2016 NFL Draft1. Cleveland Browns
Top Need: QB
Depending on if Johnny Manziel plays well and earns the Browns’ trust as the starter, the Browns may take a QB #1 Overall, should they get that spot. Manziel could play great, which would make another position their top target, but as of right now, they desperately need a Quarterback.
Other Needs: WR, Pass Rusher, RB
2. Tennessee Titans
Top Need: RB
I doubt the Titans are going to take a runner #2, which could mean either another need gets taken here, or they trade down later into the first round and take a runner. Either way, the Titans current backfield is not good. Antonio Andrews is the #1 back, with David Cobb as the #2. Cobb looked great in the preseason, but hasn’t translated it to the regular season after his injury. This team desperately needs a good compliment to Marcus Mariota in the backfield.
Other Needs: ILB, OT, S
3. San Diego Chargers
Top Need: OL
The Chargers offensive line is terrible, so they could use talent across the line. The Chargers offense is sputtering because of their line, not the talent they have on offense. Phillip Rivers throwing to Antonio Gates, Stevie Johnson, and a healthy Keenan Allen, while handing it to Melvin Gordon, should be a recipe for success. But injuries and terrible OL play are hindering the offense.
Other Needs: LB, DL, QB (Development)
4. Baltimore Ravens
Top Need: WR
We don’t know how good Breshad Permian is, but either way, the Ravens will need another WR for Joe Flacco to throw to next season. As of right now, his #1 target is Kamar Aiken. And with Steve Smith saying he will retire after this season (which may be delayed another year), there may be no good weapons for Flacco next year. So, the Ravens would be wise to take a WR at the top of the 2016 draft.
Other Needs: S, pass rusher
5. Jacksonville Jaguars
Top Need: CB
The Jags #1 corner is Davon House, who has played well, but not #1 worthy. With Andrew Luck throwing to T.Y. Hilton, whoever throwing to DeAndre Hopkins, and Marcus Mariota throwing to Dorial Green-Beckham next year, a true #1 corner will be needed in Jacksonville. Plus, taking a corner away from other division teams who may need one against them will greatly help this team, who had Blake Bortles throwing to Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns.
Other Needs: S, C, DT
6. Dallas Cowboys
Top Need: QB (Development)
The Cowboys are a team that should have gotten to the playoffs rather easily, but collarbone injuries to Tony Romo and no credible backup QB has halted the Cowboys, proving that they have no plans for life without Romo, which could start in the next couple of years if his injuries pile up. The Cowboys need to start developing a QB, so taking one of the top prospects and giving him a couple of redshirt years, or as much time to learn their offense as they can before being forced into the field, could help the Cowboys once Romo retires.
Other Needs: RB, DT, CB
7. St. Louis Rams
Top Need: QB
The Rams traded away Sam Bradford to grab Nick Foles, and ended up benching him after he proved to be the worst starter in the league this year. A subpar supporting cast isn’t helping the Rams, but its been proven a good QB can at least win game through the air without much help around him. Todd Gurley has really helped Foles this year, but the Rams need a true franchise QB.
Other Needs: WR, CB, C
8. New Orleans Saints
Top Need: CB
The actual talent they have at CB is decent. Brandon Browner is a good corner, but the reason they need a corner most is because Browner is a sponge for pass interference penalties that cost the defense yards. He’s just one part of a historically bad defense that is costing this team games. The Saints’ offense is pretty good still, but how can it not be with Drew Brees at QB. So improving the defense all-round is the #1 priority.
Other Needs: DL, LB, G
9. San Francisco 49ers
Top Need: QB
The 49ers are a team who saw most of their linebackers leave this offseason, and that position is still not their #1 need. This is a team that benched a QB who just a few years ago brought them to the Super Bowl, in favor of one of the biggest busts in recent years. Colin Kaepernick is the personification of just how bad this team is this year. Their winning games with Gabbert at QB, but he is not the long term answer. If the 49ers are looking for continued success, they need a QB.
Other Needs: LB, WR, DL
10. Detroit Lions
Top Need: CB
The Lions need a true #1 cornerback. Darius Slay is not a #1 CB talent, and neither is anyone else on this team. This is a defense that went from one of the best last year to one of the worst this year, and to turn that around, better coverage is needed.
Other Needs: DE, OLB, OL
11. New York Giants
Top Need: Pass Rusher
The Giants defense is in desperate need of someone who can get into the backfield. Whether this comes from a linebacker or a defensive lineman, a handicapped Jason Pierre-Paul, who may not be back next year, is not enough alone to help this team. If the Giants can pressure the opposing QB consistently, then their defense can get off the field, and give their offense more time to score. Its surprising just how much one key player can change the entire team.
Other Needs: RB, S, OT
12. Miami Dolphins
Top Need: CB
Brent Grimes is a great CB, but one corner alone is not enough. Bobby McCain does not help Grimes much, and a rookie corner may be just what Grimes needs opposite him. If the Dolphins can cover two good receiver rather than one, or any Patriot receiver, then this team has a chance to win their division and end the Patriots’ reign at the top.
Other Needs: LB, S
13. Oakland Raiders
Top Need: CB
The Raiders have been a great team this year. However, they are in need of a true corner. In fact, they could probably use two corners in this year’s draft. David Amerson and TJ Carrie are costing the Raiders some games, and upgrading the secondary could push them into being the best team in their division.
Other Needs: TE, DT, G
14. Philadelphia Eagles
Top Need: QB
Sam Bradford played well against the Patriots. Not great, but good. This could be a sign that he is actually the QB the Eagles are looking for. But it could just be an outlier in an otherwise bad season. If Bradford proves to not be the QB for the Eagles, then they need to think about picking up someone this year.
Other Needs: WR, G, OT
15. Chicago Bears
Top Need: Pass Rusher
The Bears could use someone to get into the backfield, much like the Giants. They don’t get to the QB enough, keeping their defense on the field too long, and not letting the Bears Offense have a chance to run the ball and run the clock. If the Bears can get to the QB more, then the entire team will improve.
Other Needs: CB, LT
16. Atlanta Falcons
Top Need: S
The Falcons secondary isn’t much to write home about, with little talent in the unit. This unit is the reason the Falcons have taken the skid they have since starting hot. With an offense led by Matt Ryan, Julio Jones and Devonta Freeman, this is a team that should be winning more games. But the secondary is giving up big plays.
Other Needs: TE, CB, DE
17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Top Need: CB
The Bucs corner’s are doing the same thing the Falcons’ are doing, letting up big plays. This is another team with a great offense (Jameis Winston, Doug Martin, Mike Evans, Vincent Jackson), but the defense is letting up plays. If the defense improves, then the Bucs can be a great team again.
Other Needs: RT, S, RG
18. Houston Texans
Top Need: QB
This team has had a carousel at QB this year. Brian Hoyer, Ryan Mallett and TJ Yates have all started games this year. That hasn’t seemed to matter for DeAndre Hopkins, but it does matter for every other receiver on the team. Consistency is a huge factor in the NFL, especially at QB. The Texans can’t keep consistency at the position week to week, much less year to year. A good rookie QB will help fix that issue.
Other Needs: S, CB, RB
19. Buffalo Bills
Top Need: RT
The Bills’ biggest problem has been protection this year. Tyron Taylor has been far above expectations, LeSean McCoy is the runner this team needed, and Sammy Watkins has been electric when he’s been on the field. The defense could use some upgrades here and there, but this team needs to let Taylor stay in the pocket longer. While he can run, throwing from the pocket is the best thing any QB can do.
Other Needs: WR, LB, S
20. Pittsburgh Steelers
Top Need: CB
The Steelers are a great offense who are winning games because of that. Their defense, while playing well enough to keep them in games, can be good enough to win games for the offense, with points being the icing on the cake. A #1 corner would be a great place to start, as they have to cover A.J. Green in this division. Their lucky that Green is the only true #1 WR they need to cover twice a year, but that could easily change after this draft. So nabbing a top corner is best for the Steelers.
Other Needs: S, G, QB (Development)
21. New York Jets
Top Need: QB
Ryan Fitzpatrick has been great for the Jets this year, but he is an aging journeyman QB who is not the permanent answer at the position. While they may be able to nab him for another year and be able to draft somewhere else, QB will still be a need after next year. Best to grab someone now, even with the Jets taking a project last year.
Other Needs: LB, RT, TE
22. Seattle Seahawks
Top Need: WR
The Seahawks are a team that usually doesn’t have many needs going into the draft, but their biggest need right now is a true playmaking WR. When this team won the Super Bowl, they had Percy Harvin and Golden Tate to throw to. Now, their #1 WR is Doug Baldwin. While this has worked for Russell Wilson, the opposing corners needing to truly take their receivers seriously will help the run game, and will help Jimmy Graham as well.
Other Needs: CB, DT, OT
23. Kansas City Chiefs
Top Need: LT
Eric Fisher is not the LT that will keep Alex Smith upright. While he may play well as a RT, at LT, Alex Smith is exposed. Taking a good LT this late in the first round would be a steal, but would also greatly help the Chiefs, who are still playing well.
Other Needs: RG, DL, WR
24. Minnesota Vikings
Top Need: WR
Teddy Bridgewater has no one to throw to. The Vikings #1 pass threat has been Kyle Rudolph this year. This is a team that could have benefitted greatly from that Cordarrelle Patterson breakout that was supposed to happen last year. Now, their hunting for WR help. Once opposing defenses have to take the pass game seriously, Adrian Peterson can truly break out into the RB he really is. He’s playing like the best runner in the league, but he’s still better than the way he’s playing.
Other Needs: OG, LB, S
25. Washington Redskins
Top Need: C
This is a surprisingly good team this year. Kirk Cousins has improved every week, and is leading the Redskins to the top of the NFC East. Someone who can give him the ball would help though. Center is the biggest need on this team, but could easily become QB again should Cousins hit the free agent market.
Other Needs: WR, CB, RT
26. Indianapolis Colts
Top Need: OT
The Colts should have been Super Bowl contenders this year, but their leading their division at just 6-6. With a battered Andrew Luck, Andre Johnson barely producing, and Frank Gore just now getting to the way he should be, the Colts are lucky they are where they are in their division. However, getting someone who can help protect Andrew Luck should have been the #1 priority last year, and is again this year.
Other Needs: CB, LB, RB
27. Green Bay Packers
Top Need: Pass Rusher
The Packers are a team without many needs that are playing like they have some glaring needs. The Packers get in the backfield, but not consistently. That makes pass rusher their biggest need. The Packers win games because of Aaron Rodgers, but without Jordy Nelson, he has struggled this year, along with Randall Cobb.
Other Needs: TE, DT, LB
28. Arizona Cardinals
Top Need: OLB
This is another team with almost 0 needs. Assuming next year both Carson Palmer and Larry Fitzgerald are still around, then OLB will be their biggest concern. Even if they don’t have Chris Johnson, David Johnson has played very well in his absence. This is a team that is a major Super Bowl contender, and could possibly unseat the Panthers in the NFC Championship game.
Other Needs: C, ILB, DE
29. Cincinnati Bengals
Top Need: S
This is possibly the most complete team in the NFL. Andy Dalton has broken out this year, after being a middle of the road QB his entire career. With the other teams in this division likely upgrading their secondaries throughout the draft, they should do the same. Picking up another big WR will be something they should consider however.
Other Needs: WR, LB, DT
30. Denver Broncos
Top Need: OT
Whoever is at QB for the Broncos next year, they need to keep them upright. Upgrading the offensive line is the place to start for this team. They have all the talent in the world on the offense and defense, so an already good offensive line is the biggest concern here.
Other Needs: G, TE
31. Carolina Panthers
Top Need: LT
The Panthers should not be as good as they are. They are without Kelvin Benjamin for the season, and Cam Newton is throwing to Ted Ginn and Devin Funchess. Because they do have Benjamin, WR is not a need. Cam Newton, while he is comfortable running, needs some better protection. A LT could be a huge help for this team, letting Cam stay in the pocket longer and throw the ball rather than consistently having to use his legs and taking huge hits.
Other Needs: S, DE
No First Round Pick: New England Patriots
Top Need: CB
The Patriots are still a great team, and Super Bowl hero Malcolm Butler has been playing well. However, he is probably best used as a slot corner due to his height, or at best, a #2 corner. Grabbing a true #1 corner will improve this team and help them continue to be successful.
Other Needs: WR, OT