![](\"http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/EVERGREEN/SPAT/hdr624_FillingNeed.jpg\")
Wide receiver
This was one of the Bills greatest needs a year ago and it remains the same. Lee Evans is very solid, but his numbers were more like those of a No. 2 receiver (55 catches for 849 yards and 5 TDs). If the Bills had better complementary receivers, Evans would become one of the AFC’s top 5 receivers.
Linebacker
The Bills could not stop the run in 2007, particularly late in the year. They could use a game-changing linebacker, a leader who challenges his teammates when he feels like they are getting a bit soft.";
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i++] = new Array("","Baltimore Ravens","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i-1].body = "
Offensive line
As poorly as the Ravens’ skill position players have performed, the offensive line was significantly below expectations a year ago. Willis McGahee finished as the 4th-leading rusher in the AFC with 1,207 yards, but most of that was on his own. Jonathan Ogden is a shell of what he once was on the left side.
Linebackers
Losing Adalius Thomas last year really hurt. Ray Lewis is a great leader but he has lost a step of quickness and doesn’t deliver the big hit anymore. Terrell Suggs is not as much of a pass rushing factor as the Ravens hoped. He had 5.0 sacks last season, down significantly from the previous four years.";
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i++] = new Array("","Houston Texans","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i-1].body = "
Defensive line
The Texans have significant defensive needs, but none bigger than the defensive line. Mario Williams is on pace to become a great player after his 14.0 sack season in 2007, but the Texans generate no interior pressure. If the Texans had a complementary pass rusher, Williams could approach 20 sacks.
Offensive line
This always has been an issue for the Texans. Gary Kubiak has upgraded this team’s skill position play because he is an outstanding teacher and communicator. However, if Matt Schaub is going to meet his true potential he will need an offensive line that has the brawlers necessary to sustain a powerful running game.";
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i++] = new Array("","Denver Broncos","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i-1].body = "
Wide receiver
Quarterback Jay Cutler should be ready to come into his own in 2008. He has the arm strength, quick release and instincts to become a very good -- if not excellent -- passer. However, where are his weapons? Rod Smith is ancient and is probably done. Brandon Marshall is big, fast, strong and athletic and is coming off a 102-catch season. However, Marshall can’t do it by himself and he needs some assistance.
Defensive backs
John Lynch is not the player he was in his prime. He still hits like a truck, he just doesn’t get to the point of attack as quickly as he did. The Broncos need someone who can learn from Lynch and then step in.";
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i++] = new Array("","Miami Dolphins","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i-1].body = "
Offensive line
Bill Parcells has more holes to fill than he knows what do with. However, as an old-school football guy, the offensive line situation has to give him the most concern. Look for Parcells to upgrade the left tackle spot where Vernon Carey started all 16 games the last 2 years. He is big and strong, but he is simply too slow to protect the quarterback consistently.
Quarterback
Trent Green is gone. Neither John Beck nor Cleo Lemon are the answer. Look for Parcells to go after a veteran quarterback.";
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i++] = new Array("","Cincinnati Bengals","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i-1].body = "
Offensive line
This position is an issue for most teams. If we’re not talking about starters, we’re talking about quality depth and chemistry. In the Bengals’ case, they need help with both. Nobody realized that more than running back Rudi Johnson who averaged 2.9 yards per carry. Johnson bears some of the responsibility, but the run blocking was awful.
Defensive tackles
The Bengals need to get tougher against the interior run and learn how to collapse the pocket on opposing quarterbacks or the defense will remain baby-bottom soft. The Bengal defense ranked 28th in 3rd down efficiency and finding a monster in the middle of the line would help them immensely.";
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i++] = new Array("","Indianapolis Colts","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i-1].body = "
Linebackers
The Colts had sufficient speed and athleticism in this area when they had Cato June, but they were more than a step slower without him. Gary Brackett is dependable in the middle and Rob Morris can be a star, but Freddy Keiaho is little more than a glorified special teamer.
Cornerbacks
Scouts also point at the offensive line since the Colts could use some youth and depth, but the coverage needs to improve. Kelvin Hayden and Marlin Jackson are more than adequate when Dwight Freeney is in the lineup, but when they are asked to cover receivers a bit longer they have problems.";
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i++] = new Array("","Kansas City Chiefs"," ","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i-1].body = "
Quarterbacks
If Carl Peterson or Herman Edwards still think Brodie Croyle or Damon Huard is the answer, they have not been paying attention. Huard might be a decent backup but he cannot stay in the lineup more than 2 or 3 games. Croyle lacks the decisiveness, confidence and arm strength to be a top level quarterback.
Wide receivers
Bringing in Dwayne Bowe last year was the first step, but the Chiefs don’t have the kind of wide receivers who can get downfield and make plays. Bowe has strength and downfield speed but it more of a complementary receiver.";
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i++] = new Array("","New England Patriots","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i-1].body = "
Linebacker
The Patriots’ linebackers are ancient warriors. Tedy Bruschi (34), Junior Seau (39) and Mike Vrabel (32) are smart players who have started to slow down. The Pats need to bring in some youth immediately or the very high performance level could slip.
Cornerback
Asante Samuel is as good as any cover man in the league. However, Ellis Hobbs is not good enough. He has plenty of speed, but his technique makes him vulnerable against top-level wideouts, as Plaxico Burress’ game-winning catch in the Super Bowl showed. Outside of Samuel, the entire Patriots secondary needs an upgrade. That includes safety Rodney Harrison, who has slowed significantly.";
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i++] = new Array("","Cleveland Browns","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i-1].body = "
Defensive line
Romeo Crennel’s offense improved and now the Browns can concentrate on defense. Kamerion Wimbley was an upgrade at the outside linebacker position with 5.0 sacks, but he needs help from the defensive line. In particular, the Browns need a pass-rushing defensive end. Robaire Smith (4.0 sacks) would be decent coming off the bench, but his not a starter.
Cornerbacks
The Browns are very shaky in coverage and Crennel needs a true athlete who has the confidence to take on top receivers. Leigh Bodden did a nice job last year with 6 interceptions, but he is a bit of a gambler who gives up more than his share of big plays. ";
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i++] = new Array("","Jacksonville Jaguars","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i-1].body = "
Wide receivers
Stop if you have heard this before: David Garrard doesn’t have any reliable receivers. Ernest Wilford and Matt Jones are not terrible, but they are not good enough to be consistent downfield threats. If the Jags could get a legitimate No. 1 receiver, the running game with Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew would be even better.
Linebackers
The defense has been the heart and soul of this team since 1996. That was the Jaguars’ second year in existence and they played for the AFC title. Middle linebacker Mike Peterson is an excellent leader and a great tackler. However, he can’t do it by himself and coach Jack Del Rio needs to upgrade the position.";
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i++] = new Array("","Oakland Raiders","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i-1].body = "
Defensive line
The Raiders have been at or near the bottom of the league since they went to the Super Bowl in 2003. There are too many holes to fill in one offseason, but they should start with their defense. The Raiders can’t stop the run and Warren Sapp’s retirement should drive that point home to Al Davis. The Raiders ranked 32nd in average yards allowed per rush.
Wide receivers
JaMarcus Russell should be under center from start to finish next season and will need plenty of help from his receivers. Ronald Curry is a decent receiver – 55 receptions, 717 yards, 4 touchdowns -- but the raider could use a go-to-guy.";
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i++] = new Array("","New York Jets","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i-1].body = "
Quarterback
Eric Mangini has to look at this position realistically. Chad Pennington has always been an overachiever but he is easily injured and lacks arm strength. Much to the chagrin of Jets fans, Kellen Clemens isn’t the answer. Both could be decent backups but neither one is a quality starter.
Wide receiver
The Jets need a big, strong receiver who can get open. Jerricho Cotchery finished as their leading wideout with 82 catches for 1,130 yards and 2 scores, but Laveranues Coles did not have a good year. The Jets’ receivers are not very physical and that’s not acceptable to Mangini.
";
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i++] = new Array("","Pittsburgh Steelers","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i-1].body = "
Wide receiver
We have long admired Hines Ward and the way he plays. However, Ward plays so physically that he has put a ton of mileage on his body. It will be difficult for him to play 16 games and to match what he has done in the past. Even if he does, the Steelers don’t have enough big-time weapons for QB Ben Roethlisberger.
Linebackers
The Steelers have been a dynamic 3-4 team for years, but the linebackers have lost some of their ferocity. OLB James Harrison had a team-high 8.5 sacks last year, but he needs some complementary help. Inside backer James Farrior has slowed significantly and OLB Clark Haggans is average.";
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i++] = new Array("","Tennessee Titans","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i-1].body = "
Wide receiver
Vince Young needs to improve as a passer after throwing 9 TD passes in 17 games. But it's not all on Young. The Titans need major help at the wide receiver spot. Roydell Williams and Justin Gage are the cuurent backups and both played hard and fairly well. However, neither man is a No. 1 or even No. 2 receiver.
Defensive line
This was one of the Titans' strongest areas this year, but it was much better in the first half of the season than it was in the second. Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth should be a free agent and the Titans will try to nip that in the bud by franchising him. If they are forced to do that, Haynesworth may not be the consistent force next season that he was this year. Even if all goes well with Haynesworth, the Titans need to build on this area to keep it a strength.
";
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i++] = new Array("","San Diego Chargers","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i-1].body = "
Wide receivers
The Chargers got a decent year from Chris Chambers, catching 66 receptions, 970 yards, 4 touchdowns. He stepped it up during the postseason with a number of big catches. However, Chambers is not the answer by himself and Vincent Jackson may not be ready.
Offensive line
The Chargers don’t have a lot of weaknesses, but they could use some significant depth on the offensive line. Right tackle Jeromey Clary is not the answer and right guard Mike Goff has a lot of miles and could use some relief. ";
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i++] = new Array("","NFC East","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i++] = new Array("","NFC North","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i++] = new Array("","NFC South","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i++] = new Array("","NFC West","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i++] = new Array("","Dallas Cowboys","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i-1].body = "
Wide receiver
Terrell Owens had a solid year and his attitude was better than in recent years. He was comfortable with quarterback Tony Romo and coach Wade Phillips. Patrick Crayton did a decent job as No. 2 until when it counted. He was awful in the divisional playoff game against the Giants, which may make him expendable.
Offensive guards
The Cowboys are solid all over the field, but they need more size on defense and a bit more versatility at guard. Right guard Leonard Davis is dependable but Kyle Kosier needs a lot of work.";
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i++] = new Array("","Chicago Bears","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i-1].body = "
Running back
Let’s suspend disbelief for a second and say the Bears don’t need a quarterback. (They really do, but they can’t seem to find them through free agency or the draft). The running game was abominable last year. Cedric Benson is a disaster and an upgrade is necessary. Benson is soft, slow and injury prone.
Offensive line
The Bears’ blockers got old in a hurry. Center Olin Kreutz is the best of the bunch, but he has a problem snapping the ball in shotgun formation. Ruben Brown is ancient, Terrence Metcalf is awful and left tackle John Tait struggled.";
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i++] = new Array("","Atlanta Falcons","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i-1].body = "
Wide receiver
Actually, the biggest need is stability. Last year was an unmitigated disaster starting from the day that Michael Vick started making headlines for the wrong reasons. No matter who plays quarterback, the Falcons need receiving help. Roddy White cannot get open and Joe Horn is old. They need a dominant athlete with size and speed to upgrade at the position.
Defensive line
New coach Mike Smith does not approve of what the Falcons have to offer up front. The Atlanta philosophy has always been to go with smaller, quicker defensive lineman. That strategy worked well when the Falcons were healthy, but smaller injured player present no threat at all. The Falcons need bulk in the middle of the line and some imposing pass rushers on the outside.";
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i++] = new Array("","Arizona Cardinals","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i-1].body = "
Offensive line
Whether Matt Leinart regains the starting quarterback position or it remains in Kurt Warner’s possession, the Cardinals need to do a better job blocking for their QB. Ken Whisenhunt has put together an outstanding offense loaded with talent at the skill positions. However, the offense will never be as explosive as Whisenhunt wants until they get better blocking.
Defensive line
Why haven’t the Cardinals gotten to the playoffs? Because their defensive line stinks. DT Darnell Dockett (9.0 sacks) is a stud, but DEs Joe Tafoya and Antonio Smith don’t scare anyone.";
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i++] = new Array("","N.Y. Giants","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i-1].body = "
Linebackers
The Giants stunned the Patriots because they dominated the line of scrimmage. If the defensive line had not been so great, they would have been in trouble. Outside of middle linebacker Antonio Pierce, the linebackers are quite ordinary.
Offensive line
This is purely a desire for more depth. The Giants are deep and strong, but teams get old in a hurry on the offensive line. A couple of key injuries up front could be devastating. Right tackle Kareem McKenzie is a good, but not great, blocker who struggles with quick pass rushers.";
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i++] = new Array("","Detroit Lions","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i-1].body = "
Quarterback
Rod Marinelli did himself and the offense a great favor when he sent Mike Martz packing. Now he needs to do the same with Jon Kitna. Actually, Kitna can hang around because he should be a solid No. 2 quarterback, but he is not a starter. He lacks consistency and accuracy, even though he is as tough as they come at the position and is well-respected in the locker room.
Cornerback
The Lions would have a difficult time covering a good high school receiver 1-on-1. Fernando Bryant and Travis Fisher are both under 6-0 and have a problem with tall wideouts. Both gamble way too often for Marinelli’s liking.";
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i++] = new Array("","Carolina Panthers","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i-1].body = "
Quarterback
Jake Delhomme is not awful, but has reached his peak. He is a far better option than David Carr, though. The Panthers have one of the game’s most valuable players in receiver Steve Smith and they need to get him a great quarterback. The Panthers were 30th in average gain per pass last year.
Secondary
Chris Gamble is a decent cover corner, but the Panthers don’t have anyone else who can cover 1-on-1. Coach John Fox likes to depend on his pass rush, but if it struggles, the secondary gets trashed.";
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i++] = new Array("","St. Louis Rams","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i-1].body = "
Linebackers
The Rams were as soft defensively as any team in the league. They were awful at tackling and seemingly unable to make big hits. The Rams need to find some backers who will put fear into the hearts of their opponents.
Defensive line
The Rams ranked 22nd in sack percentage last year and nobody had more than the 6.0 sacks from defensive tackle La’Roi Glover. They need an outside pass rusher who can damage the quarterback. If they don’t address both these areas, they are destined to another poor season in 2008.";
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i++] = new Array("","Philadelphia Eagles","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i-1].body = "
Wide receiver
What do president Joe Banner and coach Andy Reid have against quality wideouts? There’s always criticism of Donovan McNabb in Philadelphia, but it seems that with the exception of Terrell Owens’ brief stay, they have not had a quality receiver since Mike Quick.
Defensive end
Trent Cole is one of the league’s hardest working players and he is paying big dividends. He had 12.5 sacks last year and should only improve. However, Jevon Kearse is all but done and Juqua Thomas is a stop-gap player. Defensive coordinator Jim Johnson will be lobbying for help on the defensive line during the draft.";
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i++] = new Array("","Green Bay Packers","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i-1].body = "
Running back
Even though Ryan Grant gave the Packers a much-needed boost once he got the No. 1 running back job, he needs help. The best running attacks use two backs and even if the Packers decided to keep Grant as their feature back they need to get him some decent relief.
Defensive line
It’s hard not to love the play of defensive ends Aaron Kampman and Cullen Jenkins, but the Packers need more in the middle. The Packers ranked 14th in rushing yards allowed per game and they got creased up the gut by the Giants in the NFC championship game.";
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i++] = new Array("","New Orleans Saints"," ","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i-1].body = "
Offensive line
Only the Cowboys have better talent at their skill positions. New Orleans should be able to put 25-35 points on the board most weeks, but was outscored by 11 other teams last year. The offensive line could use some youth and athleticism. That unit seemed to wear down late in many games.
Defensive line
What happened to the Saints’ pass rush? It all but disappeared. DE Will Smith led the Saints with 7.0 sacks, but the Fresh Prince could not do it all by himself. No other Saints pass rusher had more than 4.0 sacks.";
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i++] = new Array("","San Francisco 49ers","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i-1].body = "
Offensive line
There are a number of areas that need help, but it seems reasonable to think that Frank Gore will run for at least 1,100 yards for the third straight season. Alex Smith may not be able to hold off Shaun Hill and retain the quarterback position. However, if the Niners are going to have any success, they need better blocking. They were dead last in yards per game and sack percentage.
Defensive ends
The Niners found a true warrior in middle linebacker Patrick Willis. This year they have to get help from a pass rush. San Francisco ranked 24th in sack percentage last year; Willis was their leading sacker with 4.0.";
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i++] = new Array("","Washington Redskins","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i-1].body = "
Secondary
This team needs significant help at the cornerback spot as well as at safety as they consistently struggle in pass coverage. They ranked 27th in interception percentage this season. The death of Sean Taylor means the Redskins have lost a signature player, but LaRon Landry looks like a future stud.
Wide receiver
Can Santana Moss bounce back from a mediocre 61-catch season? Hard to say. Antwaan Randle El is better as a No. 3 receiver than he as a starter. The Redskins need a big, strong and fast receiver. Without a go-to receiver, young quarterback Jason Campbell will never guide a formidable offense.";
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i++] = new Array("","Minnesota Vikings","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i-1].body = "
Quarterback
Tarvaris Jackson showed improvement in the last six weeks of the season, but the Vikings need to be careful about truly committing to him. They have the game’s best young running back in Adrian Peterson and getting an efficient quarterback would make the offense better. The Vikings can contend in the NFC this year if they get a good quarterback.
Defensive ends
The Vikings have a great run-stuffing duo in Pat Williams and Kevin Williams at the defensive tackle spot, but Kenechi Udeze’s leukemia makes the defensive end position uncertain. They need to find some big-time pass rushers.";
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i++] = new Array("","Tampa Bay Bucs"," ","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i-1].body = "
Wide receiver
Jeff Garcia finished as the NFC’s third-ranked passer. If he had a decent crew of receivers he might have eclipsed Tony Romo and Brett Favre. Doddering Ike Hilliard knows everything there is about route running, but he is slow and can’t last forever. Joey Galloway still has eye-catching speed but he is a pulled muscle away from the IR list.
Offensive line
The Bucs have no depth along the line and their starters are just average. Kudos to Jon Gruden for leading this team to the division title a year ago, but if they don’t improve here they won’t return to the playoffs.";
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i++] = new Array("","Seattle Seahawks","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs_2008[i-1].body = "
Offensive line
In a division they should dominate, the Seahawks struggled a bit because they did not get the usual production from their offensive line. Outside of left tackle Walter Jones, the Seahawks did not have a consistent lineman. They are particularly weak at the guard position.
Tight end
The Seahawks need a big target who can go up the seam and make key third-down plays. Marcus Pollard is no longer the answer at that position -- he’s 36.";
// END editorial data