The top five draft needs for all 32 NFL teams:
AFC East
Buffalo Bills
Top 5 needs: OT, DL, WR, LB, K
No. of selections: 8
Draft picks: Round 1 (19), Round 2 (49), Round 3 (80), Round 4 (117), Round 4 (139), Round 5 (156), Round 6 (192), Round 6 (218)
Analysis: It wasn't that long ago that the Bills selected both Seantrel Henderson and Cyrus Kouandjio in the same draft to compete for the right tackle spot. Unfortunately, it is looking like neither guy will end up becoming the starter of the future, and the Bills just might agree with that sentiment. The Bills need an upgrade in talent at most of the linebacker positions. It is also looking like time to add depth all along the defensive line.
Miami Dolphins
Top 5 needs: CB, S, OT, OG, DE
No. of selections: 8
Draft picks: Round 1 (13), Round 2 (42), Round 3 (73), Round 4 (107), Round 5 (147), Round 6 (186), Round 7 (227), Round 7 (231)
Analysis: Adding talent to the cornerback position should be one of Miami's top priorities in this draft. Offensively, the Dolphins are going to have to find a swing tackle who might be Branden Albert's future replacement. They need more talent at guard, where there is a log-jam of mediocrity. While the Dolphins have replaced Olivier Vernon with Mario Williams, pass-rushing depth could be a wise investment.
New England Patriots
Top 5 needs: DE, OT, CB, WR, RB
No. of selections: 11
Draft picks: Round 2 (60), Round 2 (61), Round 3 (91), Round 3 (96), Round 6 (196), Round 6 (204), Round 6 (208), Round 6 (214), Round 6 (221), Round 7 (243), Round 7 (250)
Analysis: With Chandler Jones gone via trade to the Arizona Cardinals, the Patriots could look to address that spot at some point on Day 2 (Rounds 2-3) of the draft. The Patriots have always been mindful about stockpiling draft selections for their secondary. Then again, New England is just as quick to let cornerbacks and safeties go in free agency. There's no reason to believe the Patriots won't target a talented cornerback this year. The Patriots might not need a deep threat at receiver since Brady doesn't go over the top like he once did, but finding a true WR1 other than a slot receiver (Julian Edelman) would be nice. The Patriots mix and match running backs each year, so while they might add a back, I doubt it will be an early priority. It's time for the Patriots to add some competition into the mix at left tackle.
New York Jets
Top 5 needs: OT, edge rusher, ILB, TE, CB
No. of selections: 6
Draft picks: Round 1 (20), Round 2 (51), Round 3 (83), Round 4 (118), Round 7 (241), Round 7 (235)
Analysis: The Jets need to upgrade the right-tackle spot and it isn't crazy to consider Ryan Clady as a band-aid on the left side, depending on his performance. In other words, the Jets need to take a look at the tackle spot. The Jets' defensive line is full of dominant performers, but the missing ingredient has been a true edge bender at the outside linebacker spot. Finding an edge rusher should be an early round draft priority. Inside linebacker and tight end could be in play early on.
AFC South
Houston Texans
Top 5 needs: WR, TE, OT, OG, DE
No. of selections: 7
Draft picks: Round 1 (22), Round 2 (52), Round 3 (85), Round 4 (119), Round 5 (159), Round 5 (166), Round 6 (195)
Analysis: The additions of QB Brock Osweiler and RB Lamar Miller take two huge needs off the draft board for the Texans, but there is always a chance they could still draft one of those spots in a later round for depth. The Texans want to add team speed and will look to do that at wide receiver. Left tackle Duane Brown is coming off of a season-ending injury and the center spot is still unsettled with the loss of Ben Jones, so the offensive line will almost certainly get a look in this draft.
Indianapolis Colts
Top 5 needs: OT, OG, OLB, CB, S
No. of selections: 6
Draft picks: Round 1 (18), Round 2 (48), Round 3 (82), Round 4 (116), Round 5 (155), Round 7 (239)
Analysis: Try as they might, the Colts are still trying to find the right combination along the offensive line. While they seem to have the left side of the offensive line put together, the right side needs to be addressed and quickly. The Colts simply aren't getting enough pass rush from the edge, and they might have to make that a priority in the 2016 draft. With several cornerbacks set to become free agents in the offseason, it might not be a bad idea to replenish the position.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Top 5 needs: OLB, DT, S, OG, C
No. of selections: 8
Draft picks: Round 1 (5), Round 2 (38), Round 3 (69), Round 4 (103), Round 5 (146), Round 6 (181), Round 6 (201), Round 7 (226)
Analysis: The addition of DL Malik Jackson combined with the return of OLB Dante Fowler should help the pass rush, but the Jaguars must add more talent and competition for those spots. Jacksonville wants to be a better running team, and finding the right fit on the interior can go a long way in that quest.
Tennessee Titans
Top 5 needs: OT, WR, CB, S, DE
No. of selections: 9
Draft picks: Round 1 (15), Round 2 (33), Round 2 (43), Round 2 (45), Round 3 (64), Round 3 (76), Round 5 (140), Round 6 (193), Round 7 (222)
Analysis: The Titans look like they were able to hit with their selection of Marcus Mariota, but the best way to help him build his confidence and grow as a quarterback is to make sure he is surrounded with a balanced attack and quality tackle play to keep him protected. The Titans need a bell-cow offensive tackle in the worst way.
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens
Top 5 needs: OT, OG, CB, OLB, WR
No. of selections: 9
Draft picks: Round 1 (6), Round 2 (36), Round 3 (70), Round 4 (104), Round 4 (130), Round 4 (132), Round 4 (134), Round 6 (182), Round 6 (209)
Analysis: We are waiting to see what Breshad Perriman can do, but more talent for Joe Flacco -- at receiver and especially on the offensive line -- couldn't hurt. With Antonio Brown and A.J. Green in the division, the Ravens are in desperate need of help in the defensive backfield. Terrell Suggs' injury is par for the course for aging players and adding a young pass rusher would help.
Cincinnati Bengals
Top 5 needs: WR, NT, LB, C, OG
No. of selections: 7
Draft picks: Round 1 (24), Round 2 (55), Round 3 (87), Round 4 (122), Round 5 (161), Round 6 (199), Round 7 (245)
Analysis: The losses of Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu put the Bengals in a quasi-desperate situation to find fresh, new talent at that position to groom next to A.J. Green. Center Russell Bodine has been pushed around far too often up front, and it might be impossible for the Bengals to ignore that position beyond this season. Domata Peko is on the wrong side of 30 and a run-stuffing nose tackle would help the Bengals add depth now and a potential future starter at the position later. The Bengals have always been diligent at the linebacker spot and could add more depth there again this season.
Cleveland Browns
Top 5 needs: QB, WR, DL, ILB, OL
No. of selections: 12
Draft picks: Round 1 (8), Round 2 (32), Round 3 (65), Round 3 (77), Round 4 (99), Round 4 (100), Round 4 (138), Round 5 (141), Round 5 (172), Round 5 (173), Round 6 (176), Round 7 (223)
Analysis: The Browns took another swing at the franchise quarterback spot two years ago and came up empty. They must keep trying to find that guy. How do the Browns do a better job of stopping the run? Well, new talent might be nice. The departures of WR Travis Benjamin, C Alex Mack and OT Mitchell Schwartz have created a more immediate need at their positions.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Top 5 needs: CB, S, OG, OT, OLB
No. of selections: 8
Draft picks: Round 1 (25), Round 2 (58), Round 3 (89), Round 4 (123), Round 6 (220), Round 7 (229), Round 7 (246)
Analysis: The Steelers can't stop the pass. There hasn't been a bunch of turnover for the Steelers at the cornerback spot, but this might be the year we see some new blood added and not just for depth purposes, but as potential long-term starters. To go along with some new cornerbacks, the Steelers might be on the lookout for Will Allen's eventual replacement if they find a safety talented enough. It might be time to find a left guard to challenge Ramon Foster for the starting role.
AFC West
Denver Broncos
Top 5 needs: QB, OG, LB, DE, S
No. of selections: 10
Draft picks: Round 1 (31), Round 2 (63), Round 3 (94), Round 3 (98), Round 4 (136), Round 5 (144), Round 5 (157), Round 6 (219), Round 7 (228), Round 7 (253)Â
Analysis: No more Peyton Manning or Brock Osweiler means that Denver is suddenly in the market for a new QB. Will Memphis' Paxton Lynch still be available when they pick at No. 31 in Round 1? Help at tackle and guard could be addressed within the first four rounds, and replenishing the front seven after the losses of Malik Jackson and Danny Trevathan will fall into the capable hands of Wade Phillips, who knows what fits in his scheme.
Kansas City Chiefs
Top 5 needs: OLB, QB, S, WR, DL
No. of selections: 7
Draft picks: Round 1 (28), Round 2 (59), Round 4 (126), Round 5 (162), Round 5 (165), Round 6 (203), Round 7 (249)
Analysis: While the Chiefs re-signed Tamba Hali, he isn't the future at that position and the Chiefs will be on the lookout for the perfect fit at that spot. The defensive line could use another high-end player. The loss of backup Chase Daniel could be addressed with a QB who might be groomed for the future.
Oakland Raiders
Top 5 needs: OT, CB, ILB, S, DT
No. of selections: 8
Draft picks: Round 1 (14), Round 2 (44), Round 3 (75), Round 4 (114), Round 5 (143), Round 5 (154), Round 6 (194), Round 7 (234)
Analysis: The addition of Kelechi Osemele will certainly fortify the interior, but the Raiders must improve at the tackle spot. Finding defensive tackle talent shouldn't be too difficult in this loaded draft. Bruce Irvin will add even more juice to the Raiders' pass rush, but they could look for more help at middle linebacker in the middle rounds. Sean Smith was a nice addition to an ailing secondary, but the cornerback spot needs an even greater infusion of competition. The same can be said for safety now that Charles Woodson is gone.
San Diego Chargers
Top 5 needs: DL, OT, OG, S, TE
No. of selections: 8
Draft picks: Round 1 (3), Round 2 (35), Round 3 (66), Round 4 (102), Round 5 (175), Round 6 (179), Round 6 (198), Round 7 (224)
Analysis: The Chargers have needs along the offensive and defensive lines that deserve draft attention this year. For years it was just Antonio Gates, maybe Vincent Jackson and then a slew of guys catching passes from Philip Rivers. Gates doesn't have much left and Ladarius Green bolted via free agency. Finding another threat at the tight end spot would make sense. Eric Weddle departed, but the Chargers added Dwight Lowery. Is that enough? They could still look to add competition at the other safety spot.
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys
Top 5 needs: CB, QB, RB, DT, pass rush
No. of selections: 9
Draft picks: Round 1 (4), Round 2 (34), Round 3 (67), Round 4 (101), Round 4 (135), Round 6 (189), Round 6 (212), Round 6 (216), Round 6 (217)
Analysis:Â Dallas must improve at the cornerback position. The Cowboys' offensive line is built for a rushing attack, so the Cowboys might want to go find a bellcow at that spot like they had with DeMarco Murray. Tony Romo's season-ending injury makes finding his heir apparent a much higher priority than it was when the Cowboys entered the season. Dallas did a nice job of building in the trenches on the offensive side of the ball and now they need to turn their attention to the defensive side -- specifically at defensive tackle.
New York Giants
Top 5 needs: LB, WR, OL, RB, S
No. of selections: 6
Draft picks: Round 1 (10), Round 2 (40), Round 3 (71), Round 4 (109), Round 5 (149), Round 6 (184)
Analysis: The Giants completely shredded their defensive-end need after re-upping with Jason Pierre-Paul and adding Olivier Vernon. Finding a boss man in the middle of the linebacker corps would be nice, and adding a reliable target to take some heat off of Odell Beckham makes sense, as well. Competition must be created at that position and at the safety position opposite Landon Collins. Finding a dual-threat safety who can handle himself in coverage would be preferable.
Philadelphia Eagles
Top 5 needs: RB, OG, OT, pass rush, WR
No. of selections: 7
Draft picks: Round 1 (2), Round 3 (79), Round 5 (153), Round 5 (164), Round 6 (188), Round 7 (233), Round 7 (251)
Analysis:Â One of the most pressing needs is finding a reliable running back to pair with Ryan Mathews. Chip Kelly is gone, but certainly not forgotten as the Eagles must try to clean up some of the personnel mess left behind, including finding a wide receiver. The Eagles' once-revered offensive line is in dire need of upgrades at both guard and tackle, even with the addition of RG Brandon Brooks from Houston.
Washington Redskins
Top 5 needs: C, DL, ILB, WR, QB
No. of selections: 8
Draft picks: Round 1 (21), Round 2 (53), Round 3 (84), Round 4 (120), Round 5 (158), Round 6 (187), Round 7 (232), Round 7 (242)
Analysis:Â To implement Jay Gruden's power rushing attack, the Redskins could look to continue to build in the middle of their offensive line, which might include finding an eventual replacement for center Kory Lichtensteiger. The front seven could use more help. Adding a playmaker at WR to ease in behind the veterans for a year or two would be a smart play at some point. While the Redskins have their starting quarterback in Kirk Cousins, it wouldn't hurt to add another quarterback at some point on day three who could be groomed to be Cousins' eventual backup.
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons
Top 5 needs: Pass rusher, TE, S, ILB, OG
No. of selections: 5
Draft picks: Round 1 (17), Round 2 (50), Round 3 (81), Round 4 (115), Round 7 (238)
Analysis: Finding another pass rusher to pair with Vic Beasley off the edge is a potential draft-day priority. The back end of the Falcons' secondary needs help, but how early are the Falcons willing to take a safety? It wasn't that long ago that the Falcons had one of the more talented linebacking corps in the league, but over the last few years, it has left much to be desired. Plain and simple, the Falcons need a "captain of the defense" manning the middle. While the Falcons have aggressively attempted to upgrade their offensive line, there is still room for improvement at guard, as well as tight end.
Carolina Panthers
Top 5 needs: OT, DE, DB, RB, P
No. of selections: 6
Draft picks: Round 1 (30), Round 2 (62), Round 3 (93), Round 4 (129), Round 5 (168), Round 7 (252)
Analysis:Michael Oher is nothing more than a stop-gap at left tackle, and the Panthers simply have to find their left tackle of the future at some point in the near future. There's a hole to fill at the corner position after the franchise tag for Josh Norman was rescinded. Adding a high-impact safety to eventually take over for Roman Harper is a distinct possibility. Ron Rivera understands the importance of a dominant defensive end and the Panthers will be keeping an eye out for that spot.
New Orleans Saints
Top 5 needs: OLB, WR, CB, OG, DL
No. of selections: 6
Draft picks: Round 1 (12), Round 2 (47), Round 3 (78), Round 4 (112), Round 5 (152), Round 7 (237)
Analysis:Â If the Saints can find a quality pass rusher who can consistently threaten off the edge, that will go a long way in helping their secondary. They are having trouble stopping teams through the air, and even though third-round cornerback P.J. Williams was on injured reserve for all of last season, they should continue to look for talent at that position. As the Saints' transition from their high-flying offensive days under Drew Brees to a more run-oriented approach, they might look for a jackhammer at the guard spot who can blow holes open for Mark Ingram, but wide receiver remains an area of need.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Top 5 needs: CB, OT, S, WR, DE
No. of selections: 7
Draft picks: Round 1 (9), Round 2 (39), Round 3 (74), Round 4 (108), Round 5 (148), Round 6 (183), Round 6 (197)
Analysis:Â Cornerback and safety are both big concerns and they might need to make cornerback an early round priority this year. Tampa Bay needs to look for a young, athletic replacement for OT Gosder Cherilus and we might see that within the first three rounds. The addition of Robert Ayers will help at defensive end, but the Buccaneers could still use more competition on the other side.
NFC North
Chicago Bears
Top 5 needs: Pass rusher, DE, QB, OL, CB
No. of selections: 9
Draft picks: Round 1 (11), Round 2 (41), Round 3 (72), Round 4 (106), Round 4 (127), Round 5 (150), Round 6 (185), Round 6 (206), Round 7 (230)
Analysis: Finding a true pass-rushing presence should be the Bears' top priority. The Bears have upgraded their front seven through the free-agency additions of Danny Trevathan, Jerrell Freeman and Akiem Hicks, but finding a pass rusher should be an early option. The addition of Bobby Massie helps by bumping Kyle Long back down inside, but the Bears could still use competition for Charles Leno at left tackle. They'll likely add help at cornerback.
Detroit Lions
Top 5 needs: OT, CB, DT, ILB, DE
No. of selections: 10
Draft picks: Round 1 (16), Round 2 (46), Round 3 (95), Round 4 (111), Round 5 (151), Round 5 (169), Round 6 (191), Round 6 (202), Round 6 (210), Round 7 (236)
Analysis: Riley Reiff is built to be a right tackle or a guard, and the sooner the Lions can lock in on a young, bell-cow left tackle and move Reiff to a more natural spot, the better off they will be. The Lions are in desperate need of a playmaker in the secondary who can take the ball away and flip the momentum and the field. Finding a tone-setter in the middle of the defense should also be a priority, as should finding a book-end pass rusher to give Ziggy Ansah help.
Green Bay Packers
Top 5 needs: ILB, CB, OLB, OT, TE
No. of selections: 9
Draft picks: Round 1 (27), Round 2 (57), Round 3 (88), Round 4 (125), Round 4 (131), Round 4 (137), Round 5 (163), Round 6 (200), Round 7 (248)
Analysis: Green Bay has tried to play Clay Matthews all over the field, but he's only one man and another one like him is needed whether it is at inside or outside linebacker. They could use help at corner, too. The Packers appear to be set along the offensive line, but will need to find a swing tackle who can play on the left or right side. Even after signing Jared Cook to a one-year deal, Green Bay will likely continue to consider a combination tight end if the right one falls into their lap.
Minnesota Vikings
Top 5 needs: WR, CB, OT, OG, P
No. of selections: 8
Draft picks: Round 1 (23), Round 2 (54), Round 3 (86), Round 4 (121), Round 5 (160), Round 6 (180), Round 7 (240), Round 7 (244)
Analysis:Teddy Bridgewater needs to have "his guy" -- a receiver who he clicks with for big plays and who can grow with him throughout his career. Finding that player will likely warrant early round consideration. The Vikings have to improve at cornerback and offensive tackle. Even with the addition of RG Alex Boone, the depth of the interior offensive line can be improved.
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals
Top 5 needs: S, C, OLB, CB, TE
No. of selections: 6
Draft picks: Round 1 (29), Round 3 (92), Round 4 (128), Round 5 (167), Round 5 (170), Round 6 (205)
Analysis:Â Adding additional playmakers to a defensive backfield that already includes Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathieu could help make the Cardinals formidable against the pass. Arizona will likely be on the lookout for an edge-bending, disruptive pass rusher. Defensive ends Frostee Rucker and Cory Redding aren't getting any younger and the Cardinals' defense feeds off of an active defensive front. Center and tight end are the two biggest areas of need on offense.
Los Angeles Rams
Top 5 needs: QB, WR, C, S, CB
No. of selections: 5
Draft picks: Round 1 (1), Round 4 (110), Round 4 (113), Round 6 (177), Round 6 (190)
Analysis:Â The Rams are still looking for their long-term answer at QB and a wide receiver they can build their passing game around. Finding additional cornerback and safety help will be especially important with the departures of Rodney McLeod and Janoris Jenkins.
San Francisco 49ers
Top 5 needs: QB, ILB, OT, OG, WR
No. of selections: 12
Draft picks: Round 1 (7), Round 2 (37), Round 3 (68), Round 4 (105), Round 4 (133), Round 5 (142), Round 5 (145), Round 5 (174), Round 6 (178), Round 6 (207), Round 6 (211), Round 6 (213)
Analysis: The 49ers hoped that Colin Kaepernick would somehow turn it around, but he didn't. With Chip Kelly in the fold, finding a quarterback could take precedence with the first pick, but help along the offensive line must be addressed at some point as well. Kelly will target specific types of WRs to fit into his scheme, but look for Trent Baalke to do what he does best, which is find inside linebackers.
Seattle Seahawks
Top 5 needs: OT, CB, C, DT, DE
No. of selections: 9
Draft picks: Round 1 (26), Round 2 (56), Round 3 (90), Round 3 (97), Round 4 (124), Round 5 (171), Round 6 (215), Round 7 (225), Round 7 (247)
Analysis: The Seahawks' porous offensive line is in even worse shape after the loss of Russell Okung. If the Seahawks want to keep their Super Bowl "window of opportunity" open, they might have to address offensive tackle in the first round. The loss of Brandon Mebane hurts in the middle of the defensive line, and the loss of Bruce Irvin's speed off the edge is a concern as well. Seattle did a god job of building its defensive front through the draft and will need to do that once again. Seattle covets play-making secondary players and adding new cornerback depth at some point would make sense.
You can follow Lance Zierlein on Twitter @LanceZierlein.
