[h=1]2018 NFL Draft order and needs for every team[/h]
Lance Zierlein
NFL Media draft analyst
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This is the first-round order of the 2018
NFL Draft, with a look at the top positional needs for every team, heading into the postseason. Picks 1-20 of the draft order are set. The draft order is determined by record, and using strength of schedule as a tiebreaker (record and strength of schedule are official tiebreakers to determine the draft order).
Note: Strength of schedule is listed in parentheses. A coin flip will determine who picks ninth and 10th between the
49ers and the
Raiders.
Click through the tabs above to see the rest of the draft order/needs for every team.
1. Cleveland Browns
Record: 0-16 (.520)
Top needs: QB, RB, CB
The skinny: The
Browns have five draft picks inside the first two rounds so they will be looking for premium athletes at spots like RB and CB. Finding a QB is on the agenda, but when will they pull the trigger?
2. New York Giants
Record: 3-13 (.531)
Top needs: OT, QB, RB
The skinny: While many weren't happy with the
Eli Manning benching, it doesn't change the fact that the team needs to find Manning's eventual successor. Finding a quality RB shouldn't be hard in the 2018 draft if the
Giants make it an early priority. Speaking of priorities ... OL anyone?
3. Indianapolis Colts
Record: 4-12 (.480)
Top needs: ILB, OL, Edge
The skinny: The
Colts simply don't have the talent they need at inside linebacker. The offensive line could use a talent upgrade, as well. Chris Ballard won't stop looking for a terror off the edge.
4. Cleveland Browns (via Texans)
Texans record: 4-12 (.516)
Browns top needs: QB, RB, CB
The skinny: This is the pick Cleveland acquired when the
Texans traded up to land
Deshaun Watson in this year's draft. Finding a quality cornerback and running back should be an early priority for the
Browns next year, and QB still has to be a consideration.
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5. Denver Broncos
Record: 5-11 (.492)
Top needs: OG, QB, OT
The skinny: It might be time for Denver to find a new left guard and I'm not sure that the right tackle position is where it needs to be even when all parties involved are healthy. It looks like Denver is ready to start looking again for a QB of the future.
6. New York Jets
Record: 5-11 (.520)
Top needs: QB, RB, OT
The skinny: Upgrading the offense has to be the priority for the
Jets. They need a QB, RB and WR. They also need to improve their offensive line, most notably at tackle.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Record: 5-11 (.555)
Top needs: DE, RB, CB
The skinny: The Bucs aren't getting enough of a pass rush off the edge and that is likely their highest priority. It's hard to envision
Doug Martin being the guy at RB next season.
Brent Grimes is due to become a free agent and the Bucs could be looking for his replacement as well as better depth at cornerback.
8. Chicago Bears
Record: 5-11 (.559)
Top needs: WR, OL, CB
The skinny: The
Bears have a lot invested in
Mitchell Trubisky and it's time to up that ante by giving him a WR1. The
Bears could look to replace
Bobby Massie at RT or even add depth behind veteran guards
Josh Sitton and
Kyle Long. Chicago might need to add another starting-caliber CB in the early rounds.
9 (tie). San Francisco 49ers
Record: 6-10 (.512)
Top needs: WR, OL, CB
The skinny: The
49ers have addressed their QB need with the
Jimmy Garoppolo trade, but finding a young WR1 is critical if you plan to build around him, as is an infusion of talent along the offensive line. The CB spot opposite rookie
Ahkello Witherspoon should be high on the priority list.
9 (tie). Oakland Raiders
Record: 6-10 (.512)
Top needs: CB, ILB, OT
The skinny: The
Raiders have to make CB their top priority. The inside linebacker spot is a major concern. Oakland understands the importance of a strong OL, so OT could come into play.