Remaining needs for the Colts after the NFL draft

Colts still have some needs to fill.

Now that the 2020 NFL Draft has come and gone, it’s time to look deeper into the roster construction for the Indianapolis Colts going into the rest of the offseason.

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In the draft, Chris Ballard and Co. addressed a lot of needs at wide receiver, offensive line depth, potential future at quarterback and depth at safety. But there are still some holes on the roster for the team to figure out.

Here are some of the Colts’ remaining needs as they head into what should be an interesting offseason:

Future at OT

Anthony Castonzo re-signed with the Colts in late-February to a two-year deal. While the immediate need is filled, there still is a question if Castonzo will continue to play when this contract runs up—he will be 33 at the end of the contract. He’s still in the prime of his career but has already started to think about retirement.

As of now, the Colts currently have long-time backup Le’Raven Clark on the roster, but he hasn’t had his best reps when filling in for Castonzo. Indianapolis had two picks in the top 50 in the draft, and there were plenty of good prospects available with their picks but didn’t like any of them. The Colts will have to find the successor to Castonzo here soon.

Vertical threat TE

Currently, the Colts have Jack Doyle, Trey Burton, Mo Alie-Cox and Billy Brown in their tight end room. Doyle isn’t getting any younger (29), Burton is on a one-year deal, Alie-Cox hasn’t broken through yet and Brown has limited NFL experience. There is a need to find a player at tight end that can stretch the field, a lot like what Eric Ebron did for the Colts the past two seasons.

Going into 2020, the guess is Burton will get the early TE2 role and be expected to be the vertical threat in the room but over the past two years, Burton has unperformed and dealt with injuries. The tight end class wasn’t anything to drool over, but there were some interesting prospects that could’ve been taken in the later rounds. If Burton plays well in his reunion with Frank Reich, then the problem might be solved but as of now, there’s a need there.

Edge-setting defensive end

Over the past three seasons, Jabaal Sheard held the role of being the run-stopping edge player for the Colts. Now that Sheard is older and no longer with the Colts, that leaves an open spot for someone to take the starting role.

The right defensive end mans the defense on run downs, this player will play a lot on first and second down, and won’t be asked to be a rusher like Justin Houston or Kemoko Turay, but could be a threat. Guys like Al-Quadin Muhammad, Ben Banogu, and Denico Autry will all have an open competition for that spot come training camp.

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Ranking the top Saints roster needs ahead of undrafted free agency

The New Orleans Saints addressed important roster needs early in the 2020 NFL Draft, but they can still improve with college free agents.

The New Orleans Saints made the most of this year’s draft picks, aggressively moving up the board early on to target upgrades along the offensive line and in the linebacker corps, while laying the groundwork for long-term plans at tight end.

But it cost them a lot to make those moves, and now the Saints must lean heavily on their crop of undrafted free agents to continue plugging holes on the roster. Fortunately, the depth they’ve cultivated over years of drafts and signings should allow them to be highly selective in who they target after the picks conclude.

Here are four positions of need for the Saints to pursue on Saturday night:

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What are the Colts’ remaining needs on Day 3 of the draft?

Colts still have needs to address.

The Indianapolis Colts did a bit of addressing positional needs and taking the best player available during the second day of the 2020 NFL draft, but now it’s time to look at the areas that need depth and talent the most.

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After adding Michael Pittman Jr. to the wide receiver room, Jonathan Taylor to the backfield and Julian Blackmon to the secondary, the Colts will be looking at other positions of need on Saturday.

Entering the final day of the draft, here are the remaining needs the Colts must address in no particular order:

Quarterback
Offensive Tackle
Cornerback
Tight End
Edge defender

There is still some value to be had during the final day of the draft. The Colts may even forgo drafting a quarterback in this year’s class because they are currently limited to just four picks on Day 3.

With Philip Rivers starting, the Colts may wait and add to other spots on the roster rather than taking a quarterback just to take one.

The most value the Colts might be able to find comes at offensive tackle and potentially edge defender. There are some intriguing tight ends and even some cornerbacks to consider, but the Colts can find a really solid offensive tackle and high-upside edge defender on Saturday.

It will be interesting to see which positions the Colts will look to address on Saturday, but it should be an fun day regardless.

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Sean Payton on Saints’ need at LB: ‘We’ve got to fill that some way, shape or form’

New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton acknowledged that linebacker is a major position of need moving deeper into the 2020 NFL Draft.

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The New Orleans Saints went into the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft with a glaring need at linebacker. Beyond the streak of injuries at the position — projected starters Kiko Alonso and Alex Anzalone each ended last season with injuries — there isn’t a long-term fix on hand, with Demario Davis joining Alonso and Anzalone in next year’s unrestricted free agent class.

With LSU Tigers prospect Patrick Queen available once the Saints went on the clock at No. 24, it appeared to be an easy match. So the Saints choosing to go in a different direction with Michigan Wolverines center Cesar Ruiz rubbed many fans the wrong way.

And that’s something Saints coach Sean Payton is attuned to. He admitted as much in a conference call with local media after the first round concluded.

“We know we’ve got a need position at linebacker,” Payton said. “We’ve got to fill that some way, shape or form. Now that may not be through the draft, but it would be nice if we could fill it through the draft.”

Payton added that the team anticipates a run on linebackers in Friday’s draft selections (the second and third rounds), and agreed that a trade up the board might make sense, if the value surrendered made it worth it.

While the Saints aren’t likely to add any prospects who will demote Alonso or Anzalone right away, they could certainly find someone who might push special teams captain and first-man-up Craig Robertson down the depth chart. In addition to Queen, the only other linebackers picked so far include Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons, Oklahoma’s Kenneth Murray, and Texas Tech’s Jordyn Brooks.

So as Payton suggested, it’s something to keep an eye on during Friday’s picks. The Saints will go on the clock next at No. 88 overall (they traded this year’s second-round pick as part of a package in the 2019 draft, eventually netting starting center Erik McCoy and safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson), but it’s important to remember that the team owns all of its 2021 draft picks, and is projected to receive two extra compensatory selections. Trading up is in Payton’s DNA, and it shouldn’t shock anyone if he vaults up the board again.

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Cincinnati Bengals’ team needs entering 2020 NFL draft

The Cincinnati Bengals have a few big needs heading into the 2020 NFL draft.

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The Cincinnati Bengals don’t have as many needs as expected entering the 2020 NFL draft thanks to an uncharacteristically aggressive stance in free agency.

While Zac Taylor and the front office have a little more wiggle room than usual to go get best player available, some needs remain more pressing than others.

Before Round 1 gets underway, let’s look at the most important spots.

QB

It doesn’t get more important than this.

The Andy Dalton era is over. That much was true when a new head coach arrived and benched the veteran starter. It isn’t all Dalton’s fault, but the team can’t afford to be gunshy about the position anymore. New head coaches generally want to go get their own guy anyway and Taylor has a chance to go get Joe Burrow.

This conversation would hit a little different if the Bengals hadn’t stumbled into No. 1. But knowing it’s the biggest need for Taylor, it’s no surprise they did.

EDGE/LB

Lou Anarumo’s continued transition into a multiple defense got a big boost in free agency with guys like D.J. Reader, Vonn Bell and Josh Bynes.

But that’s not enough. The pass rush needs a rotational boost, injury insurance and versatility capable of dropping back into coverage. Ideally, that’s a guy who can go with his hand in the dirt or stand up and has a long-term future in a tandem with Germaine Pratt.

OL

The Bengals might like the upside of guys like Fred Johnson and Michael Jordan. But relying on guys to just up and develop hasn’t worked out so well for the team lately.

If a high-end tackle prospect falls he needs to be in the mix. This is about making sure injury or bad timing doesn’t ruin Joe Burrow’s long-term development.

WR

The Bengals don’t currently have a lot of guys at wideout under contract beyond next season.

It’s a long-term need to consider and one that could get addressed earlier than expected given the strength of the draft class in this area. A speedy-type as John Ross insurance would make some sense.

DB

More versatility safety help couldn’t hurt for subpackages. And while Mackensie Alexander, Trae Waynes, Winston Rose and LeShaun Sims are all newcomers at corner, none are a lock to stick long-term. The Bengals might be wise to keep investing in such a premium positional group.

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2020 NFL Draft: New Orleans Saints team preview

Here is your fan’s guide to the New Orleans Saints and the 2020 NFL Draft, complete with draft picks, team needs, and top prospects to know.

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The 2020 NFL Draft is right around the corner. Here’s everything that New Orleans Saints fans need to know ahead of this year’s event.

Vitals

Head coach: Sean Payton

General manager: Mickey Loomis

2019 record: 13-3

2020 Draft Picks

Round 1 (24)

Round 3 (88)

Round 4 (130)

Round 5 (169)

Round 6 (203)

Team Needs

Linebacker: The Saints swung at a few big-name free agents (Jamie Collins and Cory Littleton) but couldn’t meet their contract demands, leaving linebacker as their top remaining roster need. Two of their three projected starters are returning from season-ending injuries (Alex Anzalone and Kiko Alonso), as is a top backup (Kaden Elliss). They need a long-term fix at the position with Anzalone, Alonso, and first-team All-Pro Demario Davis each entering the final year of their contracts.

Wide receiver: It’s not as pressing an issue after the Saints signed Emmanuel Sanders, but some help at wide receiver could still be warranted. It’s also important to remember that Sanders is just a two-year rental. While adding a top-flight linebacker would elevate the Saints defense from good to very good, juicing up the receiving corps would do a lot to avoid another quiet finish in the postseason. The Saints have been held to 24 points or fewer in each of their last four playoff games.

Cornerback: Even though the top of the depth chart is locked in with Marshon Lattimore and Janoris Jenkins, the Saints don’t have much to rely on behind them. All of their backups are slot defenders or special teams aces. Adding someone who can fill in out on the boundary should Lattimore get injured or Jenkins trail off (he’s already 31) would do a lot to solidify an important position group, especially in the longer view with Lattimore’s contract expiring after 2021.

Offensive line: While the Saints are returning one of the NFL’s best set of blockers, there’s always room for improvement. Left guard Andrus Peat is back for at least the next three years but the team should plan to account for him missing time while injured. Right guard Larry Warford is in a contract year. Left tackle Terron Armstead is also often dealing with injuries, prompting Peat to slide over to his spot, and right tackle Ryan Ramczyk will be a free agent in 2022. It’s always wise to invest up front.

Top Targets

WR Justin Jefferson, LSU

LB Patrick Queen, LSU

WR Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona State

LB Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma

CB Jeff Gladney, TCU

CB A.J. Terrell, Clemson

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Resetting the Lions needs list after free agency moves

Resetting the Detroit Lions needs list after the first week of free agency moves.

The NFL free agency period is a week old and the Detroit Lions have made several moves, including retaining players, adding others, as well as making trades.

To get an idea of which positions the Lions may address in the days leading up to and during the NFL draft, here’s a look at the 74 players who are on the active roster and the current need level at each position.

Quarterback

Starter: Matthew Stafford
Reserves: Chase Daniel, David Blough
Need level: Low

After adding trading for Blough last season and giving Daniel a 3-year contract last week, the Lions’ quarterback room is full. They will likely add a fourth for training camp but expect that to be an undrafted free agent who could be a developmental player they could place on their practice squad.

Running back

Starter: Kerryon Johnson
Reserves: Bo Scarbrough, Ty Johnson, Wes Hills, Tra Carson, Nick Bawden (FB)
Need level: Medium

With J.D. McKissic headed to Washington, the Lions could be in the market for a gadget/3rd down option, as well as insurance for Kerryon Johnson and Bo Scarbrough’s health. They could look to add a vet in free agency like Dion Lewis or target a player in the draft who could fill both roles.

Wide receiver

Starters: Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones, Danny Amendola
Reserves: Marvin Hall, Chris Lacy, Travis Fulgham, Tom Kennedy, Jon Duhart, Victor Bolden
Need level: Medium-high

The Lions return all their wide receivers from last year but none are signed beyond the 2020 season. Expect Golladay to get a contract extension sometime this fall, but this is still likely a position the Lions target early in the draft — potentially even double-dipping.

Tight end

Starters: T.J. Hockenson, Jesse James
Reserves: Isaac Nauta, Paul Butler, Matt Sokol
Need level: Low

With Logan Thomas joining McKissic in Washington, the Lions could be looking for a reserve tight end to compete with Nauta for a TE3 role.

Offensive tackle

Starters: Taylor Decker, Halapoulivaati Vaitai
Reserves: Tyrell Crosby, Dan Skipper, Matt Nelson
Need level: Medium-low

The need level here is hinges almost entirely on what the Lions longterm plans for Decker are. If they plan to extend him, the need level is minimal, but if he’s not in their future plans, they could draft his eventual replacement as early as Day 2.

Interior offensive line

Starters: Frank Ragnow, Joe Dahl, Beau Benzschawel
Reserves: Joshua Garnett, Russell Bodine, Casey Tucker, Caleb Benenoch
Need level: High at Guard

The most obvious hole on offense is the lack of starting caliber talent at guard — specifically at right guard. If the Lions plan on carrying over their guard rotation into 2020, they may be in the market to add two interior offensive linemen. Unless something changes, drafting a guard seems like a foregone conclusion at this point.

Interior defensive line

Starters: Da’Shawn Hand, Danny Shelton (NT)
Reserves: Nick Williams, John Atkins (NT), Kevin Strong, Frank Herron, Olive Sagapolu (NT)
Need level: Medium

Adding Shelton and Williams is a big step forward, but the Lions prefer to rotate their defensive linemen, making adding at least one more a priority. There are still solid options available in free agency, but this is also an area where the Lions could spend some draft capital.

EDGE rushers

Starters: Trey Flowers
Reserves: Romeo Okwara, Austin Bryant (JACK), Jonathan Wynn
Need level: Medium-High

With the release of Devon Kennard and the signing of Jamie Collins, the Lions appear to be prioritizing linebackers with more positional flexibility. That could mean the Lions are shifting away from a dedicated player at the JACK linebacker position, instead opting for several players who can play on the edge and off-the-ball. Adding a hybrid player Kamalei Correa in free agency or targeting draft prospects like Zach Baun or Josh Uche, would make a ton of sense.

In addition to a JACK linebacker, the Lions could also look to bring in a down defensive end depth. If Chase Young is there at pick No. 3, he’s the selection, but if they elect to wait, Utah’s Bradlee Anae is the name to know — both offer flexibility to play DDE and JACK.

Off-the-ball linebacker

Starters: Jamie Collins, Jarrad Davis, Christian Jones
Reserves: Jahlani Tavai, Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Miles Killebrew, Steve Longa, Jason Cabinda, Anthony Pittman, Christian Sam
Need level: Low

Other than adding a JACK linebacker, the Lions are probably not in the market here, as they currently have 10 off-the-ball linebackers on the roster.

Cornerback

Starters: Desmond Trufant, Justin Coleman, Amani Oruwariye
Reserves: Mike Ford, Jamal Agnew, Dee Virgin, Tony McRae, Michael Jackson
Need level: Medium-high

Oruwariye has starting upside but is he ready to take over a starting role in 2020? At a minimum, the Lions are likely in the market to add competition on the outside and based on how the offseason has played out so far, signs seem to be pointing to the Lions targeting Jeff Okudah with their first-round pick.

Safety

Starters: Tracy Walker, Duron Harmon, Will Harris
Reserves: Jayron Kearse, C.J. Moore
Need level: low

Adding Harmon and Kearse most likely solidified this group. More competition could be on the way, but these five safeties all have a shot to make the 53-man roster.

Special teams

Starters: Matt Prater (K), Don Muhlbach (LS)
Reserves: Jack Fox (P), Matt Wile (P), James Fischer (LS)
Need level: High at Punter

Prater and Muhlbach are among the best special teamers in the NFL at their position, but it appears the Lions are moving on from punter Sam Martin. There are several options to replace Martin this offseason both in free agency and the draft — Braden Mann (TAMU) is the name to know here.

2020 free agency primer: Resetting the Lions roster and needs list

The Detroit Lions have 66 players on their roster entering the 2020 free agency period but several positions that lack a starter or depth.

The NFL new year is set to begin on Wednesday at 4:00 pm EST, but the legal tampering period opens tomorrow, meaning teams can begin talking to free agents across the league.

To get an idea of which positions the Detroit Lions may address in the coming days, here’s a look at the 66 players who are on the active roster — they can add up to 90 players once the new year opens — and the current need level at each position.

Quarterback

Starter: Matthew Stafford
Reserves: David Blough, Kyle Sloter
Need level: Medium-low

Looking only at the 2020 season, Stafford is the clear starter and Blough is a capable backup, but will the Lions be looking for a challenger for the top reserve spot? The answer is very likely, yes. Expect the Lions to go after a Day 3 prospect or a Jeff Driskel-like player in free agency.

Running back

Starter: Kerryon Johnson
Reserves: Bo Scarbrough, Ty Johnson, Wes Hills, Tra Carson, Nick Bawden (FB)
Need level: Medium

Health is the primary concern here as Kerryon Johnson and Scarbrough both have concerning injury histories. The Lions should be in the market for a reliable option who can share reserve rotational duties and potentially step up in case of injury. That could mean they add a veteran in the second/third wave of free agency or Day 2/3 of the draft.

Wide receiver

Starters: Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones, Danny Amendola
Reserves: Marvin Hall, Chris Lacy, Travis Fulgham, Tom Kennedy, Jon Duhart, Victor Bolden
Need level: High

The Lions return their entire regular season wide receiver corps but none of them are signed beyond the 2020 season — that screams top-100 draft pick. With the wealth of options in this draft class, this could be a position where the Lions’ double-dip and draft two prospects.

Tight end

Starters: T.J. Hockenson, Jesse James
Reserves: Isaac Nauta, Paul Butler, Matt Sokol
Need level: Low

Nauta may be ready to step up into the third tight end role, but if the Lions think he needs more time, they could look to add a veteran in free agency — potentially re-signing Logan Thomas or a player similar.

Offensive tackle

Starters: Taylor Decker, Tyrell Crosby
Reserves: Dan Skipper, Matt Nelson
Need level: High

With the release of Rick Wagner, the Lions are staring at a big question mark at right tackle. Currently, Crosby — a player the team really likes — is in line for a starter role, but they will likely bring in a high-level player to compete with him for the job. Add in the fact that Decker in a contract year and this is a position the Lions may address in free agency and high in the draft.

Interior offensive line

Starters: Frank Ragnow (C), Joe Dahl, Beau Benzschawel
Reserves: Joshua Garnett, Russell Bodine, Casey Tucker, Caleb Benenoch
Need level: High

The Lions return starters Ragnow and Dahl, but Graham Glasgow — arguably the team’s highest-profile free agent — appears headed to free agency leaving a big hole at right guard. Add in the fact that top reserve Kenny Wiggins is also a free agent, and this is another position the Lions could address both in free agency and in the draft. Benzschawel is a placeholder in the starting lineup for now but will be given a shot to compete.

Interior defensive line

Starters: Da’Shawn Hand, John Atkins (NT)
Reserves: Kevin Strong, Frank Herron, Olive Sagapolu (NT)
Need level: Very High

Damon Harrison was released, A’Shawn Robinson and Mike Daniels are headed to free agency, and both Hand’s and Strong had their 2019 season’s significantly altered due to injury. The Lions could be in full overhaul mode here this offseason. On paper, it would make sense that the Lions would spend big on a defensive tackle in free agency and also select a prospect at the position sometime within the top-100 picks of the NFL draft.

EDGE rushers

Starters: Trey Flowers, Devon Kennard (JACK)
Reserves: Romeo Okwara, Austin Bryant, Jonathan Wynn
Need level: Medium-High

Flowers and Kennard are firmly entrenched as starters but the Lions like to rotate players on the edge meaning they’re always on the lookout for depth. Okwara saw 53-percent of snaps last season and Bryant showed potential after returning from injured reserve, but based on some of last season’s struggles, the Lions should be open to adding competition/upgrades.

Off-the-ball linebacker

Starters: Jarrad Davis, Christian Jones
Reserves: Jahlani Tavai, Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Steve Longa, Jason Cabinda, Anthony Pittman, Christian Sam
Need level: Low

Fans won’t like it, but the Lions are returning all eight of last year’s off-the-ball linebackers, which indicates they may not have much interest in adding more players at the position. The Lions won’t turn away an upgrade, but they also likely won’t be actively searching either.

Cornerback

Starters: Darius Slay, Justin Coleman, Amani Oruwariye
Reserves: Jamal Agnew, Michael Jackson
Need level: High

Regardless of what happens with Darius Slay, the Lions will almost assuredly be looking to add a starter-level player capable of challenging Oruwariye and possibly taking over for Slay in 2021. That could mean adding a player in free agency, with their first-round pick, or even both.

One important note is that both Mike Ford and Dee Virgin are exclusive rights free agents — meaning if they want to play in the NFL in 2020 they can only negotiate a contract with the Lions — so it’s more than likely they will return this season, adding depth in the secondary and re-assuming their starting special teams roles.

Safety

Starters: Tracy Walker, Will Harris
Reserves: C.J. Moore, A.J. Howard
Need level: Medium-High

Despite spending third-round picks on Walker and Harris in the last two drafts, the Lions use three safety sets roughly 50-percent of the time, meaning this is an important role that the Lions will be looking to fill. Don’t be surprised if the Lions add an experienced starter in free agency or another top-100 pick on a safety.

Special teams

Starters: Matt Prater (K), Don Muhlbach (LS)
Reserves: Jack Fox (P), Matt Wile (P), James Fischer (LS)
Need level: High at Punter

Prater and Muhlbach — who signed on for another season with the Lions yesterday — are among the best special teamers in the NFL at their position, but it appears the Lions are moving on from punter Sam Martin. There are several options to replace Martin this offseason both in free agency and the draft.