2018 NFL Draft & Team Needs: Picks 21 to 32

With the combine finished and pro-days in full swing, preparation for the NFL Draft is underway as teams finalize their boards for the big day. With many key free agent signings over the past week, requirements have definitely changed for what teams are looking to draft. Let’s take a quick look at teams needs and what they could potentially draft.

NFL Draft Round 1:

Pick 21: Cincinnati Bengals (via BUF) | Top Needs – OL, DB, DL, WR

Trading down seven spots with the Buffalo Bills allowed the Bengals to address their offensive line issues in acquiring left tackle Cordy Glenn and gaining extra picks for the upcoming draft. Shoring up the offensive line is still the top priority coming into the draft as coach Marvin Lewis would most definitely want to see fewer sacks and a much better run attack for the 2018 season. With that said, the Bengals have many holes to fill on this roster including a defensive backend that was leaking oil far too often allowing big plays to occur last season. Adding depth to the defensive line is something that shouldn’t go overlooked as the Bengals will have to contend with the potential of star talent walking out the door after this season. Geno Atkins, Carlos Dunlap, and Michael Johnson will all become free agents after this season leaving monster holes to fill. In round one it shouldn’t be a shock to see Cincinnati go with offensive line talent to help bolster the unit.      

Pick 22: Buffalo Bills (via KC) | Top Needs – QB, WR, LB, OL

As it stands today, the Buffalo Bills still hold the 22^nd overall selection to go with their 12^th pick in the first round. Speculation and rumors suggest the Bills are eager to move up the board to snag their franchise quarterback which may cost them this first rounder in the process. Eyeing the 2^nd overall pick from the New York Giants, Buffalo would have to offer a king’s ransom payoff equating to approximately 3000+ draft points (NFL draft trading board), to get this deal done. If the Bills can’t manage to move up and keep their picks as they lay, Buffalo could move in a multitude of directions to help round out this roster. Let’s assume Buffalo selects a quarterback with the 12^th overall selection (Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson), wide receiver could be a viable pick at 22. If by chance Calvin Ridley falls to Buffalo here (though unlikely), Brandon Beane would undoubtedly pull the trigger. However, Buffalo should address the line backer position if they remain at their current draft position.    

Pick 23: LA Rams | Top Needs – LB, OL, WR, RB

The up and coming LA Rams find themselves in a position to make the rich that much richer. Coming off a fantastic season with a disappointing finish allows the Rams to stock pile more talent to an already deep group. Addressing their defensive issues in trading for Aqib Talib and Marcus Peters while trading away line backer Alec Ogletree the Rams found a way to create more talent at less cost. Opening up salary space gave credence to rumors that Ndamukong Suh is likely to find his way to Los Angeles to stack a defensive line already packing punch. With all these moves the Rams can focus on replacing Ogletree in drafting a line backer with a similar skillset. Rashaan Evans looks to fit in perfectly at the 23^rd pick to help round out a defensive unit looking to become quite a force in 2018. Offensive line is another area that could use added depth with extra talent added to the fold. Outside of these moves, the Rams would be targeting depth to continue to build this roster.

Pick 24: Carolina Panthers | Top Needs – DB, WR, RB, DL

It seems clear these last several years, the same issues that plague the Panthers continue to be an issue as they enter this draft. Not being able to recover from the loss of Josh Norman, the Panthers continue to struggle to find adequate answers at the defensive back position. This is without question the largest glaring need on this roster and should be filled with the 24^th overall pick. It’s very possible to see Josh Jackson and or Jaire Alexander sitting here ripe for the picking for the Panthers to select. While defensive back is the most needed position on the roster, wide receiver and running back aren’t far off as well. Carolina lacks a true number one receiving talent and a running back that can take this team on his shoulders punishing opposing defenses. ADF has little doubt that if the board shows defensive back talent at their current position, they will pull the trigger.

Pick 25: Tennessee Titans | Top Needs – DE, LB, OL, WR

The Titans definitely overachieved last season but showed many signs of being able to improve this team with a solid draft class. While depth to the offensive line would be a welcome addition for this club, focusing on the defense should be the most important aspect in this draft. Adding skill to both the offense (Dion Lewis), and the defense (Malcolm Butler), gives the Titans the ability to draft the best players on the board ignoring glaring needs they might have. Generating sacks from the defensive front was the biggest issue from last season and there is no question that will be addressed with their first round pick. Tennessee masked their edge rushing issues with line backer blitzing and leaving their secondary vulnerable to big strikes. Adding depth to the middle line backer position will be something the Titans will surely entertain, but defensive end should be the selection here.    

Pick 26: Atlanta Falcons | Top Needs – DT, LB, TE, DB

Entering the backend of the first round, most these clubs will be looking to add depth to their rosters with the potential of finding a starter. Offensively the Falcons look to remain quite the same with depth additions to be made later in the draft. Defense will again be the focus as coach Quinn looks to continue building on the success he had from a year ago. Defensive tackle should be a top priority as Dontari Poe cashed in on his great season with the Falcons and signed with the Panthers leaving Atlanta quite thin at the position. Line backer is another area of need as Deion Jones remains the only key cog and productive piece in the middle of the defense. Depth in the secondary is a definite requirement as upgrading the nickel back position would do the Falcons wonders playing in a pass happy division like the NFC South. Atlanta could move in any direction come pick 26, but ADF feels one of these three positions will be the selection come drat day.    

Pick 27: New Orleans Saints | Top Needs – S, WR, TE, DL

The Saints are an intriguing bunch that could literally move in any direction in the first round of the draft. While the defense was vastly improved last season, Drew Brees could use more assistance to make New Orleans more explosive then we saw from a season ago. Secondary receiver and tight end talent is something the Saints will definitely target with the 27^th overall pick. With a gaping hole left by safety Kenny Vaccaro will indeed be felt, using this pick on Courtland Sutton or one of the talented tight ends in this class should be the direction the Saints travel. Most picks for the Saints will act as depth additions, rounding out the receiving core to take pressure off Michael Thomas will do this offense a world of good.    

Pick 28: Pittsburgh Steelers | Top Needs – LB, S, OL, DL

The Steelers are another club loaded with talent yet unable to take it all the way to the Super Bowl. Losing star line backer Ryan Shazier for the 2018 season should force the hand of the Steelers brain trust to draft for need in selecting a middle line backer in hopes to replace Shazier with similar production. Signing former Packers safety Morgan Burnett will add a much needed tackling presence to this defense in hopes that potential drafted talent like Rashaan Evans or Leighton Vander Esch could learn quickly to improve a unit that struggled when their star line backer went down to injury.    

Pick 29: Jacksonville Jaguars | Top Needs – MLB, OL, WR, QB

It’s difficult to envision the Jaguars adding anything but depth to a roster already stacked with talent. With the recent retirement of middle linebacker Paul Posluszny, this should be literally the only position on both the offense and defense that could warrant a competition for a starting role. The Jaguars wide receiver position is one that could use a slight depth upgrade as ADF isn’t sold on the free agent addition of Donte Moncrief. Keelan Cole and Dede Westbrook are talented receivers that might serve best as secondary type players on a squad that doesn’t possess a true number one talent. Either way, the Jags will continue to improve with whomever they draft.   

Pick 30: Minnesota Vikings | Top Needs – LB, OL, WR, DB

Minnesota is another front runner in terms of being a Super Bowl favorite going into the 2018 season. Every position the Vikings employ has established and starters are in place to begin the season. The biggest improvements to the roster will be in terms of depth to help offset any injures that may come their way during the course of the year. Securing the “will-line-backer” position and depth at defensive back will surly go a long way during the course of the year. The jury might be out on Laquon Treadwell as his inability to show production thus far, so the Vikings might look to add talent at the receiver spot also.  

Pick 31: New England Patriots | Top Needs – OL, DL, LB, RB

With the Super Bowl loss to the Eagles and the mass exodus of players leaving the mix in New England, its clear Bill Belichick will have his work cut out for him in this draft. Having to shore up the offensive line should be undoubtedly top priority, as keeping Tom Brady comfortable in the pocket is the key to the Patriots success. Finding talent to help improve the defensive line is also a key requirement that Belichick will address at some point in this draft. We’ve all become accustomed to the rotating door of running backs that New England employs, so ADF won’t be shocked to see a running back added to the roster at some point in this draft given the vast depth of the running back draft class. It’s not out of the question to see Bill trade down from this spot to garner more selections to re-fill his cupboards.       

Pick 32: Philadelphia Eagles | Top Needs – LB, DB, OL, RB

The Super Bowl Champion Eagles have enjoyed an offseason where they have filled many holes with key free agent additions. This team already possessed fantastic depth at nearly every position and will see this draft class add to that more so. While the Eagles defensive line looks like a powerhouse on paper, they could use help at the line backer and defensive back positions to have a better rotation of talent entering and exiting during games. Realistically, Philadelphia will be adding depth to create competition and will choose the best players on their draft board in this year’s draft. The Eagles have a great opportunity to make another run with a slam dunk in this draft.