At a glance: OT, CB, FS, DE, QB
Offense
Allow me to first say, I am a solid 'Cowboys-hater,' but I refuse to let it cloud my judgment on what their needs are. Alright, with that disclaimer out of the way, let's begin; we already know Tony Romo and 'rookie-sensation' Dez Bryant were hurt toward the end of last year which clearly altered their record. But let's start with the offensive line, Doug Free and Kyle Koiser are both Free Agents who, Dallas needs to re-up immediately, and while Alex Barron played decently, he somehow remained the league-leader penalties. So needless to say, the offensive line is an area that desperately needs to be solidified. Also, despite what some fans may think, it wouldn't be a horrible idea to grab and groom a new franchise QB should Romo falter or get injured.
Defense
"It was the best of times it was the worst of times... Under Wade Phillips the Cowboy's Defense was like reading Charles Dickens. They somehow managed to put up individual statistics while still giving up points to opposing offenses, but with Phillips gone the defense will probably lack some of the explosiveness they discovered under their former "defensive-guru." Furthermore, their D-Line could use a boost namely at the DE position where although Stephen Bowen played well, lacked enough firepower to create double teams. Also the team could seriously use secondary help, either at corner because Terrance Newman seems to be losing a step, or at the FS position which seems vacant against opposing offenses.
At a glance: QB, RB, WR, OL, DL, LB
Offense
It's hard to tell what Mike Shanahan has in mind for this squad, especially since the dismissal of popular QB Donovan McNabb. And sadly when you look at this side of the ball, one can't help but think they have holes everywhere (except LT Trent Williams & TE Chris Cooley.) My expectation is that pride will get the better of Shanahan and he'll draft his next QB protégé then turning his attention toward RB & WR.
Defense
Although Albert Haynesworth is gone, the hole he created isn't. In fact the DT position is still a very big need area, one they should look to fill if they have any hope of competing consistently in the NFC East. Furthermore, outside of LaRon Landry & Brian Orakpo, this squad needs a makeover; namely getting another stout 5-technique DE as well as another pass-rushing threat opposite Orakpo at the other OLB position. Oh and getting deeper at the corner position wouldn't hurt either.
At a glance: OL, RB, TE, OLB, CB
Offense
With all the injuries and shuffling suffered last year the offensive line needs to be addressed, forcing Eli Manning to work hard every play, think 'David Tyree Super Bowl Catch.' That said, the wide-outs on this squad are stacked as well as young, with the likes of Steve Smith, Mario Manningham and future superstar Hakim Nicks, Eli has all the throwing threats he needs; the real question is who (Eli) he hands off to? Because running-back Ahmad Bradshaw is their leading rusher as well as Free Agent and Coughlin seems reluctant to give the rock back to the fumbling Brandon Jacobs. Oh and grabbing a play-making TE wouldn't hurt either considering Kevin Boss is a FA as well.
Defense
Now this D-Line is stacked, but we've come to expect that from the Giants, with the development of Justin Tuck, Mathias Kiwanuka and Osi Umenyiora, but with last year's pick of Jason Pierre-Paul; expect another dynamic threat coming out of this DE factory. And even though, their secondary isn't too shabby, with the emergence of Webster & Thomas filling in for the oft-injured Aaron Ross, an infusion of youth would go a long way. Personally, their real needs are at the LB spots, namely replacements/competition for Michael Boley & Johnathan Goff, who while playing admirable did seem a weak-link.
At a glance: OL, CB, OLB, DE, SS
Offense
Thanks in large part to resurrection of Michael Vick this team was easily the most exciting team to watch during the regular season. And in many ways there is a lot to be excited about going into next year; namely the combined speed on the field of Vick, McCoy, Maclin and Jackson which seems stifling to opposing defenses. Not to mention the maturation process of Brent Celek and Jason Avant finally securing their roles as leaders all while rookie Riley Cooper helps find holes in defensive coverages. However, if you're looking for a place to improve, look no further than the offensive line, more specifically the RT position where former 'SC talent Winston Justice still hasn't rose to take over the position. Just as well no one along this line outside of Jason Peters is irreplaceable and Andy Reid knows it; so it goes without saying that he'll look to address the OL situation early in the draft.
Defense
On the surface, there's nothing immediately wrong with this squad and while Sean McDermott did the best he could, he just wasn't Jim Johnson. Their biggest question comes in two forms: 'How do they solidify their secondary if Quintin Mikell leaves in FA?' And 'How long can they go without finding another cover threat opposite Asante Samuel? Secondly, they could find a big run-stuffing DT, or a reliable LB to give Moises Fokou and Jamar Chaney a run for their money. Lastly, here's hoping Juan Castillo has better luck than his predecessor.
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