Championships are won in January, but in the NFL it's the work done in the spring that really lays the foundation for a title run. This spring is a particularly hectic time, with free agency and the scouting combine having begun on the same day, March 1.

But even with personnel departments working at a frenetic pace, and burning the candle at both ends, franchises can't afford to slow down.

"Every year is a new challenge," said Tampa Bay general manager Rich McKay. "As hard as you might try, the dynamic changes from one season to the next. There's always something that needs to be addressed."

One week into the free agency signing period, and six weeks removed from the draft, teams are assessing their roster needs and trying to figure out how to fill them. At what level they succeed will help determine who is still playing next January and who is at home.

Here is a look at the needs of the NFC teams and some possible solutions:

NFC EAST

Dallas Cowboys

The holes: Despite a 5-11 record, the Cowboys played some "Big D" in 2001, with a statistical ranking of No. 4 on defense, and surprising contributions from young veterans like corner Mario Edwards, tackles Michael Myers and Brandon Noble, and end Peppi Zellner. It's a tribute to head coach Dave Campo that his often undermanned team never quit. But to take the next step forward defensively, the Pokes really need to add a true shutdown cornerback to the mix, a commodity the franchise hasn't possessed since Deion Sanders was in his prime. A free safety with some range wouldn't hurt, either, in the middle of the secondary. The solution: For the first time in years, owner Jerry Jones isn't operating in salary cap jail and can do a little free agent shopping. The elixir at cornerback, however, is in the draft. Choosing former University of Texas star Quentin Jammer with the sixth overall selection would fill the need and also provide some public relations benefits. The problem is, the Cowboys might try to trade down in the round and, if they do, probably won't get a shot at Jammer. There are plenty of free safeties available in free agency and Dallas should consider bringing back Brock Marion to finish his career where he started it.

New York Giants

The holes: The team's best player on offense is multifaceted tailback Tiki Barber, but he simply isn't big enough to carry the ball 20-25 times a game and Ron Dayne hasn't demonstrated he will be a viable complement. This is a slow and stodgy team, one in need of a home run hitter at wide receiver to force opposition cornerbacks to creep away from the line of scrimmage a bit, because in the NFL the hare and not the tortoise usually wins the race. There could also be, because of free agency defections and the release of older veterans like tackle Lomas Brown, as many as three new starters on the offensive line. The solution: New York doesn't have much cap room and won't be an early shopper in the free agent market, but might be able to troll for some offensive linemen once the market settles in and the price tags start to come down. Even then, it might be difficult to find a left tackle to replace Brown, but the team might examine former Giants starter Roman Oben. The Giants choose in the middle of the first round, just about the time the top wide receivers will start going off the board. A true "difference maker," perhaps Donte Stallworth of Tennessee, could help stretch the field and provide quarterback Kerry Collins a viable deep threat.

Philadelphia Eagles

The holes: Inexperienced snapper Hank Fraley did a nice job filling in for starting center Bubba Miller in 2001, but the Eagles need a bigger and more physical presence inside. It appears Miller is rehabilitating well and should regain his position. It looks like there will be two holes to fill on the NFL's most blitz-oriented defense, since underrated weakside linebacker Mike Caldwell is prepared to exit in free agency and Philadelphia officials decided not to make a qualifying offer to strong safety Damon Moore, an emerging player who tore up his knee in the playoffs. Both those players will be missed by coordinator Jim Johnson. The solution: The Eagles could slide youngster Rashard Cook into the strong safety spot, but with ownership feeling this is a team on the cusp of a Super Bowl appearance, might be better served adding a veteran. As usual, because of salary cap casualties, the safety market is bloated and the Eagles should be able to add a serviceable player like Corey Harris (Baltimore), Tony Parrish (Chicago), or Victor Green (New York Jets). Of that group, Parrish makes the most sense and he offers the best upside. Some coaches feel second-year veteran Quinton Caver can step into the weak linebacker spot, but he's a different player than Caldwell.

Washington Redskins

The holes: His ego aside, rookie coach Steve Spurrier is going to quickly discover this isn't the SEC and limp-armed quarterbacks like Danny Wuerffel and Shane Matthews can't gun the ball into the small spaces. So sorry, Evil Genius, but it's talent and not systems that wins at this level. Perhaps a more immediate need is on the offensive line, where the Redskins lack interior blockers to go along with the splendid tackle tandem of Chris Samuels and Jon Jansen. There is really no guard or center with experience under contract, a huge hole on the depth chart, and Washington desperately needs to add some solid players there. The solution: There is some talk the Washington scouts like Kendall Simmons, an offensive tackle from Auburn, and a tough in-line blocker who projects to guard in the NFL. But it's rare when an NFL team uses its first-round choice on a guard, and the Redskins have too many other needs to do so. Guards and centers are available on the cheap in free agency and that's where the holes will be filled. Spurrier would be wise to jump on Tulane quarterback Patrick Ramsey in the second round, if he's available, and would have his star of the future. Ramsey is Rex Grossman with a better arm and more physical stature.

NFC NORTH

Chicago Bears

The holes: The Bears' 13-3 record surprised even the staunchest denizens of Soldier Field, but it will be a cruel wind that blows through Chicago in free agency, since the very solid team figures to lose some players. The departure of center Olin Kreutz would create a huge void in the middle of an offensive line unit that works well together. Strong safety Tony Parrish isn't as physical a hitter as he's made out to be, but is still a player. If young and emerging weakside linebacker Warrick Holdman leaves as a restricted free agent, and he is being ardently courted by several teams, he will be extremely difficult to replace. The solution: Since the team will play its games at the University of Illinois this fall while historic Soldier Field is renovated, the first necessity is a well-organized shuttle bus system for getting the fans to the game. Chicago will need to do some free agent shopping for a replacement to Kreutz, and one sleeper to watch is San Diego unrestricted free agent Kendyl Jacox. A former undrafted college free agent, he has worked hard to become a player. He isn't nearly as physical as Kreutz but is technically superior in some areas. At strong safety, coaches feel Mike Green is ready to step right in to Parrish's former spot.

Detroit Lions

The holes: At last weekend's combine workouts, Detroit officials continued to delude themselves by suggesting their team is only a player or two away from respectability. Yeah, if those players are, say, Joe Montana and Deion Sanders in their primes. We'll concede this isn't as bad a team as last season's 2-14 record, but respectability is a long way off. The Lions desperately need some playmakers on both sides of the ball, preferably a wide receiver with deep speed and a true "shut down" cornerback. In fact, even with adding safety Brian Walker on Tuesday, the secondary still needs plenty more help in the offseason. The solution: The front office has been blowing lots of smoke about selecting Oregon quarterback Joey Harrington with the third overall choice in the draft, hoping to lure some team that wants to trade up to get him. Dealing down in the round would be a good strategy if the Lions could find a trade partner and pick up some extra choices. But if Detroit is stuck in the No. 3 spot, it faces a difficult decision. Neither of the premier defensive backs, corner Quentin Jammer or safety Roy Williams, merits being chosen quite that high. So here's hoping Matt Millen is able to move back and can still get Williams in the top 10.

Green Bay Packers

The holes: Much will depend on what transpires at the wide receiver position in coming days, as it appears Green Bay is poised to address the need for speed by dealing for New England resident head case Terry Glenn. The Packers must also decide what to do with Antonio Freeman if he does not restructure his contract, and how much value four-year veteran Corey Bradford has to them. Both starting defensive tackles and the starting middle linebacker from 2001 are now in the free agent pool and, while coordinator Ed Donatell did a splendid job in 2001, some replacements will be needed to maintain the status quo. The solution: For openers, the Green Bay coaches need to get more out of their top two choices from the 2001 draft, defensive end Jamal Reynolds and wide receiver Robert Ferguson. The two played sparingly last season, and had zero impact, but coach Mike Sherman has vowed both will be significant players this season. Filling the vacancies in the middle of the defensive front won't be easy. One element that might work in Green Bay's favor is that the bottom has dropped out of the linebacker market, and the Packers might do well to consider someone like Pittsburgh inside linebacker Earl Holmes as one possibility.

Minnesota Vikings

The holes: Losing wide receiver Cris Carter and strong safety Robert Griffith in free agency removes great veteran leadership from what is always a tense locker room situation, and rookie coach Mike Tice should be somewhat concerned about the chemistry. One huge need is to get wide receiver Randy Moss on the same page as everyone else, both on and off the field, and to find a way to accelerate the maturation process. In terms of personnel, as always, the Vikings need to add quality defenders. Two-thirds of the linebacker corps is gone, half the secondary won't be back and there is the usual shortage of linemen. The solution: The good news for Tice is that, with the seventh overall selection in the opening round, he will have a ton of options and most of them point to him getting a difference maker in the draft. That spot ensures that the Vikings can get one of the standout defensive tackles, and the team would do well to consider John Henderson or Albert Haynesworth, both of Tennessee. The conventional wisdom is that Haynesworth surpassed his teammate last year, but Henderson has a gigantic upside if he is healthy and motivated. Minnesota should also try to complete a deal for unrestricted defensive end Kenny Mixon of Miami.

NFC SOUTH

Atlanta Falcons

The holes: Having surrendered 64 sacks in 2001, the second most in the league, the Falcons need to dramatically upgrade the line as they move into the Michael Vick Era. Almost as important, this team needs deep speed, and badly. Vick will never be a quarterback with a high completion rate, but his laser arm will allow the Falcons to go vertically upfield, provided there is a receiver capable of getting past the cornerbacks. And if new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips is really set on switching to a 3-4 front, as he has hinted, Atlanta needs to add overall bulk to a defensive unit that is one of the NFL's smallest and slowest. The solution: The addition of offensive right tackle Todd Weiner in free agency Wednesday, even if the Falcons drastically overpaid for a guy who has 20 starts in four seasons, is at least an attempt to address the line issues. Atlanta is trolling the medium-range free agent market, but guys like Patrick Johnson aren't the answer. The Falcons need to invest their first-round choice in a fleet wide receiver or on a physical runner like William Green of Boston College, especially if Jamal Anderson can't come back strong from a second knee surgery in three years. Later picks should be invested in addressing defensive needs.

Carolina Panthers

The holes: Even in limitless cyberspace there might not be enough room to delineate all of the deficiencies the Panthers possess. There is no running game to speak of and Richard Huntley, a tease with talent but a guy whose immaturity holds him back, is not the answer at tailback. Cap issues forced general manager Marty Hurney, one of the league's best financial jugglers, to cut both starting cornerbacks. First-year coach John Fox acknowledged that he needs to add two starting-caliber linebackers in the next month or so. In general, the Panthers are paying a steep price for their salary cap excesses of past seasons. The solution: The first thing Carolina needs to do off the field is get its salary cap situation under control and that isn't an issue that can be quickly remedied. On the personnel side, the Panthers own the second overall choice in the draft and, with their secondary situation, have to at least consider Quentin Jammer with that pick. But there will be a temptation, from both a personnel and public relations standpoint, to choose defensive end Julius Peppers of North Carolina, and it is hard to argue the sagacity of taking him. The team can't afford to fall into the previous trap of adding older players to fill holes quickly. The Panthers should look for a modestly-priced linebacker in free agency and also draft one.

New Orleans Saints

The holes: More important than filling needs on the field is the priority of returning the team's confidence and heart. The Saints were sinners over the final month in 2001, absolutely quitting on coach Jim Haslett, dropping their last four games by a eye-popping average of 27 points. Haslett has to get back to being an ass-kicker or he'll be gone by 2003. For a couple years now, the Saints have needed a quality cornerback and they seem set on getting one this spring. If tackle Willie Roaf departs in a trade, and the Saints move Kyle Turley to the left side, they will need a right tackle. There's also a need to upgrade at tight end. The solution: It sure looks like a dicey move, especially given his character flaws, but the Saints seem determined to sign cornerback Dale Carter and could consummate a deal this week. They should try to reach an agreement with former Atlanta offensive right tackle Ephraim Salaam, who played with Turley at San Diego State. The two had a mutually positive effect in college, and New Orleans might try to re-create that chemistry. In the second or third round, the Saints may look for a wide receiver with speed, since Willie Jackson appears to be leaving in free agency. There are some medium-priced tight ends in free agency.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The holes: Whether or not tailback Warrick Dunn exits as a free agent, new coach Jon Gruden has to get an every-down back, and give up on the notion that Mike Alstott could be a guy who fits into the West Coast offense he will install. The Bucs are trying to trade Donnie Abraham and Brian Kelly could leave as a free agent, so there might be a glaring hole at left cornerback. Even though the Bucs will stick to their "cover two" scheme, you need a man-to-man defender and this is a team without one. The presence of Gruden should enhance the wide receivers, but there has to be a viable complement to Keyshawn Johnson. The solutions: The Bucs need to intensify their efforts to trade Abraham and Alstott, and at least recoup a portion of the draft pick bounty they paid in compensation for Gruden, by doing so. The club did a super job of quickly replacing retired left guard Randall McDaniel on Tuesday night by signing unrestricted free agent Kerry Jenkins of the New York Jets. Minus picks in the first and second round, Tampa Bay must find some middle-round gems in the draft. There are some wide receivers in free agency, players like Willie Jackson or Qadry Ismail, who might play well in an offense that features Johnson as the go-to guy.

NFC WEST

Arizona Cardinals

The holes: A strong finish in 2001, with the Cardinals winning five of their final eight games, is a nice springboard for 2002. But unless Arizona can patch up a secondary that might lose three of its four starters, this could become more like a fall off the 10-meter platform. The Cardinals have to get at least one very good corner and probably a safety as well. Almost as critical is the need for a top-flight front four player, whether it is at end or tackle, and a tailback who can provide four yards on first down. The resurgence of quarterback Jake Plummer won't get this team to the next level without a complementary running game. The solution: By retaining right tackle Anthony Clement with a new contract last week, Arizona keeps intact a young and improving offensive line, one of the biggest units in the league. So how about using a high-round draft choice on a tailback who won't disappoint, like former first-round pick Thomas Jones? Even getting a back in the second round, like Clinton Portis of Miami, might represent a major improvement. Cornerback Phillip Buchanan might be gone when the Cardinals pick in the first round but, if he's not, they should jump on him. If he's off the board, Arizona needs to grab one of the quality defensive tackle prospects.

St. Louis Rams

The holes: The signing of middle linebacker Jamie Duncan and re-signing of defensive end and pass rusher Leonard Little keep the NFC champions from having to push the panic button. There are really no glaring shortcomings, except perhaps at offensive right tackle, and in the need to be able to finish off games in the fourth quarter. The Rams could use another consistent pass rusher, perhaps a fourth cornerback and another wide receiver, especially if Az-Zahir Hakim and Ricky Proehl leave as free agents. Mostly, however, it's just a matter of tinkering for a team that, even with its Super Bowl loss, remains strong. The solution: There is a feeling on the staff that young John St. Clair, a former center who has yet to play a regular-season game in two years, might be ready to step in at right tackle. But the Rams would do better to sign a proven veteran like former Kansas City right tackle Victor Riley, a true power blocker with good feet, before committing to St. Clair. Defensive coordinator Lovie Smith likes cornerback Walt Harris of Chicago and St. Louis will make a run at him. Coach Mike Martz will lobby hard for the organization to bring in Cris Carter as the No. 3 receiver, and will change his offense a bit if he can get the Vikings star.

San Francisco 49ers

The holes: The 49ers are about a full season ahead of where people felt they would be at this point in their rebuilding but, even though that's the case, could slip a bit from that 12-4 mark of 2001 if some positions aren't filled. The starting backfield, tailback Garrison Hearst and fullback Fred Beasley, is exploring the free agent market and how the 49ers move in the offseason will be determined in part by what those two players do. San Francisco still needs defensive help upfront and a big inside masher would be a welcome addition. If strong safety Lance Schulters exits in free agency, he'll leave big shoes to fill. The solution: The 49ers can't overspend on Hearst and Beasely, but really need to make every effort to keep them, and negotiations have already begun. The team seems resigned to losing Schulters, who is one of the hot commodities of the early free agent market, and might look at veterans such as Blaine Bishop (Tennessee) or Victor Green (New York Jets) to replace him. A good move, in addition, might be to sign a guard like New Orleans' Chris Naeole to upgrade at one inside spot. In the past two drafts, San Francisco has concentrated on defense, but can afford to diversify a little in this year's lottery.

Seattle Seahawks

The holes: There aren't a lot of huge holes for Mike Holmgren to address, but that doesn't mean the Seahawks don't have some cracks in the foundation that need some spackling work. Right offensive tackle Todd Weiner left in free agency on Wednesday, tailback Ricky Watters likely will not be back and Seattle released defensive end Michael Sinclair. The lack of a deep threat on offense is a bit troubling, but the team is relying on the young wide receivers to mature to another level in 2002. The safety position, where Reggie Tongue and Marcus Robertson just don't make a lot of big plays, could probably stand some refurbishing. The solution: With the loss of Weiner, the team needs former first-round tackle Chris McIntosh to stay healthy, and to grow into the rightside power blocker the staff feels he can become. The electrifying Shaun Alexander will take over full-time for Watters and he could be a 1,500-yard rusher in this third season. The Seahawks probably won't be big spenders in free agency and have the luxury of some options in the draft. This could be a team that takes a chance on a pass rusher like Alex Brown of Florida in the first round or a safety such as Edward Reed of Miami in the second stanza of the lottery.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.