AFC WEST
PROBLEM STAT
13.7 Average time, in seconds, between each sack, hit or hurry that LT Mike Harris allows in pass protection, worst in the league.
SOLUTION
The heightened role of Harris, an undrafted rookie, illustrates the poor personnel decisions made by previous Chargers management. Incoming G.M. Tom Telesco has to immediately address both tackle positions—Jeromey Clarey is on the right side—through the draft. He should find at least one quality prospect at No. 11, such as Central Michigan's Eric Fisher or Alabama's D.J. Fluker.
AND THEN?
Sign a starting corner to replace the inconsistent Antoine Cason, and consider moving descending CB Quentin Jammer to safety.... Cut losses with WR Robert Meachem, the team's marquee 2012 free-agent signee, who started just three games and only once had more than 50 receiving yards.... Find a running back to push or replace Ryan Mathews, who has been a disappointment since being selected No. 12 in '10.
PROBLEM STAT
3.6 Tackling attempts for every tackle missed by FS Kendrick Lewis, the poorest ratio for any safety.
SOLUTION
His whiffs were instrumental in the Chiefs' allowing 19 runs of 20 or more yards, tied for second worst in the league. Lewis, who has speed and cover skills, missed the first five games with a right shoulder injury; maybe better health and a refresher course in tackling technique will make him effective again.
AND THEN?
Find a QB for new coach Andy Reid. Matt Cassel and Brady Quinn combined for eight TDs and 20 INTs.... Bring in playmakers at receiver, even if Dwayne Bowe, a potential free agent, re-signs.... Get bigger at CB: Both Javier Arenas and Brandon Flowers are 5' 9".
PROBLEM STAT
1.3% Snaps on which DT Justin Bannan applied pressure, lowest of all defensive players.
SOLUTION
Replace Bannan, whose contract is up. The Broncos have two of the league's best edge rushers in Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil, but the line needs more push and depth on the inside. Given Denver's success under Peyton Manning last season, a free-agent tackle might sign for less money and a shot at a ring.
AND THEN?
Sign Falcons free-agent CB Brent Grimes because Pro Bowl corner Champ Bailey, 34, won't play forever.... Re-sign free-agent WR Brandon Stokley, Manning's security blanket; then draft Louisiana Tech's Quinton Patton as Stokley's successor.
PROBLEM STAT
4.2% Pass rushes on which DE Matt Shaughnessy applied pressure. Only Seattle DE Red Bryant had a lower number (minimum 200 rushes) among edge rushers.
SOLUTION There have been worse years to have a pass-rush need and the No. 3 draft pick: BYU's Ezekiel Ansah, Georgia's Jarvis Jones, LSU's Barkevious Mingo, Texas A&M's Damontre Moore and Florida State's Bjoern Werner will be available. The Raiders' new staff must also concoct more creative pressure packages.
AND THEN? Consider trading down in the first round in exchange for additional selections, a serious option given the depth at DE and OLB.... Address the salary-cap mess by letting punter extraordinaire Shane Lechler leave and handing the job to rookie boomer Marquette King.
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JAKE ROTH/US PRESSWIRE (HARRIS)
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ICON SMI (LEWIS)
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TOM DIPACE (STOKLEY)
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DAMON TARVER/CAL SPORT MEDIA (SHAUGHNESSY)
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