Needs for Teams Picking 9-12 in the 2014 NFL Draft

9.)Buffalo Bills
Needs: Offensive line, Wide Receiver, Linebacker
The Bills offensive line allowed their quarterbacks to be sacked 48 times last season, that is an average of 3 a game, that is not what a team can allow.  EJ Manuel has health issues as is last year so they need to help protect him to keep him safe and mold him into a franchise QB.  The Bills have Stevie Johnson but they can always use more talent here to help EJ Manuel and the Bills offense continue to grow.  The Bills needs linebackers as well as evident of the Brandon Spikes signing, but they could always use another one.

10.)Detroit Lions
Needs: Linebacker, Safety, Wide Receiver
The Lions ranked 27th in the run last year on defense, bringing in a linebacker via the draft will help them better that part of their defense.  Safety Louis Delmas was cut by the Lions so they must fill this void especially with the Bears dynamic duo at receiver and of course Aaron Rodgers who will shred anyone, the Lions  must be able to stop the pass.  Sure the Lions have Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate but why not add another receiver?  They could do that even at this pick.  Perhaps Mike Evans?

11.)Tennessee Titans
Needs: Running Back, Linebacker
With Chris Johnson's days numbered in Tennessee it is time for the Titans to start thinking for the future, Tre Mason could be available for them in the second round which would be a help for this team.  The Titans also were ranked lower than 20th in sacks last season, adding a linebacker would make a lot of sense here, they see Andrew Luck two times a year.  The Jaguars and Texans could take QBs as well, the Titans must draft to help prepare for these things in their division.

12.) New York Giants
Needs: Defensive End, linebacker, Receiver
The Giants lost Justin Tuck to the Raiders this off season, he was an anchor on this line and also was a team leader, the Giants have been known for their pass rush, they need to restore that this season.  Linebackers are also a must for this team, again I say this to help the pass rush.  As for receiver the Giants do have Victor Cruz and Mario Manningham but adding another would not hurt them in the least.    

Needs for Teams Picking 5-8 in the 2014 NFL Draft

5.)Oakland Raiders
Needs: Tight End, Wide Receiver, Quarterback
This team is in a win now mode, they signed Maurice Jones-Drew and James Jones to help out the offense and traded for Matt Schaub.  A tight end would be a nice addition to the offense here as well as another receiver.  It is plausible that the Raiders take a quarterback here to groom behind Schaub or put in the game if Schaub plays poorly.

6.)Atlanta Falcons
Needs: Defensive Line, Running Back, Tight End
The Falcons ranked 31st in run defense and 29th in sacks on defense as well, they need to fix that position, they could make another trade possibly to the top 2 and go after Clowney to help fix that spot.  They are also in need of a running back, the Falcons ranked last in rushing last season.  Of course they will also need a tight end with the loss of Tony Gonzalez.

7.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Needs: Corner Back, Wide Receiver, Quarterback
The Buccaneers only had Revis for one season and they need to help fill that void by drafting another one in this year's draft.  They are also in need of another receiver to pair up with Vincent Jackson, while I like Mike Williams they need more help.  Part of the reason their offense was woeful last season was inconsistent QB play which is why I put that as a need as well.

8.) Minnesota Vikings
Needs: Quarterback, Defensive line, Wide Receiver
The Vikings have not had a quarterback they can rely on since Brett Favre almost took them to the promised land back in 2009, Christian Ponder, Joe Webb, Matt Cassell, Tavaris Jackson, Donvan McNabb and Josh Freeman have not done so well.  The Vikings did make the playoffs in 2012 mostly due to Adrian Peterson and then Joe Webb had to start the wildcard round game the Vikings never stood a chance.  The loss of Jared Allen also hurts the team as well, a defensive lineman is needed on this team to help them get after the quarterback.  The loss of Percy Harvin also stings a receiver or two this draft would not hurt them.

Needs for Teams Picking 1-4 in the 2014 NFL Draft

1.)Houston Texans

Needs: Quarterback, defensive backs, tight end 

Texans head coach Bill O'Brien said the Texans will take a QB in this years draft, however he has not said where he will take one in the draft.  It could be the top pick or a later round, so Clowney still has a shot to be taken here but I think the Texans will take Blake Bortles here.  The Texans also need to address their secondary as well as the tight end spot with Owen Daniels no longer being on the team.

2.)Washington Redskins (The Rams actually own this pick but I need to talk about all 32 teams here)

Needs: Wide Receiver, Defense 

RGIII needs offensive help, Pierre Garcon is a talent as well as tight end Jordan Reed, but RGIII needs more help here.  They also need to address their defense as well, they were 30th in points allowed in 2013, and when they have to play teams like the Eagles twice they have to play better defense.

3.)Jacksonville Jaguars 

Needs: Quarterback, running back, wide receiver 

While this may look silly that I put all offensive positions at their needs it is true that they need this many.  The Jaguars were pitiful on offense last season, they ranked dead last in points averaging 15.4 points a game and were 31st in the run at 78.8 yards a game.  Now they no longer have Maurice Jones-Drew who was the focal point of that offense for years, they signed Toby Gerhart but that is not enough to help them.  To address the QB situation, they have Chad Henne who can start until they feel whoever else they bring in is ready.  I think the Jaguars take a QB with the number 3 pick in the draft, and that is  much needed.  As for receivers they need to draft another one because Justin Blackmon needs another player opposite of him to help him and also the QB of the future out. 

4.)Cleveland Browns 

Needs: Defensive Line, Quarterback, Receiver
The Browns ranked 18th against the run last year on defense, and with additions to their secondary this off-season they need to address the defensive line.  Jadeveon Clowney might be available here at number 4, he would be a great addition to the Browns as a whole to help start winning more games and being a little more competitive in the AFC North. The Browns also hold the 26th pick they could snag a QB there instead of at this pick.  

My Top 5 Prediction for the 2014 NFL Draft Version 2.0

I posted my previous top 5 prediction back on February 17th with the following prediction:

Pick 1- Houston Texans

Pick: Blake Bortles, Quarterback UCF

Pick 2- St. Louis Rams

Pick: Greg Robinson, OT Auburn

Pick 3- Jacksonville Jaguars

Pick: Johnny Manziel, Quarterback Texas A&M

Pick 4- Cleveland Browns

Pick: Teddy Bridgewater, Quarterback Louisville

Pick 5- Oakland Raiders

Pick: Sammy Watkins, WR Clemson

Since I posted that prediction the Texans traded Matt Schaub away which would indicate to me that they are looking at a quarterback with the top pick.  Schaub was traded to the Raiders who I did not predict drafting a quarterback and I feel the Raiders will not take on in the first round.

The Browns cut ties with Brandon Weeden and Jason Campbell leaving Hoyer as most likely to start there in 2014.  According to a report by Mary Kay Cabot on www.cleveland.com GM Ray Farmer may not necessarily take a quarterback at number 4.

The Rams re-signed offensive lineman Rodger Saffold so they could go elsewhere in the draft at number 2.

So here is my new prediction:

Pick 1- Houston Texans

Pick: Blake Bortles, Quarterback UCF

Matt Schaub is gone, and I do not think Fitzpatrick is the answer at all so it makes sense to go with a quarterback here.  The Texans already have Andre Johnson to throw the ball to and they have Arian Foster to pound the ball so to have those kind of players on an offense will help a rookie quarterback.  

Pick 2- St. Louis Rams

Pick: Sammy Watkins, WR Clemson 

With the Rams re-signing of Rodger Saffold I think they will look to address offensive weapons first not.  Sammy Watkins is that answer to me, he could be molded into a number 1 guy while the Rams groom Tavon Austin to be a slot receiver and special teams return man.  Sam Bradford needs more help especially with an un-experienced backfield.

Pick 3- Jacksonville Jaguars

Pick: Johnny Manziel, Quarterback Texas A&M

The Jaguars may not get Maurice Jones-Drew back but they brought back Chad Henne who could start until the Jaguars are ready to put Manziel out there.  Manziel still makes a lot of sense for this team, his ability to throw well and run will bring excitement to this franchise and add a spark on offense.

Pick 4- Cleveland Browns

Pick: Jadeveon Clowney, DE South Carolina 

As mentioned about the Browns GM Ray Farmer is not necessarily going to take a quarteback here, they also own the 26th pick from the Colts via the trade that sent Trent Richardson to the Colts.  So the Browns could take Derek Carr with that later pick meaning they take Jadeveon Clowney here.  They added Donte Whitner at the safety position and they have Joe Haden at corner back so here is their chance to beef up the defense some more.  Clowney makes a lot of sense here.

Pick 5- Oakland Raiders

Pick: Greg Robinson, OT Auburn

Sammy Watkins is not available and they Raiders did sign receiver James Jones, they also traded for Matt Schaub and added veterans on defense.  So it is the time to now solidify that offensive line to help protect Schaub and help out in the run game.  

Notes:

I took Bridgewater out of the top 5 because it seems that his pro-day hurt him, and with the Browns not sold on a QB at the number 4 spot he could fall down in the draft but probably only to number 8 where the Minnesota Vikings pick.

 

5 Potential Landing Spots for Mark Sanchez

The Jets cut quarterback Mark Sanchez this past Friday and signed Michael Vick ending the Sanchez era in the Big Apple.

Sanchez will have to prove himself to start anywhere in this league considering how awful he was his last 2 seasons starting in NY followed by last season's surgery where he missed all of 2013.

Here are some teams I could Sanchez signing with:

St. Louis Rams
Sam Bradford has had injury issues since coming into the league in 2010, Sanchez could be that insurance right behind Bradford on the depth chart.  As of right now Austin Davis and Brady Quinn are the backups, I would say Sanchez is an upgrade over those quarterbacks.

Cleveland Browns
The Browns has Brian Hoyer and Alex Tanney on their roster right now in the QB position, I think the Browns like Hoyer enough to make him the starter this year, but adding competition would not be bad.  The only thing I can see deterring the Browns from signing him is if they go after a QB in the upcoming draft which I think they will do.

Tennessee Titans
The Titans parted ways with journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick who signed with the Texans, and with Jake Locker coming back from an injury Sanchez could be a backup who could even possibly push to start if Locker is having issues coming back healthy.

Green Bay Packers
They could use a veteran quarterback to backup Aaron Rodgers in 2014, Sanchez would also learn from one of the game's best quarterbacks and maybe regain his confidence and start somewhere else in 2015 or even be traded for some value if he shows promise again.

And just for the heck of it... The Seattle Seahawks 
Call me crazy but this could work out, Sanchez played for Pete Carroll at USC and a reunion could help fix Sanchez.  Carroll would know his strengths and weaknesses and could help develop him, he could compete to backup Russell Wilson by battling it out with Tavaris Jackson.

5 Potential Landing Spots for Chris Johnson

St. Louis Rams

Chris Johnson would add some explosiveness to this offense that could always use more firepower, he would be great running the ball and he can be dimensional in the passing game as well.  The Rams backfield is young and has little experience right now so adding a veteran on who can help would be huge for this team.  Sam Bradford would be glad to have another player help take the load off him and help open up the passing game.

New Orleans Saints

They traded Darren Sproles so they should really think about replacing him with Johnson who can be a number one back and is great in the open field once he gets going, he runs well and the Saints love screen passes.  Johnson’s speed would make him a threat in this offensive system.

Jacksonville Jaguars

It looks like Maurice Jones-Drew is not going to come back to the Jaguars, so they should go after Johnson and fill that need to help whoever is the quarterback down there in 2014 whether it be Chad Henne or a rookie.  This would also allow this team to use his abilities in all aspects on offense, a player like him can score on any play with his speed and skills.  The Jaguars need that, they were woeful at times on offense last year.

Arizona Cardinals

Rashard Mendenhall's early retirement means this team needs to be on the lookout for another running back, Chris Johnson is that guy.  The Cardinals already have one of the best receivers in the game and a stout defense, Johnson would help that team out.  With Carson Palmer at quarterback you never know what you will get so having a player who can help take the load when things get tough in a game is a must, and I believe Johnson will be just that.

Dallas Cowboys

Jerry Jones would love to have another flashy player on offense, Romo would have a reliable running back and Romo to Dez Bryant could become scary with a more formidable rushing attack to open up the play action game.  Question here is whether or not Jerry would pay him large amounts of money with a gutted defense.

My 4 Winners and 4 Losers in the 2014 NFL Free Agency So Far

The 2014 NFL Free Agency has been fun to follow this season, here is my list of the winners and losers of free agency so far:

Winners

Denver Broncos- they were able to go out and get two top players on defense in DeMarcus Ware and Aqib Tablib.  If the Broncos want to get better it had to be on defense and they did that, they also went out and got Emmanuel Sanders in free agency as well.  This team will be poised to make another Super Bowl run in 2014.

New York Giants- They went out and got two cornerbacks in Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Walter Thurmond and also picked up receiver Mario Manningham on a 1 year deal, this is a good sign for a team that struggled last season.  The defense will have some help in the secondary and Manning will have a familiar target back on offense.

New England Patriots- They landed Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner to help out with their cornerback play, this is great considering they did not retain Aqib Talib who went to dinner.  They also signed former Carolina wide receiver Brandon LaFell to help shore up their offense at the receiver position and of course the big resigning of Julian Edelman.

Cleveland Browns- They got a top safety when they signed Donte Whitner who will now be playing in the same secondary as cornerback Joe Haden.  The Browns also addressed the running back issue by signing former Texan Ben Tate, the Browns just need a steady quarterback and they should be better in 2014.

Losers

Dallas Cowboys- One name: DeMarcus Ware, I can see why they released him but that was a mistake, they had a horrid defense last season and this makes it worse.  What has Jerry Jones done to help since that?  Nothing…  The Cowboys need to fill needs on the defense, last signing I saw they made was Brandon Weeden to back up Romo, not sure that fills a big need but that is something if Romo is not back to start the season. 

Carolina Panthers- This team is gutted at their receiver position and they have not landed someone that is a household name.  Kenny Britt is still out there and Jerricho cotchery reportedly left Carolina without a contract.  Steve Smith, Brandon LaFell, Ted Ginn Jr. and Domenik Hixon are not coming back in 2014 so the Panthers are in need of signing one.  Cam Newtown might not be happy in 2014 if he does not get help on offense.

New York Jets- What does Rex Ryan love?  Defense!  The Jets did not get Revis back, they missed out on Talib, Rogers-Cromartie, Walter Thurmond, Brandon Browner and Donte Whitner, all of whom are great players in the secondary.  They did sign Eric Decker who I do not believe is a number one receiver, HOWEVER I think he will help Geno Smith grow and also help out that Jet offense.  However as stated the Jets missed out on a those great defensive backs.

Oakland Raiders- Sure they signed James Jones to help out the receiver position, but I do not feel they have done much outside of that, they did land Justin Tuck but he is injury-prone so that stings.  They should be looking at the quarterback spot to see who they can add because I do not see a starter on their depth chart at this point in time.  If they can land Vick or Schaub and possibly another receiver they will make themselves better, but at this point they are losing badly in free agency. 

While I liked the Lamarr Woodley and Antonio Smith signings as well I feel they still need more help.

Teams that Could Trade for Caronlina Panther's Recevier Steve Smith

It has been recently reported that the Carolina Panthers are attempting to trade Steve Smith, here are some teams I feel that would trade for him:

The St. Louis Rams- Call me crazy but I think he would be a good fit for this team.  He would instantly upgrade this offense and help Tavon Austin grow as a player as well.  I would not be surprised to see the Rams go after him.

The New England Patriots- Why not?  The Patriots need help at the receiver position, Amendola is injured often, their rookie receivers looked like rookies last year and Julian Edelman may not be back.  This would help Brady out big time, Smith plays taller than his height and I think he and Brady could have instant success.  Imagine if Smith got traded here and Talib came back, might they then squash their beef?

The New York Jets- The release of Santonio Holmes means the Jets are looking into the future, however a player like Smith could help this team out and he brings veteran leadership and also knows what is like to play with a young quarterback.  While the Jets are probably looking for younger talent it would be hard to pass up on Smith who could help the Jets offense.

The Cleveland Browns- Sure they have Josh Gordon, but adding more depth at that receiver position would be best for a team that plays in a tough AFC North division.  If he and Gordon could pair up it would be great for whoever plays quarterback there in 2014.

The Baltimore Ravens- Torrey Smith and Steve Smith, now that would be fun to watch, it would help open up the passing game which they might need to rely on depending on how their running back situation looks like in 2014.