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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Saturday, April 14, 2001



NFL draft makes up for lack of free-agent signings

By Chris Landry
Gannett News Service

The free agent market this offseason has been rather soft as many teams are struggling to stay under the salary cap. The result is more good players with limited spots to place them.

The annual NFL draft, scheduled April 21-22, takes on even greater importance since it is the only way to acquire affordable, solid depth.

Teams spend much of the off season making roster evaluations and comparing available NFL free agents with the draft class. Here's a look at each team's needs going into the draft.


NFC EAST

Arizona — The Cardinals' only quality free-agent signing has been Pete Kendall from Seattle, who'll fit nicely at LOG. They have the second pick in the draft and have big needs on the defensive line. They need at least one end and tackle along with a young cornerback and middle linebacker. On offense, they need another guard, tight end and a young fullback later on in the draft. With so many needs, don't be surprised if they try hard to move down from their No. 2 spot in order to acquire more picks.

Dallas — So many needs, but no first-round pick due to last year's signing of wide receiver Joey Galloway. The Cowboys also traded away their fourth-round pick for tight end O.J. Santiago, who they have since cut. They have $23 million of dead money counting against the salary cap. They need to address the quarterback position at some point during the draft in what is a weak crop. Other needs on offense are a running back and a couple of linemen. Defensively, they have needs at both tackle and end, middle linebacker and cornerback.

New York Giants — The NFC champions have had a good offseason, re-signing running back Tiki Barber and cornerback Jason Sehorn. Signing former Tennessee defensive end Kenny Holmes gives the Giants a nice 1-2 punch with Michael Strahan. They still need a cornerback to play opposite Sehorn. A young offensive tackle is a must to begin grooming behind Lomas Brown. A tight end who can bring more to the passing game is also on the wish list.

Philadelphia — A go-to wide receiver and a top running back are all that is missing for this outstanding young team. A run-stopping end would be a welcome addition as would a strong safety. The Eagles were able to add defensive end Ndukwe Kalu and wide receiver James Thrash in free agency from Washington, which will help. They are in a position to draft the best available player, and it's likely a good receiver will be there.

Washington — Wasting money in free agency last year set this team back. They need a go-to wide receiver, at least one interior offensive lineman and a young quarterback. A defensive tackle is needed as is a cornerback. With Derek Smith signing with the 49ers, a middle linebacker is also a possibility. Look for the Redskins to try to acquire more picks as they have only four going into the draft.


NFC CENTRAL

Chicago — The Bears continue to search for a top-line running back and pass rusher. Depth is needed at wide receiver, offensive line, fullback and cornerback. Playmakers who can make a difference are what the Bears are lacking, although last year's first rounder, linebacker Brian Urlacher, is a step in the right direction — and just-signed tackle Ted Washington from Buffalo may be another.

Detroit — The Lions need speedy playmakers on offense who can make the West Coast offense go. They also need help on the offensive line, but may look at a young quarterback and a tight end in the draft. On defense, they'd like another cornerback and a pass rusher to use in the nickel package.

Green Bay — The Packers are in dire need of a pass rusher and a wide receiver. Look for them to try and move up if they feel a top end such as Justin Smith of Missouri is available. Depth at cornerback and linebacker are also needed.

Minnesota — The bulk of the Vikings' holes are on defense. They need a pass rusher even though they signed Lance Johnstone in free agency, a tackle to replace John Randle, a linebacker to replace Dwayne Rudd and at least one cornerback. Offensively, replacing Robert Smith at running back is a must even though they are high on Doug Chapman. A left tackle and left guard also are needed, and a backup quarterback is a possibility.

Tampa Bay —The Bucs need to upgrade at offensive tackle and tight end, and would also like to get a running back as well. Another receiver is not out of the question. They are solid on defense but would like to add a cornerback. Linebacker depth is also needed.


NFC WEST

Atlanta — The Falcons have needs everywhere, starting with the offensive line. Wide receiver is also a big need as is a young quarterback. A pass rusher is the top priority on defense. A tackle and cornerback are sought, too. With so many needs, they would like to acquire more picks by trading down.

Carolina — The running game needs to be overhauled, which means upgrading both the running back and line positions. The signings of center Jeff Mitchell and tackle Todd Steussie have helped matters but a young lineman is not out of the question. Another tight end and a quarterback would help along with a linebacker and pass rusher for the defensive side of the ball.

New Orleans — Wide receiver was the biggest need heading into the offseason but the signing of Albert Connell helps a bit. This allows the Saints to focus on the best available players. Look for them to upgrade the secondary (free safety and cornerback), improve depth at defensive tackle, add another receiver and improve overall team speed and depth.

San Francisco — The 49ers are slowly working their way back. Offensive line help is needed even though they got a boost with the re-signing of Scott Gragg and Derrick Deese. Running back is the biggest need because they couldn't re-sign Charlie Garner. Defensively, they have made great strides, but they still need a pass rusher. San Francisco may look to trade down to acquire more picks.

St. Louis — Other than a young offensive tackle, depth at wide receiver and perhaps tight end, the Rams are set on offense. Most of their picks will be used to upgrade a defense that struggled last year. They have two first-round and second-round picks due to the Kevin Carter trade to Tennessee and compensation from Kansas City for Coach Dick Vermeil. Needs include end, tackle, safety and cornerback. The Rams just signed linebacker Mark Fields from New Orleans.


AFC EAST

Buffalo — The biggest offseason priority has been accomplished with the signing of wide receiver Eric Moulds. A top running back will be a necessity since the Bills don't seem to have faith in Antowain Smith. Help at guard is sought as well. The defense needs serious upgrading, particularly on the line and at cornerback.

Indianapolis — The Colts have to upgrade the defense to take that next step in the playoffs, especially in the secondary, where re-signing Jason Belser is a priority. Tackle is another area that needs to be addressed. Offensively, improvement at the second receiver slot, opposite Marvin Harrison, and depth at running back are also concerns.

Miami — A go-to wide receiver is a must for the offense as is depth for the line. Defensively, there is a dire need for a strongside linebacker, and a young cornerback would not hurt. A third-down running back is also an option.

New England — The Patriots need at least two offensive linemen, two defensive linemen, a wide receiver, running back, linebacker, a cornerback and safety. A punter is also needed. Look for them to try to acquire more picks by trading down and filling the gaping holes.

New York Jets — Wide receiver still remains a priority despite landing Matthew Hatchett in free agency. Someone who could return punts would solve two needs. Offensive line depth is another direction they will look to as well as backup running back. The biggest need, though, is on the defensive line at both tackle and end. Free safety is also a priority.


AFC CENTRAL

Baltimore — The Super Bowl champs have done a nice job keeping the team together and improving their offensive punch with the addition of quarterback Elvis Grbac and tackle Leon Searcy. They will look to upgrade at right guard, draft a young tight end and search for a running back to back up injury-prone Jamal Lewis. A fullback is a must if Sam Gash is not going to be back. Depth on defense is all that is needed, including drafting a lineman to add some youth to an aging group.

Cincinnati — A lot of players have visited, but not many have signed during this free agency period. Re-signing running back Corey Dillon is a must. The Bengals have many needs, especially at left offensive tackle and along the defensive line. Depth is also needed at cornerback and safety, and the kickers should be replaced with younger legs.

Cleveland — A top-flight running back is something that needs to be addressed either in the draft or free agency. The Browns may make a run at Corey Dillon following the draft. The offensive line still needs work, particularly on the interior. Wide receiver depth is also on the list. Defensively, a run-stuffing tackle is a priority, along with a big cornerback, a safety and depth at end.

Jacksonville — No team had bigger salary cap problems to deal with than the Jaguars. Offensive line, backup running back and fullback are the needs on offense, while on defense Jacksonville will look to upgrade at linebacker, end and safety. A good draft is a must if this team is to stay competitive.

Pittsburgh — The big need is to find a way to improve the pass rush. A defensive end is a must as is an inside linebacker to replace Levon Kirkland. Improving depth on the offensive line is also needed, along with perhaps another wide receiver. Key offseason moves were the re-signing of running back Jerome Bettis and signing of guard Jeff Hartings from the Detroit Lions.

Tennessee — The Titans have undergone a lot of personnel changes. They lost defensive end Kenny Holmes, cornerback Denard Walker and safety Marcus Robertson, but added defensive end Kevin Carter. Even before the threat of losing cornerback Samari Rolle to St. Louis, cornerback was a priority. Another wide receiver is a must as is an interior offensive lineman and backup running back.


AFC WEST

Denver — The Broncos have been extremely active this free agency period with the key signings of defensive linemen Leon Lett, Keith Washington and Chester McGlockton, linebacker Ricardo McDonald and re-signing linebacker John Mobley. Cornerback Denard Walker was added to Ray Rhodes' physical defense. Denver signed center Quentin Neujahr after he was released from Jacksonville due to cap problems. Defense is still a priority where a pass rusher is needed despite the additions. More speed is sought in the secondary. A third wide receiver is a possibility.

Kansas City — Quarterback is the top priority, and that will likely happen via a trade. A starting-caliber running back and cornerback are needed along with a linebacker and at least one offensive lineman. Adding a defensive tackle to replace Chester McGlockton is also likely.

Oakland — The Raiders have been productive finding bargains in free agency, signing defensive end Trace Armstrong, wide receiver Yatil Green and re-signing receiver James Jett. Losing Ricky Dudley means drafting a tight end at some point is likely. The Raiders are old at wide receiver. Expect them to draft at least one. Offensive tackle is a priority as well, and look for them to make a move for a young quarterback. Safety is the weak link on defense and must be addressed early on. Depth along the defensive line and at linebacker are also issues.

San Diego — Some fine moves in free agency have put the Chargers on the right track, but there are still major needs at running back, offensive line, middle linebacker and they could still use another defensive lineman. Quarterback Doug Flutie, defensive end Marcellus Wiley and cornerback Ryan McNeil were quality signings, but this team still has a long way to go — and has just four draft picks in the top five rounds.

Seattle — The Seahawks have bolstered their defense with five free-agent signings, led by John Randle and Chad Eaton on the line and safety Marcus Robertson. Linebacker Levon Kirkland will have an impact if he sheds a few pounds. Wide receiver is the target need in this draft as is a pass-rushing end. Offensive guard must be addressed. Another cornerback is likely as is depth at defensive tackle and linebacker.