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Roy Williams isn't the Cowboys' go-to receiver, but they'll have to find a way to get him involved more often next season.

ANALYSIS

updated 7:01 p.m. ET Feb. 3, 2010

Each NFL team has a different priority entering this offseason, and Sporting News correspondents uncover just what each franchise is focusing on -- for the draft and for the 2010 regular season and beyond.

NFC EAST

Dallas Cowboys

Can receiver Roy Williams do more -- a lot more?
SN says: First they must fix his confidence. Williams says he knows quarterback Tony Romo and offensive coordinator Jason Garrett have lost confidence in him and it's his job to get it back. Williams has always had excellent hands; now he routinely drops passes.

Garrett says: "Roy is continuing to work hard in practice. … We think he's an important part of our offense and he's going to continue to help us win games. We have confidence in him, and he's going to keep getting the ball when the opportunity presents itself."

New York Giants

What's the best way to fix the defense?
SN says: The Giants are set at the ends, but help is needed at defensive tackle, where Fred Robbins and possibly Barry Cofield will not return. Michael Boley is the only linebacker assured of coming back. Even if free safety Kenny Phillips (knee) gets healthy, the Giants need to add at least one safety.

Cornerback back Terrell Thomas says: "I think the personnel is there. It's not the coaching; it's the playing. Sometimes the players got to make the plays, and we just haven't done that."

Philadelphia Eagles

How can they generate more pressure from the front four?
SN says: The team has relied too heavily on rushing more than four players to get pressure on quarterbacks, and its only consistent pass rush has come from Pro Bowl defensive end Trent Cole. Another three-down pass-rushing lineman opposite Cole would lessen the burden on coordinator Sean McDermott to blitz linebackers and defensive backs.

Defensive end Victor Abiamiri says: "Our goal in any game is always the same. Any quarterback doesn't play as good when there is direct pressure in his face."

Washington Redskins

How will Mike Shanahan reshape the Redskins?
SN says: Shanahan must start with the offensive line, where there are big holes. At quarterback, drafting a long-term replacement for Jason Campbell is a possibility. Running back Clinton Portis, whom Shanahan traded in Denver, is slowing down and has upset teammates with his approach.

Shanahan says: "You have to have players up front. I don't care if it's the offensive line, the defensive line; you win with those guys up front. That will always be an emphasis. You can't find teams that are successful without them."

NFC NORTH

Chicago Bears

How can the offense better complement quarterback Jay Cutler?
SN says: Regardless of who calls plays, the Bears must take advantage of Cutler's ability to throw on the run. The old offense, a pure pocket-passing West Coast system, is not as conducive to Cutler's skills. They also should use drag routes underneath extensively to give Cutler more alternatives on hot reads against the blitz.

Cutler says: "If we have to change schemes, we have to change schemes. I don't think that's a bigger issue than me just knowing the little things of how (receivers) are going to react in game situations and what I'm going to do in game situations."

Detroit Lions

Where is the biggest hole?
SN says: The Lions must find difference-makers at three crucial positions: running back, defensive lineman and cornerback. Look for Detroit to address the D-line with the second overall pick. The team then needs to add a speedy back to take the pressure off receiver Calvin Johnson, plus a few more pieces on defense.

Coach Jim Schwartz says: "There aren't many positions on this team that we can just sort of sit back and say, 'Hey, we're good the way we are.'"

Green Bay Packers

Can G.M. Ted Thompson keep this team together?
SN says: Though Thompson's philosophy is to build through the draft and to stay young, he needs to keep the nucleus of the high-scoring offense and playmaking defense intact. One spot that will need repair is offensive tackle. Left tackle Chad Clifton (33) and right tackle Mark Tauscher (32) are injury-prone and will be unrestricted free agents.

President Mark Murphy says: "The key is identifying the right players and to extend contracts and secure the right core players for the future of the organization."

Minnesota Vikings

What's the problem at safety?
SN says: The Vikings have a lot invested in their starting safeties, and the results have been disappointing. Madieu Williams and Tyrell Johnson intercepted just one pass combined this season, tackled poorly and had trouble protecting against big plays. Rookie Jamarca Sanford got extensive playing time in place of Johnson during the regular-season finale and might be a better option moving forward.

Coach Brad Childress says: "(Sanford has) done a good job with the snaps he's had and played extremely well. And continued to play extremely well (vs. the Giants) on special teams. He's a good ballplayer, a good hitter."

NFC South

Atlanta Falcons

How will they fix their leaky cornerback position?
SN says: The unit lost starter Brian Williams early in the season, and Tye Hill didn't hold up. But rookie Chris Owens played well down the stretch, and Brent Grimes appeared to be more comfortable on the right side after Chris Houston's late-season injury.

Coach Mike Smith says: "Those two young corners through the last quarter of the season have progressed very well. I think that bodes well for us in the future to have those guys get the experience they got here at the end of the season, especially Chris Owens."

Carolina Panthers

Are they looking for a quarterback of the past, present or future?
SN says: Because they owe him another $12.7 million guaranteed, Jake Delhomme likely will be back after a career-worst season. Though Matt Moore went 4-1 as the starter down the stretch, expect the Panthers to groom another young quarterback for the future. They might not be sold by the fact Moore played well in pressure-free games.

Running back DeAngelo Williams says: "I've seen a lot of progress out of (Moore). … He knew our offense already, and when Jake went down this year, the first game he had to get his rhythm back. But the last couple weeks, (he was) getting his rhythm, stepping in and playing well, scrambling when he has to scramble. "

New Orleans Saints

Is it time to revamp the pass rush?
SN says: If the Saints part with veteran defensive end Charles Grant or pending free-agent outside linebacker Scott Fujita, they will have an urgent need to reload their pass rush. Grant, 31, has four years left on his contract, but his cap figure is scheduled to inflate above $7 million next season and above $13 million in 2011. Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams wants to field an aggressive defense that can attack the quarterback, and his versatile schemes will make room for any kind of pass rusher.

Williams says: "I've got 27 different ways to add up to 11."

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Quarterback  Josh Freeman is in place; what's the next step?
SN says: The Bucs have 10 draft picks and need to surround Freeman with more offensive talent. Re-signing receiver Antonio Bryant and making better use of running back Derrick Ward will help keep Freeman's arsenal respectable, but the Bucs also have to improve up front. Look for them to add a left guard and a tackle.

Coach Raheem Morris says: "As far as priorities go, it's all about Josh Freeman. … We have to make sure that everything works around him because when it worked around him this year, we were successful."

Arizona Cardinals

What will life after quarteback  Kurt Warner look like?
SN says: The assumption has been that Matt Leinart will step in. Coach Ken Whisenhunt continues to express confidence in Leinart, but Leinart's performances in his fourth season can't have bolstered anyone's faith that he's ready to lead an organization.

G.M. Rod Graves says: "Part of the challenge for Matt has really been being able to get into rhythm and get into the flow of things. If we go back and reflect on his performance in his second year, he certainly showed things in that time period that would encourage you about him not only being a starter but eventually being an outstanding NFL quarterback."

St. Louis Rams

Where will more points come from in 2010?
SN says: The Rams need an impact wide receiver, a change-of-pace running back to spell Steven Jackson and a pass-catching tight end to replace likely free-agent departure Randy McMichael. If Marc Bulger doesn't return, the Rams could draft a quarterback for the future and acquire a veteran for the present.

G.M. Billy Devaney says: "We need playmakers. That's what we have to get on our team right now. Guys that can score touchdowns from way out, sack the quarterback, make a difference, impact the game."

San Francisco 49ers

Which personnel group needs the most help?
SN says: The offensive line wasn't close to the physical, overpowering unit coach Mike Singletary had envisioned. Look for the 49ers to use one of their two first-round draft picks on a tackle. The team also could pick up an offensive lineman in free agency.

Singletary says: "Coming into this season, we were trying to figure out exactly how we were going to put (the offensive line) together and still not having the tackle that we hoped to get last offseason. It didn't happen. So, we went into the season trying to make it work."

Seattle Seahawks

What is the solution on the left side of the O-line?
SN says: Seattle can't count on left tackle Walter Jones, who turns 36 this month, to recover from two knee surgeries, and Sean Locklear is not a long-term answer. The Seahawks have no depth at the position and two first-round picks. They can't afford to waste this chance to get an elite left tackle. Expect them to pursue a left guard in free agency.

Locklear says: "Matt Hasselbeck got hit more in three weeks than I can remember since I've been here. And there's no answer. It's us. It's the front five on the line and the backs. We're all at fault. We know what's happening."

AFC EAST

Buffalo Bills

How will they improve the offensive line?
SN says: With the ninth pick in the draft, the Bills hope one of three tackles -- Oklahoma State's Russell Okung, Oklahoma's Trent Williams or Rutgers' Anthony Davis -- will fall to them. Each has the size, strength and athletic ism to be an elite NFL player.

G.M. Buddy Nix says: "Everybody blames the quarterback, but you have to have some protection. It's hard to throw from lying on your back. A lot of times that is the case we had, and you lose your confidence. "

Miami Dolphins
How will they become a better big-play offense?
SN says: Wide receivers contributed only nine plays of 30 yards or longer, illustrating the lack of explosiveness in the passing game. Ted Ginn has proved he's not a No. 1 receiver, so the Dolphins will consider drafting Oklahoma State's Dez Bryant and keep an eye on free agents Vincent Jackson, Miles Austin and Antonio Bryant.

Coach Tony Sparano says: "We have had a lot of deep balls called, thrown, unexecuted or just not being able to be thrown because of coverage. There has been several of them, I would say, in each game."

New England Patriots

How do they improve the pass rush?
SN says: Defensive end Derrick Burgess produced five sacks, and outside linebacker Tully Banta-Cain contributed 9 1/2. But with a secondary that lacked big-play ability, the front line must help more. The Julius Peppers rumors may begin -- and should. Or the Pats could draft Ole Miss defensive end Greg Hardy or Georgia Tech defensive end Derrick Morgan.

Player personnel director Nick Caserio says: "Since Tully's been here, he's just been a very consistent player. … He's been effective rushing the passer along with Derrick and some of the other guys on the edge. We'll worry about (the rest of the pass rush) once the season is over."

New York Jets

Will Vernon Gholston be a premier pass rusher?
SN says: G.M. Mike Tannenbaum's mentor, Bill Parcells, says if a player doesn't "get it" by his third season, he never will. For $21 million guaranteed, Gholston, the sixth overall pick in 2008, has yet to get a sack. But the Jets are loath to give up on him because of his salary. Still, it may be time to look at someone like Texas' Sergio Kindle in the draft.

Tannenbaum says: "We always look inward to improve the team first. (Gholston) is still a young player, and we'll see what another off season does for him."

AFC NORTH

Baltimore Ravens

Where will they find a No. 1 receiver?
SN says: They'll talk to the Broncos about Brandon Marshall and the Bills about Terrell Owens. If they can't get a legitimate No. 1 receiver via trade or free agency, they'll draft one.

G.M. Ozzie Newsome says: "If there is someone out there available that we think can help our team, we'll take a look. … If a receiver is available at a range that we like (the Ravens likely will pick 22nd) and we have rated him high on our draft board, then we'll take him. "

Cincinnati Bengals

What's the best way to fix the deep passing game?
SN says: Cincinnati has a strong running game and solid defense, but without a consistent deep threat, quarterback  Carson Palmer is handcuffed. Receivers Chad Ochocinco and Laveranues Coles are 32, and receivers Andre Caldwell and Jerome Simpson are fast and talented but raw. The team needs a wideout who can stretch defenses.

Coach Marvin Lewis says: "We've done a good job of adjusting, understanding the task at hand and moving the football when we needed to. But we've got to do a better job in the passing game of being able to get the execution done down the field."

Cleveland Browns

Will new team president Mike Holmgren need a new No. 1 quarterback?
SN says: Brady Quinn has West Coast offense traits but must become more accurate. Derek Anderson will get a full review, although he probably is a West Coast misfit. Drafting a quarterback to groom would be a groaner for a win-starved organization, so Holmgren might bring in a veteran, as he did when he traded for Matt Hasselbeck in Seattle.

Holmgren says: "The quarterback question has to be answered down the road, not just by one person but by a group. I know this, that it's very, very important to have your quarterback play well to be successful."

Pittsburgh Steelers

Does the middle of the defense need to get younger?
SN says: Age and depth became issues as 2008's top-ranked defense slipped in '09. Six starters in the season finale were 31 or older, and the team hasn't groomed players behind five-time Pro Bowl nose tackle Casey Hampton, 32, and inside linebacker James Farrior, 35, who had trouble in coverage but has three years left on his contract.

Farrior says: "We've been getting old for a few years now. I think it's all relative. I really don't think about the age issue. My age is getting up there, and I might have lost a step … but the mental part of my game helps me."

AFC SOUTH

Houston Texans

Does the running game need an upgrade?
SN says: Rushing yards per game plunged from 115.4 in 2008 to 92.2 in 2009, 30th in the league. Steve Slaton was a fumble-prone disappointment. Rookie Arian Foster was a surprise in the last two games (39 carries for 216 yards and three TDs). The coaches want a big, fast, durable back who can run, catch and block, which makes the position a priority in the draft.

Coach Gary Kubiak says: "We need more balance in our offense. The running game makes our (bootleg passing game) go. "

Indianapolis Colts

Can the winningest team of the last decade and one of the league's youngest maintain excellence?
SN says: If 2010 is uncapped, the only unrestricted free agents will be middle linebacker Gary Brackett and kicker Matt Stover. Brackett, a key component in a developing defense, must be a priority. Restricted free agents safety Antoine Bethea, cornerbacks Marlin Jackson and Tim Jennings, offensive tackle Charlie Johnson and defensive tackle Antonio Johnson will force tough, expensive decisions.

Brackett says: "I would love to stay here, all things being equal. I'm in a situation where I hope for the best but prepare for the worst."

Jacksonville Jaguars

What's the best way to jump-start the pass rush?
SN says: Jacksonville's 14 sacks ranks fifth-worst in NFL history. Drafted in 2008, defensive ends Derrick Harvey (first round) and Quentin Groves (second) have been colossal disappointments, and the Jags apparently will start over. They'll use the draft and/or free agency to try to add a starter opposite Harvey and find a designated rusher to replace Harvey on passing downs.

Coach Jack Del Rio says: "Our ability to win one-on-ones and affect the quarterback would be (the) No. 1 (priority this offseason). … It goes hand in hand with playing good defense."

Tennessee Titans

What's the future at quarterback?
SN says: Kerry Collins signed a two-year, $14 million deal in 2009 but was pulled after an 0-6 start. Vince Young, written off by many, stepped in and finished strong. Young's base salary for 2010 is $7.5 million, plus he's due a $4.25 million option bonus in March. Collins would make $5.5 million in '10. Surely the Titans won't pay both.

Collins says: "I can't imagine they are going to pay me that kind of money to be a backup. I have no plans to retire."

AFC WEST

Denver Broncos

How will they handle their key free agents?
SN says: In an uncapped season, receiver Brandon Marshall, quarterback Kyle Orton and outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil would be restricted free agents. It's doubtful the Broncos want Marshall back for big money, given he clashed with coach Josh McDaniels. The team must decide whether Orton is the quarterback of the future. Dumervil led the league with 17 sacks and will be a priority to retain.

McDaniels says: "It's not easy to say what the landscape is going to be. … You can still do your job, run your team and plan. You have to make allowances for what might occur."

Kansas City Chiefs

Can they surround quarterback Matt Cassel with more talented offensive players?
SN says: With three draft picks in the first two rounds, the Chiefs will be able to upgrade at wide receiver and on the offensive line. Re-signing veteran receiver Chris Chambers would be smart. They have a playmaker in running back Jamaal Charles, whose emergence was the biggest positive development of 2009.

Cassel says: "There are new pieces of the puzzle that have been coming together. Jamaal Charles added quite a spark. … Obviously, adding Chris Chambers was big."

Oakland Raiders

What's the verdict on JaMarcus Russell?
SN says: If the Raiders are adamant about Russell losing weight, working harder and regaining the starting spot, they need to outline expectations, give him timelines and limits to meet and provide him with every asset necessary. If things work out, great. If not, they need to sever ties with the top pick in the '07 draft and move on.

Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha says: "JaMarcus isn't like a cancer to us, or when he comes in everybody's head goes down. We can rally around him because he can win games. We've seen him do it."

San Diego Chargers

What's the best way to handle all those free agents?
SN says: The Chargers will have 11 restricted free agents if '10 is uncapped, more than every team except Dallas (12) and New Orleans (11). What's worse is seven of San Diego's 11 started at least once this season, including receivers Malcolm Floyd and Vincent Jackson, left tackle Marcus McNeill, outside linebacker Shawne Merriman and running back Darren Sproles.

G.M. A.J. Smith says: "Right now, it's all over the place. Is it hard to plan for one or two ways? I don't think so. I've got a Plan B and Plan C."

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