With the Super Bowl just ending, I think its time we start looking at the annual mind scrambling event for all of us fans of the NFL, the NFL Draft and combine. But instead of creating numerous mock drafts, we should be logical right? Even though we have no idea who each team is going to pick we are going to look at each teams biggest need with their first pick.
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens (No. 26 Pick)
The Ravens need to shore up that backfield for Joe Flacco. While Justin Forsett deserves to be the top back for Baltimore, I don't care what people say: Ray Rice will not be coming back to the team. Therefore, Baltimore should look at someone like Duke Johnson or Todd Gurley, knowing that neither will be starting over Forsett, especially Gurley, who is coming off a ACL injury.
Cincinnati Bengals ( No. 21 Pick)
Cindy has two routes it can take with the 21 pick: either make that defense more ferocious or find a secondary guy to back up A.J. Green, whose injury in my opinion cost the team a shot at the AFC North title and crippled them against the Colts in the playoffs. Either way, I expect the Bengals to be a threat in the AFC, if their offense can get right, which it can if they decide to go offense.
Cleveland Browns (No. 12 and 19 Pick)
Cleveland has the fortunate opportunity of picking not once but twice in the draft. And with Brian Hoyer more than likely not returning, and Josh Gordon drinking his way into a year-long suspension, Cleveland needs to hit on two positions: wideout and defensive tackle. Now while defensive tackle is important, it can be addressed in the second round if they want to because the Browns defense wasn't that bad last year. I believe that wideout is more pressing just because without Josh Gordon, the Browns have no serious threat at wideout. You need to replenish those ranks so that if Josh Gordon can turn his life around( I'm really hoping he does), the Browns can finally get back to the playoffs with Johnny Manziel at the helm.
Pittsburgh Steelers (No. 22 Pick)
Pittsburgh is in the same boat as Chicago when it comes to defense, only real difference is the fact that Chicago is in the part of the boat that is sinking rapidly, while Pittsburgh is slipping towards that. The Steelers need to focus on retooling that defense over time, and will hopefully it can do this while trying to be in playoff contention.
NFC North
Green Bay Packers (No. 30 Pick)
Green Bay needs a cornerback and badly. I don't care how good you think Aaron Rodgers is, he can't do everything. And seeing how you have to face the Detroit Lions twice each year, you need someone to cover, or atleast try to cover Calvin Johnson. While this is going to be difficult, hopefully they can do it this year.
Chicago Bears (No. 7 Pick)
I bet Chicago is probably wondering, how can they draft an entire new defense with one pick? But in all seriousness, Chicago is in a bad situation: Defense is horrendous, Brandon Marshall is coming off a punctured lung which is going to affect his play from now on, and on top of that, you have one of the most overrated and overpaid QB's in the league. Chicago needs to be honest with itself: while I seriously suggest they pick defense for this year, it will be a very long time before they are even a legit threat in the NFC North or the NFC playoff race.
Detroit Lions (No. 23 Pick)
Detroit has to basically play scenarios with this pick. lets look at the three that could happen: 1) Detroit loses both Nick Fairley and Ndamukong Suh. 2) Lose Fairley, Get Suh at a discount. 3) Keep Fairley, Lose Suh. Now more than likely, due to the news coming out of Detroit, the Lions are more than likely going to keep Suh and lose Fairley, with Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson lowering their contracts to keep him in the Motor City. But for the draft, Detroit has to look at the first two with their pick. If the Lions lose both defensive tackles, then they must focus on a defensive tackle with the 23 pick. If they find a way of keeping Suh, then Detroit can either get a elite cornerback in the draft or get a defensive tackle to help Suh and fill the void of Nick Fairley.
Minnesota Vikings (No. 11 Pick)
Minnesota has the same issue that Oakland has: which receiver do they pick? The Vikings have a great QB in Teddy Bridgewater, and will address the running back position in the second round as far as I'm concerned( I don't think Adrian Peterson comes back, check the Dallas portion of this). The Vikings need a star receiver to match up with the other 3 in their division (Calvin Johnson, Jordy Nelson, Brandon Marshall). If they end up with Cooper or White, both will be definite upgrades and will make the NFC north more difficult to decide.
AFC South
Indianapolis Colts (No. 29 Pick)
The Colts need to focus their combine coverage strictly to defense and figure out which linebacker they want and need to take with the 29 pick. the biggest issue that the Colts face is that while they have it all on offense, the defense keeps finding ways to let them down when they need it most. And each year while the Colts management has been able to fix one part, another part gets broken. If the Colts can figure out a legit permanent fix at Linebacker, they will go beyond the AFC championship and get Andrew Luck into a Superbowl.
Houston Texans (No. 16 Pick)
Houston is more than likely going to get its franchise quarterback in the second round so we can put that thought on the back burner. Houston should focus on that defense, and I don't mean the line( which by the way, is going to be scary next year with J.J. Watt and J.D. Clowney terrorizing quarterbacks). More than likely this pick should be to retool the secondary or the linebackers because last year, the Texans got beat a lot over the middle between 15-30 yards and they need some rough riders in the backfield. The biggest thing that Houston needs to make sure of is that whoever they pick is a surefire firecracker and will light up the defense because in a division in which you face 2 franchise quarterbacks in Bortles( Jacksonville) and Luck( Indianapolis) you need to shore up the defense first.
Jacksonville Jaguars (No. 3 Pick)
The Jags are in a particular situation this year. This is one of the few years that Jacksonville has a franchise QB in the making, has good receivers and a good O-line. They now need to focus on making that defense as good. If Jacksonville can somehow build a good defensive draft roster, starting with the first pick, the Jags can make a possible run for second place in the AFC South.
Tennessee Titans (No. 2 Pick)
Apart of me wants to say that the Titans should pick a defensive lineman like Leonard Williams and build up their defense, but I sincerely believe that like Tampa Bay, they need a spark on the offensive side. I believe that Tennessee should play their pick in this since: IF Tampa Bay picks the Quarterback they want, get Leonard Williams for your defense as his prowess on the D-line makes him a good second place prize. If they don't take your QB choice, you take your favorite QB.
NFC South
Carolina Panthers (No. 25 Pick)
Carolina should get a offensive lineman to block for Cam Newton so the guy can stop getting smacked around. I know he is huge, but come on, the guy needs a chance to make a throw as was seen during the Carolina vs Seattle game. But to me, Carolina needs to get Cam another wide receiver to compliment Kelvin Benjamin and Greg Olsen. In order to have Cam play at his best, you need to surround him with weapons that can help him win games. Hopefully they do this, because Carolina isn't far off from becoming a bonafide threat in the NFC.
Atlanta Falcons (No. 8 Pick)
If they have this pick, Atlanta needs to focus on getting healthy all around and going defense with this pick. they need a pass rush to actually get the quarterback and stop the run as they lost way too many games via the pass. If they have this pick, they should go defense because new head coach Dan Quinn will bring the Cover 3 4-3 defense from the Seahawks to the team and they need some bulls on that line. If they have this pick, and the reason I say "If" is due to Atlanta being accused on piping in artificial noise during their home games, and depending on how the axe falls, they might not have this pick. If.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (No. 1 Pick)
This is one of the easiest decisions Tampa has to make: Quarterback. But the question that Tampa Bay has to make is do they want to pick Winston or Mariota? For a hometown feel, you would go with Winston, but Mariota's numbers are nothing to sneeze at (105 touchdowns, 14 interceptions over 3 years and multiple bowl seasons). Either way Tampa Bay chooses, they essentially get a franchise quarterback that makes the Bucs a possible wild card team.
New Orleans Saints (No. 13 Pick)
The Saints have all the offensive tools, but by God, why haven't they attempted to fix the defense? This pick, which I no doubt believe will be a defensive pick, is 2-3 years in the making. They need to focus on fixing the defense so that way Drew Brees can take the offense out and win them another NFC South title.
AFC East
Buffalo Bills (No first round pick, get No. 50 Pick)
Buffalo has no pick in the first round, but what they should do in the second round is focus on getting a second star receiver or atleast try to get a complementary tight end. While they are going to get a new QB (either in the draft or free agency), the Bills should take the fact that they don't pick in the first round as a blessing at it they can sit back and make some moves towards playoff contention.
New York Jets (No. 6 Pick)
I don't need to say much for this pick but whichever quarterback is not picked between Mariota and Winston, take that quarterback. The Jets really don't need much that can't be fixed over the free agency and later in day 2 and 3 of the draft.
Miami Dolphins (No. 14 Pick)
Like New Orleans, Miami has to focus on defense, more so on the inside. They should draft a D-lineman like Malcom Brown from Texas so that they can create a rotation to rush the pass. Remember how in the first week of the 2014 season, Miami used that defense to run over Tom Brady? they need to build on that, because if they can build a defense, they can take the crown from of the East from New England, although it won't be easy.
New England Patriots (No. 32 Pick)
After winning the Super Bowl, you would think the champion Patriots wouldn't need much. But looking at the team and the way it is set up, there is a glaring need: New England needs more weapons for Brady. If Im New England, I'm looking at the fact that while you have Edelman and Gronk, you need someone to fill in that vacancy that Hernandez left when he got dropped from the team.
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys (No. 27 Pick)
Dallas shocked the world this past season by not only winning the NFC East, but also winning a playoff game against the Detroit Lions( with a little help from the referees). Now Dallas has two fronts to look at: who do they resign between Dez Bryant and Demarco Murray and who to draft in the 1st round at number 27. First, when it comes to the resigning, more than likely they will resign Dez, let Murray go, and sign Adrian Peterson for cheap, as AP has always wanted to play for his childhood favorite team in Dallas. When it comes to the draft, Dallas needs to focus on a high powered safety or corner that can get lay the hammer on receivers and be a threat in the red zone. If Dallas can do that, then Dallas will make the playoffs for more than one year.
Washington Redskins (No. 5 Pick)
Oh,boy. I have had my issues with Washington for a few years, but they have a multitude of issues, but lets address the biggest: RG3. I know, I'm not saying they should draft a new quarterback, I believe that if your biggest concern is your franchise qb, and you want to keep him healthy, you need to keep him upright. And the only way to do that is to get some protection and use the fifth pick in the draft on a offensive lineman. Granted you have issues on defense and it would be good to fix those, last time I checked defense isn't going to score your touchdowns.
New York Giants (No. 9 Pick)
Reversing my pick idea for their stadium brothers, the New York Giants need to focus solely on defense. They can retool the secondary or maybe even the linebacking corps, but they need to focus on the defensive line if they want to be in contention for a NFC East title. Is it possible that a number nine pick will do this in their rookie year? Highly unlikely. But they can definitely be a beacon for the future in the Big Apple.
Philadelphia Eagles (No. 20 Pick)
Philly has a serious choice to make in what is more pressing to address with the 20th pick: Offense or defense? Philly has been in the news for wanting to trade Nick Foles and looking at Brett Hundley as the new QB from the draft. The pickup of Hundley would change things in the NFC East, as his size, speed and arm, makes him dangerous in the NFC East. But at the exact same time, Philly needs to shore up its secondary, which was softer than fresh snow. While it won't completely fix the Philly defense, it would certainly be a step in the right direction.
AFC West
Oakland Raiders (No. 4 Pick)
Oh, the curious case of Oakland. While most fans are worried about the team moving to L.A. (which it should), the team reminds me of the Detroit Lions a long time ago. Remember when Detroit had an All-Star receiver in Calvin Johnson, then picked up Matthew Stafford? People believed that you had found two pieces that would get the team playoff bound, which has proven to be right for two years. For Oakland, the situation is the same but in reverse: Oakland has a star quarterback in Derek Carr but needs a great receiver prospect with this pick. The question is who do you pick: Alabama's Amari Cooper or West Virginia's Kevin White? Time will tell.
Kansas City Chiefs (No. 18 Pick)
16 games. 16 games. The Kansas City Chiefs had 16 games and not one receiver had a touchdown catch in the entire year. Sounds insane, right? Well it was and the Chiefs need to get some new receivers that can actually catch a touchdown pass. If I'm Kansas City, I look toward any hybrid wide receivers in the draft that can break possibly the WORST streak in NFL history.
Denver Broncos (No. 28 Pick)
I would say that Denver should pick a Quarterback because of the fact that Peyton Manning needs to hang it up and call it a Hall of Famer career, but more than likely Peyton will come back for another season. And if thats the case, then Denver should draft an offensive lineman to protect Peyton, because of one reason and one reason only: if Peyton has to hold onto the ball, especially against the season schedule he has this year, Peyton will get hit. ALOT.
San Diego Chargers (No. 17 Pick)
Im going to say it now, in my dark horse predictions for next year's Super Bowl in California, I think that the AFC will represented by a California team in the SuperChargers of San Diego. They have the defense to get there, and Phillip Rivers is good enough to make a run, all they need is some O-line help. If San Diego is able to do so, don't be surprised if San Diego pulls off some magic and shocks the AFC by finally winning it all.
NFC West
San Francisco 49ers ( No. 15 Pick)
Personally, I would draft a quarterback because I don't like Colin Kaepernick( not for who he is off the field, but on the field with his arm mechanics, the fact that all he really is good for is scrambling, etc.). But the 49ers, in the span of 3 months, have lost the head coach and members of the staff to the University of Michigan, and now have a no name coaching this team. I know fans of this team would love for me to say they are still a threat to win the NFC West, but that ship has sailed. With the rise of all the other teams in the west, San Fran is going to be fighting for a wild card for years. But in this draft, they need to focus on a receiver, because more than likely you might end up losing Michael Crabtree and who knows what is going to happen with Anquan Boldin as well
St. Louis Rams (No. 10 Pick)
Conventional wisdom would say that the St. Louis Rams would pick a tackle to re-enforce that offensive line. But unfortunately I can't pick wisdom when I'm looking at this team: with their defense and the weapons they have, St. Louis needs a new Quarterback. Now more than likely, Winston and Mariota should be gone( I would be SHOCKED if they didn't) and they could possibly pick up Bryce Petty from Baylor. And I'm sorry but as iffy as Petty can be, he is a humongous upgrade from Sam Bradford, Austin Davis and Shaun Hill.
Arizona Cardinals (No. 24 Pick)
Arizona, despite their injuries, should be in the running for a NFC championship next year. But in order to get there, they need to retool some parts of the team. One need is at offensive line, because due to them, you lost 2 quarterbacks this season. The more pressing need is the linebacker position and getting someone to fill the role of a dominant inside linebacker. If they can get that, they can rush the pass with 5 or less, allowing Antonio Cromartie( if he returns) and Patrick Peterson to dominate on defense.
Seattle Seahawks (No. 31 Pick)
Well Seattle is in a curious position. They are more than likely going to resign Russell Wilson, but the question revolves around Marshawn Lynch. Will he resign to the team, and does the team want to deal with the constant distraction of Lynch? Lets say that they resign Lynch to a long term deal, then their biggest need is wide receiver. Seattle needs a 1st rounder that can lead or atleast bring some relevancy to that receiving corps. If Lynch is gone, then nothing matters more than finding a running back, but not just any back, but a pure power back. You don't need a speed back, you have that in Turbin, you need someone to instantaneously fill in the mold that Lynch is.
