NFL Football Preview

Arizona Cardinals: Quarterback is the major concern for the Cardinals as there is really no proven starter on the roster. Derek Anderson will likely be cut as soon as possible, leaving Max Hall and John Skelton to battle it out. The team will almost definitely acquire a veteran once free agency begins, with the most likely candidates Kevin Kolb from Philadelphia or Donovan McNabb. In addition, the team failed to address their offensive line in the draft which could be a source of problems this season.

Denver Broncos: With the second overall pick in the draft, the Broncos got the extremely talented outside linebacker Von Miller. With him and Elvis Dumervil returning, the team’s outside pass rush should be much better. The problem lies on the inside of the defensive line. With the switch to a 4-3, and both of last year’s top players cut, there aren’t really players suitable to step in to start. The team failed to address this need in the draft, so they will have to try in free agency.

Houston Texans – The Texans knew they had to address their defense in the draft. They were abysmal at stopping the opponent, which cost their high powered offense several victories. The team did go after defense in the draft, taking a lineman, linebacker and defensive back with each of their first three picks.
The defensive backfield is definitely not set though, especially at safety. Both starters played poorly in 2010 and may not be back this year. There are no other qualified starters on the roster, so they will have to work on this in free agency.

Atlanta Falcons – Everyone knows the Falcons are looking to win right now with their blockbuster trade to move up and take wide receiver Julio Jones. They also traded up later on to get running back Jacquizz Rodgers. While both of these players should help the team, there is still a question mark at defensive end. John Abraham is 33 and the only real threat they have. They may go after someone in free agency or hope that seventh round pick Cliff Matthews will pan out.

Baltimore Ravens – B+
Baltimore already had a quality team in place, so they needed help in just a few areas to put them over the top. It looks like they got what they needed. Cornerback Jimmy Smith has a ton of talent and should challenge for at least the nickel spot right away. The team got younger and faster at receiver by taking Torrey Smith and Tandon Doss. Tackle Jah Reid should help provide depth on the offensive line. A solid draft overall.

Chicago Bears – B
The Bears had just five draft picks this year, but used them well. The glaring need was on the offensive line and they got great value in tackle Gabe Carimi late in round one. Defensive tackle Stephen Paea was a great second round pick, especially since the release of Tommie Harris. They drafted quarterback Nathan Enderle in the fifth round and while he could be a future backup to Jay Cutler, the team may have been better served getting more help for the O line.

Buffalo Bills: B
The Bills concentrated their draft efforts on shoring up an extremely porous defense. Seven of their nine picks were on defense, including first round defensive lineman Marcell Dareus from Alabama. He should start immediately and provide a major boost to the team’s 32nd ranked rush defense. Offensive tackle remains a question after they waited until the 4th round to address the position. Ryan Fitzpatrick remains the starter at quarterback after the team didn’t draft one.

Dallas Cowboys: B-
The Cowboys addressed a glaring need by taking offensive tackle Tyron Smith in the first round but then their draft got a little strange. They took an outside linebacker coming off ACL surgery in round two and a running back in round three. They had much greater needs in the secondary but they waited until the fifth round to take a cornerback.

27) Atlanta Falcons – Adrian Clayborn, Defensive End, Iowa

A first team All-Big Ten selection, Clayborn is a powerful defensive end that can add a boost to the Falcons pass rush. He didn’t produce in his senior year like he did when he was a junior and had 11 sacks, but he is good value at this point in the draft.

28) New England Patriots – Gabe Carimi, Offensive Tackle, Wisconsin

The rich get richer as the Patriots grab another player with a ton of talent that can start right away. Matt Light may not return and the Pats would need a replacement for him. A mountain of a man at 6’7, he was the Outland award winner for best offensive lineman.