This is the second article of the team needs series covering teams picking six through 10. Obviously, free-agency acquisitions will make a major difference as to who teams will draft. These predictions and needs will therefore change as we acquire more information. However, many are of the thinking that it’s better to supplement with free-agency and build through the draft. Teams want to get young assets and have them develop cohesion with the team. Therefore, the draft is often more predictive of a team’s long-term confidence in a player.
For these mental exercises, I’m assuming no trades on or before draft day. As unlikely as that is, wading into that water makes everything much more complicated. All contract information comes from spotrac.com.
1.06, Philadelphia Eagles – Needs: WR
The Eagles clearly have more needs on defense and offensive line, but there are still some fantasy-relevant moves they can make. The biggest need Philadelphia has, as per usual, is WR. I doubt they use the 1.06 on that position, but it’s in the cards considering that they are probably moving forward with their second-year QB Jalen Hurts. Considering their cap situation, it’s more likely that they draft someone high than pick up someone free agency. Zach Ertz is a massive cap hit, but his dead cap is also pretty massive ($12.5 mil to $7.77 mil). If the Eagles can move both Wentz and Ertz, their cap situation will change dramatically. In that scenario, however, they will also need another TE to pair with Dallas Goedert. There is a lot to figure out in Philadelphia, but they have a high spot in the draft order to address those needs.
1.07, Detroit Lions – Needs: WR, QB
The Lions are picking in the top 10 again. Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones, Jr. are impending free agents, so WR is a definite need for Detroit. However, the QB position is far more interesting. Since Stafford is a $33 million cap hit next year with $19 million in dead cap, but the following year, there’s a $26 million cap hit with only $6 million in dead cap, I thought they might try to keep him on the roster one more year. However, it seems the writing is on the wall that Stafford wants out and Detroit is willing to facilitate a trade. Therefore, the Lions will probably look for Stafford’s replacement early in the draft. The new GM may take whatever they can get from the trade plus their own pick at seventh to try to make a move. Whether they stay or make a move, this will be a massive shakeup for the franchise.
1.08, Carolina Panthers – Needs: QB, TE
Teddy Bridgewater performed solidly for the Panthers, but there is little doubt that the franchise is going to need someone else to take the helm long-term. With Bridgewater being a $23 million cap hit next year and $20 million in dead cap money, it’s unlikely that they can get away from his contract. Also, their current draft position doesn’t bode well for Carolina to get a premier player through the draft. They could spend their early second on a developmental player and let him sit behind Bridgewater. As for TE, Ian Thomas has not turned into the superstar we all hoped for. This could be part and parcel of the system, but if he’s just not progressing the way the coaching staff wants, look for them to make a move at the position.
1.09, Denver Broncos – Needs: RB, QB
The Melvin Gordon experience hasn’t worked out, Phillip Lindsay is a restricted free agent with an injury history, and Royce Freeman seems like a dud (I won’t quit you though, Royce). Gordon is still on the hook for $6.5 million in dead cap compared to $9 million against the cap, so it’s unlikely the Broncos out-and-out cut him. However, it’s also likely they move on from Freeman and Lindsay and draft a new RB with decent capital.
QB is a far larger question, though. On the one hand, Drew Lock is a young, cheap option who they could look to develop further. Throw in their draft position and the impending QB free agent group, and sticking with Lock is looking like at least a bridge option. On the other hand, he hasn’t shown much to indicate he can be the future signal-caller for Denver. Moreover, John Elway relinquished general manager duties, and the new GM may want to put their stamp on the team with a big move at the position.
1.10, Dallas Cowboys – Needs: QB, TE
Honestly, the Cowboys’ needs are all on defense. Additionally, their lack of offensive line depth is something they should address. The biggest fantasy question revolves around Dak Prescott. Assuming the Cowboys do the smart thing and lock Dak up long term, and Blake Jarwin can make a healthy return, the Cowboys will probably look to the other side of the ball. If Dak walks in free agency, the Dallas offense could look massively different next year.
Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this, please stay tuned for more articles similar to this one. Also, if you have a question or comment, you can find me on Twitter @DFF_sbt1030. Thanks again!
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