Goldson, but could look for a successor if unable to sign him
long-term, and the team may not be finished tinkering at wide receiver in its
effort to help boost an offense that finished 30th in passing yards last
season.
Seattle (7-9)
Top Needs: DE, LB, RB
First Three Picks: No. 12, No. 43, No. 75
Number of Selections: 6 (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7)
After re-signing workhorse running back Marshawn Lynch and picking up Matt
Flynn in free agency to take the reins at quarterback, the Seahawks can
concentrate on adding a few more pieces to an improving defense at the outset
of this draft. Seattle is set at one defensive end with the often-overlooked
Chris Clemons, but no other lineman produced more than three sacks last
season, therefore finding a quick edge rusher likely ranks near the top of the
team's to-do list. Though the linebacker corps was bolstered with the signings
of veterans Anthony Hill, Barrett Ruud and Matt McCoy, the fact that all three
received only one-year deals could mean Pete Carroll isn't done shopping for a
long-term solution, preferably in the middle. Boston College's Luke Kuechly,
the consensus top inside linebacker prospect, has been a popular prediction in
mock drafts for Seattle's 12th overall pick. Among the secondary needs is a
change-of-pace back that can catch the ball and spell Lynch. The Seahawks come
into the draft with only six selections, having dealt away their fifth-rounder
for Lynch two years back.
St. Louis (2-14)
Top Needs: OLB, WR, OL, CB
First Three Picks: No. 6, No. 33, No. 39
Number of Selections: 8 (1, 2, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 7)
The Rams already made headlines prior to the draft by engineering a
blockbuster trade with Washington that netted the struggling franchise two
future first-round picks and an extra second-rounder this year in exchange for
moving down from its original No. 2 overall slot to No. 6. And there are
indications that St. Louis may not be done dealing, as the three selections
the team holds in the top 40 and eight overall probably still aren't enough to
satisfy its plethora of needs. Chief among them is a game-changing wide
receiver that can provide the offense with a vertical threat, which is why
former Oklahoma State star Justin Blackmon and talented Notre Dame product
Michael Floyd are commonly pegged as potential fits if the Rams stay put. The
addition of feisty veteran Cortland Finnegan fills a gaping hole at
cornerback, but opposite-side starter Bradley Fletcher's two ACL tears in
the last three years make LSU's Morris Claiborne a realistic option at No. 6
as well. The Rams are also reportedly enamored with Alabama running back Trent
Richardson, and with Steven Jackson showing signs of decline and no viable
backup behind him, that's also a direction they can go early on. Later rounds
will likely be used to bring in potential starters at three other positions
that require upgrading -- outside linebacker, defensive tackle and left guard.
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