ESPN NFL Draft 2008

The Longs (Jake and Chris) and a handful of other big names will be long gone before the NFC takes over the NFL draft.

St. Louis (No. 2) and Atlanta (No. 3) are the only conference teams picking in the top nine. But, once New Orleans gets on the clock at No. 10, NFC teams will be reloading in rapid succession. Between the Saints and Dallas (No. 22), 10 of the 13 picks are held by NFC teams.

Here's a look at the biggest draft question facing each NFC team. (Click here for AFC questions.)

Q: Should a team that has needs everywhere take a quarterback who might not be effective for a year or two?

A: Yes. More than anything, Atlanta needs a face for its franchise. Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan is the perfect pick for this team, even though someone like LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey might provide more immediate results. You don't get a chance to draft a franchise quarterback often and the Falcons have that opportunity. Atlanta's a tough place to sell tickets and incumbents Chris Redman and Joey Harrington aren't exciting anyone.

Q: What would make Matt Leinart look better than those hot-tub photos?

A: A backfield with Oregon's Jonathan Stewart. Edgerrin James is near the end of the road. The Cardinals are in good shape at the other skill positions, but they have to be able to run the ball effectively if they're ever going to turn the corner.

Q: Is there anything to all those rumblings about Carolina's infatuation with Ryan?

A: Absolutely. The Panthers firmly believe Ryan is a franchise quarterback and is better than most of the top picks in recent years. They're also concerned about Jake Delhomme, who is coming off major elbow surgery. Delhomme's absence was the main reason the Panthers missed the playoffs last season and Carolina needs another option besides Matt Moore and Brett Basanez. But Ryan won't end up here. Carolina will end up taking a defensive end (Derrick Harvey) or an offensive tackle (Jeff Otah) and get a quarterback a little later.

Q: What can Chicago do to help Rex Grossman?

A:The Bears could add a running back or a receiver. But it makes more sense to get someone in the first round who can protect Grossman. At No. 14, Chicago should be able to get a tackle -- Otah, USC's Sam Baker, Boise State's Ryan Clady and Vanderbilt's Chris Williams could be available.

Q:What will Jerry Jones do to surprise everyone?

A: There's been speculation Jones could package his first two picks to move up and grab Arkansas running back Darren McFadden. But Jones, who already has traded for suspended cornerback Pacman Jones, probably doesn't have enough ammo to make that much of a jump. Arkansas' other running back, Felix Jones, could be around for the Cowboys and Oklahoma's Malcolm Kelly would bring youth to the receiving corps. Maybe the biggest -- and best -- surprise Jerry Jones can pull is to stay put and fill Dallas' two biggest offensive needs

Q:Matt Millen can't draft a receiver this year, can he?

A: If he does, he should be fired on the spot. Kelly's the only receiver who might be worthy of a first-round pick and the Lions don't need any more bodies at that position. What Detroit desperately needs is help on defense. South Florida cornerback Mike Jenkins would be a perfect fit in the Tampa 2 scheme. Help at linebacker also is a priority.

Q:With Aaron Rodgers taking over for Brett Favre at quarterback, do the Packers need to look for heirs apparent elsewhere?

A: Yes. Green Bay's cornerbacks, Al Harris and Charles Woodson, are almost as old as Favre. It's time to start grooming a young corner. If the Packers can't get good value with a corner at No. 30, they'll go with an offensive lineman.

Q:Where do the Vikings turn after giving up a bunch of draft picks for defensive end Jared Allen?

A:The defensive line now might be the best in the league. But the offensive line needs help. The Vikings should target that area with their second-round pick. Center Matt Birk is aging and entering the last year of his contract and tackle Bryant McKinnie faces some legal issues that could lead to a suspension.

Q: What do the Saints need to do to get back to the top of the NFC South?

A: Take an eraser and wipe every offensive player off their draft board. The Saints are just fine on offense. But they need a ton of help on defense. Jenkins could be a first-round target. Even after bringing in Jonathan Vilma and Dan Morgan, don't rule out the possibility of New Orleans picking Penn State linebacker Dan Connor. The Saints want to play Morgan on the weak side, but history says he can't make it through a full season.

Q: How can the Giants improve on a Super Bowl championship?

A:By improving a secondary that was adequate, but far from special, last year. It's tough to target one position when you're picking at the bottom of the first round. But the Giants should be able to narrow the field to a cornerback or a safety.

Q:Andy Reid has pulled draft-day trades in eight of his nine years with the team. Could that trend continue?

A: Absolutely. In fact, it's likely. Reid is sitting at No. 19 and it's likely he can't get an elite pass-rusher, which is what the Eagles need most. Reid could drop down, grab an extra pick or two, and focus on getting help in the secondary and wide receiver. He can take a shot on a pass-rusher in a later round.

Q:If Matt Ryan really is a franchise quarterback, how can the Rams afford to pass him up?

A:They're fine with Marc Bulger at quarterback, but need a dominant player on either the offensive or defensive line. If Jake Long is gone, they can pick between Chris Long and Dorsey.

Q: Can the 49ers get anything close to what they got last year when they drafted Patrick Willis and Joe Staley?

A: No. Their own pick (No. 7 overall) is in New England's hands. The 49ers don't have a pick until No. 29. It's going to be hard to get an impact player that late. In general manager Scott McCloughan's first draft with ultimate power, he's going to have to put value over need, but a wide receiver or defensive end would be the best fit.

Q:Will Seahawks president Tim Ruskell continue his trend of focusing on defense (six of his eight first-day picks have been defensive players)?

A: No, Ruskell's done enough with the defense. The Seahawks need help on offense, especially on the line, which hasn't been the same since Steve Hutchinson's departure. Tight end and receiver are also priorities.

Q. Who's going to make big plays for the Bucs next season?

A: Receiver Joey Galloway is going to slow down one of these days and no one knows if running back Cadillac Williams will return this year. The Bucs need a running back and a receiver early in this draft. With expendable quarterback Chris Simms to dangle as trade bait, Tampa Bay could look to move up from No. 20.

Q:The Redskins have taken a sane, cautious approach to the offseason. Can it continue?

A:Yes, Dan Snyder really has learned from past mistakes and he's stayed clear of making big splashes. That's wise because the Redskins were 9-7 a year ago and just need to plug a few holes on the offensive line and at linebacker and safety to remain a playoff team. Snyder's made it this far without getting greedy and he needs to stick to his plan.

Pat Yasinskas covers the NFL for ESPN.com.