NFL draft 2022 team needs and prospect fits: How all 32 rosters can improve, from quarterback to edge rusher and corner

NFL free agency is about filling needs and finding established starters who can step into a roster immediately and fill holes. We saw plenty of that during 2022's free-agency period through signings and a flurry of trades that changed the landscape of many franchises, with star quarterbacks and wide receivers switching teams.

That said, free agency is just one part of the NFL's offseason and team-building opportunities. The NFL draft remains king when it comes to building a team and is still the best avenue for reshaping a roster -- thanks to cost and the ability to find sleepers in later rounds.

With the 2022 draft coming up at the end of the month, our NFL draft analysts Matt Miller and Jordan Reid take a look at what each team still needs to add to its roster heading into the night of April 28, when Round 1 kicks off from Las Vegas.

Who needs a quarterback? Which teams will be vying for wide receivers in what could be a record-breaking first round for the position? Let's find out.

Jump to a team:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LV | LAC | LAR | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH

AFC EAST

Buffalo Bills

Top needs: IDL, CB, IOL, RB, WR

The Bills' roster doesn't have many glaring needs. The CB2 spot is an area the team could attack early in the draft, though, as Tre'Davious White is recovering from a late-season ACL tear and Levi Wallace signed with the Steelers in free agency. The Bills also need a space eater in the middle on defense to replace Harrison Phillips, who left for the Vikings, and Star Lotulelei, whom the Bills cut in March.

In a deep interior defensive line class, Travis Jones (UConn) and Phidarian Mathis (Alabama) are two players the team could target in Rounds 2 and 3 if the Bills elect to wait until the second day to fill the void in the middle. -- Reid

Miami Dolphins

Top needs: OC, OT, EDGE, LB, RB

The Dolphins have had an exciting offseason improving their roster, even acquiring receiver Tyreek Hill from the Chiefs. But the offensive line has needs -- specifically at center -- if the Dolphins want to protect Tua Tagovailoa for years to come. Luckily, there are plenty of options to choose from in this draft.

Cameron Jurgens (Nebraska) is a perfect fit but could already be gone by the Dolphins' first pick at No. 102 after a standout pre-draft process. Cole Strange (UT-Chattanooga) and Luke Fortner (Kentucky) are two prospects who also make sense in new coach Mike McDaniel's zone scheme. -- Reid

New England Patriots

Top needs: WR, CB, LB, IOL, EDGE

Wide receiver and cornerback are arguably the two biggest needs on the Patriots' roster. Mac Jones had a promising rookie season, but he needs playmakers on the perimeter to throw to.

And after losing J.C. Jackson to free agency, the team is thin at cornerback and needs an infusion of depth at the position. The Patriots could also benefit from adding a linebacker with one of their seven draft picks as Bill Belichick likes stoutly built players who can defend the run well. -- Reid

New York Jets

Top needs: WR, EDGE, CB, S, LB

The Jets have four picks inside the top 38 selections. GM Joe Douglas has a prime opportunity to add a wealth of talent to the current roster. With two top-10 picks, a combination of edge rusher, offensive lineman or wide receiver is likely the outcome. Kayvon Thibodeaux (Oregon), Ikem Ekwonu (NC State) and Garrett Wilson (Ohio State) are three players who would be welcome additions to what the team has already accomplished this offseason.

At the top of the second round, the Jets could address their need at safety. There is depth at this position, and they could have their pick of the top talents, having two of the first six picks on Day 2 of the draft. -- Reid

AFC NORTH

Baltimore Ravens

Top needs: EDGE, IDL, IOL, WR, LB

Getting better in the trenches should remain the point of emphasis for the Ravens this offseason. By bringing back defensive tackle Michael Pierce and adding offensive tackle Morgan Moses, GM Eric DeCosta has proved that he is trying to return to that formula. Likely experiencing a youth movement up front, the Ravens are positioned to replenish depth across the board.

With the No. 14 pick and pass-rushers expected to come off the board quickly in the first round, the team could target defensive ends Jermaine Johnson II (FSU) and George Karlaftis (Purdue). DE Arnold Ebiketie (Penn State) and OLB Drake Jackson (USC) could also be in the mix as potential second-round targets. -- Reid

Cincinnati Bengals

Top needs: CB, TE, IDL, OT, S

With new additions across the offensive line, the Bengals have quickly turned a weakness into one of their biggest strengths. Now, help is needed on the defensive side of the ball and cornerback tops the needs list.

At No. 31, Kaiir Elam (Florida) and Andrew Booth Jr. (Clemson) could be available. It would be wise for the team to supplement a promising defense that was mostly constructed through free agency with some young depth players from the draft. -- Reid

Cleveland Browns

Top needs: WR, IDL, EDGE, LB, IOL

A newsworthy offseason led by the acquisition of quarterback Deshaun Watson has kept the Browns at the center of attention in the NFL. After losing Jarvis Landry, Odell Beckham Jr. and Rashard Higgins over the past year, the team quite obviously lacks depth at wide receiver and could look to add some skill players at the draft.

The Browns don't have a pick until the second round, but adding a wide receiver or interior defensive lineman with their first pick is very likely. With many options at defensive tackle on Day 2, Perrion Winfrey (Oklahoma), DeMarvin Leal (Texas A&M) and Travis Jones are three players who could be targeted by the Browns. -- Reid

Pittsburgh Steelers

Top needs: IOL, OT, QB, S

The Steelers so far have had a smart and selective offseason, and they have been calculated with how they've spent money. After adding QB Mitch Trubisky and interior offensive lineman James Daniels in free agency, there are many directions the team could go in the draft.

For Pittsburgh, continuing to bolster the offensive line or drafting its next quarterback with the No. 20 pick are potential options on the table. Mike Tomlin has been seen on the pro day circuit often this offseason, so it shouldn't come as a surprise if the Steelers do elect to trade up so they can get their quarterback of choice. -- Reid

AFC SOUTH

Houston Texans

Top needs: WR, RB, DE, RT, CB

It might have been easier to list the positions the Texans don't need. The good news in Houston is that second-year quarterback Davis Mills showed enough last season to create belief he can be a long-term answer at the most important position in sports. Elsewhere, a lot is needed.

With two first-round picks, the Texans can truly take a "best player available" approach at No. 3 -- Kayvon Thibodeaux or a right tackle in Evan Neal (Alabama) and Ikem Ekwonu fit the bill -- while using pick No. 13 (acquired from Cleveland as part of the Deshaun Watson trade) to add an offensive threat like wide receiver Garrett Wilson. -- Miller

Indianapolis Colts

Top needs: LT, WR, CB, TE, DE

With Matt Ryan now at quarterback, left tackle becomes a gigantic need after a patchwork year from veteran Eric Fisher in 2021. At pick No. 42, the best options could be Bernhard Raimann (Central Michigan) or Nicholas Petit-Frere (Ohio State) as day one starters.

Wide receiver has to be an early focus with Michael Pittman Jr. the only long-term starter on the roster currently. Adding a receiver in Round 3 is a smart target -- Alec Pierce (Cincinnati) would be a great value add at No. 73. -- Miller

Jacksonville Jaguars

Top needs: DE, WR, DT, S, LB

With the No. 1 pick, most expect the Jaguars to draft defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (Michigan). And for good reason, as he is not only the draft's top-ranked player on my big board but also at the lone position of need for which the Jaguars didn't invest heavily in a starter in free agency.

In Rounds 2 and 3, smart moves would be to bolster the wide receiver corps -- Georgia's George Pickens (Georgia), Jalen Tolbert (South Alabama) and John Metchie III (Alabama) are all Day 2 options -- while also looking at the defensive front seven. -- Miller

Tennessee Titans

Top needs: OL, WR, DE, TE, OC

In Round 1, the Titans generally go after playmakers with upside (Jeffery Simmons, Caleb Farley and even Isaiah Wilson fit that mold). This year, they could do that at wide receiver and add a threat opposite A.J. Brown. It might seem a little early for Christian Watson (North Dakota State), but a run on receivers before pick No. 26 could make him the best left on the board.

Outside of receiver, the Titans need to figure out the offensive line. Right tackle has been a revolving door since Jack Conklin left. Last year's second-round pick, Dillon Radunz, could project to the outside, but some sources believe he's best at guard. Whichever position Radunz doesn't end up at should be addressed early. -- Miller

AFC WEST

Denver Broncos

Top needs: CB, SS, LB, RT, RB

With no first-round pick but three from picks No. 64 to 96, the Broncos have to reload the secondary and defense. Cornerback Pat Surtain II is a future star, but opposite him youth and upgrades are needed. The same goes for strong safety, where 2021 fifth-rounder Caden Sterns is currently listed as the starter.

Javonte Williams is a franchise running back, but the Broncos' desire to use a back-by-committee approach means they could look to add a Day 3 back with speed to complement the power of Williams. -- Miller

Kansas City Chiefs

Top needs: CB, WR, RT, DT, RB

Even as a perennial contender, the Chiefs have a long list of needs at the starter level. Losing cornerback Charvarius Ward to the San Francisco 49ers has left a big opening atop the depth chart. The same with the wide receiver position after trading Hill -- even after adding JuJu Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling.

With two first-round picks, the Chiefs could target a wide receiver (Jahan Dotson) and starter on defense at either cornerback (Kaiir Elam, Andrew Booth Jr.) or defensive end (Boye Mafe). With six total picks in the top three rounds, GM Brett Veach needs to put together a 2022 draft class with each selection being a starter or high-level contributor. -- Miller

Las Vegas Raiders

Top needs: DL, LB, CB, OT, RB

The Raiders have few top-level needs, which is good because they have only five selections in the 2022 draft and none in the first two rounds. New general manager Dave Ziegler has a tall task ahead of him.

When the Raiders do come on the clock, defensive tackle should be targeted as a depth player and run-stuffer. Elsewhere, finding depth -- not starters on Day 3 -- is a need at linebacker and cornerback. A developmental offensive tackle is also a Day 3 target. -- Miller

Los Angeles Chargers

Top needs: CB, WR, RT, DT, RB

Take a look at the wide receivers and quarterbacks in the AFC West and you can safely add cornerback to every team's list of needs. For the Chargers, it's a front-line area of concern opposite newcomer J.C. Jackson. Finding a run-stuffing defensive tackle is a need, too.

Offensively, depth is the key. A third wide receiver who can stretch the field is a must, and a running back to work in tandem with Austin Ekeler -- ideally a power back -- should be added on Day 3. -- Miller

NFC EAST

Dallas Cowboys

Top needs: IOL, WR, EDGE, S, TE

With lots of players leaving in free agency this offseason in key spots, the Cowboys have holes to fill in the trenches and at wide receiver. The approach of always taking the best player available has helped the team land building blocks such as Micah Parsons and CeeDee Lamb. The franchise could opt to attack this draft with a similar theory.

With the No. 24 pick, Kenyon Green (Texas A&M), Tyler Linderbaum (Iowa) and Zion Johnson (Boston College) are names who would quickly fill the void along the interior offensive line. Drafting an edge rusher could be in play, but don't count out the Cowboys from selecting a wideout early on. -- Reid

New York Giants

Top needs: EDGE, OT, IOL, LB, TE

With three picks inside of the top 36, general manager Joe Schoen has an opportunity to quickly put his stamp on a roster that needs help in many spots -- most notably at offensive line and off the edge. With picks Nos. 5 and 7, getting two high-impact players could help the team's rebuild get off to a fast start.

A combination of an offensive and defensive lineman could bolster the team up front, but Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner (Cincinnati) could also be a target of a team that's likely searching for a trade partner for cornerback James Bradberry. -- Reid

Philadelphia Eagles

Top needs: CB, LB, EDGE, S, WR

At the beginning of this week, the Eagles were working with three first-round picks. But after a trade of current and future picks with the Saints, the team now has picks Nos. 15 and 18. With defensive needs in the secondary and off the edge, the Eagles' holes on the roster align well with the strengths of this draft class.

CB Trent McDuffie (Washington) could be a prime target for a team needing help on the back end. But GM Howie Roseman isn't hesitant about shuffling the draft order. Kaiir Elam and Andrew Booth Jr. are two others the franchise might target if it elects to slide further back in the first round. -- Reid

Washington Commanders

Top needs: WR, CB, LB, S, TE

After acquiring Carson Wentz this offseason from the Colts, the team is now tasked with finding surrounding options in hopes of getting promising play from its new quarterback. Wide receiver is at the top of the needs column for Washington. With the No. 11 pick, the Commanders might have an opportunity to pick receiver Drake London, Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave or Jameson Williams. All would be welcome additions for Wentz and the Commanders.

On the other side of the ball, the cornerback position lacks depth and is likely an area the team will address on the first or second day of the draft -- along with safety and inside linebacker. Washington is likely to wait until the third or fourth round to select a tight end to add to the mix. -- Reid

NFC NORTH

Chicago Bears

Top needs: WR, IOL, OT, EDGE, CB

In what's shaping up to be a roster teardown, general manager Ryan Poles looks as if he wants to build the Bears from the ground up. With Darnell Mooney, Equanimeous St. Brown, Dazz Newsome and Byron Pringle as the current players on the wide receiver depth chart, one of the two second-round picks the team has is likely to turn into a pass-catching target for Justin Fields.

George Pickens, Christian Watson (NDSU) and Skyy Moore (Western Michigan) would be good perimeter options to surround Fields with. I would also expect offensive and defensive line selections to be sprinkled throughout this year's draft class. -- Reid

Detroit Lions

Top needs: EDGE, WR, CB, LB, QB

The Lions have three picks inside of the top 34 selections -- including the No. 2 pick. Detroit is in need of a talented pass-rusher and Kayvon Thibodeaux and Travon Walker (Georgia) are two the Lions could target with their first pick. Wide receiver is another position that is likely to be a main focus in the early rounds.

The Lions are still currently at the stage of their rebuild at which they simply need to add talent. With nine picks in all, Detroit is in position to add high-impact players to the roster immediately. -- Reid

Green Bay Packers

Top needs: WR, EDGE, S, OT, TE

After trading one of the best receivers in franchise history in Davante Adams, the Packers are faced with replacing his production somehow. The Packers' theory of waiting until the second day of the draft to find wide receivers will be tested as they now have two picks in the first round.

With the 22nd and 28th picks overall, receivers Chris Olave (Ohio State), Jahan Dotson (Penn State) and Treylon Burks (Arkansas) could be available. If the Packers stick to their age-old philosophy that has worked for over two decades and wait until Round 2 to pick a receiver, Alec Pierce and Skyy Moore would fit their scheme well. -- Reid

Minnesota Vikings

Top needs: CB, S, IOL, LB, WR

Even after adding savvy veterans such as linebacker Za'Darius Smith and guard Chris Reed, the Vikings have determined that they are going to play next season with a similar roster as last year. Bringing back Patrick Peterson eases their need at cornerback, but there is still room on the depth chart for a CB2 to compete with Cameron Dantzler for a spot.

At No. 12, Derek Stingley Jr. (LSU), Trent McDuffie and Andrew Booth Jr., could all be options here. The Vikings also have a need at defensive end, so they could wait until Day 2 to draft a corner. Because Minnesota could use a lot of young depth on the defensive side of the ball, GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah might spend most of the draft capital on defense. -- Reid

NFC SOUTH

Atlanta Falcons

Top needs: QB, DE, WR, IOL, CB

Quarterback is the unquestioned biggest need for the Falcons, but in a draft year without a consensus top quarterback, it might be a position that waits until 2023 to be filled. Should the Falcons pass on a quarterback in Round 1, a wide receiver to replace Calvin Ridley is a must and they could have their pick of the options out there at No. 8.

Defensively, a pass-rusher to add juice to the outside of the defensive line is also a must-have in the first two days of the draft -- during which Atlanta has five selections total.

A draft of wide receiver Garrett Wilson, defensive end Boye Mafe (Minnesota) and a cornerback such as Kaiir Elam would be a home run in the first two rounds for the Falcons. -- Miller

Carolina Panthers

Top needs: QB, OT, OG, CB

Quarterback remains the biggest need in Carolina, and there will be real discussions about drafting one at No. 6. There is also still a very real need at offensive tackle -- a position the Panthers were expected to prioritize if they landed a veteran quarterback.

With just one selection in the top 135 picks, the rest of the Panthers' needs must be filled with Day 3 selections, which rarely give early returns. It's quickly looking as if the rebuild in Carolina will not be finished in 2022. -- Miller

New Orleans Saints

Top needs: QB, OT, WR, DB, DE

A quarterback at No. 18 is very possible depending on how the board falls, but the Saints also must focus on replacing left tackle Terron Armstead and finding a running mate for Michael Thomas at wide receiver.

As one of the better-drafting teams in the league, the Saints' four picks in the top 101 are valuable, but the front office has to leave the draft with starters in those selections at left tackle, wide receiver and maybe even defensive back. -- Miller

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Top needs: OG, DT, RB, DE, CB

The only starter-level needs that remain in Tampa after free agency are at guard and defensive tackle. At No. 27, there is a chance of finding value in either Kenyon Green or Zion Johnson at guard and waiting for a defensive tackle in Round 2.

Depth is a concern on a team that is aging in key positions, but before addressing the trench depth, the Bucs should find a running mate for Leonard Fournette in the backfield. Particularly one with a refined pass-catching game. -- Miller

NFC WEST

Arizona Cardinals

Top needs: CB, IOL, DE, DL, RB

The defense needs a ton of attention in Arizona, but so does the offensive line. With pick No. 23 it's very likely the Cardinals will address the interior offensive line or right tackle spot before using their second-round selection to add a starter-level player at cornerback.

Perhaps most notable for the Cardinals is that the team owns just three top-100 picks and has no selections in Rounds 4 and 5. Finding starters in this class will be difficult. -- Miller

Los Angeles Rams

Top needs: OT, CB, OG, WR

With the Rams' first pick not coming until No. 101 overall, their 2022 draft class will be more about future starters and depth. The offensive line should receive considerable attention after the retirement of Andrew Whitworth and expected future departures through free agency.

Don't sleep on wide receiver and cornerback receiving upgrades to the depth chart in Rounds 6 and 7. Both areas are solid enough at the top but need depth -- as we saw at receiver in the Super Bowl. -- Miller

San Francisco 49ers

Top needs: CB, DE, OG, OC, SS

Starter-level needs exist throughout the 49ers' roster; which is a concern given they don't select until No. 61 overall. Cornerback is a must-have even after signing Charvarius Ward in free agency. Finding potential interior offensive line starters should take precedence with one of two picks in Round 3 -- with the other selection aimed at finding a starting strong safety.

Depth at defensive end will be needed after losing Arden Key to free agency and with Dee Ford's health continuing to be an issue. -- Miller

Seattle Seahawks

Top needs: QB, DE, CB, OG, OT

The Seahawks are set with four selections in the first three rounds, but they have many needs to check off in that area. At No. 9, it's probably best to aim for a pass-rusher (Jermaine Johnson II or Kayvon Thibodeaux) over a quarterback to replace Russell Wilson. The top cornerback and offensive tackles are also expected to be off the board, making those positions potential targets in Rounds 2 and 3.

The 2022 class will be judged by what the Seahawks do at quarterback, but the best move might be waiting to address the position in 2023, when they have two picks in both Rounds 1 and 2. -- Miller