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by Alex Marvez
The 2009 NFL draft is officially over.
Let the second round of free-agent signings begin.
While some teams have more gaping holes than others, every squad has at least one position that can be bolstered. Before the start of training camp in late July, unsigned veteran free-agents like linebacker Derrick Brooks, running back Warrick Dunn and defensive end/outside linebacker Jason Taylor will be inked to provide help.
Here's a division-by-division look at post-draft needs:
AFC EAST
Buffalo: Tackle. The Bills addressed their offensive line with two first-day picks, but neither will fill the hole created by the pre-draft trade of left tackle Jason Peters to Philadelphia. Louisville center Eric Wood (No. 28 overall) is projected to start at left guard. Andy Levitre (No. 51) played tackle at Oregon State. But at 6-foot-3, he may be better equipped to play guard in the NFL. Langston Walker is shifting to replace Peters, leaving Kirk Chambers (five career NFL starts) and Demetrius Bell (inactive all of 2008) set to battle at right tackle. The Bills should keep a close eye on Tony Pashos. He could be on his way out of Jacksonville after the Monroe and Britton selections.
Miami: Wide receiver. The Dolphins chose Southern California's Patrick Turner and Ohio State's Brian Hartline with third- and fourth-round picks respectively. Pat White also should get some snaps at receiver along with being a Wildcat quarterback. Such picks bode well for the future, but the present doesn't look so good for a receiving corps that produced only five touchdowns in 2008.
New England: Outside linebacker. Signing Taylor would give third-round pick Tyrone McKenzie (South Florida) a chance to learn from one of the NFL's top sack artists. However, Taylor is more of a luxury than necessity on a deep Patriots squad.
New York Jets: Backup quarterback. The Jets traded one quarterback (Brett Ratliff) as part of a package to select another (Mark Sanchez). Sanchez's development would be accelerated if the Jets had a veteran signal-caller to provide tips in the quarterback meeting room. Brian Griese would be an intriguing option. He has no future in Tampa Bay. Adding a veteran wideout would help Sanchez, too.
AFC NORTH
Baltimore: Wide receiver. Upgrades at cornerback and along the offensive line were a bigger offseason priority than giving quarterback Joe Flacco more big-play targets. If the contract standoff continues between Arizona and Anquan Boldin, Baltimore would be wise to consider a trade and contract extension for a player who would greatly improve its receiving corps.
Cincinnati: Running back. Although finding a backup and potential replacement for Cedric Benson was a top draft priority, the Bengals filled other needs before tabbing Abilene Christian's Bernard Scott in the sixth round. Still, after the draft the Bengals also gave up on Chris Perry, plus cut recent waiver claim Gary Russell.
Cleveland: Outside pass rusher. Cleveland's 3-4 scheme generated only 17 sacks last season, yet the Browns passed on all of the top projected outside linebackers before picking Hawaii's David Veikune in the second round. Signing Taylor would make sense, but he seems more likely to land with New England or Miami.
Pittsburgh: Cornerback. With such a fierce pass rush and stellar safeties, the Steelers don't need a true "shutdown" corner to thrive. William Gay and the newly-signed Keiwan Ratliff (Indianapolis) are expected to compete for the starting spot vacated when Bryant McFadden left for Arizona. The Steelers also drafted Oregon State's Keenan Lewis (third round) and Central Florida's Joe Burnett (fifth), plus have Deshea Townsend and Fernando Bryant as veteran depth. Still, the Steelers may want to consider dipping into free agency if dissatisfied with their cornerback play in offseason camps. Chris McAlister and Ken Lucas are among the biggest names still available.
AFC SOUTH
Houston: Running back. The Texans didn't draft a rusher, leaving a shaky backup situation behind Steve Slaton. The answer may come from Denver. By drafting Georgia's Knowshon Moreno in the first round and signing three veterans (LaMont Jordan, Correll Buckhalter and J.J. Arrington) earlier in the offseason, new Broncos coach Josh McDaniels will be cleaning house on rushers from the Mike Shanahan regime. Some of those players could ultimately find a new home in Houston under Texans coach Gary Kubiak, who was Shanahan's offensive coordinator in Denver for 11 seasons. Selvin Young and Ryan Torain are potential targets.
Indianapolis: Wide receiver. Re-signing Marvin Harrison would buy the Colts time until 2009 fourth-round pick Austin Collie (Brigham Young) is ready.
Jacksonville: Wide receiver. By drafting tackles Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton in the first two rounds, Jacksonville is clearly renewing its emphasis on being a run-heavy offense. The Jaguars, though, still need more firepower in their passing attack. The recent free-agent addition of wide receiver Torry Holt isn't enough unless one of Jacksonville's current wideouts like Mike Walker, Troy Williamson or 2009 fourth-round pick Mike Thomas shows signs of life.
Tennessee: Punter. Craig Hentrich turns 38 in May. Providing some training-camp competition would be healthy.
AFC WEST
Denver: Defensive end. After ignoring this position in the draft — first-round pick Robert Ayers will play outside linebacker in Denver's new 3-4 — the Broncos need more depth. Vonnie Holliday and Kevin Carter are two of the best remaining options.
Kansas City: Wide receiver/tight end. The Chiefs traded its top receiving target (Tony Gonzalez) to Atlanta, then didn't select a skill-position player (McNeese State's Quinten Lawrence) until the sixth round. Matt Cassel won't become a franchise quarterback until surrounded by better talent.
Oakland: Wide receiver. The Raiders shouldn't expect first-round pick Darrius Heyward-Bey — an early-entry junior — or fourth-rounder Louis Murphy to make an immediate impact. Nobody knows what to expect out of Javon Walker, who has missed 31 games the past four seasons because of injuries. Youngsters Johnnie Lee Higgins (who led Oakland's wideouts last season with a paltry 22 catches) and Chaz Schilens have to grow up fast unless a more proven receiver is added.
San Diego: Fullback. The Chargers never adequately replaced blocking machine Lorenzo Neal in 2008 after letting him leave. Neal is a free agent once again. Bringing him back would be wise.
NFC EAST
Dallas: Wide receiver. With the Roy Williams trade last year, Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones showed how much he values this position. Jones could have interest in adding another veteran — maybe fellow Arkansas alumnus Matt Jones? — if Miles Austin, Sam Hurd or Isaiah Stanback doesn't prove worthy of being starting material.
New York Giants: Cornerback. With Sam Madison and R.W. McQuarters both gone this offseason, it wouldn't hurt to add a veteran presence who also could contribute on special teams.
Philadelphia: Kicker. David Akers made just two of his six attempts from 47 yards and beyond in 2008. The Eagles would be wise to closely monitor NFL waiver wires in the preseason for strong-legged kickers that get released by teams with established veterans.
Washington: Offensive line. The Commanders didn't add any draft picks to their current group of greybeards. Guard Pete Kendall, a two-year Commanders starter who turns 36 in July, could now be re-signed.
NFC NORTH
Chicago: Wide receiver. The Bears couldn't swing a draft-day deal with Arizona for Boldin. While Oklahoma's Juaquin Iglesias (third round) and Abilene Christian's Johnny Knox (fifth) were picked Sunday, Chicago could use a reliable, big-bodied veteran for new quarterback Jay Cutler. Ex-New York Giants wideout Amani Toomer would fit the bill nicely as a short-term fix.
Detroit: Defensive tackle. The Lions need more bodies to serve as backups behind Chuck Darby, 33, and Grady Jackson, 36. Jeff Zgonina is near the end of his career but the workout warrior still has a good motor at age 38.
Green Bay: Right tackle. Whether the Packers attempt to re-sign Mark Tauscher will depend on his recovery from a serious knee injury. Otherwise, projected starter Tony Moll will likely face competition from Breno Giacomini and rookies T.J. Lang (fourth round) and Jamon Meredith (fifth).
Minnesota: Center. 2008 sixth-round pick John Sullivan didn't start as a rookie, so it's unknown how ready he is to replace departed standout Matt Birk (Baltimore). The Vikings should keep an eye on Hank Fraley, a likely goner in Cleveland with the Browns selecting California's Alex Mack in the first round.
NFC SOUTH
Atlanta: Cornerback. The Falcons have young talent but nobody with the same cache as the departed Domonique (CQ) Foxworth (Baltimore).
Carolina: Guard/center. While I love the fifth-round selection of Oklahoma's Duke Robinson, the Panthers could use more interior line beef after losing Geoff Hangartner (Buffalo) and Frank Omiyale (Chicago) in free agency.
New Orleans: Running back. By not addressing this position in the draft, maybe Sean Payton wasn't bluffing when saying he had confidence that Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas could handle the rushing load. Then again, maybe the Saints are waiting for a veteran option to come along. Edgerrin James isn't a great short-yardage runner — an area where the Saints need help with Deuce McAllister now gone — but he would be intriguing if/when he is finally released by Arizona.
Tampa Bay: Defensive tackle. With the shift away from the famed "Tampa-two" defensive scheme, some of the Buccaneers' smaller defensive tackles aren't built to thrive in a two-gap role. The first-round selection of quarterback Josh Freeman rather than a defensive lineman shows that Bucs management believes a rotation of Chris Hovan, Ryan Sims, Dre Moore, Greg Peterson and 2009 fourth-round pick Roy Miller can be effective. The Bucs, though, would be wise to keep their eye out for any big-bodied linemen that become available.
NFC WEST
Arizona: Wide receiver. The Cardinals are stacked with talent thanks to an outstanding college scouting department. But it would be wise for Arizona to keep an eye on receiver options if Boldin is traded.
St. Louis: Wide receiver. Despite a pressing need, the Rams didn't select a wideout (North Carolina's Brooks Foster) until the fifth round. Kicking the tires on free agent Matt Jones to augment a so-so receiving corps wouldn't be a bad idea.
San Francisco: Safety. The 49ers have no proven playmakers at this position with 2008 starters Mark Roman and Michael Lewis failing to notch a single interception. Mike Brown and Roy Williams are the best free agents remaining at the position, although the latter is considered a liability in pass coverage.
Seattle: Cornerback. The Seahawks are headed for another season of red-zone mismatches against taller wideouts if a bigger defender isn't added to the mix. Seattle's top three cornerbacks — Marcus Trufant, Josh Wilson and Kelly Jennings — are all under six feet.
The 2009 NFL draft is officially over.
Let the second round of free-agent signings begin.
While some teams have more gaping holes than others, every squad has at least one position that can be bolstered. Before the start of training camp in late July, unsigned veteran free-agents like linebacker Derrick Brooks, running back Warrick Dunn and defensive end/outside linebacker Jason Taylor will be inked to provide help.
Here's a division-by-division look at post-draft needs:
AFC EAST
Buffalo: Tackle. The Bills addressed their offensive line with two first-day picks, but neither will fill the hole created by the pre-draft trade of left tackle Jason Peters to Philadelphia. Louisville center Eric Wood (No. 28 overall) is projected to start at left guard. Andy Levitre (No. 51) played tackle at Oregon State. But at 6-foot-3, he may be better equipped to play guard in the NFL. Langston Walker is shifting to replace Peters, leaving Kirk Chambers (five career NFL starts) and Demetrius Bell (inactive all of 2008) set to battle at right tackle. The Bills should keep a close eye on Tony Pashos. He could be on his way out of Jacksonville after the Monroe and Britton selections.
Miami: Wide receiver. The Dolphins chose Southern California's Patrick Turner and Ohio State's Brian Hartline with third- and fourth-round picks respectively. Pat White also should get some snaps at receiver along with being a Wildcat quarterback. Such picks bode well for the future, but the present doesn't look so good for a receiving corps that produced only five touchdowns in 2008.
New England: Outside linebacker. Signing Taylor would give third-round pick Tyrone McKenzie (South Florida) a chance to learn from one of the NFL's top sack artists. However, Taylor is more of a luxury than necessity on a deep Patriots squad.
New York Jets: Backup quarterback. The Jets traded one quarterback (Brett Ratliff) as part of a package to select another (Mark Sanchez). Sanchez's development would be accelerated if the Jets had a veteran signal-caller to provide tips in the quarterback meeting room. Brian Griese would be an intriguing option. He has no future in Tampa Bay. Adding a veteran wideout would help Sanchez, too.
AFC NORTH
Baltimore: Wide receiver. Upgrades at cornerback and along the offensive line were a bigger offseason priority than giving quarterback Joe Flacco more big-play targets. If the contract standoff continues between Arizona and Anquan Boldin, Baltimore would be wise to consider a trade and contract extension for a player who would greatly improve its receiving corps.
Cincinnati: Running back. Although finding a backup and potential replacement for Cedric Benson was a top draft priority, the Bengals filled other needs before tabbing Abilene Christian's Bernard Scott in the sixth round. Still, after the draft the Bengals also gave up on Chris Perry, plus cut recent waiver claim Gary Russell.
Cleveland: Outside pass rusher. Cleveland's 3-4 scheme generated only 17 sacks last season, yet the Browns passed on all of the top projected outside linebackers before picking Hawaii's David Veikune in the second round. Signing Taylor would make sense, but he seems more likely to land with New England or Miami.
Pittsburgh: Cornerback. With such a fierce pass rush and stellar safeties, the Steelers don't need a true "shutdown" corner to thrive. William Gay and the newly-signed Keiwan Ratliff (Indianapolis) are expected to compete for the starting spot vacated when Bryant McFadden left for Arizona. The Steelers also drafted Oregon State's Keenan Lewis (third round) and Central Florida's Joe Burnett (fifth), plus have Deshea Townsend and Fernando Bryant as veteran depth. Still, the Steelers may want to consider dipping into free agency if dissatisfied with their cornerback play in offseason camps. Chris McAlister and Ken Lucas are among the biggest names still available.
AFC SOUTH
Houston: Running back. The Texans didn't draft a rusher, leaving a shaky backup situation behind Steve Slaton. The answer may come from Denver. By drafting Georgia's Knowshon Moreno in the first round and signing three veterans (LaMont Jordan, Correll Buckhalter and J.J. Arrington) earlier in the offseason, new Broncos coach Josh McDaniels will be cleaning house on rushers from the Mike Shanahan regime. Some of those players could ultimately find a new home in Houston under Texans coach Gary Kubiak, who was Shanahan's offensive coordinator in Denver for 11 seasons. Selvin Young and Ryan Torain are potential targets.
Indianapolis: Wide receiver. Re-signing Marvin Harrison would buy the Colts time until 2009 fourth-round pick Austin Collie (Brigham Young) is ready.
Jacksonville: Wide receiver. By drafting tackles Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton in the first two rounds, Jacksonville is clearly renewing its emphasis on being a run-heavy offense. The Jaguars, though, still need more firepower in their passing attack. The recent free-agent addition of wide receiver Torry Holt isn't enough unless one of Jacksonville's current wideouts like Mike Walker, Troy Williamson or 2009 fourth-round pick Mike Thomas shows signs of life.
Tennessee: Punter. Craig Hentrich turns 38 in May. Providing some training-camp competition would be healthy.
AFC WEST
Denver: Defensive end. After ignoring this position in the draft — first-round pick Robert Ayers will play outside linebacker in Denver's new 3-4 — the Broncos need more depth. Vonnie Holliday and Kevin Carter are two of the best remaining options.
Kansas City: Wide receiver/tight end. The Chiefs traded its top receiving target (Tony Gonzalez) to Atlanta, then didn't select a skill-position player (McNeese State's Quinten Lawrence) until the sixth round. Matt Cassel won't become a franchise quarterback until surrounded by better talent.
Oakland: Wide receiver. The Raiders shouldn't expect first-round pick Darrius Heyward-Bey — an early-entry junior — or fourth-rounder Louis Murphy to make an immediate impact. Nobody knows what to expect out of Javon Walker, who has missed 31 games the past four seasons because of injuries. Youngsters Johnnie Lee Higgins (who led Oakland's wideouts last season with a paltry 22 catches) and Chaz Schilens have to grow up fast unless a more proven receiver is added.
San Diego: Fullback. The Chargers never adequately replaced blocking machine Lorenzo Neal in 2008 after letting him leave. Neal is a free agent once again. Bringing him back would be wise.
NFC EAST
Dallas: Wide receiver. With the Roy Williams trade last year, Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones showed how much he values this position. Jones could have interest in adding another veteran — maybe fellow Arkansas alumnus Matt Jones? — if Miles Austin, Sam Hurd or Isaiah Stanback doesn't prove worthy of being starting material.
New York Giants: Cornerback. With Sam Madison and R.W. McQuarters both gone this offseason, it wouldn't hurt to add a veteran presence who also could contribute on special teams.
Philadelphia: Kicker. David Akers made just two of his six attempts from 47 yards and beyond in 2008. The Eagles would be wise to closely monitor NFL waiver wires in the preseason for strong-legged kickers that get released by teams with established veterans.
Washington: Offensive line. The Commanders didn't add any draft picks to their current group of greybeards. Guard Pete Kendall, a two-year Commanders starter who turns 36 in July, could now be re-signed.
NFC NORTH
Chicago: Wide receiver. The Bears couldn't swing a draft-day deal with Arizona for Boldin. While Oklahoma's Juaquin Iglesias (third round) and Abilene Christian's Johnny Knox (fifth) were picked Sunday, Chicago could use a reliable, big-bodied veteran for new quarterback Jay Cutler. Ex-New York Giants wideout Amani Toomer would fit the bill nicely as a short-term fix.
Detroit: Defensive tackle. The Lions need more bodies to serve as backups behind Chuck Darby, 33, and Grady Jackson, 36. Jeff Zgonina is near the end of his career but the workout warrior still has a good motor at age 38.
Green Bay: Right tackle. Whether the Packers attempt to re-sign Mark Tauscher will depend on his recovery from a serious knee injury. Otherwise, projected starter Tony Moll will likely face competition from Breno Giacomini and rookies T.J. Lang (fourth round) and Jamon Meredith (fifth).
Minnesota: Center. 2008 sixth-round pick John Sullivan didn't start as a rookie, so it's unknown how ready he is to replace departed standout Matt Birk (Baltimore). The Vikings should keep an eye on Hank Fraley, a likely goner in Cleveland with the Browns selecting California's Alex Mack in the first round.
NFC SOUTH
Atlanta: Cornerback. The Falcons have young talent but nobody with the same cache as the departed Domonique (CQ) Foxworth (Baltimore).
Carolina: Guard/center. While I love the fifth-round selection of Oklahoma's Duke Robinson, the Panthers could use more interior line beef after losing Geoff Hangartner (Buffalo) and Frank Omiyale (Chicago) in free agency.
New Orleans: Running back. By not addressing this position in the draft, maybe Sean Payton wasn't bluffing when saying he had confidence that Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas could handle the rushing load. Then again, maybe the Saints are waiting for a veteran option to come along. Edgerrin James isn't a great short-yardage runner — an area where the Saints need help with Deuce McAllister now gone — but he would be intriguing if/when he is finally released by Arizona.
Tampa Bay: Defensive tackle. With the shift away from the famed "Tampa-two" defensive scheme, some of the Buccaneers' smaller defensive tackles aren't built to thrive in a two-gap role. The first-round selection of quarterback Josh Freeman rather than a defensive lineman shows that Bucs management believes a rotation of Chris Hovan, Ryan Sims, Dre Moore, Greg Peterson and 2009 fourth-round pick Roy Miller can be effective. The Bucs, though, would be wise to keep their eye out for any big-bodied linemen that become available.
NFC WEST
Arizona: Wide receiver. The Cardinals are stacked with talent thanks to an outstanding college scouting department. But it would be wise for Arizona to keep an eye on receiver options if Boldin is traded.
St. Louis: Wide receiver. Despite a pressing need, the Rams didn't select a wideout (North Carolina's Brooks Foster) until the fifth round. Kicking the tires on free agent Matt Jones to augment a so-so receiving corps wouldn't be a bad idea.
San Francisco: Safety. The 49ers have no proven playmakers at this position with 2008 starters Mark Roman and Michael Lewis failing to notch a single interception. Mike Brown and Roy Williams are the best free agents remaining at the position, although the latter is considered a liability in pass coverage.
Seattle: Cornerback. The Seahawks are headed for another season of red-zone mismatches against taller wideouts if a bigger defender isn't added to the mix. Seattle's top three cornerbacks — Marcus Trufant, Josh Wilson and Kelly Jennings — are all under six feet.
