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HOW WILL YOU TURN AROUND YOUR FRANCHISE?
PETER KING
January 16, 2012
For the 20 NFL teams that didn't make the playoffs, the off-season will still be plenty busy. Here are the priorities for each between now and the April 26--28 draft, in order of selection
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January 16, 2012

How Will You Turn Around Your Franchise?

For the 20 NFL teams that didn't make the playoffs, the off-season will still be plenty busy. Here are the priorities for each between now and the April 26--28 draft, in order of selection

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6 | Washington Redskins

One of the toughest calls for Mike Shanahan will be what to do at quarterback. In order to move up and take either Luck or Griffin, he'll be forced to trade away part of the team's future. Gambling on the Packers' Matt Flynn (right) in free agency means the coach would have to put more faith in a limited résumé than he would like.

7 | Jacksonville Jaguars

They better find the right man to coach Blaine Gabbert, or the 2011 first-round pick will go down as one of the biggest quarterback busts in years. New owner Shahid Khan can help his young QB by springing for a receiver like the Chargers' Vincent Jackson in free agency.

8 | Carolina Panthers

Thanks to Newton, the Panthers (who tied with the Dolphins this year and will determine the owner of the 8--9 picks with a coin flip) exploded on offense in 2011, improving by 13 points per game over last season. Now they've got to address the secondary and the pass rush. It might be smart to rent Colts defensive end Robert Mathis in free agency for a couple of years.

9 | Miami Dolphins

They are solid on defense—only five teams allowed fewer points this year—but must improve on offense. Miami should let Chad Henne go and use Matt Moore as a bridge to a long-term quarterback, then do whatever it takes to get Luck, Griffin or Flynn.

10 | Buffalo Bills

What to do about immature receiver Stevie Johnson, a free agent who may not be worth the trouble at $7 million a year? Tough call. But the problems are worse on defense, where a massive infusion of talent is needed at pass rusher and linebacker. I'd target Cardinals' defensive end Calais Campell in free agency.

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