2008 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Team Needs

Defensive Tackle: The Bucs defense was stingy against the pass, but they were generous against the run.  Jovan Haye has been a pleasant surprise, but look for Tampa Bay to utilize the draft to provide him with some help on the interior.

Wide Receiver: Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard are past their prime, but to be fair, Galloway doesn’t play like it.  Tampa Bay signed Antonio Bryant during the off-season, which could turn out to be a nice addition if he can be on his best behavior.  With that being said, the Buccaneers still could benefit by finding a dynamic young receiver in the draft.

Center: The Bucs signed Jeff Faine, which figures to be a terrific acquisition.  However, Tampa Bay doesn’t have a viable backup for him.  Look for them to draft a center to add some much need depth.

Cornerback: Ronde Barber has been in the league a double digit amount of years, which means it might be a good time to start looking for his eventual replacement. Furthermore, Brian Kelly left town, which leaves a hole to fill in the secondary.

Draft Candidates: DT Kentwan Balmer, North Carolina, DT Pat Sims, Auburn, WR Mario Manningham, Michigan, WR Andre Caldwell, Florida, C John Sullivan, Notre Dame, C Fernando Velasco, Georgia, CB Antoine Cason, Arizona, CB Trae Williams, South Florida

2008 New Orleans Saints Team Needs

Cornerback: Mike Mackenzie was the only reliable cornerback the Saints had in 2007.  New Orleans signed Randall Gay and Aaron Glenn to add some veteran leadership.  However, with the Saints’ secondary having so many issues giving up the deep ball, it would be wise for them to look to draft a top flight corner.

Tight End: The Saints offense lacks a big tight end that can help in the blocking game as well as snag a few passes.   New Orleans could satisfy this need at any point in the draft.

Defensive Tackle: The run defense of the Saints last season was improved, but they still need to get much stronger in the middle.  Look for the Saints to add a space eater of two in the draft.

Center: Jeff Faine left town, which will be a huge loss for an offensive line that allowed the fewest sacks in the league last season.  Consequently, the Saints figure to select a center in the draft.

Draft Candidates: CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Tennessee, CB Leodis McKelvin, Troy, TE Fred Davis, USC, TE Kellen Davis, Michigan State, DT Frank Okam, Texas, DT Ahtyba Rubin, Iowa State, C Steve Justice, Wake Forest, C Cody Wallace, Texas A&M

2008 Carolina Panthers Team Needs

Running back: The Panthers and DeShaun Foster parted ways, which means DeAngelo Williams will now be the featured back.  Carolina signed LaBrandon Toefield to add some depth.  However, they could afford to draft a more talented back that can split carries with Williams.

Quarterback: Jake Delhomme is trying to recover from a significant injury and could be nearing the end of his career.  Matt Moore appears to be a viable No. 2 or No. 3 option.  However, it is time for the Panthers to look to the draft to find their future signal caller.

Defensive End: Mike Rucker has entered free agency, which means he may not be back with Carolina.  Julius Peppers is still around, but he was in a slump last season.  Look for the Panthers to add some healthy competition to the position.

Wide Receiver: Carolina really attempted to fix their issues at wideout via free agency by signing D.J. Hackett and Muhsin Muhammad.  However, they did lose Drew Carter, and Hackett and Muhammad have not exactly been able to remain healthy lately.  Furthermore, Dwayne Jarrett was a huge disappointment last season.  Look for the Panthers to add some more depth at receiver via the draft.

Draft Candidates: RB Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois, RB Jonathan Stewart, Oregon, QB Joe Flacco, Delaware, QB John David Booty, USC, DE Phillip Merling, Clemson, DE Bryan Smith, McNeese State, WR Adrian Arrington, Michigan, WR Dexter Jackson, Appalachian State

2008 Atlanta Falcons Team Needs

Quarterback: Atlanta has the task of trying to find a replacement for Michael Vick.  Vick is locked up, and he will likely never put on a Falcons jersey again.  Chris Redman and D.J. Shockley are not exactly long term answers.  Consequently, the Falcons will likely select a quarterback early in day one of the draft.

Cornerback: DeAngelo Hall was traded in the off-season, and even with Hall, last season the Falcons’ secondary struggled.  It would be wise from them to look to the draft to find a shut-down corner to make up for the loss of Hall.

Offensive Tackle: Wayne Gandy is 34 years old, and he is coming off of a major knee injury.  The Falcons will likely be using a young quarterback, which means they need to protect his blind side.  Look for the Falcons to address the need at left tackle via the draft.

Linebacker: Keith Brookings is nearing the end of his career, and the Falcons failed to re-sign Demorrio Williams.  Therefore, Atlanta will likely invest multiple picks on linebackers.

Draft Candidates: QB Matt Ryan, Boston College, QB Chad Henne, Michigan, CB Leodis McKelvin, Troy, CB Tracy Porter, Indiana, OT Mike McGlynn, Pittsburgh, OT Sam Baker, USC, LB Marcus Howard, Georgia, LB Phillip Wheeler, Georgia Tech

2008 Minnesota Vikings Team Needs

Defensive End: Kenechi Udeze has been diagnosed with leukemia so his future is uncertain.  Ray Edwards and Brian Robison have shown promise, but the Vikings need to improve their pass rush, especially from the right side.

Wide Receiver: Minnesota signed Benard Berrian this off-season.  Berrian and Sidney Rice give the Vikings a solid No. 1 and No. 2 receiver.  They also acquired Robert Ferguson, but they could afford to bring in another young weapon at wideout.

Cornerback: Cedric Griffin and Marcus McCauley struggled for much of last season.  The Vikings signed Benny Sapp this off-season, but they will likely try to find a shut down corner in the draft.

Quarterback: Tavaris Jackson was up and down last season, and his backups Brooks Bollinger and newly acquired Gus Frerotte don’t exactly appear capable of being more than just second stringers in this league.  Look for the Vikings to draft a young arm to add some insurance if Jackson ends up regressing.

Draft Candidates: DE Derrick Harvey, Florida, DE Phillip Merling, Clemson, WR Malcolm Kelly, Oklahoma, WR Adarius Bowman, Oklahoma State, CB Terrell Thomas, USC, CB Justin King, Penn State, QB Josh Johnson, San Diego, QB Colt Brennan, Hawaii