We are edging every closer to the big 3 day extravaganza known as the NFL Draft. For the past 6 months, each team has asked their scouting departments to prepare write ups, film and do as much research as they can on all the players entering the NFL this year. This post will focus on the teams themselves because ultimately teams need to find players that can fit into their system and contribute as soon as possible. If you missed Part 1 of the Draft series, then you can read the overview and schedule here:

2021 NFL Draft Preview: Part 1 – A Viewer’s Guide

Overview and Terms

For each team in the Draft, I’ll review 3 main elements to evaluate their potential strategy:

  • Draft Capital: This term relates to how many picks a team has and if they will have the ability to move up or down in this draft to pick players
  • Departures: This could mean players that have left their team via trade, free agency or even retirement
  • Scheme: This term means the type of offense or defense a team plays, so that will help determine the attributes or styles of play the players they have on their board

In addition to reviewing each of these 3 elements, I’ll attempt to do a preliminary look at players (more of that in Part 3) as the depth of the Draft at a given position will also play into the strategy a team takes this weekend.

Team By Team Analysis:

AFC East

New York Jets:

  • Draft Capital: 8 Picks – 2 in the First Round #2 and #23. The Jets are right back to the bottom of this division. With yet another coaching change in the off season from Adam Gase to Robert Saleh, the Jets will look to change their fortune this weekend.
  • Departures: Besides, Gase, which is the largest departure, QB Sam Darnold was traded to CAR, which obviously signals the selection of the QB at #2. Most pundits have already put BYU QB Zack Wilson at that pick. The Jets roster did not have many significant departures, as the roster was not very good.
  • Scheme: On offense, Saleh has tapped Mike LaFleur (brother of Matt in GB), so I would look for a balance attack with play action being played like with the Rams and Packers. However, they do not have a great RB there. The Jets signed Tevin Coleman in the off season to a one year deal, but he is not a long term answer. On Defense, Saleh is used to a deep and quality defensive line on his 4-3 scheme. The Jets signed Sheldon Rankins and Carl Lawson to go along with Quiennen Williams on the line, but I would think Saleh will want several big, strong guys to start to build this defense. The signing of Jarred Davis at LB may signal that the Draft will focus on offense.
  • Final Analysis: Jets will take Wilson at #2, possibly an RB at #23, but most likely they will look to add more OL and DL talent to both protect Wilson and add to the depth of Coach Saleh’s new defense. In later rounds, the Jets really need to address the RB and LB positions for depth.

Miami Dolphins

  • Draft Capital: 10 Picks – 1st Round #6 and #18 – 6 in the first 3 rounds
  • Departures: No major departures of note outside of the swashbuckling QB, Ryan Fitzpatrick, which really just gives the team to 1st round QB from last year, Tua Tagovailoa. OT Ereck Flowers was just traded today to Washington, so that may be a need for MIA now.
  • Scheme: Offense: As mentioned, Tua is the QB, and the offense was fairly conservative last year. I would expect that to change some, as they have signed WR Will Fuller and likely look to open up the downfield attack. Defense: Coach Flores 3-4 defense forced a ton of turnovers, but they have room to grow upfront especially. With all those picks, the Dolphins are ready to reap the benefits of turning that roster over some to get some studs in a more Best Available approach than Positional Need approach.
  • Final Analysis: The Dolphins should be able to take advantage of that #6 Pick to a Top WR giving Tua yet another weapon in this potential break out year, although the Flowers trade may signal the OT selection – Sewell from Oregon or Slater from Northwestern. I would think at #18 looks to add a playmaker on Defense – CB or Edge Rusher. For the rest of the Draft, MIA should be able to pick for value to add depth to their already improved roster.

New England Patriots

  • Draft Capital: 10 Picks – #15 in the 1st
  • Departures: Veterans – WR Julian Edelman retired and CB Jason McCourty was not resigned, which marks the start to the end of the Super Bowl era in NE. Those players played a long time with NE both leaving big holes on both sides of the ball.
  • Scheme: Coach Belichick has been crazy like a fox in most drafts. However, I think this is a key draft given they missed the playoffs for the first time in over a decade. On Offense, QB Cam Newton returns as the starter, but I do not think he is long for the Patriots. Will Belichick address the position at #15? The WRs on NE are not good either, so even if NE chooses to be super run oriented like last year, you need pass catchers. NE added 2 Top TEs in Free Agency, but WR is still needed. On Defense, the Patriots 3-4, ever changing front needs more talent, even more than at CB. So, in a deep CB draft, I would expect NE to select at least one CB in the Top 3 rounds.
  • Final Analysis: NE is at a crossroads. Missing the playoffs and seeing TB12 win one in TB, they need to use those 10 picks wisely. I think they will pick a top WR at #15 or possibly a QB if one of the Top 5 somehow falls to this position. In later rounds, I would expect CBs and WRs to along with some depth on the Defensive Line as MIA and BUF are way deeper in the talent pool in the division.

Buffalo Bills

  • Draft Capital: 7 Picks – #30 in the 1st Round
  • Departures: Only major departure of note is CB Josh Norman, otherwise this playoff team is intact.
  • Scheme: On Offense, this became the QB Josh Allen show. He had a career year in 2020, and once a team based on ball control became a downfield attack with a running QB. I do think that a more dominant runner is in the mix here, even though I did like Singletary and Moss in the last 2 drafts. On Defense, Coach McDermott’s group plays a 4-3, but they struggled to stop the run in 2020. I like the names, but perhaps injuries got the better of that defensive front. Given where they are in the Draft, they will need to find value to add depth over impact players.
  • Final Analysis: At 30, I think BUF is definitely going to address the RB position. Guys like Najae Harris out of Alabama or Travis Etienne both come to mind. If they are gone, they maybe they trade back to grab the UNC back. In other rounds, I think they could use more depth in the secondary with Norman gone and given their woes not the D-line last season.

AFC North

Cincinnati Bengals

  • Draft Capital: 6 Picks – #5 in the 1st Round
  • Departures: DE Carl Lawson and WR AJ Green lost to Free Agency,
  • Scheme: On Offense, the Bengals trusted fully in rookie QB Joe Burrow, although he may start the season coming off the ACL tear will certainly slow that process down. I would think CIN would try to balance the attack more this year with a healthy RB Joe Mixon. Defensively, CIN was terrible. They have focused on the secondary in the off season with CB signings, but they need more help there, too.
  • Final Analysis: At #5, CIN will get a great player. I think they will take Florida TE Kyle Pitts if he gets this far as he can replace a WR or top Oregon OT Sewell to protect Burrow. In the other rounds, CIN needs more impact defensive players and a WR to replace AJ. Plenty of depth at WR in this Draft, so that is possible, but they need to make some deft picks without a lot of draft capital for later round defensive players.

Pittsburgh Steelers

  • Draft Capital: 8 Picks – #24 in 1st Round
  • Departures: C Maurkice Pouncey retired which leaves a big hole and RB James Connor left in Free Agency. On Defense, Edge Rusher Bud Dupree also left in Free Agency.
  • Scheme: The Steelers tried to ride QB Ben Roetheisberger to the title last year, but the lack of balance cost them late in the season and in the playoffs. The Offense has to get better running the ball. On Defense, the 3-4 blitzing scheme was at the top of the league, but the secondary still struggled at times, plus once LB Devin Bush and Bud Dupree got injured, the defense was mortal. So, there is room for improvement on both sides of the ball.
  • Final Analysis: The Steelers did bring back Big Ben, but they do not have his replacement on the roster. They will likely pick another QB in this Draft, but given where they are in the order it is unlikely they will trade up unless they are willing to burn future 1st round picks. The most likely scenario at #24 is a RB like Najae Harris, so they can get back to power running. However, their O-Line was pretty awful last year. So, if they can find a way to address the line and get Harris or another Top 4 RB, then they could be in business. Later picks will need to backfill the Dupree loss and probably a CB as Joe Haden is definitely declining.

Baltimore Ravens

  • Draft Capital: 8 Picks – #27 and #31 in the 1st Round
  • Departures: OG Orlando Brown to KC in a trade – RB Mark Ingram, OG DJ Fluker and DE Yannick Ngakoue were lost in Free Agency
  • Scheme: Offense is a run-run-run with timely passing downfield attack. A slow start for BAL almost put them out of the playoffs, but a red hot finish got them within a couple of bad plays at BUF for a deep run. On Defense, the Ravens continue to be nasty 3-4 front, and they have been able to find that blend of youth and veterans to stay elite.
  • Final Analysis: The Ravens are one of the best run organizations in football. With 2 picks at the back of the 1st round, maybe they can package those to move up. They will probably look to replace Brown after this trade, so another OG/OT potential player is the pick likely at least at #27 or earlier. Defensive depth is always a priority for BAL, so I wouldn’t be surprised if the 2nd pick was an Edge Rusher.

Cleveland Browns

  • Draft Capital: 8 Picks – #26 in 1st Round
  • Departures: DT Sheldon Richardson was cut, DE Olivier Vernon and Andrew Sendejo were lost in Free Agency, so big changes on the Defense.
  • Scheme: CLE’s Offense is a pound you on the ground to set up the big play type offense, which worked extremely well especially late. The Offense remains mostly intact from last year, so I would expect the same. On Defense, the addition of DE Clowney opposite Garrett should improve the pass rush in this 4-3 front, but not sure they have the LBs who can cover in this league.
  • Final Analysis: Cleveland has finally gotten some traction in their past few drafts, plus it seems like they are attracting free agents. So, now, it is about getting better and picking really good players. At #26, I think they will pick a LB who can cover and be a Day 1 starter.

AFC South

Jacksonville Jaguars

  • Draft Capital: 10 Picks – #1 and #25 – 1st Round – 6 Picks in the Top 106 Overall, as the Jags cash in one some of their past trades
  • Departures: Head Coach Doug Marrone was fired giving way to one of the great college coaches, Urban Meyer. That is the biggest departure in the off season, as this team is in full rebuild mode.
  • Scheme: Urban Meyer will bring his open offense to the NFL. That means a blend of rushing and throwing, but spreading the field out with an athletic QB at the helm. That is clearly what they can get with QB Trevor Lawrence from Clemson. On Defense, hard to say there, they are showing a 4-3 defense right now, as the DC is Joe Cullen from the Ravens. They have a long way to go on that side of the ball, too.
  • Final Analysis: After #1 which is Lawrence, the Jags have a ton of picks early to upgrade this lackluster roster. The WRs aren’t terrible, but you would think more weapons are in the cards. Maybe a playmaking RB to along with Robinson who had a good rushing year. I could see the 2nd UNC RB in the 2nd Round. They definitely need defensive playmakers, too. I think after Lawrence you are going to see a Best Player Available approach.

Houston Texans

  • Draft Capital: 7 Picks – Zero 1st or 2nd Round Picks – 1st Pick at #67
  • Departures: Head Coach change took place mid-season last year, and the Texans brought in David Culley from Baltimore, an NFL lifer, that they are hoping will make QB Deshaun Watson happy. However, between the legal issue Watson is facing and his demands to be traded, the Texans are in jeopardy of having a complete meltdown. WR Will Fuller, a Watson favorite target, was lost in Free Agency, as well as long time Texan DE JJ Watt.
  • Scheme: On Offense, I’m not even sure what to expect. My information shows no OC, which means Culley will call the plays. Watson, if he stays and actually plays, could benefit given the creativity employed with Lamar Jackson in BAL. However, it is unclear what they will do. On Defense, the depth chart shows a 3-4, but the hiring of DC Love Smith would indicate employing a Tampa 2 defense with a 4-3 front. So, HOU has a lot of work to do to get this roster to match the staff.
  • Final Analysis: HOU is in real trouble. Maybe you see a blockbuster trade with Watson to some team to get back in the first couple of rounds. However, all that legal trouble is costing both Watson and HOU trade partners. I think they could try to package some of the later round picks to move up some, as this team lacks defensive talent. It’s hard to imagine an impact player coming in at #67.

Tennessee Titans

  • Draft Capital: Picks – 9 Picks – #22 in 1st Round
  • Departures: WR Corey Davis and TE Jonnu Smith left in Free Agency, while on Defense, DE Jadeveon Clowney left in Free Agency, CBs Malcolm Butler and Adoree Jackson were cut to make room for Janoris Jenkins and Kevin Johnson.
  • Scheme: Offense: The Titans like to bludgeon their opponent with the best RB in the NFL – Derrick Henry, then set up the play action pass game. That along with a 3-4 defense that can force TOs has led to 2 playoff berths. However, can Henry continue to hold up, and the Defense was not nearly as good in 2020 as it was in 2019.
  • Final Analysis: The Titans have a good core of offensive talent – Offensive Line has been solid, but the Lewan injury could open the door for depth at that position given their position. I still think the Defense needs more work, so a top CB or Edge player could be in the cards. Given the number of picks the Titans have, then they should be adding depth on the Line and find a 2nd or 3rd round WR gem to help out AJ Brown and this passing game with Davis gone.

Indianapolis Colts

  • Draft Capital: 6 Picks – #21 in 1st Round
  • Departures: QB Philip Rivers retired opening the door for the big trade for Carson Wentz. FS Malik Hooker was not resigned.
  • Scheme: The Colts offense is still built on that strong Offensive Line – running the ball with 2nd year man, Jonathan Taylor and now the return of Marlon Mack from injury, setting up the big play. Plus, this team hit big on Pittman last year, so I can see them trying to get another young playmaker. On Defense, the Colts were a top unit using a standard 4-3 with playmakers at each level, but Safety could be a priority.
  • Final Analysis: At #21, the Colts can take the best player available, but most Mocks have them taking an Edge rusher to help DT DeForrest Buckner. I can see them taking a WR there, if one of the Top 4 guys fell to them. Otherwise, I think the Colts need to find some diamonds in the rough to help fill in the gaps of this solid team.

AFC West

Denver Broncos

  • Draft Capital: 8 Picks – #9 in 1st Round
  • Departures: RB Philip Lindsay left in Free Agency, but no major losses.
  • Scheme: On Offense, QB Drew Lock was ok, but this team has weapons on the outside and at TE. They should have a balanced attack, so I can see a QB taken in this Draft for sure. On Defense, the once elite 3-4 unit is still solid, but they lack playmakers on the 2nd and 3rd levels, signing of Ronald Darby and Kyle Fuller are attempts to shore up that back end.
  • Final Analysis: Most Mocks have DEN taking a top LB to get some playmaking on that 2nd level. However, at #9, Denver is right on the cusp of getting a Top QB. If one of the Top 4 guys fall, especially Lance or Jones, then I would not be surprised if they pull the trigger. In later rounds, Denver needs more depth at RB and as good as Von Miller has been, you can never have enough Edge players, especially with the Chiefs in your division.

Los Angeles Chargers

  • Draft Capital: 8 Picks – #13 in the 1st Round
  • Departures: Another coaching change, as Anthony Lynn was let go (the right move to me) in place comes Brandon Staley, a defensive coach from the Vic Fangio tree. That move could be all the difference, as the Chargers have been one of the most talented teams for a couple years without the 2nd half execution. DE Melvin Ingram was lost in Free Agency along with the cutting of CB Casey Hayward. On Offense, TE Hunter Henry went to NE.
  • Scheme: Staley’s Defense will use a 4-3 front looking for Bosa to dominate. On Offense, QB Justin Herbert lit the league on fire last year as a rookie, and he should be at it again with a play action and deep strike game at this fingertips. Really, the Chargers were a couple of late game flubs away from being in the playoffs.
  • Final Analysis: The Chargers have plenty of picks to play with here. I think getting more O-Line help is in the cards Round 1. They need to protect their franchise QB. Plus, if they can get more out of the run game, then Herbert will be even better. I do think the D-Line lacks depth. Once Bosa went out, that team was not the same. Plus, the CBs on the depth chart are unknown to me, so I would guess if they go O-Line at #13, then Round 2 will be a CB.

Las Vegas Raiders

  • Draft Capital: 6 Picks – #17 in the 1st Round
  • Departures: DE Vic Beasley was lost in Free Agency, DE Arden Key and DT Maurice Hurst were cut on Defense. Big play WR Nelson Agholor left in Free Agency.
  • Scheme: Offense: The Raiders want to run the ball with Josh Jacobs to set up deep play action, which worked for the first half of the season. However, in the 2nd half, the 4-3 unit could not hold any leads. They were torched by everyone down the stretch and missed the playoffs. They need better defensive players – Period.
  • Final Analysis: Mocks are split on this one – either a stud LB or another Offensive Tackle. I think they should get a playmaking LB or top CB who can help stop these high powered offenses in the West. Perhaps there are other top LBs in Round 2, but they just resigned Kolton Miller at LT. I have not been that impressed with Gruden and Mayock’s Drafts so far given all that they had after the Khalil Mack trade. This Draft they have to make the most out of very limited selections.

Kansas City Chiefs

  • Draft Capital: 6 Picks – Zero in the 1st Round (Traded with BAL) – first pick is #58
  • Departures: OTs Mitchell Schwartz and Eric Fisher were cut on Offense, plus WR Sammy Watkins left in Free Agency, and Bashaud Breeland left in Free Agency on D.
  • Scheme: The Chiefs are the most dynamic offense in football with QB Patrick Mahomes, but over reliance on the passing game and O-Line injuries cost them another Super Bowl. The Chiefs have completely reconfigured their line, but I would expect even more depth to be added given last year’s injuries. On Defense, the pass rush is what they pride themselves on, but they still need better CB play and run stopping from the safety position. So, I would expect additions there.
  • Final Analysis: The Chiefs have attempted to address their limited shortcomings in Free Agency and trades, however they can still get more depth in the 2nd and 3rd rounds. I think they will take both an O-Lineman who can play multiple positions because of last year and signing OG Kyle Long who hasn’t played a full season and is coming out of retirement to play. Plus, the Breeland loss will hurt some their CBs now are not top level guys. Look for another pick in that range in the secondary.

NFC East

Philadelphia Eagles

  • Draft Capital: 11 Picks – #12 in 1st Round
  • Departures: Coaching change here, Doug Pederson was sent packing after a putrid finish to last season. Nick Sirianni from the Colts takes the job with one of the least impressive press conferences in history. Player departures include: QB Carson Wentz who was traded to IND opening the door for Jalen Hurts to continue to start. Long time OT, Jason Peters was not resigned. On Defense, DT Malik Jackson was cut, while CBs Jalen Mills and Nikelll Robey-Coleman left in Free Agency.
  • Scheme: Sirianni will likely try to follow the Reich system of run to set up the pass, instead of more dropbacks than humanly possible (the Pederson offense). On Defense, this unit needs major work, and not sure DC Gannon from the Colts is up to the challenge. Traditionally, this 4-3 D is led by their great down 4, but the CBs have been terrible for 3 years now. They have to address this position in the Draft.
  • Final Analysis: With 11 picks in this Draft, the Eagles should be able to get a top CB at the #12 spot – Surtain out of Alabama would be ideal. The Eagles need to get more weapons in the passing game given their struggles the past couple seasons, too. So, probably 2 CBs, 2 WRs and then some depth on the O-Line.

New York Giants

  • Draft Capital: 7 Picks – #11 in 1st Round
  • Departures: No major losses here.
  • Scheme: The Giants have gone all in on QB Daniel Jones by upgrading at WR with Kenny Golladay and John Ross, if RB Saquan Barkley can come back healthy, the balanced offense should be potent. On Defense, the 3-4 Giants’ front were solid, but they lack talent to compete against great offenses. I think that is where they will focus in this Draft.
  • Final Analysis: The Giants have a lot of options at #11. I think they should go on Defense, but if someone falls like a Top 3 WR or even one of the Top QBs, could the Giants put Jones on the shelf? I’d love to see it, but given how they played last year, getting better on Defense makes a lot of sense with all their upgrades on Offense already.

Dallas Cowboys

  • Draft Capital: 10 Picks – #10 in 1st Round
  • Departures: New DC in Dallas with former ATL HC Dan Quinn, so the defense may improve on that fact alone. CB Chidobe Awuzie left in Free Agency, LB Sean Lee retired.
  • Scheme: On Offense, the Cowboys with QB Dak Prescott is coming back from injury, but prior to the injury the Cowboys used their insane weapons to score at will. So, the Defense is the issue here. The 4-3 front is solid, but the secondary was terrible last year. S Keanu Neal has been signed, so maybe that leadership in Quinn’s scheme will help, but they still need more talent on the back end.
  • Final Analysis: From what I’ve heard, Owner Jerry Jones is salivating over TE Kyle Pitts to add to his offense. So, it is possible DAL would use some of their 10 picks to move up in the Top 5 for the TE. However, if they stay at #10, then the Cowboys will take a CB. With the other picks they have, they should add to the depth of the O Line that has been suffering injuries over the past 2 years.

Washington Football Team

  • Draft Capital: 8 Picks – #19 in 1st Round
  • Departures: QB Alex Smith, despite the great comeback story retired, which led to the signing of Ryan Fitzpatrick. No other major departures.
  • Scheme: On Offense, WAS likes to run a lot, but with Fitzpatrick, they may be able to keep up in higher scoring games. WAS did sign WR Curtis Samuel in the off season, but a bigger target may help. On Defense, the Football Team’s front 4 is the best in the NFL, so the back end is the area of emphasis.
  • Final Analysis: The real question is will WAS try to get a QB of the future in this Draft. Most of the Mock Drafts have WAS taking an O-Line man at #19, but with the Flowers trade that will change that prediction, so maybe they are comfortable with Fitz and the rest of the back ups they have, and yes that includes Heinicke. In other rounds, WAS will need to hit on better secondary players.

NFC North

Detroit Lions

  • Draft Capital: 6 Picks – #7 in 1st Round
  • Departures: Major off season changes in DET. First, Head Coach Matt Patricia was fired (and for good reason), in comes Dan Campbell. Then, the blockbuster trade sending QB Matthew Stafford to the LA Rams for Jared Goff. If that wasn’t enough, WRs Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones were lost in Free Agency, Adrian Peterson was not re-signed – giving Andre Swift the backfield. On Defense, LB Reggie Ragland left in Free Agency, CB Desmond Trufant was cut. This was a wholesale change of the roster in most respects. A complete rebuild.
  • Scheme: Well, Campbell has hired Anthony Lynn (former Chargers HC), so I don’t know if he has ever called plays before – a brief stint in BUF. I’m going to guess he wants to call a play action pass game given the Goff pick up, but who knows. On Defense, they brought in Aaron Glenn as DC, they are showing a base 4-3 upfront, but Glenn comes from New Orleans where they had a lot of talent on that side of the ball. The cupboard is pretty bare in Detroit.
  • Final Analysis: At #7, the Lions are not in the QB market unless they get lucky. Perhaps one of the Top 4 will fall, so Fields from Ohio State could be in play here. If not, they need pass catchers. Yes, they signed 2 B level players in Tyrell Williams and Breshad Perriman, but neither guy is WR1 guy. I was surprised to see how few picks they have given the trade, but those picks they received are in future drafts, I guess. Detroit is going to struggle to replenish the talent that left in the off season.

Minnesota Vikings

  • Draft Capital: 10 Picks – #14 in 1st Round – 7 in the Top 143
  • Departures: Not a lot of big names for the Vikings, TE Kyle Rudolph was cut, but outside of him, last year’s team returns.
  • Scheme: The Vikings’ Offense was all about the running back, Dalvin Cook, last year. As he went, the team went. So, I would expect more of the same, and WR Justin Jefferson was the biggest surprise. So, the Offense should continue to have a play action, big play feel to it. On Defense, the once stout unit has eroded over time. Last year the Vikes could not stop anyone in the 4th Quarter. HC Mike Zimmer’s standard 4-3 approach was stressed, especially in the secondary. They have addressed some needs in signing CB Patrick Peterson and Xavier Woods, but this team used to have one of the top secondaries in the league. I think they need an Edge Rusher and CB depth.
  • Final Analysis: At #14, Minnesota will pick an Edge player. However, they do have 4 picks in the 4th Round, so if they like someone in the Top 10, it is not out of the question that they could move up. It looks to me like Minnesota has the opportunity to replenish that depth they have lost over the past 3-4 years on Defense while still finding some O-Line help to keep Cook running wild.

Chicago Bears

  • Draft Capital: 7 Picks – #20 in 1st Round
  • Departures: The QB Mitchell Trubisky era has ended in Chicago. He is now in BUF behind Josh Allen. Unfortunately, the Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy era continues, which I think is the main driver in this Draft. Both will want the Bears to win now over building a future winner. Besides Mitch, OT Bobby Massie was lost in Free Agency. On Defense, CBs Kyle Fuller and Buster Skrine were cut and Barkevious Mingo was lost in Free Agency.
  • Scheme: With the Trubisky departure and now the Andy Dalton signing, the Bears will have to run the ball more. Dalton is not going to carry this team and he is not mobile. So, it appears the Bears will try to feature RB David Montgomery and spell him with the newly signed Damien Williams (former KC RB). They did resign WR Allan Robinson, so he is the primary target again. On Defense, changes at CB with Desmond Trufant in may shore up that position. The Bears will still try to be dominant on D, but depth at Edge Rusher and Defensive Line are not great.
  • Final Analysis: Well, Dalton is definitely not the long term answer at QB, so QB will be addressed somehow. At #20, it is unlikely the Bears will have a shot at one of the Top 5 guys. So, it may be wise to grab either an impact WR to go along with Robinson and the upstart Mooney from last year. The other way they could go is CB, since there are several 1st Round grade CBs in this Draft. Hopefully, Pace will not follow his normal small school, upside approach and pick quality depth players on the O-Line and Edge positions after that selection in the 1st Round.

Green Bay Packers

  • Draft Capital: 10 Picks – #29 in 1st Round
  • Departures: Now, immediately after the GB loss in the NFC Championship game there was a lot of buzz that QB Aaron Rodgers wanted out. Luckily for the Pack, Rodgers is still in GB, even though he is hosting Jeopardy at the moment. The Offense remains intact. On Defense, CB Tramon Williams retired and Damon Harrison was not re-signed.
  • Scheme: The Pack under HC Matt LaFleur have been much more balanced, and even more of a running team than past years. It was extremely successful leading to one of Rodgers most efficient years. However, falling short in the playoffs again, but that was more on the Defense. DC Joe Barry steps in for the fired Mike Pettine. Barry comes from the Rams who don’t play the same scheme, but were built around Aaron Donald, maybe they see Kenny Clark as their version of Donald or will the Pack try to find that guy in this year’s Draft. Regardless, the D has to get better if they want to get to the Super Bowl this year.
  • Final Analysis: The Packers have been much criticized for not selecting a WR in the 1st Round in the Aaron Rodgers tenure. Last year, the Jordan Love selection did not help the situation. At #29, GB will likely take the best player on the Board, but that could be a WR, the Minnesota standout, Bateman comes to mind. However, it is clear with those 10 picks, the Pack need to find the right mixture on Defense to win now. I think some depth on the O-Line would also be wise given their issues when OT Bakhtiari was out of the lineup.

NFC South

Carolina Panthers

  • Draft Capital: 7 Picks – #8 in 1st Round
  • Departures: On Offense, WR Curtis Samuel and OT Russell Okung left in Free Agency. On Defense, Tahir Whitehead was not re-signed.
  • Scheme: Very interesting off season for CAR. The Sam Darnold signing will be a reclamation project for HC Matt Rhule. Darnold had limited weapons and poor coaching in NY, so perhaps he can catch fire in CAR. I do think Rhule will be more balanced to give Darnold a chance, since RB Christian McCaffery will be back from injury. With the loss of Russell Okung, OT is probably first on the list. On Defense, CAR was young but competitive. They still need an impact DT and some Safety help, but their pass rushers and addition of Hassan Reddick looks like a good young group.
  • Final Analysis: At #8, CAR will likely pick an OT like Sewell from Oregon or Slater from Northwestern. In the other rounds, I think they will look to get some DTs and another WR to replace Samuel. CAR may not be ready for prime time yet, but they are much further along in a rebuild than others in the NFL.

Atlanta Falcons

  • Draft Capital: 9 Picks – #4 in 1st Round
  • Departures: Another coaching change here, as Arthur Smith takes over for Dan Quinn (who was fired mid-season). On Offense, C Alex Mack and RB Todd Gurley both left in Free Agency. On Defense, S Keanu Neal left in Free Agency.
  • Scheme: On Offense, new OC Dave Ragone comes from the Bears, so a very different style offense. Perhaps, Ragone is going to let Matt Ryan throw at will, which he did in some recent years, but balance has always been better for ATL in winning games. The problem is RB Mike Davis is not exactly going to dazzle you, which points to a definite need. On Defense, Smith has tapped DC Dean Pees who most recently was with the Titans, Ravens before that. The D has been the issue in ATL for at least 3 years now. So, I would expect major changes and draft picks on that side of the ball.
  • Final Analysis: ATL is in a great position. At #4, they are the next pick after the expected 3 QBs off the Board. FL TE Pitts will be there for them, who is reputed as the best player in this Draft. So, they can take a great player or they too could select a QB. I think more than likely ATL trades out of this pick to get more Draft Picks. Their bigger needs are at O-Line and on Defense. So, why not use that position to get more assets and impact players. I do think RB will be selected in the 2nd for them. UNC’s Williams comes to mind or if Harris or Etienne are there, given ATL has the 3rd pick in the 2nd Round. This should be a good Draft for the Falcons.

New Orleans Saints

  • Draft Capital: 8 Picks – #28 in 1st Round
  • Departures: It’s an end of an era in New Orleans. The future Hall of Famer, QB Drew Brees, finally stepped away and into the booth. Brees was incredible and won a lot, only one Super Bowl, but the Saints will need to find a way to compete without him now. Other losses on Offense, TE Jared Cook (yep that fumble was bad) and WR Emmanuel Sanders were cut. On Defense, CB Janoris Jenkins and LB Kwon Alexander were cut, DT Sheldon Rankins was lost in Free Agency.
  • Scheme: On Offense, the starter will be QB Taysom Hill at the moment, but Jameis Winston was also re-signed. I’m not sure how that will look, but a read option approach may be in order like in BAL, if Hill continues to be the starter. That means a lot of action for RB Alvin Kamara. TE Nick Vannett was signed to replace Cook, but that is a downgrade, so that may be an area of need. On Defense, the Saints have had very good drafts to supplement the talent, but they have lost players over time. So, both sides of the ball need to be replenished.
  • Final Analysis: At #28, NO will take the Best Available defensive player to help supplement that group. I do think NO needs another WR or TE given the departures of Sanders and Cook. So, in the 2nd-4th rounds, I would expect picks in that grouping followed by more depth on Defense.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

  • Draft Capital: 8 Picks – #32 in 1st Round
  • Departures: The World Champs are riding high. They return almost the exact same team as last year, except for WR Antonio Brown who was not re-signed.
  • Scheme: On Offense, the running game was the key to their success. RBs Ronald Jones and Leonard Fournette were great, setting up the big plays to the WRs Evans and Godwin. Godwin was franchised, so he stays for another year, and of course, QB Tom Brady is back for one more rodeo. On Defense, the unit that won the Super Bowl, the same group is back, including DT Suh, DE Barrett, DE Pierre-Paul, and LB David.
  • Final Analysis: TB is going to try to run it back. They found the formula that worked in the second half of the season, so little “needs,” but depth is always the issue. If the front line veterans get hurt (look at the KC O-Line), can they make another deep run. At #32, the Best Available strategy will be employed. I’m not sure TB can find the QB of the future at that stage, but a good WR to add to the weapons or CB are always in play at that point. I would expect O-Line depth to be a priority as well as some Edge players to keep DC Todd Bowles’ unit fresh.

NFC West

San Francisco 49ers

  • Draft Capital: 9 Picks – #3 in 1st Round
  • Departures: The RB exodus continues on Offense with RB Tevin Coleman departing in Free Agency this time and Jerrick McKinnon was not re-signed, as well as WR Marquise Goodwin. On Defense, DE Soloman Thomas signed elsewhere, and CB Richard Sherman was not re-signed.
  • Scheme: On Offense HC Kyle Shanahan employs the most creative run schemes in football, which sets up the play action pass game. Now, QB Jimmy Garoppolo has not delivered, so SF will use that high pick to select an heir apparent. Given the movement, it appears SF likes their WRs and with their great TE, it’s time to get an offense that can put up the big points. On Defense, the once vaunted D-Line has been picked apart. Sure DE Nick Bosa remains, but at one time they had 5 #1 picks on the D line, which is not the case now. With Robert Saleh in NY, DeMeco Ryans gets tapped as DC. SF has signed DE Arden Key and DT Maurice Hurst to supplement losses. It’s still a 4-3 front look, but I would guess that SF will need to replace some of the talent lost upfront after the 1st Round.
  • Final Analysis: At #3, SF will take that QB, so who will it be? Fields, Lance or Jones. Jones seems to remind me of Matt Ryan, who Shanahan had in ATL, but Fields and Lance are more mobile adding an element that is needed in today’s NFL. I’ll review the Mock Drafts before Thursday and reveal who I think will be there. The rest of the Draft SF needs to replenish talent, as I wrote. It’s time to add depth on the D-Line again, plus with who they have to beat to get back to the Super Bowl, their CB group is average at best.

Arizona Cardinals

  • Draft Capital: 5 Picks – #16 in 1st Round
  • Departures: On Offense, WR Larry Fitzgerald has not been re-signed at this time, plus RB Kenyan Drake left in Free Agency. On Defense, the great CB Patrick Peterson and Hassan Reddick were lost in Free Agency.
  • Scheme: The AZ Offense centers around the dynamic QB Kyler Murray. With Fitzgerald gone, the Cards picked up AJ Green in his spot. So, the Offense is in a good place, maybe the Line needs depth. The 3-4 Defense needed work, and signing DE JJ Watt could help as well as CB Malcolm Butler on the outside. I still think a DT would really help this team as most of the division teams run the ball so well.
  • Final Analysis: The Hopkins trade has taken some picks out of this Draft. So, AZ has to hit on what they do have. At #16, I think they will take a CB, but they could use some D-Line depth to really make the playoffs this year.

Los Angeles Rams

  • Draft Capital: 6 Picks – Zero in 1st Round – First Pick is #57
  • Departures: The biggest change, as mentioned is the departure of QB Jared Goff for Matthew Stafford. Some think that will put them over the top, but Stafford hasn’t won anywhere. The only other noteworthy departure was WR Josh Reynolds in Free Agency. The top Defense remains intact.
  • Scheme: On Offense, I’m going to assume HC Sean McVay will still be a play action team, even with Stafford. He will just expect greater accuracy and lower turnovers out of the veteran. On Defense, a new DC in Raheem Morris, who should be able to replicate the dominant defense they had in 2020 with all world DT Aaron Donald.
  • Final Analysis: In looking at the Rams, they have great talent on both sides of the ball. So, it is really about finding impact guys who can contribute and depth for the inevitable injury (like OT Andrew Whitworth last year). The Ramsey trade takes out their 1st Round pick this year to JAC. So, the Rams will need to be looking at 2nd and 3rd Round talent to step in. Again, I think O-Line is a focus, as well as depth on the Defense probably in the LB corps.

Seattle Seahawks

  • Draft Capital: 3 Picks – Zero in 1st Round – First Pick is #56
  • Departures: On Offense, OG Mike Iupati and TE Greg Olsen retired. On Defense, DT Jarran Reed was cut and CB Shaquill Griffin was lost in Free Agency.
  • Scheme: On Offense, the first half of the season was all about QB Russell Wilson “cooking” as he was lighting up the scoreboard. Then, in the second half, the return of the running game slowed that attack, but SEA was still very good on Offense. The O-Line continues to be the biggest liability for the Seahawks. The SEA D was not so great taking a step back from the year before.
  • Final Analysis: SEA only has 3 picks, which is the price they paid for S Jamal Adams last season. They are going to have to hit gold in the later rounds as there is not a lot of Draft Capital to work with this year. O-Line is premium in the 2nd Round and then maybe they can find some impact defenders.

Lots of information there. Final installment will come Thursday morning with Mock Draft Analysis and Players to Watch.

Wegs

About the author

I'm a 49 year old, twice divorced guy with a 20 year old. The blog has morphed a bit lately. Not just sports or dating, social commentary and now some stories from my past experience.