Direckshun
05-07-2008, 07:58 AM
Shrug.
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/8098238/Pressing-needs-for-every-NFL-team
AFC WEST
Denver Broncos
Pressing need: Specialists. For the first time since 1993, the Broncos need a new kicker with Jason Elam leaving to Atlanta in free agency. Todd Sauerbrun, who handled the punting chores for most of last season, was released following an off-field incident.
Possible solutions: Matt Prater and undrafted college free agent Garrett Hartley (Oklahoma) are the only kickers currently on the roster. Prater has a strong leg for kickoffs but struggles with accuracy; Hartley connected on 81 percent of his college field goals. Sam Paulescu, who punted five times for Denver in 2007, will compete against fellow youngsters Danny Baugher and Brett Kern. If the Broncos are dissatisfied, more veteran punting and kicking options should surface closer to the regular season.
Kansas City Chiefs
Pressing need: Besides trying to get an overhauled roster to mesh? Let's start with the backup situation behind quarterback Brodie Croyle. Incumbent Damon Huard and new offensive coordinator Chan Gailey were together with Miami in 2000. Huard was benched during the preseason in favor of Jay Fiedler and left to Kansas City the following season. Huard is well liked by Chiefs management, but Gailey prefers a more mobile quarterback running his system.
Possible solution: Huard could have some preseason trade value for a team with an unsettled backup situation (Green Bay immediately comes to mind). But first, Kansas City must determine whether promising youngster Tyler Thigpen is ready for a second-string role.
Oakland Raiders
Pressing need: Solidifying the left tackle position. Barry Sims was released this off-season after manning the spot for most of the past nine years.
Possible solution: Oakland's offensive line improved greatly in assistant coach Tom Cable's first season. Cable will now try to work his magic with Kwame Harris, who never fulfilled expectations in San Francisco as a 2003 first-round draft choice. If Harris doesn't pan out, 2007 third-round pick Mario Henderson could get a look after appearing in just one game as a rookie.
San Diego Chargers
Pressing need: Quick recoveries by a slew of players recovering from off-season surgeries. Eight starters and four backups have undergone procedures since an AFC championship game loss to New England. Quarterback Philip Rivers (knee), tight end Antonio Gates (toe) and center Nick Hardwick (foot) may not be ready for the start of training camp.
Possible solution: An abundance of talent should help San Diego survive until the roster gets healthier. Chargers free safety Eric Weddle recently told me Rivers already was participating in some running drills with teammates. Billy Volek and Charlie Whitehurst will share practice snaps until Rivers is ready to return. Eight-year veteran Cory Withrow will man the center position until Hardwick returns. The Chargers, though, don't have a backup tight end who can stretch the field like Gates.
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/8098238/Pressing-needs-for-every-NFL-team
AFC WEST
Denver Broncos
Pressing need: Specialists. For the first time since 1993, the Broncos need a new kicker with Jason Elam leaving to Atlanta in free agency. Todd Sauerbrun, who handled the punting chores for most of last season, was released following an off-field incident.
Possible solutions: Matt Prater and undrafted college free agent Garrett Hartley (Oklahoma) are the only kickers currently on the roster. Prater has a strong leg for kickoffs but struggles with accuracy; Hartley connected on 81 percent of his college field goals. Sam Paulescu, who punted five times for Denver in 2007, will compete against fellow youngsters Danny Baugher and Brett Kern. If the Broncos are dissatisfied, more veteran punting and kicking options should surface closer to the regular season.
Kansas City Chiefs
Pressing need: Besides trying to get an overhauled roster to mesh? Let's start with the backup situation behind quarterback Brodie Croyle. Incumbent Damon Huard and new offensive coordinator Chan Gailey were together with Miami in 2000. Huard was benched during the preseason in favor of Jay Fiedler and left to Kansas City the following season. Huard is well liked by Chiefs management, but Gailey prefers a more mobile quarterback running his system.
Possible solution: Huard could have some preseason trade value for a team with an unsettled backup situation (Green Bay immediately comes to mind). But first, Kansas City must determine whether promising youngster Tyler Thigpen is ready for a second-string role.
Oakland Raiders
Pressing need: Solidifying the left tackle position. Barry Sims was released this off-season after manning the spot for most of the past nine years.
Possible solution: Oakland's offensive line improved greatly in assistant coach Tom Cable's first season. Cable will now try to work his magic with Kwame Harris, who never fulfilled expectations in San Francisco as a 2003 first-round draft choice. If Harris doesn't pan out, 2007 third-round pick Mario Henderson could get a look after appearing in just one game as a rookie.
San Diego Chargers
Pressing need: Quick recoveries by a slew of players recovering from off-season surgeries. Eight starters and four backups have undergone procedures since an AFC championship game loss to New England. Quarterback Philip Rivers (knee), tight end Antonio Gates (toe) and center Nick Hardwick (foot) may not be ready for the start of training camp.
Possible solution: An abundance of talent should help San Diego survive until the roster gets healthier. Chargers free safety Eric Weddle recently told me Rivers already was participating in some running drills with teammates. Billy Volek and Charlie Whitehurst will share practice snaps until Rivers is ready to return. Eight-year veteran Cory Withrow will man the center position until Hardwick returns. The Chargers, though, don't have a backup tight end who can stretch the field like Gates.