AFC EAST

New England Patriots

2005 record: 10-6.

So far this offseason: Signed PK Martin Gramatica, S Tebucky Jones, S Mel Mitchell, CB Eric Warfield and WR Reche Caldwell. Lost LB Chad Brown, LB Matt Chatham, WR Andre’ Davis (Buffalo), TE Christian Fauria (Washington), WR David Givens (Tennessee), OT Tom Ashworth (Seattle), WR Cedric James, LB Willie McGinest (Cleveland), CB Tyrone Poole (Oakland), CB Duane Starks (Oakland), K Adam Vinatieri (Indianapolis) and Tim Dwight (N.Y. Jets).

Draft needs: WR, LB, RB.

Analysis: New England has five picks in the top 105, so addressing needs should be no problem. But there’s no denying the void left with the departures of Fauria, Givens, Vinatieri and McGinest. Perhaps WR is the position that needs the most help. Two-time Pro Bowler Deion Branch is the only proven WR commodity remaining on the roster, and Caldwell is a nice addition.

Miami Dolphins

2005 record: 9-7.

So far this offseason: Signed FB Fred Beasley, S Deke Cooper, WR Kelly Campbell, CB Will Allen, QB Daunte Culpepper, CB Andre’ Goodman, S Renaldo Hill, LB Sedrick Hodge, TE Justin Peele, OT L.J. Shelton. Released QB Gus Frerotte (St. Louis), CB Reggie Howard (Carolina), S Tebucky Jones (New England), CB Sam Madison (N.Y. Giants), LB Junior Seau and OT Damion McIntosh. QB Sage Rosenfels (Houston), WR Bryan Gilmore (San Francisco) and OT Stockar McDougal (Jacksonville) left the team via free agency.

Draft needs: QB, OL.

Analysis: Signing Culpepper is an instant upgrade at QB, but the club took a risk by letting go Frerotte and Rosenfels, leaving the Dolphins without a proven backup. But Miami bought Culpepper insurance by signing Shelton, a seven-year veteran. The Dolphins addressed several defensive needs through free agency by picking up Goodman, Hodge and Hill.

Buffalo Bills

2005 record: 5-11.

So far this offseason: Signed S Matt Bowen, C Melvin Fowler, T Aaron Gibson, T Matt Morgan, WR Peerless Price, CB Kiwaukee Thomas, WR Andre’ Davis, QB Craig Nall, TE Robert Royal and DT Larry Tripplett. Released DT Sam Adams, SS Lawyer Milloy, OT Mike Williams and TE Mark Campbell. Didn’t re-sign free agents DT Ron Edwards, Eric Moulds (Houston) and DT Justin Bannan.

Draft needs: OL, DL, WR.

Analysis: The Bills could use a couple of threats to line up in the No. 3 and No. 4 WR spots. Buffalo set a record last season for fewest yards gained in a 16-game, non-strike season (4,122) because of a suspect OL. Defensively, Buffalo released one of the league’s best run-stoppers (Adams) after the club dropped from seventh against the run in 2004 to 31st last season. Buffalo may target Florida State DT Broderick Bunkley with the No. 8 selection.

New York Jets

2005 record: 4-12.

So far this offseason: Signed LB Matt Chatham, QB Patrick Ramsey T Anthony Clement, WR Tim Dwight, CB Andre Dyson, LB Brad Kassell, DT Monsanto Pope, OL Trey Teague and DE Kimo von Oelhoffen. Traded DE John Abraham (Atlanta) and also lost CB Ty Law, C Kevin Mawae (Tennessee), OT Jason Fabini, FB Jerald Sowell, QB Jay Fiedler, LB Barry Garner, DT Lance Legree and WR Harry Williams (Green Bay).

Draft needs: QB, OL, DL.

Analysis: After signing former Redskin Ramsey as insurance for injury-prone QB Chad Pennington, the club could use the No. 7 pick to acquire an OL. Virginia’s D’Brickashaw Ferguson (6-6, 312 pounds) is considered the best OT available. Besides, the Jets are undersized on the OL. The DL is also a question mark with the departure of Abraham. DEs Shaun Ellis and von Oelhoffen are solid, but there is little depth behind them.

AFC NORTH

Cincinnati Bengals

2005 record: 11-5.

So far this offseason: Signed S Dexter Jackson, DT Sam Adams, WR Antonio Chatman, QB Anthony Wright and QB Doug Johnson. Lost DE Duane Clemons, QB Jon Kitna (Detroit), TE Matt Schobel (Philadelphia) S Kim Herring, WR Kevin Walter (Houston) and LB Nate Webster.

Draft needs: QB, DT, TE.

Analysis: QB Carson Palmer says he’ll be ready to play in 2006, but keep in mind he had surgery to replace two knee ligaments. Cincinnati did little to keep backup QB Kitna and moved slowly in pursuing other possible options (Patrick Ramsey, Brian Griese, Sage Rosenfels, Jamie Martin, Aaron Brooks, etc.) through free agency. TE is perhaps the club’s most pressing need after losing Schobel.

Pittsburgh Steelers

2005 record: 11-5.

So far this offseason: Signed DE Rodney Bailey and S Ryan Clark. Lost WR Antwaan Randle El (Washington), RB Jerome Bettis, S Chris Hope (Tennessee), S Mike Logan, QB Tommy Maddox, CB Willie Williams and DE Kimo von Oelhoffen (N.Y. Jets).

Draft needs: RB, S, WR.

Analysis: Pittsburgh uses a stable of running backs in its ground-oriented attack, but the loss of Bettis (retirement) leaves the Steelers without a bruising runner. Pittsburgh has slashers Willie Parker, Duce Staley and Verron Hayes. The club could lose Hayes in free agency, which would further deplete the Steelers’ depth. Several talented RBs could fall to Pittsburgh with the last pick of the first round, so the club could reload there.

Baltimore Ravens

2005 record: 6-10.

So far this offseason: Signed P Lou Araguz, DT Justin Bannan, RB Mike Anderson, CB Corey Ivy, DE Trevor Pryce and LB Gary Stills. Lost LB Peter Boulware, S Will Demps (N.Y. Giants), DE Tony Weaver, OT Orlando Brown, NT Maake Kemoeatu, QB Anthony Wright (Cincinnati), DB Deion Sanders, TE Darnell Dinkins (Cleveland), P Dave Zastudil and RB Chester Taylor.

Draft needs: QB, S, WR.

Analysis: The running back situation is interesting in Baltimore, with Jamal Lewis signing an extension and Anderson joining the team through free agency. This position could be the club’s strength next season, but the Ravens need help at QB because they aren’t sold on starter Kyle Boller. Baltimore picks 13th, so there’s a chance one of the top QBs could still be available. This year’s draft is also deep at the receiver position, which could help the Ravens in their search for a No. 3 WR to complement Mark Clayton and Derrick Mason.

Cleveland Browns

2005 record: 6-10

So far this offseason: Signed C LeCharles Bentley, K Jeff Chandler, TE Darnell Dinkins, G Bob Hallen, WR Joe Jurevicius, T Kevin Shaffer, NT Ted Washington, LB Willie McGinest, P Dave Zastudil. Lost S Chris Crocker (Atlanta), DT Jason Fisk, LB Kenard Lang (Denver), WR Antonio Bryant (San Francisco), C Dwayne Ledford (New Orleans), OL Mike Pucillo, LB Ben Taylor, DB Michael Lehan, TE Aaron Shea and T L.J. Shelton.

Draft needs: LB, RB, DE, S.

Analysis: The club traded starting S Chris Crocker to the Falcons for a fourth-round choice, so the Browns will look to find a safety in the draft. The Browns have nine draft picks and GM Phil Savage has spent plenty of time studying the safeties available. Safeties Daniel Bullocks of Nebraska, Calvin Murphy from Penn State and Virginia Tech’s Justin Hamilton have visited the Browns’ training complex recently. Cleveland also could be looking to solidify its DL by drafting Florida State DE Broderick Bunkley with the No. 12 pick. This year’s draft is deep in ILBs, so the Browns should have no problem finding one in the mid- to late rounds.

AFC SOUTH

Indianapolis Colts

2005 record: 14-2.

So far this offseason: Signed K Adam Vinatieri. Lost RB Edgerrin James (Arizona), DT Larry Tripplett, LB David Thornton (Tennessee), OT Joaquin Gonzalez, DT Josh Williams, K Mike Vanderjagt (Dallas), PK Jose Cortez, WR Brad Pyatt (St. Louis) and QB Josh Brown.

Draft needs: RB, LB, DB.

Analysis: Indianapolis isn’t confident in Dominic Rhodes and Kory Chapman as replacements for James, who signed a free-agent contract with the Cardinals. In James’ absence, Rhodes has shown flashes and recently received a $1.45 million roster bonus. In case Rhodes doesn’t pan out, the Colts could choose a running back with the 30th pick of the first round. The loss of Thornton creates a need at LB.

Jacksonville Jaguars

2005 record: 12-4.

So far this offseason: Signed OT Stockar McDougle, OT Mike Williams, DT Tony Williams and CB Brian Williams. Lost S Deke Cooper (Miami), Kenny Wright (Washington) LB Jamie Winborn (Tampa Bay), LBs Tracy White and Akin Ayodele.

Draft needs: RB, WR, LB.

Analysis: Drafting WRs has been a risky proposition the past two years for Jacksonville. Matt Jones (2005 first-rounder) and Reggie Williams (2004 first-rounder) haven’t lived up to expectations. But judging from the offseason acquisitions of McDougle and Mike Williams, Jacksonville is dedicated to bolstering its O-line.

Tennessee Titans

2005 record: 4-12.

So far this offseason: Signed WR David Givens, C Kevin Mawae, S Chris Hope and LB David Thornton. Lost S Tank Williams, LB Brad Kassell (N.Y. Jets), LB Rocky Boiman (Dallas) OT Brad Hopkins and C Justin Hartwig.

Draft needs: QB, RB, LB.

Analysis: Starter Steve McNair is in the twilight of his career, so it makes sense for Tennessee to nab its QB of the future with the No. 3 pick. Southern California’s Matt Leinart or Texas’ Vince Young could be available. Perhaps the Titans could trade down for additional picks and draft a solid QB in the middle rounds.

Houston Texans

2005 record: 2-14.

So far this offseason: Signed LB Sam Cowart, C Mike Flanagan, DE N.D. Kalu, G David Loverne, WR Eric Moulds, G Tupe Peko, TE Jeb Putzier, LB Wali Rainer, S Michael Stone, WR Kevin Walter, DE Tony Weaver, FB Jameel Cook and QB Sage Rosenfels. Lost S Marcus Coleman, DE Gary Walker, RB Tony Hollings, WR Jabar Gaffney, WR Corey Bradford, C Tyson Walter, G Milford Brown, CB Jason Bell and QB Tony Banks.

Draft needs: WR, TE, DE.

Analysis: Houston has many needs, but with the No. 1 pick in the draft, you pick the best player available. Having already signed QB David Carr to an extension, it’s likely the Texans would select USC RB Reggie Bush. But recent reports have the Texans taking a long look at former Texas QB Vince Young. Houston may decide to trade out of the No. 1 position, but it’s unlikely.

AFC WEST

Denver Broncos

2005 record: 13-3.

So far this offseason: Signed DE Kenard Lang, DL Amon Gordon and LB Nate Webster. Lost RB Mike Anderson (Baltimore), DE Trevor Pryce, DE Marco Coleman and TE Jeb Putzier (Houston).

Draft needs: WR, TE, DE.

Analysis: Needing a legitimate No. 1 receiver, Denver courted Terrell Owens during the offseason but was unable to sign him. Top receiver Rod Smith will be 36 in May, and No. 2 receiver Ashley Lelie is inconsistent. Putzier, a TE, was the club’s third-leading receiver, so the Broncos lack depth. Denver has two first-round picks (No. 15 and No. 22) and is likely to use the selections on a receiver and a pass-rushing DE.

Kansas City Chiefs

2005 record: 10-6.

So far this offseason: Signed CB Lenny Walls, RB Quentin Griffin and CB Chris Johnson. Lost WR Marc Boerigter (Green Bay), WR Chris Horn (New Orleans), QB Todd Collins, FB Tony Richardson, LB Shawn Barber (Philadelphia), CB Dexter McCleon, CB Eric Warfield (New England) and LB Gary Stills.

Draft needs: CB, WR, DL.

Analysis: With Warfield and McCleon gone, Kansas City needs a nickel corner and a starter opposite Patrick Surtain. WR Eddie Kennison, 32, has put together consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons, but there aren’t many other options in the passing game. The Chiefs are sure to go after a CB with the 20th pick of the first round (perhaps Jimmy Williams from Virginia Tech and Bethel High), then address other needs in later rounds.

San Diego Chargers

2005 record: 9-7.

So far this offseason: Traded for WR Rashaun Woods, signed TE Aaron Shea and S Marlon McCree. Lost QB Drew Brees (New Orleans), WR Reche Caldwell (New England), CB Sammy Davis (San Francisco), LB Ben Leber, G Bob Hallen (Cleveland), DE DeQuincy Scott (Minnesota), TE Justin Peelle (Miami), S Jerry Wilson and OL Courtney VanBuren (Detroit).

Draft needs: CB, S, OL, WR.

Analysis: QB Philip Rivers finally gets his chance to start, but San Diego had better protect him and get upgrades at receiver. TE Antonio Gates was the club’s leading receiver last season, and WR Keenan McCardell enters his 15th season. WR Vincent Jackson caught just three balls as a rookie.

Oakland Raiders

2005 record: 4-12.

So far this offseason: Signed DE Lance Johnstone, G Cameron Spikes, CB Duane Starks, QB Aaron Brooks and CB Tyrone Poole. Lost G Ron Stone, DT Ted Washington (Cleveland), CB Denard Walker, DT Ed Jasper (Philadelphia), QB Kerry Collins and DB Renaldo Hill.

Draft needs: G, S, RB.

Analysis: Draft analysts point to QB as a position of need for Oakland, but the Raiders already have a proven player in Newport News native Aaron Brooks, as well as talented youngsters in Marques Tuiasosopo and Andrew Walter. The OL is also a concern. With the Raiders already susceptible to pressure up the middle, losing Stone worsened the situation. Defensively, they could use help in the secondary after losing Hill and Walker, but bank on the club grabbing Texas’ Vince Young if he’s available.

NFC EAST

New York Giants

2005 record: 11-5.

So far this offseason: Signed CB Jason Bell, S Will Demps, S Quentin Harris, CB Sam Madison, CB R.W. McQuarters and LB LaVar Arrington. Lost DT Kendrick Clancy (Arizona) and SS Shaun Williams (Carolina).

Draft needs: OLB, RB, OT.

Analysis: N.Y. upgraded its secondary and got help at linebacker with the signing of Arrington. New York needs to find a backup RB because, behind Tiki Barber, there isn’t much talent. The Giants are rumored to be on the verge of terminating LT Luke Petitgout’s contract, which could make the position a priority with the 25th pick.

Washington Redskins

2005 record: 10-6.

So far this offseason: Signed CB Kenny Wright, S Adam Archuleta, DE Andre Carter, QB Todd Collins, TE Christian Fauria, OL Mike Pucillo, C Tyson Walter, WR Brandon Lloyd and WR Antwaan Randle El. Lost S Ryan Clark (Pittsburgh), QB Patrick Ramsey (N.Y. Jets), LB LaVar Arrington (N.Y. Giants), S Matt Bowen (Buffalo), G Ray Brown (retired), CB Walt Harris (San Francisco), DT Brandon Noble, C Cory Raymer. TE Robert Royal (Buffalo), S Omar Stoutmire (New Orleans) and P Tom Tupa.

Draft needs: LB, CB, K.

Analysis: Chris Clemons gets a shot at replacing the departed Arrington, but is inexperienced. Warrick Holdman could be the answer, but he was ineffective last season as a starter. The Redskins may look at moving MLB Lemar Marshall to the weak side, depending on if they sign or draft an ILB or OLB.

Dallas Cowboys

2005 record: 9-7.

So far this offseason: Signed WR Terrell Owens, LB Akin Ayodele, LB Rocky Boiman, TE Ryan Hannam, OL Kyle Kosier , K Mike Vanderjagt and S Marcus Coleman. Lost G Larry Allen (San Francisco), DT Willie Blade, LB Scott Fujita (New Orleans), TE Dan Campbell (Detroit), DT La’Roi Glover (St. Louis), LB Dat Nguyen (retired), OT Jacob Rogers, OT Torrin Tucker (Tampa Bay) and WR Keyshawn Johnson (Carolina).

Draft needs: OT, S, LB, QB.

Analysis: Dallas desperately needs a dominating run-blocker and pass-protector, but Bill Parcells prefers to wait until Day 2 of the draft to pick up linemen. Dallas could trade away its first-round (No. 18) pick to stockpile more selections in the middle rounds. Without a proven backup behind QB Drew Bledsoe, the Cowboys may add depth to the position.

Philadelphia Eagles

2005 record: 6-10.

So far this offseason: Signed WR Jabar Gaffney, QB Jeff Garcia, DE Darren Howard, LB Shawn Barber, DT Ed Jasper and TE Matt Schobel. Lost B Andy Hall, DE N.D. Kalu (Houston), QB Mike McMahon (Minnesota), LB Keith Adams and WR Terrell Owens (Dallas).

Draft needs: OT, OLB, WR, DT, TE.

Analysis: The Eagles have five selections in the first four rounds and plenty of needs. They re-signed T Jon Runyan but could use an infusion of youth and depth on the O-line. With the 14th pick, the Eagles likely will choose an offensive or defensive lineman.

NFC NORTH

Chicago Bears

2005 record: 11-5.

So far this offseason: Signed QB Brian Griese and CB Dante Wesley. Lost CB Jerry Azumah (retired) and WR Eddie Berlin.

Draft needs: CB, TE, WR.

Analysis: Injuries prompted Azumah to retire, leaving Nate Vasher as the club’s best cover corner. Charles Tillman starts opposite Vasher, but probably is a better fit at safety. None of the backups is capable of starting. Chicago could use a receiving TE to complement top receiver Muhsin Muhammad.

Minnesota Vikings

2005 record: 9-7.

So far this offseason: Signed G Steve Hutchinson, FB Joey Goodspeed, LB Ben Leber, K Ryan Longwell, QB Mike McMahon, FB Tony Richardson, RB Chester Taylor, DE DeQuincy Scott, G Jason Whittle and S Tank Williams. Lost QB Daunte Culpepper (Miami), WR Nate Burleson (Seattle), S Corey Chavous (St. Louis), LB Sam Cowart (Houston), G Toniu Fonoti (Tampa Bay), CB Brian Williams (Jacksonville), RB Michael Bennett (New Orleans), LB Keith Newman, LB Raonall Smith (St. Louis) and C Melvin Fowler (Buffalo).

Draft needs: RB, LB, CB.

Analysis: The last time Minnesota had a featured RB (Robert Smith) was 2000. Chester Taylor, Mewelde Moore and Ciatrick Fason are the top three players at RB. But none could be classified as power backs, which is what the Vikings need. Minnesota scooped up free-agent Leber from San Diego, but lost LBs Cowart and Newman.

Detroit Lions

2005 record: 5-11.

So far this offseason: Signed QB Jon Kitna, QB Shaun King, QB Josh McCown, FS Idrees Bashir, WR Corey Bradford, TE Dan Campbell, RB Arlen Harris, LB Paris Lenon, OT Barry Stokes, OL Rex Tucker, S Mike Furrey, G Tyrone Hanson and OT Courtney Van Buren. Lost CB Andre’ Goodman (Miami), G Kyle Kosier (Dallas), G David Loverne (Houston), Wali Rainer (Houston) and CB R.W. McQuarters (New York Giants).

Draft needs: DB, OL, LB.

Analysis: Detroit improved the secondary by adding Bashir but lost two corners (Goodman and McQuarters) in free agency. The Lions could use CB depth and an upgrade opposite starter Dre’ Bly of Chesapeake because CB Fernando Bryant is coming off a season-ending clavicle injury.

Green Bay Packers

2005 record: 4-12.

So far this offseason: Signed WR Marc Boerigter, K Billy Cundiff, S Marquand Manuel, DT Ryan Pickett, LB Ben Taylor and LB Tracy White. Lost WR Antonio Chatman (Cincinnati), LB Na’il Diggs, RB Tony Fisher (St. Louis), C Mike Flanagan (Houston), LB Paris Lenon (Detroit), K Ryan Longwell (Minnesota) and QB Craig Nall (Buffalo).

Draft needs: LB, WR, DE.

Analysis: The LB situation in Green Bay is shaky with MLB Nick Barnett the club’s only proven player. The Packers signed Taylor, a former Virginia Tech player who could start at strong-side LB. Green Bay owns the No. 5 pick and could use it to grab Ohio State OLB A.J. Hawk. The Packers could be in for another rough year at WR. Top receiver Javon Walker says he’ll retire before playing again for the Packers, leaving Donald Driver as the top target.

NFC SOUTH

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2005 record: 11-5.

So far this offseason: Signed G Toniu Fonoti, FB Jerald Sowell, DT Torrin Tucker and LB Jamie Winborn. Lost FB Jameel Cook (Minnesota), LB Jeff Gooch, QB Brian Griese (Chicago), TE Will Heller (Seattle), S Dexter Jackson (Cincinnati) and G Matt Stinchcomb.

Draft needs: OL, CB, LB.

Analysis: Tampa Bay was able to keep T Kenyatta Walker, but former Hokie Anthony Davis the starter opposite Walker struggles in pass protection. If the Bucs can’t upgrade along the offensive line, they’ll use the draft to add depth. Ronde Barber, a nine-year pro from U.Va., and Brian Kelly are top corners, but there isn’t much talent behind them.

Carolina Panthers

2005 record: 11-5.

So far this offseason: Signed WR Keyshawn Johnson, C Justin Hartwig, CB Reggie Howard, DT Maake Kemoeatu, P Micah Knorr, LB Keith Adams, LB Na’il Diggs, DT Damione Lewis, S Kevin McCadam and S Shaun Williams. Lost DT Brentson Buckner, S Idrees Bashir (Detroit), RB Stephen Davis, S Marlon McCree (San Diego), LB Brandon Short (N.Y. Giants), DE Keith Rasmussen (Seattle), RB Rod Smart and LB Will Witherspoon (St. Louis).

Draft needs: LB, TE, RB, DT.

Analysis: Johnson takes pressure off Steve Smith in the passing game. Defensively, Carolina lost both of its starting OLBs. Thomas Davis, a rookie last season, should take over one of the vacated spots, but the other position is up for grabs.

Atlanta Falcons

2005 record: 8-8.

So far this offseason: Signed DE John Abraham, S Chris Crocker, OT Wayne Gandy and S Lawyer Milloy. Lost S Kevin McCadam (Carolina), OT Kevin Shaffer (Cleveland), S Bryan Scott (New Orleans) DE Brady Smith and OT Barry Stokes (Detroit).

Draft needs: CB, OL, RB.

Analysis: Atlanta’s offensive line plays well in the team’s zone-blocking running attack. But pass protection is where the Falcons struggle. Atlanta lost two tackles in free agency, but signed another (Gandy). The Falcons need depth and competition for starting jobs along the O-line.

New Orleans Saints

2005 record: 3-13.

So far this offseason: Signed QB Drew Brees, RB Michael Bennett, TE Mark Campbell, LB Scott Fujita, G Jonathan Goodwin, WR Chris Horn, S Bryan Scott S Omar Stoutmire, C Dwayne Ledford, LB T.J. Slaughter and LB Anthony Simmons. Lost QB Aaron Brooks (Oakland), DE Darren Howard (Philadelphia), C LeCharles Bentley (Cleveland), LB Sedrick Hodge (Miami), CB Fakhir Brown (St. Louis), S Mel Mitchell (New England), T Wayne Ganby (Atlanta), G Kendyl Jacox and TE Boo Williams.

Draft needs: LB, OL, CB, DT, WR.

Analysis: New Orleans thinks it has a franchise QB in Brees. Maybe the club can protect him by scooping up ex-Virginia tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson with the No. 2 pick.

NFC WEST

Seattle Seahawks

2005 record: 13-3.

So far this offseason: Signed WR Nate Burleson, OT Tom Ashworth, DE Kemp Rasmussen, DT Russell Davis, S Shaunard Harts, LB Julian Peterson and TE Will Heller. Lost G Steve Hutchinson (Minnesota), WR Joe Jurevicius (Cleveland), CB Andre Dyson (New York Jets), DL Rodney Bailey, S Marquand Manuel (Green Bay), LB Jamie Sharper and TE Ryan Hannam (Dallas).

Draft needs: CB, S, DE.

Analysis: FS Ken Hamlin has been cleared to play (after suffering a skull fracture in 2005) by his doctors, but not team doctors. If Hamlin is unable to play, Seattle could have problems in the secondary.

St. Louis Rams

2005 record: 6-10.

So far this offseason: Signed QB Gus Frerotte, WR Brad Pyatt, LB Raonall Smith, DL Todd Stuessie, LB Will Witherspoon, CB Fakhir Brown, S Corey Chavous, RB Tony Fisher, DT La’Roi Glover and P Matt Turk. Lost S Adam Archuleta (Washington), LB Chris Claiborne, RB Arlen Harris (Detroit), CB Chris Johnson (Kansas City). CB Corey Ivy (Baltimore), DT Damione Lewis (Carolina), DT Ryan Pickett (Green Bay) , OT Matt Morgan (Buffalo), S Mike Furrey and OL Rex Tucker (Detroit).

Draft needs: TE, LB, OL.

Analysis: New coach Scott Linehan wants to make the TE a part of St. Louis’ offense. Brandon Manumaleuna is the club’s top TE, but that’s it. St. Louis nabbed former Carolina player Witherspoon in free agency to start at weak-side LB, but the club is still looking for a starter on the strong side.

Arizona Cardinals

2005 record: 5-11.

So far this offseason: Signed RB Edgerrin James, G Milford Brown and DT Kendrick Clancy. Lost DT Russell Davis (Seattle), S Quentin Harris (New York Giants) and QB Josh McCown (Detroit).

Draft needs: OL, DT, MLB.

Analysis: Arizona seemingly completed an offensive overhaul by signing James, but the Cardinals need to get better on the O-line for James and the rest of this offense to live up to its potential. Leonard Davis has been a disappointment at OT, so look for Arizona to upgrade the offensive line.

San Francisco 49ers

2005 record: 4-12.

So far this offseason: Signed G Larry Allen, WR Antonio Bryant, WR Bryan Gilmore, CB Sammy Davis, LB T.J. Slaughter, CB Walt Harris and QB Jesse Palmer. Lost LB Julian Peterson (Seattle), WR Brandon Lloyd (Washington), FB Fred Beasley (Miami), DE Andre Carter (Washington), DE Chris Cooper, OT Anthony Clement (N.Y. Jets), WR Rashawn Woods (San Diego), WR Johnnie Morton and CB Ahmed Plummer.

Draft needs: DE, DB, TE.

Analysis: San Francisco finished 32nd in team defense last season, and when Carter and Peterson bolted through free agency, it made matters worse. The club needs effective pass-rushers in its 3-4 scheme, so the 49ers could address this issue in the draft.

– Newport News (Va.) Daily Press