Team Needs: Kansas City Chiefs

It was a surprise to many how poorly the Chiefs performed last year, but they earned themselves the 5th overall pick in the draft this year. What will need to be solved before the season begins is who will start, Brodie Croyle or Damon Huard. Larry Johnson signed a contract extension, so he should be set to play this year. The Chiefs don't need to improve on too many positions, but they do need the youth. Here's what they need...

O-Line- The Chiefs have one of the oldest offensive lines in the NFL, and it showed last year. Larry Johnson, who the year before had the most yards gained in the NFL was limited to just 559 yards on 159 carries (3.5 avg), with only 3 touchdowns (in eight games). The Chiefs will have to spend their early picks on some good pass protector tackles, and some big guards to open up holes for Larry Johnson.

K- Dave Rayner isn't meant to be a place kicker, he is a kick-off specialist. They're going to have to bring in a rookie to give Rayner some competition. (Rayner lost a kicking battle last year to rookie Mason Crosby [Packers])

CB- Ty Law is getting older, and so is Patrick Surtain. The Chiefs will need to pick a lock-down cornerback that they can groom into the position.

WR- Dwayne Bowe proved to be a great pick last year, but the Chiefs really don't have much depth at the position. Another young, quick, receiver would be a great asset to the team...not to mention the relief he would give Bowe.

TE- Tony Gonzales is nearing the end of his career (sorry Chief fans), and they might want to spend a late pick on a quality back-up that Gonzales can mentor.

Another team that doesn't have to do that much to succeed, the Chiefs just need a few young players to help give some of the veterans some relief. This team might be able to make a quick rebound as long as LJ doesn't get hurt, and they figure out who is going to be the every day starter.

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LJ Smith Signs Tender

Tight end L.J. Smith signed the one-year contract he was tendered by the Philadelphia Eagles when they placed the franchise tag on him two months ago. Smith will make $4.5 million, the average of the top five salaries at his position. “We’re glad to have L.J. back,” coach Andy Reid said Wednesday. “We expect him to have a Pro Bowl-caliber season for us. I know he’s worked very hard since the 2007 campaign ended, and he will continue to do so throughout the offseason.” Smith had just 22 catches for 236 yards and one touchdown in only 10 games during an injury-plagued season last year. A second-round pick in 2003, Smith has 194 receptions for 2,227 yards and 15 TDs in five years with the Eagles. He had a career-best 61 catches in 2005.

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Team Needs: Oakland Raiders

The Oakland Raiders have gone on a spending spree this offseason, acquiring DT William Joseph, WR Javon Walker, OT Kwame Harris, S Gibril Wilson, KR/WR Tim Dwight. But will these additions really help? Maybe, but the Raiders still have some questions that need to be solved in this draft. The Raiders are hoping to build a franchise around JaMarcus Rusell, and they're going to have to give him a few weapons to do so...Here are the key needs...

WR- They just signed Javon Walker, but Walker is an injury liability. The Raiders need to draft a star wide receiver that JaMarcus Rusell can have a good connection with. There aren't that many wide receivers in the draft, but there are a few quality ones early in the draft.

OT- Offensive tackles are going to be in high demand this draft, and luckily there are a bunch of good ones. If the Raiders are extremely lucky, they'll land Jake Long, but if not they'll need to draft a good zone blocker.

DL- Any rush-blocker would help the Raiders right now. The Raiders have a great pass-protection team, but they need to get a few big guys to stuff the runningbacks (maybe Chris Long if he's available). Now that Warren Sapp is retired, the Raiders are going to need to draft a durable tackle.

S- Michael Huff needs some help, and the Raiders will probably have to address the safety position in the later rounds of the draft.

CB- Another position that the Raiders will most likely address at the later rounds, a quick young cornerback would be a great assert for this injury-prone team.

Even though it might not seem like it at times, owner Al Davis is leading this Raiders team in a good direction. If JaMarcus Rusell produces like he's supposed to, this team will be one of the elite teams...very fast.

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Henry Arrested Again, Released From Bengals

Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chris Henry lost his job while in jail awaiting arraignment on assault charges on Thursday. The Bengals cut him after his fifth arrest since 2005. An attorney for Henry, 24, entered not guilty pleas for him after Henry was accused of punching an 18-year-old man in the face and breaking his car window with a beer bottle. Municipal Court Judge Bernie Bouchard set bond at $51,000 on charges of misdemeanor assault and criminal damaging. Noting Henry’s previous arrests involving drugs, guns and alcohol, the judge called Henry “a one-man crime wave.” He ordered electronic monitoring if Henry makes bail. Source: Associated Press

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Team Needs: Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons' season was over before it even began, just because of the Michael Vick situation. The Falcons did not fare well in their first season without Vick, and coach Bobby Petrino ditched the team before the season was even over. They are going to try a new offensive scheme this season, without veterans Warrick Dunn, and Alge Crumpler. Hopefully, Michael Turner will be the star player that everyone thinks he could be...so here's what the Falcons need to address....

QB- The Falcons' released quarterback Joey Harrington at the beginning of the offseason, only to re-sign him again at the end. The other quarterbacks on the roster are Chris Redman, and D.J. Shockley, both who are NOT meant to be starting quarterbacks. The Falcons would hope that Matt Ryan will be available for the third pick, but if not expect them to use one of their two second round picks on a quarterback.

OT- One of the worst offensive lines in the league, the Falcons need to draft two offensive tackles to protect the quarterback. The Falcons released veteran Wayne Grady, and they are looking to draft two strong linemen.

DE- John Abraham is getting older, and the Falcons should probably draft a quick defensive end to take his place. The defense on the Falcons isn't to terrible, but this is a position that should probably be addressed in the later rounds of the draft.

LB- Another position that isn't that awful for the Falcons, but they do need to draft another young linebacker to support veteran Keith Brooking.

WR- Though many people like young receiver Roddy White, the Falcons should probably draft another wide receiver. The other receivers are Joe Horn and Michael Jenkins. Horn is getting older and is not the star he used to be, and Jenkins is too inconsistant. Drafting a talented receiver would be a big help to whoever the starting quarterback is this year.

If they are able to figure out their quarterback situation, while addressing some of the other needs, the Falcons could surprise a few people this year. Michael Turner will have to prove himself as an every down back though.

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