Teams Strengths, Weaknesses and Needs Part 2 of 8 (Picks 5-8)

5 Detroit Lions

Strengths: They were ranked 2^nd overall in passing offense and 3^rd overall in total offense, which comes as a surprise considering the team was ranked 23^rd in the run.  Calvin Johnson is a vital asset, he broke the NFL record for receiving yards with 1,964 yards.  They have had some of the best passing yardage seasons as of late.

Weaknesses: The run game was ranked 23^rd, however the team was 6^th for rushing TDs with 17 so they were able to gain touchdowns on the ground but had a difficult time running the ball.  They were 3^rd in total offense and ranked 2^nd in passing offense.   But they are picking 5^th overall, this team needs some help in the run game.  They also had a -16 turnover difference, you can’t win with that.

Needs: Running back, defensive backs and another receiver that can help Johnson.

6 Cleveland Browns

Strengths: Hard to really say what strengths they have this team is having some growing pains, however Trent Richardson is going to help this team for the future.

Weaknesses: Offensively challenged, they ranked 25^th in the league in total offense, they were 24^th in rush and 19^th in passing and had 12 rushing touchdowns which is tied for 13^th last season.  They had 16 passing touchdowns to 18 interceptions which isn’t great but not truthfully awful, Brandon Weeden had some bright showings.  This team needs a lot of help because playing in the AFC North which features the Bengals, 

Steelers and Ravens who just won the Super Bowl is tough.  Not to mention they only scored around 19 points per game.

Needs: Receivers, without any true number 1 man on the roster they will suffer, they need some help behind Trent Richardson and get a tight end as well.  This team has a lot of work to do.

7 Arizona Cardinals

Strengths: Larry Fitzgerald and their hard hitting defense that is it, they had 22 interceptions on defense which was 2^nd in the NFL, and were tied for 6^th with 11 fumble recoveries, and their defense was 3^rd in total takeaways.

Weaknesses: Offensive line is awful, no matter who was the starting quarterback they were taking a beating.  The quarterbacks were also no good, the team ranked 28^th in passing, and the four starters had totaled for 11 passing touchdowns and 21 interceptions and that is inexcusable.

Needs: First and foremost and offensive line, this team cannot afford to let their starting quarterback for next season take the beating they did in 2012.  They really need a quarterback as well but that should come after building an offensive line because that is one of the key foundations for building a solid team.

8 Buffalo Bills

Strengths: Their run game, they were ranked 6^th in the NFL with 2,217 yards on the ground and did have 12 rushing TDs, it is low however it does mean they can build further off of that.  Between Fred Jackson and CJ Spiller they should be able to run the ball even better next year if they are both healthy, and with a new head coach I hope they run the ball more. 

Weaknesses: Quarterback, you can’t have 17 interceptions and have some of those end the game for your team, they ranked 25^th in passing which won’t get you many wins.  Ryan Fitzpatrick is not the answer for that team, he makes way to many mistakes and it shows.

Needs: Bolster the receiving corps and get a new QB, I don’t think Tavaris Jackson can do much if he beats out Fitzpatrick for the starting job.  I think a trade for Alex Smith or Nick Foles would be for the best, Smith has big game experience and he can help the team out.