Every NFL Team's Biggest Need After 1st Week of Free Agency
The 2016 NFL free-agency period is quickly passing as the best players have come off the open market throughout the first week. While there are still several household names available, teams are now bargain-bin shopping and making plans for the NFL draft. Teams that missed on their top free-agent priorities or had too long of a shopping list must fulfill their remaining biggest needs with rookies.
It’s risky to enter the draft needing to patch multiple holes since overdrafting based off need is the easiest way to miss on picks. Regardless, some teams are just one or two pieces away from being playoff contenders. Others must focus on adding as much significant talent as possible.
We’ve identified the biggest need left on each roster as well as three NFL draft prospects who fit the scheme and need of the team. Some prospects mentioned aren’t first-round options, and some Day 2 prospects are included as well in case a team decides to go another direction early in the draft.
Who would you like to see your favorite team target in the draft? Make sure to leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
Arizona Cardinals: Cornerback
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The Arizona Cardinals have been busy this offseason as they work to retain as much talent as possible from 2015. Their explosive offense faltered in the NFC Championship Game against the Carolina Panthers, but their defense has the more pressing hole to fill. The Cardinals defense ranked seventh in points allowed last year, but there is room to improve.
For the Cardinals to reach the next level and make the Super Bowl, they need to find a cornerback to pair with Patrick Peterson. With Justin Bethel in the slot and Peterson shadowing top receivers, a rookie won’t have as much pressure to step in and be a star. Arizona simply needs competent play from the position to fill its biggest need.
Potential targets:
- Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State
- Artie Burns, CB, Miami
- Rashard Robinson, CB, LSU
Atlanta Falcons: Pass-Rusher
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One reason the Atlanta Falcons jumped out to a hot 6-1 start in 2015 was because of improved coaching from a new staff. The running game led the offense before opponents adjusted to the scheme, and the defense was opportunistic. Eventually, the lack of impact talent in the trenches caused the Falcons to fall off.
2015 first-round pick Vic Beasley was solid as a rookie but needs help creating havoc on quarterbacks. The Falcons wisely added defensive end Derrick Shelby and retained Adrian Clayborn as well. But there’s still room to add one more pass-rusher who can demand a double-team.
Potential targets:
- Noah Spence, DE/OLB, Eastern Kentucky
- Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
- Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson
Baltimore Ravens: Left Tackle
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Despite ending the 2015 season with a 5-11 record and the sixth overall pick, the Baltimore Ravens have few immediate needs. The signing of free safety Eric Weddle helps solidify a talented secondary, and they’ll benefit from an offseason to regain health. If any position could use upgrading moving forward, it is the left tackle spot.
Eugene Monroe hasn’t been reliable or especially good since the Ravens re-signed him, and the team could save $6.1 million with a June 1 release designation. Adding a talented left tackle in the first or second round would be a good long-term investment.
Potential targets:
- Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
- Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State
- Germain Ifedi, OT, Texas A&M
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Buffalo Bills: Defensive End
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The Buffalo Bills are loaded with talent on both sides of the ball and will be a playoff contender in 2016 once again. A strong draft can help them get closer to their first playoff appearance since 1999. Their most pressing need is to bulk up at defensive end.
Losing Mario Williams this offseason will sting, even if his effort was poor in 2015. This defense must add a quality pass-rusher with the ability to set the edge in the run game. There aren’t many rushers who fit that description and could fall out of the first-round, so expect a significant asset to be spent on an end.
Potential targets:
- Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
- Jonathan Bullard, DE/DT, Florida
- Jordan Jenkins, DE/OLB, Georgia
Carolina Panthers: Cornerback
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The Carolina Panthers had a fantastic 2015 season where they proved many people, including me, wrong about just how good their roster was. General manager Dave Gettleman can’t rest on last season’s accomplishments, though, especially with several positions that could use personnel upgrades. The biggest is the cornerback spot.
Not only is star cornerback Josh Norman on a franchise tag, but the other members of the secondary are uninspiring. Bene Benwikere is the most talented of the bunch, but he’s more of a depth piece. Adding a cornerback in the first or second round would inject a sorely needed young corner into the corps.
Potential targets:
- William Jackson III, CB, Houston
- Artie Burns, CB, Miami
- Maurice Canady, CB, Virginia
Chicago Bears: Pass-Rusher
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A handful of franchises had an excellent free-agency period, and the Chicago Bears were among them. Additions to the linebacker corps have left two primary needs on the defense: cornerback and pass-rusher. Even with Pernell McPhee on the roster, the Bears can transform this front seven into a ferocious bunch with one more pass-rusher.
The Bears may have their pick of several potential impact edge-rushers in the first round. They have the power upfront to keep these rookies clean, so someone with great speed makes sense. A top rookie edge player can challenge to start right away in 2016 with Lamarr Houston.
Potential targets
- Noah Spence, DE/OLB, Eastern Kentucky
- Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia
- Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State
Cincinnati Bengals: Wide Receiver
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The Cincinnati Bengals have done an admirable job of building a deep roster and replenishing every offseason as they allow other teams to pick through top free agents. At some point, they need to augment their roster in free agency and invest into their own players. Until that happens the Bengals will need to nail the draft.
Losing two receivers this offseason (Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu) will be hard to overcome with a rookie, but it is possible. Adding a versatile receiver with experience in the slot and boundary would be ideal. Also look for plus athletes who can create after the catch.
Potential targets:
- Josh Doctson, WR, TCU
- Braxton Miller, WR, Ohio State
- Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor
Cleveland Browns: Quarterback
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It’s been another rough offseason for the Cleveland Browns after losing four quality players to free agency. Instead of retaining their few in-house and developed talents, they’ll be reaping the rewards via compensatory picks in 2017. That means the Browns aren’t going to compete in 2016 and must try to accomplish the one thing they’ve continuously failed to do in the last 17 years.
Cleveland cannot come away from this draft without a quarterback to fully invest into. New head coach Hue Jackson may not see a clear franchise signal-caller in the class, but even finding a quality project to develop should be a priority. Ignoring the position completely cannot be an option.
Potential targets:
- Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State
- Jared Goff, QB, Cal
- Cardale Jones, QB, Ohio State
Dallas Cowboys: Running Back
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The only team with running back as its biggest need after free agency is the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas is unique because of its quarterback situation, draft position and elite offensive line. This team is ready to win right now and has a small window considering the age of quarterback Tony Romo (35).
Adding an elite running back to this offense would take pressure off Romo and create a well-balanced attack to keep defenses off balance. Taking a running back as high as fourth overall may seem rich, but the payoff could result in a Super Bowl appearance in 2016.
Potential targets:
- Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State
- Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama
- Kenneth Dixon, RB, Louisiana Tech
Denver Broncos: Quarterback
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The Denver Broncos have experienced the typical exodus that regularly plagues the reigning Super Bowl champions. Losing top-tier talent to other destinations is just part of the business. Now, it’s time for John Elway and Co. to start augmenting this roster with pieces that can win another title.
Losing backup quarterback Brock Osweiler to the Houston Texans has created a conundrum for the Broncos. Who will start at the position in 2016 is a looming question, but more important is, Who is the next franchise signal-caller? He’ll have to be selected in this draft and will likely sit this season.
Potential targets:
- Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
- Dak Prescott, QB, Mississippi State
- Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State
Detroit Lions: Offensive Tackle
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The Detroit Lions surged at the end of 2015 to recover from a nightmarish start to the season, giving hope that this team can take the jump to playoff contender if it can stay healthy. Losing Calvin Johnson doesn’t help, but the team recovered by signing Marvin Jones. The Lions need just one more offensive piece to be one of the most talented units in the NFL.
The major hole left for the Lions is right tackle. Whether Riley Reiff moves over to right tackle or a rookie fills the void, the Lions cannot enter the season with Michael Ola or Cornelius Lucas as a starter. Look for a first-round investment into the position to protect quarterback Matthew Stafford.
Potential targets:
- Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State
- Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
- Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State
Green Bay Packers: Defensive Line
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The sudden hiatus of B.J. Raji for 2016 stripped the Green Bay Packers of their backup plan along the defensive line. The Packers have little depth available now and need to prioritize adding an impact defensive lineman early in the draft. There is a need for a 5-technique and nose tackle to go alongside Mike Daniels.
Luckily for the Packers, this is a deep defensive line draft. They could even double dip at the position in the first two days of the draft to build depth. General manager Ted Thompson has struggled to find quality players for the defensive front in recent years, but he’ll have to hit with multiple picks this year.
Potential targets:
- A’Shawn Robinson, DE/DT, Alabama
- Kenny Clark, DT, UCLA
- Vernon Butler, DT, Louisiana Tech
Houston Texans: Wide Receiver
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It’s been a successful offseason for the Houston Texans to this point. The additions of a young quarterback and running back to lead this offense for the next few years were expensive but should provide a major boost. Quarterback Brock Osweiler and running back Lamar Miller could be the faces of a solid unit for the next several years.
The final piece for the offense to become a playoff-worthy group is a stud receiver. DeAndre Hopkins is a top-five receiver, but surrounding pieces Nate Washington, Cecil Shorts and Jaelen Strong are uninspiring. Selecting a speedy receiver who can take the top off the defense and command respect can give Osweiler more spacing underneath and a legitimate deep threat.
Potential targets:
- Will Fuller, WR, Notre Dame
- Braxton Miller, WR, Ohio State
- Kolby Listenbee, WR, TCU
Indianapolis Colts: Pass-Rusher
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The Indianapolis Colts roster is filled with holes that could cause their ship to sink again in 2016. Even with a healthy Andrew Luck, the margin for error has shrunk as fellow AFC South teams have improved this offseason. General manager Ryan Grigson cannot afford to miss with early picks this year.
The Colts have major needs along the offensive line, running back, cornerback and pass-rusher. The latter has been especially poor the last few years, and this deep class will give the Colts several options in the first two days. Finding a high-upside edge player must be a top priority to fill their biggest need.
Potential targets:
- Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia
- Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson
- Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State
Jacksonville Jaguars: Linebacker
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The Jacksonville Jaguars have been a big offseason winner, as the front office signed defensive end Malik Jackson, cornerback Prince Amukamara and safety Tashaun Gipson. They're getting closer to being a real playoff threat. Their defense still lacks athleticism and versatility at linebacker, so that’s their biggest need.
Adding a cornerstone piece next to weak-side linebacker Telvin Smith must be a priority. Head coach Gus Bradley cut his teeth with athletic freak Bobby Wagner in Seattle. Adding UCLA linebacker Myles Jack or Notre Dame’s Jaylon Smith (if he’s healthy) would be an excellent long-term move.
Potential targets:
- Myles Jack, LB, UCLA
- Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame
- Kentrell Brothers, LB, Missouri
Kansas City Chiefs: Guard
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After ripping off an impressive 10-game win streak to end the regular season, the Kansas City Chiefs were able to retain most of their unrestricted free agents. This was a challenge since stalwarts such as Jaye Howard, Eric Berry, Derrick Johnson and Tamba Hali could have found suitors elsewhere. Mitigating the losses of Sean Smith and Jeff Allen won’t be easy, though.
Signing right tackle Mitchell Schwartz was an excellent decision but leaves the Chiefs with a massive need for a left guard. Fortunately, this draft class has a legitimate left guard prospect in the first three rounds. Solidifying the offensive line for quarterback Alex Smith and running back Jamaal Charles will set this team up for another postseason berth.
Potential targets:
- Cody Whitehair, OT/OG, Kansas State
- Christian Westerman, OG, Arizona State
- Connor McGovern, OG, Missouri
Los Angeles Rams: Quarterback
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Los Angeles Rams head coach Jeff Fisher must find a quarterback to lead his team to the playoffs. The Rams have one of the better defenses in the league after they’ve invested heavily into pass-rushers. But the offense is lagging behind and unable to put points on the board.
Los Angeles has an attractive set of weapons for the disposal of a young quarterback. Running back Todd Gurley is already a star, and wide receiver Tavon Austin had a breakout 2015 campaign. Acquiring a franchise quarterback would satisfy the team's biggest need and give L.A. a clear direction moving forward.
Potential targets:
- Jared Goff, QB, Cal
- Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
- Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State
Miami Dolphins: Cornerback
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Instead of celebrating the free-agency period by handing out huge contracts like they did the last three offseasons, the Miami Dolphins were more conservative in their approach. They were unable to land the second cornerback, right guard and running back they could used, but they addressed most of their needs in some form. The draft is the best route for this rebuilding roster to find cheap talent with upside.
With Byron Maxwell entrenched as one starting cornerback and good depth at the slot position with Jamar Taylor and Bobby McCain, Miami needs one outside cornerback. The team's trade down from No. 8 to No. 13 was actually beneficial for its quest to acquire a cornerback. It’s much less of a reach to add one of the top cornerbacks who fits the system than the previous draft position.
Potential targets:
- William Jackson III, CB, Houston
- Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State
- Artie Burns, CB, Miami
Minnesota Vikings: Wide Receiver
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For the Minnesota Vikings to take the next step and become a Super Bowl contender, they must add a dynamic wide receiver to their offense. This is a roster stacked with defensive talent, and the Vikings took steps to shore up a pathetic offensive line. While depth is still needed in the trenches, quarterback Teddy Bridgewater desperately needs a worthy No. 1 target.
The only worthwhile receiver on the roster is slot specialist Stefon Diggs. Minnesota shouldn’t stop with just one early-round receiver; it should double down at the position in its first three picks. This would benefit Bridgewater and take some of the pressure off running back Adrian Peterson’s shoulders.
Potential targets:
- Josh Doctson, WR, TCU
- Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
- Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State
New England Patriots: Wide Receiver
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As incredible as Bill Belichick’s run has been in New England, he’s struggled to draft players at wide receiver. Quarterback Tom Brady has tight end Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman to work with, and each is fantastic regardless of Brady’s presence. But finding a well-rounded outside receiver would add another dangerous weapon for Brady to maximize.
Given New England’s tendency to place a premium on football intelligence in mind, an experienced collegiate receiver with a proven track record of being reliable would be appealing for the Patriots. Brady needs a playmaker who is able to play this year and at a high level. This is a good draft to find such a player.
Potential targets:
- Tyler Boyd, WR, Pittsburgh
- Sterling Shepard, WR, Oklahoma
- Leonte Carroo, WR, Rutgers
New Orleans Saints: Pass-Rusher
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It was another quiet free-agency period for the New Orleans Saints as they try to escape from salary-cap purgatory. Their incessant restructures from their Super Bowl window has cost them several talented players. Now, they must rely on hitting home runs in the draft to get back to that level.
Finding an impact defensive front-seven player and specifically a pass-rusher is the biggest need for New Orleans. A competent defensive end across from Cameron Jordan or a tackle next to him would also free up linebacker Hau’oli Kikaha. It wouldn’t at all be surprising to see the Saints go back-to-back with pass-rushers in early rounds.
Potential targets:
- Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
- Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss
- Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma State
New York Giants: Outside Linebacker
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After spending $105.5 million in guaranteed money in free agency, it’s apparent the New York Giants know they must win now with quarterback Eli Manning. His window is shrinking fast, and the pressure is on the organization to surround him with more talent. That process mainly revolves around the defense.
The defensive line has been fixed, but the outside linebackers have not been upgraded yet. Adding an athletic and versatile linebacker next to Keenan Robinson would help the Giants' run-stopping ability. Upgrades are possible on both the weak side and strong side.
Potential targets:
- Jaylon Smith, MLB, Notre Dame
- Darron Lee, WLB, Ohio State
- Deion Jones, WLB, LSU
New York Jets: Linebacker
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The New York Jets have assembled a talented coaching staff and roster. This team was just one game away from making the final wild-card spot in the AFC. Depending on what happens with quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, this roster has lost very little to free agency.
One area the Jets must upgrade is the linebacker corps. Whether the Jets add another pass-rusher or an inside presence first doesn’t matter. This unit simply lacks impactful talent right now. A combination of both in the first two days would be a smart decision to make this a great defense.
Potential targets:
- Darron Lee, WLB, Ohio State
- Joshua Perry, ILB, Ohio State
- Jordan Jenkins, DE/OLB, Georgia
Oakland Raiders: Right Tackle
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The unofficial winners of the offseason to this point are the Oakland Raiders. The franchise had cash to burn and effectively allocated its resources. Years of good drafting and proper investments allowed the Raiders to be aggressive yet tactical in adding the right pieces this free agency.
The 14th overall pick is a good place to target either cornerback or offensive tackle. Considering Oakland's devotion to fixing the offensive line, right tackle is the team’s biggest long-term need. Identifying that player now could save the team headaches next year and moving forward.
Potential targets:
- Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State
- Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State
- Germain Ifedi, OT, Texas A&M
Philadelphia Eagles: Offensive Line
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One reason the Chip Kelly era in Philadelphia failed was the sudden drop in offensive line play. Kelly clearly undervalued what good interior offensive line play meant for his offense, and it led to the offense slipping. The Eagles showed they’re cognizant of the holes at guard by signing right guard Brandon Brooks in free agency.
Adding either a tackle to groom for the future or a guard to step in at left guard must be something the Eagles consider. Another injury to left tackle Jason Peters or a subpar season from Allen Barbre could tank this offense again in 2016. Being armed with the eighth overall pick and a mid-second-round pick will give them an opportunity to shore up their line.
Potential targets:
- Cody Whitehair, OT/OG, Kansas State
- Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
- Joshua Garnett, OG, Stanford
Pittsburgh Steelers: Safety
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Even after the Pittsburgh Steelers have dumped multiple high picks into the defense over the last few years, their defense can be best characterized as bend-don’t-break. That’s an issue for a playoff-hopeful team. This unit needs more work, specifically at edge-rusher and the secondary.
It’s time to address the safety position since Pittsburgh has barely spent resources at safety. While Mike Mitchell has one position locked up, his companion, Shamarko Thomas, has been a bust. Adding a more rangy safety would allow Mitchell to move back to strong safety more often.
Potential targets:
- Jalen Mills, FS, LSU
- Darian Thompson, FS, Boise State
- Sean Davis, SS, Maryland
San Diego Chargers: Pass-Rusher
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Rarely do we see a team with an elite quarterback sitting with a top-five pick, but the San Diego Chargers have been bad enough to accomplish just that. A rash of injuries tanked their 2015 season, giving them the perfect opportunity to add an impact talent with the third overall selection. San Diego must add the most talented player on the board to the roster, but the biggest positional need is pass-rusher.
The Chargers' 3-4 defense just hasn’t adequately produced pressure on opposing quarterbacks. They cannot afford to finish 24th in sacks again in 2016. Adding an elite defensive end or stand-up linebacker would be a terrific injection of talent.
Potential targets:
- Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State
- DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon
- Noah Spence, DE/OLB, Eastern Kentucky
San Francisco 49ers: Quarterback
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New San Francisco 49ers head coach Chip Kelly passed on quarterbacks Teddy Bridgewater and Derek Carr when he was leading the Philadelphia Eagles, and he lived to regret that decision. Sitting with the seventh overall pick this year, he cannot make the same mistake. Adding a franchise quarterback early in his tenure is a must.
Cal quarterback Jared Goff would be perfect for his quick-hitting system that prefers precision over everything else. Goff is a natural and popular connection here because it makes so much sense from a schematic and situational aspect.
Potential targets:
- Jared Goff, QB, Cal
- Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State
- Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
Seattle Seahawks: Offensive Tackle
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The Seattle Seahawks almost made another deep playoff run before being tripped up against the Carolina Panthers in the divisional round. Their Super Bowl window is still open, but it could be closing as the roster suffers from missing five straight first-round picks. Seattle must start seeing more out of its early-round picks for the team to stay relevant.
With left tackle Russell Okung still waffling about his next destination, Seattle needs to continue investing into the offensive line. Losing guard J.R. Sweezy isn’t a major loss in the passing game, but he was a sound run-blocker. Finding two capable starters along the offensive line must be on general manager John Schneider’s to-do list.
Potential targets:
- Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana
- Germain Ifedi, OT, Texas A&M
- Cody Whitehair, OT/OG, Kansas State
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Defensive Tackle
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Tampa Bay is another upstart team that has augmented its roster wisely this offseason. The additions of guard J.R. Sweezy and defensive end Robert Ayers are clear upgrades from who was projected to start. Cornerback Brent Grimes slipped drastically over the last two years in Miami, but the Buccaneers defense needed a veteran who is still average.
Finding another impact defensive tackle to demand attention next to Gerald McCoy could take this defense to the next level. Whether the team prefers a pass-rusher such as Jonathan Bullard or Sheldon Rankins or a run-stopper such as Kenny Clark is up to its preference with scheme. Any one of those three could be a huge difference-maker.
Potential targets:
- Jonathan Bullard, DE/DT, Florida
- Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville
- Kenny Clark, DT, UCLA
Tennessee Titans: Offensive Line
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The Tennessee Titans had the worst record in 2015, but they aren’t your typical team sitting in this position. They have their quarterback of the future in Marcus Mariota and recently drafted left tackle Taylor Lewan. Protecting Mariota proved impossible last year with the talent they had outside of Lewan, which means they could draft tackle Laremy Tunsil No. 1.
Moving a tackle from one side to the other is not easy since it completely changes the mechanical and technical aspect of blocking, but it would help address the Titans' biggest need. Tennessee could also choose to add depth later on in the draft, specifically at guard in case Jeremiah Poutasi struggles.
Potential targets:
- Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss
- Vadal Alexander, OG, LSU
- Landon Turner, OG, North Carolina
Washington Redskins: Defensive Line
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The Washington Redskins smartly sat out free agency and instead tended to their in-house players. They trimmed some aging veterans with fat deals and will rely on the draft and bargain free agents to add depth and maybe some impactful contributors. The position with the most need is the defensive line.
Washington desperately needs to find defenders with run-stuffing ability and Day 1 starter talent. With limited competition on the roster at both defensive tackle and defensive end, it’s likely the Redskins double-dip into the deep pool of talent along the line in this draft.
Potential targets:
- Jarran Reed, DE/DT, Alabama
- A’Shawn Robinson, DE/DT, Alabama
- Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor
All stats used are from Sports-Reference.com.
Ian Wharton is an NFL Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report.
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