32 NFL teams’ draft needs after first wave of free agency
Free agency isn’t over, but the big fireworks mostly are. We’ve had some big names change teams, and with them some teams filled big holes.
The picture isn’t complete, of course. Colin Kaepernick, Robert Griffin III and Ryan Fitzpatrick can be had for the right price, leaving a bit of a QB carousel to be set into motion. And there remain some quality veteran offensive tackles and defensive backs who could switch teams.
But there’s a far clearer picture of what teams’ biggest needs might be with the April 28 draft quickly approaching. Looking back at Frank Schwab’s pre-free agency team needs, a lot of it remains constant.
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That said, here’s an update to that list, one that also has an eye toward the 2016 NFL draft.
AFC EAST
New England Patriots
Team needs: RB, OT, WR
These were Schwab’s top three going into free agency and, even with a surprising flurry of manuvers, nothing really has changed. Perhaps they could use a bit more defensive line depth, plus another linebacker and a defensive back. But Tom Brady could use another outside receiver (Chris Hogan and Martellus Bennett are nice and all), plus a far more defined run game. Based on the acquisition of Jonathan Cooper, the Patriots could be seeking more athletic linemen, and their starting tackles both are set to hit free agency in 2017.
New York Jets
Team needs: OT, OLB, ILB
Figuring out what the deal is with Ryan Fitzpatrick (or RG3?) is the first order of business. But assuming that’s taken care of, the Jets still need an upgrade at tackle, where D’Brickashaw Ferguson is due to count for more than $14 million against the salary cap and is past his prime years at 32. The defensive line remains strong, but the team has no edge presense. They’ve been working out a spate of linebackers of all molds with an eye on the draft, but veteran help could arrive, too.
Buffalo Bills
Team needs: LB, OLB-DE, OT
Cordy Glenn is back as the franchise left tackle, but right tackle remains a need. And though the team could seek draft help at both receiver and backup quarterback, the front seven is a more damning need right now. The release of Mario Williams has left a hole in the pass rush, but his replacement could play more on two feet as Rex Ryan perhaps switches to more of a 3-4 scheme. Other linebackers to play inside are needed, too.
Miami Dolphins
Team needs: CB, RB, DE
The Dolphins lost Olivier Vernon and Derrick Shelby, offsetting it by signing Mario Williams. But Cam Wake is is 34 coming off an Achilles injury, so another end is needed. Cornerback depth is still a priority, even with the acquisition of Byron Maxwell; losing top corner Brent Grimes doesn’t appear to be a net gain. Miami slid down five slots in the draft in the Maxwell-Kiko Alonso trade, but it’s unclear if Alonso is built to last, making linebacker an issue still. The team also lost running back Lamar Miller, failed to land C.J. Anderson, Chris Johnson and James Starks, and really have only Jay Ajayi in the picture.
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AFC NORTH
Cincinnati Bengals
Team needs: WR, S, LB
There’s little doubt that losing Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu at receiver created a void, although the Bengals could go with a speedier option (perhaps Corey Coleman or Will Fuller) in the draft as a replacement. George Iloka is back at safety, but Reggie Nelson remains a free agent for now, making safety a question. Linebacker and defensive line depth are two other concerns of note.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Team needs: CB, S, LB
The Steelers sniffed around some big-name free agents but did not pull the trigger on any. Their biggest moves were adding left tackle Ryan Harris to replace departed Kelvin Beachum and tight end Lardarius Green to replace retired Heath Miller. They still have concerns about stopping the pass, so it would not be out of the question to see them draft multiple defensive backs. The Steelers also could use a little more depth and punch at linebacker. The defense is not complete.
Baltimore Ravens
Team needs: DE, CB, OLB
Adding Mike Wallace and Benjamin Watson will help the passing game, and Eric Weddle addresses a huge need at safety — especially in light of Will Hill’s release. But with the subsequent move of Ladarius Webb to safety (and the unknown health of Tray Walker, in light of a serious motorcycle accident), cornerback becomes a bigger concern. The lack of a pass rush is also problematic, and it could be addressed in a variety of ways. Another area to watch: the offensive line, after losing Keleche Osemele.
Cleveland Browns
Team needs: QB, WR, OL
You guys know the deal. They need a little of everything. But without a quarterback of any note to project beyond this season, that is the no-questions-asked biggest worry. Luckily, having the second pick in the draft could be a huge way toward solving that. If Josh Gordon returns in good faith (and shape), perhaps receiver is less of a need, but the loss of Travis Benjamin hurts the offense and special teams. The offensive line, once one of the few bedrock units on the team, has been gutted of two starters, Alex Mack and Mitchell Schwartz, and there’s no evidence that Cameron Erving is set to take over at either spot.
AFC SOUTH
Houston Texans
Team needs: WR, DE, OL
Quarterback? Check. Running back? Better. Landing Brock Osweiler and Lamar Miller has helped. Losing starters at center and guard opened up two spots on the offensive line, so those are positions to watch. But the offense is starting to come together. Another receiver or two (depending on what the team thinks of Jaelen Strong and Keith Mumphery) could help it get to another level. J.J. Watt could use a bookend 5-technique to help that front seven.
Indianapolis Colts
Team needs: OL, OLB, DL
The Colts have shed some dead weight but still have issues with depth and talent on the offensive line and front seven. Things are not as dire as some would make it seem, but they could use another interior blocking (guard or center) and a tackle, a run-stopping defensive lineman who can take up multiple gaps and an edge rusher to make up for the team’s lack of juice on the outside. But of course, protecting Andrew Luck is issue No. 1.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Team needs: DE, OL, LB
Signing Malik Jackson and the healthy return of 2015 first-round pick Dante Fowler should boost the pass rush, but right now the edge rushers outside Fowler are Ryan Davis, Dan Skuta and Chris Smith. On offense, most of the skill positions are set, and they should be better at tackle and tight end, but the interior of the O-line could use some sprucing and upgrading. This team is coming together but still a draft class or two away from being close to complete.
Tennessee Titans
Team needs: OT, CB, S
They’ve made a few second-tier moves that should help, such as signing Ben Jones and Richard Matthews and trading for DeMarco Murray. But a lot of work looms. Another starting offensive tackle is needed, along with major secondary help — a cornerback and a safety. The Titans also need another defensive lineman to help alongside Jurrell Casey, who is the only real difference maker.
AFC WEST
Denver Broncos
Team needs: QB, DL, LB
Peyton Manning is retired, and Osweiler signed with the Texans — have you heard? Mark Sanchez is not the answer, and neither is Trevor Siemien, and general manager John Elway knows that. Give him time, and the Broncos will find their starting quarterback. They could add a veteran and a draft pick, in fact. The offensive line is in better shape with the addition of Russell Okung, but more depth could be sought. Still, the area other than quarterback that saw the most attrition was on the front seven. Both a replacement for Jackson and more inside linebacker help are needed.
Kansas City Chiefs
Team needs: CB, WR, LB
Sean Smith left to the rival Raiders via free agency, leaving a hole even though the team drafted two corners a year ago. Jeremy Maclin remains the lone true difference maker at receiver (until Chris Conley develops), so another playmaker could be on their menu. The front seven needs some depth, and don’t be surprised if they take a quarterback fairly early in the draft, too.
Oakland Raiders
Team needs: DB, ILB, RB
The retirement of Charles Woodson makes safety a big issue, but cornerback could use some help, too, even with Smith on board. The team can upgrade at linebacker, even with Bruce Irvin added to the mix, and it could come as Curtis Lofton’s replacement in the middle or as an upgrade to Malcolm Smith or Ben Heeney on the weak side. The Raiders do not act like a team that is satisfied with Latavius Murray as their starter, and the No. 2 options were unsatisfactory last season.
San Diego Chargers
Team needs: S, OL, DL
Replacing Weddle at safety is a big worry, as Dwight Lowery can’t be expected to match that level of performance. The Chargers also could seek out more corner depth. But the biggest concerns appear to be along both lines, with finding more offensive line talent (especially at tackle) and impact defensive linemen crucial elements on their to-do list.
NFC EAST
Washington Redskins
Team needs: DT, C, CB
Nose tackle was an issue last season as their veteran options did not fill the bill. They also could use another 3-4 end to pair with overachiever Chris Baker. Finding a center to snap the ball to Kirk Cousins is a big deal, too. General manager Scot McClough is expected to keep building through the trenches outward, just as he did in San Francisco and Seattle previously. The secondary, as it has been for some time, looms as a worry. Depth at tailback and receiver also are areas to watch.
Philadelphia Eagles
Team needs: OT, LB, RB
The de-Chip-ifying process is headlong, as the team seeks to change its identity. The Eagles removed unwanted veteran salaries and poor fits and added draft ammo. They appear poised to switch back to more of the 4-3 fronts that defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz traditionally employed. Tackle is more of an issue than guard because longtime left tackle Jason Peters is 34 and could be out of the picture if Philly lands the right replacement. And it would not be a surprise if the Eagles invest heavily in a new running back after adding Murray, who is now a Titan, and Ryan Mathews, who could be moved.
New York Giants
Team needs: S, WR, OT
Defense remains an issue, even with all the spending the Giants did to help all three levels. A safety, especially one who can handle deep-halves coverage, would be nice, as would linebacker help. The Giants also need to protect Odell Beckham in case Victor Cruz is not fully healthy, as it appears that Rueben Randle might not be cut out for that role. The Giants have drafted two players they projected to be tackles in Ereck Flowers and Justin Pugh but likely will seek to add more OL help.
Dallas Cowboys
Team needs: Backup QB, CB, RB
Jerry Jones might not use the fourth pick in the draft on Tony Romo’s eventual replacement, but the Cowboys for too long have overlooked drafting a true developmental QB. Given Romo’s recent injury history, including multple surgeries on his back and collarbone in recent years, the need is increased even more. Cornerback is an area in need of overhaul, and the team could use more talent at running back and on the defensive line, too.
NFC NORTH
Minnesota Vikings
Team needs: WR, OL, P
The VIkings signed Alex Boone and Andre Smith up front but likely will look to add another offensive lineman. But Teddy Bridgewater needs more than blocking; he also could use a big receiver who can win 50-50 balls, and any vertical speed would be nice too. The Vikings could use safety help opposite Harrison Smith, but the punter spot might be the bigger need as Jeff Locke has struggled and failed to improve markedly.
Green Bay Packers
Team needs: ILB, TE, RB
With Clay Matthews appearing to shift back outside more, the Packers need some help at inside linebacker where they have some middling options but no true impact players. They’ve looked into getting Aaron Rodgers some veteran help at tight end, such as Jared Cook, but have yet to do anything there. Starks and Eddie Lacy return at tailback, but depth — and perhaps a speedier option in the passing game — could help. Finding a swing offensive tackle also appears to be a need, and the team has had success on Day 3 of the draft finding a quality blocker. The issue always has been health and depth.
Detroit Lions
Team needs: OT, DT, LB
The retirement of Calvin Johnson won’t be completely offset by the signing of Marvin Jones, but it pushes the need down a bit. Matthew Stafford’s biggest concern likely is his offensive line, which didn’t protect him very well last season. The Lions appear to be mining through veteran tackle options there. But they also have issues on the other side of the trenches, with defensive tackle a continued worry after they failed to land Akiem Hicks in free agency. This is a deeper draft for inside linebacker talent, so the Lions could find a tone setter on Day 2 of the draft to fill that void.
Chicago Bears
Team needs: OLB, OT, CB
Hicks helps the defensive line, so the focus shifts outside where the Bears could use a great edge bender to heat up quarterbacks and pair opposite Pernell McPhee. They addressed the inside linebacker spot by signing Danny Trevathan and Jerrell Freeman, which is an upgrade, but they still need help on the back end. And Bobby Massie will help at offensive tackle, but one more starter is needed there. Finding Jay Cutler’s eventual replacement? Oh yeah, that too.
NFC SOUTH
Carolina Panthers
Team needs: OT, WR, DE
Michael Oher and Mike Remmers are not long-term solutions, as the Super Bowl showed us, and Daryl Williams is no guarantee to develop at either tackle spot. The return of Kelvin Benjamin at receiver helps, but they could use a great slot receiver to help move the chains and avoid third-and-longs. Another edge rusher on defense could be key, too, and running back Jonathan Stewart abides for now, but the Panthers know he’s not going to last forever.
Atlanta Falcons
Team needs: DE, TE, S
Vic Beasley should be good on one side, but the Falcons need a bookend rusher to help him out. Matt Ryan has Julio Jones at receiver, and Mohamed Sanu is a solid complement, but a seam-stretching tight end could do wonders. Safety is currently in the hands of recent Day 3 draft picks Ricardo Allen and Kemal Ishmael after the release of William Moore.
New Orleans Saints
Team needs: DE, DT, OG
The Saints need defensive help and could in theory use the 12th pick in the draft on the highest-rated defender on the board, but the focus should be up front. A stronger pass rush and more toughness against the run should alleviate the issues in the secondary to a certain degree (not that it doesn’t need help, too). The Saints strangely let Benjamin Watson walk and spent fairly big money on Coby Fleener at tight end. Other areas, such as offensive guard, also remain concerns.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Team needs: CB, OL, DE
Tampa Bay needs help at cornerback and defensive end, even with the additions of Grimes and Robert Ayers, respectively. The safety spot also looms as one that could stand an upgrade. The Bucs have tried to upgrade the offensive line, but more is needed, such as at right tackle, where Gosder Cherilus is passable at best. Depth at receiver also is a concern.
NFC WEST
Arizona Cardinals
Team needs: OLB, backup QB, CB
They’ve landed a pass rusher in Chandler Jones, trading a second-rounder to help get him, but Jones is entering the final year of his deal and no guarantee yet to return. The Cardinals will want to add another cornerback, and perhaps an inside linebacker, but that defense looks to be in solid shape. Tight end could stand to use a little help, as could the offensive line (even with Evan Mathis signing a one-year deal), but a developmental QB behind Carson Palmer appears quite necessary.
Seattle Seahawks
Team needs: OL, DT, CB
The offensive line needs help at multiple spots, but left tackle and center are the biggest immediate worries. The defensive line — once the deepest unit in the NFL — has been hit by departures. The Seahawks also have been hit a little in the secondary, as they’ll continue to seek long, tough corners. Thomas Rawls appears to be the first option to replace Marshawn Lynch, but more running back help is needed.
Los Angeles Rams
Team needs: QB, WR, DB
Case Keenum is penciled in as the starter. Contain your excitement, Los Angeles! Nick Foles’ contract prevents him from being moved, but he’s not really in the picture anymore, at least not as a long-term option. They must find a quarterback they can groom to be the future starter. The Rams have used a lot of resources on receivers but still lack a difference maker outside the numbers. Janoris Jenkins and Rodney Stewart are gone, leaving a so-so secondary even more thin.
San Francisco 49ers
Team needs: QB, OL, WR
What’s up with Colin Kaepernick? Even if the team says it wants him there, the signs point toward Chip Kelly finding his own guy to groom at the position. (Sorry, Blaine Gabbert.) Both lines of scrimmage need upgrading, but the need appears biggest on the offenive line with issues at both tackle and guard. Kelly likes big, physical receivers with long wingspans to run his system, and the 49ers are short of those, even if they re-sign 36-year-old Anquan Boldin.
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Eric Edholm is a writer for Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Eric_Edholm
