NFL Draft: Biggest Needs for Every NFC Team
In less than one day, the Jacksonville Jaguars will kick off one of the most unpredictable NFL drafts in recent history.
As NFC playoff hopefuls seek to dethrone the Los Angeles Rams in their pursuit of a second consecutive trip to the promised land, let’s break down each squad’s needs heading into the NFL Draft.
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys – G, OT, EDGE
An unexpectedly loud offseason in Dallas left America’s Team in dire need of offensive line help. However, the receiver room is extremely thin as well, especially with Michael Gallup returning from a season-ending injury.
New York Giants – OT, CB, QB
Luckily for Daniel Jones, a weak quarterback class has kept the Giants out of the conversation for a new signal-caller in the top 10. With that being said, New York could go in a number of directions, including a potential trade-down scenario.
Philadelphia Eagles – CB, EDGE, WR
Despite recent selections of DeVonta Smith and Jalen Reagor, the Eagles appear to be in the market for a receiver in the first round. With a pair of picks in the top 20, the Eagles are in prime position to upgrade on both sides of the ball.
Washington Commanders – WR, LB, G
With Carson Wentz holding down Washington’s quarterback carousel for the time being, the Commanders appear to be on the hunt for an outside compliment to Terry McLaurin
NFC North
Chicago Bears – WR, OT, G
With a new coaching regime preparing for the second year of the Justin Fields era, Chicago is in a rough spot without a first round selection in this year’s draft.
Detroit Lions – Everything
It appears that Detroit is locked in on an edge rusher at No. 2 overall. It looks to bring in a must-needed playmaker on a squad lacking young talent on both sides of the ball.
Green Bay Packers – WR, EDGE, LB
Will this be the year that Green Bay finally turns in a first-round draft card with a receiver’s name on it?
It’s hard to imagine that the front office is satisfied with the newly signed Sammy Watkins atop the depth chart, so expect Aaron Rodgers to gain some new weapons via the draft.
Minnesota Vikings – CB, S, G
It’s hard to imagine the Vikings directing their attention away from the secondary with the No. 12 pick, especially considering that Patrick Peterson and Harrison Smith aren’t getting any younger.
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons – WR, EDGE, DT
The suspension of Calvin Ridley creates a glaring hole at receiver, but Atlanta has plenty of holes to fill with the No. 9 pick.
Carolina Panthers – QB, OT, G
With a bottom of the barrel offensive line and quarterback room, Carolina can’t go wrong with any offensive selection at No. 6 overall.
New Orleans Saints – OT, WR, S
A lot of noise has surrounded the Saints and quarterback prospects with the 16th and 18th overall selections, but greater holes lie ahead as Jameis Winston operates on a prove-it deal.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – G, CB, EDGE
Tom Brady’s recruiting spree allowed the Buccaneers to retain a handful of key players this offseason, but they are still in need of some offensive line and secondary assistance.
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals – EDGE, CB, WR
Following the departures of Haason Reddick and Christian Kirk, the Cardinals are in dire need of playmakers on both sides of the ball. Adding an edge rusher alongside J.J. Watt should be the top priority.
Los Angeles Rams – EDGE, G, CB
Who needs draft picks anyways, right?
With the few selections that Los Angeles has in this year’s draft, Les Snead and Co. will look to refine a title roster by adding potential replacements for Von Miller and Andrew Whitworth.
San Francisco 49ers – G, DT, WR
Barring a trade - potentially involving Deebo Samuel - San Francisco will need to wait until Day 2 of the draft to reload for another playoff run.
Seattle Seahawks – QB, OT, CB
With Russell Wilson now out of the picture, Seattle is a prime candidate to select one of this year’s top quarterbacks, with many projecting it to land Malik Willis in the top 10.
Grant Sheets is a first-year student majoring in public relations. To contact him, email gcs5231@psu.edu.
