2003 NFL Draft - NFC Team Needs

At critical positions where a team requires immediate help (a starter), the draft need was classified as a “1.”  At positions where a team requires depth or a prospect to groom for the future, the draft need was classified as a “2.”  The analysis also includes the teams’ significant offseason gains and losses.  You will note that some unsigned unrestricted free agents have “*” in the team column.  These are the most valuable players left on the market, and their availability could influence some teams’ decisions on draft day.  This could especially affect those teams that need a safety, as there are at least four solid veteran safeties available. 

ARIZONA CARDINALS – Coming off of yet another losing season, the Cards allowed their best overall player to leave via free agency (David Boston, San Diego), leaving a huge void at wide receiver.  They also plan to release former number-one pick RB Thomas Jones, but his shoes should be adequately filled by Emmitt Smith and backup Marcel Shipp, who averaged 4.4 yards per carry last season.  Jeff Blake takes over for Jake Plummer (Denver) at quarterback, but the journeyman, who was most recently with the Ravens, will likely have little success unless the team signs at least one capable veteran wideout.  The Cards defense finished last season ranked 29^th, so there is much work to be done at that side of the ball as well.   

Key Additions

Key Losses

Draft Needs

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ATLANTA FALCONS – The Falcons have focused on upgrading their receiving corps and secondary so far this offseason.  The team sent its top choice in the draft to the Buffalo Bills for Peerless Price, giving QB Michael Vick a top threat at wideout.  Most of the Falcons’ remaining pressing needs reside on the defensive side of the ball, where they could use a run-stuffing lineman with size, a No. 1 cornerback, and a free safety to backup Keion Carpenter, who bruised his spinal cord in a Jan. 11 playoff loss at Philadelphia.  Carpenter required subsequent surgery to fuse two cervical disks, but he is expected to make a full recovery.

Key Gains

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CAROLINA PANTHERS – The Panthers averaged less than 17 points per game last season, so it is no surprise that they have spent most of their offseason energy improving their offense.  Saints backup Jake Delhomme was brought in to challenge Rodney Peete for the starting quarterback job, while veterans Kevin Dyson and Ricky Proehl were added to a receiving corps that already included Muhsin Muhammad and Steve Smith.  Additionally, Stephen Davis was signed to solidify the running game, as the team is unsure how well second-year pro DeShaun Foster will bounce back from last year’s serious knee injury.  The team could still use more offensive help, especially at tight end and tackle, while the Panthers’ up-and-coming defense would become a stifling unit by adding a top-flight cornerback. 

Key Gains

Key Losses

Draft Needs

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CHICAGO BEARS – The signing of Kordell Stewart likely means that the Bears will not use their first draft pick on a quarterback, but the former Pittsburgh Steeler is highly erratic, so the team would be wise to select a signal caller for the future in the early rounds.  The Bears will also be looking for a replacement for former Pro Bowl left tackle James “Big Cat” Williams, and running back is somewhat of a concern with Leon Johnson signing with the Rams and with starter Anthony Thomas (3.4 per carry) coming off a very disappointing sophomore season.  The team’s other major needs are at outside linebacker, where Rosevelt Colvin (10.5 sacks) must be replaced, and at defensive end, where a consistent pass rusher is badly needed. 

Key Gains

Key Losses