2011 Draft Team Needs

East · North · South · West NFLDraftScout.com provides a positional breakdown of team needs looking at the 2011 NFL Draft. Free agents listed are those expected to be unrestricted free agents based on the new rules in the Collective Bargaining Agreement which allow players with at least six accrued NFL seasons to become UFAs. The ratings, broken down by position for each team, will be updated frequently leading up to the draft and beyond. An explanation of what a rating number represents is listed at the bottom of each page. Copyright NFLDraftScout.com, distributed by The Sports Xchange

Arizona Cardinals Team Needs Offense Defense POS Meter Rating POS Meter Rating QB 9 DE 1 RB 5 DT 4 WR 1 OLB 7 TE 6 ILB 4 OT 7 SS 2 OG 8 FS 1 C 4 CB 7 K 0 P 3 Top 2010 Contract Players Alan Faneca, OG Bryan Robinson Gabe Watson, NT Ben Graham, P Notes The quarterback situation in Arizona was, in one word, awful. John Skelton showed the most promise, but it appears the Cardinals will try to find a veteran somewhere to get the team back on track. They also need to improve the offensive line (possibly moving Levi Brown back at RT), lack a playmaking tight end, and take a hard look at their running back group. On defense, the nose tackle spot will need to be addressed, and young talent is needed at OLB. Updated on 1/6/2011

St. Louis Rams Team Needs Offense Defense POS Meter Rating POS Meter Rating QB 1 DE 4 RB 6 DT 7 WR 8 OLB 7 TE 7 ILB 0 OT 2 SS 7 OG 8 FS 3 C 0 CB 5 K 0 P 0 Top 2010 Contract Players Adam Goldberg, OT Chris Hovan, DT Mark Clayton, WR Gary Gibson, DT Laurent Robinson, WR   Notes Rookie QB Sam Bradford was doubted by many coming into the season, but has made enough plays to help the Rams' offense become respectable. Giving him a playmaking receiver, back-up running back to spell Steven Jackson, and new starting right guard would help his chances to grow in 2011. The defense has also improved this year, but there must be as many as five new starters in next year's team for it to take the next step. Updated on 1/6/2011

San Francisco 49ers Team Needs Offense Defense POS Meter Rating POS Meter Rating QB 5 DE 4 RB 3 DT 8 WR 6 OLB 7 TE 1 ILB 5 OT 0 SS 4 OG 2 FS 4 C 7 CB 6 K 0 P 0 Top 2010 Contract Players Aubrayo Franklin, DT David Baas, OG Takeo Spikes, OLB Manny Lawson, OLB Alex Smith, QB Brian Westbrook, RB Notes New leaders of the 49ers will, without a doubt, want to put their stamp on this team for 2011. Finding a new quarterback should be first thing on the docket, and finding him more playmakers at receiver should also be a priority. On defense, the front seven faces some free agent defections, though the direction the new coaching staff takes in regards to staying with the 3-4 or moving to 4-3 will have a lot to do with any changes. Depth at cornerback must be addressed, even CB Nate Clements is kept despite his uneven play and large salary. Updated on 1/6/2011

Seattle Seahawks Team Needs Offense Defense POS Meter Rating POS Meter Rating QB 7 DE 5 RB 6 DT 6 WR 5 OLB 6 TE 0 ILB 0 OT 8 SS 7 OG 8 FS 2 C 8 CB 5 K 3 P 0 Top 2010 Contract Players Ray Willis, OT Sean Locklear, OG Chris Spencer, C Raheem Brock, DLE Matt Hasselbeck, QB Leroy Hill, ILB Kelly Jennings, CB Olindo Mare, K Lawyer Milloy, SS Leon Washington, RB Notes It's doubtful many division champions have faced as many roster question marks as the 7-9 NFC West do this off-season. Charlie Whitehurst will probably get his chance to earn a starting job in 2011, and the team will need to decide whether Buffalo cast-off Marshawn Lynch will add the much-needed balance. Multiple changes in the offensive line through free agency and the draft will also affect the future of this team. On defense, starters CB Kelly Jennings and SS Lawyer Milloy will need to be re-signed or replaced, stronger DE and LB depth would improve the unit, and the DT group could use a feared playmaker, as well. Updated on 1/6/2011

Team Needs Explanation
Rating	Description
0-2	Solid starter(s). The team is unlikely to draft a player at this position.
3-5	This position needs depth.
6-8	This position needs a starter.
9-10	This is the biggest position of need.