Photo By PFF,  https://www.pff.com/

NFL Draft Breakdown

Today is the day. The 2023 NFL draft is finally here and I'm here to help breakdown all 32 teams offseasons and mindsets going into this year's draft. Buckle up because we got 256 picks over the next three days.

NFC North  

Minnesota Vikings 

Needs: WR, DT, DE, LB, CB

After a 13-4 season and a home loss on Wild Card weekend, the Vikings are in a tough spot. With the releasing of veterans Eric Kendricks and Adam Thielen and not re-signing Patrick Peterson, Duke Shelley, and Cam Dantzler, there seems to be a glaring hole in the Vikings secondary and linebacking core, but with only five picks in the draft currently, it is going to be hard to rebuild their defense even with the hire of Brain Flores and signing of Byron Murphy. Rumors have it that a QB could be in play for the Vikings, but they’d have to trade up in order to do it which would be a large price to pay. It would be in the Vikings best interest to draft a corner or go defensive line at pick #23.

Green Bay Packers 

Needs: WR, EDGE, TE, DL, OG

After a blockbuster trade that sent 4x MVP Aaron Rodgers to the Jets, the Packers now own the 13th pick. After a disappointing end to last year, the Packers had a few glaring holes at EDGE, TE, and WR. The Packers haven’t taken a WR in the first round since 2002, but now might be the time after a lackluster free agency. I'd look for the Packers to take Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Nijigba or BC receiver Zay Flowers to boost up their pass game. 

Chicago Bears 

Needs: DL, EDGE, OT, CB, IOL

After finishing the season on an 11-game losing streak and finishing the year 3-14, the Bears have had one of the best off-seasons. Trading the #1 overall pick for future draft picks and star wide receiver DJ Moore, the Bears were active in free agency signing playmakers on the defensive such as Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards. The Bears have a bright future ahead of them if they can protect quarterback Justin Fields. Look for the Bears to draft either a defensive lineman or an offensive lineman. 

Detroit Lions

Needs: DL, OG, TE, LB

The Lions finished off the season strong last year and even hold two first-round picks in this year's draft. After a great free agency that saw the Lions acquire playmakers on the defensive side of the ball like Cam Sutton, Emmanuel Mosley, and Alex Anzalone. I believe the Lions are a lock to take one of the top pass rushers in this year’s draft to pair with 2nd overall pick last year Aiden Hutchinson. 

NFC East

Philadelphia Eagles

Needs: S, RB, LB

After losing in the Super Bowl the Eagles are doing great having the 10th pick in this year’s draft after a former trade. The Eagles didn’t bring in much during free agency, but were able to resign all of their playmakers on defense and extended Jalen Hurts to the biggest contract in history. After losing Miles Sanders to the Panthers I believe that the Eagles could snag Texas running back Bijan Robinson to help fill the void Sanders is leaving behind.

New York Giants 

Needs: WR, IOL, CB

Not a lot of people expected the Giants to have the season and free agency that they had this year. The G-Men have a big need at wide receiver after trading away 2021 first-round pick Kadarius Toney to the Chiefs mid-season. I expect the Giants to go after one of the top pass catchers in this year’s draft or a center to solidify their offensive line.

Dallas Cowboys 

Needs: IOL, DL, S, LB

If there is one thing Dallas doesn’t need is more offense. We’ve seen Jerry Jones and the Boys draft offense in years past but with pick 26 in this draft, I just don’t see the Cowboys adding to their offense. The Cowboys weren’t active in free agency and with some good defensive talent in the back end of this year’s first round, I believe that the Cowboys will add to their front 7.

Washington Commanders 

Needs: CB, TE, QB, IOL

It seems that the Commanders have their faith in last year’s day three pick Sam Howell to be their future signal caller, so what now? The Commanders have a desperate need in the secondary and there are a lot of good corners to choose from. I believe that the Commanders will take a corner at pick 16, either Doente Banks or Joey Porter could get the job done.

NFC South

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Needs: OG, OT, QB, LB

After Tom Brady retired I was surprised by how well the Bucs free agency went down. They were able to re-sign key veterans and even Baker Mayfield who is believed to be a bridge quarterback until next year. The Buccaneers sit in the 19th spot with a need at IOL and QB, not many mock drafts have the Bucs drafting a QB but I believe if one of the top QB prospects falls I think Hendon Hooker or Will Levis could be heading to Tampa. 

New Orleans Saints

Needs: EDGE, DL, LB

There is one thing that the Saints need to focus on going into the draft. The front 7. Losing Tuttle and Davenport were tough losses for the Saints, and their defensive core isn’t getting any younger. At pick 29 the Saints have a good amount of options going into the draft to address their aging defense. 

Atlanta Falcons

Needs: EDGE, LB, CB 

A lot like the Commanders, it seems like the Falcons currently have their trust in their day three pick from last year, quarterback Desmond Ridder. With not a top edge rusher or linebacker available projected in the top ten I think the Falcons best interest is to draft one of the top corners in the draft. Either Christian Gonzalez or Devon Witherspoon should land in the Falcons lap. Adding one of the top corners could solidify their secondary as one of the best in the league especially after free agent splash Jessie Bates III. 

NFC West 

San Francisco 49ers 

Needs: IOL, S

The 49ers were robbed in the NFC title game due to injury. The free agency period went well in the bay besides the loss of star tackle Mike McGlinchey as the 49ers added a lot of depth on the defensive side of the ball. The 49ers do not hold a first-round pick so they’ll have to wait until day two to make a selection. 

Seattle Seahawks 

Needs: EDGE, S, DT, WR

In maybe one of the most lopsided trades of all time, the Seahawks own the Broncos fifth overall pick in this year’s draft. After a season where nobody had the Seahawks making the playoffs, Geno Smith and Seattle defied the odds and made it into the playoffs. The Seahawks have two picks in the top twenty where they can address their defense which ranked in the bottom ten last year. Seattle has a chance to get an instant playmaker on the defensive side, either Will Anderson Jr, Tyree Wilson, or Jalen Carter, all of which will instantly make a difference for the Seahawks. 

Los Angeles Rams 

Needs: Almost everything

The 2022 Super Bowl champs went all in during the 2021-2022 season and are now paying the price for it. The Rams didn’t sign a significant free agent this off-season and for the seventh year in a row, they don’t own a first-round pick. The Rams do, however, have eleven picks in the draft and will have to rely on them this upcoming season. 

AFC North

Steelers

Needs: CB, OT, LB, DL

After a good free agency, the Steelers look to get back to the playoffs after a two-year absence. With the Steelers at the 17th spot I expect them to take either an offensive tackle or a corner to solidify their O-line or secondary. 

Cincinnati Bengals 

Needs: S, DL, CB, TE

After another AFC championship game appearance, the Bengals find themselves in a similar spot to last year’s draft. The Bengals lost both starting safeties in free agency and their starting tight end. I’d like to see the Bengals beef up their secondary with the 28th pick.

Baltimore Ravens 

Needs: CB, WR, OG, LB

The Ravens were able to sign OBJ in free agency, but still have questions about Rashod Bateman after multiple injuries have pledged his career so far. The Ravens have the 22nd pick in the draft and there are many options at receiver they can choose from. Guys like Zay Flowers, Jordan Addison, and Quentin Johnson are all projected to be there at #22.

Cleveland Browns

Needs: LB, DT, EDGE

After another lackluster year in Cleveland, the Browns don’t have a first-round pick because of the Watson trade. The Browns won’t pick until round two which doesn’t help them because of their need for top-end talent that they could’ve gotten if they didn’t trade for Watson. There is still a lot of front-seven talent in rounds two and three which the Browns need to jump on.

AFC East

Buffalo Bills 

Needs: IOL, DL, CB

We already know that the Bills are one of the most talented teams in the league, but their defense at times was shaky last year. Picking at 27 I believe that Buffalo will take a defensive linemen to help solidify their pass rush to help boost their less-than-average pass rush.

Miami Dolphins 

Needs: OG, DL, TE

After their first playoff appearance since 2016, Miami is still looking to finish revamping their offensive line. Miami also lost their starting tight end, Mike Gesicki to in-division rival New England. Miami doesn’t have a first-round pick this year and only has four in the whole draft which is going to make things difficult to address their needs going into next year. 

New England Patriots 

Needs: OT, WR, S, DL 

The Patriots have been notorious for reaching in the first round and making head-scratching picks. The Patriots best interest would be drafting a receiver or offensive lineman at pick 14. With plenty of receiving talent projected to go in the middle of the first round, the Pats are in a great position to take a playmaker. 

AFC South

Jacksonville Jaguars 

Needs: CB, S, DL, TE, EDGE, OG

The Jags went from worst to first in the AFC South last season, but still have a lot of holes throughout their team. The Jags had a very bad secondary last year, so look for them to take either a corner or safety to boost their secondary. 

Tennessee Titans 

Needs: IOL, WR, QB, LB

Tennessee is in a very interesting position in this year’s draft. Drafting at #11 The Titans can go many ways, but should and probably will focus on the offensive side of the ball. Needing offensive line help I expect the Titans to pursue Peter Skoronski or Paris Johnson Jr. There have also been some rumblings that the Titans may trade up for a quarterback since Ryan Tannehill is 34 and has had his production declining in the past couple of seasons. 

Houston Texans

Needs: QB, EDGE, DL, WR

Ever since the combine It’s seemed that the Texans were bound to take either CJ Stroud or Bryce Young, but just a few days before the draft it seems like the door is open for them to pass on a quarterback. With many needs, It may be in Houston’s best interest to pass on a quarterback and get a top edge rusher like Will Anderson Jr or Tyree Wilson. 

Indianapolis Colts 

Needs: QB, CB, WR

After a disappointing year in Indy and a bad trade acquiring Matt Ryan, the Colts are in a hole. Picking at #4 the Colts have the chance to take one of the top four quarterbacks. News about CJ Stroud’s bad test score on the Cognitive test has made his stock drop. If the Panthers were to take Stroud or Young, the Colts would be able to grab Anthony Richardson or Will Levis.

AFC West

Kansas City Chiefs 

Needs: EDGE, DL, OT, WR

The defending Super Bowl champs head into the draft with a big need on their defensive line. I could see the Chiefs trading up or down to go after the guy they want. If the Chiefs were to go the defensive line route, they would pair their pick with last year’s first-round pick George Karlaftis and Pro Bowl DT Chris Jones. 

Los Angeles Chargers 

Needs: TE, DL, LB, WR, EDGE

After a brutal loss in the playoffs last season, the Chargers hold the twenty-first pick in this year’s draft. The Chargers are in need of a tight end and there are two great tight end prospects in this year’s draft. Dalton Kincaid and Micheal Mayer are both elite talents who will be available at pick #21 giving Justin Herbert another elite playmaker.

Denver Broncos

Needs: IOL, CB, LB

Coming off a horrific season, the Broncos don’t have many picks and don’t hold a first-round pick. After trading for Head Coach Sean Peyton, Denver may have some hope for this upcoming season. Needing an interior offensive line and some help in the secondary, the Broncos will have to wait to address their needs.

Las Vegas Raiders

Needs: C, OG, OT, CB, DL

The Raiders are in desperate need of almost everything. Their defense is lackluster and their offensive line is in question for being the worst in the NFL. Picking at #7 The Raiders are projected to grab either Christian Gonzalez or Devon Witherspoon, but I wouldn’t be shocked if they were to take one of the top tackles in the draft or trade down.