The new league year brought more than a few surprises as the NFL’s free agency period opened up. After a flurry of transactions, we take a look at the most updated team needs ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft. Free agency moves may have shifted needs around for some, but did they solve any team’s top need?
2022 NFL Draft Team Needs: AFC
As we get into it, it’s important to note that these needs have been crafted with a blind eye to their current draft capital. Just because one team has quarterback as their top need doesn’t mean we believe they should automatically select a QB with their first pick. Though it may be their biggest need, a quarterback may be too low on our board to warrant drafting with their first selection.
Baltimore Ravens
- C, CB, DT, EDGE, WR
The Baltimore Ravens made a few splash moves that filled needs through the first few days of free agency. Despite losing out on Za’Darius Smith after the edge rusher backed out of a big contract, the Ravens hang their hats on signing Morgan Moses and Marcus Williams. Both filled former positions of need.
Since Lamar Jackson came to Baltimore, the Ravens have run the ball very effectively. An upgrade at center could be an option for the Ravens, who are currently slotting an offensive tackle to the inside.
Speaking of offensive tackle, that could very well be their pick in the first round if someone like Trevor Penning is available at 14. Although they signed Moses to a three-year deal, they have an easy out after one. Additionally, their team needs don’t necessarily fit with what is available at the top of the draft.
Buffalo Bills
- CB, RB, DT, TE, OT
Talk about filling a big need. The Buffalo Bills signing Von Miller showcased how solid they believe their roster is after drafting edge defenders with their first picks of the previous two drafts. Miller’s veteran presence should go a long way in the development of Gregory Rousseau and A.J. Epenesa. It also adds a future Hall of Famer to a defense needing a spark.
Drafting a cornerback at the end of Round 1 that is an instant contributor could be tricky, depending on whether there is a run on the position early on. There’s no doubting the Bills need a starter opposite of superstar Tre’Davius White. However, adding a receiving weapon in the backfield is also a massive need after losing out on J.D. McKissic in free agency.
Cincinnati Bengals
- C, S, G, CB, TE
While the Cincinnati Bengals secured a couple of players at spots of need, this offensive line could still use help. Alex Cappa’s four-year, $35 million deal is a decent one, meaning he’ll likely pencil in to start at guard. Outside of that, the Bengals are absolutely in the market for depth and improvement at nearly every other offensive line position.
If Tyler Linderbaum is available at 31 and the Bengals decide to go another route, we riot on behalf of Joe Shiesty and his family. While Ted Karras has played and could continue to play center, why force him into that role when there’s a perfectly good rookie to draft there. Center is a market inefficiency in the NFL Draft, and they could reap the reward in 2022.
Cleveland Browns
- DT, EDGE, WR, S, LB
The Cleveland Browns acquired Deshaun Watson by sending essentially a king’s ransom to the Texans. They then signed Watson to the largest guaranteed contract in NFL history. It’s safe to say they have their franchise quarterback for now and the future with the money and draft capital they’ve put behind Watson.
Although wide receiver remains a big need for Cleveland, it’s not the biggest one after the acquisition of Amari Cooper. The Browns need interior defensive line help like a toddler needs a nap an hour after smashing some sugary cake. Taven Bryan and Jordan Elliott won’t suffice. They could also use a long-term answer to play opposite of Myles Garrett.
Denver Broncos
- RT, EDGE, CB, TE, RB
It’s a new era for the Denver Broncos following their trade for Russell Wilson. Without their top draft picks this year, the Broncos will be hard-pressed for some of the most coveted players in the 2022 NFL Draft. Still, Denver has signed players of need in both Randy Gregory on the edge and D.J. Jones at DT.
The Wilson trade sent Noah Fant to Seattle, which leaves Denver with Albert Okwuegbunam and a whole lot of anonymity behind him. While the Broncos don’t have premium picks to address right tackle, they don’t necessarily need to. They have Billy Turner and Tom Compton to hold down the fort for a developmental second or third-round pick.
Houston Texans
- WR, CB, S, EDGE, OT
This is a bad roster everywhere. Winning four games in 2021 was a miracle in and of itself. Their actual needs list is simply “all” of the positions. However, a few are imperative to begin the roster-rebuilding process.
While drafting a receiver with the third pick would be practically insane, the Texans could potentially walk away with the top wide receiver in the class with the 13th selection. If not, it’s likely they could get the second-best at 13. With five picks in the top 80, they can do a whole lot of roster-building. Houston could also address more needs with a trade back from 13 if a team attempts trading up for a quarterback.
Indianapolis Colts
- OT, G, CB, WR, S
The Colts fixed a massive issue on their roster when they traded for Matt Ryan. However, there is a lot more work that needs to be done. They lost Mark Glowinski, leaving Will Fries and Carter O’Donnell as the only two options at right guard. However, Matt Pryor isn’t necessarily a stone wall on the left side.
Kenny Moore II and Isaiah Rodgers are a great duo at cornerback, but they need a third after losing Rock Ya-Sin. Left tackle and right guard will both need to be upgraded before next season. Michael Pittman Jr. is a nice piece at wide receiver, but the rest of the group is anonymous. Parris Campbell hasn’t stayed healthy enough to be counted on.
The Colts don’t pick until midway through Round 2, so the need for a left tackle is likely to go unchecked barring a substantial fall for a prospect.
Jacksonville Jaguars
- OT, EDGE, WR, S, LB
The Jacksonville Jaguars shelled out a ton of cash during the opening stages of free agency. They addressed multiple top needs in a flurry of moves (guard, cornerback, wide receiver). Notably, the only edge rusher they signed was Arden Key, and they didn’t ink a tackle. Yet, they’ll have their pick of the top players at both positions on their big board.
Despite handing Christian Kirk WR1 money, the Jaguars don’t have a WR1 on the roster. The draft class at wide receiver is interesting. There’s a chance they get a legitimate WR1 prospect with the 33rd pick. Jacksonville could also look into a long-term option at tight end to help in the development of Trevor Lawrence. Meanwhile, the loss of Myles Jack creates a need at linebacker in a deep class.
Kansas City Chiefs
- CB, EDGE, WR, DT, TE
Replacing Tyrann Mathieu was not going to be easy, but the Kansas City Chiefs made quick work of it. Filling a big void with the signing of Justin Reid was crucial as that wiped away one of their top needs. Receiver may seem like a massive need on the surface, but if Patrick Mahomes is truly one of the all-time great talents, he should survive with his current group.
The Chiefs went from four straight conference championships to having a whole lot of holes to fill in a hurry. Luckily, they have four picks in the first two rounds to throw darts at. They need a cornerback, and they desperately need a pass rusher to help alleviate stress from Chris Jones on the interior. They also no longer have Tyreek Hill, and wide receiver was already a need.
Las Vegas Raiders
- OT, G, DT, LB, S
Given that their previous top need was receiver, the Las Vegas Raiders had to spend some serious capital to secure the services of Davante Adams. The jury is still out on whether the trade will be worth it or not, but head coach Josh McDaniels understood their need at receiver. With Adams in the fold and a bevy of other receiving options available, the need comes off the list.
The Raiders have a few incredibly glaring needs on their roster but have little draft capital to invest. With only one top-100 pick (86th overall), those needs will be difficult to fill without getting lucky. They drafted right tackle Alex Leatherwood in the 2021 NFL Draft and then immediately decided it was a bad idea and moved him to guard.
With a new staff in town, hopefully, the Raiders (and Leatherwood) can find some stability at one spot.
Los Angeles Chargers
- G, OT, WR, EDGE, LB
Arguably only the Jaguars made a bigger splash in NFL free agency. The Chargers addressed huge needs and added weapons to facilitate Derwin James’ success. That is an exciting development.
The right side of the offensive line is still in shambles. The Chargers have four guards on the roster but only one starter. They have three tackles, but just one that should start. LA needs a lot of help at right guard and right tackle. However, they also need help at receiver. Getting a legitimate downfield threat to replace Jalen Guyton would transform the offense. They also lack weapons behind Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack. They’re both unbelievable players, but they can’t play 100% of the defensive snaps.
Miami Dolphins
- C, S, OT, EDGE, LB
It’s safe to say backfield members are no longer a need — at least in this draft — for the Miami Dolphins. After signing two fullbacks as well as Raheem Mostert and Chase Edmonds, the Dolphins should be done with the backfield acquisitions.
They also grabbed Connor Williams, who can play a multitude of offensive line positions. Subsequently, Miami landed Terron Armstead to play left tackle. Then, they sent picks to Kansas City for Tyreek Hill, rendering WR no longer a need.
Not much has changed for Miami since the trade. Jevon Holland still needs a friend at safety. The right tackle spot is still a bit of a black hole, but the Dolphins might hope/believe Liam Eichenberg can survive there. Much of the offensive line could still be improved upon, but a linebacker to complement Jerome Baker is a need as well.
New England Patriots
- CB, WR, S, LB, OT
The New England Patriots will have the difficult task of replacing J.C. Jackson, but that had to have already been in the plans. Their needs haven’t changed much after free agency, except maybe putting two cornerbacks ahead of anything else in the draft.
New England is old. It was part of the original thirteen colonies, and the Patriots’ roster is aging like a Pontiac Catalina being left outside and uncovered during the winter. The Patriots need to inject some youth into their defense. They desperately need help at cornerback, and they created a need at right guard after trading Shaq Mason for tickets to see The Batman.
New York Jets
- S, LB, CB, WR, EDGE
Operation “Build Around Zach Wilson” has started for the New York Jets. They signed safety Jordan Whitehead, answering part of their biggest draft need listed here. The Jets re-signed WR Braxton Berrios to a longer deal while grabbing Tyler Conklin and C.J. Uzomah at tight end. This timing attack on offense got a whole lot better with an influx of short-area pass catchers.
The Berrios signing doesn’t move the needle much on the Jets’ high-end receiving need. They could be in a position to take the first one off the board in the draft with the 10th pick. Linebacker is another huge need, but there should be Day 2 options there.
Free safety is still a need, particularly in Robert Saleh’s defense. The departure of Marcus Maye creates a hole there. They have five picks in the top 69 of the 2022 NFL Draft, which is nice. They can address premium positions early and move on to great players at undervalued positions like safety and linebacker in Rounds 2 and 3.
Pittsburgh Steelers
- QB, OT, WR, S, CB
It seems highly unlikely that Mitchell Trubisky is the long-term answer for the Pittsburgh Steelers. As such, a quarterback at pick No. 20 could very well be in the plans here. Utilizing Trubisky as a bridge QB may be the answer to their success as a team in 2022. Their signings of James Daniels and Chukwuma Okorafor to three-year deals will go a long way in helping sustain their quarterback’s success, but they still need more.
Quarterback is the beginning and end of the Steelers’ needs. This is a fanbase that doesn’t know failure. They haven’t had a losing season since 50 Cent dropped Get Rich or Die Tryin’. That was 2003! They will probably be bad this season, but drafting a QB at 20 allows the fanbase to hope for a brighter future of 10+ win seasons.
Tennessee Titans
- LB, WR, TE, EDGE, CB
The Tennessee Titans signed Harold Landry III to a big contract, keeping him in the fold for five years at $87.5 million. Landry joins C Ben Jones in returning to the team and filling needs that could have been problems. That only cements their top need as linebacker takes center stage for the Titans in the 2022 NFL Draft.
If the Titans aren’t drafting a linebacker or wide receiver in Round 1 of the NFL Mock Draft you’re reading, stop reading it. That is, if it isn’t a PFN Mock Draft, as I’m sure whoever wrote it has outstanding motives. But really, the Titans should find value at linebacker in Round 1, and there are many receivers who could fit well with A.J. Brown and Robert Woods. Tight end should come later.
2022 NFL Draft Team Needs: NFC
Here are the top five team needs for each NFC franchise ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Arizona Cardinals
- EDGE, CB, OT, DT, WR
The Cardinals went from looking like the best team in the league to a mediocre one very quickly in 2021. They were a flawed roster from the start but played out their minds for a long stretch to begin the season.
The Cardinals’ needs at EDGE and CB are the size of Alaska. For those wondering, that’s 665,400 square miles worth of need. They could also use a right tackle of the future, or if they’re starting caliber, right away.
Picking at 23 makes things tricky for pass rushers because we perceive that run will end before getting to their pick. They could fall into a cornerback, but they currently have no pass-rush options aside from J.J. Watt, who hasn’t exactly been a model of health in his career.
Atlanta Falcons
- WR, DT, EDGE, G, OT
While quarterback is a need, picking one in this draft class seems foolish. Atlanta’s offensive depth chart is indescribable. Wide receiver could have been on the list three times on its own. The depth chart there looks like an NCAA14-generated recruiting class. Drafting a QB in this situation would be setting them up for failure.
This is a bad football team almost from top to bottom. This essentially makes their 2022 NFL Draft process easy. Just take the best player available at a relative position of need. That’s almost all of them except for tight end. It wouldn’t surprise to see them go cornerback in Round 1, nor would it be a bad decision, despite the Casey Hayward Jr. signing.
Carolina Panthers
- QB, OT, G, C, WR
In need of a few more pieces than they’d be likely to sign in free agency, the Carolina Panthers have done a great job so far. Inking Austin Corbett to anchor one side of their guard duo will go a long way, but they still need more help on the offensive line. They also need to be blocking for someone as Carolina is not sold on the sports’ most important position: QB.
After being ousted from the Watson sweepstakes, the Panthers are now hunting for a new quarterback, potentially even as high as their first pick at No. 6. They signed Xavier Woods at safety, moving that position off our list of team needs.
The Panthers’ problems are all on offense. They bet the house on Sam Darnold in 2021 and went bankrupt. Instead of buying time with Justin Fields or Mac Jones, they decided to strengthen an already young and upcoming defense. Darnold failed, and now they’re stuck in a difficult spot.
Their entire offensive line is a trainwreck. Taylor Moton is the only starting-caliber player of the lot, which certainly doesn’t help an already struggling QB.
Chicago Bears
- OT, WR, G, C, EDGE
The Chicago Bears ultimately decided not to sign Larry Ogunjobi — it was reported that he had failed his physical. The Bears needed help on the interior of their defense and still do. However, they have bigger fish to fry.
The Bears’ roster rivals the worst in the league. It’s going to be a very uphill battle to cultivate an environment conducive for success in their young quarterback. Their draft strategy should simply be to throw all their assets on offense to try and build around Justin Fields. It’s all that matters early in his career, as the team has no shot at competing for a playoff birth in the near future.
Dallas Cowboys
- G, WR, EDGE, LB, OT
The Dallas Cowboys effectively sat out free agency once again this offseason. Additionally, Jerry Jones has all but told the world they’d be drafting a left guard with the 24th pick in the NFL Draft.
If the Cowboys are good at one thing, it’s forecasting the NFL Draft and their perceived ability to address needs immediately. The loss of Randy Gregory throws a wrench in that, but the Cowboys will insert Micah Parsons on the edge often enough to soften the blow.
They’ll go guard at 24 and have the option of addressing EDGE, LB, or WR at 56 and LB or WR at 88, given the depth of both in the draft class.
Detroit Lions
- QB, WR, LB, CB, OL
It’s difficult to say the Detroit Lions still need a wide receiver despite shelling out $25.5 million across just five total years of deals to three different receivers during free agency so far. But it’s the truth. The Lions need a quarterback to throw the ball to these new receivers, but they shouldn’t be done adding playmakers outside.
In news from what seems like every year over the past 15, the Lions could use some athleticism at the linebacker position. Additionally, they could use another receiver to finish rebuilding after signing DJ Chark to a one-year deal.
Quarterback will be the biggest question. Can the team convince fans to stick around for another year of Jared Goff while waiting to continue building the foundation around their hypothetical future QB? Dan Campbell has grown a lot of fans, but how long does that last?
Green Bay Packers
- WR, OT, S, EDGE, LB
The Green Bay Packers’ top need was always going to be the same this offseason — replace Adams. Now that the trade is official and the Packers have the Raiders’ first two picks this year, it’s even more apparent. It’s time to find a new viable WR1 and — even more than that — some viable third and fourth receivers for this roster.
The Packers should come out of this draft with multiple receivers. There’s no excuse not to draft one with one of their two first-round picks. With four in the first two rounds, they have plenty of darts to throw at other positions of need, including pass rusher and linebacker beside De’Vondre Campbell.
Los Angeles Rams
- EDGE, CB, G, LB, S
Though it wasn’t a top need, the Los Angeles Rams got scarier on offense when they signed Allen Robinson to bolster their wide receiving corps. With enough money left to re-sign Odell Beckham Jr., the team’s draft needs remain mostly the same. They still need help at a variety of OL positions following the retirement of Andrew Whitworth, but Joseph Noteboom and Brian Allen are back in the mix.
Does it even matter what the Rams’ needs are? As Les Snead displayed on his chest during the Super Bowl parade, f*&$ them picks. However, despite not having significant draft capital since Donald Trump was beginning his first term in office, the Rams have drafted quite well.
Minnesota Vikings
- CB, G, S, TE, WR
It’s actually impressive to see how often the Vikings try to address cornerback and how perpetual their failures have become. That position may need more help than any position group in the NFL that isn’t the Atlanta Falcons’ receivers, and it’s not a huge gap.
The Vikings have gone heavy drafting super athletes on the offensive line, but sustaining blocks and creating drive to open rushing lanes has been an issue with the relatively light line. As Wendy’s once said, “Where’s the beef?”
And despite drafting cornerbacks seemingly every draft cycle, the Vikings still need help covering receivers on the outside. More than anything, they must figure out how to run the ball efficiently again.
New Orleans Saints
- OT, S, WR, G, CB
The Saints couldn’t land Watson, but they re-signed Jameis Winston almost immediately after, taking their QB need away. They also signed Andy Dalton, a prudent approach given Winston’s up-and-down injury history.
Daniel Sorensen might have to start at safety for New Orleans. So that’s a need.
Left tackle remains a need after Armstead moved on. They’ve needed more receiving help forever now, while their guards remain underwhelming. After trading with Philadelphia, New Orleans now owns picks 16 and 18, which could help fill needs at wide receiver, left tackle, and guard.
New York Giants
- LB, OT, C, G, S
The Giants’ roster was ruined by Dave Gettleman’s tenure as general manager. It’s too bad the whole world didn’t know that was a bad hire when it happened. Anyway…
While Gettleman failed this city, Joe Schoen is trying to right those wrongs. With two top-seven picks and five in the top 100, he has a significant amount of arrows in his quiver to draw back and fire. Heck, he could even trade down in Round 1 and add more arrows.
Signing Glowinski helps quell the pain, but they still need significant help at three spots on the line. The Giants could also use athleticism at linebacker, as the current crop runs about as slow as one of Oliver Queen’s low-level enemies.
Philadelphia Eagles
- CB, LB, S, WR, EDGE
Philadelphia’s needs haven’t changed much since the beginning of free agency. The Eagles traded picks 16, 19, and 194 to the Saints for picks 18, 101, 237, a 2023 first-round pick, and a 2024 second-round pick. Philadelphia still has two firsts in 2022 to address its needs.
Zech McPhearson is a fantastic special teamer, but Philadelphia shouldn’t count on him as their starting cornerback on the other side of Darius Slay. Linebacker has been a need for the Eagles for a long time now. They may not go that way in Round 1, but it would be shocking if they didn’t grab one by the start of Day 3.
The Eagles could also use one of those first-round picks to draft some more help for Jalen Hurts, who they’re trying to surround and prove is their franchise guy.
San Francisco 49ers
- G, CB, DT, WR, S
Despite signing Charvarius Ward to a three-year, $42 million deal, the San Francisco 49ers should absolutely be in the market for another cornerback. Given the money sunk into Ward, however, their top need now shifts to offense, specifically WR and G. Getting Trey Lance a new weapon that can separate and find open space in coverage is vital.
While they have young names behind Ward and Emmanuel Moseley in the defensive backfield, cornerback is the Niners’ second-biggest need. Javon Kinlaw’s knee will never allow him to reach what potential he had coming from South Carolina, so adding someone on the interior is an unfortunate need. They also could consider adding another receiver to the mix to give Lance every possible tool.
Seattle Seahawks
- QB, OT, LB, CB, DT
It’s a new era in Seattle as the Seahawks shipped out their all-time-winningest quarterback in Wilson. As such, their top need instantly became quarterback, despite receiving Drew Lock in return from the Denver Broncos. Seattle now has the Broncos’ first pick — No. 9 overall — and could look to the draft for their next face of the franchise.
Outside of QB, Seattle is best to address a position they’ve long ignored — the offensive line. Specifically, they should bring in Duane Brown’s replacement at left tackle and improve over Brandon Shell and Jake Curhan at right tackle.
They signed several pieces on defense. Still, bringing in a new face at LB opposite Jordyn Brooks to help make up for the loss of Bobby Wagner also vaults near the top of the list. Seattle has a rebuild on its hands without Wilson and Wagner. This draft can help seal their fate for the future, one way or the other.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- DT, G, CB, EDGE, QB
Entering the week of free agency, Tom Brady was retired. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ biggest draft need was finding a new quarterback. Now, Brady is unretired, and the Bucs’ top need is no longer quarterback. Sure, Tampa Bay needs a long-term answer since it appears Kyle Trask was not the solution after Brady retired.
The Buccaneers could use some juice to play alongside resident mountain Vita Vea. While they swapped Cappa with Shaq Mason, they still must replace Ali Marpet before September rolls around.
Tampa doesn’t need to address cornerback early, but they should add one to help with depth. They got unlucky with injuries in the defensive backfield last season, but they could use some help.
Washington Commanders
- QB, WR, S, LB, TE
With the possibility of two QBs coming off the board in the first six picks, taking one with the 11th pick seems a bit foolish while paying Carson Wentz $30 million in 2022. The last time a team drafted a QB behind him, things didn’t go well. Quarterback is still a need, but if they want to compete in 2022, they won’t risk messing with Wentz’s vibes.
It would be shocking if the pick at 11 isn’t one of Kyle Hamilton, Garrett Wilson, or Chris Olave. But in a linebacker-rich class, they could pick one up with their Round 2 selection. While they aren’t the most talented team in the NFL, they don’t have a ton of significant needs on paper.