2003 NFL Draft - AFC Team Needs

BALTIMORE RAVENS – Unlike last offseason, the Ravens were able to retain most of their players.  The team overachieved last season, attaining a 7-9 mark with a number of inexperienced starters.  This club has a few glaring weaknesses, but the future looks bright, considering how well many of the young players performed in 2002.  The biggest concern in Baltimore is the quarterback position.  Chris Redman was not overly impressive as a starter last year, and the back injury that forced him to miss 10 games makes him an even bigger question mark.  Wide receiver is another position that the Ravens need to address.  Travis Taylor showed improvement last season, but he has yet to prove that he can be a No. 1 receiver, and No. 2 receiver Brandon Stokley left for Indianapolis.  The rest of the team’s starters appear to be solid, but depth is needed at many positions. 

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BUFFALO BILLS – The Bills have been one of the busiest clubs this offseason, signing at least six significant free agents.  After ranking 29^th against the run and registering only 31 sacks, the Bills spent most of their money on improving their defensive front seven.  The additions included Pro Bowl DT Sam Adams, future Pro Bowler LB Takeo Spikes, and fellow LB Jeff Posey (8 sacks).  Those moves, combined with several others, have left the team with few glaring weaknesses, and the Bills have improved enough to be considered serious Super Bowl contenders in 2003.  Assuming that either Marcus Jones or Keith McKenzie can regain the form that they had a few seasons ago when they were among the league’s top pass rushers, the Buffalo defense should be a formidable unit.  On offense, second-year receiver Josh Reed must step up in place of the departed Peerless Price, but the team did add Bobby Shaw for some veteran insurance. 

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CINCINNATI BENGALS – Historically, the Bengals have had a difficult time attracting free agents, but with defensive guru Marvin Lewis taking over as head coach, they fared well this offseason, signing three solid players – LB Kevin Hardy, CB Tory James, and DT John Thornton.  The team did lose star linebacker Takeo Spikes to the Bills, but Hardy has the potential to adequately fill his shoes.  Owners of the top overall pick in the draft, the Bengals have reportedly narrowed their choice down to quarterbacks Carson Palmer and Byron Leftwich and cornerback Terence Newman.  Wide receiver Charles Rogers is another possibility, but wideout is not a real need position for Cincinnati.  In addition to quarterback and corner, the Bengals have holes to fill at center and defensive tackle, and the fullback and free safety positions are concerns as well. 

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CLEVELAND BROWNS – After making the playoffs last season, it was somewhat of a surprise that the Browns did some significant house cleaning.  Most of the changes took place on the defensive side of the ball, where four starters are gone, including all three linebackers.  The club used three picks to select linebackers in last year’s draft and signed LB Barry Gardner away from the Eagles, but picking up at least one solid prospect in the draft will likely be a priority.  The Browns will also be looking for a shut-down cornerback and a run-stuffing tackle who can help improve their 27^th-ranked run defense.  On offenses, the Browns’ biggest dilemma is deciding if Tim Couch or Kelly Holcomb will be the starting quarterback, but they could use some help at tight end and offensive tackle. 

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