Cincinnati Bengals NewsNews » 10 teams with missing parts and how to fill them |
| 10 teams with missing parts and how to fill them | |
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 Think of it like tortilla chips without salsa or apple pie sans ice cream.
They're good. There's just something missing.
It's the same for some NFL teams as they prepare to enter training camp later this month. Even after an offseason of roster moves, there are still holes that need filling. |
The Bills never pursued a replacement for Jason Peters, who was traded in April to Philadelphia. Langston Walker is shifting from right to left tackle as part of a revamped offensive line expected to feature two rookie starters (guards Eric Wood and Andy Levitre). Adding some veteran insurance in case these moves don't work out would be wise.
Possible solution: Levi Jones. The Bengals cut Jones after using a first-round pick on Alabama tackle Andre Smith. Jones, 29, has struggled with injuries the past three seasons but is a bona fide NFL starter if he can stay healthy.
St. Louis: Running back
The Rams plan to make Steven Jackson the focus of their new West Coast-style offense. Jackson, though, has missed eight games with injuries the past two seasons and the Rams have suspect depth with Ken Darby, Antonio Pittman and Samkon Gado.
Possible solution: DeShaun Foster. Foster's days as a full-time starter are over but the 29-year-old can be productive in spots.
New Orleans: Running back
The Saints feel comfortable enough with the Pierre Thomas-Reggie Bush tandem that the team didn't move to replace the departed Deuce McAllister. The Saints, though, could use a more conventional rusher to back up Thomas than the multi-purpose Bush.
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Possible solution: Edgerrin James. The Saints have flirted with the idea of signing James since his April release by Arizona. Edge's receiving and blitz pick-up skills would make him an excellent fit as a role player in New Orleans' pass-happy offense. However, James would have to be willing to accept a backup spot -- something that didn't sit well with him last season in Arizona.
Tampa Bay: Wide receiver
Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard are gone, leaving the Bucs with iffy veteran depth behind starters Michael Clayton and Antonio Bryant. 2008 second-round pick Dexter Jackson also may not be ready to contribute much yet.
Possible solution: Matt Jones. As evidenced by their recent interest in Plaxico Burress, the Bucs remain willing to take chances on talented-but-troubled players. Jones led Jacksonville in receiving last season but was released in March after violating his probation on a drug charge. Jones, 26, also would fit into Tampa Bay's offseason youth movement that led to the release of such veterans as Derrick Brooks and Warrick Dunn.
Kansas City: Cornerback
Depth remains a concern following the offseason release of Patrick Surtain.
Possible solution: Chris McAlister. He is no longer a Pro Bowl-caliber player like in 2006, but McAlister is the best cornerback still available in free agency. If he can fully recover from last year's knee surgery, McAlister could be a steal.
Oakland: Wide receiver
The Raiders hope that youngsters like Chaz Schilens, Johnnie Lee Higgins and 2009 first-round pick Darrius Heyward-Bey can carry a unit that had just one player with more than 20 receptions in 2008. Javon Walker and Samie Parker are the only veteran options on the roster.
Possible solution: Amani Toomer. A return to Northern California where he grew up would be good for Toomer and the Raiders. Toomer could serve as a one-season stopgap while Heyward-Bey and Schilens continue their development. The Raiders also would gain a class act who could help mentor their young wideouts.
Author:Fox Sports
Author's Website:http://www.foxsports.com
Added: July 6, 2009
