11 picks
#3, 35, 42chi, 67, 101, 153ne, 172, 210, 217jax, 232bal, 253comp
Defensive Tackle
No team gave up more rushing yards per game (158.2) or per attempt (4.8) in the NFL. At least they avoided last in first downs rushing (129) thanks to Buffalo. It would be a dream if Oklahoma's Gerald McCoy does in fact live up to the comparison of former star Warren Sapp assuming he is their pick at #3 overall. Last year's third round pick Roy Miller will supplant Chris Hovan whose long and often colorful career is drawing to a close. With Ryan Sims pushed to the background this line might actually be able to stop a few opponents.
Defensive End
Someone has to generate some pass rush. White's best role has been revealed to be as a situational pass rusher. Wilkerson is recovering from a torn ACL after finishing a 1/2 sack behind White for the team lead with 6. Crowder got his career back in order after failing to live up to his early second round status with Denver. After his rookie season Kyle Moore has expressed excitement over returning to the "Tampa Two" defense, but overall this group lacks a game changer. The late Gaines Adams, who was traded to Chicago during the season, was supposed to be that guy. They will need to try their luck on day two of the draft.
Wide Receiver
Few teams have made more questionable moves at a given position. Michael Clayton must have thanked his lucky stars after getting his lengthy contract last year. None of their draft picks have panned out and now they are relegated to taking on disappointing 2005 second round choices Mark Bradley (Chiefs) and Reggie Brown (Eagles). The latter was in a trade because guys with 407 yards receiving over the past two years apparently excite their front office. In fairness it was only a 2011 sixth round pick. Now that Antonio Bryant (Bengals) is gone, let's compare tight end Kellen Winslow's 2009 production to the top three returning receivers (Stovall, Stroughter and Clayton). K2 hauled in 77 passes for 884 yards and 5 touchdowns. The other three had 71 catches, 930 yards and 3 touchdowns. Uh, that is alarming. After spending 4 top 100 picks and another 4 late round selections since 2002 on receivers they have to hope Stroughter gets healthy and Stovall, who signed his free agent tender, builds on his signs of life. Otherwise it's back to the well.
Cornerback
Ronde Barber is so old his twin brother has already retired and is about to be out of a job in broadcasting. Talib was a rare hit from the draft in the Gruden/Allen era, but there is not much else to speak of at the position. Biggers missed his rookie year with a shoulder injury and fellow seventh round pick Woodson was not a factor. Mack was tendered as an exclusive rights free agent, but is not a future starter. Something has to be done here fairly early on.
Offensive Tackle
Penn and Trueblood certainly had their struggles in 2009 allowing their share of sacks and drawing handfuls of penalties. Their youth and demand at the position dictated the highest tender for Penn and a second rounder for Trueblood. The issue for Penn on the blind side was putting on a few extra pounds as the season wore on, and he is disgruntled over not getting a long contract offer. Rookie Xavier Fulton is recovering from a torn ACL, which puts a strain on their depth. It seems unlikely they would pass on either of the elite defensive tackles at #3 overall, or that any top prospect will be available by the time they pick again at #35. As such, expect them to trade back into Thursday's action if they want to upgrade their left tackle spot.
Offensive Guard
Looking ahead, Joseph and Sears are in contract years, and Sears sat out all season hurt which puts a question mark next to his name. Left side starter Zuttah could be supplanted by a strong draft choice, which provides insurance against Sears not coming back strong and future contract situations.
Linebacker
In the middle Ruud was hit with the highest tender as a restricted free agent, but the team has yet to secure his services for the long haul. Rod Wilson was not tendered and is free to sign anywhere. He had served as his backup while also performing on special teams. On the outside Crowell was retained while McCoy (Seahawks) flew out of town. Alston (Raiders) gives them more depth, but he had multiple concussions last year that ultimately landed him on IR. Likewise, Hayes is recovering from a torn labrum. They really need some depth, especially with free agency set to his Black and Hayward next year.
