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2009 NFL Draft: An overview of round 1 draft needs
Sunday, April 19, 2009
1. Detroit Lions

Needs: What doesn't an 0-16 team need? They're expected to start with QB Matthew Stafford.

2. St. Louis Rams

Needs: With Torry Holt and Orlando Pace gone, a wide receiver or O-lineman would be expected.

3. Kansas City Chiefs

Needs: A defense that produced just 10 sacks wouldn't mind adding Wake Forest LB Aaron Curry.

4. Seattle Seahawks

Needs: There's been talk about QB Mark Sanchez, but Jim Mora is a defense-first coach.

5. Cleveland Browns

Needs: If Braylon Edwards is traded, look for them to reload with Michael Crabtree.

6. Cincinnati Bengals

Needs: Must upgrade both lines, particularly an offensive front that allowed 51 sacks in four-win season.

7. Oakland Raiders

Needs: No receiver had more than 22 catches a year ago. Crabtree and Jeremy Maclin would look good.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars

Needs: Sent 8 vets packing, including three WRs. They, too, will be eyeing Crabtree and Maclin.

9. Green Bay Packers

Needs: Switching to 3-4 defense under Dom Capers, so that might be a sign where they're headed.

10. San Fran. 49ers

Needs: Best player available, no matter position. Maclin, Brian Orakpo or Andre Smith would all fit.

11. Buffalo Bills

Needs: Zeroed in on a defensive lineman, be it a pass rushing specialist or a run stopper.

12. Denver Broncos

Needs: Another team switching to a 3-4 defense. Nose tackle would be a good place to start.

13. Washington Redskins

Needs: A complement to DE Albert Haynesworth, but could Dan Snyder ignore Mark Sanchez?

14. New Orleans Saints

Needs: With Deuce McAllister jettisoned, Ohio State's Beanie Wells could be attractive.

15. Houston Texans

Needs: Could use a cornerback or outside linebacker to bolster an improved defense.

16. San Diego Chargers

Needs: Several key players either nearing the end (L.T.) or free agency (Shawne Merriman).

17. New York Jets

Needs: Time to pay the piper after Brett Favre experiment. Kellen Clemens can't start, can he?

18. Denver Broncos

Needs: With two first-rounders, it's possible they could look to move up to nab blue-chip pass rusher.

19. Tampa Bay Bucs

Needs: Signing of Byron Leftwich might allow them to focus on defensive front seven.

20. Detroit Lions

Needs: The second of two first rounders. An OT or LB likely if they take Stafford No. 1.

21. Philadelphia Eagles

Needs: A running back to take some of the pressure off Brian Westbrook. Knowshon Moreno?

22. Minnesota Vikings

Needs: No. 22 may be too low to get the impact O-lineman they need. Second choice would be WR.

23. New England Patriots

Needs: Again LB corps could use a shot of youth. Clay Matthews or Larry English possible.

24. Atlanta Falcons

Needs: Anywhere on defense, but focus will be on front seven to provide help for John Abraham.

25. Miami Dolphins

Needs: A starting CB or an OLB to play opposite Joey Porter. Matthews good fit if available.

26. Baltimore Ravens

Needs: They got their QB last year. Now to give him some weapons, particularly at wide receiver.

27. Indianapolis Colts

Needs: Opponents repeatedly exposed soft middle on defense, prompting need for DT or LB.

28. Buffalo Bills

Needs: With Jason Peters traded, an O-lineman would be in order in a draft deep in that area.

29. New York Giants

Needs: If they can't pry Braylon Edwards from Browns, Rutgers' Kenny Britt a deep-threat option.

30. Tennessee Titans

Needs: Speed on offense or a DE to try to succeed Albert Haynesworth? Tough call.

31. Arizona Cardinals

Needs: Help for NFL's worst run game would seem to be required. RBs can be found this low (or lower).

32. Pittsburgh Steelers

Needs: SB XLIII champs after depth along O-line, D-line and at CB, all areas that go deep in this draft.

First published on April 19, 2009 at 12:00 am