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The biggest offseason need for each NFL team for 2015

The biggest offseason needs for each NFL team.

 
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Arizona Cardinals: Pass rusher

Arizona Cardinals: Pass rusher
Norm Hall / Getty Images

There are few areas to complain about on one of the NFL's most talented teams, particularly on offense. However, getting to the quarterback has been an issue for the Cardinals this season, with only 26 sacks through 14 games. They even signed veteran defensive end Dwight Freeney in-season as a desperation move, who actually leads the team in sacks.

 
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Atlanta Falcons: Pass rusher

Atlanta Falcons: Pass rusher
Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images

The Falcons rank dead last in sacks through 14 games, with a pitiful 17 sacks. Of course, their lack of a pass rush is one of many problems on defense. Atlanta has allowed 6.8 yards per pass, 11th worst in the NFL, and could certainly use help in the secondary. A second wideout could also be on their wish list with Roddy White's play deteriorating.

 
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Baltimore Ravens: Secondary help

Baltimore Ravens: Secondary help
Larry French / Getty Images

The days of Ray Lewis' defense are long gone. Losing Terrell Suggs was the one injury the Ravens couldn't afford, as the pass defense has been exposed and allowed 28 passing touchdowns, tied for sixth worst in football. Suggs should be back next year, but that doesn't solve the issues behind him.

 
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Buffalo Bills: Offensive line help

Buffalo Bills: Offensive line help
Jamie Squire / Getty Images

The Bills have received a surprisingly solid contribution from Tyrod Taylor at quarterback, which at least buys them time to address other areas. Pass protection has been an issue, with 37 sacks allowed in 14 games. 

 
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Carolina Panthers: Running back depth

Carolina Panthers: Running back depth
Grant Halverson / Getty Images

It's difficult to find fault in a team that could finish the regular season perfect. Wide receiver would seem to be the biggest need for this year's roster, but that area should be addressed with the return of Kelvin Benjamin from injury. Jonathan Stewart has had a strong year, but he's averaged only 4.1 yards per carry and is getting long in the tooth. Rookie Cameron Artis-Payne remains a work in progress, so the Panthers shouldn't hesitate if they can find an upper-echelon running back.

 
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Chicago Bears: Linebacker

Chicago Bears: Linebacker
David Banks / Getty Images

Chicago's rush defense has been flat-out terrible, averaging 4.6 yards per carry against them. Head coach John Fox knows how to build defenses, but he simply doesn't have the talent in this one. Comfortable with Jay Cutler and Jeremy Langford on offense, expect the Bears to lean heavily on defensive talent during the draft.

 
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Cincinnati Bengals: Middle linebacker

Cincinnati Bengals: Middle linebacker
Joe Robbins / Getty Images

The Bengals' secondary has performed extremely well this season, and Geno Atkins has successfully rebounded from his knee injury two years ago. However, the Bengals' rush defense has allowed a poor 4.3 yards per carry, and linebacker Vontaze Burfict has struggled to remain on the field over the last two seasons. At the very least, Cincinnati needs to add quality depth in this area. 

 
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Cleveland Browns: Quarterback

Cleveland Browns: Quarterback
Elsa / Getty Images

Aside from left tackle, there aren't many positions that Cleveland has an above-average performer. Nothing sets an organization back more than drafting the wrong quarterback, and the Browns certainly have experience in that department. It's possible that they give Johnny Manziel another chance, but it's become clear that he's unlikely to be the long-term answer.

 
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Dallas Cowboys: Quarterback of the future

Dallas Cowboys: Quarterback of the future
Ronald Martinez / Getty Images

If Tony Romo's injuries have magnified anything for the Cowboys, it's the importance of adding an heir apparent. Romo was up and down in his limited time on the field and will be 36 going into next season. Dallas needs to address this area in the draft.

 
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Denver Broncos: Offensive line help

Denver Broncos: Offensive line help
Doug Pensinger / Getty Images

The quarterback play in Denver has been subpar this season, though new starter Brock Osweiler has shown enough to get another chance next season. It would help if he gets more time to pass. The Broncos have been sacked 34 times in 14 games this season, and they've also averaged only 3.9 yards per rush attempt.

 
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Detroit Lions: Offensive line help

Detroit Lions: Offensive line help
Hannah Foslein / Getty Images

Detroit's defense has been mostly subpar across the board this season, but its more dire need is keeping Matthew Stafford upright. The Lions' offensive line has allowed 35 sacks in 13 games, and Stafford has regressed because of it.

 
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Green Bay Packers: Run stoppers

Green Bay Packers: Run stoppers
Drew Hallowell / Getty Images

The Packers have struggled to stop the run, averaging 4.4 yards per carry against their defense. The defensive line and linebackers share the blame for the team's shortcomings, and it's an area that will certainly be addressed in the draft.

 
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Houston Texans: Quarterback

Houston Texans: Quarterback
Bob Levey / Getty Images

Brian Hoyer has looked capable at times, but the bottom line is that Houston has gotten 6.6 yards per pass attempt, third worst in football. Hoyer's continued injury issues also don't make the team anymore confident that he's the answer.

 
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Indianapolis Colts: Pass rusher

Indianapolis Colts: Pass rusher
Joe Robbins / Getty Images

The Colts' defense hasn't been able to stop the pass, and the problems start up front. The team simply can't rely on Robert Mathis anymore, and veteran addition Trent Cole has also been a bust. With only 25 sacks in 14 games, the problems are clear.

 
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Jacksonville Jaguars: Secondary help

Jacksonville Jaguars: Secondary help
Charlie Crowhurst / Getty Images

The Jags have certainly made progress this season, which is especially encouraging after losing 2015 first-round pick Dante Fowler in rookie minicamp. The pass defense has struggled, however, allowing 7.4 yards per attempt with only eight picks. 

 
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Kansas City Chiefs: Right tackle

Kansas City Chiefs: Right tackle
Jason O. Watson / Getty Images

Former first overall draft choice Eric Fisher is finally looking like an adequate offensive lineman, and this line has made significant progress since looking like five turnstiles at the start of the year. Still, the right tackle position has been a major issue, and veteran Donald Stephenson hasn't done the job since Fisher has moved back to the left side.

 
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Miami Dolphins: Head coach

Miami Dolphins: Head coach
Chris Trotman / Getty Images

With all due respect to interim head coach Dan Campbell, the Dolphins need elite leadership to lead their talented roster. The team has looked good at times since firing Joe Philbin early in the year, but they'll still end the year with a losing record. Sean Payton has been rumored to be a possibility, which could be a great fit given the team's offensive weapons.

 
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Minnesota Vikings: Offensive line help

Minnesota Vikings: Offensive line help
Ezra Shaw / Getty Images

Young quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has taken some vicious hits this season, and it's a wonder that he's stayed on the field. The Vikings rank seventh worth with 39 sacks allowed in 14 games, and even Adrian Peterson has had issues gaining steam in some games. The Vikings have very promising skill position players but must protect Bridgewater better.

 
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New England Patriots: Offensive line depth

New England Patriots: Offensive line depth
Jim Rogash / Getty Images

It's a wonder that the Pats have remained atop the AFC with their injuries, particularly on offense. While Tom Brady does a great job extending plays in the pocket, the team's lack of offensive line depth has been exposed following injuries to Marcus Cannon, Tre' Jackson and Sebastian Vollmer.

 
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New Orleans Saints: Cornerback

New Orleans Saints: Cornerback
Scott Halleran / Getty Images

There's no sugarcoating how bad the Saints' defense has been. They've allowed a league-leading 8.5 yards per pass attempt, and defensive coordinator Rob Ryan took the fall for their shortcomings. Poor secondary play has been an ongoing issue for the last several years, and it still hasn't been addressed adequately.

 
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New York Giants: Running back

New York Giants: Running back
Ronald Martinez / Getty Images

The Giants also have some issues on the defensive side of the ball, but running back is their glaring weakness on offense. The team's running back committee has averaged only 3.8 yards per carry with four scores on the ground, and the addition of Shane Vereen hasn't been the answer. It's time for the team to turn the page on 2014 draftee Andre Williams and find another option with Rashad Jennings miscast as a lead back.

 
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New York Jets: Cornerback

New York Jets: Cornerback
Al Pereira / Getty Images

All-Pro cornerback Darrelle Revis has missed time to injury, but he's not the problem. It's Antonio Cromartie who has been the weakest link on this defense, regularly targeted by opponents. The Jets are highly likely to address this area in the draft, and it will be nice for the team to not have to worry about quarterback with Ryan Fitzpatrick fitting the bill in 2015.

 
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Oakland Raiders: Secondary help

Oakland Raiders: Secondary help
Jed Jacobsohn / Getty Images

Oakland has developed budding talent on offense at the skill positions, so it's time to focus on the other side of the ball. The team's pass defense has been thrashed this year, allowing the fourth most passing yards. Future Hall of Famer Charles Woodson is approaching the end, and that's just one of the positions Oakland needs to address. The good news is that the pass rush looks in good hands behind breakout pass rusher Khalil Mack.

 
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Philadelphia Eagles: Quarterback

Philadelphia Eagles: Quarterback
Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images

Chip Kelly made some highly questionable decisions last offseason that have comeback to haunt the Eagles, but his shortcomings start at quarterback. Sam Bradford simply hasn't done a good enough job, with a poor 83.8 passer rating and poor play in the red zone. While there have been rumors that Kelly would like to keep Bradford long term, that seems unlikely.

 
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Pittsburgh Steelers: Secondary help

Pittsburgh Steelers: Secondary help
Christian Peterson / Getty Images

The Steelers have survived some pretty tough injuries on offense to put themselves in position for a wild card spot. It's just as impressive that they've remained effective with a leaky secondary that's lost its identity in recent seasons with the retirements of Ike Taylor and Troy Polamalu. Pittsburgh has allowed the second most passing yards in football, even with the fourth most sacks.

 
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San Diego Chargers: Defensive help

San Diego Chargers: Defensive help
Stephen Dunn / Getty Images

The Chargers have major issues on defense, and it's more than one area. They struggle against both the pass and run, allowing a staggering 6 yards per play. It's no wonder than Philip Rivers has put up such significant passing games this season while the team tries to play catch-up. The team has nice young pieces in Jason Verrett, Melvin Ingram and Corey Liuget but needs to desperately build around them.

 
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San Francisco 49ers: Quarterback of the future

San Francisco 49ers: Quarterback of the future
Christian Peterson / Getty Images

Colin Kaepernick has likely worn out his welcome in San Francisco, and while Blaine Gabbert has been adequate, it's clear that he's not the long-term answer. The 49ers will have an opportunity to take a signal caller early in the first round, and the position should be their highest priority despite all the holes on defense left by last year's retirements.

 
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Seattle Seahawks: Offensive line help

Seattle Seahawks: Offensive line help
Andy Lyons / Getty Images

Russell Wilson has been sacked 41 times in 14 games, though the Seahawks have still made due with subpar pass protection. Of course, it is worth crediting that same line with rookie Thomas Rawls' surprise breakout before he was lost to injury.

 
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St. Louis Rams: Quarterback

St. Louis Rams: Quarterback
Dilip Vishwanat / Getty Images

The Rams have their clear running back of the future in budding star Todd Gurley, and former first-round pick Tavon Austin has also made progress at wideout. Still, this offense remains one of the worst in the game because of the lacking play at quarterback. Nick Foles was benched for Case Keenum, but neither signal caller is worth building around as the team heads into 2016.

 
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Secondary help

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Secondary help
Al Messerschmidt / Getty Images

The perception is that Tampa Bay has been good at stopping the run, allowing only 3.3 yard per rush, but that's because teams have had their way passing the ball. The Bucs have allowed 7.4 yards per pass attempt, 12th worst in football, along with 28 touchdowns. The team has already started to build around Gerald McCoy and Lavonte David on the first two levels of the defense, but it needs better play in coverage.

 
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Tennessee Titans: Offensive line help

Tennessee Titans: Offensive line help
Stacy Revere / Getty Images

The Titans are likely to find a new head coach this offseason after letting Ken Whisenhunt go in-season, and it's an attractive job if the offensive line can be addressed. Rookie quarterback Marcus Mariota has shown great flashes, but Titans quarterbacks have been sacked 49 times in 14 games, tied with San Francisco for most in the league, and the running backs have struggled. 2014 first-round pick Taylor Lewan has really struggled, but he's not the only problem on this line.

 
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Washington Redskins: Pass rusher

Washington Redskins: Pass rusher
Win McNamee / Getty Images

The Skins are making progress this season, even with an inconsistent offense led by Kirk Cousins. The pass defense has been their biggest deficiency, and it starts up front. While Ryan Kerrigan has had a decent year with 8.5 sacks, he can't do it alone. The team has only 29 sacks in 14 games and needs to put more pressure on the quarterback.

Seth Trachtman is a fantasy sports expert and diehard Kansas City Chiefs fan. He doesn't often Tweet, but when he does, you can find him on Twitter @sethroto.

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