Which teams are on the hunt for a brand-new quarterback in this year's draft? And what other positions will the 32 NFL franchises be targeting?; Watch the 2023 NFL Draft live on Sky Sports from Thursday to Saturday
Friday 28 April 2023 08:52, UK
The 2023 NFL Draft officially got under way on Thursday night, live on Sky Sports, with day one of the three-day player-picking extravaganza. But specifically what gaps are each of the NFL's 32 teams looking to plug on their respective rosters? Here we take a look at their most pressing needs...
Denver Broncos - Offensive/defensive line
New Broncos head coach Sean Payton has a very specific vision when it comes to building a roster, specifically building it from the inside out. The offensive line has already been addressed heavily in free agency, with Mike McGlinchey and Ben Powers notable arrivals from the 49ers and Ravens, respectively, but that doesn't mean Denver won't look to add more depth at the position.
Kansas City Chiefs - Wide receiver
It almost feels unfair to suggest that Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs could benefit from more offensive firepower following their latest Super Bowl win, but JuJu Smith-Schuster has vacated to the Patriots and Mecole Hardman to the Jets - one year on from superstar Tyreek Hill upping sticks to Miami too, let's not forget. It leaves the wide receiver room in Kansas City looking a little light, so expect this to be addressed.
Las Vegas Raiders - Cornerback
In a division with Patrick Mahomes, but also Justin Herbert and now a Sean Payton-led Russell Wilson flying the flag at quarterback, the Raiders badly need more help on defense, and specifically at corner.
Los Angeles Chargers - Wide receiver
Running back could be an option for the Chargers, especially given the stand-off currently with Austin Ekeler as he seeks a new contract from the team in lieu of his 38 total touchdowns scored over the last two seasons. More likely, however, is that the Chargers will pursue a receiver to add to the offensive weaponry surrounding their budding star at QB, Justin Herbert.
Baltimore Ravens - Wide receiver
Even with the addition of superstar Odell Beckham Jr to their receiver room, the Ravens could use greater options at the position.
Cleveland Browns - Offensive line
Deshaun Watson was rusty as he returned to football last season after being accused by more than two dozen women of sexual assault and misconduct during massage sessions.
The NFL ruled Watson's behaviour with massage therapists as "egregious" and "predatory", fining him $5m and handing down an 11-game suspension, in addition to mandatory counselling and treatment. Watson has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
The former Texans quarterback should be more acclimatised to the team in his second season at Cleveland, but one way of almost guaranteeing that is with some additions to the offensive line in the draft.
Cincinnati Bengals - Tight end
The Bengals saw CJ Uzomah leave last offseason, while it's Hayden Hurst who departed in free agency this time round, leaving a hole to be filled at starting tight end. Running back could also be another target, perhaps?
Pittsburgh Steelers - Offensive line
The offensive line has long been an issue for the Steelers. Not only did they struggle to protect Ben Roethlisberger in his latter years, but rookie Kenny Pickett came in for similar punishment last season. Najee Harris didn't find the going easy either, with fewer gaps being opened up by the O-line for the season-year runner.
Houston Texans - Edge rusher
Expect the Texans to address the defensive line, and specifically pass rushers, to populate new head coach DeMeco Ryans' defense after the former 49ers defensive coordinator's hiring in the offseason.
Indianapolis Colts - Cornerback
The trade of Stephon Gilmore in free agency also leaves Indianapolis severely lacking at corner, so expect that position to also be addressed in later rounds.
Jacksonville Jaguars - Cornerback
The Jaguars could use some more depth in the defensive backfield more generally, but a lockdown cornerback specifically would do nicely for this playoff team from last year that pushed the Chiefs all the way in the divisional round. That sort of addition could prove the difference if history was to repeat itself in 2023, allowing the Jaguars to bottle up Mahomes et al a little easier.
Tennessee Titans - Offensive line
The Titans are another team that are firmly in the hunt for a quarterback in this draft, but do they pick one up with their first-round pick at 11 - or even look to trade up?
With Ryan Tannehill still a more than competent starter, and Malik Willis only entering his second year (as shaky as his first looked), it's perhaps more likely they first address other needs, most notably the offensive line so that they can keep their collection of QBs a bit better protected.
Buffalo Bills - Wide receiver
The Bills don't need much, just need a couple of tweaks here and there to turn them from perennial contenders to champions. It was hoped the addition of two-time Super Bowl-winner Von Miller to the defense would prove to be the difference-making addition last year - and he did, right up until getting injured late in the season.
Now it's the offense's turn to be addressed. Stefon Diggs is a superb No 1 receiver, but the support around him and superstar quarterback Josh Allen is fairly minimal. Gabe Davis has shown only flashes, tight end Dawson Knox is admittedly a reliable target but there is little else to speak of.
Miami Dolphins - Running back
The Dolphins have a pretty stacked roster with very few glaring needs. Just as well, as they have just the four selections in the 2023 Draft, so very little wiggle room with which to be selective.
Raheem Mostert was the best of the bunch out of the backfield for Miami last year, but he has been around the block a bit and continues to be a bit of an injury concern. Jeff Wilson, Myles Gaskin and Salvon Ahmed add to the depth in the room, but the Dolphins are lacking a little in star power at the position.
New England Patriots - Cornerback
The Patriots could do with help outside the numbers on both offense and defense, with wide receiver and cornerback among their most pressing needs.
New York Jets - Offensive/defensive line
So, it's official. Aaron Rodgers is a Jet.
Moves have already been made to surround the three-time league MVP with talent at the skill positions on offense, but the O-line could do with strengthening too, in order to keep their prized new asset (but 39-year-old QB) upright. Mekhi Becton is a beast, but he is all too infrequently healthy, which only adds to incentive to strengthen the position.
Arizona Cardinals - Edge rusher
JJ Watt has retired after leading the team with 12.5 sacks last season, Zach Allen has moved on to Denver after supporting Watt with the second-most sacks at 5.5 on the year: the Cardinals need edge rushers
Arizona are also thin across the offensive line and could yet find themselves in the market for a new lead receiver should DeAndre Hopkins be traded away. Oh, and they need a cornerback.
Los Angeles Rams - Edge rusher
Honestly, where to start? Jalen Ramsey's trade to the Miami Dolphins presents a glaring need at cornerback, while the added loss of Taylor Rapp and Nick Scott also leaves them short at safety. The Rams may find they must build from the front, though, after finishing the 2022 campaign with the fifth-worst pressure rate in the league. Last season's sack leader Leonard Floyd was released earlier this offseason, so defensive coordinator Raheem Morris is in desperate need of support off the edge. Strength in depth in the edge class offers encouragement they might be able to pursue such a necessity even at 36th overall.
San Francisco 49ers - Offensive/defensive line
Trades permitting, the 49ers are not on the board until the first of their three third-round picks this weekend, before then returning with three fifth-round picks. The loss of Mike McGlinchey raises question marks over their status at right tackle, where there is expected to be competition between Colton McKivitz, Jaylon Moore and Matt Pryor.
On the other side of the ball, they may look and wonder whether they require another pass rusher to complement Nick Bosa, and whether it might be wise to seek a long-term replacement for safety Tashaun Gipson.
Seattle Seahawks - Edge rusher
The Seahawks sat around the middle of the class in pressure rate last year while recording 45 sacks (tied for fifth-most in the league) and ranking 12th against the pass last season. Nonetheless, Pete Carroll would no doubt love to add more dynamic edge rushers to accompany Uchenna Nwosu and Boye Mafe and serve as the face of his side's pass rush for the next decade.
Chicago Bears - Offensive/defensive line
Chicago gave up the fourth-most sacks in the league last season (58) and generated a league-low 20 themselves. They desperately need impact players along both lines.
With a trio of picks at 53, 61, and 64, don't be surprised if they move up to acquire a superstar, or move back to secure even more much-needed depth.
Detroit Lions - Edge rusher
Things are looking up for the Lions. They had a top-five scoring offense last season and their first winning campaign in five years. However, their defense was far behind the attack.
Defensive end, defensive tackle, linebacker, cornerback - they could do with help everywhere!
Green Bay Packers - Wide receiver
With Aaron Rodgers lost to Gang Green in New York, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur could focus on rebuilding an offense that finished in the middle of the pack in 2022.
Minnesota Vikings - Cornerback
The Vikings need help in the passing game on both sides of the ball, but there really is a glaring hole in the roster at corner.
They gave up the second-most passing yards in the NFL in 2022 and free agent CB Byron Murphy won't fix that problem on his own.
Atlanta Falcons - Edge rusher
Outside of one or two players, the Falcons lack star power on offense, while they could also do with some of the draft's pass-rush options to bolster the defense.
Carolina Panthers - Wide receiver
The Panthers need to add some pass-catchers to aid their new franchise quarterback, Alabama's Bryce Young, who was taken No 1 overall.
New Orleans Saints - Defensive line
In a draft packed with pass-rushing talent, the Saints should feel confident about getting some defensive line help.
Also, outside of Chris Olave and a too-often-injured Michael Thomas, New Orleans may also look to improve the pass-catchers for new quarterback Derek Carr.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Offensive tackle
In reality, post-Tom Brady, the whole Bucs offense could do with a revamp. Donovan Smith is also gone, which leaves a gap at offensive tackle. Yes, they signed Baker Mayfield, but could they also pounce on a young QB to build around (Will Levis, Hendon Hooker, anyone)?
With ageing receivers and no star tight end in sight, they likely focus on offense in this draft.
Dallas Cowboys - Running back/Tight end
The Cowboys bid farewell to Ezekiel Elliott this offseason and handed the backfield keys to Tony Pollard, though that isn't to say Jerry Jones is necessarily settled in the running back department.
Elsewhere, Dalton Schultz's departure in free agency has presented an opening at tight end during a year of handsome depth for the position in the draft, and head coach Dan Quinn would welcome the addition of another off-ball linebacker to work with at the second level.
New York Giants - Cornerback
Injuries on defense threatened to blunt an excellent season for the New York Giants as defensive coordinator Wink Martindale's secondary was stripped down to practice squad promotions and young late-round picks.
There may be no position with as much strength in depth as that of this year's cornerback class, giving the Giants an ideal opportunity to find their new lockdown perimeter man to play across from Adoree' Jackson. Employing added wide receiver help with which to cushion their newly-paid quarterback Daniel Jones also remains a priority.
Philadelphia Eagles - Defensive line
For so long the Eagles have prided themselves on depth and rotation across their defensive front, though they faced problems against the run midway through last season.
The loss of CJ Gardner-Johnson in free agency opens a gap at safety, and it remains to be seen whether they will be content moving forward behind an expanded role for Nakobe Dean at linebacker following the departure of T.J. Edwards and Kyzir White.
Washington Commanders - Cornerback
The Commanders, who finished last season with the fourth-fewest interceptions in the league, enter the draft in need of reinforcements at cornerback as they look to add to the returning duo of Kendall Fuller and Benjamin St-Juste.
Also, with Sam Howell seemingly moving forward as the team's starting quarterback, the Commanders could target a new offensive tackle.
Watch all three days of the 2023 NFL Draft live on Sky Sports from Thursday, April 27-Saturday, April 29.
