At a glance: QB, RT, DL, OLB, SS, FS
Offense
Despite having the worst record in the league, this team is much better than its 2-14 record would suggest. In fact, they still have Wide-out Steve Smith, RB's DeAngelo Williams & Johnathan Stewart and under the radar Pro-Bowler's OT Jordan Gross and C Ryan Kalil. So clearly the team has been dogged by a lack of experience & leadership at the QB position and although the team did address this need last year by drafting QB Jimmy Clausen, many people aren't convinced he's the answer. Moreover, with two impressive QB's at the top of this year's draft (Cam Newton & Blaine Gabbert,) it'll be very hard for the Panthers to not pick a signal caller at #1.
Defense
Now here's where the team can really improve, especially up the middle of the defense. And with Chargers D-Coordinator Ron Rivera taking over for the former "Defensive-Genius" John Fox, expect the 4-3 set to stay, also with some improvements in the run stopping department. The defensive line specifically have been a troublesome spot ever since DT Kris Jenkins and DE Julius Peppers left via free-agency. So expect them to go after a 3-technique DT to help squeeze the pocket and flush runners to the outside. Now they also have questions in the secondary, with Richard Marshall & Chris Gamble. And there has been some speculation that maybe they'll take Patrick Peterson the defensive-back from LSU (who is probably the most complete player of the draft,) but at the number one overall pick? I just don't see it.
At a glance: OL, RB, DE, LB, CB
Offense
Despite the surprising 10-6 record last year, this team still has some places it can grow. Now the offensive needs aren't as big as the defensive ones, with the likes of youngsters: Mike Williams, Arrelious Benn, Dez Briscoe, Josh Freeman and of course LeGarrette Blount. That said, if they do decide to look to shore-up the offense and prevent a sophomore slump, they should look toward building depth along the OL also, grabbing another RB to keep LeGarrette Blount fresh, would certainly pay dividends.
Defense
The defense on the other hand, could certainly use an upgrade in talent at several positions, namely the DE spot, which failed to secure the outside lanes and generate enough pass-rush. Now don't get me wrong, DE's Stylez G. White & Tim Crowder played decently but, considering the Bucco's spent the first two picks on the interior of the DL last year (DT's Gerald McCoy & Brian Price,) it seems to reason that they would insure their success by adding young talent around them. Also, other 'need areas' should be determined by what the Bucco's do via free-agency. For example, if MLB Barrett Rudd leaves they'll need depth along the LB ranks to compensate also they'll have to make a decision on suspended Safety Tanard Jackson. So basically they should look to address the DE positions first then work backwards from there.
At a glance: OT, RB, DE, OLB
Offense
Offensively the Saints are pretty much set at the skilled positions, however they may want to look into getting another RB at some point because of the ambiguous Reggie Bush situation. And even though they chose to let Jeremy Shockey walk in free-agency this year, they feel very confident in young talent TE Jimmy Graham who in a couple of years may turn into a serious threat. Also they'll need to build further depth at the OT position, and I know what you're thinking... "Hey Sean, didn't they just draft Charles Brown last year?" Yes they did, and he'll compete with Jermon Bushrod at the LT spot, but heck it never hurts to have competition.
Defense
Even though they were a solid team last year, defensively this squad can certainly improve. Adding talent at DE position specifically would make a substantial difference. Yes, they do have Will Smith (the athlete, Not the actor) they need another threat opposite him. Although DE's Alex Smith & Jimmy Wilkerson played adequately at the DE spot, adding a dynamic pass-rusher would bring the zeal back to this Greg Williams defense. Keep in mind this team should be solid as long as they can retain core talent through the franchise-tag (that is, if the franchise-tag exists in the new CBA.) Lastly, they lack any real athleticism at the OLB position, just a note but I'm sure they could get by.
At a glance: OL, WR, RB, DE, OLB
Offense
Yes, the Falcons went 13-3 last year and were for a good portion of the season was the most consistent, most dangerous, best coached and most talented team in the league. However, when they met the Packers in the playoffs, it became pretty clear that they lacked another throwing target opposite Roddy White as well as a speedster 'change-of-pace' back to compliment Michael Turner. Also, I'm not so sure they are sold on Sam Baker at LT. Look for them to address the wide-out & RB needs first, then coming back to the OL.
Defense
Again they went 13-3, and most would be content with saying they don't need much, however that Green Bay game really exposed the chinks in the armor. It's no secret they lack a sufficient pass-rush and John Abraham's age is starting to finally show, so adding another dynamic DE would be key. Finally, even though they drafted OLB Sean Weatherspoon last year, Mike Peterson is getting older and adding more athleticism to the OLB spot would make sense.
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