The Strengths, Weaknesses and Needs of Teams Picking 9-12 in the 2013 NFL Draft (Part 3 of 8)

9 New York Jets

Strengths- Sorry don’t see one outside of the secondary

Weaknesses- Run game and passing game, or in other words the entire offense which was nothing short of terrible in 2012.  The Jets ranked 30^th in yards per game with 299.2, 30^th in passer rating with a 68.3 29^th in turnover differential with -14, 28^th in points per game and the list goes on and on.  I can’t remember the last time I saw a team that played so poorly get so much attention in the media while stinking up the joint.  I think Tebow is the reason they got so much but they are just pathetic with moving the ball, or in other words attempting to move it.  Oh and let us not forget about the turnover king himself Mark Sanchez…

Needs- Quarterback, receivers, tight end, running back, I would go with the skill position players first then wait another year to go for  a QB in the draft.  Garrard may have a decent year this year if he is to start for the Jets.

10 Tennessee Titans

Strengths- Run game, Chris Johnson improved this past season and I think he can excel in 2013, if the Titans can utilize a pistol type offense around him and QB Jake Locker I think that could work out well despite the fact that they ranked 21^st in rushing yards in 2012. 

Weaknesses- Passing game, I do not think they will be top 15 or even 20 unless Locker can improve, but with him being injured last year it set him back, he needs to prove himself this season in my mind.  I like what I see in him when he plays hard and consistent, but he is wild with his accuracy from time to time.  The defense was not that great either they were 6^th in the league in yards allowed and allowed 29.4 points a game while only scoring 20.6 a game.

Needs- A second running back, defense  and some pass catchers, Jared Cook the tight end may not be around so they need to figure this out.

11 San Diego Chargers

Strengths- I liked what I saw out of their defense last year, they were 9^th in yards per game and 1 out of every 4 turnovers got ran back for a touchdown which I think is pretty good as well.  Even though they ranked 16^th in points per game with 21.9 I felt they did a good enough job and they can continue to grow as a unit. 

Weaknesses- Offense, for a team that ranked 11^th in passer rating this team had some turnover issues starting with Philip Rivers who I just called out in my 4 quarterbacks that need to prove themselves blog.  They ranked 24^th in passing yards and 27^th in rushing yards that is not impressive at all, and should be concerning they really do not have any deep threats or a running back for that matter.  Ryan Matthews has yet to stay healthy long enough in a season and really has not proven himself worthy of being on the team.  The Chargers need a lot of help on the offensive side of the ball.

Needs- Running back (must be number 1 priority when playing Payton Manning to keep the ball away from him), wide receivers and a tight end.  A secondary player is also a need.

12 Miami Dolphins

Strengths- Defense, even though they were 21^st in yards allowed they ranked top 10 in passing and rushing touchdowns allowed, the stats for that are as follows:

Passing TDs: Rank 6^th with 18

Rushing TDs: Rank 8^th with 10

I like that myself, and that is impressive considering how they played the Patriots twice and also had to play teams like the 49ers and Seahawks who both can run and throw the ball for scores almost at will it seemed.

Weaknesses:  Not a fan of their receiving corps, the wide receivers only had 3 touchdown catches all season and that is out of 13 passing touchdowns meaning they accounted for 23% of all passing touchdowns.  I didn’t like this group going into the season, bringing Hartline back will help and if they can land a good free agent WR they will be in okay shape for the 2013 season.

Needs: Receivers and a running back I think having those two voids filled can help this team out.