This is the first-round order of the 2018 NFL Draft, with a look at the top positional needs for every team, through Conference Championship Weekend. 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.
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 Brownsnext year, and QB still has to be a consideration.
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 Witherspoonshould 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.
This is the first-round order of the 2018 NFL Draft, with a look at the top positional needs for every team, through Conference Championship Weekend. 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. The tie between the Redskins and Packers was broken by their win-loss-tie percentages in common games. The tie between the Cowboys and Lionswas broken by their win-loss-tie percentages in conference games.
11. Miami Dolphins
Record: 6-10 (.543)
Top needs: OG, ILB, RB
The skinny: Miami should be looking for additional talent at guard, linebacker, defensive end and running back (following the Jay Ajayi trade to Philly).
12. Cincinnati Bengals
Record: 7-9 (.465)
Top needs: OL, QB, LB
The skinny: Cincinnati is struggling to run the ball and something has to be done about it up front. It wouldn't be surprising to see them looking around at QB. The Bengals might also be looking for help at LB.
13. Washington Redskins
Record: 7-9 (.539)
Top needs: QB, LB, S
The skinny: Until or unless a new deal gets done with Kirk Cousins, QB is the top priority. Finding a rangy stud linebacker to captain the defense should be one of their top priorities. The Redskins' safety play is just average and they need to improve in that area.
14. Green Bay Packers
Record: 7-9 (.539)
Top needs: CB, OL, WR
The skinny: They added a CB (Kevin King) in the 2017 draft, and it might be time to go back to the well at the position. The Packers could look to add competition along the offensive line. Randall Cobb is a potential cap casualty, so WR could become a priority.
15. Arizona Cardinals
Record: 8-8 (.488)
Top needs: QB, OL, WR
The skinny: The Cardinals have several pressing areas of need. The offensive line requires reinforcements and the time has come to make finding a QB the top priority for Arizona. With Larry Fitzgerald nearing the end of his career, the Cardinals could look for a big, talented target to pair with a "QB of the future".
16. Baltimore Ravens
Record: 9-7 (.441)
Top needs: WR, TE, RB
The skinny: The Ravens' offensive line should be in better shape once it gets healthy in the offseason, but the skill positions are in desperate need of upgrades. While wide receiver is the biggest need, the Ravens could use a three-down RB. The Ravensdon't have much of a pass-catching threat at tight end.
17. Los Angeles Chargers
Record: 9-7 (.457)
Top needs: OT, QB, LB
The skinny: The Chargers need to find Philip Rivers' future successor and this might be the year to do it. While the defense has some blue-chip talent, the offensive line does not. The Chargers could look to find a rangy inside linebacker to fortify the defense.
18. Seattle Seahawks
Record: 9-7 (.492)
Top needs: OT, CB, OG
The skinny: The addition of Duane Brown certainly helps in the short term but tackle is still a spot that's worth a look. Adding help at guard is very possible. Richard Sherman's status with the team will be worth keeping an eye on again this offseason, as the Seahawks might need to find another CB.
19. Dallas Cowboys
Record: 9-7 (.496)
Top needs: TE, DT, CB
The skinny: Jason Witten will turn 36 shortly after the draft and it's time to find the player who'll replace him. Adding a talented defensive tackle who can get upfield could be in play. The Cowboys lack high-end CBs and might look for a top talent at that spot.
20. Detroit Lions
Record: 9-7 (.496)
Top needs: DE, OG, LB
The skinny: The Lions could benefit from adding a strong edge rusher or maybe even two. Finding more talent and/or depth for the interior offensive line is a possibility, while adding another playmaker at LB should be under consideration.
21. Buffalo Bills
Record: 9-7 (.492)
Top needs: QB, LB, DT
The skinny: With Marcell Dareus gone, the Bills might decide to lock in on finding a quality DT early in the draft. They need to improve at linebacker. QB could be the top priority, even though Tyrod Taylor is signed through next season and they drafted Nathan Peterman in 2017.
22. Buffalo Bills (via Chiefs)
Chiefs record: 10-6 (.477)
Bills top needs: QB, LB, DT
The skinny: This is the pick the Bills acquired when the Chiefs traded up to land Patrick Mahomes in the 2017 draft.
23. Los Angeles Rams
Record: 11-5 (.504)
Top needs: CB, OL, LB
The skinny: The Rams have built their defensive front over the years, but need to find a top-tier CB to add to the mix. They could look to add a guard or center inside the top three rounds to solidify that emerging unit. The Rams could be looking for another inside linebacker, as well, with Mark Barrondue to carry a big cap number next season.
24. Carolina Panthers
Record: 11-5 (.539)
Top needs: OL, WR, DE
The skinny: Carolina is in desperate need of a bell-cow at left tackle. Replacing guard Andrew Norwell could be a priority, as well, if he leaves in free agency. Wide receiver is another spot that appears to be a must-have position at some point early in the draft. Carolina needs a true edge bender with speed to get after the talented QBs in the NFC South.
[h=3]Eliminated in Divisional Round[/h]
25. Tennessee Titans
Record: 9-7 (.434)
Top needs: Edge, OG, TE
The skinny: Finding a consistent edge presence could go a long way in helping the Titans' defense reach that next level. There is room for improvement and depth at guard. Finding another combination TE to eventually take over for Delanie Walker should be on their radar.
26. Atlanta Falcons
Record: 10-6 (.543)
Top needs: DT, OG, S
The skinny: The Falcons could choose to let Dontari Poe walk after this season. It seems likely that they'll be looking for help at DT. The Falcons haven't run the ball like they did last year and better guard play could help them rebound in that area. Adding a rangy free safety with ball-hawking ability is a possibility.
27. New Orleans Saints
Record: 11-5 (.535)
Top needs: QB, C, WR
The skinny: The Saints' improved defense has changed the focus of this team's priorities to the offensive side of the ball. Finding an eventual replacement for Drew Brees should be high on the list, as should improving the center play. The Saints have a good one at WR in Michael Thomas, but the rest of the corps could use an upgrade.
28. Pittsburgh Steelers
Record: 13-3 (.453)
Top needs: ILB, QB, S
The skinny: Pittsburgh should be looking to add another playmaker in the middle of its defense at LB. Finding Ben Roethlisberger's successor could become the priority. They need to find help at safety, too.
[h=3]Eliminated in conference championship[/h]
29. Jacksonville Jaguars
Record: 10-6 (.434)
Top needs: TE, OG, WR
The skinny: The improved play of Blake Bortles has pulled QB off this list for now, but finding a quality pass-catcher at tight end is still a high priority. Leonard Fournette will be a lot better if the Jags can improve their guard play. If Marqise Lee walks in free agency, the Jags will need to add depth at WR.
30. Minnesota Vikings
Record: 13-3 (.492)
Top needs: OT, OG, DL
The skinny: The Vikings' offensive line simply isn't where it needs to be at tackle or guard. Their defense is so good that they can build along the offensive line this offseason. There aren't many areas to pick at along the defensive side of the ball, but adding depth up front and talented rushers is always something Mike Zimmer will want to do.
[h=3]Still alive[/h]
Philadelphia Eagles
Record: 13-3 (.461)
Top needs: LT, LB, CB
New England Patriots
Record: 13-3 (.484)
Top needs: CB, QB, Edge
The skinny: The Patriots must improve their secondary with another capable cornerback. With the trades of both Jimmy Garropolo and Jacoby Brissett, the Patriots have to address QB at some point. A true edge bender is missing from their rush.
[h=3]Teams without a first-round pic[/h]
Houston Texans
Record: 4-12 (.516)
Top needs: OL, S, CB
The skinny: The Texans traded away their first- and second-round picks to Cleveland last year so finding an early impact offensive lineman will be tough. They might need to turn to free agency for that. The Texans' secondary has been a disappointment and will require additional talent.
Kansas City Chiefs
Record: 10-6 (.477)
Top needs: CB, WR, S
The skinny: The Chiefs' roster is in decent shape, but they could look to improve in the secondary by adding pieces at both cornerback and safety. Bolstering the WR position is a possibility, as well.
Note: Strength of schedule is listed in parentheses. A coin flip will determine who picks ninth and 10th between the 49ers and the Raiders.
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 Brownsnext year, and QB still has to be a consideration.
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 Witherspoonshould 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.
This is the first-round order of the 2018 NFL Draft, with a look at the top positional needs for every team, through Conference Championship Weekend. 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. The tie between the Redskins and Packers was broken by their win-loss-tie percentages in common games. The tie between the Cowboys and Lionswas broken by their win-loss-tie percentages in conference games.
11. Miami Dolphins
Record: 6-10 (.543)
Top needs: OG, ILB, RB
The skinny: Miami should be looking for additional talent at guard, linebacker, defensive end and running back (following the Jay Ajayi trade to Philly).
12. Cincinnati Bengals
Record: 7-9 (.465)
Top needs: OL, QB, LB
The skinny: Cincinnati is struggling to run the ball and something has to be done about it up front. It wouldn't be surprising to see them looking around at QB. The Bengals might also be looking for help at LB.
13. Washington Redskins
Record: 7-9 (.539)
Top needs: QB, LB, S
The skinny: Until or unless a new deal gets done with Kirk Cousins, QB is the top priority. Finding a rangy stud linebacker to captain the defense should be one of their top priorities. The Redskins' safety play is just average and they need to improve in that area.
14. Green Bay Packers
Record: 7-9 (.539)
Top needs: CB, OL, WR
The skinny: They added a CB (Kevin King) in the 2017 draft, and it might be time to go back to the well at the position. The Packers could look to add competition along the offensive line. Randall Cobb is a potential cap casualty, so WR could become a priority.
15. Arizona Cardinals
Record: 8-8 (.488)
Top needs: QB, OL, WR
The skinny: The Cardinals have several pressing areas of need. The offensive line requires reinforcements and the time has come to make finding a QB the top priority for Arizona. With Larry Fitzgerald nearing the end of his career, the Cardinals could look for a big, talented target to pair with a "QB of the future".
16. Baltimore Ravens
Record: 9-7 (.441)
Top needs: WR, TE, RB
The skinny: The Ravens' offensive line should be in better shape once it gets healthy in the offseason, but the skill positions are in desperate need of upgrades. While wide receiver is the biggest need, the Ravens could use a three-down RB. The Ravensdon't have much of a pass-catching threat at tight end.
17. Los Angeles Chargers
Record: 9-7 (.457)
Top needs: OT, QB, LB
The skinny: The Chargers need to find Philip Rivers' future successor and this might be the year to do it. While the defense has some blue-chip talent, the offensive line does not. The Chargers could look to find a rangy inside linebacker to fortify the defense.
18. Seattle Seahawks
Record: 9-7 (.492)
Top needs: OT, CB, OG
The skinny: The addition of Duane Brown certainly helps in the short term but tackle is still a spot that's worth a look. Adding help at guard is very possible. Richard Sherman's status with the team will be worth keeping an eye on again this offseason, as the Seahawks might need to find another CB.
19. Dallas Cowboys
Record: 9-7 (.496)
Top needs: TE, DT, CB
The skinny: Jason Witten will turn 36 shortly after the draft and it's time to find the player who'll replace him. Adding a talented defensive tackle who can get upfield could be in play. The Cowboys lack high-end CBs and might look for a top talent at that spot.
20. Detroit Lions
Record: 9-7 (.496)
Top needs: DE, OG, LB
The skinny: The Lions could benefit from adding a strong edge rusher or maybe even two. Finding more talent and/or depth for the interior offensive line is a possibility, while adding another playmaker at LB should be under consideration.
21. Buffalo Bills
Record: 9-7 (.492)
Top needs: QB, LB, DT
The skinny: With Marcell Dareus gone, the Bills might decide to lock in on finding a quality DT early in the draft. They need to improve at linebacker. QB could be the top priority, even though Tyrod Taylor is signed through next season and they drafted Nathan Peterman in 2017.
22. Buffalo Bills (via Chiefs)
Chiefs record: 10-6 (.477)
Bills top needs: QB, LB, DT
The skinny: This is the pick the Bills acquired when the Chiefs traded up to land Patrick Mahomes in the 2017 draft.
23. Los Angeles Rams
Record: 11-5 (.504)
Top needs: CB, OL, LB
The skinny: The Rams have built their defensive front over the years, but need to find a top-tier CB to add to the mix. They could look to add a guard or center inside the top three rounds to solidify that emerging unit. The Rams could be looking for another inside linebacker, as well, with Mark Barrondue to carry a big cap number next season.
24. Carolina Panthers
Record: 11-5 (.539)
Top needs: OL, WR, DE
The skinny: Carolina is in desperate need of a bell-cow at left tackle. Replacing guard Andrew Norwell could be a priority, as well, if he leaves in free agency. Wide receiver is another spot that appears to be a must-have position at some point early in the draft. Carolina needs a true edge bender with speed to get after the talented QBs in the NFC South.
[h=3]Eliminated in Divisional Round[/h]
25. Tennessee Titans
Record: 9-7 (.434)
Top needs: Edge, OG, TE
The skinny: Finding a consistent edge presence could go a long way in helping the Titans' defense reach that next level. There is room for improvement and depth at guard. Finding another combination TE to eventually take over for Delanie Walker should be on their radar.
26. Atlanta Falcons
Record: 10-6 (.543)
Top needs: DT, OG, S
The skinny: The Falcons could choose to let Dontari Poe walk after this season. It seems likely that they'll be looking for help at DT. The Falcons haven't run the ball like they did last year and better guard play could help them rebound in that area. Adding a rangy free safety with ball-hawking ability is a possibility.
27. New Orleans Saints
Record: 11-5 (.535)
Top needs: QB, C, WR
The skinny: The Saints' improved defense has changed the focus of this team's priorities to the offensive side of the ball. Finding an eventual replacement for Drew Brees should be high on the list, as should improving the center play. The Saints have a good one at WR in Michael Thomas, but the rest of the corps could use an upgrade.
28. Pittsburgh Steelers
Record: 13-3 (.453)
Top needs: ILB, QB, S
The skinny: Pittsburgh should be looking to add another playmaker in the middle of its defense at LB. Finding Ben Roethlisberger's successor could become the priority. They need to find help at safety, too.
[h=3]Eliminated in conference championship[/h]
29. Jacksonville Jaguars
Record: 10-6 (.434)
Top needs: TE, OG, WR
The skinny: The improved play of Blake Bortles has pulled QB off this list for now, but finding a quality pass-catcher at tight end is still a high priority. Leonard Fournette will be a lot better if the Jags can improve their guard play. If Marqise Lee walks in free agency, the Jags will need to add depth at WR.
30. Minnesota Vikings
Record: 13-3 (.492)
Top needs: OT, OG, DL
The skinny: The Vikings' offensive line simply isn't where it needs to be at tackle or guard. Their defense is so good that they can build along the offensive line this offseason. There aren't many areas to pick at along the defensive side of the ball, but adding depth up front and talented rushers is always something Mike Zimmer will want to do.
[h=3]Still alive[/h]
Philadelphia Eagles
Record: 13-3 (.461)
Top needs: LT, LB, CB
New England Patriots
Record: 13-3 (.484)
Top needs: CB, QB, Edge
The skinny: The Patriots must improve their secondary with another capable cornerback. With the trades of both Jimmy Garropolo and Jacoby Brissett, the Patriots have to address QB at some point. A true edge bender is missing from their rush.
[h=3]Teams without a first-round pic[/h]
Houston Texans
Record: 4-12 (.516)
Top needs: OL, S, CB
The skinny: The Texans traded away their first- and second-round picks to Cleveland last year so finding an early impact offensive lineman will be tough. They might need to turn to free agency for that. The Texans' secondary has been a disappointment and will require additional talent.
Kansas City Chiefs
Record: 10-6 (.477)
Top needs: CB, WR, S
The skinny: The Chiefs' roster is in decent shape, but they could look to improve in the secondary by adding pieces at both cornerback and safety. Bolstering the WR position is a possibility, as well.