NFL Draft Preview, Part I
By Bruce Marshall
VegasInsider.com
1-LOS ANGELES RAMS (from Titans)... The first winner (as most expected) in the intense return-to-L.A. derby, the Rams embark on a back-to-the-future theme as they temporarily relocate to the historic L.A. Coliseum, which the team abandoned for Anaheim after 1979, while construction begins on their new football palace on the site of the old Hollywood Park race track in Inglewood, set to open in 2019. In this transition year, HC Jeff Fisher has been retained after another losing season in St. Louis, with reported pressure from owner Stan Kroenke to get the team to the playoffs (or else) this fall. There appear to be many pieces in place on the roster (especially at RB, where Todd Gurley becomes the first star of the next generation of L.A. Rams) except at the all-important QB spot, where holdovers journeyman Case Keenum and Nick Foles are Fisher's same options as a year ago, though neither is assured of even being on the roster in September. Especially after the recent deal with the Titans for the top spot in the draft, almost assuredly to be used for a QB, either North Dakota State's Carson Wentz or Cal's Jared Goff. (Most believe the 6-5, 237-lb. Wentz, who has drawn comparisons to Ben Roethlisberger, is the more-likely pick, though some suggest that Goff is actually the more NFL-ready of the two and could also be tabbed.) The Rams could also use a true No. 1 receiver, as Kenny Britt and Tavon Austin seem better suited to complementary roles, and there are a few new holes defensively after FA departures of CB Janoris Jenkins (to the Giants), FS Rodney McLeod (to the Eagles), and DT Nick Fairley (to the Saints). But the Rams are in L.A. again and in need of some star power, and the main question at the moment is if GM Les Snead opts for Wentz or Goff. Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State
2-PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (from Browns)... One-time Birds QB and assistant Doug Pederson, a longtime member of Andy Reid staffs and o.c. at Kansas City the past three years, returns to Philly as new HC after the unceremonious end of the Chip Kelly era. Pederson did not make an absolute clean break with the Kelly regime, as four of Chip's assistants from 2015 remain, but most observers are wondering about the Eagles' decision-making process after Kelly and predecessor Reid had final say in their tenures. Now, Howie Roseman (without his old GM label) appears to be the new supremo after previously losing an internal power struggle with Kelly, though former Bills and Steelers exec Tom Donahoe now has the title of director of player personnel. The apparent front office logjam has provided plenty of grist for the mill on 610 WIP in recent months. One of the new assistants is d.c Jim Schwartz, the former Lions HC, who will switch the Birds' base alignment from a 3-4 to a 4-3 and will be looking for some immediate help across his platoon, especially an edge pass rusher to help in the new schemes. On offense, RB is a likely target area after one of last year's flops, DeMarco Murray, was shipped to the Titans for a mid-round pick, and durability concerns remain with holdovers Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles. Until recently, the QB position was not considered a draft priority after the re-signing of Sam Bradford and adding ex-Chief Chase Daniel (favored by Pederson) in free agency as the NFL's highest-paid backup. But the recent trade with Cleveland to move up to this second slot (which also cost Philly several other picks, including a second-rounder in this draft and a first-rounder in 2017) suggests the Birds are hellbent to find a proper QB and will take NDSU's Wentz or Cal's Goff, whichever pilot is available after the Rams' pick. Signing S Rodney McLeod from the Rams and CB Leodis McKelvin from the Bills in free agency has addressed secondary concerns and further indicates the Birds go offense (and, now, likely at QB) with their top pick. The first-round pick in the eighth slot swapped to the Browns originally belonged to the Dolphins (who are now drafting 13th) before the trade that sent CB Byron Maxwell and LB Kiko Alonso to Miami. Jared Goff, QB, Cal
3-SAN DIEGO CHARGERS...With any potential move to Los Angeles put on hold for another year, the Chargers enter what shapes up as another effective lame-duck season at Qualcomm Stadium. 2016 also might be lame-duck campaigns for HC Mike McCoy and GM Tom Telesco, the former in particular not likely to survive anything close to a repeat of last season's 4-12 mess. As for Telesco, he is now directly answering to John Spanos, who has a newly-minted president of football operations title and now with final say on all personnel matters. More importantly, he's the son of franchise chairman Dean Spanos. Why does this seem like a potentially awkward arrangement to us? Whatever, lots of work to do after a 2015 season that started with such promise was derailed by a barrage of injuries, a dreadful running game, an inconsistent pass rush and a glaring inability to compete in the AFC West. There was not much upgrading of a distressed OL in the first wave of free agency, suggesting Telesco (as long as young Spanos approves) addresses concerns along the forward wall after the running game ranked a sickly 31st. The C position has also been a revolving door since Nick Hardwick's retirement two years ago. Yet a spotty "D" probably is the first priority, especially after losing on-field leader S Eric Weddle to the Ravens in free agency. A perfect confluence of need and best player available could transpire with the third pick in the first round, where Florida State's Jalen Ramsey is likely on the board and a potential successor to Weddle before the OL gets attention on Day 2. Jalen Ramsey, FS, Florida State
4-DALLAS COWBOYS...Though Jerry Jones is often the wild-card GM at the draft, most will be stunned if he doesn't address the QB situation, as a successor for Tony Romo is now a high priority after last season, when a collection of backups failed after Romo went down twice with a broken collarbone. (Romo, by the way, just underwent surgery on the collarbone, and is expected to be ready for training camp.) So far, Jones has not added a veteran backup, though could do so later in spring, perhaps to better bridge any gap between a rookie and Romo. Jones might even go QB in Round One, where Cal's Jared Goff or perhaps NDSU's Wentz could still be available in the fourth slot, but Dallas might be better served by looking for instant impact at the DE spot after the Greg Hardy experiment failed and Randy Gregory looks at an early four-game suspension for substance abuse. The defense, which disappointed a year ago, could use multiple front seven upgrades. Though Jones signed ex-Redskin RB Alfred Morris in free agency, the Cowboys still have considerable needs at RB, along with LB, DE and CB, as well as looking for Romo's successor. Never a dull moment in Big D, where Jones, as always, doesn't have to answer to anyone. Maybe that's the problem in Arlington! Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State
5-JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS...Owner Shad Khan is giving HC Gus Bradley and GM David Caldwell one more chance after the Jags got a bit closer to .500 a year ago, with the offense making major strides behind 2nd-year QB Blake Bortles. But it's up to the defense improving on last year's poor showing, when it ranked 31st in points allowed, for Bradley (and likely Caldwell, too) to stick around into 2017. The Jags, who have whiffed on some of their free agent signees in recent years, once again invested more heavily in the offseason on the stop unit, though did have enough salary room to sign OT Kelvin Beachum from the Steelers. The major prize was ex-Broncos DT Malik Jackson, who scored the first TD in Super Bowl 50, but could not be protected by Denver, which franchised LB Von Miller instead. After already addressing the DL (Jackson) and secondary (ex-Giant CB Prince Amukamara) in free agency, J'ville might as well look for an upgrade at LB in the draft, and UCLA's explosive Myles Jack could prove too good to bypass. Myles Jack, LB, UCLA
6-BALTIMORE RAVENS...For only the second time in HC John Harbaugh's eight seasons on the job, the Ravens missed the playoffs last year. Which was totally understandable considering the casualty list (a league-high 20 players on injured reserve!) that effectively sabotaged the 2015 campaign. By December, QB Joe Flacco, RB Justin Forsett, and WR Steve Smith were all out, and 2015 never began for rookie WR Breshard Perriman, KO'd in preseason. A simple case of better luck with injuries will help in 2016. Even before last year's injury to OLB Terrell Suggs, GM Ozzie Newsome was probably ready to groom a new pass rusher, and since the Ravens didn't address that need (at least yet) in free agency, they likely do so in the draft. Not that Newsome sat on his hands in free agency, as, with a bit more money to spend after restructuring QB Joe Flacco's contract, Ozzie inked a couple of vets, ex-Charger S Eric Weddle and ex-Patriots & Saints TE Ben Watson, who each add veteran leadership to the clubhouse. The WR corps, with a healthy Perriman and with vet Steve Smith announcing he would return, is now further stocked after Newsome signed ex-Dolphin and Viking Mike Wallace. With the pass rush suffering too much minus the presence of Suggs a year ago, Newsome probably opts for an impact player on the edge before looking for more help in a secondary that has been battling injuries the past two seasons. DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon
7-SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS...The 49ers have been the NFL's equivalent of the Kardashians in a tabloid-like offseason due to a couple of developments, first the inking of ex-Oregon and Eagles HC Chip Kelly, but more specifically the on-again, off-again trade rumors involving QB Colin Kaepernick, who made it past the April 1 deadline to guarantee a base salary of $11.9 million for 2016 but who is recovering from multiple injuries and medical procedures (shoulder, thumb, knee). All of the commotion a bit odd for a QB who quickly fell out of favor and lost his starting job a year ago. The new hot rumor has Kaepernick on his way to Denver, but the Broncos and 49ers are reportedly still far away on Kaepernick's contract (and how much SF might want to absorb) before completing any deal. Hastening Kaepernick's exit would be the drafting of a top-shelf QB in the first round; sources suggest that holdover Blaine Gabbert, serviceable after taking over for Kaepernick during the last half of 2015, is more likely to a be a bridge until the new QB is ready. Kelly, of course, has a lot of work to do with an offense that as of yet has done little in the offseason, save an effective guard exchange in free agency (Alex Boone out to the Vikings, Zane Beadles in from the Jags). Key WR Anquan Boldin remains unsigned, but might return, which could alter the priority on adding a wideout in the draft. Expect GM Trent Baalke to also address OT and DE in the draft, but new HC Kelly wants to get going right away with a restructured offense. The Rams' trade with the Titans means that the 49ers are probably going to have to make a deal with Cleveland at the 2 spot to have a shot at Carson Wentz or Jared Goff, but Kelly might wait until the second day to address the QB position, and instead begin the rebuild along the OL with the first-round pick. Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss
8-CLEVELAND BROWNS (from Dolphins via Eagles)... Here we go again in Cleveland, with the fourth HC (Hue Jackson) and GM (Sashi Brown, technically the VP of football operations) in five seasons for unpredictable owner Jimmy Haslam, who has been less patient with his coaches than the late George Steinbrenner once was with Yankee managers. And there is plenty of work for Jackson and Brown to do after Cleveland's latest crash-and-burn in 2015, as the Brownies ranked in the bottom five in scoring, total "D" and rushing "D" and won just once after October 11. The first order of business was to flesh out a QB situation that has featured a staggering 24 different starters since the franchise was restored in 1999. The Johnny Manziel circus has left town, and Cleveland has gambled on FA signee Robert Griffin III, at this stage a reclamation project. Still under contract is serviceable QB Josh McCown, but Griffin's progress and draft-day developments likely impact McCown's future in Cleveland. With many upgrades needed, the Brownies have wisely traded down in the first round in a deal with the Eagles that, among other goodies, also nets the Birds' 2nd-round pick and another first-rounder in 2017. There has already been considerable offseason personnel outflow, including veteran C Alex Mack bolting for the Falcons, creating a void on the OL that could be addressed in the draft, while the still-unknown status of suspended WR Josh Gordon adds some urgency to acquiring another target for a new QB. The addition of RG III could also allow the Browns to wait on taking a QB until the second day. Though an upgrade at RB might not be at the top of the wish list, the chance to grab a local favorite like Ohio State's electric Ezekiel Elliott could prove too much to bypass. Ezekiel Elliottt, RB, Ohio State
9-TAMPA BAY BUCS...The Glazers abruptly, and a bit surprisingly, pulled the plug on the Lovie Smith regime at the end of last season and promoted o.c. Dirk Koetter to HC in a QB-friendly move for Jameis Winston. (Lovie, by the way, landed on his feet as the new HC at Illinois.) Koetter then went about assembling a mini-reunion of the 2007 Jags staff, Koetter's first assignment in the NFL, including Todd Monken, hired away from his HC duties at Southern Miss to become Koetter's successor at o.c. for the Bucs. The preferred run-first scheme was helped when GM Jason Licht was able to re-sign RB Doug Martin before the former Boise flash tested the FA market. With offensive building blocks Winston, Martin and WR Mike Evans (Tampa Bay's top draft pick in 2014) in place, the Bucs concentrated most of their FA spending on defense, adding ex-Giants DE Robert Ayers and ex-Dolphins CB Brent Grimes. At 33, however, Grimes is a bit long in the tooth, and after using eight different DB combinations last season, Licht is likely looking for further upgrades in the secondary. Another impact performer on the DL is on the shopping list, as are upgrades along the OL after the retirement of vet G Logan Mankins, which fortunately opened up extra cap space for Licht. Vernon Hargreaves III, CB, Florida
10-NEW YORK GIANTS...The transition phase away from the Tom Coughlin regime does not figure to be too disruptive after o.c. Ben McAdoo was promoted to HC while longtime GM Jerry Reese remains in the saddle. Much of the Coughlin staff also remains, including d.c. Steve Spagnuolo, while QB coach Mike Sullivan was promoted to McAdoo's old o.c. position and will continue the ongoing phases of the West Coast offense that McAdoo imported from Green Bay two years ago. As for Reese, he would spend the early stage of free agency re-stocking a defense that faltered a year ago and had continuing problems slowing the run. Ex-Jets NT Damon Harrison and ex-Dolphins DE Olivier Vernon have been added in high-priced deals, while DE Jason Pierre-Paul is being brought back on a one-year contract after last summer's fireworks mishap caused him to lose parts of his fingers (Paul believes offseason surgery will give him a better chance to contribute at former levels), while ex-Ram CB Janoris Jenkins is likely to fortify the secondary. Reese has also brought back oft-injured WR Victor Cruz on a much-reduced take-it-or-leave-it one-year offer for 2016, though there is still hope that Cruz can return to earlier levels and form a highlight-reel 1-2 receiver combo with Odell Beckham, Jr. for Eli Manning. Speaking of Eli, Reese might also be looking to find an eventual replacement at QB, as Manning enters his 13th season (where did the time go?). The Giants have also invested heavily in their OL in the last two drafts and are probably not yet done with the re-make of their forward wall, especially with the right side of the line remaining an issue. Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
11-CHICAGO BEARS...The Bears only improved one win under HC John Fox from the desultory 2014 campaign that marked the end of predecessor Marc Trestman's tenure. But there is consensus among NFC observers that the Chicago ship has been turned in the right direction with Fox and GM Ryan Pace, who uncovered several later-round gems when running his first draft operation last spring. One of those, 4th-round pick RB Jeremy Langford, impressed so much that Pace decided not to bring back vet RB Matt Forte. Pace and Fox are also hoping that QB Jay Cutler's mid-career revival continues under new o.c. Dowell Loggains, promoted from QB coach after Adam Gase left to become HC at Miami. There is an immediate need on the OL at the LT spot after the release of vet Jermon Bushrod; FA Bobby Massie was signed from the Cardinals, but he plays on the right side, and Cutler still needs a backside protector. Within the first two days, Pace likely addresses that position, and might be looking for some edge help on the DL or OLB spots after investing heavily at ILB in free agency with ex-Bronco Danny Trevathan and ex-Colt Jerrell Freeman. The TE spot could also use an upgrade after off-field antics prompted the release of TE Martellus Bennett, and the re-signed holdover Zach Miller is more like a wideout lining up at TE. The best athlete/player available option could be the route taken by Pace in the first round. Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia
12-NEW ORLEANS SAINTS...With HC Sean Payton re-committed to the franchise after talk of his potential departure had the rumor mills whirring after back-to-back 7-9 seasons, it remains business as usual in the Big Easy, with longtime GM Mickey Loomis also staying in the fold. Payton is now signed thru 2020, though provisions apparently still remain to give Payton an out should aging Tom Benson lose his ownership role. As expected, Payton made several staff changes, though he retained d.c. Dennis Allen, who was promoted to that role midway in 2015 after Rob Ryan was released. Loomis also continues to work on a contract extension with QB Drew Brees, hoping to lessen the approximate $30 mill cap hit Brees causes for 2016 without a restructured deal (or extension, as 2016 is the final year on Brees' $100 million contract signed in 2012), but was able to free up nearly $5 mill, thanks to a restructured deal with DE Cameron Jordan. Which at least helped allow Loomis to dip into free agency for hopeful upgrades in the defensive front seven, with ex-Rams DT Nick Fairley and LB James Laurinaitis, plus ex-Browns LB Craig Robertson. Meanwhile, Brees should be happy with the addition of ex-Colts TE Coby Fleener. The Saints must also fix their defensive front (and fast) after allowing an NFL-worst 4.9 ypc a year ago, and the team conceded an NFL-record 45 TD passes, so there are needs across a stop unit after the Saints allowed 28 more points than any other team. Still, keep an eye on the situation with Brees, as Loomis could alter the dynamics at the Superdome if drafting an eventual successor to Brees in the first round. A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama
13-MIAMI DOLPHINS (from Eagles)...There are some AFC sources casting an interested eye upon the Dolphins and new, highly-charged HC Adam Gase, a decorated o.c. for John Fox at Denver and Chicago and a welcome departure from the staid Joe Philbin and his overmatched interim successor Dan Campbell. There is also a new-look front office, with ex-Jet exec Mike Tannenbaum now running the draft, with new GM Chris Grier (promoted from scouting director) a voice in his ear. Gase's immediate task is to see if he can jump-start the career of QB Ryan Tannehill, who seemed on his way to stardom two years ago before regressing in 2015. Tannenbaum hoped to acquire immediate help in free agency when tendering an offer to Denver RB C.J. Anderson, but the Broncos matched the Dolphins and Anderson stays in Colorado. Thus, safe to say that Miami adds a RB within the first two days of the draft, as Lamar Miller has left for Houston and second-year Jay Ajayi is more of a situational option and not considered durable enough for workhorse duty. Tannenbaum also thought it important enough to acquire oft-injured LB Kiko Alonso and CB Byron Maxwell (a major disappointment last season) from the Eagles to flip-flop first-round spots 8 and 13 with the Birds, while DEs Mario Williams (ex-Bills) and Andre Branch (ex-Jags) were added to bolster an underachieving DL that was still one of the NFL's worst vs. the run despite last year's addition of high-priced FA DT Ndamukong Suh. We suspect it's defense or a RB (certainly if Ohio State's Ezekiel Elliott is still on the board) in the first slot. Darron Lee, OLB, Ohio State
14-OAKLAND RAIDERS...The city has been given a one-year reprieve to come up with a plan to keep the Raiders moored in the East Bay. But sources say it is unlikely that Oakland, still paying off the "Mount Davis" addition to the aging Coliseum from the late '90s, bends over backwards to further appease Mark Davis, and is more interested in finding a longer-term venue for the MLB A's. Meanwhile, Davis has scouted Las Vegas and San Antonio as potential landing spots after the league put the Raiders third in line for a potential relocation to Los Angeles. For what it's worth, the league apparently supports a stadium-share in Santa Clara with the 49ers, but Davis reportedly has little interest in that option. In the meantime, Davis has a one-year extension for 2016 (with heightened rent) at the Coliseum with options for two more years at the team's discretion. Stay tuned. The on-field product made progress last year for the first time in a while under new HC Jack Del Rio, who also unleashed an upgraded passing game with second-year QB Derek Carr and new wideouts Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree. Now, GM Reggie McKenzie probably looks to add a RB, with a very thin depth chart behind holdover Latavius Murray. The biggest need, however, is probably at the safety positions after the retirement of sure-fire HOFer Charles Woodson and release of Nate Allen, but whether McKenzie believes any safeties on the board are worth a mid first-round pick remains to be seen. With more draft options at CB, Oakland could go in that direction instead. Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State
15-TENNESSEE TITANS (from Rams)... AARP's favorite team, with HC Mike Mularkey's coaching staff mostly eligible to begin receiving Social Security benefits before the end of the year. Just one of several curiosities of the Titans, whose control has bounced between various heirs of Bud Adams since the franchise patriarch passed away in 2013, and now prompting the NFL to subtly seek new ownership in Nashville. For the moment, new GM Jon Robinson (with front office experience in New England and Tampa Bay) has acted responsibly and dealt away the top pick to the Rams, flip-flopping with L.A. in the first round and adding a haul of picks in later rounds plus the Rams' top choice in 2017. Looks like a good bit of business for the Titans, who now have 6 of the top 76 picks in this draft, and believe they have already their franchise QB in place with Marcus Mariota. Robinson has already begun to address the many position needs, adding ex-Texans C Ben Jones, ex-Dolphins WR Rishard Matthews, ex-Steelers LB Sean Spence, and-ex-Dolphins CB Brice McCain, plus well-traveled QB Matt Cassel (an experienced reliever for Mariota) in free agency, as well as trading with the Eagles for RB DeMarco Murray. The bad news is that the roster still retains many holes. Robinson will likely first address the ongoing rebuild along an OL that ranked dead last in sacks allowed (54) and needs to better protect prized former Heisman-winning QB Mariota, as well as provide some openings for RB Murray to reinvigorate a dormant infantry, before getting around to more upgrades in the LB corps. Also expect a safety to be targeted somewhere along the way after the recent release of vet Michael Griffin. Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State
NFL Draft Preview, Part II
By Bruce Marshall
VegasInsider.com
16-DETROIT LIONS...The Lions' fast finish (6-2 SU last eight) gave HC Jim Caldwell, considered a dead man walking in late October, a reprieve from an earlier purge by franchise matriarch Martha Ford, who wielded her axe indiscriminately at midseason when canning GM Martin Mayhew and team prexy Tim Lewand. New GM Bob Quinn (formerly in Patriots front office), hired at the end of last season, and perhaps influenced by Mrs. Ford, gives another chance to Caldwell, whose dismissal of Joe Lombardi and promotion of Jim Bob Cooter to o.c. at midseason triggered a renaissance by QB Matthew Stafford and the late rally. Unfortunately, WR Calvin Johnson has made good on his threat to retire, giving Quinn extra cap space but also removing a key cog from the Lions offense. Quinn thus went shopping for a WR in free agency and landed Marvin Jones from Cincinnati, who should form a capable 1-2 punch with holdover Golden Tate, though neither has the ability of "Megatron" to distort a defense, and Quinn will likely target a deep-threat wideout in Chicago. Among a handful of potential FAs retained were DT Haloti Ngata and LB Tamir Whitehead. Quinn predecessor Mayhew invested heavily in the interior OL in recent drafts, but the tackle positions remain spotty after being largely responsible for the highest sack totals of Stafford's career the past two seasons. Quinn, who is on record as saying he will draft for need, and not the best player available, might also be looking for help at DE to provide an impact bookend opposite All-Pro Ziggy Ansah. Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
17-ATLANTA FALCONS...A quick break from the gate last season, when running neck-and-neck with Cam Newton's Carolina into mid-October, proved a false alarm when the Falcons would go into steep descent before finishing the season at .500. Dealing the Panthers their only loss of the regular season in the penultimate week was the only highlight of the last half of the campaign. The defense made modest strides in 2015 under first-year HC Dan Quinn (who arrived after a stint as d.c. on Pete Carroll's Seattle staff), but still seeks upgrades, especially from a pass rush that would generate a league-low 19 sacks. Though GM Thomas Dimitroff spent money on the stop unit in free agency and added DE Derrick Shelby from the Dolphins, the big dollars were spent offensively, luring C Alex Mack from the Browns and WR Mohamed Sanu from the Bengals to help an "O" that had an alarming downturn the second half of the season. Vet Matt Schaub, who began his career in Atlanta back in the Michael Vick era, returns as insurance behind QB Matt Ryan, who in particular faltered noticeably down the stretch. Since the newly-signed Shelby has only nine career sacks, Dimitroff is likely not done shopping for a pass rusher, which should get addressed early in what is likely a defense-oriented draft before the Falcons kick off their last season in the Georgia Dome (the adjacent Mercedes-Benz Stadium is rising quickly and will be ready in 2017). Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
18-INDIANAPOLIS COLTS...When the dust finally settled on a topsy-turvy campaign, and the Colts had fought back to .500, even as they finished the season with Josh Freeman and Ryan Lindley at QB, HC Chuck Pagano was rewarded with a new contract from unpredictable owner Jim Irsay. Which appeared unlikely for much of December when rumors surfaced of rifts between Pagano and GM Ryan Grigson, and Irsay's reported failed courtship of Saints HC Sean Payton. Which makes Pagano (who had rejected a series of one-year contracts prior to 2015) seem like an NFL version of LSU's Les Miles heading into 2016. Of course, just getting QB Andrew Luck back from the lacerated kidney that KO'd him at midseason would be a plus, though Luck endured an erratic half-season (partly due to other nagging hurts) before his 2015-ending injury. Ex-Browns HC Rob Chudzinski, promoted to o.c. midway last season after the dismissal of Pep Hamilton and his predictable play-calling, should benefit from a healthy Luck. Considering that Luck, plus backup QBs Matt Hasselbeck and Charlie Whitehurst, were all KO'd last fall, better protection is necessary, so upgrades along the OL (which could also spark a 29th-ranked infantry) are likely at the top of Grigson's list, as well as finding a pass rush, with 35-year old LB Robert Mathis, off of Achilles tendon surgery, the best option to pressure QBs last season. Grigson's main FA activities did not address either area of need, with money spent thus far on ex-Chargers CB Patrick Robinson and ex-Packers QB Scott Tolzien (the new likely backup to Luck after Hasselbeck's retirement) and keeping PF Adam Vinatieri and TE Dwayne Allen (at the expense of Luck's old Stanford buddy Coby Fleener, who signed with the Saints) in the fold. Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State
19-BUFFALO BILLS...Rex Ryan was not hired to oversee a rebuild in Buffalo, which is why there was some speculation in the Niagara frontier that Rexy could have been a one-and-done when the Bills failed to end their NFL-long postseason drought (since 1999) a year ago. More so after the typical Ryan bluster had forecasted a return to the playoffs. Further, the Buffalo defense regressed, especially a pass rush that dropped from a league-best 54 to a puny 22 sacks, as Ryan's schemes did not translate to the talent on hand. On the plus side, the Bills might have finally solved a decade-long QB dilemma with the emergence of Tyrod Taylor, though he was not given a long-term contract extension, suggesting that doubts still remain within the organization. As expected, one of the disappointments of last season and a vocal Ryan critic, DE Mario Williams, was released, though GM Doug Whaley, without a lot of salary cap flexibility, did not make many significant upgrades in the first wave of free agency. Ryan's hybrid defensive schemes suggest a DE or LB could fill the role of edge pass rusher that Buffalo so desperately needs, while the reluctance to commit longer-term to Taylor indicates Whaley might be looking for QB in the second or third day. Noah Spence, DE/LB, Eastern Kentucky
20-NEW YORK JETS...Though the season ended bitterly with a loss to former HC Rex Ryan and his Bills that would cost the Jets a playoff berth, it was an uplifting 10-6 campaign overall for New York under first-year HC Todd Bowles, who proved a shrewd hire off Bruce Arians' Cardinals staff and kept the Jets in the playoff hunt until the final weekend. Bowles' low-key, no-nonsense approach resonated much better with the roster than predecessor Ryan, whose bombastic act had worn thin. A major surprise was journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick, who mostly suppressed his career-long Mr. Hyde tendencies at QB by limiting characteristic mistakes to only a handful of games. Unfortunately, Fitzpatrick is also out of contract, and while most believe he ends up back with the Jets (who are not likely to turn back to Geno Smith, or the not-yet-ready Bryce Petty), the contract impasse threatens to continue right up to the draft. Perhaps the Jets' recent deal with Denver to acquire former All-Pro OT Ryan Clady will help end the staredown. Stay tuned for further developments. Adding Clady at LT addressed a crucial need after D'Brickashaw Ferguson's retirement, though Clady's recent injury history and RT Breno Giacomini's struggles a year ago suggest the tackle spots might still be positions of need for 2nd-year GM Mike Maccagnan, who proved adept at filling gaps a year ago when named the NFL exec of the year. Though most believe Fitzpatrick eventually re-signs, Maccagnan probably spends a later pick on another developmental prospect at QB. Offensive coordinator Chan Gailey is campaigning hard for the OL and RB spots to be addressed early, as the Jets want to evolve into a run-first team, but Bowles is also on the lookout for a new ILB after starter Denario Davis departed for Cleveland in free agency. Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama
21-WASHINGTON REDSKINS...While the rest of the NFC East imploded around them, the Redskins surprisingly emerged to win the division and save the job of HC Jay Gruden. So, for the first time in a while at FedEx Field, there is some stability, with no outflow on the coaching staff and GM Scot McCloughan now firmly entrenched in his role. (Though we warn that impulsive owner Dan Snyder is still lurking not far away.) McCloughan, however, cannot rest on his laurels, as several upgrades can be used, especially on defense for a platoon that ranked rather low both vs. the pass (25th) and run (26th) in 2015. The expected release of QB Robert Griffin III opened some salary cap room, and defense got most of the FA attention, including S David Bruton, signed away from Denver where he was also a special teams ace. Bruton, however, is viewed as a short-term fix, and McCloughan will definitely be looking for more upgrades in the secondary, as well as in the front seven. As for QB Kirk Cousins, he's now entrenched as the starter after a breakout 2015, but McCloughan might need more convincing, as Cousins was only given a franchise tag (though worth almost $20 million) for 2016, asking the former Michigan State man to prove himself again before getting a long-term deal. Washington also might be looking for a new RB after Alfred Morris bolted in free agency for Dallas, though Gruden insists that holdover Matt Jones is ready to assume the featured infantry role. Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville
22-HOUSTON TEXANS...The Texans made one of the big splashes of free agency when stealing QB Brock Osweiler from the Super Bowl champion Broncos. After a slow start in 2015 and somehow qualifying for the playoffs when using four different QBs, so desperate was Houston GM Rick Smith for an upgrade at the position that he acquiesced to every demand of Osweiler agent Jimmy Sexton, who priced his client out of the range John Elway was willing to pay in Denver. We'll see if Osweiler, with only seven NFL starts under his belt, is worth a 4-year, $72 million deal. The Osweiler signing pushes QB to the back burner in the draft, where the Texans might instead be looking for an upgrade on defense after spending most of their FA dollars on offense. Besides Osweiler, Smith lured ex-Dolphin RB Lamar Miller, ex-Chief G Jeff Allen, and ex-Raider G/C Tony Bergstrom. Allen and Bergstom, however, are effective replacements for C Ben Jones (to the Titans) and G Brandon Brooks (to the Eagles) in free agency. Transitioning away from Gary Kubiak's old zone-based blocking to power schemes under third-year HC Bill O'Brien is an ongoing process, so Smith is probably not done addressing the OL, and might be very tempted to add a new receiving target for Osweiler, where a dangerous slot receiver could come in handy and provide a bit more balance to the aerial game with DeAndre Hopkins and Jaelen Strong around to catch passes outside the numbers. The Texans mighty also pay some attention to the DE spot opposite J.J. Watt after Jared Crick's FA departure to the Broncos. Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor
23-MINNESOTA VIKINGS...The Vikes will be hitting their brand-new, state-of-the-art U.S. Bank Stadium with plenty of momentum after stealing the NFC North away from the Packers last season and just missing a win over the Seahawks in the wild card round. Even so, the offense has some glaring needs, as the passing game would rank next-to-last with only 183 ypg, while the line is under scrutiny after OL coach Jeff Davidson was fired and vet assistant Tony Sparano was enlisted to forge an upgrade following HC Mike Zimmer's warning to all returning linemen that no job was safe. To no one's surprise in the Twin Cities, the OL has already received attention, as ex-49er G Alex Boone has been the highest-priced FA addition, which means that the Vikings might place a higher draft priority on finding a legit downfield target for QB Teddy Bridgewater after Mike Wallace (who has since bolted to the Ravens) and Cordarrelle Patterson were not able to consistently fill that role a year ago. Minnesota is also one team that can expect to be shuffling draft picks, as GM "Trader Rick" Spielman has made an art form of trading down and has engineered 25 draft day deals since arriving with the Vikes in 2006. Spielman, currently with 8 picks to use, is on record as saying he would like ten picks in every draft, so keep an eye on the trade wire. Josh Doctson, WR, TCU
24-CINCINNATI BENGALS...There is apparently no consequence in Cincy for HC Marvin Lewis losing at the first playoff hurdle every season. That's now happened four years running for the Bengals, as well as a postseason victory drought that has endured since 1990. But Lewis has had his contract extended another year thru 2017 despite the gut-wrenching giveaway loss to the Steelers in the latest Queen City wild card-round meltdown. The challenge to get back to the playoffs might be daunting this fall, however, with considerable outflow in free agency as well as the departure of o.c. Hue Jackson (now the HC of the Browns), with QB coach Ken Zampese promoted to Jackson's role. A big part of the Bengals' high-scoring offense had been the development of WRs Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu, but both have departed in free agency, and only adding ex-Patriot Brandon LaFell is not a great trade-off. So, finding some receiving help for QB Andy Dalton figures to be a draft priority, but director of player personnel Duke Tobin is also probably going to be taking a hard look at the secondary, where S Reggie Nelson has bolted to the Raiders and vet CB Leon Hall is not likely to be asked back. The Bengals might also be considering some fortification at LB, especially with Vontaze Burfict looking at a 3-game suspension out of the chute and a notorious disciplinary risk. Will Fuller, WR, Notre Dame
25-PITTSBURGH STEELERS...The Steelers have stayed relevant in recent campaigns even as they have transitioned plenty of personnel on the defensive side. The resilience of the organization also showed last season when HC Mike Tomlin was able to keep the team afloat, winning games with backup QBs Michael Vick and Landry Jones during Ben Roethlisberger's absences, results that would help the men of Steel make it back to the playoffs as a wild card. With Big Ben now entering his 13th season and with plenty of wear on his tires, expect GM Kevin Colbert to address a longer-term QB answer sometime in the draft, though there are other areas of need demanding earlier attention. Such as the secondary, which allowed a whopping 272 ypg thru the air (ranking 30th) and has not yet been significantly addressed in free agency other than re-signing CB William Gay. This might be the first year since 2003 that the Steelers draft a DB in the first round. Finding a potential shutdown CB is a likely early target, as well as adding more depth at the safety spots that have downgraded since the days of Troy Polamalu and Ryan Clark patrolling the outfield. The season-long suspension of troubled WR Martavis Bryant suggests that Colbert also looks for another WR in the second or third day. William Jackson III, CB, Houston
26-SEATTLE SEAHAWKS...After a brief salary cap honeymoon when starting QB Russell Wilson was still on a third-round rookie contract, allowing extra dollars to be spent elsewhere on the roster, the Seahawks finally had to start dealing with their salary issues like most teams a year ago, figuring on a larger chunk for their QB. Wilson's new contract counted $7 mill against the cap last season, and will escalate to $11 mill this year and $15 mill in 2017, so Seattle GM John Schneider is now juggling cap space a bit more delicately than the Hawks' Super Bowl seasons of 2013 and '14. With not enough salary room to keep everybody, Seattle has experienced some significant (but expected) personnel outflow the past two offseasons. The most immediate area of need appears to be along the OL, which endured a rough beginning to 2015 and ended up surrendering 46 sacks before finally coagulating down the stretch. There has already been plenty of shuffling up front in free agency (OTs Russell Okung and Alvin Bailey, and G J.R. Sweezy all out; ex-Raider G J'Marcus Webb and ex-Card T Bradley Sowell in), but Schneider and HC Pete Carroll will almost certainly be looking for upgrades in the draft, where a center might also be targeted. The Hawks could also be looking for another CB opposite Richard Sherman after struggling to replace Byron Maxwell a year ago. With Marshawn Lynch apparently making good on his retirement threat, Schneider also could be looking for another RB, though Central Michigan FA Thomas "Lou" Rawls came out of nowhere to become one of the surprise stories of 2015 to prevent a significant non-Lynch dropoff. Ryan Kelly, C, Alabama
27-GREEN BAY PACKERS...Though the Pack got back to the playoffs again in 2015, a 4-6 fade down the stretch allowed the Vikings to slip in and steal the NFC North. And now there are rumors that longtime HC Mike McCarthy has become a bit miffed at GM Ted Thompson's draft-and-develop approach, as Green Bay was once again mostly a bystander in the first wave of free agency, adding only DE Jared Cook from the Rams in a mid-tier deal (though Thompson did manage to retain PK Mason Crosby and DT Letroy Guion). The offense struggled significantly down the stretch last season, though injuries, especially to the WR corps (which never really recovered from top wideout Jordy Nelson's season-ending knee injury in preseason), were partly to blame. McCarthy, however, has been vocal of his criticism of the stop unit in the offseason ("We're not a championship defense, and that has to be the next step next year," said the coach recently), and that would appear to be the focus of Thompson's attention early in the draft. It is expected that the Pack will target an ILB, as d.c. Dom Capers plans to move Clay Matthews back to the outside to take better advantage of his pass-rush capabilities. And even with the re-signing of Guion, Thompson might also want to address the DL after blubbery DT B.J. Raji's announced "hiatus" (as Raji refers to it). How RB Eddie Lacy is proceeding with his weight-control issues in the offseason after falling into McCarthy's doghouse might also dictate whether Thompson looks early at the RB spot, though holdover James Starks was re-signed. Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama
28-KANSAS CITY CHIEFS...The Chiefs' late-season surge was one of the top storylines of 2015, and presents a tough act to follow for HC Andy Reid and GM John Dorsey. Draft priorities have perhaps been altered due to key OLB Justin Houston's knee surgery, which threatens to keep him out for the entire season. There was already going to be plenty of attention paid to the CB spot after Sean Smith left in free agency for the Raiders. On offense, the WRs became more productive with last year's addition of ex-Eagle Jeremy Maclin, as the wideouts would catch 12 TD passes after posting the big donut in 2014. Still, expect Reid and Dorsey to target a possession receiver to go over the middle. An upgrade at the RB position might also be in order with Jamaal Charles off another major knee injury and with plenty of miles on his 30-year-old legs; Charcandrick West and Spencer Ware were serviceable in relief last year but neither appears to be a long-term option. And after losing G Jeff Allen (to the Texans) and T Robert Stephenson (to the Broncos) in free agency, Dorsey is likely to be shopping for some help along the OL, too. The KC brain trust also might be looking for another QB after Alex Smith's safety blanket, Chase Daniel, left for the Eagles in the offseason. Note that KC forfeits picks in the third and seventh rounds due to tampering penalties related to last year's courtship of Maclin. Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
29-ARIZONA CARDINALS...When healthy, the Cardinals have a complete roster, and the Big Red came close to their first Super Bowl visit in seven years in 2015 when making it as far as the NFC title game, another marker in the ascent of the franchise since HC Bruce Arians was hired prior to 2013. The immediate question in the desert is how much gas 36-year-old QB Carson Palmer has left in his tank, especially after a shaky playoff performance that resulted in six picks in 2015's two postseason games. Backup Drew Stanton was signed to a pricey deal to stick around as insurance, but GM Steve Keim might be tempted to identify Palmer's eventual successor early in the draft if he likes the QBs still on the board late in the first round. Keim might also want to add some depth to the secondary and look for a proper CB bookend to go with Patrick Peterson and also as insurance in case FS Tyrann Mathieu, also a hybrid CB, or someone else goes down with injury, as Mathieu did late last season. Keim, also adept at adding veteran pieces to jazz the pass rush, recently traded a second-round pick to the Patriots for DE Chandler Jones, lessening the need to address that element in the draft. Arizona also probably looks to upgrade at C, which has been the weakest link in an otherwise sturdy offensive front wall. Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
30-CAROLINA PANTHERS...While there would not seem to be too many positions considered needy following a 15-1 regular season and a trip to Super Bowl 50, the undressing of OTs Michael Oher and Mike Remmers by the Broncos on Feb. 7 in Santa Clara was an early indicator of the area in which GM Dave Gettleman might be looking for some help in the draft, if for nothing else than to find a long-term blindside protector for QB Cam Newton. The offense functioned well with a mostly non-descript group of wideouts a year ago and will get a big boost with the return of WR Kelvin Benjamin, who flashed lots of upside after being a first-round pick in 2014 before missing all of 2015 due to injury. Getting Benjamin back is like adding another first-round wide receiver. The defense should remain robust, but even before the surprise rescinding of the franchise tag on All-Pro Josh Norman, making him a free agent, the Panthers were looking for some help at CB, where they remain razor thin, and where slot man Bene' Benwikere is coming off a broken leg. Norman's exit leaves Robert McClain and Teddy Williams as the only corners currently under contract with game experience. Gettleman might also be looking for help at SS with aging Roman Harper's status still up in the air. Adding some depth at DE is another possibility after Jared Allen's retirement, and Charles Johnson being brought back on just a one-year deal. The good news is that Gettleman still has plenty of maneuverability beneath the salary cap and can be expected to add some more pieces in the second wave of free agency prior to training camp. Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson
31-DENVER BRONCOS...The Super Bowl 50 champs figured to take some hits in free agency with not enough room to accommodate all of their expiring contracts. As expected, Super Bowl MVP LB Von Miller received the franchise tag, which hamstrung John Elway in his attempts to keep some other key defenders, resulting in departures of DT Malik Jackson (to the Jags) and LB Danny Trevathan (to the Bears). Elway did manage to hang on to restricted FA RB C.J. Anderson by matching Miami's offer, though most of the talk in Colorado has been about the QB position after Peyton Manning's expected retirement and Brock Osweiler's unexpected bolt for Houston, leaving Elway and HC Gary Kubiak very thin behind center. Elway quickly dealt with the Eagles for Mark Sanchez as insurance and can be expected to make another move (perhaps in the draft), with various names, including Colin Kaepernick and FA Johnny Manziel, being floated. Though AFC sources suggest Elway and Kubiak believe they might have their eventual answer at QB in second-year Trevor Siemian, the ex-Northwestern man who impressed last preseason. Siemian's potential target date is more likely in 2017, though he will be given a chance to win the job this summer. Thus, many don't believe Elway is in a hurry to add a QB in the draft unless he could possibly swing a deal to move up for North Dakota State's Carson Wentz. Denver did bolster its OL by adding OTs Robert Stephenson (via the Chiefs) and Russell Okung (via the Seahawks) in free agency, and signed DE Jared Crick from the Texans. But the chance to add another impact player to a championship defense that lost a couple of big-play elements in Jackson and Trevathan will be tempting for Elway. Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss
Due to penalties resulting from the "Deflate-gate" episode, New England forfeited its first-round pick at the 29th slot. Following is a look at what the Patriots might be looking to do in Chicago later this month.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS...The Pats are without a first-round pick, but added a selection late in the second round by trading DE Chandler Jones to the Cardinals. Thus, New England has back-to-back picks near the end of Round Two at slots 60 and 61, plus two more picks in Round Three (one of those a compensatory selection at the end of the round). Jones' departure leaves a potential void at DE, which recently-signed Chris Long (via the Rams), off of a disappointing 2015, might not be able to fill. Bill Belichick will also probably be looking to add depth at the CB spot opposite Malcolm Butler. The offense figures to get plenty of attention, however, as the depth chart at RB is long but not necessarily distinguished, with top 2015 infantry threat Dion Lewis off a serious ACL injury. The Tom Brady-led attack remains pass-first, but has lacked a serious deep threat for years, and the Pats might target a burner to help better balance an aerial game that relies on lots of intermediate and underneath stuff to WR Julian Edelman and TE Rob Gronkowski.