Coach ,

Following the Super Bowl, the NFL Draft is the next football event that has a ton of build-up, speculation, and drama.  

It’s an exciting event for the entire football community as dreams are realized, needs are filled, and new hope springs to life for teams who draft their latest super stars.

Of course, as coaches, we know the real work starts after that. Today we will take a peek at some of the needs most likely to be filled as well as the coaches who will be tasked with developing those players and fitting them into their systems.

KC Chiefs

The Chiefs need a receiver after their star Tyreek Hill moved on to the Miami Dolphins. Offensive Coordinator Eric Beienemy has the task of finding a new way to make their offense work with his current corps of receivers and tight ends and any new addition drafted this weekend.

He knows it’s about fitting personnel into a package in which players compliment each other. He explains here (click on image for video):

Video: Building Your Pass Concept Plan

Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals can use a cornerback to bolster their defense. Defensive Coordinator Lou Anarumo threw everything they could at the LA Rams in the Super Bowl and came up just short. A corner will help bolster his defense and be expected to play in multiple coverages.

Tampa 2 is a coverage that Lou Anarumo says can be used at every level in order to outnumber an offense in the run game and have change-ups in coverage that protect the middle of the field deep which becomes a priority of an offensive attack when they see cover two.

The Bengals begin their set-up in the 4-2-5 starting in an over front. In order for Tampa 2 to work, there are five “musts” for the coverage to be successful.  Every coverage has keys and if they aren’t utilized then the coverage will prove to be ineffective. From reading the QB shoulders to how the middle runner drops are explained in this video (click on image for video):

Video: 5 Musts of Tampa

Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills looked flat-out dominant on offense throughout 2021. One area of need to keep their offense rolling will be at offensive tackle.

In the playoffs, the Bills pitched a “Perfect Game” in not having to punt or kick, or turn over the ball. Incredibly, that is the first time that has happened in NFL history!

The Bills’ first negative play from scrimmage was on the second-to-final play of the game. It was a kneel-down from backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky.

Here was the "perfect" offensive game by the Bills:

• Scored a touchdown on all seven offensive drives (excluding kneel-downs)
• Averaged 12.3 yards per pass
• Averaged 6.0 yards per rush
• Did not take a sack
• Went 6-for-7 on 3rd down and the only 3rd down they did not convert was the final kneel-down of the game
• Had more touchdown passes (five) than incompletions (four)
• Gained yards on 49 of 51 plays (excluding kneel-downs)
• The only negative yardage plays were two kneel-downs at the end of the game

Having no sacks in a game will win you a lot of games, and it’s been a focus for Bills Offensive Line Coach Bobby Johnson.

From a teaching perspective, his approach suits a new player well because for him it starts with teaching the “how and why” of their drills and techniques as soon as possible. (click on image for video):

Video: Teach the Why and How as Soon as Possible

Dallas Cowboys

Though they drastically improved under defensive coordinator Dan Quinn in 2021, the Cowboys have needs on every level of the defense 

Coach Quinn led the effort that brought the Cowboys to the top of the NFL in takeaways with 33 as well as third-down defense at just 31.2 percent conversion and was seventh overall in total defense. 

For Coach Quinn it begins with setting the bar high and having every team member hold each other accountable for the standard.

It’s something that he has done for a long time as a head coach, coordinator, and position coach, and how he does it is certainly a template for any coach to use with his group, unit, or team.

The standard provides the edge for Coach Quinn and his players. He feels it is important for a coach to define it in writing and put everyone on the same page. He defines “the standard” for his team in this video (click on image for video):

Video: Set Your Standard

Tennessee Titans

The Titans have had a strong running game behind a good offensive line, but they do have needs upfront in the 2022 Draft. Specifically, they will be looking for a Left Guard and a Right Tackle.  

Offensive Line Coach Keith Carter doesn’t use a ton of gimmicky drills to get his front five ready. His approach and drills are simple and it starts with effort and is built on a certain style of play that head coach Mike Vrabel believes in.  

Look for these players to fit that style of being able to play off the ball with speed, physicality, and finish. Coach Carter explains their style here (click on image for video):

Video: Style of Play

Of course, the development and adaptation will happen across all 32 teams, but it’s fun to get a glimpse into the philosophy of the coaches who have the hard work of developing their team to get them to the Super Bowl.

Enjoy the Draft!

Always be growing!

Coach Grabowski