Yardbarker
x
Biggest needs in the draft for every NFL team
Kelvin Kuo/USA Today Sports Images

Biggest needs in the draft for every NFL team for the 2017 season

The NFL Draft is only one week away and while clubs are still making roster moves, each team's needs for the draft are becoming clear. From cornerbacks in Arizona to running backs in Washington, let's break down what all 32 teams need for the 2017 season. 

 
1 of 32

Arizona Cardinals: Cornerback, Quarterback, Wide Receiver

Arizona Cardinals: Cornerback, Quarterback, Wide Receiver
Kelvin Kuo/USA Today Sports Images

The Cardinals struggled to find corners behind Patrick Peterson last season. They're also searching for a long-term quarterback, with Carson Palmer approaching the end. Wide receiver is a concern only if John Brown doesn't return healthy from his sickle cell issues.

 
2 of 32

Atlanta Falcons: Linebacker, Wide Receiver, Defensive Line Depth

Atlanta Falcons: Linebacker, Wide Receiver, Defensive Line Depth
Ron Chenoy/USA Today Sports Images

Vic Beasley emerged as an elite pass rusher last season, but the Falcons could still use more strength at the second level of the defense. Mohamed Sanu still hasn't answered the call as a true No. 2 wideout despite his paycheck. The Falcons signed Dontari Poe to big money this offseason, but could still use more defensive line help.

 
3 of 32

Baltimore Ravens: Pass rusher, Wide Receiver, Running Back, Safety

Baltimore Ravens: Pass rusher, Wide Receiver, Running Back, Safety
Stew Milne/USA Today Sports Images

The needs are many for a team that barely missed the playoffs last year. Terrell Suggs could be going into his last year, so the Ravens desperately need a replacement. After losing Steve Smith Sr., the Ravens really need to address wide receiver, unless they're convinced that Breshad Perriman is the answer. They could use a bell cow back not named Terrance West and more secondary depth.

 
4 of 32

Buffalo Bills: Wide Receiver, Quarterback, Cornerback, Linebacker

Buffalo Bills: Wide Receiver, Quarterback, Cornerback, Linebacker
Timothy T. Ludwig/USA Today Sports Images

The Bills are lacking wide receiver depth, and probably shouldn't count on Sammy Watkins to stay healthy. They've been eyeing a quarterback in the first round, still apparently not sold on Tyrod Taylor long-term. The loss of Stephon Gilmore in free agency was huge, and the team could also use more linebacker depth despite the arrival of 2016 second-round pick Reggie Ragland.

 
5 of 32

Carolina Panthers: Running Back, Offensive Line, Wide Receiver, Secondary

Carolina Panthers: Running Back, Offensive Line, Wide Receiver, Secondary
Jeremy Brevard/USA Today Sports Images

The Panthers are very likely to take a running back with their first-round pick, pairing him with veteran Jonathan Stewart. Devin Funchess hasn't developed as hoped, so a wide receiver is also a possibility. Cam Newton's shoulder surgery is indicative of the offensive line's struggles last season. They also need to add secondary depth after struggling last season.

 
6 of 32

Chicago Bears: Defensive End, Inside Linebacker, Secondary

Chicago Bears: Defensive End, Inside Linebacker, Secondary
Glenn Andrews/USA Today Sports Images

Finding a premium pass rusher will be a priority for the Bears. Danny Trevathan's serious knee injury also casts doubt on his future, meaning inside linebacker is a possibility later on. The fact the team is settling on Marcus Cooper as their No. 2 cornerback isn't a great sign, and they could also use help at safety.

 
7 of 32

Cincinnati Bengals: Offensive Line, Running Back, Wide Receiver, Cornerback

Cincinnati Bengals: Offensive Line, Running Back, Wide Receiver, Cornerback
Aaron Doster/USA Today Sports Images

Losing two starting offensive linemen in free agency is a big problem for Cincinnati. They haven't been happy about Jeremy Hill's development, and could add a power back to challenge him. Brandon LaFell and Tyler Boyd were okay as No. 2 wideouts last season, but the team can do better. Cornerback is one of the older spots on the team, with Adam Jones in the twilight of his career.

 
8 of 32

Cleveland Browns: Quarterback, Offensive Line, Defense

Cleveland Browns: Quarterback, Offensive Line, Defense
Glenn Andrews/USA Today Sports Images

Where do we start? Cleveland basically did a tear down of their roster last offseason, and are still without a viable long-term quarterback, offensive line, or much defensive talent.

 
9 of 32

Dallas Cowboys: Cornerback, Safety, Pass Rusher

Dallas Cowboys: Cornerback, Safety, Pass Rusher
Brace Hemmelgarn/USA Today Sports Images

Dallas had big offseason losses of Brandon Carr and Barry Church in the secondary, which they're likely to address early in the draft. The team is always in search of elite pass rushers, which they could could use now.

 
10 of 32

Denver Broncos: Offensive Tackle, Linebacker, Running Back

Denver Broncos: Offensive Tackle, Linebacker, Running Back
Isaiah J. Downing/USA Today Sports Images

The Broncos are pretty clearly going to use their first-round pick on an offensive tackle, and they could actually use two new starters. Elsewhere, more linebacker and running back depth would be helpful. The team was exposed when C.J. Anderson was injured last season.

 
11 of 32

Detroit Lions: Pass Rusher, Running Back, Linebacker

Detroit Lions: Pass Rusher, Running Back, Linebacker
Tim Fuller / USA Today Sports Images

The Lions had trouble getting to the quarterback with Ziggy Ansah playing through injury last season. They also had issues at running back, with injuries to Ameer Abdullah and Theo Riddick. It remains to be seen if their long-term answer at the position is on the team. Some new blood at linebacker could also help.

 
12 of 32

Green Bay Packers: Cornerback, Offensive Guard, Pass Rusher

Green Bay Packers: Cornerback, Offensive Guard, Pass Rusher
Kim Klement/USA Today Sports Images

With injuries and personnel losses, Green Bay was continuously exposed in their secondary last season. After losing T.J. Lang, guard is also an important spot to fill. Clay Matthews isn't the played he once was, and while Nick Perry has emerged, another pass rusher could be useful.

 
13 of 32

Houston Texans: Quarterback, Offensive Line, Cornerback

Houston Texans: Quarterback, Offensive Line, Cornerback
Troy Taormina/USA Today Sports Images

Houston's quarterback situation sticks out, with the team relying on Tom Savage at this time. Of course, they also need to address right tackle, and the loss of A.J. Bouye at cornerback.

 
14 of 32

Indianapolis Colts: Offensive Line, Running Back, Pass Rusher

Indianapolis Colts: Offensive Line, Running Back, Pass Rusher
Brace Hemmelgarn/USA Today Sports Images

New Colts GM Chris Ballard has his work cut out for him, with several areas of need surrounding Andrew Luck. Frank Gore is getting long in the tooth at running back, and the offensive line also needs to be vastly improved to keep Luck upright. The team has also struggled finding pass rushers, though Jabaal Sheard was signed to help.

 
15 of 32

Jacksonville Jaguars: Safety, Defensive Line, Quarterback, Offensive Line

Jacksonville Jaguars: Safety, Defensive Line, Quarterback, Offensive Line
Brian Spurlock/USA Today Sports Images

The Jaguars were busy in free agency, but could add a rookie to their additions of Barry Church and A.J. Bouye in the secondary. The defensive line could also use more depth. Adding a young quarterback to challenge Blake Bortes and be a long-term fallback should be on the table, as should adding more offensive line depth.

 
16 of 32

Kansas City Chiefs: Running Back, Cornerback, Inside Linebacker, Quarterback

Kansas City Chiefs: Running Back, Cornerback, Inside Linebacker, Quarterback
Dale Zanine/USA Today Sports Images

Chiefs fans would love to have a long-term quarterback with Alex Smith aging, but it remains to be seen if the organization will find someone they like. They definitely need a running back to pair with Spencer Ware, and a top corner alongside Marcus Peters would also be helpful. Derrick Johnson claims he will be ready for training camp, but that's an optimistic timetable after tearing his Achilles late last season. Finding a long-term replacement for the 34-year-old would be smart.

 
17 of 32

Los Angeles Chargers: Wide Receiver, Inside Linebacker, Quarterback

Los Angeles Chargers: Wide Receiver, Inside Linebacker, Quarterback
Orlando Jorge Ramirez/USA Today Sports Images

The Chargers are hopeful Keenan Allen returns healthy, but after two injury-plagued seasons, he can't be relied on. They need more depth at linebacker, and the talk of a long-term quarterback behind Philip Rivers has been mounting.

 
18 of 32

Los Angeles Rams: Wide Receiver, Tight End, Safety

Los Angeles Rams: Wide Receiver, Tight End, Safety
Kirby Lee/USA Today Sports Images

The Rams have plenty of needs but limited draft choices after trading up for Jared Goff last season. They're particularly empty at safety, but could also use receiver help for Goff after Kenny Britt and Brian Quick walked in free agency.

 
19 of 32

Miami Dolphins: Cornerback, Linebacker, Tight End,

Miami Dolphins: Cornerback, Linebacker, Tight End,
David Butler II/USA Today Sports Images

Defense will likely be the priority for a team that lacks depth behind the defensive line. The Dolphins have also been connected to tight ends, despite acquiring Julius Thomas.

 
20 of 32

Minnesota Vikings: Defensive Tackle, Linebacker, Offensive Line Depth

Minnesota Vikings: Defensive Tackle, Linebacker, Offensive Line Depth
Bruce Kluckhohn/USA Today Sports Images

Sharrif Floyd's unfortunate injury setback leaves a void at defensive tackle. The team also hasn't gotten great recent play out of their linebackers, particularly Anthony Barr. The interior offensive line could also use some help. Minnesota lacks a first-round pick after trading it to acquire Sam Bradford last season.

 
21 of 32

New England Patriots: Pass Rusher, Linebacker, Offensive Line Depth

New England Patriots: Pass Rusher, Linebacker, Offensive Line Depth
Bob DeChiara/USA Today Sports Images

What do you give the man who has everything? The Patriots have had a great offseason, adding blue chip talent at several spots. They could use help on defense after losing Chris Long and Jabaal Sheard. The offensive line could also use more depth. The Patriots are without a first-round pick after trading it to the Saints for Brandin Cooks.

 
22 of 32

New Orleans Saints: Wide Receiver, Pass Rusher, Cornerback

New Orleans Saints: Wide Receiver, Pass Rusher, Cornerback
Chuck Cook/USA Today Sports Images

After trading Brandin Cooks, the Saints could use another wideout. As usual, they desperately need help on defense. They've been in search of a top cornerback for years, and also still need some help for Cameron Jordan rushing the passer.

 
23 of 32

New York Giants: Running Back, Right Tackle, Tight End

New York Giants: Running Back, Right Tackle, Tight End
Brad Penner/USA Today Sports Images

After fixing the defense last season, the pendulum swings back to the offense. The Giants still haven't found an answer at running back, and their offensive line was exposed at times last season. They also could choose from a nice selection of pass-catching tight ends in the early rounds.

 
24 of 32

New York Jets: Quarterback, Cornerback, Running Back

New York Jets: Quarterback, Cornerback, Running Back
Kevin Hoffman/USA Today Sports Images

Josh McCown obviously isn't the long-term answer at quarterback for the Jets, and probably not even the answer in 2017 given how difficult it's been for him to stay on the field. The Jets shouldn't be comfortable going into the year with Morris Claiborne as their top cornerback. Matt Forte and Bilal Powell didn't have great 2016 seasons, so getting younger at running back could be a priority.

 
25 of 32

Oakland Raiders: Defensive Line, Inside Linebacker, Wide Receiver, Running Back

Oakland Raiders: Defensive Line, Inside Linebacker, Wide Receiver, Running Back
Matthew Emmons/USA Today Sports Images

The Raiders have struggled to get any pass rush other than Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin, so getting new blood on the defensive line will be important. Inside linebacker was also a liability last season. Adding Marshawn Lynch is far from a done deal, so running back could also be a need. Behind Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree, the team is weak at wideout.

 
26 of 32

Philadelphia Eagles: Cornerback, Running Back, Linebacker

Philadelphia Eagles: Cornerback, Running Back, Linebacker
Bill Streicher/USA Today Sports Images

The Eagles secondary was exposed often last season, so they're likely to use an early-round pick at corner. Finding a bell cow running back is also a high priority. Following those two needs, linebacker will be a spot worth addressing.

 
27 of 32

Pittsburgh Steelers: Pass Rusher, Tight End, Wide Receiver

Pittsburgh Steelers: Pass Rusher, Tight End, Wide Receiver
Jay Biggerstaff/ USA Today Sports Images

Finding a young pass rusher should be a top priority for Pittsburgh, as they're lacking a threat beyond the aged James Harrison. Ben Roethlisberger was rumored to be pushing for a tight end, which could say a lot about Ladarius Green's issues with concussions. Wide receiver is also on shaky ground if Martavis Bryant isn't reinstated.

 
28 of 32

San Francisco 49ers: Defensive Line, Secondary, Quarterback

San Francisco 49ers: Defensive Line, Secondary, Quarterback
Kelley L. Cox/USA Today Sports Images

The 49ers had the worst defense in the NFL last year, and really need to revamp the entire unit. Despite adding Brian Hoyer and Matt Barkley, finding a developmental project for new head coach Kyle Shanahan at quarterback will also be high on the list of needs.

 
29 of 32

Seattle Seahawks: Offensive Line, Wide Receiver, Cornerback

Seattle Seahawks: Offensive Line, Wide Receiver, Cornerback
Dale Zanine/USA Today Sports Images

Protecting Russell Wilson should be the top priority after he's been pounded the last two seasons. Finding another weapon at wideout is also on the list, even after Paul Richardson's late-season emergence. Will anything come of the Richard Sherman trade rumors? If so, the Seahawks will need a new starting cornerback.

 
30 of 32

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Center, Defensive End, Tight End

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Center, Defensive End, Tight End
Chuck Cook/USA Today Sports Images

Joe Hawley is still around at center, but the Bucs can improve. Defensive end could also be a place to add long-term depth with Robert Ayers aging. Cameron Brate has been adequate at tight end, but adding a more athletic player is a possibility.

 
31 of 32

Tennessee Titans: Cornerback, Wide Receiver, Linebacker

Tennessee Titans: Cornerback, Wide Receiver, Linebacker
Reinhold Matay/USA Today Sports Images

Cornerback and wide receiver are overwhelming needs for the Titans, who are looking for a No. 2 corner behind Logan Ryan and a speed threat for Marcus Mariota. The team also needs more depth at linebacker.

 
32 of 32

Washington Redskins: Defensive Line, Running Back, Secondary

Washington Redskins: Defensive Line, Running Back, Secondary
Patrick Gorski/USA Today Sports Images

Washington has struggled to make major strides on defense, and are lacking much talent on the defensive line. They've also struggled to find an answer at running back, with Matt Jones falling out of favor and Robert Kelley not really turning heads in his rookie season. The secondary also needs help beyond Josh Norman.

Seth Trachtman is a fantasy sports expert and diehard Kansas City Chiefs fan. He doesn't often Tweet, but when he does, you can find him on Twitter @sethroto.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

+

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.