It seems like the 2020 NFL Draft just happened, but we move fast here at The Draft Network.
Currently going through summer evaluations for the 2021 NFL Draft class, our scouting team of Kyle Crabbs, Joe Marino, Jordan Reid, and Drae Harris are meeting up every day to discuss prospects, traits, and concepts. New to TDN is a daily scouting roundtable where we go through and identify the most important points of conversation from that day’s meeting.
Recently, our staff began to go through their NFL assessments, providing information such as team strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a quick snapshot of each organizational conversation that was held.
Chicago Bears
Top 3 needs: QB, WR, IOL
“The biggest need for the Bears is obviously at QB. It could be an interesting situation just because we know the Trubisky pick hasn’t worked out to this point, but maybe they can find something in Nick Foles. Even if he does (work out), they still need a back-up.” - Reid
Cincinnati Bengals
Top 3 needs: OT, WR, CB
With Joe Burrow now at the helm, it’s clear that Cincinnati's top priority needs to be surrounding him on the offensive side of the ball. With strong wideouts and an emerging star running back in Joe Mixon, they’ve seemed to address the weapons portion of that plan, but have yet to do the same on the offensive line. Although Jonah Williams hopefully emerges as the starting left tackle this season, essentially every position on the line—especially at right tackle—can be considered a need entering 2020.
Buffalo Bills
Top 3 needs: CB, OT, LB
“Dion Dawkins (OT) and Matt Milano (LB) are both upcoming free agents. The reason I put offensive tackle above linebacker (as the second need) though, is just because I don’t see the replacement option for Dawkins on the roster. At LB, I (still) don’t love the options the Bills have, but they at least have a few bodies in Vosean Joseph and Corey Thompson.” - Marino
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Top 3 needs: EDGE, WR, RB
“I put EDGE as their primary need. Shaq Barrett will be a free agent and I don’t think their depth is very good (either). Bruce (Arians) is going to scout all the quarterbacks, though, so I could also see them potentially see them taking a passer early too.” - Marino
Indianapolis Colts
Top 3 needs: CB, S, QB
“I loved Malik Hooker coming out, but (Indy) not exercising his fifth-year option said a lot to me. He’s a heck of a player but you just can’t bank on him. The best ability is your availability and that’s something he hasn’t had, so (safety) is a need.” - Reid
Dallas Cowboys
Top 3 needs: CB, EDGE, S
“Anthony Brown is the only non-rookie cornerback that is under contract past the 2020 season. Daryl Worley, Jourdan Lewis, Chidobe Awuzie: all of these guys are expiring contracts for them and quite frankly, they’ve all been inconsistent (too).” - Crabbs
Los Angeles Chargers
Top 3 needs: OT, CB, IOL
Like the Bengals, this simply comes down to surrounding your rookie quarterback with the protection he needs. Although acquiring Bryan Bulaga to man the right side helped solve this equation, the Chargers still have a gaping hole at left tackle where Sam Tevi is penciled in to start. Therefore, despite also needing help along the interior, a capable starter at the blindside position is currently the team’s biggest need.
Miami Dolphins
Top 3 needs: WR, S, EDGE
“I’ve done a lot of research on the Dolphins’ current (wideouts) and how they win, comparing and contrasting that to the style they seem to be installing with Chan Gailey (as the new OC), and they just don’t fit at all. These guys don’t get any yards after catch, which is something Tua feasts off of.” - Crabbs
Philadelphia Eagles
Top 3 needs: LB, S, WR
“Philly doesn't value linebackers that much, but at some point, you at least need to have average players (at the position). Three of their top four linebackers are also in contract years, so maybe they don’t do anything in Round 1 with it, but they can’t NOT address it.” - Crabbs
Atlanta Falcons
Top 3 needs: S, EDGE, LB
“At safety, Keanu Neal has had back-to-back season-ending injuries and Damontae Kazee is also going to be a free agent. (EDGE) is also a need because besides Dante Fowler, who was recently signed, Takk McKinley is a free agent and they have a major need for depth (too).” - Marino
New York Giants
Top 3 needs: EDGE, LB, CB
“Looking at the EDGE group here, as far as threats on the perimeter, (New York) is betting on Kyler Fackrell, Lorenzo Carter, and Oshane Ximines as their top three pass-rushers for this year. I’ve got to say, I don’t think that’s going to work out too well for them.” - Crabbs
Jacksonville Jaguars
Top 3 needs: QB, RB, TE
“Everybody loves Minshew Mania, but I think that magic is going to run out sooner rather than later. I like Gardner (Minshew), but he’s more a Case Keenum type as opposed to a long-term starter. I think you have to position yourself somehow to land one of those top three QBs (Lawrence, Fields, Lance)." - Reid
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