Top team needs for all 32 franchises ahead of 2022 NFL Draft

NFL Draft day is upon us, which means draft boards are (mostly) set as teams ready themselves to call in their picks.

Unlike the past few cohorts, this year’s draft class is lacking depth and a true top prospect at the quarterback position, bringing added intrigue to the top half of the draft and putting the spotlight on players who do their best work in the trenches. It’s likely we’ll see an early run on edge rushers and offensive linemen – but even at those positions, there’s no clear consensus as to who will be selected before his peers.

Round 1 of the draft kicks off Thursday night in Vegas at 8 p.m. ET, with Rounds 2 and 3 beginning at 7 p.m. ET Friday and Rounds 4 through 7 wrapping things up Saturday starting at noon ET.

Two teams have two top-10 picks – the New York Jets and New York Giants – while the Houston Texans are in similar position with two in the top 13. The Lions, Eagles, Saints, Packers, and Chiefs round out the rest of the field of teams that have two first-round picks.

That leaves eight clubs without a first-rounder this year: Chicago, Denver, Cleveland, Miami, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, San Francisco, and the L.A. Rams.

As we anticipate the action, we’re taking a little tour around the league to highlight each team’s biggest draft need. Teams are grouped by division, with their top draft position listed.

AFC NORTH

Baltimore Ravens | Picking 14th overall

Biggest draft need: Edge

The Ravens thought they’d solved their questions at the pass-rush when Za’Darius Smith was set to sign in free agency, but the former Packer backed out and headed to Minnesota instead, putting the position back to the top of Baltimore’s draft plan. (ES)

Pittsburgh Steelers | Picking 20th overall

Biggest draft need: Quarterback

The Big Ben era is in the books, and GM Kevin Colbert’s next decision at the position could be the difference between a one-year reset and a larger offensive overhaul. Pittsburgh has been linked to both Kenny Pickett out of nearby University of Pittsburgh and Liberty’s Malik Willis. The signing of Mitch Trubisky to a two-year deal could buy a rookie some time to develop.

The defence is set, minus one key position – Colbert publicly stated recently that he feels he’s got every starting position filled save a strong safety. So, it’s possible he addresses that need first, should he choose to wait to solve his QB situation. (ES)

Cincinnati Bengals | Picking 31st overall

Biggest draft need: Cornerback

Bengals brass (mercifully! finally!) addressed their offensive line with some smart moves when free agency opened, so the focus now turns to defence. Last year’s squad improved remarkably as the season went on, but reinforcements are needed – particularly in the secondary, where a rookie could suit up right away. (ES)

Cleveland Browns | Picking 44th overall (no first-round pick)

Biggest draft need: Defensive end

Myles Garrett is a game-changer, but he could use a little help. The Browns traded for New England’s Chase Winovich earlier this month, but with so much turnover along the defensive line some fresh young talent would go a long way. (ES)

AFC SOUTH

Indianapolis Colts | Picking 42nd overall (no first-round pick)

Biggest draft need: Wide receiver

The Colts should focus on the passing game on both sides of the ball, so targeting a corner is also a priority but they might be in a decent spot to have a quality pass catcher fall to them in the second round. The more weapons for new starter Matt Ryan the better. (MJ)

Tennessee Titans| Picking 26th overall

Biggest draft need: Slot receiver

Robert Woods is replacing Julio Jones and joining A.J. Brown primarily out wide, so Ryan Tannehill could benefit from one of the slot receivers projected to go late in the first. It would add another layer to an offence that also has Derick Henry at RB. (MJ)

Jacksonville Jaguars| Picking 1st overall

Biggest draft need: Edge

The Jags could use help pretty much everywhere and they’re guaranteed to get the edge rusher of their choice with the top pick Thursday. A shift in momentum draft week now sees Georgia Bulldogs standout Travon Walker as Jacksonville’s projected selection instead of Michigan's Aiden Hutchinson. (MJ)

Houston Texans | Picking 3rd and 13th overall (via CLE)

Biggest draft need: Cornerback

Houston will have their pick of offensive lineman in the No. 3 spot if they so desire but securing a bona fide shutdown corner is a great way to speed up a rebuild. (MJ)

AFC EAST

Buffalo Bills | Picking 25th overall

Biggest draft need: Cornerback

Buffalo has already improved its defence with the addition of Von Miller and others and as tempting as it might be to give Josh Allen a shiny new toy on offence it would behoove the Bills to supplement the secondary. (MJ)

New England Patriots | Picking 21st overall

Biggest draft need: Cornerback

The Pats have a hole at corner with J.C. Jackson gone. Bill Belichick frequently trades back during drafts, so don’t be surprised if we see it again. (MJ)

Miami Dolphins | Picking 102nd overall (no first- or second-round picks)

Biggest draft need: Linebacker

Dolphins GM Chris Grier has had a productive off-season by adding Tyreek Hill and Terron Armstead – no excuses for Tua & Co. this season – so the few picks they have could be used for defence. Miami’s ideal situation is they find a diamond in the rough because they’ll also have a tough time trading up. (MJ)

New York Jets | Picking 4th and 10th overall (via SEA)

Biggest draft need: Wide receiver

The Jets are situated better than perhaps every other team in the draft this year. They’ll likely address their need for a pass rusher with their first pick and can swing around to snag a top WR for Zach Wilson with their second. (MJ)

AFC WEST

Los Angeles Chargers | Picking 17th overall

Biggest draft need: O-line

Gifting Justin Herbert another receiver would certainly be fun, but bringing in some more help on the offensive line to complement the strong core featuring Rashawn Slater and Corey Linsley would be even better. (ES)

Kansas City Chiefs | Picking 29th (via MIA originally from SF) and 30th overall

Biggest draft need: Wide receiver

How do you replace Tyreek hill? A better question: Can you replace him? The Chiefs need to try. (ES)

Denver Broncos | Picking 64th overall (via LAR) (no first-round pick)

Biggest draft need: Linebacker

Denver’s got a brand new offence after pulling off a blockbuster trade for Russell Wilson. Now, it’s time to bring in a new star on defence after last winter’s departure of longtime Bronco Von Miller. (ES)

Las Vegas Raiders | Picking 86th overall (no first- or second-round pick)

Biggest draft need: O-line

Without a pick in the first two rounds, it’s most likely best-player-on-the-board protocol in Vegas. A victory for the host franchise comes in the form of some strong offensive linemen to help the Raiders build some stability on the field after last season’s roller-coaster ride. (ES)

NFC NORTH

Detroit Lions | Picking 2nd and 32nd overall (via LAR)

Biggest draft need: Edge rusher

The Lions have an obvious need at quarterback, of course, and in another year that would probably be a slam-dunk at No. 2 overall. Any QB taken would be coming into a pretty good situation considering the solid offensive line that’s been built up there. But in this draft class, with this draft position, and on that defence, an edge rusher is most likely the way to go. (Might there be a QB available at 32? Interesting.) (ES)

Minnesota Vikings | Picking 12th overall

Biggest draft need: Cornerback

Minnesota has pieced together a decent situation at cornerback, but bringing in a young star on defence would go a long way in establishing some sustainable success that side of the ball under the new leadership of GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and coach Kevin O’Connell. (ES)

Green Bay Packers | Picking 22nd (via LV) and 28th overall

Biggest draft need: *shouts from the rooftops* WIDE RECEIVER

This is not complicated: get Aaron Rodgers a receiver. And why stop there? Get him two! Green Bay has yet to draft a wide receiver in the first round during the Rodgers era (the last time they did, they took Javon Walker in 2002) but this is a trend that needs to end in 2022. They’re deep into win-now mode, just re-signed their MVP-calibre QB, and traded away Rodgers’ top target in Davante Adams. Drafting a young receiver or two to try to fill that void is a no-brainer. (ES)

Chicago Bears | Picking 39th overall (no first-round pick)

Biggest draft need: Wide receiver

The Bears need last year’s first-round pick, Justin Fields, to be the solution to their long-standing problems at the QB position and the only way to do that is to give him some support. The one-year signings of ex-Chief Byron Pringle and Equanimeous St. Brown slightly eased the immediate void left by the departure of Allen Robinson, but those aren’t long-term solutions. This is considered a pretty talented draft class when it comes to the WR position, but with Chicago waiting until the middle of the second round to dial their first draft call, will there be one available for the taking? (ES)

NFC SOUTH

Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Picking 27th overall

Biggest draft need: Guard

The Bucs lost two quality guards in Alex Cappa and Ali Marpet. They traded for Tom Brady’s old Patriots teammate Shaq Mason earlier this year and could look to add another interior o-lineman. (MJ)

New Orleans Saints | Picking 16th (via IND) and 19th overall (via PHI)

Biggest draft need: Tackle

This passing attack could look quite different next season with Michael Thomas coming back and it wouldn’t be all that surprising if the Saints used one of their first two picks to add another WR. Replacing veteran OL Terron Armstead is also a priority that can and likely will be addressed. (MJ)

Atlanta Falcons | Picking 8th overall

Biggest draft need: Edge

Would Atlanta GM Terry Fontenot reach on Malik Willis one year after the team passed on Justin Fields? The Falcons need a long-term solution at QB but this might not be the year to find it. They are, however, in a prime position to add whoever they think is the best WR in a deep class, or they can add a quality pass rusher, which is one of the many things they desire. (MJ)

Carolina Panthers | Picking 6th overall

Biggest draft need: Quarterback

The Panthers are in quite the pickle after missing out on Deshaun Watson. The team reportedly likes Kenny Pickett but based on scouting reports from the 2022 draft class, no quarterback this year is worth taking in the top 10. Carolina doesn’t pick again until the fourth round so trading out of the sixth spot while still landing one of the top QB prospects would be ideal. (MJ)

NFC EAST

Dallas Cowboys | Picking 24th overall

Biggest draft need: Wide receiver

Dallas should look to improve the offensive line this draft and the team also needs to replace Amari Cooper. There should be a run on WRs in the middle of the first round and the Cowboys will be interested. (MJ)

Philadelphia Eagles | Picking 15th (via MIA) and 18th overall (via NO)

Biggest draft need: Defensive backs

Don’t be entirely shocked if Howie Roseman drafts a WR in the first round for a third consecutive season. The team could also improve in the defensive backfield. Would the Eagles be a landing spot for Kyle Hamilton if the Notre Dame safety falls? (MJ)

Washington Commanders | Picking 11th overall

Biggest draft need: Wide receiver

Yes, another team that needs and could target a WR early. Chris Olave is an option here. He has some connections to Washington, including a friendship with former Ohio State teammate Terry McLaurin. That would be quite the one-two punch for Carson Wentz wouldn't it? (MJ)

New York Giants | Picking 5th and 7th overall (via CHI)

Biggest draft need: Offensive tackle

Just like the Jets, the Giants are in an enviable position with two picks in the top 10 and five in the first 81 selections. They can add both a quality tackle and a pass rusher early in this draft. (MJ)

NFC WEST

Seattle Seahawks | Picking 9th overall (via DEN)

Biggest draft need: O-line

Because Seattle’s facing a full-on rebuild they’re also facing a long list of draft needs. They’d be smart to start building a new base – and that means bringing in some solid line play – to focus on the foundational players, not the flash just yet. (ES)

Arizona Cardinals | Picking 23rd overall

Biggest draft need: Edge

You could just as easily prioritize wide receivers – and considering the depth at the position in this class, that might be the more realistic scenario – but after watching Chandler Jones walk out the door in free agency, trying to fill the 6-foot-5, 265-pound void should be top priority. (ES)

San Francisco 49ers | Picking 61st overall (no first-round pick)

Biggest draft need: O-line

For a team as strong as this one, they sure do have a lot of big questions – like, say, who’s their QB1?! – but even that is overshadowed right now by the reports of Deebo Samuel’s trade request and what that could mean for the club’s draft position. Should the 49ers find themselves in plum position to take a top offensive lineman, they should pounce. A centre or guard should be top priority. (ES)

Los Angeles Rams | Picking 104th overall (no first- or second-round picks)

Biggest draft need: Edge

Not everything Aaron Donald does can be taught, but considering the Rams’ draft position, a developing edge rusher who could learn under Donald could be a smart move if available. But, let’s be honest… the Super Bowl champs have already won the week: (ES)