2015 NFL Draft: Reviewing Every Team's Biggest Needs
It's nearly Christmas in the NFL, better known as draft day. Finally, the dissection and vivisection of prospects come to an end, the smoke dissipates and the mirrors come crashing down.
Through all the deception and perception, there has been one relative constant—team needs. Whatever happens outside the top 10—where teams should be drafting the best player available regardless—will be dictated by need.
So let's take one final peek at each team's biggest needs as we round the final turn and eye the finish line. These needs are based on holes left on the roster in the wake of free agency, injuries, age or retirement.
Or teams simply need upgrades at those particular positions.
For the purposes of this article, the "best fits" will be prospects who are likely to go in the first couple of rounds. Otherwise, the list for each team would be a mile long.
Arizona Cardinals
1 of 32
Biggest needs: RB, OLB, DL, ILB
If Bruce Arians is to be believed, the Arizona Cardinals don't have any major needs, per Adam Green of ArizonaSports.com:
"There's not a dying need at any position, so that we can take the best players available in this draft and not reach for need at all.
So you're adding eight picks, probably seven to 15 undrafted guys, and you'll throw them in the mix. But, the free agency was such a big part of what we did to fill needs and get quality people that, I've said it a couple times, we could take the team now and go play.
"
That is a noble sentiment from the blustery Cardinals head coach, but we see through it.
True, Arizona addressed many needs in free agency, and there is certainly no lack of bodies at every position, but Arizona's roster is flawed—as is most every other team's, to varying degrees—and it could use some serious help in the draft.
One of those spots is running back. Why else would the Cardinals be looking to trade for Adrian Peterson, per Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press?
The defensive front seems to have a much bigger problem after Dan Williams left for greener pastures and Darnell Dockett became a cap casualty. Corey Peters should fill in for Williams, but having too many good defensive linemen is a good problem to create.
Perhaps the most glaring need comes at outside linebacker, where the Cardinals are woefully thin and bereft of pass-rushing talent.
Best fits: RB Melvin Gordon, DE/OLB Shane Ray, LB Eric Kendricks, DE/OLB Alvin Dupree, RB Tevin Coleman, DT Malcom Brown, LB Paul Dawson
Atlanta Falcons
2 of 32
Biggest needs: DE/OLB, OL, WR, RB
The trenches in Atlanta are in a continual state of repair. The Falcons have tried to shore up the offensive and defensive fronts, but they are still a work in progress.
The pass rush is of particular import in the draft, even after the Falcons brought Brooks Reed over from Houston to help.
Of course, the offensive line could be a priority, even a year after Atlanta selected Jake Matthews at No. 6 overall. That didn't quite work out in Year 1—Matthews was the worst offensive tackle in the league last season, as rated by Pro Football Focus.
It's doubtful the Falcons would pick a running back in the first round without a trade down, nor should they given Devonta Freeman is primed to take over for Steven Jackson. The second-year player could use a complementary comrade in that backfield.
Best fits: DE/OLB Randy Gregory, OT La'el Collins, OLB Vic Beasley, RB David Cobb, DL Mario Edwards, OLB Dante Fowler Jr., OT Andrus Peat
Baltimore Ravens
3 of 32
Biggest needs: WR, TE, LB, RB
Torrey Smith is gone. Dennis Pitta might retire. Steve Smith will be 36 this season.
It sure looks like quarterback Joe Flacco could use some help. The question is whether general manager Ozzie Newsome will forgo the issues on the defensive side of the ball to get Flacco that help early.
The Ravens traded defensive lineman Haloti Ngata away because of his contract and age, and quality outside linebacker Pernell McPhee signed with the Chicago Bears. That defensive front has taken some hits over the past couple of offseasons, and Baltimore isn't known for fielding weak defenses.
Baltimore has taken a defensive player with its first pick in each of the past five seasons, and the first three picks of the past two years have been on that side of the ball. That trend might change this year with so many holes on offense, but banking on that would seem like a sucker's bet.
Best fits: TE Maxx Williams, DE/OLB Alvin Dupree, WR Devin Smith, WR Phillip Dorsett, DL Mario Edwards, WR Nelson Agholor, TE Clive Walford, WR Sammie Coates, OLB Eli Harold, WR Dorial Green-Beckham
.png?w=256)
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Buffalo Bills
4 of 32
Biggest needs: OL, QB, S, LB
The Buffalo Bills had quite the makeover this offseason, and that defense looks like it could buoy the team into contention.
That is the rub, however—without a quality offense, the Bills might need to hold opponents to 10 points per game in order to stay competitive in the hot AFC East.
They did make strides on that side of the ball, trading for dynamic running back LeSean McCoy and adding potentially explosive receiver Percy Harvin to the mix, though hopefully the latter keeps his detonations on the field and out of the locker room.
Naturally, the elephant in the room plays the most important position—quarterback. Matt Cassel and EJ Manuel are not the droids Buffalo fans are looking for, and whoever wins the starting job could be handing the ball off 40 times a game.
Whoever gets those handoffs could find tough sledding if the Bills do nothing about the offensive line.
One of the worst offensive lines in the league needs major work after being ignored thus far this offseason, and we could see the Bills go heavy in the trenches during the draft.
Unfortunately, Buffalo traded its first-round pick away for the right to draft receiver Sammy Watkins last year, an awful move in hindsight given they could have had Odell Beckham, Brandin Cooks, Kelvin Benjamin or a number of other quality receivers later in the draft.
The Bills will need to be savvy with their picks in order to pull multiple players who might contribute positively as rookies.
Best fits: OG Ali Marpet, QB Bryce Petty, OT Jake Fisher, OG Tre' Jackson, QB Brett Hundley, LB Benardrick McKinney, S Damarious Randall
Carolina Panthers
5 of 32
Biggest needs: OT, DE, WR, RB
That offensive line isn't getting any better in Carolina. Michael Oher and Jonathan Martin aren't improvements.
A year after failing to do anything about Jordan Gross' retirement, the Panthers find themselves in a familiar position heading into the draft. Conventional wisdom says they will address that woeful offensive front sometime early, but conventional wisdom was a dirty liar this time last year.
The situation was similar at wide receiver, except the Panthers did use their first-round pick to select the productive Kelvin Benjamin. Unfortunately, there isn't much talent around him at the position.
That wasn't the case at defensive end, yet the Panthers drafted Kony Ealy as insurance, with budding star Greg Hardy sitting on the franchise tag. Hardy was arrested soon after the event, however, and he is no longer with the team after the drawn-out drama.
Now, Carolina must address the position—the pass rush wasn't great in Hardy's absence, even with the addition of second-rounder Ealy.
Best fits: WR Breshad Perriman, WR Devin Smith, OT Ereck Flowers, WR Nelson Agholor, OLB/DE Alvin Dupree, OT Jake Fisher, WR Jaelen Strong, WR Phillip Dorsett
Chicago Bears
6 of 32
Biggest needs: DL, OL, CB, WR
Under new management, the Chicago Bears have seen quite the roster overhaul already. Gone are big names like receiver Brandon Marshall and cornerback Charles Tillman, as are defensive tackle Stephen Paea and safety Chris Conte.
General manager Ryan Pace brought a bunch of players in, too, filling some needs and adding plenty of depth in the process. But he still has his work cut out for him in the draft.
The Bears need help in the trenches on both sides of the ball. That first-round pick could see a defensive tackle or an offensive lineman, as many mock drafts have predicted.
Those mock drafts also seem to peg wide receiver pretty often, which doesn't make a ton of sense given the presence of Alshon Jeffery, Marquess Wilson and newly signed Eddie Royal on the roster. The Bears could certainly use another quality target, but wideout shouldn't be the top priority in the first round.
Best fits: DT Danny Shelton, WR Nelson Agholor, OLB/DE Shane Ray, OL Brandon Scherff, WR Kevin White, DT Michael Bennett, OT Jake Fisher, WR Phillip Dorsett
Cincinnati Bengals
7 of 32
Biggest needs: DE, TE, WR, OL
It's time the Cincinnati Bengals got A.J. Green some serious help, isn't it?
Sure, Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu have shown some promise, but neither has become a reliable No. 2 receiver. There hasn't been much help from elsewhere, either.
Of course, that may not be as important as, say, the pass rush, which was one of the worst in the league last season. Part of that was due to Michael Johnson's departure, and Cincinnati brought him back into the fold after the Buccaneers released him just one year into a massive contract.
The Bengals need more than just Johnson to have a quality pass rush, however, and that is assuming he will return to form after his disastrous season in Tampa Bay.
Best fits: OT Andrus Peat, WR Devin Smith, OT La'El Collins, WR Breshad Perriman, DT Michael Bennett, TE Clive Walford, WR Phillip Dorsett, DE Owa Odighizuwa, WR Nelson Agholor
Cleveland Browns
8 of 32
Biggest needs: WR, QB, TE, OLB
Should the Browns stick with Johnny Manziel?
That is the question.
Last year's first-round pick had a disastrous rookie campaign, most of it spent off the playing field. He wound up in a lengthy rehab stint that only just ended. Rumors that the Browns would move on after just one year have swirled all offseason, rumors that head coach Mike Pettine recently sought to quash, per Matthew Florjancic of WKYC.com:
"I use that number 90% too about the accuracy of reports that are out there -- of being 90% inaccurate. I don't know where he would've gotten that from. He's very much in our plans and as we said, his career with us just hit the pause button and we've said this before.
He's got to get himself right as a person first before we worry about Johnny the football player. I filed that one in the ridiculous category when it was brought to my attention.
"
The truth is that the Browns won't land one of the top quarterbacks in the draft unless they move up, and they would be ill-advised to mortgage their future for an unproven quarterback when they still have a young one on their roster.
So Marcus Mariota is all but out of the question, though Cleveland could certainly give it a go with the likes of Bryce Petty or Brett Hundley.
Of course, as important as quarterback is to a team, it's not the only position on the field. There are plenty of other places to look for improvement in Cleveland, to boot.
With Josh Gordon suspended for the year—and seemingly unlikely to resume his playing career with the Browns even if he does stay out of trouble off the field—Cleveland has turned to Dwayne Bowe and Brian Hartline to shore up that receiver corps.
That's a pretty ugly start to the depth chart.
Best fits: WR DeVante Parker, QB Marcus Mariota, TE Maxx Williams, WR Breshad Perriman, DE/OLB Dante Fowler Jr., WR Jaelen Strong, TE Clive Walford, DE/OLB Eli Harold, QB Bryce Petty, WR Kevin White
Dallas Cowboys
9 of 32
Biggest needs: RB, DE, CB, DT
With little cap space to spare—at least before Tony Romo restructured his contract, which was too little and too late to retain rushing champion DeMarco Murray—the Dallas Cowboys haven't had much luck this offseason.
It was ugly, and that was aside from the fact that Murray went to a division rival. Dallas needed to use the franchise tag on receiver Dez Bryant, which did not produce a long-term deal. The Cowboys also overspent on spare slot receiver Cole Beasley while losing quality return man Dwayne Harris.
Their biggest move was disastrous from a public-relations standpoint, as they signed embattled defensive end Greg Hardy to a deal that could be worth over $13 million. That was assuming he'd play a full season thanks to roster bonuses built on a per-game basis, but his recent 10-game suspension probably means he won't be getting nearly that much.
Still, that signing showed a bit of desperation from the Cowboys, who unexpectedly broke out of the doldrums of mediocrity to narrowly miss out on an NFC Championship Game appearance. Any semblance of momentum was shattered this offseason.
They can regain some of that in the draft, where they can fill the holes left by the ravages of free agency.
Best fits: RB Tevin Coleman, DE/OLB Shane Ray, CB Trae Waynes, DT Carl Davis, RB Todd Gurley, CB Ronald Darby, LB Denzel Perryman, CB Byron Jones, RB Ameer Abdullah, DE Owa Odighizuwa
Denver Broncos
10 of 32
Biggest needs: OG, DL, S, QB
The Denver Broncos are gearing up for possibly one last run under quarterback Peyton Manning. They need to make this draft count, but they also need to plan for a future without their all-world quarterback.
Of course, they won't get to draft Marcus Mariota or anything, but a mid-round option might be in the cards. That is unless you think Brock Osweiler is the quarterback of the future in Denver.
Beyond Manning and his successor lie several glaring needs for the Broncos. Most notably, offensive guard could use a boost after Orlando Franklin's departure. There is plenty of room for improvement alongside tackle Ryan Clady and guard Louis Vasquez.
The defensive line also took a hit when the Broncos elected not to bring Terrance Knighton back for some reason.
Best fits: OT Ereck Flowers, DT Eddie Goldman, S Damarious Randall, OT Jake Fisher, DT Malcom Brown, OG Ali Marpet, OT Cedric Ogbuehi, DE Owa Odighizuwa
Detroit Lions
11 of 32
Biggest needs: DT, OL, RB
Losing Ndamukong Suh stings. Losing Nick Fairley alongside him is puzzling.
The Detroit Lions are hurting in the middle of that defensive line, even after trading for 31-year-old Haloti Ngata. That top-ranked run defense has a tall task ahead of it after the loss of its two big defensive tackles.
Fortunately, the draft is pretty well loaded at the top of the position, and the Lions are in a position to grab one, even after making the playoffs and garnering a low pick as their reward.
They could also use some help on the outside of the defensive line, someone to complement Ziggy Ansah as a true edge-rusher.
On the offensive side of the ball, the trenches aren't a pretty place. Dominic Raiola won't be back with the team after a spate of nasty incidents last season, and the Lions seem to be moving on from Rob Sims as well. Undrafted rookie Cornelius Lucas had to start at right tackle after LaAdrian Waddle tore his ACL last season, and the latter is still recovering.
Needless to say, the offensive line could use an infusion of talent.
Best fits: DT Malcom Brown, C Cameron Erving, RB Duke Johnson, OT Ereck Flowers, DT Michael Bennett, OT Jake Fisher, RB Ameer Abdullah, OT Cedric Ogbuehi, OG Ali Marpet
Green Bay Packers
12 of 32
Biggest needs: CB, ILB, DL
Free agents leaving Green Bay isn't anything new. General manager Ted Thompson sees that happen with regularity given his propensity to keep only those he deems worthy of a new contract rather than overspend on a guy in which he has no conviction.
So it shouldn't have been much of a surprise to see cornerbacks Davon House and Tramon Williams leave via free agency. And it's no surprise that cornerback is the biggest need for the Packers heading into the draft.
The situation is even more dire at inside linebacker, where the Packers let A.J. Hawk, Brad Jones and Jamari Lattimore all go in free agency.
Best fits: CB Marcus Peters, LB Eric Kendricks, CB Byron Jones, DL Mario Edwards, LB Paul Dawson, CB Ronald Darby, DL Malcom Brown, CB Kevin Johnson
Houston Texans
13 of 32
Biggest needs: WR, LB, QB
Let's be honest: Is Ryan Mallett or Brian Hoyer really going to take the Houston Texans to the Super Bowl?
Either way, Houston is starting one of those two in the immediate future. As crazy as it sounds, the Texans should look to get an early-round rookie in the mix for the long term.
As for the present, there is a 6'3", 230-pound hole on the outside, as stalwart Andre Johnson was finally let go to pursue more competitive options.
Fellow Hurricanes product Phillip Dorsett doesn't quite fill that hole at 5'10" and 185 pounds, but he sure makes up for it with sheer speed. His draft stock is all over the map these days—some have him as a first-rounder, as ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. did in a recent mock draft alongside Todd McShay.
Kiper pegged Dorsett for the Texans at No. 16, an unlikely scenario given most have him as a Day 2 prospect.
Whoever the guy is in whichever round, the Texans must get some help for DeAndre Hopkins. Cecil Shorts and Nate Washington aren't those guys.
Houston could also use some help at linebacker alongside oft-injured Brian Cushing.
Best fits: WR Phillip Dorsett, QB Bryce Petty, WR Jaelen Strong, LB Eric Kendricks, WR Devin Smith, QB Brett Hundley, WR Nelson Agholor, LB Paul Dawson, WR Dorial Green-Beckham
Indianapolis Colts
14 of 32
Biggest needs: OL, S, RB
The Indianapolis Colts did plenty of retooling this offseason, though they didn't get younger doing it.
The influx of talent might upgrade the roster, but the Colts should certainly be mindful of their age. They should also look to fill some needs that still linger despite a flurry of activity during free agency.
Among their biggest is the safety position, where 34-year-old Mike Adams and overmatched Winston Guy roam. The latter may have his best football in front of him, but the Colts need everything they can get from that back line as teams try to keep up with quarterback Andrew Luck and that offense.
As has been the case ever since Luck came into the league, however, the offensive line needs help. It is in better shape than it has been in years past, but some stability and durability could go a long way toward keeping Luck upright.
Best fits: OT La'el Collins, S Landon Collins, RB Duke Johnson, OT T.J. Clemmings, RB Ameer Abdullah, OT Jake Fisher, S Jaquiski Tartt, OT Cedric Ogbuehi, LB Shaq Thompson, RB Melvin Gordon
Jacksonville Jaguars
15 of 32
Biggest needs: RB, DE/OLB, DB
Rebuilding is gut-wrenching for fans, but the Jaguars faithful might be reaching the end of the tunnel soon.
Jacksonville seems to be on the verge of climbing out of that cellar, but there is plenty of work to be done yet in the draft. Shoring up the pass rush would be a nice start.
The Jaguars figure to have an improved defense as it is, but adding a guy like Vic Beasley or Dante Fowler Jr. would be a boon on the edge.
After losing out on running back DeMarco Murray, the running-back position has to be a top priority. If only it were worthwhile to take one in the top five, that might be the pick.
The Jaguars are likely to find a great option early in the second or third round at the position, however.
Best fits: OLB Vic Beasley, RB Ameer Abdullah, DE/OLB Dante Fowler Jr., S Damarious Randall, RB Melvin Gordon, DE/OLB Randy Gregory, RB Duke Johnson, CB Byron Jones, OLB Eli Harold, RB Tevin Coleman, DE Owa Odighizuwa
Kansas City Chiefs
16 of 32
Biggest needs: OL, WR, LB
Despite heading into free agency with no cap space, the Kansas City Chiefs managed to do some cap gymnastics and sign Jeremy Maclin to a huge contract.
That was a boon for the offense, but it wasn't nearly enough. Receiver is still a big need despite the addition of Maclin.
Even bigger is the need along the offensive line, where the Chiefs lost their best player, center Rodney Hudson, to free agency.
They managed to take advantage of the fire sale in New Orleans and trade for Ben Grubbs, but there is still plenty of room for improvement everywhere else along that line. Yes, that includes disappointing tackle Eric Fisher after being the top pick in the draft two years ago.
Best fits: WR Dorial Green-Beckham, OT Jake Fisher, WR Breshad Perriman, OT La'el Collins, LB Eric Kendricks, OT Ereck Flowers, LB Paul Dawson, WR Jaelen Strong, OT Cedric Ogbuehi
Miami Dolphins
17 of 32
Biggest needs: LB, CB, RB, OG, WR
This offseason has been filled with big additions and losses for the Miami Dolphins.
Some might say there was addition by subtraction in getting rid of receiver Mike Wallace and linebackers Dannell Ellerbe and Philip Wheeler—not to mention cornerback Cortland Finnegan's retirement—but the fact remains that Miami was left with some roster issues.
The defense got a massive boost with the addition of defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, and that defensive line as a whole should be among the best in the league. The rest of that defense really needs help, however.
For a while, it seemed like the Dolphins were destined to pick a receiver in the first round, but the recent addition of Greg Jennings gives Miami a viable threesome at the top of the depth chart that will likely knock that need down the list.
Best fits: LB Eric Kendricks, RB Todd Gurley, CB Byron Jones, OG Ali Marpet, WR Dorial Green-Beckham, LB Benardrick McKinney, CB Trae Waynes, RB Ameer Abdullah, CB Ronald Darby, OT Jake Fisher, WR DeVante Parker, RB Melvin Gordon, LB Shaq Thompson, CB Kevin Johnson
Minnesota Vikings
18 of 32
Biggest needs: LB, OL, CB
Running back might become a priority for the Minnesota Vikings if they trade Adrian Peterson, but for now, it's not a priority. At least not early in the draft.
The defense could certainly use a hand in the draft, particularly at linebacker and cornerback. Xavier Rhodes should man the outside for years to come, but new man Terence Newman will be 37 this season. The rest of the depth chart could use an upgrade.
Speaking of upgrades, the offensive line needs help in Minnesota, too. Matt Kalil has been an abject disappointment, and he is in the last year of his contract. The Vikings also let Charlie Johnson go.
Best fits: LB Shaq Thompson, CB Marcus Peters, OT Jake Fisher, LB Eric Kendricks, CB Byron Jones, OT Cedric Ogbuehi, LB Jordan Hicks, OG Ali Marpet, CB Kevin Johnson
New England Patriots
19 of 32
Biggest needs: OG, CB, WR
What do you get for a team that has everything? A flask from the Fountain of Youth for quarterback Tom Brady?
Actually, the reigning Super Bowl champions haven't had a particularly good offseason. They lost star cornerback Darrelle Revis along with fellow starter Brandon Browner, and they let stalwart defensive tackle Vince Wilfork go.
As usual ever since Randy Moss was traded, the receiver position needs help. Julian Edelman may be one of the most underrated players in the league, but the Patriots have been trying to shore up the outside to little avail in recent years.
Maybe this is the year head coach Bill Belichick finds a solution.
Best fits: CB Byron Jones, WR Devin Smith, OG Laken Tomlinson, CB Ronald Darby, WR Sammie Coates, OT Jake Fisher, CB Kevin Johnson, WR Nelson Agholor
New Orleans Saints
20 of 32
Biggest needs: OL, CB, OLB, TE, WR
A blown cap situation led to some hard decisions for the New Orleans Saints, who traded star tight end Jimmy Graham, nascent receiver Kenny Stills and solid guard Ben Grubbs during free agency.
Well, Stills and Grubbs were more of a cohesion issue with quarterback Drew Brees, but the fact remains that the New Orleans roster is poorer for it all.
That is not to mention the glaring needs already present on the roster, like those at pass-rusher and cornerback. Depending on whether the Saints think Marques Colston is starting to hit the wall at 31 years of age, receiver could become a bit of a priority come draft day, too.
Best fits: DE/OLB Dante Fowler Jr., CB Trae Waynes, DE/OLB Randy Gregory, OL Brandon Scherff, CB Byron Jones, OLB Eli Harold, OT Jake Fisher, WR DeVante Parker, OLB Vic Beasley, CB Marcus Peters, TE Clive Walford, CB Kevin Johnson
New York Giants
21 of 32
Biggest needs: S, OL, DL, CB
Antrel Rolle may have been on the decline, but the former New York Giants starter brought stability and leadership to the safety position. Now, he is gone, and New York has a bit of a problem on its hands.
Unfortunately, the draft's best safety isn't worth anywhere near a top-10 pick—Landon Collins will only be a Giant if the team trades down or he falls well into the second round.
A couple of years of attrition have pocked the defensive line, where the interior could be of particular import during the draft. Both defensive tackle and end need some help.
The offense is looking good, but the line could use some help, too.
Best fits: OL Brandon Scherff, S Landon Collins, CB Trae Waynes, DT Danny Shelton, OT Ereck Flowers, DT Malcom Brown, DE/OLB Shane Ray, OT La'el Collins, CB Kevin Johnson, DE Owa Odighizuwa
New York Jets
22 of 32
Biggest needs: QB, OL, LB
That Jets defense is going to be nasty in 2015. So will the offense, but not in a good way.
At least, that will be the case if Geno Smith is the starting quarterback. All right, so nasty is a bit much—he's had his moments, and adding Brandon Marshall to the mix should help—but the Jets sure could use an upgrade there.
If they could manage to trade up to grab Marcus Mariota, we might get a cheer out of the fans in the seats. Well, that might be the case if the draft were being held in New York City this year, at any rate—who knows how well they travel for the NFL draft.
The offensive line could use some help in New York as well, at least on the right side, where Willie Colon and Breno Giacomini are going to have a tough time with the likes of Chandler Jones and Cameron Wake should they line up on that side of the field.
It will be vital for the Jets to maintain a good pass rush, even if that secondary is one of the best in football. Calvin Pace is no spring chicken at 34, and Quinton Coples is a bit out of his element at outside linebacker.
Best fits: QB Marcus Mariota, OL Brandon Scherff, OLB Vic Beasley, OT La'el Collins, DE/OLB Dante Fowler Jr., QB Brett Hundley, OG Ali Marpet, OLB Eli Harold, OT D.J. Humphries
Oakland Raiders
23 of 32
Biggest needs: DE, WR, OG
The fates have spoken. A wide receiver is destined for the Oakland Raiders in the first round.
At least, that's what all the mock drafts are saying. That is an almost literal statement—just take a look at the mock draft tracker compiled by Jerry Knaak over at Raiders.com.
Even with the addition of Michael Crabtree, the Raiders could use a great wideout. Amari Cooper and Kevin White certainly seem to fit that bill. But is that the direction general manager Reggie McKenzie is really going?
The Raiders could also use big-time help at a number of other positions, particularly along the offensive line. Donald Penn was a solid addition a year ago, but Menelik Watson struggled in his second season. Perhaps McKenzie will surprise us all and take a guy like D.J. Humphries after trading down.
More likely is the possibility that Leonard Williams will be brought on board. The talented defensive end is arguably the best player in the entire draft, and he would fill a need in the process.
Best fits: DE Leonard Williams, WR Amari Cooper, OT D.J. Humphries, WR Kevin White, OT Andrus Peat, OG Brandon Scherff, WR Nelson Agholor, DL Mario Edwards, WR Jaelen Strong, DE Owa Odighizuwa
Philadelphia Eagles
24 of 32
Biggest needs: WR, OLB, S, OL
After an offseason filled with smoke, mirrors and deals, the Philadelphia Eagles are left with some gaping holes on their roster.
Jokes about quarterback aside—Sam Bradford, Mark Sanchez, Tim Tebow and Matt Barkley make up a motley crew, to say the least—the Eagles sure could use some help at wide receiver. The team's leading receiver has departed in each of the past two offseasons, leaving promising Jordan Matthews—who has been best in the slot—and little else.
Head coach Chip Kelly might be comfortable with that setup, but Eagles fans might cringe when they hear Josh Huff announced as a starter.
The safety position has been a huge issue, even before Nate Allen's departure. That seems to be the likeliest place Philadelphia will address early in the draft.
Best fits: S Landon Collins, WR Devin Smith, DE/OLB Alvin Dupree, WR Nelson Agholor, OT Jake Fisher, WR Phillip Dorsett, S Damarious Randall, WR Dorial Green-Beckham
Pittsburgh Steelers
25 of 32
Biggest needs: DB, OLB, TE
All isn't quiet on the Western Pennsylvania front. A cold wind is blowing in the AFC North, and it makes Steelers fans rustle like living things.
All right, it'll take a little more than a cold wind to shake Terrible Towel-wavers, but being the reigning division champions is of little comfort given the state of affairs in Pittsburgh.
The Steel Curtain has been torn in recent years, with age, free agency and retirement taking their tolls. Most recently, pass-rusher Jason Worilds joined in on the retirement fun—the 27-year-old decided to call it quits after getting paid under the franchise tag for a year.
He weakened an already thin pass rush, but that was only the beginning.
Stalwart safety Troy Polamalu's retirement exacerbated the problem in the secondary, where the Steelers need a talent infusion like few other teams.
It's going to be quite the defensive draft for Pittsburgh.
Best fits: DE/OLB Alvin Dupree, CB Byron Jones, S Landon Collins, TE Clive Walford, OLB Dante Fowler Jr., CB Marcus Peters, TE Maxx Williams, DL Mario Edwards, CB Kevin Johnson
San Diego Chargers
26 of 32
Biggest needs: RB, OL, DL, OLB
Ryan Mathews is gone, sparking reasonable speculation that the San Diego Chargers are going to address the running-back position in the draft. There's been some smoke around Georgia running back Todd Gurley possibly being the pick at No. 17.
But is the position that important to the Chargers?
After all, Branden Oliver, Danny Woodhead and Donald Brown are still in the fold, right? None of those names is particularly inspiring—as good as Oliver was once or twice last season—but it represents a stable. It doesn't seem like the Chargers need a workhorse in the first round.
Best fits: RB Todd Gurley, OT Jake Fisher, DE/OLB Randy Gregory, RB Duke Johnson, OT T.J. Clemmings, RB Melvin Gordon, OT Cedric Ogbuehi, OLB Eli Harold
San Francisco 49ers
27 of 32
Biggest needs: DL, ILB, CB, WR
The offseason hasn't been kind to the San Francisco 49ers defense.
Linebackers Patrick Willis and Chris Borland retired unexpectedly—the latter after a great rookie season—leaving a gaping hole next to the still-recovering NaVorro Bowman in the middle of that defense.
Defensive lineman Justin Smith nearly retired, but the 35-year-old was convinced to give it a go for one more season. With Ray McDonald out of the picture and linebacker Aldon Smith one false move from a lengthy suspension, that defensive front isn't looking so hot.
Best fits: DL Arik Armstead, LB Denzel Perryman, DL Mario Edwards, LB Eric Kendricks, CB Trae Waynes, DE/OLB Randy Gregory, CB Kevin Johnson, LB Paul Dawson, WR DeVante Parker
Seattle Seahawks
28 of 32
Biggest needs: OL, WR, LB
The Seattle Seahawks are without a first-round pick after their blockbuster deal to bring in tight end Jimmy Graham.
Unfortunately, part of that deal left a gigantic void in the middle of the offensive line. They traded Pro Bowl center Max Unger as part of the package, exacerbating the loss of James Carpenter at guard.
Seattle brought in some potential replacements—Stefen Wisniewski was one, per Fox Sports' Mike Garafolo, before he ultimately signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars—but nothing has come to fruition. That points to a replacement in the draft.
Fortunately for the Seahawks, there aren't many other holes in that Super Bowl roster.
Wide receiver would be the other glaring need for the Seahawks, as last year's surprise second-round pick Paul Richardson was a big disappointment and is coming off a devastating knee injury.
Best fits: C Hroniss Grasu, WR Phillip Dorsett, C Shaq Mason, WR Devin Funchess, LB Jordan Hicks
St. Louis Rams
29 of 32
Biggest needs: OT, WR, QB
It seems like the St. Louis Rams need to upgrade the wide-receiver position every year.
Despite spending so many resources to address the position, it has been a constant weakness. It may not be as bad as in years past, but the Rams may not be able to resist uniting diminutive and disappointing wideout Tavon Austin with fellow West Virginia alum Kevin White if he somehow falls in the first round.
The offensive line needs help, too, after the departure of oft-injured Jake Long and potential loss of Joe Barksdale.
Best fits: WR Kevin White, OT D.J. Humphries, WR DeVante Parker, OT La'El Collins, QB Brett Hundley, OT Cedric Ogbuehi
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
30 of 32
Biggest needs: QB, OT, DE, RB, LB
There is little mystery in the top pick of the draft. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are taking a quarterback, and it'll probably be Jameis Winston.
That's more than mere intuition—the Buccaneers did their homework on the embattled former Heisman winner, as general manager Jason Licht told The Tampa Tribune's Joey Johnston:
"We’ve talked to a lot of people. ‘A lot’ is probably not a big enough word. We are not going to talk about the process. All I’ll tell you is that the Glazer family, the head coach, the general manager, our staffs, we all couldn’t feel more confident about the process we have gone through.
"
Beyond Winston, there is plenty of need elsewhere after the roster churning we saw in Tampa Bay.
Best fits: QB Jameis Winston, OT Jake Fisher, DE Owamagbe Odighizuwa, OT T.J. Clemmings, DL Mario Edwards, OT Cedric Ogbuehi, DL Carl Davis
Tennessee Titans
31 of 32
Biggest needs: QB, OT, DE, RB, WR
Is Zach Mettenberger the quarterback of the future for the Tennessee Titans?
Given their rumored interest in trading for Philip Rivers, per TheMMQB's Peter King, that doesn't seem to be the case. What happens if they can't make the trade? Do they give Mettenberger a big extension?
(Apologies to New York Jets fans. That was uncalled for.)
In reality, the Titans should take Marcus Mariota—assuming the Buccaneers take Jameis Winston—at No. 2 if they cannot make a trade. But who has knowledge of the inner workings of general manager Ruston Webster's mind?
If Tennessee can't find a dance partner and has no plans to draft a quarterback early, the defensive and offensive lines could sure use some help.
Best fits: QB Marcus Mariota, DE Leonard Williams, WR Amari Cooper, DE Owa Odighizuwa, QB Brett Hundley, OT Cedric Ogbuehi, QB Bryce Petty, RB Duke Johnson, OG Ali Marpet, DL Mario Edwards, WR Nelson Agholor
Washington
32 of 32
Biggest needs: OL, QB, S, OLB
If Dan Snyder wasn't the owner in Washington, the rumors that Marcus Mariota may be coming to the nation's capital might be believable.
Alas, Snyder is still the owner—this isn't some terrible nightmare for Washington fans from which to be awakened. Robert Griffin III is likely going to get one more shot in 2015 without a guy like Mariota breathing down his neck.
Still, the old adage says you should draft a quarterback until you find one—perhaps a Day 2 option is in store for us here.
Elsewhere, we find Washington in dire need of a pass rush. Trent Murphy was solid in his rookie season, but Brian Orakpo is gone, and there isn't much quality left in that department.
Good thing Washington has a top-five pick—there are plenty of great options early in the draft.
Best fits: OT D.J. Humphries, QB Marcus Mariota, OLB Dante Fowler Jr., OL Brandon Scherff, DE/OLB Randy Gregory, QB Bryce Petty, S Damarious Randall, WR Amari Cooper, OG Laken Tomlinson, OLB Vic Beasley, DE Leonard Williams
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
