The NFL Draft is quickly approaching. What are the top needs for each of the teams in the NFC?
The NFL Draft will be unfolding at the end of April. The draft is just one of many tools that teams can use to address their teams problems in the offseason. This is a breakdown of each NFC team’s three biggest position needs.
Atlanta Falcons: EDGE, CB, IDL
The Falcons had terrible pass coverage in the 2019 season. They ranked 26th in expected points allowed per play. Getting a solid pass-rusher needs to be a priority for them in this offseason, as well as better one-on-one coverage at the cornerback position. They also have some potential departures on the defensive line, which they should be trying to bolster this offseason.
Arizona Cardinals: OT, S, WR
The Cardinals should be focused on protecting Kyler Murray in 2020 and giving him more weapons. Larry Fitzgerald is really the only solid wide receiver the team has. But Murray can’t even get the ball out of his hands if he doesn’t have better protection. The Cardinals also need to address pass coverage on the defensive side of the ball.
Carolina Panthers: CB, QB, LB
The Panthers also need to figure out what they’re going to do at the quarterback position. After missing almost all of the 2019 season, rumors are swirling over whether Cam Newton will be back in 2020. Other veteran departures have already left holes for the Panthers at the linebacker position and Carolina’s cornerbacks were among the worst in the league last season.
Chicago Bears: TE, QB, IOL
With so many good quarterbacks available in this draft, it makes sense for the Bears to give Mitchell Trubinsky competition. After three years, it doesn’t seem like Trubinsky is going to develop into the quarterback Chicago needs. The Bears also had one of the lowest totals of combined receiving yards for tight ends this season and need to boost a low-ranking offensive line, especially if they are going to be playing with a young quarterback.
Dallas Cowboys: TE, CB, EDGE
The bulk of the work for the Cowboys this offseason will happen outside of the draft. But one area they can address is the tight end position, which is currently being held by the once-retired Jason Witten. They also could use another pass-rusher to balance DeMarcus Lawrence and they need to address struggles in their secondary. With many good safeties and cornerbacks available in this draft, this seems like the place to do it.
Detroit Lions: EDGE, CB, LB
The Lions need to find a replacement for Darius Slay. They have some internal prospects for the position, but Justin Coleman and Rashaan Melvin are both free agents who had only okay performances in the 2019 season. Many people see this as the ideal landing spot for Jeff Okudah (Ohio State). The Lions also need to add players who can pressure quarterbacks and improve their linebacker corps overall.
Green Bay Packers: WR, OT, CB
Green Bay needs another wide receiver to share the load with Davante Adams. It has a few potential first-round options, including Tee Higgins (Clemson), Denzel Mims (Baylor) and Brandon Aiyuk (Arizona State). The Packers should also look at the cornerback position, especially considering Tramon Williams’ age. And with some great offensive tackles available in this draft, they should consider adding more strength and consistency to their line.
Los Angeles Rams: OT, EDGE, IOL
The Rams had a great offensive line in 2018, but that fell apart in the 2019 season. They need to work on rebuilding the protection across the line. The Rams also have aging players and potential free agents off the edge. Even if they hold onto Dante Fowler Jr., they could still improve on their 2019 numbers.
Minnesota Vikings: CB, OT, IOL
The Vikings need to focus on their offensive line this offseason. Their interior wall was routinely abused in pass protection, which makes an inside addition critical for Minnesota to look at. And with many solid offensive tackles available as well, they could get another boost to that line. Minnesota is pretty good on the defensive side, but it has issues at corner which could get worse with several potential departures.
New Orleans Saints: WR, CB, QB
The biggest priority for the Saints should be getting someone opposite of Michael Thomas. Thomas had an incredible year in 2019, but could use some company. Teddy Bridgewater is also going to be a free agent this year, which leaves the door open for the Saints to draft a quarterback to back up Drew Brees. They also have a potential opening at one of their cornerback positions, with Eli Apple set to become a free agent.
New York Giants: EDGE, OT, LB
The Giants have two main concerns: stopping the passing game and protecting Daniel Jones. It’s unlikely that the Giants will get Chase Young, but there are other solid prospects on both sides of the ball with the No. 4 overall pick.
Philadelphia Eagles: WR, CB, S
It isn’t great when your running back is leading the team in receiving yards on passes 20+ yards downfield. Even with Desean Jackson returning next season, the Eagles must add to their receiver corps. On defense, their pass coverage was a major weakness. Adding cornerbacks and safeties who can disrupt the pass game will be critical for Philadelphia this offseason.
San Francisco 49ers: IOL, S, CB
The 49ers don’t have many problems, but they could benefit from added depth to their offensive line. There’s also a question of whether the team will work out a deal with Jimmie Ward. But either way, it wouldn’t hurt to add more depth to their secondary.
Seattle Seahawks: OT, IOL, IDL
The Seahawks have one of the best quarterbacks in the league. But this season, his offensive line struggled to protect him. The team needs to get some consistency across the front. On the defensive side of the ball, they could also benefit from extending their edges. This season, they struggled to apply pressure, and it’s still not clear whether Jadeveon Clowney will be returning in 2020.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: QB, OT, EDGE
The Buccaneers need to figure out the quarterback position. But if they are moving on from Jameis Winston, there are plenty of solid potential replacements in this draft. Protection up front is also something which needs addressing. Whether or not Shaquil Barrett is returning, the team needs to consider adding to it’s pass rush.
Washington Redskins: EDGE, WR, OT
Since the regular season ended, the thought was the Redskins would use their No. 2 overall pick on Chase Young (Ohio State). Ron Rivera suggested that wasn’t set in stone this week, but it seems to be the most logical option. Aside for the need to improve the pass rush, Washington also needs to expand its wide receiver corps and do more to protect Dwayne Haskins going into his second year.