AFC Team Needs

2004 NFL Draft - AFC Team Needs

by Richard Harris

April 12, 2004

Also see NFC Team Needs

Baltimore Ravens
Draft Needs				Key Additions	Key Losses
Quarterback		Defensive Tackle	√		WR Marcus Robinson
Running Back	√	Defensive End	√
Fullback		Outside Linebacker
Tight End		Middle Linebacker
Wide Receiver	√	Cornerback	√
Center		Safety	√
Guard		Kicker
Offensive Tackle	√	Punter
NOTES: The collapse of the Terrell Owens deal, combined with the loss of Marcus Robinson to the Vikings, leaves the Ravens desperate for a top-flight wide receiver. The team does not own a first-round pick, but this draft is very deep at wideout. Other than wideout, the Ravens mostly need depth at three spots � the offensive line, the defensive line, and the secondary. That's assuming that RB Jamal Lewis� legal troubles do not become a long-term issue.

Buffalo Bills
Draft Needs				Key Additions	Key Losses
Quarterback	√	Defensive Tackle	√	G Chris Villarial	G Ruben Brown
Running Back		Defensive End	√	CB Troy Vincent	CB Antoine Winfield
Fullback	√	Outside Linebacker
Tight End	√	Middle Linebacker
Wide Receiver	√	Cornerback
Center		Safety
Guard	√	Kicker	√
Offensive Tackle	√	Punter
NOTES: After averaging an AFC-low 15.2 points per game in 2003, the Bills will likely focus on upgrading their sluggish offense in the early rounds, but an elite defensive end is a possibility with their first-round pick (13^th overall). Another possibility is a solid No. 2 receiver to draw some attention away from Eric Moulds. Incumbent Josh Reed struggled last season, and he has not yet proven to be effective enough to draw double-teams away from Moulds.

Cincinnati Bengals
Draft Needs				Key Additions	Key Losses
Quarterback		Defensive Tackle	√	S Kim Herring	CB Jeff Burris
Running Back	√	Defensive End	√	WR Pat Johnson	G Mike Goff
Fullback		Outside Linebacker	√	CB Deltha O'Neal	CB Artrell Hawkins
Tight End		Middle Linebacker	√	MLB Nate Webster	G Matt O'Dwyer
Wide Receiver		Cornerback	√	G Bobbie Williams	S Mark Roman
Center	√	Safety	√
Guard		Kicker
Offensive Tackle		Punter
NOTES: The Bengals finished last season ranked next to last in the AFC in scoring defense at 24.0 points per game, and they could use help at nearly every spot on that side of the ball. The club�s top priority will be a defensive lineman, preferably a run-stuffing tackle. Either Maryland DT Randy Starks or Texas DT Marcus Tubbs should be available at the 24^th overall spot. Of course, the imminent trade of disgruntled running back Corey Dillon (likely to the Raiders) could alter the Bengals� draft strategy.

Cleveland Browns
Draft Needs				Key Additions	Key Losses
Quarterback		Defensive Tackle	√	QB Jeff Garcia	P Chris Gardocki
Running Back	√	Defensive End	√	FB Terrelle Smith	G Shaun O'Hara
Fullback		Outside Linebacker	√		OT Barry Stokes
Tight End	√	Middle Linebacker			RB Jamel White
Wide Receiver	√	Cornerback	√
Center		Safety	√
Guard	√	Kicker
Offensive Tackle	√	Punter	√
NOTES: A playoff team just two seasons ago, the Browns need help just about everywhere. After averaging less than 16 points per game in 2003, the club�s top draft priorities will likely be the offensive line and a tight end. William Green�s off-the-field troubles and Dennis Northcutt�s demands to be traded leave the team with concerns at running back and wide receiver as well. Quarterback Jeff Garcia�s arrival makes Tim Couch expendable. The former top overall pick will likely be traded for a combination of players and draft picks, which should help plug a few holes in the roster.

Denver Broncos
Draft Needs				Key Additions	Key Losses
Quarterback	√	Defensive Tackle	√	CB Champ Bailey	DE Bert Berry
Running Back	√	Defensive End		DT Luther Elliss	LB Ian Gold
Fullback		Outside Linebacker	√	RB Garrison Hearst	WR Ed McCaffrey
Tight End	√	Middle Linebacker	√	WR Willie Jackson	CB Deltha O'Neal
Wide Receiver	√	Cornerback		DE Raylee Johnson	RB Clinton Portis
Center		Safety		S John Lynch	OT Ephraim Salaam
Guard		Kicker		TE Jed Weaver
Offensive Tackle	√	Punter
NOTES: The Broncos have been busy in the offseason, but they still have a number of holes to fill. The secondary has been solidified with the additions of CB Champ Bailey and S John Lynch, and RB Garrison Hearst, combined with holders Mike Anderson and Quentin Griffin, should help offset the loss of Clinton Portis. With both John Mobley and Ian Gold (unsigned) coming off season-ending injuries, linebacker is a big concern for the defense, while tackle is a top priority on both sides of the ball. There could also be a hole to fill at TE if Shannon Sharpe decides to retire.

Houston Texans
Draft Needs				Key Additions	Key Losses
Quarterback		Defensive Tackle	√	TE Mark Breuner	QB Drew Henson
Running Back		Defensive End	√	DE Robaire Smith	RB Stacey Mack
Fullback	√	Outside Linebacker	√	OT Todd Wade	OT Greg Randall
Tight End		Middle Linebacker	√
Wide Receiver	√	Cornerback	√
Center		Safety
Guard	√	Kicker
Offensive Tackle		Punter
NOTES: The Texans are very close to being a contending team. The emerging foursome of QB David Carr, RB Domanick Davis, WR Andre Johnson, and WR Jabar Gaffney give the club a potentially explosive offense. The Texans� top priority is to repair their 31^st-ranked defense, especially at defensive tackle and cornerback.

Indianapolis Colts
Draft Needs				Key Additions	Key Losses
Quarterback	√	Defensive Tackle	√		DE Chad Bratzke
Running Back		Defensive End			CB Walt Harris
Fullback	√	Outside Linebacker	√		CB David Macklin
Tight End		Middle Linebacker	√		OT Adam Meadows
Wide Receiver		Cornerback	√		LB Marcus Washington
Center		Safety
Guard		Kicker
Offensive Tackle	√	Punter
NOTES: Strapped by the salary cap and QB Peyton Manning�s new contract, the Colts were unable to sign any key free agents. At the same time, the team lost several significant contributors, including starting OLB Marcus Washington. As usual, most of the club�s needs reside on the defensive side of the ball, and replacing Washington, along with getting help at defensive tackle and cornerback will be the team�s top priorities.

Jacksonville Jaguars
Draft Needs				Key Additions	Key Losses
Quarterback		Defensive Tackle		CB Juran Bolden	DE Tony Brackens
Running Back	√	Defensive End	√	LB Greg Favors	QB Mark Brunell
Fullback		Outside Linebacker	√	S Deon Grant	CB Fernando Bryant
Tight End	√	Middle Linebacker	√	OT Ephraim Salaam	LB Danny Clark
Wide Receiver	√	Cornerback	√	CB Dewayne Washington	CB Jason Craft
Center	√	Safety
Guard	√	Kicker	√
Offensive Tackle		Punter
NOTES: The Jaguars surprised many by finishing last season ranked sixth in total defense, but while they were stifling against the run, their ability to stop the pass was sporadic. It is questionable whether free-agent additions such as Juran Bolden and Dewayne Washington will help at cornerback. At a minimum, the club needs a top-flight pass rusher at end to boost the pass defense. The team also needs more weapons to compliment QB Byron Leftwich, and finding an eventual replacement for aging No. 1 receiver Jimmy Smith will be a top priority.

Kansas City Chiefs
Draft Needs				Key Additions	Key Losses
Quarterback	√	Defensive Tackle	√	C/T Chris Bober	OT John Tait
Running Back		Defensive End		DT Lionel Dalton
Fullback		Outside Linebacker
Tight End		Middle Linebacker	√
Wide Receiver	√	Cornerback	√
Center		Safety
Guard		Kicker	√
Offensive Tackle	√	Punter	√
NOTES: For the second consecutive year, the Chiefs had one of the worst defenses in the league. They were especially horrible against the run, allowing a league-high 5.2 yards per carry. As a result, the Chiefs will likely try to strengthen up the middle by seeking help at defensive tackle and middle linebacker. Another primary concern is wide receiver, where aging veterans Johnnie Morton and Eddie Kennison are slated to start.

Miami Dolphins
Draft Needs				Key Additions	Key Losses
Quarterback	√	Defensive Tackle		WR David Boston	OT Mark Dixon
Running Back	√	Defensive End		S Antuan Edwards	CB Jamar Fletcher
Fullback		Outside Linebacker	√	QB A.J. Feeley	QB Brian Griese
Tight End		Middle Linebacker	√	CB Reggie Howard	S Brock Marion
Wide Receiver	√	Cornerback		G Jeno James	G Jamie Nails
Center	√	Safety		OT Damion McIntosh	G Todd Perry
Guard	√	Kicker		RB Sammy Morris	C Tim Ruddy
Offensive Tackle	√	Punter	√	OT John St. Clair	OT Todd Wade
NOTES: With the additions of QB A.J. Feeley and WR David Boston, the Dolphins may finally have an offense to match their superb defense. However, the club will be missing four offensive line starters from last year, and will be relying on a combination of young holdovers and mediocre free agents to do the blocking. Assuming that the rebuilt line is up to the task, the Dolphins do not have any glaring weaknesses, and they will likely take the best player available with many of their picks.

New England Patriots
Draft Needs				Key Additions	Key Losses
Quarterback		Defensive Tackle	√	DE Rodney Bailey	RB Antowain Smith
Running Back	√	Defensive End		P Josh Miller	DT Ted Washington
Fullback	√	Outside Linebacker		DT Keith Traylor	G Damien Woody
Tight End		Middle Linebacker
Wide Receiver		Cornerback	√
Center	√	Safety	√
Guard	√	Kicker
Offensive Tackle	√	Punter	√
NOTES: Despite winning the Super Bowl twice over the last three years, the Patriots have several notable concerns heading into the draft. Foremost, Pro Bowl CB Ty Law is in the midst of a contract squabble with the team, and he has said that he no longer wants to play in New England. Another concern is the loss of NT Ted Washington. Veteran Keith Traylor was signed to take his spot, but the former Bear is unlikely to match Washington�s production. After releasing Antowain Smith, the team will also be in the market for a feature running back.

New York Jets
Draft Needs				Key Additions	Key Losses
Quarterback		Defensive Tackle	√	CB David Barrett	CB Aaron Beasley
Running Back		Defensive End		LB Eric Barton	WR Curtis Conway
Fullback		Outside Linebacker	√	WR Justin McCareins	S Sam Garnes
Tight End	√	Middle Linebacker	√	S Reggie Tongue	LB Marvin Jones
Wide Receiver	√	Cornerback	√		LB Mo Lewis
Center		Safety	√		G Dave Szott
Guard	√	Kicker
Offensive Tackle		Punter
NOTES: For a team that did not qualify for the playoffs, the Jets are in pretty good shape and do not have many glaring weaknesses. Justin McCareins, Eric Barton, and Reggie Tongue are nice upgrades over Curtis Conway, Mo Lewis, and Sam Garnes, respectively. The Jets� top concerns are at guard and cornerback, but they could surprise by taking a linebacker, defensive tackle, or wide receiver in the first round (12^th overall).

Oakland Raiders
Draft Needs				Key Additions	Key Losses