In the aftermath of one of the most, if not the most, thrilling Super Bowls ever, many teams have work to do keep pace with the New England Patriots.
What must each team do though?
Starting with the New England Patriots, despite having Tom Brady, the Patriots are not invincible. Adding a linebacker to replace star Jamie Collins that was traded mid-season would be a good place to start. Getting star tight end Rob Gronkowski back after injury will only help fuel the Patriots’ potent attack offensively.
The Miami Dolphins have several stars, but could use a young defensive lineman with stars Cameron Wake and Mario Williams not getting any younger. Signing or drafting a cornerback would help what has been a suspect-secondary at certain times this past season.
In Buffalo, the Bills must address the quarterback situation. Tyrod Taylor was given a $90+ million dollar contract extension prior to last season, but produced below average numbers. Their secondary was thought to be a strength heading into the season, but turned out to be a weak point.
The New York Jets suffered through a defense that often times lacked the extra effort needed and pedestrian quarterback play, mainly by veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick. Drafting a young receiver to learn under veterans Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker would not be a bad place to start.
With the first pick in the draft, the Cleveland Browns have a lot of options. Having no talent at many positions, anything is in play for the Browns. When you have nothing, any and all choices would be acceptable for the Browns.
Hue Jackson, head coach of the Browns, knew that this would be a challenging rebuilding process when he took the job last year.
In Cincinnati, the Bengals have to just stay healthy. Whether it is quarterback Andy Dalton, receiver A.J. Green, or tight end Tyler Eifert, the Bengals have not had their stars when they need them most. Finding younger secondary players is also another high priority.
With the Baltimore Ravens, finding an eventual replacement for safety Eric Weddle is a must. For as good as he is, he is not getting any younger. Continuing to develop the offensive line to protect quarterback Joe Flacco is an absolute necessity.
Whether it is placing the franchise tag or some other means, the Pittsburgh Steelers have to find a way to keep their star running back, Le’Veon Bell, from leaving in free agency. Boosting a defense with veterans in the secondary and finding a complement to star receiver Antonio Browns would help too.
Using picks or cap room to continue building the offensive line is imperative for the Indianapolis Colts to protect quarterback Andrew Luck. Acquiring defensive veterans at any position would assist a Colts’ defense that looked soft at times during the year.
Quarterback is the dilemma in Houston for the Texans. Sticking with Brock Osweiler is an option, but his performance this year suggests a change is needed. Having star J.J. Watt back on the field to anchor an already strong defense give the team great hope.
Offense is not the problem for the Tennessee Titans. Quarterback Marcus Mariota made great strides in his second season. Running back DeMarco Murray is reliable, but the defense continually got shredded at times. Acquiring a linebacker and secondary players is vital for their future hopes.
Veterans are needed for the Jacksonville Jaguars. They have young talent like receiver Allen Robinson and cornerback Jalen Ramsey, but without guys to look up to who have won big games before, it is difficult. Providing time for quarterback Blake Bortles to look down field is critical for the team’s development.
Out west, the Kansas City Chiefs need another explosive playmaker on offense. Quarterback Alex Smith needs guys who can get yards after the catch, with his conservative throwing nature. Finding a replacement for stud linebacker Derrick Johnson, who is climbing in age, is another top priority.
With the Oakland Raiders’ offense, quarterback Derek Carr and company have everything they need. Improving a secondary that continually got torched is their biggest need. Adding a versatile linebacker to complement defensive player of the year Khalil Mack would really help get all of the attention off of him.
With a healthy Derek Carr, the Raiders will be a threat to Tom Brady and the Patriots next season.
Champions just a year ago, the Denver Broncos have to solve their quarterback situation: stick with up-and-coming Trevor Siemian, or go with the youngster Paxton Lynch? Obtaining a run-stuffing nose tackle would help a defensive line that constantly got the ball ran down their throats on last season.
Quality receivers who do not get hurt are a must for the now Los Angeles Chargers. Their receivers (mainly the talented Keenan Allen) can not stay healthy, leading to trials an tribulations of quarterback Phillip Rivers. At times, members of the Chargers’ secondary looked like they were confused or just going through the motions, so signing veterans here could not hurt.
In the NFC, the conference champion Atlanta Falcons have to get some experience in the linebacker and secondary departments. Having more veterans on the defensive side of the ball could have helped them avoid their Super Bowl LI collapse (which will likely go down as the greatest collapse in sports’ history).
The Carolina Panthers need to get star quarterback Cam Newton some help on the offensive line. A strength a year ago, Newton was unable to breath with the duress he was under. Coming up with a replacement for the valuable linebacker Thomas Davis would be a wise choice.
With a team with young stars such as receiver Mike Evans and Jameis Winston, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are on the prowl. Having a threat to take attention away from Mike Evans would balance the offense. Another pass-rushing defensive end would do the same for star nose tackle Gerald McCoy.
Defense. Defense. Defense. Every year this is the problem for the New Orleans Saints. Quarterback Drew Brees is not getting any younger, so the time is now for the Saints to invest in the defense. Adding any player at any position on defense is greatly needed, although they did show some signs of improvement.
For the Green Bay Packers, replacing linebacker Julius Peppers and finding a complement to linebacker Clay Matthews is their biggest concern. The front seven overall needs work, as they gave up countless yards at will during certain games.
With Sam Bradford taking over at quarterback, the Minnesota Vikings need to find an eventual replacement for if and when he gets hurt or plays badly (or both). Providing depth to an offensive line that sorely lacked it led to their demise last season, suggesting high investments are needed.
Sam Bradford suffered the most from the effects of the Vikings’ often injured offensive line (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh).
Building a better run-blocking offensive line is the goals for the Detroit Lions. They need a running back to do be capable though. Theo Riddick, Ameer Abdullah, and Zach Zenner can not be counted on for every down, so an all-purpose running back should be desired.
Much like the Browns, the Chicago Bears need help virtually everywhere. Quarterback, offensive line, secondary, you name it, the Bears need it. The defense did shows signs of life at key times though.
Rookie sensations Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott of the Dallas Cowboys can not do it on their own. Having defensive players that will not get hurt or suspended would be a plus. A dominant coverage safety would put fear into a secondary that greatly needs it.
Providing protection and a consistent running game for quarterback Eli Manning of the New York Giants would balance the offense. Linebacker in particular has to be bolstered to complement an already strong defensive line and secondary.
Playmakers on the outside are crucial for the development of the Philadelphia Eagles’ young quarterback Carson Wentz. He had to check the ball down to running backs and tight ends consistently because no one got open down field for him. Aside from safety Malcolm Jenkins, the secondary is abysmal and needs two or three new starters to support Jenkins.
Wentz needs upgrades at the skill positions if the offense is to take the next step in his second season.
Safety is the top need for the Washington Redskins. Whether it was through injuries or bad play, this was the weakest point on the Redskins all season. Quarterback Kirk Cousins also has to be resigned so Washington’s potent offense can stay potent with their signal caller.
Once a proud franchise, new coach Kyle Shanahan has his work cut out for him as the next San Francisco 49ers’ new head coach. Winning just two games in 2016 (both against the Rams), the 49ers need help everywhere. Surrounding a young quarterback with talented veterans would not be a bad place to start.
Discovering a young, talented quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals is crucial. Quarterback Carson Palmer is nearing the end of his career, so a long-term solution is needed. Bringing in explosive receivers and developing the offensive line are other chief concerns.
The Seattle Seahawks have to protect quarterback Russell Wilson. He was running for his life on every passing attempt this season. In addition, a potential replacement for safety Earl Thomas, who may retire, is imperative to help a defense that looked lost and confused without him.
Quarterback Jared Goff of the Los Angeles Rams have nothing to work with. No talent at receiver, a lack of a running game, and a pedestrian offensive line gives him little to work with. A fear-producing safety would support an already strong Rams’ defensive line.
Anthony Bracken is the Sports Editor of The Picket. He can be reached at abrack02@rams.shepherd.edu
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