Yesterday, I took a look at the holes each NFC team has at offensive fantasy-relevant positions (QB RB WR TE). Today, I'll be doing the same for the AFC.
Baltimore
Running Back – With Willis McGahee apparently on the chopping block, the Ravens are looking a bit shallow at running back. Jalen Parmele will be next up in line for carries after Ray Rice and 7th-round pick Anthony Allen could be in the mix, as well. Even if the team trusts Parmele to handle the RB #2 job, they’ll need to add some depth via free agency. Of course, McGahee could eventually be re-signed, assuming he’s willing to take a significant paycut.
Buffalo
Tight End – This is an interesting one. The Bills don’t use the Tight End much in the receiving game, so there is little fantasy value here regardless. Still, their current unit is a bit unimpressive. Shawn Nelson was expected to develop into a receiving force, but has disappointed. David Martin is a veteran blocking tight end and will see a lot of the field if the Bills don’t make an addition to the unit. Scott Chandler could also make a run for the starting job, but isn’t a great blocker. Mike Caussin is the only other tight end on the roster. Don’t be surprised if the Bills add a tight end to the mix via free agency.
Quarterback – The Bills seem content with Ryan Fitzpatrick as their starter, but it’s unlikely that they’ll go with 2010 draft selection Levi Brown as his top backup. Watch for them to snag a QB #2 via free agency.
Cincinnati
Quarterback – With Carson Palmer all but done in Cincinnati, 2nd-round pick Andy Dalton currently sits atop the depth chart. Jordan Palmer and Dan LeFevour are the only other 2 quarterbacks on the roster. If the team is comfortable with Dalton as their week 1 starter, Jordan Palmer can return to his 2010 role as the #2. If not, Dalton would be the #2 and the Bengals would need to acquire a veteran at the position. Rookie quarterbacks are generally not very successful, especially ones selected after round 1, so don’t be surprised if the Bengals find another option for 2011.
Running Back – Starter Cedric Benson is a free agent, but is expected back. Still, the Bengals are likely to add some depth to the position. Bernard Scott is a fine #2, but projects more as a committee back than a starter. Brian Leonard, an option in passing down situations, received a restricted free agent tender. He joins exclusive rights free agent Cedric Peerman and 7th-round pick Jay Finley as the only other depth at the position. Look the Bengals to sign a back that can handle a large share of the carries should Benson go down with an injury.
Cleveland
Running Back – The Browns have two very talented backs in Peyton Hillis and Montario Hardesty at the position, but (a) both have concerns and (b) that’s basically all the depth under contract. Hillis was among the league leaders in touches in 2010 and noticeably dropped off in production down the stretch. Hardesty will take off some of the pressure this time around, but he is a risky bet, as well, after missing all of his rookie season with an injury. If one of those were to go down, Quinn Porter is the only other option. Expect them to add some depth via free agency.
Wide Receiver – The selection of Greg Little in round 2 of this year’s rookie draft means the Browns could stand pat at the position, but there are certainly some concerns. Mohamed Massaquoi and Brian Robiskie are squarely in the mix for targets and the Browns will hope, at least, one of them will emerge in 2011. Carlton Mitchell has some serious potential and should find himself in the rotation. Josh Cribbs is moving down the depth chart, but his playmaking ability will keep him on the field. The Browns have depth and youth, but it make take another season to groom them. In the meantime, they could sign a veteran to hold them over.
Denver
Running Back – With Knowshon Moreno atop the depth chart and Correll Buckhalter, Lance Ball, and LenDale White also on the roster, depth is certainly not the issue here. Still, the team has a new coach and front office and it’s no secret that they’ll be looking to acquire an impact back via free agency. Look for Denver to sign one of the top available backs on the market.
Houston
None – Interestingly, the Texans don’t really have a pressing need at any of these 4 positions. They are 3 deep at quarterback 4 deep at tailback, at least 4 deep at wide receiver, and 5 deep at tight end. The only position they could address is wide receiver and only if Jacoby Jones does not return. Even if he doesn’t, though, they could stand pat thanks to the presence of 2nd-year project Dorin Dickerson.
Indianapolis
Quarterback – The only area the Colts seem to have a need is at the backup quarterback position. They seem relatively content with Curtis Painter, but he’s disappointed so far. They should consider the options available via free agency.
Jacksonville
Wide Receiver – With Mike Sims-Walker out of the picture, the Jaguars have a glaring hole at the wide receiver position. Mike Thomas is fine as a starter, but Jason Hill leaves a lot to be desired. Injury-riddled Jarett Dillard and 4th-round pick Cecil Shorts are also options. Look for the Jaguars to sign one of the best available free agent options.
Kansas City
Running Back – 2011’s run-heaviest team is a bit shallow at the running back position. After budding superstar Jamaal Charles, they have only aging Thomas Jones and converted wide receiver Dexter McCluster under contract. If Charles or Jones were to go down, they’d obviously have a hard time replacing the snaps. Look for them to acquire a capable veteran who can handle a big load in case of an injury.
Miami
Running Back – The selection of Daniel Thomas in round 2 of this year’s rookie draft means the Dolphins have a solid option on early downs, but they’re still left with very little depth. Lex Hilliard is a restricted free agent and unproven. Look for Miami to either bring back one of Ronnie Brown or Ricky Williams or go out and bring a receiving running back like Darren Sproles or Jerious Norwood.
Quarterback – The Dolphins will be looking to add, at least, competition for Chad Henne. They could go ahead and acquire a clear starting option at the position, but the more likely scenario is the addition of a cheaper player who can compete for the job during the pre-season. The only other quarterback on the roster is Tom Brandstater (R/F).
New England
Wide Receiver – I know there are some who expect New England to make a push for a big name free agent wide receiver (and they might), but I’m not sure it’s completely necessary. Wes Welker is arguably the game’s best possession receiver and Deion Branch, while an injury risk, was capable as a starter down the stretch in 2010. Additionally, they have emerging Brandon Tate as a deep threat and Julian Edelman as a clear backup to Welker. Finally, we have Taylor Price, a 3rd-round pick in 2010. One would have to imagine that he wasn’t picked that early so he can spend 3 years on the bench. Look for him to get every opportunity to beat out Branch during the preseason. All that being said, it wouldn’t be the worst idea for a team with a handful of question marks at the position to grab a guy like Chad Ochocinco. It might not be totally necessary, but there’s nothing wrong with depth.
New York
Wide Receiver – Santonio Holmes, Braylon Edwards, and Brad Smith are all unrestricted free agents (Holmes and Smith were tendered and the Jets would have their rights under 2010 rules), which leaves the Jets with only Jerricho Cotchery, Patrick Turner, and Logan Payne under contract. They did select Jeremy Kerley, a Brad Smith clone, in round 5 of this year’s draft and Scotty McKnight in round 7, but neither will make a big offensive impact right off the bat. At least one of Holmes and Edwards are expected back, but if one leaves, they’ll need to find a replacement via free agency.
Tight End – Receiving prospect Jeff Cumberland and veteran Matthew Mulligan are currently the only tight ends on the depth chart behind Dustin Keller right now. Even if Cumberland is ready enough to take on a receiving role, the run-heavy Jets will need to find a blocker via free agency.
Oakland
Quarterback – The Raiders have depth at wide receiver and seem content with a Jacoby Ford-Louis Murphy-Darrius Heyward-Bey trio at the top. That leaves quarterback depth as the main need. Unless something drastic changes (you never know with Al Davis), Jason Campbell will be the starter. Kyle Boller is the only other quarterback on the roster, meaning that the Raiders will need to replace 2010 co-starter Bruce Gradkowski’s spot on the depth chart. Look for them to find a capable veteran back-up to Campbell.
Pittsburgh
Running Back – Consistently one of the league’s best teams, the Steelers run often and thus always need to be strong at the running back position. With Mewelde Moore gone via free agency and Rashard Mendenhall fresh off a season in which he handled a hefty 72% of the Steelers carries, the Steelers need to find some depth at the position. Isaac Redman was strong in relief of Mendenhall in 2010, but can’t do the job himself if an injury forced him into the starting lineup. Jonathan Dwyer and 7th-round pick Baron Batch could be in the mix, but the team could really use a pass-catching veteran. There are a handful of those available via free agency, including aforementioned Darren Sproles and Jerious Norwood.
San Diego
Wide Receiver – Vincent Jackson is as good as they come at WR #1, but Malcom Floyd is a free agent (unrestricted most years, restricted under 2010 rules) and may not return. Remaining depth includes 3rd-round pick Vincent Brown, who should be in for a decent rookie-year workload, Patrick Crayton, Buster Davis, and Seyi Ajirotutu. The Chargers are already being tied to Steve L. Smith and are bound to make a big splash if Floyd is not retained.
Quarterback – Billy Volek is an unrestricted free agent, leaving Philip Rivers as the only quarterback on the roster. They’ll sign a cheap veteran to back Rivers up.
Tight End – Antonio Gates is the clear starter here, but Randy McMichael is an unrestricted free agent, leaving only Kris Wilson, Kory Sperry, and Dennis Morris on the roster. They’ll look to find a blocking-capable tight end via free agency.
Tennessee
Quarterback – With Kerry Collins facing unrestricted free agency, the Titans are left with 1st-round pick Jake Locker as their starter. Vince Young is still on the roster, but he’s as good as gone, leaving Rusty Smith as the current #2. Assuming the Titans would like to groom Locker for, at least, a month or so, they’ll need to find a veteran to handle the job in the meantime. They will explore free agency and the trade market for a bridge quarterback.
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