NFL Draft 2019: Team-by-team guide, targets and needs for all 32 teams
With an assortment of talent ready to invigorate teams ahead of the new season, the latest class look set to make the jump to the professional game in Nashville
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Your support makes all the difference.The Arizona Cardinals look set to pick No 1 overall, instead of trading down, with the power to spark a new era under head coach Kliff Kingsbury.
Quarterback Kyler Murray is under consideration, though Phoenix is far from certain to be the Oklahoma prospect’s landing spot in the NFL.
And with that uncertainty, gamesmanship and numerous red flags in the final days and hours before that first pick is made, the teams that follow continue to play out what will be left for them.
The San Francisco 49ers, New York Jets, Oakland Raiders, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Giants are all nervously waiting, hoping to pounce should a team ahead make what they may perceive as a mistake.
Here is a look at every team’s most pressing need, with Indy Sport’s mock draft below.
AFC West
Denver Broncos
A quarterback early looks the way to go here, despite Joe Flacco coming in, quite how long he will prove to be serviceable is anybody’s guess.
Kansas City Chiefs
Frank Clark is in after a monster trade, but the Chiefs still need secondary help as they pursue a Super Bowl with the electric Patrick Mahomes.
Los Angeles Chargers
Help on both lines will be sort, but the Chargers could be looking at life after Philip Rivers and bring in a quarterback to learn the ropes behind the veteran.
Oakland Raiders
Gruden now needs a running back after trading for Antonio Brown, though replacing the enormous hole left since Khalil Mack was traded in their pass rush is also on the agenda.
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens
Linebacker looks to be the most pressing need for the Ravens, who will aim to restock their defense after losing Terrell Suggs, C.J. Mosley and Eric Weddle.
Cleveland Browns
Left to ponder their next move until the second round after the headline move for Odell Beckham Jr, the Browns may turn to linebacker next as the surge towards play-off contention or more.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The departure of Antonio Brown may see cousin Hollywood Brown help fill the void left by the Raiders wide receiver, though cornerback is also a priority.
Cincinnati Bengals
After the much-maligned extension for Bobby Hart, the Bengals probably still need added quality on their offensive line, but given their decisions, replacing linebacker Vontaze Burfict is also a pressing need.
AFC South
Houston Texans
An offensive tackle for Deshaun Watson’s protection is key if they are to utilise his exciting potential and keep him on the field.
Indianapolis Colts
Good luck matching last year’s draft after picking up All-Pros Quenton Nelson and Darius Leonard, but should they find a top wide receiver for Andrew Luck, this side may be in the Super Bowl next year.
Tennessee Titans
No glaring weakness, yet the offensive line could use more attention despite adding Rodger Saffold, discussions may also have begun over who will replace Marcus Mariota in the coming years.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Nick Foles has taken up the challenge of revitalising Jacksonville after quickly fading since their AFC title game two years ago, so expect them to boost their offensive line and grab a tight end to help the former Super Bowl MVP.
AFC East
New England Patriots
A replacement for the now-retired Rob Gronkowski will be high on the agenda, despite Austin Seferian-Jenkins arriving, as will another wide out for Tom Brady.
Miami Dolphins
Ryan Fitzpatrick is there for now, but will the right guy be available in this draft? Instead, the Dolphins should address their dismal defense.
Buffalo Bills
After Kyle Williams’ retirement, expect the Bills to patch up their offensive line and help Josh Allen to build on his electric start to life in the big league.
New York Jets
The big splash in free agency came with Le’Veon Bell arriving in the Big Apple, but the Jets have many more needs before they can compete for the play-offs, to start with Quinnen Williams will be tough to resist at No 3, but they could trade down.
NFC West
San Francisco 49ers
The Niners can double up their acquisition of Dee Ford with another explosive pass rusher at No 2 overall, it’s just a matter of Nick Bosa or Josh Allen it seems.
Los Angeles Rams
Ndamukong Suh’s departure poses an obvious need at defensive tackle as the Rams look to shake off the Super Bowl hangover.
Arizona Cardinals
They may need help elsewhere, but galvanising the fans is the priority and with Josh Rosen failing to convince yet, it will be a surprise if they are not lured in by Kyler Murray at No 1.
Seattle Seahawks
After trading Frank Clark to the Chiefs, Seattle has picks 21 and 29, so expect some investment at defensive line as Pete Carroll builds around the newly-extended, highest paid quarterback in the league Russell Wilson.
NFC North
Chicago Bears
Likely to play a limited role until late on Friday when they go in the third round after sending a haul of picks in exchange for Khalil Mack. The Bears could go for offensive line help or extra cover at running back following the departure of Jordan Howard, despite the arrival of Mike Davis.
Green Bay Packers
With two first round picks and No 12 overall, expect Aaron Rodgers to be a happy man with one of those picks used on a shiny new weapon, likely a tight end.
Minnesota Vikings
After gambling on Kirk Cousins, they’re stuck with protecting that investment, which means they will be obligated to grab offensive line help.
Detroit Lions
Matt Patricia must address several areas after failing to arrest an end-of-season slide, trading back to acquire more talent is conceivable, while Matt Stafford will be desperate for a weapon or two.
NFC South
Carolina Panthers
Both lines could use some work, but with Cam Newton showing more signs of fragility, perhaps a quarterback is under consideration to ensure the ship does not sink if their star man goes down once again.
Atlanta Falcons
Replacing Tevin Coleman will be needed at some point, but first up will likely be bolstering the interior defensive, while the Falcons could also use some help to enhance their potency when rushing the quarterback.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints will sit back and enjoy the show after getting their business done early with the acquisitions of Latavius Murray, Nick Easton and Malcom Brown. Picking at 62 overall means they have plenty of time to consider their options, with another receiver possibly first up.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Help at safety continues to be a problem, but Bruce Arians has many concerns as he pads out his roster upon his return to the league, namely the interior and defensive line.
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys
Despite bringing back Jason Witten, Dallas will be desperate to acquire a ‘comfort blanket’ for Dak Prescott at tight end, though secondary help for what has evolved into a formidable defence is also highly-sort when they eventually pick in the second round.
New York Giants
Quarterback, of course, needs attention, but after the nonsensical decision to persist with the now faded Eli Manning, they must turn to the gaping hole left by superstar receiver Odell Beckham Jr.
Philadelphia Eagles
A well-crafted roster, the Eagles have picked up pieces in Jordan Howard, Malik Jackson, Andrew Sendejo, Vinny Curry and the returning DeSean Jackson, so expect them to gleefully grab a bargain should a value pick fall into their lap, particularly help on the defensive line.
Washington Redskins
Where do we start? Washington are absolutely ravaged, with Alex Smith’s gruesome injury forcing them to consider a total rebuild if they fall for the right quarterback. Perhaps a seismic trade could see them force the issue.
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