The Strengths, Weaknesses and Needs of Teams Picking 13-16 in the 2013 NFL Draft (Part 4 of 8)

13.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Strengths- Run defense, they only allowed 82.5 yards a game which is very impressive, that is a must especially playing in a league that is starting to have more read option type offenses being installed.  They ranked 10^th in passing yards, and their run game came on later on in the season as well.

Weaknesses- They ranked dead last in pass defense and only registered 27 sacks which was 29^th in the league and when you play Drew Brees and Matt Ryan twice a year you need better production out of your secondary.

Needs- A pass rush and defensive backs, like I said when you play Ryan and Brees a total of four times in one season you need help because you cannot lose those games if you want to make the playoffs.  Another pass catcher would be helpful as well to help Josh Freeman.

14.) Carolina Panthers

Strengths- Run game (no surprise here) they were ranked 9^th in the league last year with 2,088 yards and were 3^rd in rushing touchdowns with 21.  Their pass rush was ranked 9^th in the league with 39 sacks and allowed 12 rushing touchdowns which ranked 11^th in the league meaning their front seven are playing well.

Weaknesses- Receivers, outside of Steve Smith and tight end Greg Olson they need some help for Cam Newton, can’t build a stronger offense without any pass catchers.  Their secondary did not do a great job of picking passes off either, only had 11 in 2012 which must improve.

Needs- Defensive backs and receivers.

15.) New Orleans Saints

Strengths- Passing game and offense in general, but that is about it.

Weaknesses- 31^st in pass defense, they allowed 4,681 passing yards, tied for 25^th in sacks with 30, again not good.

Needs- Defense, defense and oh wait… DEFENSE!  Can’t have their defense play as badly as they did last year

16.) St. Louis Rams

Strengths- Pass rush, they were tied for 1^st with 52 sacks in 2012, very impressive, they had 17 interceptions on defense, and their defense allowed a TD-INT ratio of 16-17, which isn’t easy to do.

Weaknesses- Offensive line, what an awful line they have out there, they need to protect Sam Bradford.  

Receivers were subpar as well.  They need to catch up the Seahawks and 49ers because those teams are loaded now.

Needs- Offensive line, pass catchers, and defensive backs