Team Needs and Roster Rankings
The 2014 NFL season officially went in the books on Sunday, and the Scouting Combine is only weeks away. Free agency opens on March 10. With coaching staffs largely settled, impending free agents identified, and salary cap situations beginning to clarify, here is a look at the four most glaring positional needs for every club entering the 2015 offseason.
Teams are ranked in order of roster quality.
1. Seattle Seahawks
WR: Doug Baldwin may take this personally, but it's indisputable fact: The Seahawks have one of the league's weakest wideout corps and were further weakened when 2014 second-round pick Paul Richardson ripped up his knee in January. Baldwin is an excellent slot guy, but Jermaine Kearse would be best suited as a complementary No. 4 receiver. Seattle needs a jumpball-winning No. 1 wideout Russell Wilson feels comfortable targeting in the red zone and during improvised scramble drills. CFL product Chris Matthews provided a taste in Super Bowl XLIX.
DT: NT Brandon Mebane is on the wrong side of 30 and has just one year left on his deal. Seattle's real weakness is at three technique, however, where 34-year-old Kevin Williams' contract is up and journeyman Tony McDaniel is coming off a poor season. 2013 third-round pick Jordan Hill did show promise before suffering a year-ending calf injury in December. At very least, the Seahawks need depth on the defensive interior.
CB: The Seahawks locked up LCB Richard Sherman through 2018, but slot corner Jeremy Lane has just one year left on his rookie deal, and RCB Byron Maxwell is the top cornerback on the 2015 free agent market. Tharold Simon was overmatched when forced to fill in for Maxwell and Jeremy Lane in 2014.
OG: The Seahawks declined LG James Carpenter's fifth-year option last spring, indicating GM John Schneider didn't see Carpenter as a part of Seattle's long-term plans before the season. Carpenter didn't play well enough to change Schneider's mind. LT Russell Okung and RG J.R. Sweezy both enter contract years in 2015.
2. Denver Broncos
DT: As Terrance Knighton and Mitch Unrein are scheduled for free agency, Denver's only defensive tackles left under contract are Sylvester Williams and Marvin Austin. The Broncos played excellent run defense this past season, but badly need reinforcements on the interior. Knighton developed into one of the NFL's top defenders under outgoing DC Jack Del Rio and may price himself out of Denver's range.
TE: Julius Thomas and Virgil Green were Denver's top two tight ends in 2014. Both are free agents. Re-signing Thomas will be difficult, while Green is primarily an in-line blocker. Pass-catching tight ends play a major role in both Peyton Manning and Gary Kubiak offenses. The Broncos need one capable of lining up at a variety of positions and creating mismatches in the passing game.
OL: LG Orlando Franklin and C Will Montgomery's contracts have expired, while LT Ryan Clady and RG Manuel Ramirez are coming off down years. Usual guard Louis Vasquez was forced to play right tackle after Chris Clark struggled as an early-season run blocker. The Broncos are implementing a zone-heavy run game under Kubiak and need athletic linemen who fit his scheme.
S: GM John Elway's 2014 signing of SS T.J. Ward paid dividends, but steady FS Rahim Moore's contract is up. (In case you haven't noticed, the Broncos have a long list of core free agents.) Denver doesn't have a viable in-house replacement for Moore.
3. New England Patriots
OG: LT Nate Solder and RT Sebastian Vollmer are solid starters, but RG Ryan Wendell was the Patriots' only interior offensive lineman to earn a positive 2014 grade from Pro Football Focus, and even he was a liability in pass protection. New England is young at this position and may hope for in-house improvement. It's also very possible the Pats use an early-round draft pick on a guard.
DL: The Patriots identified defensive line as a 2014 weakness, selecting Florida's Dominique Easley with the 29th pick in the draft. Unfortunately, a knee injury ended Easley's season after he twice tore his ACL in college. Easley's 2015 impact is entirely unknown. New England needs another disruptive front-seven defender to complement OLBs Chandler Jones and Rob Ninkovich. NT Vince Wilfork is going on age 34, and OLB Akeem Ayers is a free agent.
S: Safety is a need position in New England only because FS Devin McCourty's contract is up. 27-year-old McCourty will be a franchise-tag candidate if the sides can't work something out long term.
RB: Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley's contracts are up, leaving one-dimensional LeGarrette Blount, disappointing 2014 draft pick James White, special teamer Brandon Bolden, doghoused Jonas Gray, Jackie Battle clone Tyler Gaffney, and reserve/future prospect Dion Lewis as New England's running backs signed for 2015. The Patriots will probably address this position with a mid- to late-round draft pick and/or a cheap free agent signing.
4. Green Bay Packers
DL: NT Letroy Guion's contract is up. As is B.J. Raji's, who likely would have been Green Bay's starting nose tackle if he hadn't torn his right biceps tendon last preseason. LE Mike Daniels is an unsung star and 2013 first-round pick Datone Jones is ready for a bigger role. But the Packers must solidify nose tackle and add depth in the defensive trenches.
CB: The Packers are in danger of losing steady LCB Tramon Williams and No. 4 corner Davon House, as both are free agents. It's unclear whether Green Bay envisions dime back Casey Hayward or swiss-army-knife DB Micah Hyde as starting caliber. Williams is one of the better cornerbacks on the market and figures to seek top dollar.
OT: The Packers are in good shape at every offensive line position save right tackle, where Bryan Bulaga's contract is up. Bulaga graded out as a top-ten pass-blocking tackle at Pro Football Focus in 2014. Top reserve Don Barclay is a restricted free agent after tearing his ACL last August.
TE: Inside linebacker is a need for the Packers after another poor season from A.J. Hawk. Brad Jones, Sam Barrington, and Jamari Lattimore were given chances to nail down jobs, but all three failed. Tight end is just as pressing and possibly more so, especially if free agent Randall Cobb walks. GM Ted Thompson spent a third-round pick on Richard Rodgers last May, but he isn't a promising prospect. In-line TE Andrew Quarless is just a guy, and Brandon Bostick is an injury-prone underachiever.
5. Baltimore Ravens
WR: New Ravens OC Marc Trestman has spent 13 years as an NFL offensive coordinator, head coach, or assistant head coach. His offenses have never finished in the bottom half of the league in pass attempts, and they've ranked in the top ten eight times. Baltimore plans to keep some of outgoing OC Gary Kubiak's principles in place, but there will be greater reliance on Joe Flacco and his wide receivers. Torrey Smith is a free agent. Steve Smith Sr. turns 36 in May.
OLB: Terrell Suggs is entering his age-33 season, while Elvis Dumervil recently turned 31. Pernell McPhee's contract is up. Courtney Upshaw is a useful edge setter, but isn't a pass-rush threat. Don't be surprised if GM Ozzie Newsome uses multiple draft picks on edge defenders.
DB: Cornerback was this team's biggest 2014 weakness, but the return of Jimmy Smith and a healthier Lardarius Webb would go a long way toward solidifying the position. Of course, neither is a sure thing. At very least, the Ravens could use depth at cornerback. Safety is arguably an even bigger need. SS Darian Stewart is a free agent, and FS Will Hill is a restricted free agent. 2013 first-rounder Matt Elam looks like a bust.
RB: I happen to like Lorenzo Taliaferro as an NFL prospect, but Trestman may not agree. Justin Forsett's contract is up, and Bernard Pierce has shown himself to be a replacement-level runner. From Charlie Garner to Derek Loville to Matt Forte, Trestman's running backs have always been highly active in the passing game. Sure-handed free agent Roy Helu would make some sense.
6. Detroit Lions
DT: The nuts of Lions DC Teryl Austin's 2014 defense was interior line play. Ndamukong Suh, Nick Fairley, and C.J. Mosley are all free agents. The Lions could quickly address this need by re-signing two of the above. Either way, it's a glaring sore spot as the current roster stands.
OL: Even if the Lions feel 2014 third-round pick Travis Swanson is ready to succeed Dominic Raiola at center, they'll have to replace fellow free agent LG Rob Sims. Right tackle was another weakness on last year's line. Incumbent RT LaAdrian Waddle underwent ACL surgery in January and is questionable for the start of 2015.
CB: Darius Slay has developed into a plus starter, but 34-year-old bookend Rashean Mathis' contract is expiring and Detroit lacks a viable nickel back. If free agent losses render the Lions' interior pass rush less potent, Austin will need improved play from his secondary.
DE: RE Ziggy Ansah became an edge-rushing monster on Austin's watch, but LE Jason Jones is best suited as a role player and may be released. Sub-package rushers George Johnson and Darryl Tapp are free agents. The Lions need a starter at left end.
7. Indianapolis Colts
OLB: The Colts' best edge rusher in 2014 was fifth-round rookie Jonathan Newsome. 2013 first-round pick Bjoern Werner continues to look like a bust, and Erik Walden is a run defender only. Robert Mathis is 34 years old, coming off an Achilles' tear, and didn't play a snap last season.
OL: RT Gosder Cherilus had a miserable season and has experienced chronic knee woes. Center and both guard positions were also weak spots throughout last year. Right tackle remains the most glaring weakness on Indianapolis' offensive line.
RB: Trent Richardson's days in Indy are numbered, while Dan Herron, Zurlon Tipton, and Vick Ballard are underwhelming talents. OC Pep Hamilton has embraced a pass-first philosophy, but in doing so placed an unwieldy amount on Andrew Luck's plate. Even if it's in a complementary role, the Colts need an alternative means of moving the chains.
S: Inside linebacker, nickel corner, and wide receiver could also use reinforcements, but safety stands out as the biggest weakness. FS Mike Adams' contract is up and SS LaRon Landry is no longer a starting-caliber defender.
8. Pittsburgh Steelers
CB: If LCB Cortez Allen's 2014 play was indicative of his future performance, the Steelers don't have a single starter-worthy cornerback on their current roster. Free agent Ike Taylor's time is up with Pittsburgh, and William Gay is best suited as a nickel back. The Steelers leaned on the likes of Antwon Blake and Brice McCain for far too many snaps last season.
OLB: The 2014 Steelers were so strapped for pass rushers that they lured James Harrison out of retirement and he became a starter down the stretch. Harrison deserves recognition for playing well, but his contract is up and he will turn 37 in May. Jason Worilds and Arthur Moats are also free agents. So far, 2013 first-round pick Jarvis Jones has been a bust.
DL: RE Cameron Heyward has developed into a top-notch starter and Steve McLendon is a serviceable nose tackle, but the Steelers need to add at least one quality body to their up-front rotation. 2014 second-round pick Stephon Tuitt was overmatched as a rookie, while Cam Thomas was a free-agent flop.
RB: Le'Veon Bell is the best running back in the league, but Pittsburgh needs more behind him. The offense crumbled when Bell missed the Steelers' Divisional Round loss to Baltimore. Dri Archer is a gadget player and 2014 UDFA Josh Harris is end-of-roster fodder. Pittsburgh also needs to begin thinking about an eventual replacement for TE Heath Miller, who will turn 33 next season.
9. New Orleans Saints
CB: Top corner Keenan Lewis took a big step back after his breakout 2013 campaign, while bookend RCB Patrick Robinson's contract has expired. The Saints need a new starting perimeter corner and an upgrade at nickel back.
OL: What was once a perennial strength for New Orleans has devolved into a weakness. The Saints historically pride themselves on elite interior offensive line play. Center and both guard positions were problem areas throughout 2014. New Orleans does have a strong set of bookend tackles in LT Terron Armstead and RT Zach Strief, but needs an upgrade on swing tackle Bryce Harris.
LB: MLB Curtis Lofton is coming off a miserable year. WLB David Hawthorne is an average player and SLB Parys Haralson's contract is up. Due in large part to poor linebacker play, the Saints finished 2014 dead last in Football Outsiders' run-defense metric.
QB: The Saints seriously considered drafting Jimmy Garoppolo last May. Coach Sean Payton may be kicking himself for not pulling the trigger after Drew Brees showed signs of decline during the season. 36-year-old Brees no longer threatens the intermediate and vertical sections of the field. While Brees is obviously going to be New Orleans' 2015 starter, it's time Payton and GM Mickey Loomis began planning for the future.
10. San Francisco 49ers
WR: With Michael Crabtree likely to depart in free agency, lightly used possession receiver Stevie Johnson and 34-year-old Anquan Boldin are left atop the depth chart. 2014 fourth-round pick Bruce Ellington would be the 49ers' third receiver. As rosters currently stand, this would be a bottom-five group with scant perimeter speed.
CB: RCB Chris Culliver and LCB Perrish Cox are entering free agency after solid seasons. The healthy return of Tramaine Brock and slot corner Jimmie Ward will help, but the 49ers need competition for Dontae Johnson at the outside position opposite Brock. San Francisco got by with average cornerback talents during the Vic Fangio era. Under Jim Tomsula and Eric Mangini, they could really use a true No. 1.
OG: Stud LG Mike Iupati's contract has expired, and the 49ers likely can't afford to retain him. Brandon Thomas and Marcus Martin are in-house candidates to replace Iupati, but Thomas missed his rookie season with an ACL tear and Martin was highly ineffective. RG Alex Boone is entering a contract year.
TE: Running back is also something of a question mark with Frank Gore's contract up and Kendall Hunter coming off a right ACL tear, but the 49ers drafted Carlos Hyde to be their bellcow of the future. Tight end seems like a more pressing need. 31-year-old Vernon Davis is coming off his career-worst season, while neither Vance McDonald nor Derek Carrier has shown starting-caliber tools.
11. Dallas Cowboys
DE: The 2014 Cowboys surprisingly played competitive defense despite a severe talent shortage, particularly up front. Forced to lean heavily on defenders who wouldn't even make other playoff-caliber teams' rosters, Dallas finished 28th in the NFL in sacks (28). Demarcus Lawrence is a potential long-term building block, but RE Jeremy Mincey would be best utilized in a reserve role, and both Anthony Spencer and George Selvie are free agents. Finding an edge-rush partner for Lawrence would give DC Rod Marinelli's defense an enormous boost.
OT: The Cowboys have embraced the offensive line as the centerpiece of their roster. LT Tyron Smith, LG Ronald Leary, C Travis Frederick, and RG Zack Martin are all under control for 2015. RTs Doug Free and Jermey Parnell are free agents, however, creating a hole in Dallas' team strength.
RB: Keeping Dez Bryant is a higher priority than fellow free agent DeMarco Murray. The Cowboys reportedly extended Murray an offer worth just over $4 million per year late in the season. Now a decidedly run-heavy team, Dallas needs a high-volume rusher to execute its playing style. Coach Jason Garrett loved Mark Ingram coming out of Alabama, and he could be a free-agent option if Murray won't accept a hometown discount.
CB: The Cowboys have more needs than a typical 12-4 team. Free safety, linebacker, nose tackle, and even wideout in the extremely-unlikely event Dez hits free agency could be chalked up as sore spots. Cornerback stands out ahead of those positions with LCB Brandon Carr's roster spot in question following a poor season, and Dallas in need of an upgrade on nickel back Sterling Moore.
12. Cincinnati Bengals
DL: The Bengals fielded an above-average pass defense in 2014, but only because their secondary play was consistently solid. The front seven needs a lot of work. Cincinnati ranked dead last in sacks (20), 31st in Football Outsiders' Adjusted Sack Rate, and in the bottom half of the league against the run. DC Paul Guenther's unit needs a speed rusher to complement LE Carlos Dunlap in sub-packages, and a nose tackle to push Domata Peko for snaps.
LB: Linebacker struggles played a big role in Cincinnati's 2014 weakness versus the run. WLB Vontaze Burfict suffered multiple early-season concussions, missed time with a cervical strain in his neck, and recently required microfracture surgery. MLB Rey Maualuga is a free agent. SLB Emmanuel Lamur is a restricted free agent.
QB: The Bengals are committed to Andy Dalton for 2015, but they can get out of his contract the following offseason. His playing style is a poor match for OC Hue Jackson's vertical passing attack. 2014 fifth-round pick A.J. McCarron isn't the answer, either. Quarterback isn't technically a pressing need in Cincinnati, but it's a position the club needs to consider upgrading soon.
WR: A.J. Green, Marvin Jones, and Mohamed Sanu are all entering contract years in 2015. The Bengals figure to lock up Green with a monster extension, but Jones and Sanu's futures are less clear. Expect Cincinnati to use a mid-round pick on a wide receiver. It's a position that could use an infusion of young talent.
13. Carolina Panthers
OT: The 2014 Panthers were lucky to get as far as they did with such poor offensive line play. The unit did come together a bit down the stretch, but LT Byron Bell never stopped being a liability and is now a free agent. Planning to sign Cam Newton to a mammoth extension, Carolina can't afford to keep surrounding him with rag-tag blockers.
WR: The Panthers badly need speed at wide receiver. Kelvin Benjamin paid dividends as a 2014 first-round pick, but is short on separation and run-after-catch skills. Going on age 33, Jerricho Cotchery is best suited to play slot receiver at this stage of his career. I personally believe free agent Torrey Smith would be an ideal addition.
DE: Charles Johnson, Kony Ealy, Mario Addison, and Wes Horton form a solid defensive end nucleus, but Greg Hardy's off-field misdeeds stripped Carolina of its lone dominating edge pass rusher. Hardy's contract is up, and the Panthers seem likely to move on.
DB: RCB Bene Benwikere, LCB Josh Norman, and FS Tre Boston are solidified as promising young starters, but Carolina desperately needs a third cornerback, and a safety to upgrade on 32-year-old Roman Harper. At this stage of his career, Harper would be best utilized as a linebacker in dime packages.
14. San Diego Chargers
OL: LT King Dunlap's contract has expired, and there is discussion of moving RT D.J. Fluker inside to guard. Incumbent LG Chad Rinehart and RG Johnnie Troutman were major liabilities throughout 2014. The Chargers' offensive line needs an overhaul with 33-year-old quarterback Philip Rivers' window closing.
OLB: 2014 second-round pick Jeremiah Attaochu is a promising prospect, but 35-year-old Dwight Freeney's contract is up, injuries have taken their toll on Melvin Ingram, and 33-year-old Jarret Johnson is considering retirement. The Chargers finished the 2014 season ranked 29th in the NFL in sacks (26) and 27th in Football Outsiders' Adjusted Sack Rate.
DB: San Diego's defensive back depth chart is a mess with LCB Brandon Flowers, RCB Shareece Wright, and SS/slot CB Marcus Gilchrist's contracts all expiring. Jason Verrett and Jahleel Addae may be able to fill two spots from within, but either way John Pagano's secondary will require some free agent and/or draft-day maneuvering.
RB: Ryan Mathews' contract is up, leaving Branden Oliver, 2014 free agent disappointment Donald Brown, and passing-down back Danny Woodhead to round out San Diego's depth chart. Under coach Mike McCoy, the Chargers believe in controlling time of possession and playing power football against softer defensive fronts. They need a running back capable of effectively handling 20-plus carries in a given game.
15. Miami Dolphins
OG: OC Bill Lazor deserves a lot of credit for fielding an efficient 2014 run game despite abysmal guard play. Every single Dolphin who saw a snap at guard this past season produced a negative PFF grade, yet Miami led the AFC in team yards per carry (4.69). In 2015, the Dolphins need Billy Turner to step forward as a starter, and to find another front-line guard either via the draft or free agency.
CB: LCB Brent Grimes is the Dolphins' lone bankable contributor at cornerback, and he turns 32 before next season. RCB Cortland Finnegan will likely be a cap casualty. 2013 second-round pick Jamar Taylor is looking like a lost cause. Miami needs a No. 2 cornerback and a slot corner with Jimmy Wilson headed to the open market.
LB: The Fins' 2013 signings of Dannell Ellerbe and Philip Wheeler backfired spectacularly, and both players are likely to be released. They did get solid 2014 play from WLB Jelani Jenkins and MLB Koa Misi when healthy. Strong-side linebacker remains a major sore spot.
TE: Wide receiver could also become a need if Miami cuts ties with Mike Wallace and/or Brian Hartline. Brandon Gibson is almost certainly gone. At tight end, Charles Clay's contract has expired after an up-and-down first season in Lazor's offense. The Dolphins do have a solid No. 2 in Dion Sims.
16. New York Giants
DE: Once a strength of the Giants' roster, defensive end has devolved into a weakness with Jason Pierre-Paul entering free agency, Mathias Kiwanuka likely to be a cap casualty, and 2013 draft pick Damontre Moore disappointing when tasked with increased snaps. As the roster currently stands, the G-Men have role player Robert Ayers, Moore's theoretical promise, and very little else.
DB: The Giants' only safeties under contract for 2015 are people named Nat Berhe, Cooper Taylor, and Thomas Gordon. Each of the team's top three safeties from a year ago -- Antrel Rolle, Stevie Brown, and Quintin Demps -- have expiring contracts. The Giants also need a nickel back to team with LCB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and RCB Prince Amukamara.
OL: New York's 2014 line play was atrocious aside from LT Will Beatty. Second-year RT Justin Pugh took a big step back and may now be moved inside. RG Geoff Schwartz should return healthy after an injury-ruined year, but as many as three positions need addressing, and at very least one. If Pugh kicks to left guard and Weston Richburg takes over at center, that one position would be right tackle.
LB: The Giants fielded one of the league's worst run defenses in large part due to poor linebacker play. Injury-plagued MLB Jon Beason is an offseason release candidate, and fill-in Jameel McClain struggled mightily as his replacement. OLBs Jacquian Williams and Mark Herzlich are free agents. The only linebacker GM Jerry Reese can feel good about long term is 2014 fifth-round pick Devon Kennard.
17. Philadelphia Eagles
QB: Free agent Mark Sanchez obviously isn't the answer, and Nick Foles was a suspect fit for Chip Kelly's offense long before his 2014 on-field step back followed by a year-ending clavicle injury. Pre-Combine rumors suggest the Eagles would love to trade up for Oregon QB Marcus Mariota. The free-agent quarterback market is barren.
CB: RCB Cary Williams turned in a surprisingly solid 2014, but free agent LCB Bradley Fletcher was an enormous liability. The Eagles don't envision undersized Brandon Boykin as a viable outside cornerback, preferring him in the slot. The Eagles need a physical press corner capable of matching up with Dez Bryant, Odell Beckham, and DeSean Jackson in the NFC East.
OLB: The Eagles used their 2014 first-round pick on OLB Marcus Smith, but the Louisville alum failed to earn a single defensive snap, ultimately spending more practice time at inside than outside linebacker. 32-year-old Trent Cole will probably be released due to his $10 million salary. While Connor Barwin is a solid strong-side starter, the Eagles need a weak-side sack threat.
S: Safety is an annual problem area in Philadelphia, and this offseason is no different with FS Nate Allen headed to free agency. Because DC Billy Davis' scheme relies on man coverage and high blitz frequency, his defense would greatly benefit from a centerfield safety with range.
18. Arizona Cardinals
LB: OLBs Matt Shaughnessy and Alex Okafor, and ILB Kevin Minter are useful role players, but the Cardinals lack difference-making linebackers. John Abraham, Sam Acho, and Larry Foote are all free agents, while Daryl Washington remains on indefinite suspension. An edge-threatening pass rusher would be a welcomed addition to new DC James Bettcher's unit.
RB: The Cardinals rode Andre Ellington into the ground in 2014, forcing nearly 23 touches per game onto the 5-foot-9, 199-pound running back's plate during the first ten weeks. Ellington succumbed to year-ending hip, sports hernia, and foot injuries in Week 13. He averaged 3.3 yards per carry. Ellington isn't built to handle those workloads, and Arizona has little behind him. In 2015, this team may need to lean more on the run game with 35-year-old quarterback Carson Palmer recovering from an ACL tear.
NT: Lane-clogging starter Dan Williams is an unrestricted free agent, and backup Alameda Ta'amu is scheduled for restricted free agency. The Cardinals could quickly solve this dilemma by re-signing Williams, but he's unlikely to come cheap. 27-year-old Williams was a top-eight run-stopping defensive tackle in Pro Football Focus' 2014 grades.
CB: The Cardinals may feel cornerback isn't a need if they envision Justin Bethel as a competent replacement for free agent Antonio Cromartie, but that's an unknown. No. 3 corner Jerraud Powers is a release candidate at his $3.5 million base salary. The only Arizona corner locked into 2015 playing time is LCB Patrick Peterson.
19. Kansas City Chiefs
OL: Kansas City's offensive line ranked No. 7 in Football Outsiders' run-blocking metrics, but 28th in pass protection. While it may be too soon for the Chiefs to give up on LT Eric Fisher and RG Zach Fulton, LG Mike McGlynn, C Rodney Hudson, and RT Ryan Harris are all free agents and may need to be replaced. Hudson is the top center on the market.
WR: Risk-averse quarterback Alex Smith has such a limiting effect on wide receivers that it's sometimes hard to identify those wide receivers' own limitations. I do think it's safe to say the Chiefs' wideouts are a weakness. Dwayne Bowe doesn't move like he used to, and beyond him undersized 2014 UDFA Albert Wilson is Kansas City's most promising option. Both on the wrong side of 30 and owed nearly $14 million between them, it's entirely possible Bowe and Donnie Avery are both cut.
DB: RCB Sean Smith and LCB Phillip Gaines form a passable starting tandem, but nickel back is a question mark in Kansas City's secondary, and strong safety is a major concern following Eric Berry's lymphoma diagnosis.
LB: 32-year-old Derrick Johnson tore his Achilles' tendon last September, and Kansas City has a rag-tag depth chart at inside linebacker behind him. The Chiefs figure to franchise tag free agent OLB Justin Houston, although doing so might cost them Tamba Hali ($9 million). They do have 2014 first-round pick Dee Ford ready for an increased role.
20. St. Louis Rams
OL: The Rams are likely to release C Scott Wells and LT Jake Long, the former for poor on-field performance and the latter because Long can't stay healthy. Right guard is a glaring need after free agent Davin Joseph flopped there in 2014. St. Louis needs a starting center and potentially a starting right tackle, where Joseph Barksdale's contract is up.
WR: Assuming Brian Quick heals steadily from his 2014 shoulder injury, wide receiver isn't quite as big a need for the Rams as it's been in recent years. Stedman Bailey looks like a future contributor, and Quick flashed legitimate No. 1-wideout chops in a breakout season before going down. St. Louis could solidify its depth by re-signing free agent Kenny Britt. Tavon Austin continues to look like a lost cause.
QB: Coming off back-to-back ACL tears, Sam Bradford has missed 31 games over the past four seasons. He's owed a $13 million salary in 2015, which is also a contract year for Bradford. St. Louis will likely use an early- to middle-round draft pick on a quarterback.
TE: The Rams are paying Jared Cook a lot of money, but he is a one-dimensional tight end who contributes little beyond intermediate seam routes. Free agent Lance Kendricks isn't a difference maker, but his loss would be felt. The Rams need an in-line tight end who can block and move the sticks in the short passing game.
21. Minnesota Vikings
OL: One factor that made Teddy Bridgewater's rookie season so impressive was his ability to perform comfortably amid porous line play. OTs Matt Kalil and Phil Loadholt struggled mightily in pass protection, and likewise Minnesota's guard play was among the NFL's worst. C John Sullivan was the Vikings' only quality blocker up front. Minnesota will benefit from the healthy return of RG Brandon Fusco (torn pectoral), but a new starting left guard is an absolute must, and competition is needed at tackle.
CB: While RCB Xavier Rhodes developed into a borderline shutdown force during his second NFL season, the Vikings have a hole at the outside cornerback position opposite him. Slot CB Captain Munnerlyn is stretched thin when asked to cover the perimeter.
LB: Declining WLB Chad Greenway is likely to be released due to his $7 million base salary, and the Vikings have a gaping hole at middle linebacker. SLB Anthony Barr did have a promising rookie campaign, and Gerald Hodges is an in-house candidate to replace Greenway. Still, solidifying Mike 'backer will be a priority for defensive-minded coach Mike Zimmer.
WR: Running back could also become a need area if the Vikings cut ties with Adrian Peterson, although at this point I tend to believe they won't. Cordarrelle Patterson has been a bust on offense, Jarius Wright is a role player, and Greg Jennings is owed an $8.9 million salary going on age 32. Charles Johnson is Minnesota's only long-term keeper at wideout.
22. Atlanta Falcons
LB/DE: The 2014 Falcons ranked 31st in the NFL in sacks (22) and 30th in Football Outsiders' pass-rush metric. They'll need multiple pass-rush additions to pull off new coach Dan Quinn's scheme, which relies heavily on front-four pressure and does very little blitzing. Atlanta will essentially be starting from scratch here.
C: The Falcons have solid starters at guard (LG Justin Blalock, RG Jon Asamoah), and Ryan Schraeder solidified right tackle when placed into the starting lineup down the 2014 stretch. The organization will hope for second-year improvement from LT Jake Matthews. Center is a critical position in new OC Kyle Shanahan's offense and must be upgraded.
RB: Shanahan runs a zone-blocking scheme and emphasizes balance on offense. Atlanta is going to be a much more run-committed team on Kyle's watch. Ineffective and going on age 32, Steven Jackson is a lock to be released. 2014 draft pick Devonta Freeman is a scatback. Free agent possibilities include Ryan Mathews and Roy Helu. Helu was Shanahan's third-down back behind Alfred Morris in Washington, but has a feature back's skill set.
TE: The Falcons need a flex tight end after essentially punting the position in 2014. They got next to nothing from in-line TE Levine Toilolo, who despite his size isn't even a good blocker. Shanahan has history with free agents Jordan Cameron and Niles Paul. Tight end takes on increased importance with Roddy White, 33, and Harry Douglas, 30, beginning to slow down.
23. Chicago Bears
DL: I happen to live in Chicago, where sports talk radio seems to believe improved safety play would cure all that ails the Bears' perennially sieve-ish defense. The best defenses are built front to back, however, and new DC Vic Fangio is expected to implement a 3-4 scheme. All three Bears defensive line positions are question marks.
LB: From Patrick Willis to Aldon Smith, Navorro Bowman, Ahmad Brooks, and Chris Borland, Fangio's 49ers defenses were built with elite linebacker play. There isn't a single player on Chicago's current roster that one could confidently characterize as a starting-caliber 3-4 linebacker. The Bears' defensive front seven needs to be overhauled.
S: Safety is indeed a huge weakness for the Bears. It's just not as critical as defensive line and linebacker. But Chicago arguably needs starters at both positions after rookie Brock Vereen proved incapable of effectively handling significant snaps and SS Ryan Mundy flopped as a free-agent pickup. FS Chris Conte's contract is up.
OL: Getting back LG Matt Slauson should shore up Chicago's left guard weakness, but new GM Ryan Pace needs to at least bring in competition for liability RT Jordan Mills. Other need positions on the Bears' roster include nickel cornerback and arguably quarterback, where regressing Jay Cutler enters a make-or-break year.
24. Buffalo Bills
QB: The Bills haven't had a quarterback throw 25 touchdown passes in a season since 1991 (Jim Kelly). They've been "a quarterback away" for nearly two decades. Rex Ryan presumably hired old Colin Kaepernick tutor Greg Roman with E.J. Manuel in mind. But quarterback will be a need position in Buffalo until someone comes along and proves it isn't.
OL: RT Seantrel Henderson may have a promising future, but he was one of the worst right tackles in football as a rookie. The Bills' guard play was atrocious across the board. Buffalo's most pressing needs are at right tackle and right guard. Incumbent RG Erik Pears' contract is up.
DE/OLB: Ryan inherits a defense stocked with talent, but is in danger of losing Jerry Hughes to free agency. Once the Chiefs franchise tag Justin Houston, Hughes will become the premier edge rusher on the market.
TE: Buffalo could make Manuel's life a lot easier by giving him an athletic tight end with a wide catch radius and run-after-catch ability. Scott Chandler has proven to be a useful role player, but isn't a playmaker. Chris Gragg checks the athleticism box, but through two NFL seasons has yet to earn more than a supporting-cast role.
25. Houston Texans
QB: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Case Keenum, Tom Savage, and Thad Lewis currently make up the Texans' quarterback depth chart. No more needs to be said.
DB: Slot/RCB Kareem Jackson's contract is up, and the Texans played musical chairs at nickel back throughout last season. LCB Johnathan Joseph remains a solid starter, but turns 31 in April and is entering a contract year. Houston badly needs young talent at cornerback. At safety, the Texans have a gaping hole alongside SS D.J. Swearinger.
OT: Duane Brown is a legitimate franchise left tackle and the Texans are solid with some depth on the interior line. The weak spot is right tackle, where Derek Newton made strides in 2014 but is now scheduled for free agency. It is worth noting that C Chris Myers, RG Brandon Brooks, and LG Ben Jones are all entering contract years.
NT: Wide receiver, tight end, and linebacker could also use talent injections. Nose tackle stands out as a bigger need after the Texans were forced to turn to street free agent Ryan Pickett as a 2014 starter. Second-year NT Louis Nix could potentially emerge as the answer here, but Nix didn't play a single down as a rookie.
26. Washington Redskins
DB: The Skins may have uncovered a gem in 2014 fourth-round pick Bashaud Breeland, but the rest of their secondary is an utter mess. There isn't a quality safety on the roster. 2013 second-rounder David Amerson shows all the symptoms of a bust, and DeAngelo Hall tore his Achilles' tendon twice in 2014. Washington needs several new defensive backs.
OL: LT Trent Williams and C Kory Lichtensteiger are Washington's only offensive linemen who should be secure as 2015 starters. Free agent RT Tyler Polumbus is almost certainly done in D.C., while 32-year-old RG Chris Chester is a release candidate due to his $3.5 million salary and a $400,000 roster bonus. LG Shawn Lauvao was a predictable 2014 free agent flop.
OLB: Brian Orakpo's contract is up, and he is not expected back in D.C. after tearing a pectoral muscle for the third time in his career. 2014 second-round pick Trent Murphy's long-term ceiling is a run-stopping Jarret Johnson type. Murphy lacks NFL-quality pass-rush tools. The Redskins need a true franchise pass rusher to team with Ryan Kerrigan off the edge.
QB: This depends entirely on how coach Jay Gruden feels about Robert Griffin III, whose play has regressed in consecutive seasons since his Rookie of the Year award. Gruden was down enough on Griffin's fit in his offense that he benched him for Colt McCoy last season. Gruden at least seems to realize Kirk Cousins isn't the answer. But it's quite possible the Redskins use a middle-round pick on a quarterback.
27. Oakland Raiders
WR: The Raiders' wide receiver corps is almost completely devoid of separation ability. Restricted free agent Andre Holmes is a big-bodied intermediate threat, but doesn't outrun coverage. Slot receiver James Jones turns 31 in March and lacks playmaking ability at this stage of his career. In Derek Carr, Oakland has a big-armed quarterback. Now they need a wideout capable of taking advantage.
DE/OLB: SLB Khalil Mack was a one-man wrecking crew as a rookie, but Mack can't do it all himself. The Raiders finished second-to-last in the league in sacks (22) and dead last in Football Outsiders' Adjusted Sack Rate. LE Justin Tuck turns 32 in March and RE LaMarr Woodley appeared to have nothing left in the tank before a torn biceps ended his season in October.
OL: LT Donald Penn and LG Gabe Jackson are strong starters, but the rest of Oakland's offensive line is problematic. C Stefen Wisniewski is a free agent, while RG Austin Howard and RT Khalif Barnes would be better off as backups. New OC Bill Musgrave is a run-devoted playcaller and will likely seek maulers up front.
LB: The Raiders' linebacker corps will be in decent shape if MLB Nick Roach returns healthy, but a severe preseason concussion ended his 2014 campaign, and another could threaten his career. Otherwise, Oakland has promising pieces in Mack and WLB Sio Moore.
28. Jacksonville Jaguars
OL: The Jaguars got good guard play from LG Zane Beadles and rookie RG Brandon Linder this past season, but C Luke Bowanko and RT Austin Pasztor were big disappointments. So too has been LT Luke Joeckel, though Jacksonville will likely keep him in the starting lineup and hope for improvement. The Jags knew center was a problem area last offseason, making a run at Alex Mack. They need two new starters up front.
DL: Jacksonville was already badly in need of edge pass rushers, so DT Sen'Derrick Marks' Week 17 ACL tear came at an extremely inopportune time. Bengals DT Geno Atkins -- a similar player to Marks -- hasn't been the same since suffering a late-season ACL tear in 2013. Marks is arguably the Jags' best player. GM Dave Caldwell must attack defensive line in both free agency and the draft.
TE: Wide receiver will become a position of strength if Allen Robinson's fractured foot heals properly and Justin Blackmon returns from suspension, as expected. To complete Blake Bortles' supporting cast, the Jaguars need a mismatch-creating tight end. Marcedes Lewis is an in-line player and Clay Harbor is at best a situational tight end.
LB: MLB Paul Posluszny is a team leader, but tore his pectoral last season and has been a liability versus the run for several years. Owed $7.5 million in salary and bonuses, he's a candidate for release. WLB Telvin Smith is the Jaguars' lone building block at linebacker.
29. New York Jets
QB: Although he continued to flash in spurts, Geno Smith's inconsistency didn't diminish during his second NFL season. It may simply be who he is. The free agent quarterback market is typically desolate, so the Jets may find it difficult to upgrade unless Oregon's Marcus Mariota slips to the sixth pick in the draft.
CB: The Jets closed out the season starting Darrin Walls and UDFA Marcus Williams at cornerback. Both would be hard pressed to make other teams' rosters, let alone play significant snaps. With slot CB Kyle Wilson's contract up, New York needs as many as three new cornerbacks to fill out its depth chart.
OL: LT D'Brickashaw Ferguson and C Nick Mangold remain the stalwart linemen for the Jets. RG Willie Colon, LG Oday Aboushi, and RT Breno Giacomini were all below-average starters in 2014. The Jets definitely need one new starting offensive lineman, and as many as three.
OLB: Wideout, running back, inside linebacker, and safety could all use reinforcements. Outside linebacker is a slightly bigger need as a position Rex Ryan routinely got away without aggressively addressing, but one where new coach Todd Bowles will need improved play. While Quinton Coples may be able to fill the edge-setting role, more pass rush is needed than 34-year-old Calvin Pace and 35-year-old Jason Babin can provide.
30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
QB: With the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft, the Buccaneers will select a quarterback. My guess is it'll be Florida State's Jameis Winston rather than Oregon's Marcus Mariota due in part to Winston's superior fit in OC Dirk Koetter's pocket-passing vertical offense. 35-year-old Josh McCown will be a strong mentor for a young quarterback, and Mike Glennon will probably be dealt.
OL: Tampa Bay's 2014 offensive line was devastatingly poor, particularly in pass protection. The Bucs must upgrade on overwhelmed RG Patrick Omameh and may release free-agent flop LT Anthony Collins.
DE: The Buccaneers didn't have enough talent up front to execute Lovie Smith's defense last season, primarily because they lacked the ability to cause havoc with their front four. High-priced RE Michael Johnson badly underachieved and LE Adrian Clayborn tore his biceps in the first game of the season. Clayborn is now a free agent.
DB: Middle linebacker is another sore spot on Tampa Bay's roster, but the all-encompassing "DB" position appears more pressing. The Bucs need a new No. 3 cornerback and arguably a No. 2, while both safety positions could afford upgrades with FS Dashon Goldson set for release and strong safety currently a no-man's land in Tampa.
31. Cleveland Browns
QB: The Browns appeared to be one of the NFL's up-and-coming teams as recently as last October. They enter the offseason in horrific condition, particularly at the most important position in pro sports. Backup-caliber Brian Hoyer's contract is up, while Johnny Manziel looks the part of a draft bust. They do have Connor Shaw.
WR: With Josh Gordon suspended for all of 2015 and Miles Austin entering free agency, Cleveland's top receivers are Andrew Hawkins, Taylor Gabriel, and Travis Benjamin. This team desperately needs a big, touchdown-scoring, yards-after-catch monster to help prop up what will inevitably be poor quarterback play.
TE: Injury-riddled Jordan Cameron's free agency leaves Gary Barnidge and Jim Dray as the top tight ends on the Browns' offseason roster. Indications out of Cleveland are Cameron won't be re-signed.
NT: The Browns seem poised to move on from free agent NT Ahtyba Rubin, who got pushed around in run defense throughout 2014. Rubin's top backup, Ishmaa'ily Kitchen, is a restricted free agent. Cleveland also needs cornerback help and may look to upgrade on RT Mitchell Schwartz, whose run blocking leaves much to be desired.
32. Tennessee Titans
QB: Zach Mettenberger had some promising moments as a rookie, enough for the Titans to at least view him as a potential long-term backup. Their quarterback pursuit shouldn't end there, however. Mettenberger offers plus arm strength, but is a below-average athlete with erratic accuracy. A 2014 sixth-round pick, there's a better-than-even chance Mettenberger isn't the long-term solution.
OLB: The Titans' top-three outside linebackers in 2014 were Derrick Morgan, Kamerion Wimbley, and Shaun Phillips. Morgan is a free agent, Wimbley will almost certainly be cut after a two-sack season, and Phillips ended the year on the Colts. Beyond RE Jurrell Casey, Tennessee is bereft of pass-rush talent.
OL: RT Michael Oher is a lock to be released, and LG Andy Levitre may follow him out the door. C Brian Schwenke was major liability before tearing his left MCL in Week 12. LT Taylor Lewan and RG Chance Warmack are Tennessee's only bankable O-Line starters for 2015.
S: The Titans have the worst roster in the league, and needs at virtually every position. Safety stand out a bit more than nose tackle, running back, cornerback opposite LCB Jason McCourty, and wide receiver. While SS Bernard Pollard is coming off a torn Achilles', FS Michael Griffin was one of the NFL's worst safeties in 2014 and carries an $8.1 million cap number. The Titans may need two new starting safeties.
