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God Bless America

Team Needs Pre-Free Agency

Dave Syvertsen, Senior Draft Analyst
01/29/2023 6:50PM ET

CHICAGO BEARS

 

  1. Offensive Line
  2. Edge
  3. Wide Receiver

 

No quarterback in the NFL was sacked more than Justin Fields despite the fact he dropped back to pass the 19th most times.  His league-high scramble rate and time to throw are clear signs this front office needs to put most of their resources into building the league-worst passing game up from the bottom.

 

Check out our initial OL review here: https://youtu.be/EwvytAb2-P0

 

HOUSTON TEXANS

 

  1. Quarterback
  2. Wide Receiver
  3. Defensive Line

 

While a strong case can be made for the fact the team did not set up quarterback Davis Mills for success, enough has been seen to justify pursuing their next franchise signal caller.  An offense that averaged a league-low 4.7 yards per play needs get the head of the snake under control.

 

Check out our initial QB review here: https://youtu.be/k9sFPrrAGJM

 

ARIZONA CARDINALS

 

  1. Cornerback
  2. Defensive Line
  3. Offensive Line

 

The top two corners on a team that was already weak at the position are heading toward free agency.  With or without them, an infusion of talent needs to be shoved into the position to help that allowed the fifth most touchdowns through the air in the league.

 

Check out our initial CB review here: https://youtu.be/aS9n0Zo5tzQ

 

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

 

  1. Quarterback
  2. Linebacker
  3. Wide Receiver

 

The year-after-year veteran quarterback experiments bottomed out in 2022, as the team was number one in the league in total turnovers, interceptions thrown, and fumbles lost. It is time to put stitches on the gaping wound they’ve been trying to patch up with a band-aid.

 

Check out our initial QB review here: https://youtu.be/k9sFPrrAGJM

 

DENVER BRONCOS

 

  1. Offensive Line
  2. Linebacker
  3. Running Back

 

Whether they like it or not, this team is pot-committed to quarterback Russell Wilson for at least another two seasons.  Their mission needs to be putting the most amount of support around and in front of him with economic, rookie contracts.

 

Check out our initial OL review here: https://youtu.be/EwvytAb2-P0

 

LOS ANGELES RAMS

 

  1. Safety
  2. Offensive Line
  3. Defensive Line

 

Key FA: S Taylor Rapp, CB Troy Hill, DL Ashawn Robinson

 

Two straight seasons of a bottom-half defense despite All-Pro talents at all three levels respectively; that is hard to do.  Whether Rapp is re-signed or not, they will need to infuse more talent to their safety group because the funds simply will not be there to go the veteran route.

 

Check out our initial S review here: https://youtu.be/aS9n0Zo5tzQ

 

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS

 

  1. Quarterback
  2. Safety
  3. Cornerback

 

Derek Carr’s time as the leader of this franchise has come to an end.  Unless Josh McDaniels believes Jarrett Stidham is the league’s next version of Geno Smith, nothing will change in that win/loss column without the answer under center.

 

Key FA: RB Josh Jacobs, LB Denzel Perryman, TE Foster Moreau

 

Check out our initial QB review here: https://youtu.be/k9sFPrrAGJM

 

ATLANTA FALCONS

 

  1. Edge
  2. Cornerback
  3. Defensive Line

 

After six straight years of top ten yards allowed by the defense from 2014-2019, that side of the ball has fallen off a cliff and it all comes down to a lack of a complement to DT Grady Jarrett.  An outside threat would be most ideal.

 

Key FA: OLB Lorenzo Carter, ILB Rashaan Evans, OT Kaleb McGary

 

Check out our initial EDGE review here: https://youtu.be/o8f-iy1w6k0

 

CAROLINA PANTHERS

 

  1. Quarterback
  2. Running Back
  3. Tight End

 

Enough playing around with trades for failed first round picks from other teams and XFL cast offs.  This franchise needs to capitalize on the division freefalling and get their long-term answer under center.

 

Key FA: RB D’Onta Foreman, LB Cory Littleton, DL Matthew Ioannidis

 

Check out our initial QB review here: https://youtu.be/k9sFPrrAGJM

 

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

 

  1. Defensive Tackle
  2. Quarterback
  3. Edge

 

Recent draft picks along the defensive line have not exactly paid back their dividends and they are on the brink of losing their top defensive tackle to free agency.  Gone are the days of relying on the offense to make up for defensive shortcomings and the use of resources needs to reflect that.

 

Key FA: DT David Onyemata, LB Kaden Elliss, WR Jarvis Landry

 

Check out our initial DT review here: https://youtu.be/o8f-iy1w6k0

 

TENNESSEE TITANS

 

  1. Offensive Line
  2. Wide Receiver
  3. Tight End

 

As long as Derrick Henry is in the backfield, Ryan Tannehill is at quarterback, and the front office is trading away receivers like AJ Brown, the offensive line needs to be a strength.  They’ve lost their way in that department.

 

Key FA: DE DeMarcus Walker, OG Nate Davis, TE Geoff Swaim

 

Check out our initial OL review here: https://youtu.be/EwvytAb2-P0

 

CLEVELAND BROWNS

 

  1. Defensive Line
  2. Linebacker
  3. Running Back

 

Myles Garrett finished with 16 sacks and the rest of the line combined for 10.  To make matters worse, this defense was eighth worst in the league in yards per carry allowed and their two next best options behind Garrett are free agents.

 

Key FA: DE Jadeveon Clowney, RB Kareem Hunt, LB Anthony Walker

 

Check out our initial DL review here: https://youtu.be/o8f-iy1w6k0

 

NEW YORK JETS

 

  1. Offensive Line
  2. Quarterback
  3. Linebacker

 

Things went south in a hurry offensively and 2021 first round quarterback Zack Wilson will remain in the picture. It is on the front office to solidify the group up front to ensure he and whoever they bring in can be evaluated accurately. 

 

Key FA: LB Quincy Williams, OC Connor McGovern, DT Sheldon Rankins

 

Check out our initial OL review here: https://youtu.be/EwvytAb2-P0

 

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

 

  1. Wide Receiver
  2. Offensive Line
  3. Cornerback

 

The odd offensive experiment fell flat on its face.  It is time for this team to get serious at wide receiver and get out the the dollar store, as they have not had one on the outside go over 1,000 yards since 2017 (Brandin Cooks).

 

Key FA: WR Jakobi Meyers, S Devin McCourty, CB Jonathan Jones

 

Check out our initial WR review here: https://youtu.be/brXg7MSryF0

 

GREEN BAY PACKERS

 

  1. Tight End
  2. Safety
  3. Defensive Line

 

Robert Tonyan’s return from his 2021 ACL injury derived a career low 8.9 yards per catch and he joins fellow tight end Marcedes Lewis in free agency.  They found a couple of promising talents at receiver last draft, and it is time to bring the same approach to this spot.

 

Key FA: WR Allen Lazard, S Adrian Amos, DT Jarran Reed

 

Check out our initial TE review here: https://youtu.be/eO4QxdWnmGM

 

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS

 

  1. Quarterback
  2. Cornerback
  3. Offensive Line

 

Make it the third team in three years that moved Carson Wentz to the bench.  The rest of the roster looks strong, but they badly need a leader to steer the ship from under center.

 

Key FA: DT Daron Payne, QB Taylor Heinicke, LB Cole Holcomb

 

Check out our initial QB review here: https://youtu.be/k9sFPrrAGJM

 

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

  1. Offensive Line
  2. Linebacker
  3. Cornerback

 

This line is simply too soft on the outside and it will make life difficult for quarterback Kenny Pickett as he tries to develop into the next big-time starter for the historic franchise.  They need to follow their tradition and feed resources into his protection.

 

Key FA: CB Cameron Sutton, S Terrell Edmunds, S Damontae Kazee

 

Check out our initial OL review here: https://youtu.be/EwvytAb2-P0

 

DETROIT LIONS

 

  1. Cornerback
  2. Defensive Line
  3. Tight End

 

Make it four straight seasons finishing bottom four in yards allowed and three straight bottom two in yards allowed per pass attempt.  The pieces are there up front, but they are leaps and bounds behind in the secondary, outside in particular.

 

Key FA: RB Jamaal Williams, S Will Harris, LB Alex Anzalone

 

Check out our initial CB review here: https://youtu.be/aS9n0Zo5tzQ

 

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

 

  1. Quarterback
  2. Offensive Line
  3. Linebacker

 

Tom Brady holds the keys to the bus for this franchise, but the rest of this roster can continue to compete in this down-division.  They have not had much to write home about behind Brady and they may be just weeks away from QB purgatory.

 

Key FA: QB Tom Brady, LB Lavonte David, CB Jamel Dean

 

Check out our initial QB review here: https://youtu.be/k9sFPrrAGJM

 

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

 

  1. Quarterback
  2. Defensive Line
  3. Wide Receiver

 

Key FA: S Ryan Neal, QB Geno Smith, DT Poona Ford

 

It would be in both parties’ interests to keep Smith around but there needs to be a hard line on what the franchise will pay out.  Stick to the formula that has worked even if it means entering draft weekend for the next bargain signal caller.

 

Check out our initial QB review here: https://youtu.be/k9sFPrrAGJM

 

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

 

  1. Defensive Line
  2. Wide Receiver
  3. Offensive Line

 

Once again, the defensive side of the ball, the line in particular, let this team down.  Instead of doubling down on what they have, the future needs to be considered to avoid a constant band-aid job year after year.

 

Key FA: S Nasir Adderley, DL Morgan Fox, WR DeAndre Carter

 

Check out our initial DL review here: https://youtu.be/o8f-iy1w6k0

 

BALTIMORE RAVENS

 

  1. Cornerback
  2. Wide Receiver
  3. Quarterback

 

For two straight years, this defense has been extremely vulnerable against the pass.  To make matters worse, some of their best talent in the secondary is heading toward free agency at the same time as their quarterback who is looking to reset the market.

 

Key FA: QB Lamar Jackson, CB Marcus Peters, OG Ben Powers

 

Check out our initial CB review here: https://youtu.be/aS9n0Zo5tzQ

 

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

 

  1. Cornerback
  2. Center
  3. Running Back

 

Despite several resources being poured into the cornerback room (7 draft picks 2018-2022), the cupboard still looks thin especially if they lost their top dog Peterson.  They have been bottom three in yards per pass attempt allowed each of the past 3 seasons.

 

Key FA: CB Patrick Peterson, OC Garrett Bradbury, RB Alexander Mattison

 

Check out our initial CB review here: https://youtu.be/aS9n0Zo5tzQ

 

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

 

  1. Defensive Line
  2. Tight End
  3. Cornerback

 

In a division where running the ball seems to be the strong-favorite for every team other than Jacksonville, this group got pushed around far too much.  The versatility of Travon Walker can help and Da’Von Hamilton is solid, but the surrounding pieces need to be more effective.

 

Key FA: OT Jawaan Taylor, TE Evan Engram, DE Dawuane Smoot

 

Check out our initial DL review here: https://youtu.be/o8f-iy1w6k0

 

NEW YORK GIANTS

 

  1. Wide Receiver
  2. Offensive Line
  3. Cornerback

 

A downfield threat separates this offense from where it could be, no matter who the quarterback ends up being.  The Kenny Golladay contract was one of the worst in franchise history and drop-heavy Darius Slayton has likely seen his final game in a Giants uniform.

 

Key FA: QB Daniel Jones, RB Saquon Barkley, S Julian Love

 

Check out our initial WR review here: https://youtu.be/brXg7MSryF0

 

DALLAS COWBOYS

 

  1. Running Back
  2. Linebacker
  3. Defensive Line

 

No matter what this team ends up doing with running back Tony Pollard, it appears Ezekiel Elliot’s days in Dallas are numbered.  Dak Prescott leads the offense best when he has a strong and deep backfield to feed off.

 

Key FA: TE Dalton Schultz, LB Leighton Vander Esch, RB Tony Pollard

 

Check out our initial RB review here: https://youtu.be/Kdf6_5MHmYs

 

BUFFALO BILLS

 

  1. Offensive Line
  2. Safety
  3. Defensive End

 

Josh Allen was sacked 33 times, the most since 2019.  There are questions within this starting offensive line both inside and out and most of their depth is heading toward free agency.

 

Key FA: LB Tremaine Edmunds, S Jordan Poyer, OG Rodger Saffold

 

Check out our initial OL review here: https://youtu.be/EwvytAb2-P0

 

CINCINNATI BENGALS

 

  1. Tight End
  2. Offensive Line
  3. Safety

 

The missing component to the team’s passing game is at tight end. Hayden Hurst will likely be the second starter in as many years to leave town in free agency and they don’t have much of a succession plan in place.

 

Top FA: S Jessie Bates III, LB Germaine Pratt, RB Samaje Perine

 

Check out our initial TE review here: https://youtu.be/eO4QxdWnmGM

 

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

 

  1. Cornerback
  2. Offensive Line
  3. Defensive Line

 

The number one reason why this team’s system works is what their depth on defense brings to the table from a broad perspective.  There is room at outside corner and behind Ward at nickel, and that is even if they re-sign the multiple free agents there.

 

Top FA: S Tashaun Gipson, OT Mike McGlinchey, CB Jimmie Ward

 

Check out our initial CB review here: https://youtu.be/aS9n0Zo5tzQ

 

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

 

  1. Offensive Line
  2. Wide Receiver
  3. Safety

 

Both of their starting tackles will be free agents and even the optimists doubt both can be re-signed.  Paying what the franchise will be paying quarterback Patrick Mahomes in the future will mean they need to keep re-stocking his bodyguards via the draft.

 

Key FA: OT Orlando Brown, S Juan Thornhill, OT Andrew Wylie

 

Check out our initial OL review here: https://youtu.be/EwvytAb2-P0

 

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

 

  1. Defensive Line
  2. Offensive Line
  3. Safety

 

Key FA: DT Fletcher Cox, DT Javon Hargrave, CB James Bradberry

 

The success of this team is largely a result of the depth that have in the trenches.  Continuing to re-stock up front defensively to keep their rotations going will be essential to sustaining that success.

 

Check out our initial DL review here: https://youtu.be/o8f-iy1w6k0