Arizona Cardinals - 5th Overall selectionAt a glance: QB, TE, OLB, RT
Offense
Now it's pretty clear that without Kurt Warner, the team sagged badly and really struggled to maintain any drive, let alone morale. That said, everyone knows they have a potentially dangerous offense waiting to be unleashed by the right signal caller, but for some reason they seem stubborn in not wanting to groom one (Matt Leinart) or to go through any sort growing pains (Max Hall.) Which all points to the 'Veteran-Free-Agent' route however, due to the CBA dragging on, that process seems as gray as ever. As for the rest of the offense it'd be hard find a slouch, however they did rank dead last in rushing yards, but I'm guessing that's because teams didn't fear their air attack, but it definitely wouldn't hurt to improve on the right side, considering Jeremy Bridges hasn't exactly been holding it down. Finally, a solid TE would go a long way in diversifying their aerial attack and solidifying their run game.
Defense
As for the defense, only secondary was stout, but even they couldn't make up for a lack luster pass-rush. This squad is in desperate need of a heart transplant, with grizzled vet's like Darnell Dockett wanting out, and Joey Porter just talking, its hard to notice the inspiring play of Daryl Washington. That said, a pass-rushing, 'pressure-creating' monster is what they need, as well as anyone with 'Heart.'
San Francisco 49ers - 7th Overall selection
At a glance: QB, OLB, CB, DT
Offense
I hate to offend my Niner fan readers, but Alex Smith was never the answer. The real question is what to do at pick #7... Whether or not to finally address the QB quandary that's plagued the franchise the last 8yrs or capitalize on the great talent available at #7 by fill other pressing needs? The latter of course means hoping to get a by another year with a lackluster offense, which should struggle to mask its inadequacies considering Frank Gore is coming off season cut short by fractured hip, Brian Westbrook is a year older and David Carr is the only QB currently under contract. Other than Vernon Davis, the 'flashy' Michael Crabtree and the occasional Ted Ginn sighting, the offense lacks any real threats and at times reveal serious depth concerns. That said, adding another play-maker along the receiving corps or bolstering the run game would all pale in comparison to having a reliable signal caller.
Defense
Greg Manusky, may have gotten more out of this group than Singletary ever could, and to be honest, this was one of the nastiest defenses in the league, and could easily be the answer for most of the teams wins. Sadly, Manusky's fervor will have to be felt from San Diego as he's the new D-Coordinator there and with his departure, they have holes that need to be filled and questions that need to addressed. First, is what happens to Aubrayo Franklin? Who was the team's Franchised player last year, and with the Haynesworth money kicking in (based on the avg salary of top players at the position, around the league,) a franchise tagged DT might just be a horrible idea. Heck, that's considering that there will even be the 'Franchise Player Tag' in the next CBA. Nate Clements won't be coming back under his current deal and even though Shantee Spencer is solid, their lack of dependable Nickel-corners makes them fodder for pass-heavy teams. The real attention getter though, is the lack of pressure put on opposing QB's, namely from the OLB position. Why is this so important? Well, the last time the 49ers had a player reach double digit sacks was Andre Carter back in 2002 w/ 12.5 sacks, similarly that was also the last time the Niners had a winning record... Any correlation?
St Louis Rams - 14th Overall selection
At a glance: WR, TE, FS, OLB, DT
Offense
It's pretty fair to say this team is set at QB. Furthermore, Sam Bradford did a phenomenal job considering what he had to work with; (Amendola, Bajema, Robinson, Gibson) so anything that can help Bradford soar in 2011 would be a good move considering the division is more or less still up for grabs. A major need is a play making Wide-Out, followed by TE and a change of pace scat-back who can tire out the defense when Steve Jack needs a blow. Finally, depth along the offensive line wouldn't be a bad idea either again, HELP SAM BRADFORD!
Defense
Much like the offense, the defense actually didn't play too bad, despite the lack of talent, credit that to new coach 'Spaggs' really getting through to the younger guys (Long & Laurinaitis.) That said, an influx of new talent at the OLB position should definitely take some heat off the captain James Laurinaitis. Also, improvements to the secondary are a must, considering the departure of OJ Atogwe to the Washington Redskins, leaving a gaping hole in both leadership and talent that Rod Bartell can't fill by himself. Lastly, finding a stout 3-technique DT to help plug the run and squeeze the pocket, forcing teams to question whether they should run at Long or Hall, would pay big dividends.
At a glance: QB, OL, WR, CB, DE
Offense
QB is without a doubt the biggest need here, even if they somehow manage to re-sign Matt Hasselbeck, the position has proven to be an injury prone, inexperienced and shaky one for the Seahawks the last couple of years. So clearly the biggest need is finding a new hope to lead the offense, and knowing Pete Carroll, this has been on his mind since he took the job (Charlie Whitehurst.) Even if they choose not to address the QB situation right away, the offensive line is another area that needs to be rebuilt and last year's signing of Russell Okung was a great start, granted they do have some other talent, albeit injured (Max Unger is a rock.) But depth and quality are both severely lacking along this line.
Defense
Despite their beleaguerment, the 2010 Seattle defense wasn't that bad and really outperformed expectations even shocking the defending champion Saints in the playoffs. All of which must have been a response to either Carroll's enthusiasm or a newly discovered leader in the secondary (Earl Thomas.) But there are still holes along the defensive line, more specifically DE. Well, anytime you have Kentwan Balmer starting there's a certainly a problem. So a solid pass-rushing DE who can also defend the run would make a lot of sense. Furthermore, the situation with Marcus Trufant's contract is more or less the same as Nate Clements, a heavy handed contract for a quality player that the team won't just won't tolerate. Plus the lack of a legit Nickel-corner is also a concern, so picking up a tall athletic corner wouldn't be a bad idea.
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