NFL Draft 2016: Every Team's Biggest Need as Free Agency Wanes
The NFL's free-agency period has just about wrapped up, with the majority of impact free agents already inked to new deals.
However, many teams failed to fill some glaring holes, and a few teams saw new openings created by departed free agents.
At this stage of the process, it's unlikely that these weaknesses can be solved by the remaining free agents, and teams will be forced to turn to the draft for help.
Based on the holes filled and created by free agency, here's a look at each team's biggest need and a few draft prospects who could potentially fill the void.
Arizona Cardinals: Center
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Lyle Sendlein has anchored the Arizona Cardinals offensive line at center for the last eight years, starting 122 games. But the longtime Cardinal is a free agent and unlikely to return.
The Cardinals tried to move on from Sendlein last offseason, cutting him in March. But when they failed to find a suitable replacement, he re-signed in August.
Journeyman backup center A.Q. Shipley sits atop the Cardinals' depth chart for now, but the team will likely make the position a priority during the draft.
Potential targets
1. Nick Martin, Notre Dame
2. Ryan Kelly, Alabama
3. Jack Allen, Michigan State
Atlanta Falcons: Pass-Rusher
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Despite adding Vic Beasley in the first round in 2015, the Atlanta Falcons still finished dead last in the league with just 19 sacks.
Obviously, the Falcons still believe Beasley will continue to develop and improve upon his four rookie-year sacks, but more help is needed.
With its first-round selection, Atlanta could potentially pair Beasley with one of his former teammates, Shaq Lawson or Kevin Dodd.
Potential targets:
1. Shaq Lawson, Clemson
2. Noah Spence, Eastern Kentucky
3. Kevin Dodd, Clemson
Baltimore Ravens: Offensive Tackle
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The Baltimore Ravens hoped they had solved their issue at left tackle when they traded for Eugene Monroe in 2013, but Monroe has missed 15 games over the past two seasons due to injuries.
If Monroe is healthy, left tackle isn't an issue, but the Ravens probably can't trust Monroe at this stage of his career.
According to Spotrac, Monroe has three years left on his contract, but the structure of the deal makes it possible for the team to cut ties with him after the 2016 season at relatively little cost. Adding a young left tackle in the first or second round would give the Ravens insurance behind Monroe and allow the team to move on next offseason.
Potential targets:
1. Ronnie Stanley, Notre Dame
2. Taylor Decker, Ohio State
3. Le'Raven Clark, Texas Tech
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Buffalo Bills: Pass-Rusher
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The Buffalo Bills parted ways with veteran Mario Williams, leaving a glaring hole in the team's front seven. Williams accounted for five of the team's 21 sacks in 2015.
Among the returning Bills, only Jerry Hughes generated more than two sacks a season ago.
Historically, head coach Rex Ryan has not targeted pass-rushers early in the draft—it was a constant need during his tenure with the New York Jets—but the severe lack of depth may be too great for the Bills to ignore.
Potential targets:
1. Shaq Lawson, Clemson
2. Noah Spence, Eastern Kentucky
3. Kevin Dodd, Clemson
Carolina Panthers: Right Tackle
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The Carolina Panthers survived with journeyman Mike Remmers at right tackle last season, but he was exposed during the Super Bowl.
The rest of the NFC South is spending the offseason rebuilding on defense, which will only make life tougher for Remmers and the Panthers offensive line in 2015.
To stay ahead of their rebuilding rivals, the Panthers need to address the offensive line sooner rather than later.
Potential targets:
1. Jack Conklin, Michigan State
2. Jason Spriggs, Indiana
3. Germain Ifedi, Texas A&M
Chicago Bears: Quarterback
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The time has finally come for the Chicago Bears to think about life after Jay Cutler.
Cutler is technically under contract through 2020, but according to Spotrac, only $2 million is guaranteed after the 2016 season.
With the ability to save over $15 million per year by cutting Cutler, it's tough to imagine the Bears sticking with him beyond this season. The Bears should use this draft to add a young quarterback and allow him to sit and learn behind Cutler for a year before taking over.
Potential targets:
1. Carson Wentz, North Dakota State
2. Jared Goff, California
3. Paxton Lynch, Memphis
Cincinnati Bengals: Wide Receiver
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Losing Mohamed Sanu and Marvin Jones in free agency was a crippling blow to the Cincinnati Bengals offense.
The two receivers accounted for 29 percent of the team's receptions in 2015, and the front office has done nothing to replace them.
The position needs to be at the top of the Bengals' list of priorities in the draft, and it could even be a position they address more than once in the first few rounds.
Potential targets:
1. Josh Doctson, TCU
2. Corey Coleman, Baylor
3. Laquon Treadwell, Ole Miss
Cleveland Browns: Offensive Line
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The Cleveland Browns are in a terrible position, needing to address their quarterback issue but not having enough talent around the position to support a young quarterback.
The losses of Alex Mack and Mitchell Schwartz in free agency threw a wrench into the rebuilding process, as their previously respectable offensive line now looks like one of the worst units in the league.
As much as the team needs a quarterback, it would be foolish to throw Carson Wentz or Jared Goff into the fire behind its current mess of a offensive line.
Potential targets:
1. Laremy Tunsil, Ole Miss
2. Jack Conklin, Michigan State
3. Jason Spriggs, Indiana
Dallas Cowboys: Pass-Rusher
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The Dallas Cowboys are unlikely to re-sign Greg Hardy due to his off-field issues, and Randy Gregory's suspension puts his future with the team in doubt.
As a result, the team needs to find another pass-rusher to pair with budding star DeMarcus Lawrence.
The 2016 draft class is lacking pass-rushers, but the Cowboys may be able to land the top prospect at the position, Ohio State's Joey Bosa, with the No. 4 selection.
Potential targets:
1. Joey Bosa, Ohio State
2. Shilique Calhoun, Michigan State
3. Emmanuel Ogbah, Oklahoma State
Denver Broncos: Quarterback
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The addition of Mark Sanchez gives the Denver Broncos a fall-back plan, but the team has to be hoping the draft produces a better long-term plan.
With the 31st pick in the first round, Denver won't get the pick of the litter, but there are a number of fringe first-round prospects who could be brought in to compete for the job.
Even if the first round doesn't produce an immediate starter, the team should add a developmental prospect on Day 2.
Potential targets:
1. Paxton Lynch, Memphis
2. Connor Cook, Michigan State
3. Dak Prescott, Mississippi State
Detroit Lions: Defensive Tackle
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Detroit Lions fans immediately panicked when Calvin Johnson retired and started clamoring for the hottest names among the wide receiver prospects. But the more pressing issue is the defensive line, which is still in need of a replacement for Ndamukong Suh.
Haloti Ngata returns as a short-term fix, but the team needs to think about the future of its run defense.
Defensive tackle may be the most loaded position in this year's draft class, and the Lions should take advantage by adding at least one future starter.
Potential targets:
1. A'Shawn Robinson, Alabama
2. Vernon Butler, Louisiana Tech
3. Kenny Clark, UCLA
Green Bay Packers: Inside Linebacker
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The Green Bay Packers are hoping to move Clay Matthews back to outside linebacker, where he is more effective as a pass-rusher. But for that to happen, they'll need to address the hole it would create at inside linebacker.
Having failed to address that need in free agency, the team has put itself in the difficult position of looking for an immediate starter with a late-first-round selection at a position with limited depth.
There are some viable targets for Green Bay, but there's little margin for error in terms of how the first round plays out.
Potential targets:
1. Reggie Ragland, Alabama
2. Leonard Floyd, Georgia
3. Kentrell Brothers, Missouri
Houston Texans: Wide Receiver
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By signing Lamar Miller and Brock Osweiler, the Houston Texans addressed their most glaring offseason needs in a big way.
The only question remaining for the Texans offense is who will step up as the No. 2 receiver.
As the roster stands right now, 2015 third-round pick Jaelen Strong will get the first crack at the job, but another weapon could be added in the draft. If the Texans are looking for a specific type of receiver, they will likely search for a deep threat to pair with DeAndre Hopkins.
Potential targets:
1. Corey Coleman, Baylor
2. Will Fuller, Notre Dame
3. Braxton Miller, Ohio State
Indianapolis Colts: Offensive Line
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The right side of the Indianapolis Colts offensive line is a mess, especially the right tackle position.
If the season started today, the Colts would likely be forced to move left guard Jack Mewhort to right tackle.
Mewhort has developed into one of the best interior linemen in the league, especially as a dominant run-blocker, but he is ill-suited for the tackle position. In order to keep Andrew Luck on his feet and healthy, the Colts should do everything within their power to address this position on draft day.
Potential targets:
1. Taylor Decker, Ohio State
2. Jack Conklin, Michigan State
3. Jason Spriggs, Indiana
Jacksonville Jaguars: Linebacker
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Few teams have done more than the Jacksonville Jaguars in free agency, but it's going to take more than a handful of free agents to rebuild their defense.
After adding safety Tashaun Gipson and cornerback Prince Amukamara, the secondary is in decent shape, but the Jaguars still need more help in the front seven.
Another playmaker at linebacker to pair with Telvin Smith would give the Jaguars the talent they need to make significant strides in the AFC South.
Potential targets:
1. Myles Jack, UCLA
2. Kentrell Brothers, Missouri
3. Dominique Alexander, Oklahoma
Kansas City Chiefs: Cornerback
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Sean Smith and Marcus Peters were arguably the best cornerback duo in the NFL last season. But Smith is now in Oakland, and the Kansas City Chiefs lack the depth to replace him internally.
Having two dominant cornerbacks was key to the Chiefs' revitalized defense in 2015, and the loss of Smith could have significant effects.
As of right now, they're looking at a battle between Jamell Fleming and Phillip Gaines in training camp.
Potential targets:
1. Eli Apple, Ohio State
2. Mackensie Alexander, Clemson
3. Xavien Howard, Baylor
Los Angeles Rams: Quarterback
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Historically, Los Angeles has struggled to support sports franchises that don't produce on the field—there's just too much else to do in the sunshine of Southern California.
The apparent apathy of the fanbase was a contributing factor to the Rams leaving town in the 1990s.
So can the franchise really expect to return to L.A. and win over new fans with Nick Foles or Case Keenum at quarterback?
The team desperately needs a new face of the franchise and someone for fans to rally around.
Potential targets:
1. Paxton Lynch, Memphis
2. Connor Cook, Michigan State
3. Cardale Jones, Ohio State
Miami Dolphins: Running Back
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After losing Lamar Miller and missing out on free agent Chris Johnson, the Miami Dolphins are stuck without a feature back.
Jay Ajayi is in place for now, but the injury concerns that caused him to fall to the fifth round in the 2015 draft still linger. The Dolphins may not be willing to bet their season on Ajayi's ability to carry the load.
Unless they make a surprise move in the next few weeks, the Dolphins' starting running back will likely emerge from this draft class.
Potential targets:
1. Ezekiel Elliott, Ohio State
2. Paul Perkins, UCLA
3. Devontae Booker, Utah
Minnesota Vikings: Wide Receiver
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The Minnesota Vikings are quietly having one of the most productive offseasons, and they have done so without breaking the bank.
Having already added two potential starters on the offensive line (Alex Boone and Andre Smith) and a weak-side linebacker (Emmanuel Lamur), the team can now focus on upgrading the weapons around Teddy Bridgewater in the draft.
With the Vikings hoping to compete for another division title in 2016, adding an instant-impact receiver will likely be a priority in the early rounds.
Potential targets:
1. Josh Doctson, TCU
2. Michael Thomas, Ohio State
3. Laquon Treadwell, Ole Miss
New England Patriots: Running Back
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Dion Lewis gave the New England Patriots a taste of what he's capable of when healthy in 2015, but unfortunately, he just hasn't been able to stay on the field.
Not only can the Patriots not count on a full season of Lewis, but his primary backup, LeGarrette Blount, is on the free-agent market.
Bill Belichick has proven capable of building an offense without a feature back. However, he continues to spend early-round picks on prospects such as Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley, indicating a preference for having a star in the backfield.
Potential targets:
1. Paul Perkins, UCLA
2. C.J. Prosise, Notre Dame
3. Kenyan Drake, Alabama
New Orleans Saints: Defensive Line
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The New Orleans Saints are in full rebuilding mode on defense, with only a handful of young players guaranteed to hang on to their starting jobs from a season ago.
A rebuilding process should start on the defensive line, where the Saints could use either an edge-rusher to pair with Cameron Jordan or an interior pass-rusher to start next to nose tackle John Jenkins.
Fortunately for the Saints, this draft class is loaded with defensive linemen, and they may even be able to fill both positions on the first two days of the draft.
Potential targets:
1. Sheldon Rankins, Louisville
2. Jarran Reed, Alabama
3. Kenny Clark, UCLA
New York Giants: Running Back
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Rashad Jennings remained reasonably productive for the New York Giants in 2015, but the veteran running back turns 31 in late March.
Andre Williams, Jennings' primary backup, averaged just 2.9 yards per carry last year and doesn't appear to be anything more than a short-yardage option.
Adding a legitimate workhorse, or at least someone who can be productive sharing the load with Jennings, would take an enormous weight off Eli Manning's shoulders.
Potential targets:
1. Ezekiel Elliott, Ohio State
2. Derrick Henry, Alabama
3. Paul Perkins, UCLA
New York Jets: Pass-Rusher
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The New York Jets have needed a pass-rusher for years but somehow manage to come away from each draft empty-handed.
Sheldon Richardson has been productive as their primary pass-rusher, but the Jets could bolster the unit by adding a speed-rusher to pair with Richardson's power.
This isn't a great draft class for pass-rushers, so the Jets will likely need to target the position in the first round to land an impact rookie.
Potential targets:
1. Noah Spence, Eastern Kentucky
2. Leonard Floyd, Georgia
3. Shilique Calhoun, Michigan State
Oakland Raiders: Safety
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For the first time in over a decade, it's difficult to pinpoint a glaring need on the Oakland Raiders roster.
After adding cornerback Sean Smith to the secondary and re-signing left tackle Donald Penn, there isn't an obvious weakness on this roster.
The only spot where the 2016 starter isn't immediately apparent is at Charles Woodson's vacated safety position in the secondary. The Raiders could potentially target someone to replace his coverage skills in that area.
Potential targets
1. Jeremy Cash, Duke
2. Karl Joseph, West Virginia
3. Jalen Mills, LSU
Philadelphia Eagles: Offensive Guard
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The Philadelphia Eagles' sudden drop-off in offensive production in 2015 was blamed on some combination of Chip Kelly, DeMarco Murray and Sam Bradford, but the biggest weakness was the interior offensive line.
Brandon Brooks was signed from Houston to upgrade one guard position, but the running game would benefit from the addition of another starter in the draft.
The front office may also consider drafting an offensive tackle and having him begin his career at guard. He would then shift to right tackle when the team reshuffles the offensive line after 34-year-old Jason Peters retires in the near future.
Potential targets:
1. Cody Whitehair, Kansas State
2. Taylor Decker, Ohio State
3. Jack Conklin, Michigan State
Pittsburgh Steelers: Offensive Line
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The Pittsburgh Steelers have been developing Alejandro Villanueva for the past few seasons, and he found his way into the starting lineup for 10 games last season. But do they trust him continuing to protect Ben Roethlisberger at left tackle now that Kelvin Beachum is gone?
According to Pro Football Focus, Villanueva earned a pass-blocking grade of just 43.8 in 2015 (the average is 50).
Finding an upgrade should be a priority in the draft and could potentially lead to a rare trade up in the first round for Pittsburgh.
Potential targets:
1. Taylor Decker, Ohio State
2. Jack Conklin, Michigan State
3. Jason Spriggs, Indiana
San Diego Chargers: Offensive Line
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The San Diego Chargers haven't done anything to address their offensive line this offseason, but do they really trust King Dunlap and Joe Barksdale to protect Philip Rivers?
Rivers is 34 years old and coming off a season in which he was sacked 40 times—the second-worst total of his career.
As Rivers ages, keeping him on his feet becomes even more critical to the Chargers' success, and it should be something they address early in the draft.
Potential targets:
1. Ronnie Stanley, Notre Dame
2. Cody Whitehair, Kansas State
3. Nick Martin, Notre Dame
San Francisco 49ers: Quarterback
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Colin Kaepernick is still in San Francisco, but it seems he has made it clear he would prefer to be elsewhere by the start of the season.
Even if he doesn't have a new home by draft day, head coach Chip Kelly will likely want to make his mark on the franchise by handpicking his own quarterback of the future.
Kelly has been tough to figure out in terms of his quarterback decisions in the NFL, but based on his offensive scheme, he will likely prefer a quarterback with quick decision-making skills, strong accuracy and above-average mobility.
Potential targets:
1. Jared Goff, California
2. Paxton Lynch, Memphis
3. Dak Prescott, Mississippi State
Seattle Seahawks: Offensive Line
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The Seattle Seahawks offensive line has been decimated the past two offseasons, first by the trade of center Max Unger in 2015 and most recently the departure of free agent left tackle Russell Okung.
With the line in shambles, the team will likely be forced to spend multiple draft picks to rebuild it in April and potentially begin the season with a few rookies in key spots.
No one's job should be considered safe, as Seattle could potentially upgrade any of the five positions on draft day.
Potential targets:
1. Taylor Decker, Ohio State
2. Cody Whitehair, Kansas State
3. Jack Conklin, Michigan State
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Cornerback
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers found a short-term upgrade at cornerback in free agent Brent Grimes, but the 32-year-old offers limited long-term value.
In a division featuring Cam Newton, Drew Brees and Matt Ryan, the Buccaneers cannot afford to suffer through another season with the current depleted secondary.
This should be an area addressed both early in the draft and in the later rounds to improve the overall depth.
Potential targets:
1. Vernon Hargreaves, Florida
2. Eli Apple, Ohio State
3. William Jackson III, Houston
Tennessee Titans: Offensive Line
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The Tennessee Titans offensive line allowed a league-worst 54 sacks in 2015.
For Marcus Mariota to fully develop, his protection must be improved through the draft.
The interior offensive line is the greater issue, but if the Titans are willing to move Taylor Lewan to right tackle, one of the elite left tackles of this draft class could be an option.
Potential targets:
1. Laremy Tunsil, Ole Miss
2. Cody Whitehair, Kansas State
3. Joshua Garnett, Stanford
Washington Redskins: Cornerback
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According to Pro Football Focus, only one of the Washington Redskins' top four cornerbacks (Bashaud Breeland) ranked among the top 80 cornerbacks in 2015.
Fortunately, Breeland is under contract for two more years, but the rest of the Redskins secondary is a mess.
Washington ranked 25th in passing yards allowed in 2015, and that was despite two games against the Cowboys with Matt Cassel and Kellen Moore at quarterback. The division only gets tougher this year with a healthy Tony Romo.
Potential targets:
1. Mackensie Alexander, Clemson
2. Eli Apple, Ohio State
3. William Jackson III, Houston
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