As the window for teams to franchise tag players closes we take a closer look at NFL teams needs for free agency and the draft.
NFC North
Green Bay Packers - Pick #26
The draft gurus are telling us that the Packers are really looking for
a 3-4 end, the problem here is that with the 26th overall pick, the
premier names at end in the draft are most likely going to be off the board and
the Packers might look to trade back for extra picks and take a project of just
pull the trigger on the highest rated player on their draft board.
The next
biggest need is the running back spot and despite this hole the Packers have
still managed to win so many games, so what would happen if they get a
legitimate back? Current draft grumblings would indicate that using the 26th
pick on one of the drafts backs could be a little rich, but the Packers might
feel the need so bad that they go ahead with it anyway.
Team Needs - DT, OL, RB
Minnesota Vikings – Pick #23
Running back, just joking!! The Vikings do need more offensive help
but at another skill position, wide receiver. There’s going to be a Percy
Harvin shaped hole in the teams offense because of his desire to leave due to
football reasons so hitting on a receiver at some point is going to be vital.
The next position the team will be looking at, but probably not in the first
round, is a linebacker that has good coverage skills due to the Vikings defense
running a lot of nickel as well as Jasper Brinkley and Erin Henderson becoming
unrestricted free agents.
Team Needs - CB, S, WR, LB
Chicago Bears – Pick #20
Even though I’m not a Bears fan it will pain me to see the Bears likely
using their pick on a target for Jay Cutler seeing as he will likely just throw
it into traffic anyway.
Tight end is the most pressing need and probably the
direction that Chicago will go, but don’t rule of the potential of the Bears
drafting a speed receiver to complement Brandon Marshall.
Team Needs - CB, OL, WR, TE
Detroit Lions – Pick #5
NEWS FLASH!! Lions have a top 5 pick and will take a wide receiver!
*All Lions fans bury their heads in hands*
With six defensive linemen set to become unrestricted free agents
the Lions will probably make the smart choice and draft a young lineman to
bolster the ranks. Cliff Avril is the key party to keep an eye on in all of
this because if he gets re-signed then drafting an end becomes slightly less
pressing and the focus could shift to corner back.
Team Needs - OL, S, DL, CB
