Every NFL Team's Biggest Draft Need Coming out of Free Agency
The NFL’s free-agency period brought a craze like we’ve never seen before. Player movement was at an all-time high with several blockbuster trades. All of that has now changed each team’s biggest draft needs.
With the 2015 NFL draft quickly approaching and free agency dwindling, it’s time to focus on which prospects fit where. For every team, we’ve assembled the top positional need to address in the draft, even if it doesn't come in the first round.
Which direction should your team go? Let me know in the comments section after you’re done reading.
Arizona Cardinals: Center
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The Arizona Cardinals have done an excellent job of adding quality veterans to their defense. Adding defensive linemen Corey Peters, LaMarr Woodley and Cory Redding will bolster their front seven nicely. On offense, expect guard Mike Iupati to be a major upgrade.
The offensive line still needs help, though. Former first-round pick Jonathan Cooper should be able to hold down the left guard spot, but center is a glaring weakness right now.
Arizona signed former Indianapolis Colts backup center A.Q. Shipley, but he is more of a depth signing. Adding a standout center prospect like Florida State’s Cameron Erving would be a huge boost to the Cardinals offense.
Atlanta Falcons: Edge-Rusher
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With Dan Quinn as the Atlanta Falcons’ new head coach, expect the defense to be rebuilt quickly. The Falcons defense finished 30th in the league in sacks last season. That is not the formula for winning football.
Atlanta added edge-rusher Adrian Clayborn, outside linebacker Justin Durant and versatile linebacker Brooks Reed. Those guys will certainly be talent upgrades for the defensive front, but a star rusher is still needed.
Atlanta must use the eighth overall pick on an edge-rusher. Missouri defensive end Shane Ray or Kentucky linebacker Bud Dupree would be instant upgrades for the Falcons defense.
Baltimore Ravens: Defensive End
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It’s been a sobering offseason for the Baltimore Ravens. Losing stalwarts like defensive end Haloti Ngata, linebacker Pernell McPhee and wide receiver Torrey Smith certainly hurts the team. If any general manager can find replacements, though, it would be Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome.
Newsome is one of the best talent evaluators, if not the best, in the entire NFL. His team is cash-strapped right now, so he will need to be at his best in the 2015 draft class. The position to address early in the draft would be defensive end.
Losing Ngata and McPhee really stings. Adding a versatile defensive lineman with the 26th overall pick could help the Ravens in the short and long term. If they want more of a run-stuffer, then Florida State’s Eddie Goldman could be an option.
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Buffalo Bills: Quarterback
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The Buffalo Bills have been busy stimulating the Western New York economy this offseason. They’ve guaranteed a league-high $91 million to players. Of course, they’ve acquired or re-signed impactful talent like running back LeSean McCoy, tight end Charles Clay and edge-rusher Jerry Hughes.
There is one glaring need left on the Bills roster: They must find a quarterback somewhere. However, this is a very bad draft to find one.
Since Buffalo is surely out of contention for Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota, they’ll need to search deeply for alternatives. Baylor’s Bryce Petty could be an option in the second round. He has the arm talent that could maximize Buffalo’s explosive group of playmakers.
Carolina Panthers: Offensive Tackle
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For yet another offseason, we’re here discussing how the Carolina Panthers need to add more weapons around quarterback Cam Newton. The process began in the 2014 draft, when the team selected wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin in the first round.
Even after replacing tackle Byron Bell with Michael Oher, the Panthers need a left tackle. Oher hasn’t been effective since his rookie season in 2009. Pro Football Focus has graded him as one of the worst tackles in the NFL every season since 2010.
With the 25th overall pick, the Panthers need to select a lineman to protect Newton. Pittsburgh’s T.J. Clemmings or Stanford’s Andrus Peat could be a legitimate long-term fix if they’re on the board.
Chicago Bears: Inside Linebacker
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New Chicago Bears head coach John Fox has his work cut out for him. Not only is he working on retuning an old, ineffective defense, but he also has to figure out his enigmatic quarterback, Jay Cutler. Free agency helped clear up some of the defensive needs for the team, but there’s more work to do.
The Bears are projected to start second-year linebacker Christian Jones next to Jon Bostic in their 3-4 front. That’s not going to be a playoff-caliber defense, so Chicago must upgrade that spot.
The seventh overall pick would be too high if the team wants to add the top linebacker in the draft, UCLA’s Eric Kendricks. That leaves the Bears with the choice to trade down a few spots or simply select the best linebacker available in the second round. Kansas' Ben Heeney could be a mid-round steal as well.
Cincinnati Bengals: Defensive Tackle
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In terms of pure talent, the Cincinnati Bengals have one of the best rosters in the NFL. They have several bona fide stars who have helped the franchise become a perennial playoff contender. There are a few areas that need help, though.
Even after bringing defensive end Michael Johnson back after their one-year split, the Bengals need help on the defensive line. The defensive tackle rotation next to star Geno Atkins has been horrible.
Cincinnati may have its pick of the second-tier litter at No. 21. Ohio State defensive tackle Michael Bennett or Iowa defensive tackle Carl Davis would solidify the line as a major strong point of the team.
Cleveland Browns: Defensive Line
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The last two offseasons have allowed the Cleveland Browns to augment their young roster with veterans. It’s an interesting strategy that helped the team improve to 7-9 last year. The short-term spending won’t cover up the poor drafts pre-2014 for long, though.
Second-year general manager Ray Farmer did a great job of acquiring talent on Day 2 and 3 of the draft last year. He’ll need to hit on both of his first-round picks this season to help the franchise reach the playoffs. Despite having some talented individuals on the defensive line, the Browns need to add a talent who can stay healthy.
Adding Texas defensive tackle Malcom Brown would be a great fit for the Browns defense. A rotation featuring Brown, Desmond Bryant, Randy Starks and Armonty Bryant would be as talented as it is nasty.
Dallas Cowboys: Defensive Tackle
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Coming off a surprisingly successful season, the Dallas Cowboys are looking to improve wherever possible to take the next step in 2015. But the team is strapped for cap space. The Cowboys have already lost valuable pieces like running back DeMarco Murray, linebacker Justin Durant and defensive tackle Henry Melton.
Dallas was able to sign defensive end Greg Hardy, which will inject a major talent boost to their roster. But he could be facing punishment from the NFL soon, so who knows how much he will play in 2015.
Losing so much talent to the front seven has left the team in a tough spot. The projected starting defensive tackles right now are Terrell McClain and Josh Brent. One of those spots must be upgraded.
Oregon’s Arik Armstead or Florida State’s Eddie Goldman would be a strong run defender for Dallas. Neither is a finished product, but the investment into a stout tackle could pay off big time in the playoff race in 2015.
Denver Broncos: Right Tackle
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It’s been a rough offseason for the Denver Broncos. General manager John Elway hasn’t been able to stop key free agents from departing after going all-in last season. The team now must fill several major holes in the NFL draft.
The most important need is right tackle. Protecting quarterback Peyton Manning is the top priority at this point. This is a good year to find an instant plug-and-play starter for Denver’s zone-blocking system.
Oregon offensive tackle Jake Fisher would be perfect for Denver at the 28th pick. He’s strong, athletic and smart. He not only brings instant impact but future upside to improve as well.
Detroit Lions: Running Back
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The Detroit Lions must find a reliable replacement for Reggie Bush. Even with him on the roster in 2014, the team had one of the lowest rushing yards totals in the NFL. This is a team that needs an impact running back to help ease the pressure on quarterback Matthew Stafford.
Luckily for the Lions, the 2015 draft class is replete with quality running backs. General manager Martin Mayhew doesn’t need to force his first-round pick since quality backs should be available throughout the middle rounds of the draft.
Lions general manager Martin Mayhew told Josh Katzenstein of The Detroit News, "I like guys with different traits. I want to build our roster with guys that can do different things. An all-around back is good."
He continued, "I like guys that are versatile. You've got to have a guy that can run between the tackles and you've got to have a playmaker who can do something in space."
If the Lions can’t get their hands on Georgia's Todd Gurley in the first, they should wait until Day 2 for one. Alabama’s T.J. Yeldon or Indiana’s Tevin Coleman would bring a strong physical presence to the rushing attack.
Green Bay Packers: Inside Linebacker
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The Green Bay Packers are closer to improving the Achilles’ heel of their team. After years of having a top-tier offense, the defense has continued to be an issue. By releasing inside linebackers Brad Jones and A.J. Hawk, the Packers have the chance to overhaul the position.
The negative of losing both veterans is that the Packers must address the position early in the draft. With the 30th overall selection, their options could include UCLA’s Eric Kendricks or Clemson’s Stephone Anthony. Either player would start from Day 1 for the Packers.
Houston Texans: Linebacker
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Coming off a solid 9-7 season in 2014, the Houston Texans are just a few key pieces away from taking the next step. Re-signing cornerback Kareem Jackson and adding nose tackle Vince Wilfork were major acquisitions for the franchise.
Two big holes could keep the Texans out of the playoffs in 2015 and beyond, though. The first is quarterback. Unfortunately, the Texans may be picking too low to have a chance at Jameis Winston or Marcus Mariota. That leaves UCLA’s Brett Hundley and Baylor’s Bryce Petty as second-round options.
The easier spot to fill will be the strong-side linebacker position. John Simon is the projected starter right now, and that won’t cut it. Kentucky linebacker Bud Dupree or Nebraska’s Randy Gregory would fit perfectly in Houston’s 3-4 defensive front if either is available.
Indianapolis Colts: Defensive Tackle
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To help the Indianapolis Colts get to the Super Bowl, general manager Ryan Grigson has been busy adding veterans to help augment their roster. Future Hall of Fame running back Frank Gore and wide receiver Andre Johnson should greatly help an offense that needed consistency at both positions.
Now the defense needs help too. After the team cut defensive tackle Ricky Jean-Francois, it left a major void in the middle of the Colts defense. Adding a competent defensive tackle who can eat blocks is a must.
Two of the best two-gappers in the draft are Florida State’s Eddie Goldman and Oklahoma’s Jordan Phillips. They are young and fairly inexperienced, but head coach Chuck Pagano has the ability to make either a stud in his defense.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Edge-Rusher
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One of the busiest teams in free agency is now looking to cash in with a strong draft as well. The Jacksonville Jaguars have done a good job of filling holes throughout the roster thus far, and a good draft haul will complete an eventful offseason.
Jacksonville has a major need for a dominant pass-rusher. Head coach Gus Bradley’s defense requires a "Leo" rusher. With the third overall pick, expect the Jaguars to find their man.
The perfect fit is Clemson’s Vic Beasley. He is an analytics darling and has terrific film. He is the ideal fit for what the Jaguars are looking for.
Kansas City Chiefs: Inside Linebacker
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So long as the Kansas City Chiefs have quarterback Alex Smith, the defense must be stout for this team to win games. Smith is the definition of quarterback purgatory, as he’s good enough to limit mistakes and not lose the game, but he cannot transcend the system and lift his team to victory.
By adding receiver Jeremy Maclin to the fold, the offense only needs complementary pieces now. But the defense could really use an upgrade at inside linebacker. At 18th overall, the Chiefs may be able to grab the best in the class.
UCLA’s Eric Kendricks is an ideal 3-4 inside linebacker. He’s a plus athlete with great instincts as he sniffs out plays. His ability to impact the running and passing game makes him worthy of a first-round selection.
Miami Dolphins: Cornerback
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The Miami Dolphins retooled their roster this offseason after purging some locker-room cancers and frivolous contracts. They also added superstar defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, budding receiver Kenny Stills and tight end Jordan Cameron to the roster.
Miami is lacking talent outside of the numbers, though. The cornerback position has Pro Bowler Brent Grimes and a bunch of young, unproven talent. To survive a division with Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, Miami must add another cornerback.
Sitting with the 14th overall pick, Miami might be able to land one of the top talents at corner. Washington’s Marcus Peters would be a major steal if he were available. Wake Forest cornerback Kevin Johnson also fits Miami perfectly, and he’s a plug-and-play talent.
Minnesota Vikings: Wide Receiver
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Acquiring receiver Mike Wallace was the Minnesota Vikings’ biggest splash this offseason. But at 28 years old and already on his third team, Wallace is unlikely to be a long-term investment for the Vikings. He’s owed a ridiculous $23 million over two seasons after 2015.
Wallace’s presence shouldn’t preclude the Vikings from taking a wide receiver with the 11th overall pick. Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater needs more weapons if he’s going to ascend into superstar territory.
Pairing Bridgewater with Louisville receiver DeVante Parker would be the best move. Bridgewater and Parker had incredible chemistry in college. Minnesota would have a great start to a dynamic offense with those two.
New England Patriots: Cornerback
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It’s hard to keep everyone after winning a Super Bowl. Cornerbacks Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner found greener pastures elsewhere, and now the New England Patriots must develop replacements.
Adding a first- or second-round cornerback would inject a much-needed talent into the secondary. Connecticut corner Byron Jones or Florida State’s Ronald Darby would be an immediate upgrade. Both fit into the Patriots’ aggressive man-coverage scheme.
New Orleans Saints: Edge-Rusher
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It’s been a tough offseason for the New Orleans Saints. They lost tight end Jimmy Graham and receiver Kenny Stills on offense and linebacker Curtis Lofton as a cap casualty. This is a team working toward a rebuild.
One position that can use a major boost is the edge-rusher spot. The Saints have zero credible rushers outside of Junior Galette. That must change come draft day.
The best pick here would be Nebraska’s Randy Gregory. The lean and long rusher is oozing with speed and potential. If he pans out, he can become a premier player without costing the Saints a top-five pick.
New York Giants: Offensive Tackle
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The New York Giants offensive line just hasn’t been effective in recent years. New York’s running game finished with a measly 3.6 yards-per-carry average in 2014. That cannot continue.
Shifting offensive lineman Justin Pugh to guard would be the best long-term move. That means the ninth overall pick should be a tackle who would force Pugh inside.
If the Giants want a power tackle who can bulldoze running lanes, then Iowa’s Brandon Scherff is their man. If they prefer a more natural pass protector, then Stanford’s Andrus Peat offers more long-term potential than anyone else in the class.
New York Jets: Edge-Rusher
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This is pretty simple for the New York Jets after they splurged on rebuilding their secondary in free agency. New head coach Todd Bowles has almost all of the toys he needs on defense to create a major headache for every opponent. The only spot he can upgrade is the edge-rusher position.
Former first-round pick Quinton Coples hasn’t produced enough for the Jets to think twice about selecting an edge-rusher. If Clemson’s Vic Beasley or Missouri’s Shane Ray is on the board, the Jets must rush to the podium to take him.
The only two players who should make the Jets rethink that is Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota and Alabama receiver Amari Cooper. If Oregon’s star passer is on the board, he should be the pick. He’d be a massive upgrade over quarterback Geno Smith. Cooper would add to an already deep receiver corps that would be the best in the NFL with his addition.
Oakland Raiders: Wide Receiver
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The Oakland Raiders have been the busiest team in free agency. General manager Reggie Mackenzie hasn’t brought in any stars, but he’s added great depth to his roster. Now it is time to get his star receiver.
West Virginia receiver Kevin White is the perfect fit for quarterback Derek Carr. White is big, fast, smart and explosive. He’ll love working with a young gunslinger like Carr.
Philadelphia Eagles: Free Safety
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Chip Kelly’s first offseason as general manager has been wild and fun, if nothing else. His personnel moves have brought criticism and praise alike. But Kelly can really prove his genius at the draft.
The Philadelphia Eagles have upgraded their defense significantly this offseason. By adding a true free safety like Utah’s Eric Rowe, they can really develop into something special. Along with safety Malcolm Jenkins, Rowe could excel in a single-high role if he lands in Philadelphia.
Rowe has great versatility. He moved to cornerback as a senior because Utah needed him there so badly. He was excellent, but he was also an impact safety prior to his position switch.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Safety
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Since All-Pro safety Troy Polamalu may not be back with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2015, the team must look toward the future. Finding an impact safety to replace or put next to Polamalu is a critical need for the franchise.
If Polamalu returns at a reduced cost, the Steelers can invest in a free safety. Utah’s Eric Rowe, Oregon’s Ifo Ekpre-Olomu and Miami (Ohio)’s Quinten Rollins all can move from cornerback to safety with their impressive instincts for the position. Each player would take some time to adjust for various reasons but have high upsides.
If Polamalu retires or is released, the Steelers should target Alabama’s Landon Collins. He’s a natural replacement for the legendary safety.
San Diego Chargers: Right Tackle
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Quietly, the San Diego Chargers have had a really good offseason. Adding guard Orlando Franklin, receiver Stevie Johnson and cornerback Patrick Robinson will really help this team improve. If quarterback Philip Rivers is still in San Diego in 2015, this could be a playoff team.
This big need is directly tied to what happens with right tackle D.J. Fluker. If he stays at right tackle, then the Chargers need a left guard. If he moves to guard, then a right tackle is needed.
To be blunt, if you’re thinking about moving Fluker, he needs to be moved. The Chargers would benefit most from his run-blocking talent and improving their pass blocking by taking Florida tackle D.J. Humphries with the 17th overall pick.
San Francisco 49ers: Wide Receiver
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There has been a lot of turnover with personnel this offseason for the San Francisco 49ers. Coaches and players alike have fled the Bay Area. Now it is time to reload this roster with young talent.
Years of successful drafting by general manager Trent Baalke will allow the 49ers to add a playmaker in the first round. They have some nice slot receivers in Quinton Patton and Bruce Ellington but need a dominant outside threat to take over games.
That’s where Oklahoma’s Dorial Green-Beckham comes in. The 49ers may want to clean up their locker room, but his talent will eventually be too hard to pass on. This is a perfect on-field fit for the team and player.
Seattle Seahawks: Interior Offensive Line
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After trading their starting center for tight end Jimmy Graham, the Seattle Seahawks desperately need interior offensive line help. The projected starting left guard and center are C.J. Davis and Lemuel Jeanpierre, respectively. That’s not going to cut it.
The Seahawks currently don’t pick until the end of the second round, so they’ll need to prioritize their needs. The best potential fit with their pick is Hobart guard Ali Marpet.
Marpet was a Senior Bowl standout who can play tackle, guard or center. He is an athletic freak based on his combine numbers, and he was easily the best lineman at the Senior Bowl. He’d start Day 1 for the Seahawks.
St. Louis Rams: Offensive Line
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The projected starting offensive line for the St. Louis Rams might be the worst in the NFL. That’s not a situation for new quarterback Nick Foles to thrive in. The Rams must address the line early and often in this draft.
LSU’s La’el Collins is the ideal selection at No 10. He can play guard or tackle and be an immediate starter. With Collins and left tackle Greg Robinson, the Rams would have the nastiest tackle duo in the NFL.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Quarterback
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This one is pretty easy. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ biggest draft need is quarterback. And they have their pick of the litter.
All signs seemingly point to Jameis Winston being the first overall pick. This is the right decision. The former Florida State Seminole has the moxie, frame and mental aptitude to be a winning NFL quarterback.
The other option for the Buccaneers would be Oregon's Marcus Mariota. Either way, a young quarterback will walk into a situation where he is surrounded by talented playmakers.
Tennessee Titans: Quarterback
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With the second overall pick in hand, the Tennessee Titans are a major power player. They could dangle the pick for a veteran quarterback like Philip Rivers or select whichever quarterback falls to them. Of course, moving back for a batch of picks is another solid option.
Unless the Titans can land Rivers, their best choice is to select Oregon’s Marcus Mariota. He is the only individual who could change the franchise’s direction, assuming Jameis Winston goes first overall. Ultimately, head coach Ken Whisenhunt must win quickly to retain his job.
Mariota offers the chance to start a high-pedigree quarterback. Even if he isn’t quite ready to lead the franchise to the playoffs, he’s a much better player than incumbent Zach Mettenberger.
Washington Redskins: Edge-Rusher
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The Washington Redskins have made some nice signings this offseason without breaking the bank. New general manager Scot McCloughan is known for his quality talent evaluation. It’s his season to shine.
The biggest need for the Redskins is at outside linebacker. Ryan Kerrigan and Trent Murphy have shown the ability to be competent players, but the defense needs one more impact rusher. By getting to the quarterback quickly, the rest of the unit will look much better.
The best available pass-rusher at this point should be the pick. Clemson's Vic Beasley, Missouri's Shane Ray, Nebraska's Randy Gregory and Kentucky's Bud Dupree could all be in the discussion in the first round. Second-round options include Virginia's Eli Harold, who brings speed and upside to the position.
All stats used are from Sports-Reference.com. All depth chart information was used from Ourlads.com. Free-agent acquisitions were found at NFL.com.
Ian Wharton is an NFL Draft Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report.
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