Updated Draft Needs for Every NFL Team After Free Agency Cooled
We are mere weeks away from the annual talent infusion that is the NFL draft. With the free-agent frenzy cooled to room temperature after nearly a month, the landscape has changed dramatically.
A month ago, the New York Jets were sure bets to draft a cornerback before bringing Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie back. The Philadelphia Eagles definitely don't need to draft a running back after signing DeMarco Murray and Ryan Mathews.
Other teams didn't do much to bolster the roster or bled talent in free agency, changing little or compounding issues to address in the draft.
Let's take a look at updated draft needs for each team.
Arizona Cardinals
1 of 32
Updated draft needs: RB, LB, DL
Rumors continue to swirl regarding Arizona's reported interest in Adrian Peterson. Until the Cardinals actually pull the trigger—if ever—they will need to fill a big need at running back.
Andre Ellington looked like he might be the future as a rookie in 2013, but a bitterly disappointing sophomore campaign has cast doubt on his viability as a full-time player in the backfield.
Good thing this draft is loaded at running back.
The Cardinals could also use help along the defensive front after cutting defensive end Darnell Dockett and losing nose tackle Dan Williams, and the linebacker position hasn't been the same since Karlos Dansby left and Daryl Washington was suspended.
Atlanta Falcons
2 of 32
Updated draft needs: OLB, ILB, DB, OG
The Falcons. What a mess.
Two years ago they seemed poised for a Super Bowl run. A couple of bitterly disappointing seasons have led to wholesale changes in the front office.
Hence, the offseason roster churning should come as little surprise. More is coming in the draft.
Brooks Reed was a nice pickup, but the Falcons still need help rushing the passer. Good thing there are a few studs in the draft—Atlanta might snag one with the ninth pick with the right breaks.
The Falcons need upgrades in the secondary—outside Desmond Trufant at cornerback, that unit is found wanting on paper.
Baltimore Ravens
3 of 32
Updated draft needs: WR, TE, OLB, DL, CB
The Ravens have a dearth of talent at wide receiver, though owner Steve Bisciotti doesn't seem to think so, per NFL.com's Marc Sessler:
"I've got my guys very high on our wide receivers. So, I'm not desperate for a wideout.
[...]
You look at Pittsburgh that has had some wonderful success in the last five, six years in the third round. They might not be perfectly well-rounded wide receivers, but you can get some fliers in the third round, guys that can take the top off a defense.
"
There's merit to those words if you look at Baltimore's track record with drafting wideouts—just two have been drafted in the first round since Art Modell ripped out Cleveland's collective soul in 1995.
But the Ravens really do need a wide receiver or two.
Whether Dennis Pitta retires due to injuries, the Ravens are going to need to address the tight end position with Owen Daniels' departure. Crockett Gillmore isn't going to cut it.
.png?w=256)
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Buffalo Bills
4 of 32
Updated draft needs: OT, OG, QB, LB
Fat chance that Buffalo upgrades quarterback in the draft without a first-round pick. So the Bills will have to fill holes elsewhere on the roster.
Among those, the offensive line has the most. The Bills have featured one of the worst units in the league over the past couple of seasons, and they did nothing to improve it in free agency.
In improving their running back situation with LeSean McCoy, the Bills impoverished a once-healthy linebacker position by trading Kiko Alonso. Starter Brandon Spikes might be back, but he is still a free agent.
Even if he does re-sign, he will be joined by unproven Preston Brown in the starting lineup.
Carolina Panthers
5 of 32
Updated draft needs: OT, WR, DE, RB, CB
Kelvin Benjamin needs a running mate not named Ted Ginn Jr., who returned on a three-year deal this offseason. Fortunately, this year's draft is also well-stocked at wide receiver.
Unfortunately for Carolina, receiver is just one position of need out of several.
Despite a better cap situation this year than in 2014, the Panthers didn't do too much to fill holes or upgrade at offensive tackle, defensive end, running back or cornerback to go along with receiver. Michael Oher is the other big name, and he has been one of the worst offensive tackles in the league over the past few years.
With DeAngelo Williams splitting for Pittsburgh—and considering Jonathan Stewart's own injury history—the Panthers could use a running back from the deep pool of talent at the position.
Chicago Bears
6 of 32
Updated draft needs: LB, OC, CB, DL
Trading Brandon Marshall away seemed to create a void at wide receiver, but it may not be a high priority for the Chicago Bears.
After all, they still have nascent superstar Alshon Jeffery, and third-year man Marquess Wilson has the size and skill to replicate Marshall's contribution if he can stay on the field. The Bears also signed Eddie Royal away from the San Diego Chargers.
The defense is still problematic, though, and that is likely going to be a focus in the draft as the Bears still need to address linebacker and the defensive line.
Cincinnati Bengals
7 of 32
Updated draft needs: WR, NT, CB, TE, OT
Imagine what A.J. Green could do with a proper running mate?
The Cincinnati Bengals were familiarly frugal in free agency, leaving the draft as the main source of talent to fill positions of need. Getting a bona fide No. 2 receiver should be a priority. Whether it will be the highest priority will be the real question come draft day.
Terence Newman was already getting long in the tooth, hence the Bengals' need to upgrade at cornerback. He moved on to purpler pastures in Minnesota, and Cincinnati can find a suitable replacement in the draft.
It might be time for Tyler Eifert to finally live up to that first-round status, but letting Jermaine Gresham go means the Bengals need to add a tight end as well.
Cleveland Browns
8 of 32
Updated draft needs: QB, WR, TE, DE
Will the Cleveland Browns cut bait on Johnny Manziel one year after trading up in the first round to snag him?
That seems unlikely, even as Manziel continues his rehab stint. The fact he has remained in rehab so long should be seen as a positive.
More importantly, the Browns don't likely have a shot at Jameis Winston or Marcus Mariota unless they pay a king's ransom to move up. Perhaps Brett Hundley or Bryce Petty is in their future.
Cleveland has stocked up on third-tier receivers this offseason, but a bona fide replacement for Josh Gordon would be nice. Given the team's reticence to take one last year despite a bigger need and a deeper class, the Browns may be going in a different direction.
Of course, the biggest need created was at tight end after losing Jordan Cameron to the Miami Dolphins and whiffing on just about everyone else at the position.
Good thing the Browns have two first-round picks—Maxx Williams would be a nice pickup.
Dallas Cowboys
9 of 32
Updated draft needs: LB, CB, S, RB, DT
Tony Romo gave the Cowboys nearly $13 million in cap relief by restructuring his contract, but it came far too late for them to retain their league-leading rusher.
DeMarco Murray flew east to the Philadelphia Eagles, and his replacement comes in the form of disappointing Darren McFadden.
Combined with limited Lance Dunbar and knuckleheaded Joseph Randle, that backfield is going to be a bitter disappointment if the Cowboys don't add some quality in the draft.
More importantly, the Cowboys have leaked talent on that tenuous defense, losing linebackers Justin Durant and ostensibly Rolando McClain to go along with defensive tackle Henry Melton.
Denver Broncos
10 of 32
Updated draft needs: OG, QB, DL, TE, LB
For a little while, some genuinely questioned whether Peyton Manning would return to quarterback the Denver Broncos for one last year.
Money ultimately won out—with some pride, perhaps—and Manning will be back for 2015. But he is not long for the league.
The Broncos certainly won't be able to snag one of the two top quarterbacks in the class, but a nice developmental option should be readily available in the early rounds.
Looking at more pragmatic solutions, the Broncos could use help along the offensive and defensive lines after free agency.
Detroit Lions
11 of 32
Updated draft needs: DT, CB, RB, OT
For years the Detroit Lions defense languished near the bottom of the league, which is why they drafted the likes of Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley.
Those two anchored a defensive front that was tops against the run last season. Now they're both gone. As though a star collapsed in the middle of that defensive line, there is a black hole threatening to take the entire defense with it.
The Lions replaced one of them by trading for Haloti Ngata, but the 31-year-old is on the last year of his deal and may be entering the twilight of his career.
Beyond those two, the Lions have that perennial need to upgrade at cornerback, and they could use a running back in the wake of Reggie Bush's departure.
Green Bay Packers
12 of 32
Updated draft needs: CB, LB, NT
Typical Ted Thompson.
Green Bay's general manager has never been a spendthrift in free agency, and this year was no different. The Packers locked up receiver Randall Cobb to a below-market deal and pretty much bypassed free agency otherwise.
In Tramon Williams and Davon House, the Packers lost two of their top three cornerbacks to free agency. Inside linebackers Brad Jones and A.J. Hawk also moved on. That defense needs an influx of talent.
Thompson has largely adhered to a "draft and develop" strategy, and he will seek to replenish the ranks in this year's draft.
Houston Texans
13 of 32
Updated draft needs: LB, QB, WR, OG, CB
The Texans bid adieu to star receiver Andre Johnson this offseason, paving the way for DeAndre Hopkins to make his way toward the top of the league. Unfortunately, it also left a gash on one side of the field in the passing game.
Cecil Shorts was a nice pickup, but he's no Johnson. He is also a big injury risk if his time in Jacksonville was any indication.
Losing Brooks Reed in free agency is going to hurt that pass rush, even if Jadeveon Clowney makes a full and productive recovery from microfracture surgery on his knees. The inside linebacker position could use an upgrade as well.
Indianapolis Colts
14 of 32
Updated draft needs: S, OT, RB, LB, DE
It's been a busy offseason in Indianapolis thus far, and the Colts have upgraded their roster in several areas on paper.
They signed Andre Johnson away from their division rivals to replace Reggie Wayne after he was let go, and the defensive front got a makeover in Kendall Langford and Trent Cole.
But they didn't get younger, and there is certainly more to do to get that roster over the hump.
For starters, Frank Gore is nothing more than a stopgap at running back. Even if he were to continue to perform at a high level with thinning tread on those tires at 31, chances are Indianapolis needs to find a long-term solution sooner than later.
With Sergio Brown gone and LaRon Landry suspended and likely not coming back—not to mention 34-year-old Mike Adams not getting any younger—the Colts might be looking for serious help at safety in the draft.
Jacksonville Jaguars
15 of 32
Updated draft needs: DE/OLB, RB, CB, ILB, S
Let's pretend the Jaguars don't need a quarterback after that rocky rookie season from Blake Bortles. After all, he could have used some seasoning before being flambéed last season.
For all intents and purposes, Jacksonville is in it for the long haul with Bortles—or at least one more season—leaving the team free to worry about other positions in the draft.
Having addressed tight end in a big way with Julius Thomas—and still keeping expensive Marcedes Lewis, for now—the Jaguars could use help elsewhere on offense. Running back is a particular area of need with plodding wonder Toby Gerhart being the primary option.
There is no reason to take a running back so early, though, which is why so many experts have an edge-rusher penciled in at No. 3. That could be UCLA's Dante Fowler Jr. or Clemson's Vic Beasley.
Kansas City Chiefs
16 of 32
Updated draft needs: WR, OL, CB, S, LB
Jeremy Maclin is a nice upgrade at wide receiver—albeit expensive—but the position still needs work in Kansas City.
More importantly, the Chiefs need major help along the offensive line. Their best player bolted for division rivals when Rodney Hudson signed a massive deal with the Raiders. The rest of the line is simply not very good, even after the addition of declining guard Ben Grubbs.
Miami Dolphins
17 of 32
Updated draft needs: LB, CB, RB, WR, OG
Few teams made more wholesale changes to the roster this offseason than the Miami Dolphins.
They signed Ndamukong Suh to a record contract and traded for young receiver Kenny Stills, but they let defensive tackle Jared Odrick go in free agency and exiled overpaid wideout Mike Wallace.
All in all, it should be a net positive for Miami, but the Dolphins have plenty of holes to fill on both sides of the ball.
Linebacker and cornerback seem to be the biggest needs in South Florida—especially after letting defenders Dannell Ellerbe and Philip Wheeler go—but it might be difficult to avoid taking a receiver if someone like DeVante Parker is still available at No. 14.
Finding a running mate for running back Lamar Miller should also be on Miami's radar, even if the Dolphins sign a back out of the bargain bin in the next couple of weeks.
Minnesota Vikings
18 of 32
Updated draft needs: OL, CB, DT, RB
Adrian Peterson is still a Viking, so there is no immediate need to address the running back position. Granted, he is a disgruntled back on the wrong side of 29, so it could be a mid-round priority for Minnesota.
The offensive line is of more immediate import, with former No. 4 overall pick Matt Kalil entering the final year of his contract—barring a team option—after a bitterly disappointing three years in the league.
Whatever the plan might be with Kalil, the Vikings need help along the interior of that offensive line, too.
New England Patriots
19 of 32
Updated draft needs: WR, CB, OG, RB
Darrelle Revis' departure was a massive loss for the Patriots' secondary. Brandon Browner's was just salt in the wound.
New England's defense isn't going to be what it was a year ago without them, but a savvy draft pick or two could certainly mitigate the damage.
Beyond cornerback, the Patriots have a seemingly perennial need to address the wide receiver position, though not having a prototypical No. 1 receiver didn't seem to hurt them in the Super Bowl.
The biggest need outside of the secondary is at running back, where the Patriots let Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley—assuming he doesn't re-sign—go in free agency. They signed Travaris Cadet, but this loaded draft would be a good opportunity to stock up.
New Orleans Saints
20 of 32
Updated draft needs: OG, TE, LB, WR, QB
It has been a tumultuous offseason in New Orleans, leaving new and unexpected needs in the wake of some surprising moves.
Josh Hill could theoretically replace Jimmy Graham, but replicating that production is going to be a challenge for anyone stepping into that role. Regardless, the position could use some help in the draft.
The Saints also traded Ben Grubbs and Kenny Stills, creating holes at guard and receiver in the process.
Then there is the fact Drew Brees is entering the age stratosphere at 36 years of age. Perhaps a mid-round developmental quarterback is in the cards.
New York Giants
21 of 32
Updated draft needs: S, OL, DT, TE
The Giants needed help at free safety, and that was before Antrel Rolle got a message from God to move to Chicago, as he recounted on WFAN, per CBS Sports' Jared Dubin:
""I just asked God—it was Sunday night before I was going to sleep—I just asked him, 'God, I pray that you just give me a level head. I pray that you just give me a sign to lead me in the right direction, and I'll follow your lead.'
It was Monday morning at 4:33 a.m. I never wake up in the middle of the night, and it was 4:33 Monday morning, and I got an email to my phone. And the email said, 'Orbitz alert: flights to Chicago, discount fare.' And I'm like, 'wow,' you know what I mean?"
"
It might be for the best, given Rolle's play has declined, according to Pro Football Focus.
The problem is draft slot—Landon Collins is this year's top safety, and he isn't generally viewed as a top-10 option. He is, however, the only one that is worthy of a first-round pick.
Of course, the Giants need help at offensive and defensive tackle, and they could use a quality tight end to pair with Larry Donnell.
Depth at linebacker will also be a priority given Jon Beason hasn't exactly been the picture of health.
New York Jets
22 of 32
Updated draft needs: QB, OLB, WR, OL, RB
The secondary got a massive face-lift in New York during free agency—cornerbacks Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie are reunited in the Big Apple, flanked by Buster Skrine and safety Marcus Gilchrist—so the Jets can turn their attention to repairing that offense.
Geno Smith hasn't exactly blown the doors off the league in his two years, so it's easy to imagine the Jets snagging one at No. 6. They may need to move up to ensure Marcus Mariota or Jameis Winston, however.
As good as that defense looks on paper, it could still use a better pass rush. Barring a quarterback in the first round, adding a guy like Vic Beasley or Dante Fowler Jr. to that front sounds downright unfair.
Oakland Raiders
23 of 32
Updated draft needs: CB, WR, RB, DE
Another year, another disappointing free-agent period for the Oakland Raiders, and another high draft pick.
They did get one of the best players in the draft last season in underrated outside linebacker Khalil Mack. Perhaps they will do the same with another top-five pick this year.
Should they choose to use the No. 4 pick instead of trade down, receiver Amari Cooper sounds like a dream come true for quarterback Derek Carr and that offense.
General manager Reggie McKenzie has taken two late-round receivers with the Raiders, however. The last first-round receiver taken by McKenzie was Javon Walker for the Packers in 2002.
The Raiders could still certainly use help elsewhere, particularly at running back and cornerback.
Philadelphia Eagles
24 of 32
Updated draft needs: WR, S, CB, OG
The dust has settled after all that wheeling and dealing in Philadelphia. The makeover isn't yet complete for the Eagles.
Wide receiver is arguably the biggest need after they lost their leading receiver for the second consecutive offseason. Jeremy Maclin reunited with his old head coach in Kansas City, leaving slot receiver Jordan Matthews, unproven Josh Huff and terrible starter Riley Cooper as the last men standing.
The Eagles may have spent big on cornerback Byron Maxwell and bolstered depth with Walter Thurmond, but the back line could use some help—safety is a concern going forward after Nate Allen signed elsewhere.
To that end, Alabama's Landon Collins might be the perfect match in the first round.
Pittsburgh Steelers
25 of 32
Updated draft needs: OLB, S, CB, DE, TE, OL
The unexpected retirement of Jason Worilds turned a shaky pass rush into a major need for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Well, that and the fact Pittsburgh has done nothing in free agency except signing a backup running back and giving quarterback Ben Roethlisberger a massive extension. There isn't much to update in the way of draft needs because there haven't been many updates to the roster.
The Steelers need help at outside linebacker, safety, cornerback and defensive end, which explains why that defense has fallen off considerably in recent years.
San Diego Chargers
26 of 32
Updated draft needs: RB, OLB, WR, DL
Outside linebacker was already a need for the San Diego Chargers before Jarret Johnson retired.
There was a reason he retired—he didn't have much left in the tank if his play was any indication—and 35-year-old Dwight Freeney might be following suit. (Although, his lawsuit alleging Bank of America defrauded him for $20 million, per The Indianapolis Star's Dana Hunsinger Benbow, could indicate he's not ready to give up on making NFL money.)
Perhaps more importantly, the Chargers need to find someone to replace departed Ryan Mathews. That is, of course, unless they think Branden Oliver, Donald Brown and Danny Woodhead can be effective. That is a dubious proposition.
San Francisco 49ers
27 of 32
Updated draft needs: LB, DL, CB, OL, RB
It has been a brutal offseason in San Francisco, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.
Star linebacker Patrick Willis unexpectedly retired at the young age of 30, and 24-year-old sophomore linebacker Chris Borland followed him into the sunset soon after.
Combined with Dan Skuta's Jacksonville defection and without any viable replacements in free agency, the 49ers are going to need to find someone in the draft to fill the holes in the middle of that defense.
They also let embattled defensive end Ray McDonald walk in free agency, and 35-year-old Justin Smith is still deciding on whether to retire. Darnell Dockett signed on to replace McDonald, but the 33-year-old is coming off of a torn ACL.
The future looks drastically different for that defensive front.
Seattle Seahawks
28 of 32
Updated draft needs: OC, WR, OT, LB
For the second time in three years, the Seattle Seahawks made a huge trade.
This time they attempted to address the tight end position by prying Jimmy Graham away from the cap-starved New Orleans Saints. On the flip side, they left a hole in the middle of the offensive line by shipping Pro Bowl center Max Unger in the deal.
The Seahawks have brought in potential replacements, but that could very well be a top priority on the second day of the draft.
Even with Graham in the fold, Seattle could use an upgrade at wide receiver. Golden Tate's absence was a glaring one last season after Percy Harvin was traded, and Paul Richardson wasn't particularly productive as a rookie.
St. Louis Rams
29 of 32
Updated draft needs: OG, OT, WR, CB, S
Jake Long. Scott Wells. Davin Joseph. Joe Barksdale.
The St. Louis Rams have a bit of a problem along the offensive line, even if they can convince Barksdale to come back. After all, what good will Nick Foles do if he's on his back 10 times a game?
Wide receiver seems to be an annual need in St. Louis as early-round picks like Tavon Austin and Brian Quick haven't panned out as planned.
Fortunately, that defense looks to be one of the best in the league, even with some needs in the secondary.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
30 of 32
Updated draft needs: QB, OL, DL, LB
Fate has all but dictated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be drafting Jameis Winston with the No. 1 overall pick.
Choosing the former Heisman winner will certainly address their biggest need—quarterback. But there are plenty of other areas to address for the reigning worst team in the league.
The offensive line is in shambles in Tampa Bay after the Buccaneers cut Anthony Collins, a 2014 signee. An offensive tackle to block for Winston would be nice, but so would a linebacker to replace Mason Foster or a defensive end to take over for released Michael Johnson.
Tennessee Titans
31 of 32
Updated draft needs: DL, QB, S, OT
There isn't much mystery in Tennessee—the Titans are bad, and they need major upgrades everywhere.
Depending on whether the Titans think Zach Mettenberger is the future at quarterback, they will either take Marcus Mariota at No. 2 or worry about a backup later in the draft. For their sake, they should draft Mariota, but that franchise hasn't exactly been a picture of success in recent years.
If they are going to go with a "best non-quarterback available" approach with the No. 2 pick, the Titans might well be drafting defensive lineman Leonard Williams out of USC.
The offensive line needs plenty of work, too—guard Andy Levitre has been an expensive disappointment, and tackle Michael Oher was cut as a sunk cost.
Washington
32 of 32
Updated draft needs: OLB, S, QB, RB, OT
It has become fashionable to pencil a quarterback into Washington's draft plans given Robert Griffin III's issues over the past two seasons. Just how realistic is it that owner Dan Snyder will push aside his anointed star?
The pass rush is the big issue in the nation's capital after letting Brian Orakpo go. With the fifth pick in the draft, there should be a great option or two from which to choose.
Safety has been a longstanding need as well, especially now that Brandon Meriweather and Ryan Clark aren't on the roster. Not that either of those guys was particularly good.
Finding someone competent to man the right tackle position should also be on the agenda in the draft war room after a disastrous year from Tom Compton and Tyler Polumbus.
All free-agent and salary information courtesy of Overthecap.com.
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
