NFC EAST
PROBLEM STAT
1.5 Yards per snap allowed in coverage by Danny McCray, the most of all safeties on the field for 50% of their teams' snaps.
SOLUTION
If all goes according to plan, Barry Church will return from the torn right Achilles that sidelined him after Week 3, and McCray will head back to the bench. Otherwise, draft T.J. McDonald, who was coached at USC by the Cowboys' new defensive coordinator, Monte Kiffin. McDonald can be a standout at either safety position and should be available in the second or even third round.
AND THEN?
Overhaul the offensive line, with the exception of LT Tyron Smith. Doug Free was the most penalized lineman in the league, with 15 flags, and the unit's 36 sacks allowed (16th in the NFL) would be much higher if not for quarterback Tony Romo's mobility.... Draft personnel, especially on the line, to help make the switch to a 4--3 defense. With the 18th pick, Dallas will be taking a hard look at 6' 3", 303-pound Shariff Floyd of Florida, who excels at tackle but can also play end.
PROBLEM STAT
120.6 Opponents' QB rating when throwing into the primary coverage of Nnamdi Asomugha, third highest among all corners (minimum 400 snaps in coverage).
SOLUTION
Rebuild Asomugha's faltering game and confidence, especially given the five-year, $60 million contract he signed last season. Maybe he'll never be the shutdown corner of his Raiders days, but Asomugha still has strong skills and he won't be 32 until July.
AND THEN?
Remake the O-line through free agency. Coach Chip Kelly's first call: Is 2011 first-round choice Danny Watkins the answer at right guard? ... Spend a second-day pick on a pass-catching threat at TE; Brent Celek and Clay Harbor had disappointing '12 seasons.
PROBLEM STAT
1.7 Yards given up per snap in coverage by Corey Webster, second worst among cornerbacks who played 50% of their teams' snaps.
SOLUTION
Ask Webster, 30, to take a pay cut. The $7 million base salary he's due in 2013 is astronomical for someone who played as poorly as he did in '12. The Giants could explore free agency for upgrades, but it's time to see what Prince Amukamara, 23, and Jayron Hosley, 22, can do at the position.
AND THEN?
Find out if James Brewer can replace David Diehl at RT.... Use the 19th pick on a versatile linebacker, like Georgia's Alec Ogletree.... Keep RB Ahmad Bradshaw. He's still reliable, and speedy David Wilson has yet to show that he can handle the No. 1 role.
PROBLEM STAT
21 Tackles missed by London Fletcher, the most of any linebacker in the NFL.
SOLUTION
While Fletcher can still play at a high level (a team-high 139 tackles despite an ankle injury), the Redskins shouldn't be concerned about continuing his streak of 240 consecutive games. He turns 38 in May, and there is no shame in his sitting one out for the first time in his 15-year career.
AND THEN?
DeAngelo Hall surrendered 1,045 yards to receivers in 2012, second most among cornerbacks. Draft a lockdown corner to shore up the league's third-worst passing defense.... Make sure that draft pick can also return kicks; last year's return man, Niles Paul, has put on weight to become a tight end.
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TIM HEITMAN/USA TODAY SPORTS (SMITH)
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CHRIS SZAGOLA/CAL SPORT MEDIA (ASOMUGHA)
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CHRIS SZAGOLA/CAL SPORT MEDIA (AMUKAMARA)
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BRAD MILLS/US PRESSWIRE (FLETCHER)
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