With the new league year set to open a week from Wednesday, NFL teams will finally be able to take action in an attempt to overhaul rosters and make a push for a championship. Over the next few months, through both the draft and free agency, teams will be addressing needs.
However, the first that process requires you to identify what exactly it is that your needs are. And that’s what we’re taking a stab at today, first with a look at what all 16 teams in the AFC need heading into 2016.
AFC EAST
Buffalo-DE, OG, WR, LB, OT, QB, S
Mario Williams will be released and, outside of Jerry Hughes, the Bills have little in the way of pass-rushers off the edge. The Bills’ linebackers also never appeared comfortable in Rex Ryan’s defense. While the right side of Buffalo’s offensive line was mess last year, the left side was very good. However, Richie Incognito is scheduled to hit free agency while Cordy Glenn got the franchise tag. The Bills could really use a dangerous weapon opposite Sammy Watkins as well as another safety. It would also be smart to bring in competition for EJ Manuel as Buffalo’s backup quarterback.
Miami-LB, OG, CB, RB, DE
Defensive end and running back are on this list due to the uncertainty surrounding Olivier Vernon, Derrick Shelby (who played much better than many realize) and Cameron Wake, whose contract is prohibitive as we speak. Vernon is now locked in for this upcoming season, but Lamar Miller and Shelby could leave via free agency and Wake isn’t guaranteed to be back. Linebacker, guard and cornerback are on this list because the Dolphins are just very bad at these positions and there is a chance that Brent Grimes is let go to help Miami out with their difficult cap situation.
Sept. 13, 2015 – Landover, Florida, U.S. – Miami Dolphins defensive end Cameron Wake (91) walks off field after win over the Redskins at FedExField in Landover, Maryland on September 13, 2015.
New England-OG, RB, WR, CB, DT
The Patriots’ offensive line was a big problem, but injuries and interior youth had a lot to do with that. New England has used some mid-round picks on guards and at center, so grabbing a free agent veteran starting guard could be just what the doctor needed to get this line back in shape. The Patriots need a power runner and could use a field-stretching wide receiver, as well. You can never have too many corners or defensive tackles and the Patriots are no exception here, although they would be smart to bring back Akiem Hicks.
New York Jets-QB, RB, ILB, OLB, OT, OG, NT, CB
Well, their starting quarterback, stud nose tackle and top three running backs are now unrestricted free agents. New York needs a boost at inside linebacker and with their edge pass rush and their offensive line is getting old in key spots and could use a facelift. Plus, they just cut Antonio Cromartie. The Jets could be a strong candidate to take a step backwards in 2016.
AFC NORTH
Baltimore-EDGE, OL, S, CB, WR, DL
Remember when the Ravens were all about defense? Well, expect Ozzie Newsome to do everything possible to get this defense back in order. The Ravens’ skill positions on offense are not ideal, with the most questions hovering around their wide receivers, and the potential loss of Kelechi Osemele would be a major blow. But Baltimore needs difference makers on defense in just about every position. Expect to hear “With the sixth overall pick in the draft, the Baltimore Ravens select…the best defensive player available.”
Cincinnati-S, CB, WR, LB, OC
Both of the Bengals’ starting safeties’ contracts are up as are Leon Hall’s and Adam Jones’ at cornerback. At wide receiver, Cincinnati basically only has AJ Green under contract right now. There are presently obvious gaping holes in the secondary and at wide out, positions where many players see the field on a given week. Cincinnati could use another reliable starting linebacker and the center position was the one real weakness on their offensive line.
13 December 2015: Cleveland Browns Center Alex Mack (55) [11338] and Cleveland Browns Quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) [11119] in action during a NFL game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, in Cleveland, OH. (Photo By Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire)
Cleveland-QB, LB, WR, OT, EDGE, S, DL, OL
The Browns need everything as usual, starting at the most important position in sports, as usual. Alex Mack opted out of his contract while quality starters Mitchell Schwartz and Tashaun Gipson are becoming free agents. Cleveland could use a massive upgrade at linebacker with a true leader of this defense for years to come and really have needs all over this side of the ball. Josh Gordon returns, but even if he is a model citizen, they are light at receiver, especially with Travis Benjamin’s contract up.
Pittsburgh-CB, S, OL, NT, TE, ILB, EDGE, DL, QB
There are a lot of listed needs here, but none are catastrophic, as Pittsburgh showed they could be extremely competitive with average players in their secondary due to their zone-heavy scheme. They probably will bring back a few of their own on the backend. Starters Steve McLendon, Kelvin Beachum and Ramon Foster have expiring contracts with Beachum the most likely to be playing elsewhere. Heath Miller has retired and Lawrence Timmons’ contract is currently an issue. Depth across the board is needed for the most part. The Steelers aren’t in nearly as bad of shape as their long list of needs would indicate.
AFC SOUTH
Houston-QB, RB, OL, WR, TE, DL
Besides DeAndre Hopkins, the Texans could use a big boost with all their offensive skill positions and they have two starting offensive linemen approaching free agency. But of course, the top need in Houston is quarterback. Clearly, as you can see above, the Texans need to dedicate this offseason to this side of the ball. However, outside of JJ Watt, their three-man front isn’t overly imposing.
Indianapolis-OL, DE, CB, LB, TE, RB, S
The reality is that the Colts could use help of some sort at every position besides quarterback and wide receiver. The offensive line has never been fixed, their top two tight ends are heading to free agency and Frank Gore’s replacement is not in the building. Indianapolis’ best linebacker could be on his way out, but again, the entire defense needs a facelift. This is a poorly constructed roster.
December 20, 2015: Indianapolis Colts running back Frank Gore (23) during the NFL game between the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire)
Jacksonville-EDGE, FS, OL, CB, LB
Jacksonville’s offensive line could use a boost for sure, but other than that, they are in pretty good shape with their young high-upside offense. But needless to say, the Jaguars need to spend their massive free agent and draft capital on defense at pretty much every area. This secondary that mimics Seattle’s is clearly missing their Earl Thomas and while Dante Fowler will return, more edge pass-rush is required. But, with a big free agency budget, the Jaguars might quickly become the team to beat in the AFC South if they spend wisely.
Tennessee-OT, CB, DT, S, RB, WR, OL
The Titans are picking first overall for a reason: Their roster stinks. At least they now have Marcus Mariota to build around, but they simply have to surround him with more, especially up front. They might be worse off on the other side of the ball and like Jacksonville’s and Indianapolis’ defense, Tennessee could use all the defensive help they can get at any and all positions for them to approach contender status.
AFC WEST
Denver-QB, OT, OG, DE, RB, ILB, WR, TE
As it stands, the Super Bowl champs need a starting and backup quarterback and possibly three starters on their offensive line. And that isn’t to mention reinforcements at their skill positions, which sorely lack depth. Their amazing defense won’t lose Von Miller, so outside linebacker is taken care of. But they could lose excellent defensive starters at defensive end and inside linebacker. The champs are going to look different next year.
Kansas City-ILB, DE, CB, OT, OG, WR, S
Who will the Chiefs look to re-sign on defense? That will greatly affect how these team needs change before the draft as Sean Smith and Derrick Johnson headline their defensive free agents, but are not alone. Eric Berry has been given the franchise tag, but that eats into Kansas City’s spending power. Keeping this excellent defense in tact will be nearly impossible. On offense, many will clamor for another wide receiver, but it is the offensive line that needs the most attention.
Aug. 4, 2015 – St. Joseph, MO, USA – Kansas City Chiefs tackle Eric Fisher (72) steps off the snap to block defender Tamba Hali (91) during the team’s training camp practice at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Mo., on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2015
Oakland-CB, S, ILB, EDGE, OG/OT, RB, DL
The Raiders are improving, but could still use a ton on defense. Fortunately, they have loads of cap room to add veteran improvements. The secondary in particular needs an awful lot of work. The offensive line could need two starters if Donald Penn walks and the Raiders would be wise to bring in a prominent running back early in the draft or in free agency to immediately challenge Latavius Murray for the starting spot. Things are looking up here though for sure.
San Diego-TE, DL, S, WR, OL, CB, EDGE
The Chargers are another team that needs an awful lot. While their quarterback is at least in place, the offensive line continues to be a problem area, their top two tight ends are up for free agency and they certainly could use another wide receiver to play a lot of snaps. San Diego’s defensive line might have been their biggest area of weakness last year, which is really saying something. In the secondary, Eric Weddle is sure to depart and their cornerbacks lack size.
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