Every team will have to balance its draft boards with team needs when making selections in the 2017 NFL draft, and there's no question that in many cases, teams will choose to take the highest-ranked prospect on the board, even if they don't necessarily have a weakness at that position. But every year we see teams influenced by their biggest positions of need in deciding which players to pick.
That will be no different this year, so let's take a closer look at the five biggest needs (in order) for all 32 teams.
Note: Teams are listed in alphabetical order. To quickly get to your team, click on the links below.
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN | CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND | JAC | KC | LAC | LAR | MIA | MIN | NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | OAK | PHI | PIT | SF | SEA | TB | TEN | WAS
Arizona Cardinals
Top needs: CB, QB, S, OG, WR
The Cardinals have Patrick Peterson at cornerback but not much else in the way of dependable playmakers after they lost Marcus Cooper (four interceptions) in free agency. Safeties Tony Jefferson and D.J. Swearinger are no longer with the team, which leaves another void in the secondary. Luckily for Arizona, this is a deep draft at both positions, particularly at cornerback. Quarterback should not be out of the question for the Cardinals in Round 1, with Carson Palmer now 37. They'd have the luxury of selecting a high-upside developmental QB such as Patrick Mahomes and letting him learn from Palmer while sitting on the bench for a few seasons.
Atlanta Falcons
Top needs: DE, OG, WR, OLB, CB
DE Adrian Clayborn ranked second on the team with 4.5 sacks, but he suffered a torn biceps in the playoffs. The good news is that Clayborn could be back for Week 1, but even if that turns out to be true, Atlanta is thin at defensive end. With the impact of free-agent center Alex Mack, the Falcons saw the value of solid interior offensive line play last season; they'll need to find someone to replace recently retired right guard Chris Chester. The best teams fill holes before they're huge worries, and I'd like to see Atlanta do that at wide receiver in the draft. Julio Jones isn't going anywhere, but Taylor Gabriel is entering a contract year, and Mohamed Sanu didn't light the world on fire in his first season with the Falcons (59 catches for 653 yards).
Baltimore Ravens
Top needs: ROT, WR, DT, CB, OLB
The Ravens drafted Ronnie Stanley No. 6 overall last year to be their left tackle, but after Rick Wagner left town for a big payday in Detroit, GM Ozzie Newsome could again be looking to spend an early pick on tackle help. WR Breshad Perriman, Baltimore's 2015 first-round pick, has struggled with injuries and started just one career game. The Ravens are counting on him to develop after Steve Smith Sr. retired and Kamar Aiken left for the Colts. Good wide receivers will still be on the board on Day 2; this is a deep class at that position. The Ravens have a stud along the interior of their D-line, Brandon Williams, locked up for the foreseeable future, but they traded Timmy Jernigan (15 starts last season) to Philadelphia, which leaves a void. Baltimore has three picks on Day 2; eight DTs on my board carry a second- or third-round grade.
Buffalo Bills
Top needs: WR, CB, OLB, DE, QB
The Bills' No. 2 wide receiver right now is either Corey Brown or Andre Holmes. Buffalo could look for an upgrade as soon as the No. 10 overall selection. Depending on how the board falls, the Bills might have their pick of the top-three wide receivers in this draft: Clemson's Mike Williams, Washington's John Ross and Western Michigan's Corey Davis. The Bills saw CBs Stephon Gilmore and Nickell Robey-Coleman leave in free agency; they can't go into the season without finding some competition for Ronald Darby at the No. 1 CB spot. As the Bills transition from a 3-4 to a 4-3 under Sean McDermott, they have a need for a rangy, off-the-line outside linebacker.
Carolina Panthers
Top needs: OT, WR, RB, DE, S
For better or worse, the Panthers appear to be counting on Matt Kalil to hold down the blindside of Cam Newton. The QB was battered last season behind an O-line that struggled to stay healthy. After Michael Oher missed 13 games last season with a concussion, Carolina will be looking to get some insurance at tackle. This is not a strong OT class; my highest-rated player at the position, Garett Bolles, ranks 21st overall. The Panthers need more from receivers Kelvin Benjamin (2014 first-rounder) and Devin Funchess (2015 second-rounder); finding a WR to stretch the field vertically would be nice, too. Could Washington speedster John Ross be in play at No. 8 overall to fill Ted Ginn Jr.'s old role? The Panthers could also look to target RB Leonard Fournette in Round 1. Jonathan Stewart is under contract through 2018, but he just turned 30.
Chicago Bears
Top needs: S, QB, 3-4 DE, WR, CB
Free-agent signing Quintin Demps turned 32 in June, so don't be surprised if Chicago looks to get younger at safety in the draft. The Bears will probably have their pick of the two elite safety prospects in this class at No. 3 overall: LSU's Jamal Adams and Ohio State's Malik Hooker. Adams has more versatility -- he's an elite run defender and fluid in coverage -- whereas Hooker is a true ball hawk in the middle of the field. QB Mike Glennon's three-year deal is really a one-year, prove-it contract with two team options tacked onto the end. The Bears need a developmental backup after they lost Brian Hoyer and Matt Barkley in free agency. Chicago seems to have good depth at defensive end, but the Bears lack a versatile playmaker. If they opt against taking a safety in Round 1, Alabama DL Jonathan Allen could be in play.
Cincinnati Bengals
Top needs: OC/OG, DE, RB, ILB, WR
The Bengals' offensive line play fell off a cliff last season, and then they lost their two best players up front in free agency (LT Andrew Whitworth and RG Kevin Zeitler). That will cause players to shuffle into unfamiliar roles and leave Cincinnati thin along the O-line, particularly the interior. DE Carlos Dunlap has been very consistent for the Bengals, with one missed start the past four seasons, but they need to find a playmaker to line up opposite him. Jeremy Hill hasn't developed as a No. 1 RB after a promising rookie season, and Giovani Bernard is still recovering from a late-season torn ACL. The Bengals could look to take advantage of a deep RB class with one of their four picks in Rounds 2-4.
Cleveland Browns
Top needs: QB, DE, CB, S, TE
The Browns' need at QB might be the most glaring hole in the league. They traded for Brock Osweiler but had far more interest in the draft-pick compensation they received to take on his contract than in the actual player. You have to think Cleveland will spend one of its four selections in the first two rounds on a QB, but the Browns have hardly been predictable under the new regime. The Browns had just 26 sacks last season, tied for 30th in the league. They could fill that hole pretty quickly by selecting Texas A&M DE Myles Garrett No. 1 overall. CB Joe Haden is coming off January groin surgery and has missed 14 starts in the past two seasons. Cleveland doesn't have much depth behind him.
Dallas Cowboys
Top needs: CB, S, DE, TE, OLB
The Cowboys signed CB Nolan Carroll II but let Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne leave in free agency. Dallas could look to fill that void as early as Round 1, depending on how the board falls. Although the Cowboys appear to be in good shape at free safety as 2015 first-rounder Byron Jones continues to develop, strong safety is a different story after the departures of Barry Church and J.J. Wilcox. Pass-rusher, it seems, is a perennial need for the Cowboys, as they continue to strike out on character risks (Greg Hardy, Randy Gregory). If the right value at defensive back doesn't materialize in the first round, I wouldn't rule out someone such as Michigan's Taco Charlton, who's a fit for their 4-3 scheme and has a high floor as a pass-rusher.
Denver Broncos
Top needs: OT, 3-4 DE, TE, WR (slot), ILB
The Broncos' left tackle options at the moment are Menelik Watson and Donald Stephenson. John Elway cannot feel good about that. The predicament? This isn't a very good offensive tackle class: Utah's Garett Bolles is the only OT who has a first-round grade on my board. But Denver's need is so glaring that the Broncos might have to reach in Round 1. They saw D-linemen Malik Jackson and Sylvester Williams leave in consecutive offseasons, and only the Jets had a less-productive tight end corps in 2016. Plus, the Broncos' search for a No. 3 receiver to pair with Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders will continue in this draft. Eastern Washington's Cooper Kupp and North Carolina's Ryan Switzer stand out as potential mid-round prospects to fill Denver's void in the slot.
Detroit Lions
Top needs: DE, 4-3 OLB, CB, TE, RB
The Lions need to find a defensive end who can play on all three downs opposite Ezekiel Ansah. The way they're built now, with situational players filling that role, gives away their defensive tendencies. OLB DeAndre Levy missed 28 starts the past two seasons before being released this offseason. Detroit will be searching for a rangy linebacker who can cover to fill that void in their lineup. D.J. Hayden isn't the long-term answer for a CB group that has failed to develop a reliable No. 2 alongside Darius Slay. The Lions allowed opponents to complete 72.7 percent of their passes (last in the NFL) and toss 33 touchdowns (31st overall) last season. Detroit has not selected a defensive back in the first round of the past 17 drafts, the longest streak in the NFL. It might be time to change that philosophy if there aren't any difference-making pass-rushers on the board.
Green Bay Packers
Top needs: CB, RB, 3-4 OLB, 3-4 ILB, OG
The Packers enter the draft without any quality starters at cornerback. Damarious Randall and Quinten Rollins both battled injuries in 2016 and haven't been consistent producers their first two seasons. Davon House comes back to Green Bay after spending two seasons in Jacksonville. At running back, Green Bay has Ty Montgomery, a converted wide receiver, penciled in as the starter, but the Packers shouldn't count on him to carry the load by himself. Pass-rusher Clay Matthews, believe it or not, turns 31 in May, so it's time for the Packers to find a young outside linebacker to develop.
Houston Texans
Top needs: QB, ROT, OLB, OG, ILB
Tom Savage is the presumed starting QB in Houston after the Texans sent Brock Osweiler to Cleveland. The Texans need to come away from this draft with a potential QB of the future after starting a league-high eight passers since 2014. I'm not convinced they'll use a first-round pick on a QB, but a guy such as Pitt's Nathan Peterman could be a fit on Day 2. At left tackle, Duane Brown turns 32 in August, and on the other side, Derek Newton tore the patellar tendons in both of his knees in October, which puts his future in doubt. OLB John Simon signed with Indianapolis in free agency, and 2016 UDFA Brennan Scarlett is the closest thing the team has to a replacement.
Indianapolis Colts
Top needs: ROT, 3-4 OLB, CB, ROG, RB
Andrew Luck has been sacked 156 times in five seasons, and he's coming off offseason shoulder surgery. The Colts' inability to surround him with a quality offensive line continues to be an issue. Right tackle, in particular, should be a point of emphasis in this draft. First-year GM Chris Ballard has been aggressive in targeting outside linebackers in free agency -- John Simon, Jabaal Sheard, Barkevious Mingo -- but the Colts still need a high-impact player who can get after the QB. Vontae Davis enters a contract year at cornerback, and after Rashaan Melvin, the Colts are really thin at the position.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Top needs: OT, DT, OG, TE, RB
The Jaguars declined Kelvin Beachum's option this offseason and traded for 32-year-old Branden Albert. The latter move shouldn't keep the team from looking for a younger option. The issue for Jacksonville is that the OT supply will not meet the demand in this year's draft, as several teams have tackle as one of their top needs. DT Malik Jackson isn't going anywhere after signing a huge contract last offseason, but the Jaguars need to get more from 2016 fourth-rounder Sheldon Day. Tight end is an interesting need for Jacksonville. The Jags just traded Julius Thomas to Miami, and Marcedes Lewis turns 33 in May. They could certainly justify drafting a big-play threat such as Alabama's O.J. Howard at No. 4 overall.
Kansas City Chiefs
Top needs: RB, 3-4 DL, 3-4 ILB, CB, QB
The Chiefs will be looking for their next version of running back Jamaal Charles after they released him this offseason. In his prime, Charles was a game-breaker in the run and pass games, posting 1,980 total yards and 19 touchdowns in 2013. Kansas City needs a similarly versatile weapon to take Andy Reid's offensive system to another level. Tennessee's Alvin Kamara could make sense on Day 2. The Chiefs allowed 120 rushing yards per game last season (26th overall), and though they found nice value with Chris Jones in the second round of the 2016 draft, they need to continue to get stronger up front. Doing so would help their linebacker corps, which features Derrick Johnson, who is 36 and coming off his second torn Achilles in three years.
Los Angeles Chargers
Top needs: OG/OT, FS/SS, DT, CB, WR
The Chargers signed Russell Okung in free agency to play left tackle, but right tackle remains open. The same goes for right guard. A bad offensive line and an aging QB is not a very good combination. Philip Rivers, 35, got hit the seventh-most of all quarterbacks last season. It's no wonder he led the NFL in interceptions (21). Gus Bradley is the Chargers' new offensive coordinator, and he'll be looking to add a rangy, middle-of-the-field safety to the mold. Ohio State's Malik Hooker would be perfect if he fell to No. 7.
Los Angeles Rams
Top needs: WR, 3-4 OLB, S, CB, TE
The Rams saw two of their three leading pass-catchers in 2016 leave in free agency, Kenny Britt and Brian Quick. They have nothing resembling a No. 1 receiver, with Tavon Austin and Robert Woods the two presumed starters right now. Too bad the Rams don't have their first-round pick after trading it to Tennessee last season in the Jared Goff deal. As Los Angeles transitions to Wade Phillips' 3-4 scheme, it will be looking for an outside linebacker with pass-rushing upside. The secondary is also a concern: Safety T.J. McDonald left in free agency, and the team is missing another outside CB to play opposite Trumaine Johnson.
Miami Dolphins
Top needs: OLB, OG, CB, S, DT
The Dolphins signed Lawrence Timmons in free agency, so it's possible Kiko Alonso could shift to outside linebacker. Regardless of how they reshuffles the second level of their defense, the Dolphins need a run-and-hit LB who can make an impact from Day 1. Florida's Jarrad Davis fits the mold and could be available by the time Miami picks at No. 22 overall. Neither of the Dolphins' two guards -- Jermon Bushrod and Ted Larsen -- is a long-term answer at the position. Miami needs more at cornerback than Byron Maxwell and Xavien Howard, who missed a combined 12 games last season.
Minnesota Vikings
Top needs: DT, OG, RB, WLB, S
Defensive tackle didn't seem to be a glaring need for the Vikings, until news came out that Sharrif Floyd, Minnesota's 2013 first-round pick, is dealing with a nerve issue in his knee that could be career-threatening. The Vikings spent a fourth-round pick on OL Willie Beavers, but he played just 11 snaps on offense last season. Alex Boone, who turns 30 in May, appears to have the left guard spot locked down for now. After releasing Adrian Peterson this offseason, Minnesota signed Latavius Murray to what amounts to a one-year prove-it deal. Murray is excellent in pass protection, but the Vikings need to consider drafting a running back who is a better pass-catcher out of the backfield.
New England Patriots
Top needs: RB, OLB, OC, CB, OT
Cornerback would instantly become the Patriots' biggest need if they were to trade Malcolm Butler before the draft. Running back would become less of a concern if the Bills end up not matching New England's offer sheet to RB Mike Gillislee. Taking that out of the equation for the moment, Bill Belichick has a few good, complementary pieces at running back in James White and Rex Burkhead, but the Pats need someone who can consistently carry the load between the tackles. New England could have a few enticing options in the middle rounds: Oklahoma's Samaje Perine, Texas' D'Onta Foreman and Pitt's James Conner. The Patriots should be looking to upgrade their edge depth in this draft; Rob Ninkovich is 33 and entering the final year of his contract.
New Orleans Saints
Top needs: CB, OLB, RB, S, ILB
Like the Patriots, the Saints' biggest need (cornerback) could change if they decide to trade for New England CB Malcolm Butler. Right now, Delvin Breaux is their No. 1 corner, and he's coming off a season in which he missed 10 games because of leg and shoulder injuries. Coach Sean Payton was pretty blunt about his team's need on the edge, saying, "We've got to find a pass-rusher." Cameron Jordan has been very consistent in his six-year career, but he needs help getting after the quarterback. RB Mark Ingram had the best season of his career in 2016, but he has proved to be an injury risk and has just two years left on his deal (the Saints could get out of his contract pretty easily next offseason if they wanted to).
New York Giants
Top needs: OT, RB, OLB, DT, TE
Ereck Flowers, the team's 2015 first-round pick, hasn't lived up to his potential at left tackle. It's time for the Giants to go back to the drawing board, with Bobby Hart also struggling to hold down the right side. New York averaged a league-low 3.77 yards per carry last season, and it became far too one-dimensional on offense as a result. The Giants released Rashad Jennings this offseason, making way for 2016 fifth-rounder Paul Perkins, who showed a little juice as a rookie. It would still be a good idea for New York to bring in another RB, though. Right now, Shane Vereen is penciled in as the backup; Vereen missed 11 games in 2016 because of a torn triceps. The Giants are void of playmakers at the second level of their defense, with just 2.5 sacks and four turnovers forced by linebackers last season. I'd consider a player such as Florida's Jarrad Davis in Round 1 if he is still on the board.
New York Jets
Top needs: QB, S, OC, TE, CB
The Jets replaced Ryan Fitzpatrick with Josh McCown this offseason. If they opt to draft a developmental quarterback sometime in the first two days, McCown could serve as a bridge until the rookie is ready to play. If they don't take a quarterback in the draft, it will be clear the team is counting on 2016 second-round QB Christian Hackenberg to develop more quickly than he did as a rookie. Picking sixth overall, the Jets could be in a position to fill a major need at safety. One or both of my top-two safeties -- Jamal Adams and Malik Hooker -- could be on the board then, and neither would be a reach. At center, Nick Mangold was a cap casualty this offseason. His presumed replacement, Wesley Johnson, has just nine starts to his name in three seasons.
Oakland Raiders
Top needs: ILB, DT, RB, CB, OG/OT
The Raiders weren't good against the run last season (23rd overall), and they appear to have downgraded at inside linebacker this offseason, going from Malcolm Smith to Jelani Jenkins. Defensive tackle Dan Williams did not miss a game in his two seasons with Oakland, but the Raiders released him this offseason. Stacy McGee also signed with Washington in free agency, which leaves Oakland very thin in the middle of the D-line. RB Marshawn Lynch appears to be coming out of retirement to play for his hometown Raiders, but he's 31 years old and shouldn't impact the team's need for a long-term solution at the position.
Philadelphia Eagles
Top needs: CB, RB, OT, WR, DE
The Eagles need multiple cornerbacks. Nolan Carroll II and Leodis McKelvin -- who had 16 and 12 starts for Philadelphia last season, respectively -- will be playing elsewhere in 2017. The Eagles could target a corner as early as Round 1, depending upon who's still on the board when they pick, but they'll also look to take advantage of the CB depth in the middle rounds of this class. Running back is another possibility for Philadelphia on Day 1 or 2. The team's leading rusher last season, Ryan Mathews, gained only 661 yards. At tackle, Jason Peters is now 35 years old, and though he missed just two starts the past four seasons, you figure that can't continue forever. The Eagles have his replacement on the left side already in house in Lane Johnson but could look to bring in a right tackle option in the draft.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Top needs: OLB, TE, ILB, CB, WR
James Harrison, amazingly, led the Steelers with five sacks last season at age 38. He's back for another season, but it's clear that Pittsburgh needs to get younger and more explosive off the edge after 2013 first-rounder Jarvis Jones failed to live up to expectations. It's scary to think of how dynamic Pittsburgh could be on offense if the team had a tight end to stretch the field down the seam. The Steelers won't necessarily need to spend a first-round pick to find a guy who fits that in this deep TE draft. Ryan Shazier is a playmaker at inside linebacker, but after Lawrence Timmons' departure, the next player in line appears to be 2013 sixth-rounder Vince Williams.
San Francisco 49ers
Top needs: QB, CB, OLB, RB, ILB
The 49ers brought in QBs Brian Hoyer and Matt Barkley this offseason, but it's clear that neither is the long-term answer. The question is, will coach Kyle Shanahan and GM John Lynch spend draft capital on a potential upgrade, or will they take the long view and make a run at Kirk Cousins in free agency next offseason? (Cousins and Shanahan have a connection from their time together in Washington.) The team released CB Tramaine Brock after he was arrested on suspicion of felony domestic violence. That doesn't leave the 49ers many established options at cornerback if Jimmie Ward makes the switch to safety, as expected. OLB Ahmad Brooks has been a consistent player for San Francisco, missing just six starts in his past six seasons. But he's 33 and entering the final year of his deal.
Seattle Seahawks
Top needs: OT, CB, DT, S, WR
The Seahawks were a wreck up front last season, and that contributed to QB Russell Wilson landing on the injury report for the first time in his career. Seattle signed former No. 2 overall pick Luke Joeckel in free agency, but he's a better fit to play inside. Whether it's on Day 1 or Day 2, the Seahawks need to try to get Wilson more help along the O-line. If Seattle ends up trading Richard Sherman, cornerback becomes an even bigger void. As it stands now, the Seahawks are in need of another option at No. 2 CB, with DeShawn Shead still recovering from the ACL injury he suffered in the playoffs. Seattle spent a second-round pick on Jarran Reed last year; don't be surprised if the Seahawks draft another interior D-lineman with one of their five picks in the first three rounds. Ahtyba Rubin turns 31 this season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Top needs: SLB, RB, TE, DT, CB
Lavonte David has the weak-side linebacker spot locked down, but the Buccaneers' replacement for Daryl Smith on the strong side, Cameron Lynch, has just seven tackles in two seasons. RB Doug Martin signed a big deal in the 2015 offseason, but he struggled with injuries last year and has three games remaining on a PED suspension to start the season. The suspension voided the remaining guaranteed money in Martin's contract, which means the team could cut him if they invest in a younger and cheaper back in this draft. The Bucs addressed their need for a No. 2 WR by signing DeSean Jackson in free agency, but I'd like to see them add another weapon at tight end to pair with Cameron Brate.
Tennessee Titans
Top needs: WR, CB, 3-4 ILB, TE, OG
The Titans didn't have a single receiver gain more than 1,000 yards last season. GM Jon Robinson could find a bona fide No. 1 WR with one of his two first-round picks. Clemson's Mike Williams, Western Michigan's Corey Davis and Washington's John Ross are all options. Cornerback could also be a position the Titans target early. They signed Logan Ryan in free agency, but they need a No. 2 corner after cutting Jason McCourty and allowing the third-most passing yards per game in 2016. The Titans are also still missing a true three-down, sideline-to-sideline inside linebacker. They'll have a few options on Day 2 -- Zach Cunningham of Vanderbilt, for example -- if they don't want to spend a first-rounder on the position.
Washington Redskins
Top needs: DL, RB, ILB, OC/OG, OT
The Redskins brought in defensive linemen Terrell McClain and Stacy McGee in free agency, but they also lost three of their top four players up front from 2016: Chris Baker, Ricky Jean-Francois and Cullen Jenkins. Washington has no one along the D-line who scares opposing offensive coordinators as a pass-rusher. The Redskins should look to bring in more of a big-play threat at RB to take pressure off their passing game. The offensive line was solid last season, but three starters up front -- LG Shawn Lauvao, C Spencer Long and RT Morgan Moses -- are entering the final years of their contracts.