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Okay, so if the big board in my last update holds any water whatsoever, I figure we can mostly apply it -- at least in terms of starting-caliber or eventual starting-caliber prospects -- toward the following quarterback-hungry teams:
- Carolina Panthers
- Buffalo Bills
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Arizona Cardinals
- San Francisco 49ers
- Minnesota Vikings
- Miami Dolphins
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Seattle Seahawks
From there, let's break those teams down into a few categories.
The first category represents teams that could use an upgrade at quarterback from the 2011 NFL Draft class, but otherwise would get along alright if they do not target a passer:
- San Francisco 49ers
- Miami Dolphins
- Jacksonville Jaguars
Obviously the Niners would like to replace Alex Smith if they could and find a long-term starter, but they could get by with Smith if they absolutely had to. Similarly, the 'Phins might like to replace Chad Henne but could get by with him under center in 2011. Ditto the Jaguars and David Garrard, though Garrard and Henne certainly present more favorable quarterback scenarios than Smith.
If any of these three teams are enamored with a certain quarterback, they certainly can position themselves to draft him. But let's assume that there's a better overall talent at another position, and these three teams bite on that. Examples might be Patrick Peterson/Julio Jones (49ers), Mike Pouncey (Dolphins) and Ryan Kerrigan/Cameron Jordan (Jaguars.)
I should also note that the Seahawks could be in this category if they re-sign Matt Haselbeck.
Now, on to the next group, teams that need to strongly consider drafting a quarterback:
- Buffalo Bills
- Arizona Cardinals
Buffalo shouldn't look to stick with Ryan Fitzpatrick, but if they absolutely have to have Von Miller or Patrick Peterson, they might live with it. Similarly, Arizona might be in a good position to land Miller, who would be a perfect fit for their scheme, or even Peterson, and could rationalize sticking with Derek Anderson/Max Hall/John Skelton. Neither of these situations would be pretty, and both are certainly worse than the category above. But both suppose there's an absolutely superior talent at the position that cannot be passed up.
Now, the last category, teams that absolutely need a quarterback from the 2011 NFL Draft:
- Carolina Panthers
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Minnesota Vikings
- Seattle Seahawks
Carolina has no one at the position, unless Jimmy Clausen is subjected to genetic modification over the offseason. Cincinnati does not want Carson Palmer's little brother starting at the position. Minnesota currently has a converted wide receiver sitting at first-string, and a Hasselbeck-less Seattle is poised to go nowhere.
For those reasons, I think these four teams are the ones to keep the closest eye on when it comes to positioning to land a quarterback, either in the first or second round. More on that later.
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