Analyzing all 32 NFL teams after free agency signings
By Joe Romano
25- Philadelphia Eagles – DT Malik Jackson | Traded for DeSean Jackson
The Eagles are making moves as they always do. Bringing in both Jacksons likely secures the defensive line and receiver rotation for this team. That was smart and now allows Philadelphia to look at the defensive backfield, running back and linebacker positions in the first round. The most likely scenario remains at corner or safety in the first round with good value present late in round one.
26- Indianapolis Colts – WR Devin Funchess
The team with the most cap space in the NFL has been suspiciously quiet. Funchess steps in opposite T.Y. Hilton and helps secure the receiver position. It allows Indianapolis to address the pass rusher and corner positions. They are a team to keep an eye on for running back Le’Veon Bell as well and that would certainly be a big-time move to help an already strong offense. Defense should be the focus of this draft whether they land Bell or not.
27- Dallas Cowboys – TE Jason Witten
Another team that likes to sit out free agency in recent years. Dallas is concerned about signing their own like Demarcus Lawrence, Dak Prescott, Amari Cooper and Ezekiel Elliott. Until that gets done the Cowboys will be quiet. For the draft, the team does not own a pick until the 58th selection. That pick can be used on an interior defensive lineman, safety or wide receiver. Bringing Witten back coupled with the other tight ends in place can take the Cowboys out of the running for a tight end at that second round pick.
28- Los Angeles Chargers – Re-sign LB Denzel Perryman | LB Thomas Davis
Keeping Perryman was a smart decision for a team that needs help up the middle. Adding Thomas Davis gives them another body to lock down the linebacker group. This does not impact their draft strategy though. They are still looking at holes at defensive tackle and offensive tackle. Those two positions, and the depth of this class, line up well for the Chargers to help either side of the ball with their first round pick. They could also be a destination for a quarterback who falls to eventually replace Phillip Rivers.
29- Kansas City Chiefs – S Tyrann Mathieu | RB Carlos Hyde
The Chiefs loss of Dee Ford will likely impact their draft plans more than any other move they make. Cutting Justin Houston and losing Ford leaves them bare on the edge. They can grab a solid pass rusher at this spot in the draft to pair with Breeland Speaks who looks to get the nod at the opposite side. The move to sign Tyrann Mathieu surely signals the end of Eric Berry’s time in Kansas City. Getting a veteran replacement help the Chiefs look elsewhere early in the draft. Getting help in the secondary has to be the priority still, but Mathieu is a massive step in the right direction.
30- New Orleans Saints – Re-sign Teddy Bridgewater | RB Latavious Murray
This pick belongs to the Packers but they’ve already been discussed. The Saints are a team with a roster that is relatively set. Bringing back Bridgewater was smart as he is still young and may eventually take over for Drew Brees. They do not own a pick until the second round and do not have a third or fourth round selection.
This is the roster they will be heading into the season. With that second round pick they could look to add another receiver or tight end to help Drew Brees continue the an impressive stretch of quarterback play despite being the twilight of his career. Murray gives the team insurance for the loss of Mark Ingram.
31- Los Angeles Rams – DE Dante Fowler | S Eric Weddle
The deals given out by the Rams show that they are comfortable in their window of “going for it”. Weddle and Fowler will help a defense that needed it. Weddle replaces Lamarcus Joyner and gives them stability on the back end. Fowler benefited greatly from the play of the defensive tackles and could shine next year in that role.
They should still look at pass rusher and corner in the draft to help get back to the Super Bowl. Corner is more likely given Fowlers’ presence and the Aqib Talib/Marcus Peters contract expiring in 2020. A tackle could also be the pick here to prepare for when Andrew Whitworth hangs it up.
32- New England Patriots – Traded for Michael Bennett
New England operates differently than any other team. Two years in a row their left tackle left the team to become the highest paid offensive lineman in NFL history. They also let defensive end Trey Flowers go and be the highest paid defensive end in the league. Meanwhile former first round pick Isaiah Wynn will slot into the tackle spot and newly acquired Bennett will take over for Flowers.
The Patriots are so hard to predict in the draft. They could look for a tight end, another pass rusher or even a linebacker. They will let the board come to them and likely not make this pick and instead trade back, nail those picks and acquire more talent to add to a roster that will again be in the running for the Super Bowl.