[Editor’s note: The following is our eighth in a series of NFL Draft team needs by division We’ve looked at the AFC East, AFC North, AFC South, NFC East, NFC North, NFC South, and NFC West.]
Denver
WR: This was a need even before the Broncos dumped Brandon Marshall. Josh McDaniels can live without a true top dog, but he needs more role players with different skill sets. Eddie Royal can help and Jabar Gaffney is a short-term solution. The group needs more size. Perhaps a guy like Marshall. Or Dez Bryant.
LB: We were really impressed how the Broncos coached up Mario Haggan and Wesley Woodward to be useful. We just don’t know if you can build a 3-4 defense around them. The entire group wore down by the end of 2009.
OL: The Broncos are set at the tackle positions, but need help on the inside as they transition away from the team’s old zone blocking scheme.
DB: This group is a strength of the team, but they risk getting old all at once.
QB: The Broncos should continue to draft a quarterback every year until they know they have a keeper. The team likes Tom Brandstater, but that shouldn’t prevent them from taking another project. The team is mostly building for future depth on the defensive line and secondary as well.
Kansas City
LB: Re-signing Mike Vrabel doesn’t mean you have to start him again. Derrick Johnson isn’t a long-term fit on the inside of a 3-4 defense.
OL: It’s not a good sign when a player picked up off waivers (Ryan O’Callaghan) starts 12 games. The team also needs to start planning for life without Brian Waters. They will have their choice of potential right tackles at No. 5, but right tackles usually don’t get taken that high. Branden Albert still looks like a keeper left tackle.
NT: Every 3-4 defense wants a true nose tackle to call their own. The Chiefs can get by with Ron Edwards and Shaun Smith, but they’d love to upgrade their front. Defensive end also makes sense.
WR: Todd Haley can coach up wideouts. (As head coach skill sets go, that’s not too exciting.) Even with the help of Haley, we’re not sure Dwayne Bowe is long for Kansas City. Jerheme Urban is a stretch as a third receiver. It’s not a great unit when Chris Chambers is the most reliable guy.
S: Is there a keeper in this group? Jarrad Page looked good in Kansas City’s old scheme, but less so last year. DaJuan Morgan might be cut if the team had options. Jon McGraw is better on special teams. The team needs a safety that can cover or a nickel cornerback, whichever comes first.
Oakland
QB: Three years after passing on Brady Quinn, the Raiders may go with Jimmy Clausen. It’s not so far far-fetched. Oakland was ready to give up on JaMarcus Russell when they aggressively went after Donovan McNabb. The head coach wants another option, and Bruce Gradkowski’s ceiling is limited no matter how quickly he recovers from his recent injury.
T: This is the time. Forget about the Robert Gallery pick. Forget that even the fastest tackles can’t run a 4.4 forty. The Raiders need a true left tackle, just in case they ever find a quarterback. Mario Henderson on the left side with Khalif Barnes on the right isn’t going to work.
DT: Tommy Kelly was better in 2009, but he’s not worth the money. William Joseph and Desmond Bryant are imminently replaceable. This team needs more beef up front to shield their light linebackers.
DE: The Raiders need to groom a pass-rusher. Richard Seymour’s effort is highly inconsistent, and he’s mostly good for stopping the run. Matt Shaughnessy looks like a solid pick from last year. The Raiders would love to find another player like him.
San Diego
RB: It’s rare A.J. Smith puts himself in a position he has to draft for need. Luckily, this is a great draft to find a starter at running back, especially a big one. It would be stunning if the Chargers didn’t take a back in their first two picks.
DL: Jacque Cesaire is passable at end, and Luis Castillo hasn’t lived up to his big contract extension. The team also needs a Jamaal Williams replacement. The Chargers have drafted fine the last 2-3 years, but haven’t hit home runs. They could use one here.
CB: Antoine Cason hasn’t shown a lot in two years in the league. Nathan Vasher lost his confidence in Chicago and Donald Strickland is just a guy. The only thing left for the Chargers to do is make the Super Bowl and they will probably have to beat the Colts or Patriots to get there.
T: After the positions above, the Chargers don’t have pressing needs. There’s a sense the team could upgrade from Jeromey Clary at right tackle. Both he and Marcus McNeil were restricted free agents.