2013 NFL Scouting: Day Two of Free Agency Changes the Outlook for the NFL Draft

 

Cliff AvrilDay two of free agency didn't have quite as many big money deals as Tuesday did, but there was no shortage of interesting signings.

All of these moves will have an impact how the Draft will eventually play out in April. What moves were most important?

 

Seattle Boosts the Pass Rush with Cliff Avril

With Chris Clemons' health in question, the Seahawks needed to address a lack of depth at defensive end. While it was expected that they would make a move, it was hardly expected that Seattle would end up getting one of the top pass rushers on the market in Cliff Avril.

The pass rush is probably now set for Seattle, but they shouldn't overlook the defensive line altogether in the draft. Bruce Irvin isn't a force against the run, and it's not Avril's strong suit either. They'll likely have their eyes open for a big body at defensive end and perhaps at defensive tackle in April, but outside linebacker is now the biggest need on defense.

Wes Welker Leaves New England for Denver

One day after stealing away Louis Vasquez from San Diego, Denver again made the move of the day by signing Wes Welker away from New England. That move, along with the signing of Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, builds on what Denver had accomplished on Tuesday.

Without spending too much money, they've simultaneously addressed key needs and hurt some of their biggest rivals. With many of their biggest needs addressed, the Broncos will enter the Draft with plenty of freedom. Their remaining needs are primarily at defensive tackle and inside linebacker.

The Patriots Replace Welker with Danny Amendola

New England didn't waste much time in signing Danny Amendola once Welker's deal with Denver was announced. The move makes sense for the Patriots. Amendola's skill set is similar to Welker's, and that will allow the offense to maintain some continuity.

The move shouldn't keep the Patriots from looking to the Draft for more receiving help, however. Amendola, while a tough player, is extremely injury prone and he's not someone the Patriots need to feel comfortable relying on. In spite of this pickup, look for New England to draft a wide receiver within the first three rounds in April.

Tampa Bay Boosts Their Secondary with Goldson

Dashon GoldsonThe Buccaneer's pursuit of Darelle Revis may not be progressing as quickly as they like, but Tampa Bay is well aware that their secondary is more than one player away anyway. They took a huge step towards improving the defense as a whole with the addition of Dashon Goldson.

Goldson will play alongside Mark Barron, and assuming that the trade for Revis is completed the Buccaneers should be done working on the secondary. Whatever draft picks they still have following a trade for Revis will likely be used on the defensive line, and there's a possibility of taking a quarterback during the mid rounds of the Draft as well.

Reggie Bush Signs with Detroit

Detroit believes that they can be the 2013 version of the Greatest Show on Turf with the addition of Reggie Bush to their offense. He's expected to be used in the same role that he excelled at in New Orleans. He won't be carrying the load like he was in Miami and the level of his play should rise in the new role.

If it's the Lions' goal to become the most explosive offense in the league, they're clearly going to need to add more wide receivers to the mix. There are needs on the defensive side of the ball as well, but taking a wide receiver very early in the Draft remains quite likely.

Arizona Adds Josh Cribbs and Several Others

With one of the most depleted rosters in the league, Arizona had plenty of areas to address in free agency. Josh Cribbs is a versatile weapon that should give the Cardinals offense somewhat of a boost, and Rashard Mendenhall's reunion with Bruce Arians will give Arizona a proven starter at running back for at least 2013.

The additions of Drew Stanton, Yerimiah Bell, and Jerraud Powers largely flew under the radar, and while they'll be stop gaps they don't really change the overall needs of the franchise too drastically. Quarterback is still something the Cardinals could address in the first round, and cornerback and the offensive line still remain needs as well.

Tennessee Continues Aggressive Approach

On Tuesday the Titans made moves that made predicting where they'd go in the Draft difficult to predict. With a flurry of other moves on Wednesday, their plan for April may have gotten a bit more clear. With now even larger investments on the offensive line and running back positions, it's highly unlikely that the Titans will look to add another offensive lineman early on in the Draft. It's now a good bet that the Titans will look to boost their secondary and wide receivers now within the first two rounds.  

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