Every team will of course have its own draft board when it enters the war room on April 25 for the 2019 NFL draft. But marrying rankings and scheme fit with team-specific areas of need will be key to acing the draft.
Let's take a closer look at the five biggest draft needs (in order) for all 32 teams.
Note: Statistics provided throughout from Elias Sports Bureau and ESPN Stats & Information.
AFC EAST
Buffalo Bills
Top draft needs: DT, EDGE, TE, G, CB
The Bills have their quarterback in Josh Allen, but considering Shaq Lawson is the only player drafted by Buffalo before 2017 still on the roster, there are a lot of areas of need here. With Kyle Williams gone, the defensive tackle position opens up -- Houston's Ed Oliver could fit perfectly -- and Jerry Hughes isn't getting any younger off the edge. The Bills managed only 36 sacks in 2018. And after Charles Clay signed with Arizona, Buffalo will want a complement to Tyler Kroft at tight end.
Miami Dolphins
Top draft needs: QB, G, OT, C, EDGE
The Dolphins need everything, starting with quarterback. Yet because they don't pick until No. 13, there's a shot the Dolphins either draft a QB on Day 2 or wait until 2020 to address the position -- or both. Miami will be looking to rebuild its offensive and defensive lines almost entirely and then potentially tack on some cornerback depth. It all depends on how GM Chris Grier wants to go about this rebuild.
New England Patriots
Top draft needs: TE, WR, DT, EDGE, QB
Could New England go wide receiver, perhaps in the slot, in the first round for the first time since snagging Terry Glenn in 1996? Will the Patriots find a Rob Gronkowski replacement? Who will be the heir apparent to Tom Brady? And can Bill Belichick do what he's done so many years in the past and replenish the defense after losing Trey Flowers and Malcolm Brown to free agency? Lots of questions for the defending champs.
Noah Fant is a tight end out of Iowa who caught 19 touchdowns during his stint with the Hawkeyes.
New York Jets
Top draft needs: EDGE, G, C, TE, CB
If the Jets take an offensive lineman in the first two rounds, it'd be just the second time since 2007. But it's a real possibility considering the lack of depth and the departure of James Carpenter. And Gang Green will also target some pass rushing off the edge after dropping the QB just 39 times in 2018. Trading back from No. 3 overall might be a move for the Jets to wrangle some more picks.
AFC NORTH
Baltimore Ravens
Top draft needs: EDGE, ILB, WR, G, RB
The Ravens' offense pivoted last season once Lamar Jackson took the reins. He averaged 17 rushing attempts per game, and per Elias, no other QB has averaged even 12 per outing since 1970. Even still, Baltimore needs to get him some weapons, including some impact wide receivers and a running back complement to Mark Ingram. But let's not forget the defensive front seven also lost Za'Darius Smith, C.J. Mosley and Terrell Suggs during the offseason.
Cincinnati Bengals
Top draft needs: OT, LB, QB, TE, G
Andy Dalton is the only QB drafted by the Bengals in the first 150 picks since 2004, but that might change at the end of April as the team starts looking to the future. Beyond the signal-caller, Cincinnati also needs to restock the offensive line (especially at right tackle) and find a linebacker to take on Vontaze Burfict's role. If Devin White or Devin Bush is hanging around at No. 11, keep a close eye on those rangy 'backers.
Check out some highlights from NFL draft prospect Clelin Ferrell's 2018 season with the Clemson Tigers.
Cleveland Browns
Top draft needs: CB, OT, ILB, G, NT
After being at the forefront of draft discussions for almost a decade, the Browns have retreated out of the first round. Cleveland is a true playoff contender and could have one of the most exciting offenses in the NFL, but it will still be looking for upgrades at defensive back and inside linebacker.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Top draft needs: ILB, EDGE, WR, TE, G
It's a new era for the Steelers as they try to find a linebacker in the Ryan Shazier role, add some edge rushing for their 3-4 system and get some pass-catchers after Antonio Brown was dealt to Oakland. Pittsburgh has gone defense in the first round for six straight years.
AFC SOUTH
Houston Texans
Top draft needs: OT, TE, G, CB, DE
Houston's offensive line might be the biggest team need in the league. The Texans have a franchise quarterback who already has an injury history taking 62 sacks in a season. Matt Kalil adds a little depth, but that tackle position in particular could use a big boost. Duane Brown is the team's only first-round offensive lineman since 2002. And after Kareem Jackson and Kevin Johnson signed elsewhere, cornerback ought to be high on Houston's watch list.
Indianapolis Colts
Top draft needs: DE, WR, DT, S, CB
Quenton Nelson went a long way toward improving the offensive line last year, so Indy will focus instead on defense and wide receiver in 2019. Justin Houston is a good piece, but the Colts want some difference-makers off the edge. While Pierre Desir is another nice addition, the secondary also lacks depth. And then there is the matter of getting Andrew Luck some receivers, both outside and in the slot.
Byron Murphy is a defensive back from Washington who earned first-team All-Pac-12 and second-team AP All-America accolades.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Top draft needs: OT, WR, TE, G, S
Jacksonville could be in a spot to fix its biggest need at No. 7 by taking a player like Jawaan Taylor. But there are plenty of holes in this offense around Nick Foles and Leonard Fournette. The Jags scored 10.8 fewer points per game last season than they did in 2017. Let's clean up that offensive line and then go get Foles some more weapons to join Dede Westbrook and Marqise Lee.
Tennessee Titans
Top draft needs: WR, G, TE, CB, DT
Yes, they signed Adam Humphries, but the Titans still need a receiver. This offense was 27th in scoring last season and needs another guy opposite Corey Davis, and probably a tight end with Delanie Walker coming off an injury and turning 35 years old this season. Plus, the signing of Rodger Saffold doesn't mean the guard position is done, and Tennessee could look to add depth there.
AFC WEST
Denver Broncos
Top draft needs: QB, WR, G, TE, DT
Joe Flacco isn't the answer for Denver, and if Dwayne Haskins or Drew Lock is sitting there at No. 10, I'd probably make that move. But John Elway will also want to get whoever his quarterback is more protection and some pass-catchers. Assuming Denver hangs on to the pick, it'll be the first time since 1972-73 that the Broncos make top-10 picks in back-to-back years, per Elias.
Kansas City Chiefs
Top draft needs: CB, WR, EDGE, S, ILB
Kansas City's biggest weakness is glaring. The secondary allowed the second-most passing yards in 2018 and then lost one of its more competent defenders in Steven Nelson. The Chiefs will be looking at corners and safeties at the back end of Round 1. But following the Dee Ford deal and Justin Houston's release, K.C. also needs pass-rushing help. Going deeper, the Chiefs could grab later-round playmakers at both receiver and running back.
Devin Bush is a linebacker from Michigan who was named the Big Ten's Defensive Player of the Year in 2018.
Los Angeles Chargers
Top draft needs: OT, DT, G, S, QB
Right tackle and guard are among the largest areas of need, but the Chargers also want a defensive tackle. Brandon Mebane is 34, Justin Jones hasn't played much and there isn't a lot of depth at the position. And with Philip Rivers now 37, expect L.A. to find a quarterback to develop behind him and Tyrod Taylor.
Oakland Raiders
Top draft needs: EDGE, CB, LB, TE, S
Oakland had 13 sacks last year and traded an elite pass-rusher before the season began, so it's safe to say it will want edge rushing at the draft. But wow, does the list of needs run deep! The secondary is very weak, Vontaze Burfict doesn't fix the linebacking and the Raiders lost Jared Cook to free agency at tight end. Beyond that, Oakland could also use help at guard, defensive tackle and running back. But of course, a good way to address weaknesses is having four picks in the top 35.
NFC EAST
Dallas Cowboys
Top draft needs: TE, S, G, DT, CB
Dallas doesn't have a first-round pick, but when it does get on the board, expect tight end, secondary depth and guard to be sought after. Byron Jones has been impressive for the Cowboys, but they need more talent at corner. And they need a tight end who can develop alongside Jason Witten this season before eventually taking over and giving Dak Prescott an outlet.
New York Giants
Top draft needs: QB, CB, ILB, OLB, OT
The Giants have more than one first-round pick for the first time since 1984, the longest current streak for any NFL team, per Elias. Probably a good thing since New York needs a lot of pieces. Quarterback is a pretty obvious one with Eli Manning now 38. But corner is barren behind Janoris Jenkins, and while the offensive line should be improved, it's still a work in progress. Oh, the Giants haven't had a double-digit sack producer since Jason Pierre-Paul in 2014. Lots to do here for Dave Gettleman.
Philadelphia Eagles
Top draft needs: LB, CB, RB, G, OT
Thirteen different players started in the Eagles' secondary last season, and they gave up the third-most passing yards in the league. Corner should be an area to watch, but Jordan Hicks' departure also opens the door to take a linebacker. The team could further use a change-of-pace option to Jordan Howard at running back.
Chris Lindstrom is an offensive lineman out of Boston College who earned AP third-team All-America and first-team All-ACC honors.
Washington Redskins
Top draft needs: QB, WR, EDGE, ILB, TE
Alex Smith's future is in question, so quarterback could be in play in the early rounds for Washington, unless the team makes a move for Josh Rosen. But the Redskins also still need wide receivers and could certainly use edge rushers. The offense averaged 17.6 points per game last season, better than just three other teams. Beyond these five positions, offensive line and secondary have room for improvement.
NFC NORTH
Chicago Bears
Top draft needs: EDGE, G, CB, S, WR
Unless they trade up, 86 names will be called before the Bears even get up on the stage in Nashville. But they'll probably be OK with that considering it got them Khalil Mack and Anthony Miller. Either way, when Chicago does pick, it will want some edge rushing and secondary depth, along with an upgrade at guard. Only Seattle has fewer picks than Chicago's five.
Detroit Lions
Top draft needs: EDGE, CB, TE, WR, ILB
The Lions want pass-rushers and a tight end. T.J. Hockenson could be in play for them early, but there will be edge rushers available too. Only 12 percent of the Lions' receptions last season were made by tight ends, the lowest in the NFL, per Elias. Wide receiver is also in need of help with Golden Tate off to New York via Philadelphia and Marvin Jones Jr. struggling to stay healthy.
Green Bay Packers
Top draft needs: WR, S, TE, LB, CB
I'll say it again: Get Aaron Rodgers some help. Rodgers himself was the last skill-position first-round Packers pick, all the way back in 2005. They need a difference-maker at wide receiver and tight end, and with two first-rounders, it's possible they take one of each on Day 1. The free-agency additions of Za'Darius Smith, Preston Smith and Adrian Amos helped revamp the defense, but safety in particular could still see more options.
Garrett Bradbury is a center from NC State who won the 2018 Rimington Trophy as the nation's top center.
Minnesota Vikings
Top draft needs: OL, WR, RB, DT, ILB
The Vikings definitely have to get offensive linemen. Right tackle and guard, in particular, are weaknesses, even after signing Josh Kline. Latavius Murray is in New Orleans and Dalvin Cook has a significant injury history, so running back is also a spot to bulk up. Additionally, the Vikings must replace Sheldon Richardson at defensive tackle.
NFC SOUTH
Atlanta Falcons
Top draft needs: CB, G, EDGE, DT, ILB
The Falcons love drafting defense early, and you can expect them to look that way again this year. Cornerback is a pretty big hole, as there's not a lot behind Desmond Trufant. There's untapped potential still in Takkarist McKinley and Vic Beasley Jr., but edge rushers will be on Atlanta's board -- as will defensive tackles to drop in beside franchise-tagged Grady Jarrett.
Carolina Panthers
Top draft needs: EDGE, CB, WR, OT, S
It seems like every year the Panthers walk into the draft looking for pass rushing and receiving. DJ Moore has shown potential, but wide receiver is quiet in Carolina. There's a good chance the Panthers address it on Day 1 or 2. They also closed 2018 with just 35 sacks. Edge rushing will be a key fixation for this team at the draft; it needs playmakers off the edge. Also keep an eye on the secondary, especially cornerback.
New Orleans Saints
Top draft needs: G, C, TE, DT, WR
It will have to be Day 2 or 3, but New Orleans comes into the draft seeking offensive linemen and a tight end. Jared Cook is 32 years old, and there are plenty of good tight ends in this draft class. And on the line, Nick Easton replaces Max Unger, but there's still room for another center and some guard depth. The Saints could also look for No. 2 and 3 receivers to fill out the roster behind Michael Thomas.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Top draft needs: LB, CB, EDGE, S, DT
This team is going to be heavily into defensive players. With no more Kwon Alexander, there's a good chance Tampa Bay takes a linebacker in the first two rounds (Devin White at No. 5 could be interesting). The Buccaneers also allowed 31 plays of 30-plus yards, so the lackluster secondary could use some renovations. Thirty-eight sacks likewise points to an interest in grabbing pass-rushers.
NFC WEST
Arizona Cardinals
Top draft needs: QB, G, CB, WR, TE
Josh Rosen doesn't seem to be their guy, and Kyler Murray does fit the system well. Once the Cardinals take care of that, assuming they draft Murray at No. 1, they will have to get him some protection and some targets. Guard needs beefing up, and with pretty much only soon-to-be 36-year-old Larry Fitzgerald at receiver, that will absolutely require some aid as well.
Los Angeles Rams
Top draft needs: C, OT, EDGE, DT, RB
Part of the Rams' offensive success last season was keeping Jared Goff upright. But now Rodger Saffold and John Sullivan are gone, and Andrew Whitworth is in a contract year. Los Angeles will seek edge rushers -- half of the Rams' 41 sacks came from Aaron Donald on the interior last year -- and a defensive tackle to plug into the Ndamukong Suh role as well. And with Todd Gurley's knee causing concern, the Rams could get a Bryce Love-type running back in the middle rounds to provide security and perhaps some change of pace.
San Francisco 49ers
Top draft needs: EDGE, WR, CB, G, S
It's no secret that the Niners want pass-rushers, and if things fall the way they want, Nick Bosa will go a long way toward improving that situation (as will free agent signee Dee Ford). Additionally, San Francisco will look to improve out wide on both sides of the ball. Jimmy Garoppolo needs reliable targets, and the cornerback group will have to improve on the two interceptions it hauled in during the 2018 season. That's 25 fewer than Chicago's NFL-leading total.
Seattle Seahawks
Top draft needs: CB, G, EDGE, OLB, DT
Bringing in Mike Iupati pads the guard position a little bit after losing J.R. Sweezy, but Seattle could still add some depth there to maintain the much-improved offensive line. The cornerback group lost Justin Coleman in the slot, and Frank Clark is really the only go-to pass-rusher on the roster. But with only four draft picks, it'll be difficult for the Seahawks to completely retool this defense.