Commentary

Plugging the Holes: NFC West

Defensive issues remain for all four division teams

Originally Published: May 4, 2010

By Aaron Schatz | Football Outsiders

How this works: In February, Doug Farrar of Football Outsiders wrote this story about pre-draft needs for NFC West squads. Now that the draft is done -- check Mel Kiper Jr.'s grades here and Todd McShay's grades here -- FBO revisits the NFC West.

Arizona Cardinals: an inside LB

In this year's draft, the Cardinals did an admirable job of filling holes created by a tumultuous offseason. When Tennessee defensive tackle Dan Williams fell to Arizona at the 26th pick, the team finally added the every-down gap-plugger that its defense has been missing for the past few seasons. However, there was no opportunity in the draft or free agency to replace inside linebacker Karlos Dansby -- and replacing the rare, every-down 3-4 scheme player was the team's most glaring pre-draft need.

Most pundits gave Seattle pretty high draft grades. So what are its needs? The pundits also think the 49ers are the new favorite here. What's their weakness? How close are the Rams to respectability? Get these answers after the jump -- if you're an Insider.