Draft needs are still in flux as the first wave of free agency settles, and this post will be updated as player movement continues. This is the first-round order of the 2016 NFL Draft, with the top positional needs for every team as of March 10. The draft order is determined by record, and using strength of schedule as a tiebreaker (record and strength of schedule are official tiebreakers to determine the draft order).
11. Chicago Bears
2015 record: 6-10 (.547)
Top need: Pass rusher
Other needs: Offensive line, cornerback, defensive line
Top prospects at positional needs: Pass rusher: Joey Bosa (Ohio State), Leonard Floyd (Georgia); OL: Laremy Tunsil (Ole Miss), Ronnie Stanley (Notre Dame), Cody Whitehair (Kansas State); CB: Jalen Ramsey (Florida State), Vernon Hargreaves (Florida), Mackensie Alexander (Clemson); DL: DeForest Buckner (Oregon), A'Shawn Robinson (Alabama).
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. Adding help at cornerback is very likely.
12. New Orleans Saints
2015 record: 7-9 (.504)
Top need: Defensive line
Other needs: Outside linebacker, cornerback, offensive guard
Top prospects at positional needs: DL: DeForest Buckner (Oregon), Joey Bosa (Ohio State), A'Shawn Robinson (Alabama), Andrew Billings (Baylor); OLB: Myles Jack (UCLA), Jaylon Smith (Notre Dame), Leonard Floyd (Georgia); CB: Jalen Ramsey (Florida State), Vernon Hargreaves (Florida), Mackensie Alexander (Clemson); Guard: Cody Whitehair (Kansas State), Joshua Garnett (Stanford).
Analysis: The Saints are having trouble stopping teams through the air, and even though third-round cornerback P.J. Williams was on the injured reserve, 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. 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 as well.
13. Miami Dolphins (Via trade with Philadelphia Eagles)
2015 record: 6-10 (.469)
Top need: Cornerback
Other needs: Offensive tackle, offensive guard, defensive end
Top prospects at positional needs: CB: Jalen Ramsey (Florida State), Vernon Hargreaves (Florida), Mackensie Alexander (Clemson); OT: Laremy Tunsil (Ole Miss), Ronnie Stanley (Notre Dame), Jack Conklin (Michigan State); Guard: Cody Whitehair (Kansas State), Joshua Garnett (Stanford); DE: DeForest Buckner (Oregon), Joey Bosa (Ohio State), Kevin Dodd (Clemson).
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 as well as even more talent at guard where there is a log-jam of mediocrity. While the Dolphins have replaced Olivier Vernon with Mario Williams, depth at that position could be a wise investment.
14. Oakland Raiders
2015 record: 7-9 (.512)
Top need: Offensive tackle
Other needs: Cornerback, inside linebacker, safety, running back
Top prospects at positional needs: OT: Laremy Tunsil (Ole Miss), Ronnie Stanley (Notre Dame), Jack Conklin (Michigan State); CB: Jalen Ramsey (Florida State), Vernon Hargreaves (Florida), Mackensie Alexander (Clemson); ILB: Reggie Ragland (Alabama), Scooby Wright III (Arizona), Dominique Alexander (Oklahoma); Safety: Miles Killebrew (Southern Utah), Keanu Neal (Florida), Karl Joseph (West Virginia); RB: Ezekiel Elliott (Ohio State), Derrick Henry (Alabama), Jordan Howard (Indiana).
Analysis: The addition of Kelechi Osemele will certainly fortify the interior, but the Raiders must improve at the tackle spot. Finding another running back to add to the stable shouldn't be tough. 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.
15. Los Angeles Rams
2015 record: 7-9 (.527)
Top need: Quarterback
Other needs: Wide receiver, center, defensive back
Top prospects at positional needs: QB: Jared Goff (Cal), Paxton Lynch (Memphis), Carson Wentz (North Dakota State); WR: Laquon Treadwell (Ole Miss), Tyler Boyd (Pittsburgh), Corey Coleman (Baylor); Center: Ryan Kelly (Alabama), Max Tuerk (USC), Evan Boehm (Missouri); DB: Jalen Ramsey (Florida State), Vernon Hargreaves (Florida), Mackensie Alexander (Clemson).
Analysis: Another year, another draft in which the Rams need to find a wide receiver they can build their passing game around. Even if the Rams finally find a true WR1, do they have a quarterback they trust to build around? That's becoming extremely doubtful. Finding additional cornerback and safety help will be especially important with the departures of Rodney McLeod and Janoris Jenkins.
16. Detroit Lions
2015 record: 7-9 (.535)
Top need: Offensive tackle
Other needs: Cornerback, inside linebacker, defensive line
Top prospects at positional needs: OT: Laremy Tunsil (Ole Miss), Ronnie Stanley (Notre Dame), Jack Conklin (Michigan State); CB: Jalen Ramsey (Florida State), Vernon Hargreaves (Florida), Mackensie Alexander (Clemson); ILB: Reggie Ragland (Alabama), Scooby Wright III (Arizona), Dominique Alexander (Oklahoma); DL: Joey Bosa (Ohio State), DeForest Buckner (Oregon), A'Shawn Robinson (Alabama).
Analysis: 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. 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. 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.
17. Atlanta Falcons
2015 record: 8-8 (.480)
Top need: Pass rusher
Other needs: Safety, inside linebacker, offensive guard
Top prospects at positional needs: Pass rusher: DeForest Buckner (Oregon), Joey Bosa (Ohio State), Leonard Floyd (Georgia); Safety: Miles Killebrew (Southern Utah), Keanu Neal (Florida), Karl Joseph (West Virginia); ILB: Reggie Ragland (Alabama), Scooby Wright III (Arizona), Dominique Alexander (Oklahoma); Guard: Cody Whitehair (Kansas State), Joshua Garnett (Stanford).
Analysis: Finding more pass rush 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.
18. Indianapolis Colts
2015 record: 8-8 (.500)
Top need: Offensive line
Other needs: Outside linebacker, cornerback, free safety
Top prospects at positional needs: OL: Laremy Tunsil (Ole Miss), Ronnie Stanley (Notre Dame), Cody Whitehair (Kansas State), Jack Conklin (Michigan State); OLB: Myles Jack (UCLA), Jaylon Smith (Notre Dame), Leonard Floyd (Georgia); CB: Jalen Ramsey (Florida State), Vernon Hargreaves (Florida), Mackensie Alexander (Clemson); Safety: Miles Killebrew (Southern Utah), Keanu Neal (Florida), Karl Joseph (West Virginia).
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 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.
19. Buffalo Bills
2015 record: 8-8 (.508)
Top need: Right tackle
Other needs: Defensive line, wide receiver, linebacker, kicker
Top prospects at positional needs: OT: Laremy Tunsil (Ole Miss), Ronnie Stanley (Notre Dame), Jack Conklin (Michigan State); DL: DeForest Buckner (Oregon), Joey Bosa (Ohio State), A'Shawn Robinson (Alabama), Andrew Billings (Baylor); WR: Laquon Treadwell (Ole Miss), Tyler Boyd (Pittsburgh), Corey Coleman (Baylor); LB: Myles Jack (UCLA), Jaylon Smith (Notre Dame), Leonard Floyd (Georgia); K: Roberto Aguayo (Florida State), Ka'imi Fairbairn (UCLA), Ross Martin (Duke).
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.
20. New York Jets
2015 record: 10-6 (.441)
Top need: Edge rusher
Other needs: Offensive line, tight end, cornerback
Top prospects at positional needs: Edger rusher: Myles Jack (UCLA), Joey Bosa (Ohio State), Leonard Floyd (Georgia); OL: Laremy Tunsil (Ole Miss), Ronnie Stanley (Notre Dame), Cody Whitehair (Kansas State), Jack Conklin (Michigan State); TE: Hunter Henry (Arkansas), Nick Vannett (Ohio State), Austin Hooper (Stanford); CB: Jalen Ramsey (Florida State), Vernon Hargreaves (Florida), Mackensie Alexander (Clemson).
Analysis: 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. The Jets need to upgrade the right-tackle spot, and left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson's massive cap hit makes him a potential cap cut. They could replace Damon Harrison in the middle of the defensive line on Day 3 (Rounds 4-7), while a tight end could be in play early on.
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