NFC North

Chicago Bears

Needs: WR, DE, T, CB
Analysis: Devin Hester took the next step towards becoming more of a polished receiver. However, someone to line up next to him is needed. The quarterback position has finally taken a step towards being settled. Kyle Orton showed that he can play in this league. He just has to learn to be more consistent. Pass defense is where the most help is needed. The Bears were once one of the most feared defense’s in the league. In 2008 the run defense was 5th overall in the league. However, the pass defense was 30th, scoring defense was 16th and the overall defense was 21st. The addition of Rod Marinelli as the defensive lines coach should help improve the pass rush. Defensive end should get the first look over wide receiver. There are some good options at receiver that can probably be found in the second round.
1st Round Possibilities: Everette Brown DE (Florida State), Tyson Jackson DE (LSU), Percy Harvin WR (Florida), Jeremy Maclin WR (Missouri), Vontae Davis CB (Illinois)

Detroit Lions

Needs: QB, LB, ,DE, CB, WR, G
Analysis: Where to begin on this one. The quarterback’s were tied for the third most interceptions in the league with 19. The offensive line gave up the second most sacks in the NFL with 52. Offensive tackle is a possible first round target, but Jeff Backus and Gosder Cherilus from a serviceable tackle duo. More help is needed from the interior lineman, as well as the running backs and tight ends. The Defense gave up an NFL worst 404.4 yard per game. They were 27th in pass defense and 32nd in run defense. The pass defense caught an NFL low 4 interceptions. All of this led to an 0-16 record. The best option would be to trade the top overall pick and try and stockpile picks to address many needs. At least they have 2 first round picks due to the Roy Williams trade.
1st Round (1st Pick) Possibilities: Matthew Stafford QB (Georgia), Matt Sanchez QB (USC), Andre Smith T (Alabama), Aaron Curry OLB (Wake Forest)
1st Round (2nd Pick) Possibilities: James Laurinaitis ILB (Ohio State), Michael Oher T (Ole Miss), Vontae Davis CB (Illinois), Clint Sintim OLB (Virginia), Josh Freeman QB (Kansas State)

Green Bay Packers

Needs: DT, DE, T, CB
Analysis: One year after missing the Super Bowl by one game, the Packers finished 2008 with a 6-10 record. The most recognizable piece missing from the NFC runner up team was Brett Favre. The piece missing that hurt the team most was a lack of quality play from the defensive line. They finished 26th against the rush and 25th in sacks. A couple of potential free agents on the defensive line and possible legal troubles for another, it is time to begin injecting youth along the line to play with the youth at linebacker. That leads to another need on the defense. Charles Woodson and Al Harris are getting a little long in the tooth. Bringing in some youth to learn under the tutelage of these two should be addressed early and maybe more than once.
1st Round Possibilities: B.J. Raji DT (Boston College), Peria Jerry DT (Ole Miss), Aaron Maybin DE (Penn State), Brian Orapko DE (Texas), Everette Brown DE (Florida State), Malcolm Jenkins CB (Ohio State)

Minnesota Vikings

Needs: QB, CB, WR, T
Analysis: Of the teams that are in need of a quarterback, this is the team that should make the most aggressive move towards getting Matt Cassel’s services. They are strong on run defense. Passing defense needs to be improved, but with teams not having the ability to run against the Vikings, the passing numbers are going to be higher. The receiving corps may not scare many teams, but until you get an accurate passer, you won’t know what you have. With running backs the caliber of Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor, deep threat Bernard Berrian, inconsistent but talented Sidney Rice and Bobby Wade with good hands, the most logical move would be to add the man behind center to bring it all together.
1st Round Possibilities: Mark Sanchez QB (USC), Josh Freeman QB (Kansas State), Vontae Davis CB (Illinois), D.J. Moore CB (Vanderbilt)

By Shane Smith

Blog Information Courtesy of: Pro Football Weekly, Todd McShay ESPN, Mel Kiper ESPN, Sporting News War Room

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys

Needs: DT, DE, ILB, OLB, S
Analysis: Dallas does not have a first round pick due to the Roy Williams deal done midseason last year. The offseason in Dallas will yet again prove to be interesting. Will T.O. be back? Will Pacman be back? What about some of the other players as well? I’m guessing yes to T.O., no to Pacman, and no to Tank Johnson. Marcus Spears should be resigned. Roy Williams (SS) probably won‘t. As long as T.O. is brought back, the defense must be the priority. With a training camp under his belt, Roy Williams and Tony Romo should have improved chemistry.
2nd Round Possibilities: Jason Phillips ILB (TCU), Cody Brown OLB (Connecticut), Clint Sintim ILB, (Virginia), Sen’Derrick Marks DT (Auburn), Kevin Ellison S (USC)

New York Giants

Needs: WR, T, DT, RB
Analysis: The question remains whether Plaxico Burress will return next year as well as questions regarding RB position. Will the Giants be able to retain Brandon Jacobs, Derrick Ward and/or Ahmad Bradshaw? All are due to hit the free agency market. Brandon Jacobs will return, and they will do everything they can to bring back Derrick Ward as well. Ahmad Bradshaw will most likely be the odd man out although the Giants can replace him later in the draft. With the Giants picking late in the 1st round, DT may be another position addressed later in the draft. Depth at the T position is another need. Looking for a future starter at left and right tackle should be a need addressed in the first two rounds.
1st Round Possibilities: Hakeem Nicks WR (North Carolina), Derrick Williams WR (Penn State), Eben Britton T (Arizona), Michael Oher T (Ole Miss), Fili Moala DT (USC), Peria Jerry DT (Ole Miss)

Philadelphia Eagles

Needs: T, G, RB, TE, OLB
Analysis: With Jon Runyan and William Thomas both eligible for free agency, the Eagles must address the offensive line. I believe that at least one, possibly both T’s will be offered extensions for the short term. There will still be a need to address the future as well as depth. The jury is still out on Winston Justice, Max Jean-Gilles has been off and on, and L.J. Smith will certainly not be brought back. At linebacker, Akeem Jordan has played well, but he may be better in the reserve roll. They do have the luxury of having two first round picks, but you never know what Andy Reid will do come draft day.
1st Round Possibilities: Travis Beckum TE (Wisconsin), Brandon Pettigrew TE (Oklahoma State), William Moore S (Missouri), Emanuel Cook S (South Carolina), Michael Oher T (Ole Miss)

Washington Redskins

Needs: DE, DT, OLB, T, G
Analysis: Washington has kept more of its draft picks over the last couple of years and is beginning to build through the draft. Although with Dan Snyder at the helm, there is no telling if they will use the picks or trade them away for more high profile players in the twilight of their careers. Youth is needed along the lines, especially the defensive line and on the outside of the offensive line. Chris Samuels and Jon Jansen give the Redskins good bookend tackles, but depth and future replacements are needed. They need to get more pressure on the QB from the front seven. Washington finished with 24 sacks (3rd least in the league).
1st Round Possibilities: Brian Orapko DE (Texas), B.J. Raji DT (Boston College), Brian Cushing OLB (USC), Everette Brown DE (Florida St.), Michael Johnson DE (Georgia Tech), Larry English DE (Northern Illinois)

By Shane Smith

Blog Information Courtesy of: Pro Football Weekly, Todd McShay ESPN, Mel Kiper ESPN, Sporting News War Room