When you ask general managers about a decision to take a player, you'll typically hear them respond by saying they "took the best player available" at that draft slot. This would make the concept of "draft needs" seem like a secondary concern. But, as teams build their draft boards, they do so with clear personnel needs in mind. So yes, they often do get the best player available based on how they lined up their board, but every board is unique not just based on evaluations of players but based on self-evaluation of the current roster.
An example: When Dallas took center Travis Frederick late in Round 1 in 2013, he might have been the best player available according to their board, but their board obviously reflected a need at center -- thus Frederick almost certainly was rated higher by the Cowboys than by many other teams. Maximizing your roster talent is the top priority, but that will always be balanced against how useful a player is, and usefulness reflects needs.
Here are what I consider the top 2014 draft needs for every team. Some have more than others, but:
• I've capped it at four per team, with a few that go to five.
• The order of teams is based on the draft order.
Let's take a look:
Houston Texans
Quarterback: The need here certainly doesn't dictate they take a QB at No. 1 overall, but a depth chart of Case Keenum, Ryan Fitzpatrick and T.J. Yates is probably the worst in the NFL in terms of ceiling. The sample size on Keenum is still relatively small, but his mostly mixed results as the starter fell in lockstep with the projection of a backup.
Right tackle: Left tackle is in good shape with Duane Brown, but Derek Newton isn't a solution at right tackle, where his pass blocking is below average.
Outside linebacker: Brooks Reed and Whitney Mercilus simply weren't very good in 2013. It goes without saying that, if Jadeveon Clowney is drafted and asked to stand up as an edge rusher, he'd be the best one on this team.
Defensive end: J.J. Watt is the best defensive player in the world, but the talent drop-off after him is significant, and, were Watt to miss any time, it would totally change the look of this defense.
St. Louis Rams
Safety: A healthy T.J. McDonald can be a pretty good strong safety if he reaches his potential, but free safety is a problem area right now, as Rodney McLeod is the current incumbent. I wouldn't put that out of the question with their pick at No. 13.
Offensive tackle: The team re-signed Rodger Saffold, but that was to play guard. So you have Jake Long and his health questions at left tackle, and likely Joe Barksdale at right tackle. They need to select at least one tackle.
Wide receiver: The Rams actually do have a lot of receivers with potential, but they could certainly use some more effective size at the position. Tavon Austin, Chris Givens and Stedman Bailey aren't going to win jump balls, and Brian Quick and Austin Pettis don't scare defenses. We'll see what happens with Kenny Britt.
Cornerback: Janoris Jenkins can improve, but I'm not sure how much better Trumaine Johnson will be. The depth here is a question mark.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Quarterback: The presence of Chad Henne means the Jags aren't required to take a QB at No. 3, but that simply reflects a lack of certainty about the QB class. They need a higher ceiling at the position.
Defensive end: Sure, they added Red Bryant and Chris Clemons, but, even with those two and Jason Babin still around, all are over age 30, and the potential behind them is pretty light.
Wide receiver: It's pure uncertainty with Justin Blackmon, even if I believe he can be a very good receiver in this league, and Cecil Shorts and Ace Sanders are the top two players here in Week 1 unless they add one.
Offensive line: Even with a healthy Luke Joeckel, the Jags could use another tackle -- if Greg Robinson is there at No. 3, I wouldn't question that pick -- and Will Rackley (guard) really struggled last year. Hard to go wrong adding some depth and talent up front here.
Cleveland Browns
Quarterback: Brian Hoyer played pretty well last year, but that's a very limited sample size, and ceiling is a significant question. Neither quarterback currently on the roster was drafted. I would be shocked if the Browns don't add a quarterback by the end of the first round.
Cornerback: The distance between Joe Haden and everyone else -- Buster Skrine, Leon McFadden et al. -- is pretty significant. The Browns could add more than one player here, given it's a deep position and they have a bounty of picks.
Wide receiver: Similar to the situation at cornerback, there's one really good option in Josh Gordon and then the drop-off is significant. Greg Little is still more potential than performance, and the depth chart is uninspiring thereafter.
Guard: A healthy Jason Pinkston changes the equation here, but Pinkston hasn't been healthy, and the Browns will suffer up front if they don't add some playable depth here.
Oakland Raiders
Wide receiver: Even with the addition of James Jones, this is a position of need. At the end of last year, Andre Holmes played well, but speed is a question elsewhere, and, although Denarius Moore can run, that's his best trait. Maybe better QB play will make this position look better than it does now, but I still think they could use a high-level talent here.
Outside linebacker: This also could qualify as defensive end depending on what kinds of looks the Raiders come with this year. Just call it "younger pass-rusher" and it fits. I do think Sio Moore is going to be good, however.
Cornerback: They added Carlos Rogers, but what D.J. Hayden will become is still a question, and the depth behind those two is shaky.
Offensive tackle: The Raiders now have Donald Penn and Austin Howard, but Howard struggled plenty last year in New York, and I'd still consider adding at this position beyond Round 1.
Atlanta Falcons
Offensive tackle: The Falcons made a decent commitment to Sam Baker, but he played in just four games last season. Lamar Holmes has a ways to go if he wants to prove he's the answer at right tackle. The Falcons don't have to take a tackle at No. 6, but I'd be surprised if they don't draft one in the first three rounds somewhere.
Pass-rusher: Depending on the look they come with, you could call this defensive end or outside linebacker, but Atlanta has arguably the worst pass rush in the NFL right now. The Falcons have young corners and need to find a way to create some disruption up front.
Tight end: Tony Gonzalez hasn't unretired yet.
Safety: Thomas DeCoud's departure won't hurt the Falcons, but Dwight Lowery isn't much of an upgrade at free safety. William Moore is OK, but if the Falcons find a great value at safety, they could have a rookie starting.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Wide receiver: If Vincent Jackson, who is 31, were to get hurt, this would not be a good situation. At all. Chris Owusu, with 14 career catches, is probably the No. 2 WR on the roster. The good news for the Bucs is this draft is loaded at the position.
Guard: Carl Nicks is a very good NFL guard when he's healthy, but he has played barely 600 snaps in the past two seasons combined, which makes his health a pretty big question mark. The "battle" between Patrick Omameh and Jamon Meredith at the other slot isn't one for the ages.
Outside linebacker: You can't do much better than Lavonte David on one side. You can do better than Danny Lansanah on the other.
Defensive end: The addition of Michael Johnson is a big help, but the Bucs could really use a rotational addition at DE, given the lack of disruption they caused last season.
Minnesota Vikings
Quarterback: I don't think Matt Cassel and Christian Ponder are bad NFL quarterbacks. I just think that, in both cases, you have a player who will mainly thrive when the surrounding talent is very good but who can't do as much to make the surrounding talent look better than it is. In short: The Vikings could use a more dynamic talent at this position. I'm not sure an immediate fix is there at No. 8, but maybe an eventual one is.
Linebacker: If the Vikings go into 2014 with Gerald Hodges and Michael Mauti as the other two linebackers (along with veteran Chad Greenway) in the base defense, you'll have basically one game's worth of snaps from those two combined. I'm not saying a rookie delivers a higher level of certainty, but the depth chart could use a little more depth in talent.
Defensive back: Strong safety is a question mark, and, although Captain Munnerlyn and Derek Cox have been added at cornerback, that's not a strong position group as it stands. Josh Robinson will have to take a big step forward there.
Wide receiver: A top two of Cordarrelle Patterson and Greg Jennings isn't bad, but adding depth beyond those two and Jerome Simpson would be wise.
Buffalo Bills
Offensive tackle: Cordy Glenn is a good player and could slide to right tackle if the Bills had a player they liked better at left tackle -- and they should have an option there at No. 9 -- but there's a need for a right tackle as the depth chart is currently constructed.
Wide receiver: I liked the addition of Robert Woods last year, and Steve Johnson is a capable talent, but I'd love to see the Bills add a high-level talent at the position to help their young QB.
Safety: Aaron Williams is penciled in at free safety, having successfully converted from cornerback, but I still consider Da'Norris Searcy a question mark, and some competition at free safety wouldn't be a bad thing.
Tight end: This ties into the receiver question. I think EJ Manuel could benefit from the presence of a more dynamic big target in the offense. I'd certainly consider a guy such as Eric Ebron if he's available at No. 9.
Detroit Lions
Cornerback: The Lions will hope to get some development out of young players Darius Slay and Bill Bentley, but that doesn't diminish the need here given their performance in 2013, when veteran Rashean Mathis was often the best corner on the field.
Safety: James Ihedigbo has been added, but he was allowed to walk away by Baltimore, and the addition of high-level talent would be useful here. A free safety at No. 10 shouldn't be out of the question. Anything the Lions can do to improve in coverage would be good.
Wide receiver: Golden Tate gives Detroit a needed weapon in the passing game to take some of the attention off Calvin Johnson, but another target on the outside besides Kris Durham and a hopefully healthy Ryan Broyles would be useful.
Outside linebacker: Part-timer Ashlee Palmer is slotted as a potential starter, so the Lions could look to add help to go with Stephen Tulloch and DeAndre Levy.
Tennessee Titans
Outside linebacker: The Titans could mix up their looks on defense, and they have some pretty good pass-rushing potential with very good Derrick Morgan and the addition of veteran Shaun Phillips, but, given that Phillips will be 33 by Week 1, they could look for help on the edge.
Quarterback: Jake Locker goes into a "prove it" season at quarterback, but, between his inconsistent play and health, the depth chart at the most important position is a pretty major question mark. I don't think this is out of the question in Round 1 with a new coach in town.
Cornerback: The loss of Alterraun Verner is a pretty big hit. Hopefully, Blidi Wreh-Wilson will take a step forward this season; he's capable, but depth is an issue.
Running back: Shonn Greene doesn't scare anyone, and, although Chris Johnson wasn't expected to be back, the Titans have a need here. They could look at this position as early as Round 2.
New York Giants
Tight end: Adrien Robinson, who has zero career NFL catches, could be the Week 1 starter. Or it could be Kellen Davis, a physical talent who is a journeyman at this point. The Giants need a talent influx here. Will it be Eric Ebron?
Wide receiver: Hakeem Nicks is now in Indianapolis, and, between this and tight end, there's a pretty big concern (if you're me) about the level of pass-catching talent on this roster beyond Victor Cruz. Even if Rueben Randle takes a big step forward, I think the Giants need to add a pass-catcher at some point, potentially early.
Guard: James Brewer wasn't too effective last season, but he could be penciled in at left guard if the season started tomorrow.
Defensive line: Once the strength of the Giants, the defensive line -- inside and at defensive end -- is a pretty big question mark after Jason Pierre-Paul, who was inconsistent in his own right last season before getting injured.
Chicago Bears
Safety: Strong safety and free safety could use a talent upgrade, as Chris Conte struggled last season and talent is a major question mark everywhere else on defense.
Cornerback: Tim Jennings was very good in 2013, but he's 30 and veteran Charles Tillman is 33, and health questions with either of those two would be a major problem. The depth chart here, although not as bad as it looks at safety, is worrisome.
Defensive tackle: The Bears were decimated along the defensive line in 2013, and perhaps better play up front would make the secondary look better even without additions there. But, although the additions of Lamarr Houston, Jared Allen and Willie Young help, the Bears still need help up the middle, where depth is lacking. They have to hope Stephen Paea can offer more as a run defender in 2014.
Wide receiver: The top two options here are solid: Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery create constant matchup issues. But beyond that, there's no clear No. 3 on the roster. Although Marquess Wilson has potential, another addition here would be useful.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Cornerback: William Gay was effective in 2013 and is underrated, but Ike Taylor struggled last season and will be 34 in early May. Dick LeBeau always finds ways to create pressure, but what could be a diminished pass rush in 2014 based on what he has to work with could spell trouble for the cornerbacks on this roster.
Wide receiver: The Steelers have been exceptional when it comes to finding value at wide receiver in recent years, getting the likes of Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders well down the draft board. Hopefully Markus Wheaton can be the next breakthrough. But beyond him, Brown and hopefully a useful addition in veteran Lance Moore, this is a need area.
Defensive line: Defensive end is a clear need, and a nose tackle type would be a help, as the rotation up front is pretty thin.
Offensive line: Kelvin Beachum could be holding down the left tackle position, and, although Ramon Foster was pretty good last year at left guard, given the injuries the Steelers have dealt with up front the past couple of seasons, I could see an addition at tackle or guard to improve depth.
Dallas Cowboys
Defensive line: If Henry Melton comes back at 100 percent, the Cowboys will look a lot better up front. But both on the outside, where Jeremy Mincey and George Selvie are capable if not great, and on the interior, where depth is a concern, Dallas needs to beef up along the line.
Safety: J.J. Wilcox could be counted on to take a big step in 2014, but he should be challenged if Dallas can find a good value at safety. I wouldn't put it out of the question in Round 1, although, if a good defensive tackle option is there, that would be my first preference.
Guard: Tyron Smith is a star, and Doug Free put together a pretty good 2013. Travis Frederick is the answer at center. But left guard in particular could use a look.
Wide receiver: The early returns from Terrance Williams make this less of a question mark, but the Cowboys could use another option behind him and Dez Bryant based on what they have on the roster.
Baltimore Ravens
Free safety: The Ravens believe Matt Elam will be the long-term answer at strong safety, but there are no clear impact solutions at free safety on the roster.
Tight end: The current options at tight end are Dennis Pitta and Owen Daniels, but neither is the matchup threat that teams now openly covet, and the Ravens could be looking for something more than a merely capable option at that position after adding Steve Smith at receiver.
Right tackle: The Ravens can feel pretty good about every other spot on the offensive line, but, if Ricky Wagner is your best option at right tackle, it could mean you're looking at tackles pretty closely in the draft.
Wide receiver: Smith is going to have an impact, but he's also 35, and neither he nor Torrey Smith gives you a jump-ball option. Echoing what I noted regarding the tight end position, this offense could use a size/speed weapon in the passing game.
New York Jets
Wide receiver: Eric Decker certainly improves the depth chart, but you can't help but view his productivity in Denver through the prism of Peyton Manning and he doesn't offer the speed component this offense still needs. Yes, Stephen Hill can run, but his 40 time is still his best attribute after two seasons in the league. He needs to take a step forward, and the Jets need a more refined pass-catcher who can run to pair with Decker.
Cornerback: Dee Milliner showed flashes toward the end of 2013 of what he can become if he reaches his potential, but the loss of Antonio Cromartie makes this a major question mark position. Even if Milliner is a lot better in 2014, more depth is needed.
Tight end: Jeff Cumberland had his moments, but he's certainly not a guy you spend a lot of time devising a game plan for. The Jets need a second option to allow them the opportunity to create some different looks.
Safety: Rex Ryan has gotten it done with mere adequacy at this position in the past, but an addition would be helpful here, even if it's purely developmental.
Miami Dolphins
Right tackle: The addition of Branden Albert in free agency was a big help for the Fins, but the jury is certainly still out on Jason Fox, and he could be in line to start at right tackle. Ryan Tannehill needs to take fewer hits, but he needs some help, too.
Guard: Both guard spots deserve some competition. Richie Incognito was, unfortunately, the best-performing guard the Dolphins had in 2013.
Defensive end: Cameron Wake is a pretty special player, but he's 32, and from there Miami is counting on growth from Dion Jordan and Olivier Vernon. I can imagine this isn't seen as a huge need based on how they are lining up the board, but the thought of losing Wake is pretty scary. Hopefully Jordan will have a breakthrough year.
Defensive back: Either safety or cornerback can work here. Sure, they added Cortland Finnegan, but throwing at him was a party in 2013, and the addition of Louis Delmas doesn't mean safety is perfectly set, although it does make it less of a concern.
Arizona Cardinals
Outside linebacker: John Abraham might be sacking quarterbacks in 2030, but let's bet the under for now given he'll be 36 in May. I think the Cardinals should take a look at a pass-rushing option in one of the first two rounds. I love having some athleticism off the edge when facing Russell Wilson or Colin Kaepernick four times a season.
Safety: Even if they use Tyrann Mathieu in a safety-type role -- "safety" is a hybrid designation in many cases -- they could still use another piece at this position. And Mathieu will be coming back from a serious ACL injury.
Wide receiver: You can do a lot worse than a top two of Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd, but Ted Ginn is arguably the No. 3 at this point after the departure of Andre Roberts, and the Cardinals could use another dependable target here or at tight end.
Quarterback: Carson Palmer will turn 35 late in the 2014 season, and the depth chart behind him is pretty uninspiring. It'd be good to have a developmental option with at least the ceiling of a quality starter behind Palmer, and I don't think there's one on the current roster.
Green Bay Packers
Safety: Free safety is a clear need, and Morgan Burnett didn't set the world on fire last year, either, so I could see the Packers targeting the position as early as Round 1. Calvin Pryor could be a fit.
Tight end: Andrew Quarless is the top tight end on the roster as it stands today, and they could use some size in general in the passing game. I'd be surprised if they don't add another option here, or ...
Wide receiver: James Jones, Greg Jennings and Jermichael Finley all have exited over the last year-plus, and, although Aaron Rodgers is going to keep your passing game in good shape almost regardless of who is doing the catching, the depth chart could use some help, and certainly some size.
Inside linebacker: A.J. Hawk is around, but Brad Jones could use some competition for the other interior slot in this scheme. I have some concerns about how well they can cover underneath from the linebacker position.
Philadelphia Eagles
Outside linebacker: The Eagles didn't generate enough of a pass rush last season, and, although they have some good young talent, they're relying pretty heavily on Trent Cole, who will turn 32 during the 2014 season, to be effective as a pass-rusher. So, they definitely could look to add something here. They're going to score points, but maintaining leads means finding ways to generate pressure against teams trying to keep pace offensively.
Safety: They added Malcolm Jenkins, but, if they hadn't, this would be a pretty bleak situation, and Jenkins isn't a star. Right now, they're counting on Earl Wolff taking a step forward in 2014 after he played more than 500 snaps as a rookie out of the fifth round in 2013.
Cornerback: This really isn't a bad situation, but the talent level is merely OK. A better pass rush would help.
Wide receiver: With DeSean Jackson gone and Jeremy Maclin coming back from injury, they're not deep here and have placed a pretty big bet on continued performance from Riley Cooper, who made plays but isn't a speed threat. They could use someone to keep safeties honest.
Kansas City Chiefs
Wide receiver: I know John Dorsey is bullish on the continued growth of A.J. Jenkins, a 2012 first-round pick they got from the 49ers for Jon Baldwin in a swap of players with unrealized potential, but that's partly by necessity, given the state of the depth chart. I'd expect them to add a receiver, perhaps later in the draft given that it's a position of depth in this draft class. Remember that K.C. is without a second-round pick from the Alex Smith deal.
Safety: The need at free safety is clear, and a depth addition to back up Eric Berry makes sense.
Guard: Jon Asamoah is with the Falcons after leaving in free agency, so right guard could be a place they'll look to add someone who can compete for a starting role at some point in 2014.
Defensive line: They aren't in bad shape up the middle, where Dontari Poe started to come into his own in 2013, but it's certainly not an area where they're deep.
Cincinnati Bengals
Cornerback: Terence Newman and Adam Jones are north of 30, and Leon Hall is nearly there and is coming off another season in which injuries limited him pretty significantly. They do have Dre Kirkpatrick, but he needs to be better, and any injuries here would be problematic.
Offensive line: They certainly aren't in bad shape up front, but Andrew Whitworth isn't young, at 32, and Marshall Newhouse is the only decent tackle depth they have on the roster.
Defensive end: A healthy Geno Atkins certainly helps the pass rush a great deal, but they took a hit with the departure of Michael Johnson, who left for Tampa in free agency.
Quarterback: Andy Dalton is facing a make-or-break year, and whether they lock him up to a big deal or not, they should find a developmental option, perhaps as early as Round 2.
San Diego Chargers
Cornerback: They should be looking for a cornerback they feel can start early on, given the state of the depth chart there, which is always a difficult situation, given that cornerback is notoriously a position at which it can take at least a year for a player to really settle in and perform. Even some great cornerbacks struggled early.
Nose tackle: These are hard to find, and they could really use one. A big-bodied clogger to offset more athletic types Corey Liuget and Kendall Reyes would be useful.
Wide receiver: The addition of Keenan Allen proved vital last season, but the fact that he needed to play such a crucial role speaks to the lack of depth here. They could use another option at wide receiver and could get another one down the board, a la Allen, in a year in which the draft is loaded at the position.
Outside linebacker: Dwight Freeney is the best pass-rusher off the edge, and he's 34. Larry English hasn't really come into his own yet.
New Orleans Saints
Cornerback: Adding Champ Bailey in free agency sounds like a big help, but Bailey will be 36 by the time this team gets to camp, and the fact that the Saints need him shows the concern they have at cornerback. Jairus Byrd's presence will help in defending the pass, but they really need help at corner.
Wide receiver: Lance Moore and Darren Sproles are now elsewhere, and the Saints are relying on younger players such as Kenny Stills and Nick Toon to take another step forward. Brees is another QB who never seems to be affected by what he lacks in the passing game, but they should add someone here.
Outside linebacker: Junior Galette had a big year rushing the passer in 2013 with 12.0 sacks, but they could use another option on the edge.
Offensive tackle: Terron Armstead stepped in at the end of last season and didn't look bad at left tackle, but depth at tackle behind him and re-signed Zach Strief is a question mark.
Carolina Panthers
Wide receiver: Jerricho Cotchery and Jason Avant have been added, but both are north of 30 and would be considered third or fourth options on most depth charts around the league. They are the projected starters right now, so it's an understatement to say this team lacks sizzle at the position. The Panthers could really be testing the degree to which Cam Newton can make it work without a wide receiver who can truly create matchup issues unless they add some more help.
Offensive tackle: Nate Chandler is the current left tackle, and he's going to struggle against good pass-rushers if he gets put on an island. Byron Bell is merely OK at left tackle. Again, Newton needs help.
Cornerback: Antoine Cason is the best corner they have right now, and he didn't reach even 200 snaps in 2013.
Safety: Thomas DeCoud (signed in free agency) mostly struggled last year in Atlanta, and, beyond that, Carolina will be relying on the likes of Roman Harper, Robert Lester and Charles Godfrey. Not ideal.
New England Patriots
Tight end: Maybe it seems as if I'm overstating this as a big need when you consider the fact that New England will be adding one of the best tight ends on the planet without spending a draft pick if Rob Gronkowski comes back and maintains his health. But, even with a healthy Gronk, we know this offense is more dynamic with another big pass-catching threat available, and the Pats certainly need the depth around if Gronkowski were to get hurt again. They need to maximize the window they have with Tom Brady taking the snaps. Wide receiver is also worth a look, but I expect they'll get improved play out of Aaron Dobson and Kenbrell Thompkins as threats beyond Danny Amendola and Julian Edelman.
Defensive line: Having Vince Wilfork and Tommy Kelly playing at full health makes this a good unit up front, but age is an issue there, and that's assuming Wilfork is a close facsimile of what he was before his Achilles injury.
Safety: We'll see whether Duron Harmon can take a step forward this season, but I consider that a tenuous assumption.
Running back: I've seen the Patriots go back-to-back with picks at running back when I didn't consider it much of a need, but I think they could use some explosiveness on the depth chart here.
San Francisco 49ers
Cornerback: The departure of Carlos Rogers isn't a massive blow, but the overall depth at cornerback is certainly a concern.
Wide receiver: When Michael Crabtree was out last season, there were times when it seemed Colin Kaepernick simply didn't have a playmaking option at wide receiver. Anquan Boldin is as crafty and competitive as they come, but he's just not a tough cover in terms of limiting his separation. Maybe Quinton Patton will give them more in Year 2, but they need more at this position. Speed is a big issue.
Linebacker: This goes for inside and outside linebacker. Inside, the 49ers are counting on NaVorro Bowman to come back off that brutal knee injury, and, although the depth at outside linebacker showed up with Corey Lemonier and even Dan Skuta, we simply don't know what the future holds for Aldon Smith.
Defensive line: Injuries hurt the 49ers up the middle last season, and Justin Smith will be 35 before Week 4. The depth chart isn't bad, particularly if Tank Carradine lives up to his potential, but it's an area to consider.
Denver Broncos
Cornerback: Even with the addition of Aqib Talib, this isn't a deep unit. They're counting on Tony Carter, for instance, to play a pretty big role if the season started tomorrow. They could use a starting-caliber player here out of this draft, and again, it's not a position where rookies tend to transition quickly. The presence of DeMarcus Ware certainly helps the pass rush, which in turn helps the secondary, but it's still a unit that could be exposed.
Inside linebacker: They could use an upgrade at middle linebacker. I've pegged a player such as Chris Borland (Wisconsin) as a possible fit in Round 1, although you can find help well beyond that early, traditionally.
Wide receiver: A healthy Emmanuel Sanders reduces the need, but, in a deep draft at wide receiver, they should look for depth, particularly given the reliance on Wes Welker, who turns 33 before the draft.
Guard: The departure of Zane Beadles leaves a question mark at left guard.
Seattle Seahawks
Wide receiver: A healthy Percy Harvin will make a huge difference; Sidney Rice is back for another tour (as is Doug Baldwin); and Jermaine Kearse showed he can deliver some impact. But the loss of Golden Tate has me thinking this is a unit that could add another piece. Size is something I'd be looking for.
Defensive line: Free agency took its toll on the depth up front. The Seahawks' coaches value it. This isn't a bad unit at all, it's just not as deep as it was last season.
Offensive line: As long as Seattle can create a push in the run game, Russell Wilson's legs will limit the exposure, but the talent level outside of Russell Okung (when he's healthy) is merely adequate and Wilson scrambled by necessity too often last season. If the Seahawks had a QB with less mobility, the blocking they got last season probably would've been considered a bigger weakness.
Tight end: They have some decent options on the roster, but what they do have certainly falls short of a fear factor matchup for defenses.
Washington Redskins
Safety: The addition of Ryan Clark certainly helps, but Clark turns 35 this season and Brandon Meriweather is the other likely starter. They need to add someone here because these are short-term solutions. Phillip Thomas was hurt and Bacarri Rambo struggled last season.
Right tackle: I'm not sure there was a more dominating left tackle in the NFL last season than Trent Williams, but right tackle is a major question mark given the current options they have.
Cornerback: DeAngelo Hall is back, and they added some depth with Tracy Porter, but, even when the Redskins could cover last season (which wasn't often), they couldn't tackle anybody. David Amerson should take a step forward this season, but the unit needs help.
Inside linebacker: They've added Darryl Sharpton to replace retired London Fletcher, but Sharpton is an undersized player in the middle and has seen his share of time on the sideline with injuries. It would be wise to add depth here.
Indianapolis Colts
Safety: There really isn't a good option on the roster to handle free safety now that Antoine Bethea is with the 49ers. LaRon Landry was consistent for most of last season when he was healthy, although he missed time for the third season of the past four. They could use some depth here.
Guard: It was way too easy for teams to generate interior pressure last season against the Colts, and the guard spots were problem areas. Hopefully Hugh Thornton will show improvement this season, but the other guard spot is a big question mark, and, if Thornton struggles, you could see a repeat of 2013.
Wide receiver: Hakeem Nicks certainly brings a lot of upside, but the offense took a step back when Reggie Wayne went down last year, and, even if he comes back strong, Wayne will turn 36 during the season. The depth chart isn't bad here, but there's some uncertainty.
Outside linebacker: Robert Mathis was an absolute stud in 2013, but any decline from him in his age-33 season would hurt. Erik Walden is OK but isn't a big pass-rushing threat, and the Colts are hoping Bjoern Werner can play a bigger role after a low-impact rookie season.