Biggest Need - AFC/NFC North/South

Below you will find one man's opinion on what I think is the biggest need for each team in the AFC and NFC North and South divisions. You can find the rest of the league in my previous article.

Bengals

Running back. After trading Mixon, they just have young and raw players that haven’t done anything to this point in their careers. I imagine Bengals will be right there with the Chiefs looking for running back talent in the draft.

Browns

Quarterback. Kizer, Big Ben, Jared Goff. The Browns are just running in place. They need a serious upgrade at QB if they’re ever going to make some noise in the AFC. They’ve built a quality roster with all of the draft picks they inherited, but it won’t matter until they can get a QB.

Ravens

A tragic plane accident. Listen, I never want to wish hurt on anyone, but since we’re talking about fictional football players in a virtual world, I’m going to say it. This team needs some intervention. The Ravens have the best roster in the league. They have 2 top five corners. 3 defensive lineman who rank top 10 at shedding blocks. A 22 y/o QB with arguably the strongest arm in the league, fresh off a Super Bowl win and a pile of awards. They have 10, yes TEN, offensive lineman that would start for half the league. Plus one receiver who broke 2000 yards and another who tied the touchdown record. It makes me angry talking about it.

Steelers

Center. We all know how important the center position is this year to the continuity of the line. Unless you have a smart and talented center, your line has no hope of picking up blitzes and making correct assignments. The Steelers need a serious upgrade over Cieslak. Look for them to make it a priority in the draft.

Bears

Edge rusher. The Bears do not have anyone that opposing quarterbacks fear dominating the line. They need someone who can command double teams and dial up pressure in crucial situations. Look for them to go after a speed rusher at OLB or DE in the draft.

Lions

Speed at receiver. The Lions have a ton of speed at the running back position, but they don’t have anyone (outside of Santos who shouldn’t be getting off the bench) who can stretch the field vertically to open up the passing game for Bortles. The Lions need a burner who can catch more than a cold.

Packers

O-lineman. Even with trading away Aaron Rodgers, the Packers have a lot of talent on offense. But no one to block for the young QB or running game. They need at least 3 new starters to have a respectable line, and should go after a 4th too.

Vikings

More trades. The Vikings have a ton of talent, right up there with Jets and Eagles (everyone is behind the Ravens). But a ton of these guys will be up for new contracts and they won’t be able to keep all of them. I imagine we’ll see the Vikes look to turn these guys into assets over the next two seasons.

Colts

Interior d-lineman. If Jurrell Casey weren’t on a division rival, I believe the Colts would have been players. They need a player who can create havoc in the middle. Sentef and Ridgeway are excellent as 3/5 techniques, but the Colts are missing a true run stuffer who will eat up double teams for breakfast.

Jaguars

Safety. They have one. Jaron Ingram might turn out to be really good. He’s only 24 and a solid starter. But they’ll have to get someone to fill that last spot and presumably a few backups as well. In fact, the Jaguars have a grand total of 3 defensive backs on their roster right now.

Texans

Safety. The AFC South is hurting for good safeties. The Texans at least have some on their team. But unfortunately, none of them are good. If the Texans enter the season playing any of these guys outside of special teams, they’ll be a in a world of hurt.

Titans

Quality depth. We all know how much trouble the Titans had with depth last season. Right now they are in need of a good backup QB and depth in the defensive backfield. This team could challenge the AFC, but a key injury or two would derail their season again unless they address some of these spots.

Buccaneers

Interior O-lineman. The Bucs need help at center and guard. They’re young, but very raw. I’d be surprised if we didn’t see two to three picks go towards offensive lineman in the draft for Tampa Bay.

Falcons

Center. Receiver was the obvious choice here, but it looks as though the Falcons will be getting one early in the draft based on letting Julio walk. With the center position being so vital, 26 year old Martinez just isn’t going to cut it. He’s below average across the board. With the rest of the weapons the Falcons have and some incoming player makers, it will be critical to address the middle of the line.

Panthers

A bodyguard. I happen to be best friends with a diehard Panthers fan. If I were Aaron, I’d be concerned that this Panthers fan is going to show up on your doorstep with some brass knuckles for what you’ve done to his team. Let’s recap all the guys who are gone: Cam Newton, Luke Kuechly, Christian McCaffrey, Kelvin Benjamin, Shaq Thompson, Greg Olsen, Kawann Short, and more.

Saints

Offensive playmakers. Robert Kelley, Carlos Hyde, Willie Snead, Martavis Bryant. None of these guys are causing defensive coordinators to lose sleep. They need someone who can come in and be a difference maker. Could be an electric running back or dynamic receiver. Or even a monster tight end to let loose in the red zone.