Judge: NFC team-by-team draft needs
CBS SportsLine.com experts Pete Prisco and Clark Judge take a peek into the war rooms of every NFL team and break down their needs come draft day, April 23.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens signed Derrick Mason as a free-agent receiver, but they still need a younger player there. The word is that they like Mark Clayton from Oklahoma in the first round. They also need some help on the offensive line.
Needs in order: WR, RT, DE, G, OLB
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Mark Clayton would be a good running mate with Derrick Mason. (Getty Images) |
Buffalo Bills
With the loss of Jonas Jennings in free agency to the 49ers, the Bills need a left tackle. They have talked about moving center Trey Teague there, or trading for L.J. Shelton from the Cardinals. If not, they have to find a tackle in this draft. Without a first-round pick, that will be tough. A speed edge rusher is also needed.
Needs in order: LT, DE, S, TE, G
Cincinnati Bengals
This is a team in need of an upgrade at a lot of defensive spots. They need help with the pass rush, faster linebackers and better coverage people in the secondary. Their draft should be defense, defense and more defense.
Needs in order: DE, DT, LB, CB, S
Cleveland Browns
They traded for Trent Dilfer, and he'll be fine in the short term, but this is a team that needs a young franchise quarterback. If they think Alex Smith or Aaron Rodgers is that guy, they have to take one of them. If not, they need to upgrade an offensive line that has been bad since the Browns came back as an expansion team. The defensive line is also depleted, so help is needed there.
Needs in order: QB, DE, LT, CB, DT
Denver Broncos
They think they have fixed their defensive line with all those Browns they acquired, but think again. They still need a premier pass-rushing end to replace Reggie Hayward. A young defensive tackle is also needed. On offense, they could use another receiver since Rod Smith is getting up in years.
Needs in order: DE, DT, WR, G, S
Houston Texans
Left tackle Seth Wand leaves a lot to be desired, so they need a replacement. That could be Alex Barron in the first round. The Texans also want another young receiver to go with Andre Johnson, and they still wouldn't mind adding another running back. On defense, a young corner to be the eventual replacement for Aaron Glenn would be fine.
Needs in order: LT, WR, CB, RB, S
