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.
San Francisco 49ers
Top 3 needs: EDGE, CB, S
“The defense is what has carried San Francisco and they have two dynamic edge rushers. However, with Dee Ford (set to be) a high-priced free agent with an injury history, he will likely be cut sooner rather than later. A young, inexpensive edge rusher is their primary position of need.” - Harris
Denver Broncos
Top 3 needs: LT, CB, LB
“I think they’ve found their guy to pull the trigger (Drew Lock), so protecting him has to be a primary concern, particularly at left tackle. (Garrett) Bolles has been a mixed bag and has hurt Denver’s offense with penalties.” - Harris
Cleveland Browns
Top 3 needs: LB, EDGE, IOL
“On defense, the primary concern is getting better in the front seven. Losing Joe Schobert hurt, but they needed to improve regardless. Hopefully (third-round pick) Jacob Phillips comes in and starts in the LB corps, but that unit is an issue.” - Harris
Arizona Cardinals
Top 3 needs: IOL, IDL, WR
“Arizona’s needs revolve around protecting their young asset in Kyler Murray. Their offensive line has been a model of inconsistency and they have to get better at both guard positions.” - Harris
Kansas City Chiefs
Top 3 needs: OT, WR, EDGE
“Protecting (Mahomes) and surrounding him with inexpensive assets should be a priority, especially after he got injured last season. (San Francisco 49ers EDGE) Nick Bosa abused (LT) Eric Fisher in the Super Bowl and they desperately need an upgrade on the blindside. There’s (also) room for improvement on the defense. (KC) wasn’t great stopping the run (last season) and needs to get better at LB.” - Harris
Green Bay Packers
Top 3 needs: CB, LB, WR
“Obviously, everyone should know what their top need is. They don’t believe in taking wide receivers in the first round and it’s just something (GM) Brian Gutenkust has been raised in, but Davante Adams is really all they have (at WR). You need to go get a running mate to pair with him.” - Reid
https://twitter.com/zachkruse2/status/1288169770517442560?s=20
Carolina Panthers
Top 3 needs: QB, IOL, CB
“I think Teddy (Bridgewater) is a serviceable guy, but if Carolina is in a position to land one of those top guys (at QB), they’ve got to pull the trigger.” - Marino
New England Patriots
Top 3 needs: IDL, WR, RB
“IDL (was listed first) primarily because five of their top six guys are in contract years. They have plenty of young players waiting in the wings, but it’s such a staple of this team, especially when you consider (Bill) Belichick’s tendencies and what he likes to prioritize, that it made sense to list it this highly.” - Crabbs
New Orleans Saints
Top 3 needs: LB, QB, CB
“(NO) has lots of (upcoming) free agents in the LB group and I think they’re all upgradeable outside of Demario Davis. Outside of quarterback, that seems to be their top need.” - Marino
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