Team Needs: NFC West

Filed in archive NFL on February 26, 2008

With free agency and the draft approaching, we'll take a division by division look at what each NFL team needs to try and acquire this offseason.

Seattle Seahawks

The 'Hawks roster isn't necessarily old, but many of their most important contributors are closer to the end of their careers than the beginning, especially on offense. RB Shaun Alexander slowed down noticeably last season, and LT Walter Jones is now 34, though he remains an upper echelon tackle. And at wideout, Bobby Engram is 35, and D.J. Hackett is a free agent.

Needs: RB, WR, TE, CB

Arizona Cardinals

The gridiron version of the Redbirds have teased people with a number of talented players for a while. But they have a few deficiencies they still need to address. The Cards are in pretty good shape with their offensive skill players, though Edgerrin James is approaching the magical age of 30, where running backs go to die. They also still need O-Line help, but the defensive side of the ball is where they should concentrate.

Needs: DE, OL, LB, CB

San Francisco 49ers

Head coach Mike Nolan gets another chance to turn this franchise into winners again, and he will have his hands full. The offense is horrific, and so far, two top first round picks, QB Alex Smith and TE Vernon Davis, have not been as good as advertised. This team lacks any type of deep threat and with Mike Martz now the offensive coordinator, they better find one, quick. The defensive line can use some upgrades, but LB Patrick Willis is going to be an All-Pro for the next decade.

Needs: WR, OL, QB, DE

St. Louis Rams

When you finish 3-13, there isn't a whole lot you don't need. A new head coach would help, but since Scott Linehan isn't going anywhere this offseason, he must address the offense. WR Torry Holt is 32 and has a balky knee, and WR Isaac Bruce is 35 and may be a cap casualty. The offensive line is in shambles, because only one starter - Alex Barron - didn't suffer a serious injury in 2007. They are no great shakes defensively, either, though they should be encouraged by their young tandem at defensive tackle - rookies Clifton Ryan and Adam Carriker.

Needs: OL, DE, WR, S

(Photo: Flickr)