In the NFL, a team can typically only go as far as its QB can carry it. Teams invest a ton in their QBs, and because of this they also must invest in protecting them. In today’s league of dominating DEs, the responsibility of protecting the QB falls largely on the OTs.
Let’s take a look around the league and see who will be looking to the draft for help protecting their QB.
Immediate Starters (1st-2nd Round)
Baltimore Ravens: Michael Oher appears to be the LT of the future for the Ravens, but RT Jared Gaither is on his way out of Baltimore. At the very least the Ravens need to get a guy they feel can play RT in a couple of years.
Chicago Bears: With Mike Martz’s pass happy offense, the Bears need solid OTs to protect Jay Cutler. The Bears need to go with an OT in the first round to try and solidify a line that would be described shaky at best in 2010.
Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys have a number of needs. One of the biggest is at RT. Will Jerry Jones allow Dallas to use a high pick on a less than glamorous position?
Pittsburgh Steelers: LT Flozell Adams is no longer able to be a starting caliber player in the league. He was weak link for the Steelers in 2010, and Pittsburg needs to replace him in 2011.
Indianapolis Colts: The Colts have one of the top three QBs in the NFL, and they need to invest in getting an OT to protect him. RT Ryan Diem is on the downside of his career, and is the first guy that the Colts should try to replace via the draft.
Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs’ biggest need on offense is at RT, where they need a long term answer. A guy like Anthony Castanzo would be a good fit if he’s still around when Kansas City picks at #21.
New England Patriots: Like the Colts, the Patriots need to invest in an OT to protect Tom Brady. LT Matt Light doesn’t sound optimistic about staying in New England. If a deal isn’t done before the draft, look for the Pats to draft a LT early.
Philadelphia Eagles: Although Michael Vick can get away from trouble, addressing the Eagles trouble at RT would make his life, and the Eagles, much better.
Oakland Raiders: The Raiders are undergoing a significant change in scheme along the offensive line, going from a zone blocking scheme to a power run oriented offense. They will need to grab an OT that can open up lanes for RB Darren McFadden.
Depth/Future Starters (3rd-5th Round)
Buffalo Bills: The Bills like Demetrius Bell at LT, in spite of a less than spectacular 2010 season. They don’t have a consistent starter at RT, with four players starting there at some point during the past year. It wouldn’t be surprising if the Bills took a couple of OTs in the middle rounds of the draft.
Cleveland Browns: The Browns have their franchise LT in Joe Thomas. The right side of the OL has been a weakness for Cleveland however, and they should look at drafting a RT.
Detroit Lions: The Lions need to draft the future replacement for LT Jeff Backus. If they feel that the right value is there, it’s possible Detroit could make a move as early as the first round.
San Diego Chargers: The Chargers could use a young RT, as Jeromey Clary’s time is up in San Diego.
Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks’ offensive line had ten different combinations of starters in 2010. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to get an OT that could start opposite of Russell Okung in a year or two.
Minnesota Vikings: Bryant McKinnie isn’t the answer at LT. Because of their other needs, it’s unlikely that the Vikings would go LT early in the draft, but later on they should draft someone who can take McKinnie’s spot in a couple of years.
New York Giants: The Giants thought they had a LT in Shawn Andrews, but a bad back may keep him from living up to that expectation. The Giants should look to the draft for insurance in case his back keeps him from playing in 2011.
Long Term Projects (Rounds 5-7)
Cincinnati Bengals: Andrew Whitworth is a great LT, but is 30 years old. The Bengals should take a LT late in the draft that they can develop to protect whoever their QB of the future is.
Miami Dolphins: Jake Long and Vernon Carey are solid, but the Dolphins depth at OT is shaky. Miami needs to spend at least one pick on an OT that they can rely on to fill in if Long or Carey goes down.
Tennessee Titans: Michael Roos and David Stewart are among the best players at LT and RT in the NFL. It never hurts to work on developing depth at OT though, and it’s likely the Titans will take a one later in the draft.
Washington Redskins: With so many needs, Washington may not be able to invest in an OT early. However they should at least grab a guy they think they can develop in the later rounds.
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