Every team will have to balance its draft board with team needs when making selections in the 2018 NFL draft, and there's no question that in many cases, teams will take the highest-ranked prospect on the board, even if they don't necessarily have a weakness at that position. It's all part of the fun of analyzing the draft.
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: QB, OL, WR, CB, S
The Cardinals signed oft-injured QB Sam Bradford to a one-year, $20 million deal (and added Mike Glennon), but more help is needed here. Bradford can't be trusted to stay healthy at this point in his career. Arizona's offensive line was a mess last season (started four left tackles, three left guards, two right guards and two right tackles), and nearly every spot outside of RG could be upgraded. No wideout other than Larry Fitzgerald caught more than 33 balls in 2017, and Jaron Brown and John Brown are gone. With Tyrann Mathieu gone, help at safety is needed. Arizona could also use a corner opposite Patrick Peterson.
Atlanta Falcons
Top needs: DT, OG, WR, TE, FB
With Dontari Poe leaving in free agency, Atlanta needs a DT to plug in next to Grady Jarrett, who enters a contract year himself. Newly signed Brandon Fusco will compete with Wes Schweitzer at right guard, but left guard is an area of need. Head coach Dan Quinn has come out publicly and said Atlanta was "really digging into" the guard position. With Taylor Gabriel gone, Atlanta could use a third wide receiver behind Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu. The Falcons haven't drafted a WR in the first three rounds since making the Jones deal in 2011. Tight end is also an area of need.
Baltimore Ravens
Top needs: WR, QB, TE, OG/RT, ILB
The Ravens signed Michael Crabtree and John Brown this offseason, but more playmakers are needed outside. The top two returning wide receivers (Chris Moore and Breshad Perriman) combined for only 28 catches last year. GM Ozzie Newsome has struggled identifying WR talent in the draft and has never drafted a Pro Bowl wide receiver. At quarterback, Joe Flacco is on the decline. The Ravens signed Robert Griffin III, but don't be surprised if Newsome takes a stab at finding the next guy. Tight end is an area of need, as is depth along the offensive line (OG/OC/RT), which was ravaged by injuries last season.
Buffalo Bills
Top needs: QB, OG, LB, RT, WR
The Bills have many needs, but they also have two picks in each of the first three rounds. In other words, they have the ammunition to move up to No. 2 to grab a QB if they want. And with AJ McCarron and Nathan Peterman currently the QBs on the roster, that's definitely a consideration. Offensive line is a big priority as well, with Cordy Glenn (trade), Richie Incognito (retired) and Eric Wood (injury/retirement) all no longer on the roster. Buffalo also lacks speed at linebacker, which is something coach Sean McDermott values, and middle linebacker Preston Brown (led NFL with 144 tackles) is gone. Oh yeah, the Bills' WRs also were dead last in the NFL in receptions (115) and receiving yards (1,474) and they could use at least one more corner. Plenty of picks for Buffalo, but also plenty of needs.
Carolina Panthers
Top needs: OC/OG, S, WR, RB, CB
Star LG Andrew Norwell signed with Jacksonville and will be sorely missed. Taylor Moton and Jeremiah Sirles will battle for the starting job, but it would be ideal to get a starter in the draft. Center Ryan Kalil (18 missed games the past two seasons) has said that the 2018 campaign will be his last. On the back end, the Panthers need to get younger and find difference-makers at both safety and cornerback. The Panthers still lack an elite wideout, and no receiver outside of Devin Funchess had more than 17 catches in 2017. Carolina believes 2017 first-rounder Christian McCaffrey is a three-down back (and cut Jonathan Stewart), but it would be good to have more depth there. Greg Olsen missed nine games with a broken foot last season and is in the last season of his deal. With Ed Dickson gone, there is little depth behind Olsen.
Chicago Bears
Top needs: OG, ILB, WR, OLB, OT
Priority No. 1 is keeping second-year QB Mitchell Trubisky upright. With Josh Sitton gone and Kyle Long missing 14 games over the past two seasons, better play is needed from the guard position. There is also no depth at the tackle position. The Bears signed Allen Robinson and Taylor Gabriel in free agency, but lost Kendall Wright and Cam Meredith (and Kevin White hasn't been able to stay on the field). Chicago needs another starter on the outside. On defense, Danny Trevathan is an anchor in the middle, but has a high cap number. The Bears could look to add speed and athleticism at inside linebacker and depth at OLB.
Cincinnati Bengals
Top needs: OC, LB, TE, DT, DE
Cincinnati had a great plan along the offensive line, drafting Cedric Ogbuehi and Jake Fisher in 2015 to potentially replace Andre Smith and Andrew Whitworth; the thinking was right, but the picks haven't worked out. Couple that with starting center Russell Bodine's departure in free agency, and there are gaping holes along this offensive line. Cincinnati must address them early. Tyler Eifert has been great when he's been on the field, but that hasn't been often in his career. The Bengals need another tight end. On defense, Cincinnati needs a playmaking linebacker (or two) and help along the defensive front to pair with Geno Atkins and Carlos Dunlap.
Cleveland Browns
Top needs: QB, CB, WR, OT, DT
The Browns have had a very active offseason and addressed several needs already, but this is clearly an incredibly important draft for them (picks Nos. 1, 4, 33, 35, 64). The QB position is the one puzzle they have been unable to solve (NFL-high 28 starters since 1999), and it will be 29 on Week 1 when Tyrod Taylor takes over. He'll be a bridge QB until whoever Cleveland takes at No. 1 is ready to start. With Jason McCourty gone to New England, cornerback is a position of desperate need. Cleveland could also use another wide receiver (even after the Jarvis Landry trade), and while the Browns can't replace future Hall of Famer Joe Thomas, they need more help on the O-line. Defensive line depth would be good as well, with Danny Shelton gone.
Dallas Cowboys
Top needs: WR, LB, DT, OL, S
After the release of Dez Bryant, Terrance Williams is Dallas' No. 1 wide receiver. The Cowboys signed Allen Hurns, but need another starter and haven't drafted a wideout in the first three rounds since Williams in 2013. With Anthony Hitchens gone, Sean Lee is the only proven linebacker, and he's missed least five games in four of the past six seasons. David Irving had 7.0 sacks in eight games and Maliek Collins has flashed, but Dallas needs to upgrade at defensive tackle. The Cowboys have several elite players along the offensive line, but depending on if La'el Collins moves inside, help will be needed. Tyron Smith dealt with an array of injuries in 2017 and Chaz Green was a disaster in his place.
Denver Broncos
Top needs: OC/OG, RB, WR, CB, EDGE
Denver's biggest need is along the offensive line, a unit that allowed 52 sacks last season (tied for third-most in the NFL). The Broncos could use help at center, guard and tackle depth, even after trading for LT Jared Veldheer. Case Keenum is the presumed starter, but in the backfield C.J. Anderson was released and Devontae Booker is unproven (299 rush yards in 2017). And at WR, more help is needed outside of Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders. On defense, another CB is needed (with Aqib Talib dealt) and a good defense can never have too many pass-rushers.
Detroit Lions
Top needs: OC/OG, RB, OLB, DE, TE
T.J. Lang is a Pro Bowler at right guard, but if Graham Glasgow moves to center, there is a big hole at left guard. Keeping Matthew Stafford healthy is priority No. 1 for this team to have a playoff chance. Priority No. 2 is fixing a rushing attack that has been last in the league in rushing yards per game (91.2) since Stafford arrived in 2011. Ameer Abdullah was Detroit's top back in 2017, but he's entering a contract year and was benched at the end of last season. The Lions' starting weakside (Tahir Whitehead) and strongside (Paul Worrilow) linebackers left in free agency, so help is needed there. Ezekiel Ansah is back on the franchise tag, but there is little pass-rushing depth outside of him.
Green Bay Packers
Top needs: OG, RT, WR, OLB, CB
Aaron Rodgers will be back healthy for Week 1, but Green Bay needs some offensive line help to keep him that way for the whole season. Bryan Bulaga could be a cap casualty at right tackle, and right guard is an area of need as well. Drafting a wide receiver makes sense too, given Jordy Nelson was a cap casualty. The WR corps is thin behind Randall Cobb and Davante Adams. After trading Damarious Randall to Cleveland, cornerback also is an area to address, even though Green Bay has used its first two picks on defensive backs in two of the past three drafts.
Houston Texans
Top needs: OT, TE, WR, OG, EDGE
Houston has three picks in Round 3, but none in the first two rounds because of the trade last draft for QB Deshaun Watson. With Watson coming off a torn ACL, it's imperative to keep him healthy, which is why Houston's top needs are along the offensive line. Nick Martin returns at center, but the other four spots are unsettled. It's especially vital to find a left tackle, after the Texans traded away Duane Brown to Seattle last season. After C.J. Fiedorowicz retired, another tight end is needed. DeAndre Hopkins is a stud, but another WR is needed, as Will Fuller has missed eight games his first two seasons.
Indianapolis Colts
Top needs: EDGE, CB, WLB, RT/OG, RB
The Colts desperately need an edge rusher, and Bradley Chubb would look great in an Indianapolis uniform if he lasts until No. 6. Now with three second-round picks, look for the Colts to bolster their new 4-3 defense at cornerback (after Rashaan Melvin left) and weakside linebacker. Andrew Luck will be returning, but injuries have slowed him down (missed all of 2017), and Indy gave up an NFL-high 56 sacks last season. The O-line remains a major liability. With Frank Gore moving on, Indy has a hole at running back and could use another wide receiver (or two). A lot of needs here.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Top needs: WR, TE, OG, QB, MLB/SLB
The Jaguars parted ways with Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns, while bringing in Donte Moncrief and re-signing Marqise Lee. Another WR is needed, along with a tight end to complement free-agent signing Austin Seferian-Jenkins. Blake Bortles led the Jaguars to the AFC title game, but he signed a three-year cap-friendly deal. Jacksonville could look to draft another young QB for competition, especially with this terrific defense. Jacksonville may have the best CB tandem in the league, but could use help in the slot after losing Aaron Colvin. Right guard could be upgraded as well.
Kansas City Chiefs
Top needs: EDGE, CB, DL, S, ILB
Kansas City had an exodus of talent from the defense this offseason, so that's where many of its needs lie. A pass-rusher is priority No. 1, followed by cornerback help to replace Marcus Peters. Holding up in man coverage is vital in Bob Sutton's defensive scheme, so the Chiefs can't have enough corners. Chris Jones looks promising on the inside, but depth is needed along the front, along with help at safety.
Los Angeles Chargers
Top needs: NT, LB, S, OT, QB
The Chargers' biggest needs are on defense. Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram are awesome on the outside, but an update at nose tackle (Vita Vea or Da'Ron Payne?) would be ideal. They could lack playmaking linebackers and need help at safety. Philip Rivers has started 196 straight games (longest active streak by a QB), but he is 36. It could be time to find his replacement. Los Angeles should be further helped if 2017 first- and second-round picks Mike Williams and Forrest Lamp enter this season healthy and can contribute.
Los Angeles Rams
Top needs: OLB, ILB, OL, S, RB
The Rams have been busy this offseason, and have only one pick in the first three rounds after trading several picks for veterans (Aqib Talib, Ndamukong Suh, Marcus Peters, Brandin Cooks). Outside linebacker is their most pressing need, but they also need help on the inside after dealing both Robert Quinn and Alec Ogletree. The Rams' entire offensive line started the first 15 games last season (some rested in Week 17), but three players are entering the final year of their contracts. It would be good to add some depth there. Help at safety and a backup for Todd Gurley at running back are also needed.
Miami Dolphins
Top needs: QB, TE, Cover LB, RB, RT/OG
The Dolphins can win with a healthy Ryan Tannehill, but he's had ACL injuries in each of the past two seasons and can't be trusted to stay healthy. Look for Miami to draft a QB early if it can get one of the top four at No. 11 (or move up a few picks). Tight end is another gaping hole after Julius Thomas was released. Elsewhere on offense, Miami could also use a complete back alongside Kenyan Drake and 35-year-old Frank Gore. On defense, a cover linebacker is desperately needed.
Minnesota Vikings
Top needs: OG/RT, CB, DE, WLB, DT
Minnesota's most glaring need this offseason was the quarterback position, and it hopes it has solved that issue with a fully guaranteed three-year deal for Kirk Cousins. The offensive line was much improved with Mike Remmers, Riley Reiff (free agency) and Pat Elflein (third round, 2017) last season, but will need help after Joe Berger's retirement. Depending on if Remmers kicks inside or stays at right tackle, there will be a hole along the O-line. On defense, Xavier Rhodes is a stud, but the only sure thing. Minnesota could use some depth there, as well as some depth at defensive end behind Danielle Hunter and 2017 fourth-rounder Ben Gedeon at weakside linebacker.
New England Patriots
Top needs: LT, EDGE, Cover LB, QB, TE
With Nate Solder gone, there is a big hole at left tackle that New England needs to solve. Trey Flowers led the Patriots with 6.5 sacks last season, and the Patriots didn't get near Nick Foles in the Super Bowl. More pass-rushing help is needed. Dont'a Hightower will return from a torn pec last season, but Bill Belichick needs another cover linebacker for his defense. And yes, Tom Brady will be 41 in August (assuming that he plays this season). Is this the year New England drafts his potential replacement?
New Orleans Saints
Top needs: TE, DE, DT, OLB, QB
The Saints had an NFL-low 476 receiving yards from the tight end position in 2017 and need more talent in addition to the 37-year-old Benjamin Watson. New Orleans' defense was vastly improved last season, but help is needed on the defensive line. Cameron Jordan is a stud (first-team All-Pro in 2017) and Sheldon Rankins played well at DT last season, but New Orleans needs stars next to them. Outside linebacker is another area to address, with Alex Anzalone and Hau'oli Kikaha having injury issues and A.J. Klein more of a backup. Drew Brees just signed a two-year deal, but taking a young QB to groom behind him makes sense.
New York Giants
Top needs: OL, QB, OLB, RB, CB
As GM Dave Gettleman said recently, "We've got to fix the O-line, let's be honest." I couldn't agree more. Nate Solder signed a huge deal to play left tackle, but Weston Richburg and Justin Pugh moved on this offseason, and there is little behind them. Eli Manning is 37 and wasn't the most mobile QB to begin with; if he isn't protected, this offense won't get off the ground. The Giants have a potential replacement for Manning in 2017 third-rounder Davis Webb, but I'd be surprised if they didn't address the QB position in the draft (especially at No. 2 if Sam Darnold is there). New defensive coordinator James Bettcher is installing the 3-4 he ran in Arizona, so New York is lacking playmaking LBs on the outside. Jonathan Stewart was signed, but the Giants could use a bell-cow back.
New York Jets
Top needs: QB, RB, WR, TE, OT/OG
The Jets traded up to No. 3 for one reason -- to address the QB position. They must find their QB of the future, since Josh McCown and Teddy Bridgewater are likely stopgap measures and Christian Hackenberg (second round, 2016) has zero NFL snaps. Outside of that, they need just about everything on offense: At least one more wide receiver, a running back to go along with Isaiah Crowell, another tight end and help on the offensive line.
Oakland Raiders
Top needs: ILB, DT, CB, OT/OG, WR
Jon Gruden's new team needs help on defense, with inside linebacker, defensive tackle and cornerback as the clear top three needs. Roquan Smith (or Quenton Nelson) would be a perfect pick, but might not still be there at No. 10. Vita Vea or Tremaine Edmunds would likely be the pick at No. 10 if Nelson and Smith were gone. Oakland's top three cornerbacks are gone from last season, so help is needed on the outside. If a good WR is there for the Raiders in the second round, I wouldn't be surprised if they jumped.
Philadelphia Eagles
Top needs: LB, TE, OL, DE, WR
The Super Bowl champions are in great shape, but do have a couple of areas to address in the draft. Nigel Bradham was locked up at OLB, but the Eagles need a starter across from him -- especially if they get rid of Mychal Kendricks. Backup tight end Trey Burton signed with Chicago, so depth is needed behind starter Zach Ertz. With Jason Peters now 36 and coming off a torn ACL, help is needed at left tackle. Halapoulivaati Vaitai is an effective swing tackle, but only an adequate starter. The Eagles could also use some depth at defensive end and wideout.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Top needs: ILB, CB, S, QB, DL
Pittsburgh's defense fell apart down the stretch after Ryan Shazier's injury, and he won't play in 2018. With his career in doubt, the Steelers must look to replace him in the middle. Pittsburgh allowed seven TD passes of 40-plus yards (tied for most in NFL), and the secondary needs depth at both cornerback and safety. Defensive line is also an area that needs more behind Stephon Tuitt and Cameron Heyward. Will Pittsburgh also look for Ben Roethlisberger's eventual replacement, with Landry Jones a free agent after the season and Joshua Dobbs inactive for 15 of 16 games?
San Francisco 49ers
Top needs: DC, WR, S, LB, OL
Boy, what a difference a season makes. The 49ers are set at QB with Jimmy Garoppolo, but need to surround him with more playmakers on the outside. The wide receiver corps needs an infusion of talent, and that could be an area they look at early in the draft. On defense, the biggest need is at cornerback. San Francisco signed Richard Sherman this offseason, but still needs a lot of help around him. More talent is needed at safety and linebacker as well, with Reuben Foster's availability for the 2018 season in doubt.
Seattle Seahawks
Top needs: OL, CB, WR, TE, S
Yes, offensive line is still a need for Seattle. Germain Ifedi (first round, 2016) led the NFL with 16 penalties after he moved from RG to RT last season. Outside of Ifedi, both guard spots could use an upgrade. After being a strength for so many years, cornerback is suddenly an area of need with Sherman, Jeremy Lane and DeShawn Shead all gone. With Paul Richardson and Jimmy Graham gone, wide receiver and tight end need more talent as well. If Earl Thomas ends up being dealt, safety becomes a top-three need.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Top needs: CB, S, RB, OG, WR
It's pretty clear Tampa Bay's needs start on defense, even after trading for Jason Pierre-Paul. CB Brent Grimes came back on a one-year deal, but Vernon Hargreaves III (No. 11 overall, 2016 draft) has been disappointing and there are question marks after that. The safety position needs help as well behind Chris Conte and Justin Evans. It's a deep class at RB, which is good because Tampa Bay currently has Jacquizz Rodgers as its No. 1 back. The Bucs will likely draft one. Ryan Jensen got a big free-agent deal to play center, but guard is a need area. Tampa Bay is paying the price for missing on Roberto Aguayo in the second round of the 2016 draft (and trading a third- and fourth-round pick to move up and get him).
Tennessee Titans
Top needs: EDGE, ILB, OG/OT, TE, S
Tennessee must find an edge rusher to complement Derrick Morgan and others, as well as a replacement at inside linebacker. With Tennessee's new zone-blocking scheme and Jack Conklin coming off a torn ACL, looking for help at guard or tackle would be wise. The Titans are loaded at cornerback and free safety, but could use an upgrade at strong safety.
Washington Redskins
Top needs: NT, OC/OG, CB, OLB, RB
In defensive coordinator Greg Manusky's first year in 2017, Washington ranked dead last in rush yards allowed per game (134.1). Help is needed behind Ziggy Hood and Phil Taylor. The left guard and center positions are both in flux, with Spencer Long and Shawn Lauvao moving on. With two of its three CBs going elsewhere (and even with Orlando Scandrick signing), cornerback is an area of need. Washington also could use another running back outside of Samaje Perine and Chris Thompson.