The NFL Draft is about a lot more than the first round, it’s about putting together a class that addresses as many of the team’s needs as possible. Each team typically enters the draft in need of help at multiple positions and need to use their draft capital wisely to address all of those areas.
A team’s NFL Draft needs and the order in which they address those needs is of the utmost importance. To simplify this for fans, we wanted to put together a list of NFL Draft needs by team for 2022.
NFL Draft needs by team in 2022
Most of the time, fans limit their NFL Draft predictions to the first round or two. But we all know that the late rounds of the draft can be just as important.
It’s all about finding draft sleeps while not neglecting NFL Draft needs for the 2022 season. With that said, let’s look at the NFL Draft needs by team in 2022, going one team at a time.
Bills
Bills Draft Needs: Cornerback, Defensive Tackle, Offensive Tackle, Wide Receiver
The Bills can’t help but feel as if they’re only a few pieces away from a Super Bowl. Their draft likely begins at cornerback, where they need some depth and could use another high-end talent to play opposite Tre’Davious White.
The interior of their defensive line could use an infusion of talent and Buffalo could also look for some offensive line help to protect Josh Allen a little better. Depending on how they feel about Gabriel Davis after his massive performance in the playoffs last year, the Bills could also shop for a wide receiver.
Patriots
Patriots Draft Needs: Cornerback, Wide Receiver, Linebacker, Offensive Line
The Pats made the playoffs behind Mac Jones last year but they still need to work on his supporting cast. Even with the trade for DeVante Parker, New England lacks a big-time wide receiver.
Defensively, they need to find a replacement for JC Jackson at cornerback. The linebacker unit and the offensive line could also use some refreshing via the draft.
Dolphins
Dolphins Draft Needs: Edge Rusher, Cornerback, Tight End
With Tyreek Hill in the fold and Tua Tagovailoa the presumed starter at quarterback for now, the Dolphins have few pressing needs when you look at NFL Draft needs by team for 2022. They’ve also upgraded their offensive line with Terron Armstead.
However, the Miami defense does need a pass rusher, which should be a priority early in the draft. The cornerback position is also in need of some serious help. Adding a backup for Mike Gesicki at tight end would be a smart move as well, although that can wait until the later rounds.
Jets
Jets Draft Needs: Defensive Line, Wide Receiver, Secondary, Offensive Line
To their credit, the Jets have made some nice moves this offseason, although they still have a laundry list of NFL Draft needs in 2022.
They need to find a bonafide no. 1 receiver for Zach Wilson. The Jets also need to find reinforcements along the defensive line and in the secondary. It also wouldn’t hurt to keep building a young offensive line, although that position was addressed during free agency and looks better than it was last year.
Bet on who the Jets will draft at FanDuel
Bengals
Bengals Draft Needs: Offensive Line, Cornerback, Edge Rusher, Running Back
The Bengals have already done a nice job of addressing their offensive line in free agency, but that remains on their list of NFL Draft needs in 2022.
Cornerback is also high on that list, although they look good at safety after retaining Jessie Bates. Cincinnati might also look to get a more reliable edge rusher to play opposite Trey Hendrickson. Also, the Bengals might look for a complement to Joe Mixon during the latter stages of the draft.
Steelers
Steelers Draft Needs: Quarterback, Offensive Line, Cornerback
It’ll be fascinating to see how the Steelers approach the quarterback position during the draft. It’s been a while since they needed to draft a quarterback early, although signing Mitch Trubisky gives them a little leeway.
At the same time, the right side of the offensive line will be a big priority as well, and that’s only if they’re satisfied with the youth they have on the left side. Defensively, Pittsburgh appears to be in good shape, especially after adding Myles Jack. But the Steelers will need to find a way to add a cornerback in this draft, preferably sooner rather than later.
Browns
Browns Draft Needs: Defensive Tackle, Wide Receiver, Linebacker
Frankly, trading Baker Mayfield might be Cleveland’s biggest priority right now. Other than that, the Browns need to improve at the defensive tackle position so that teams can’t get by doubling Myles Garrett on every play.
Adding some depth at linebacker wouldn’t be a bad move either. Also, even with Amari Cooper coming over in a trade, the Browns should take advantage of the depth at wide receiver in this class and look for a receiver to complement Cooper.
Ravens
Ravens Draft Needs: Offensive Line, Edge Rusher Cornerback, Wide Receiver
If the Ravens want to help keep Lamar Jackson healthy this year, the offensive line should be a point of emphasis during the draft, specifically the interior positions.
It also wouldn’t hurt to take another shot at drafting a wide receiver. Of course, the Ravens also need pass-rushing help, so they would be on the lookout for an edge rusher in the first couple of rounds. Baltimore should also be in the market for additional depth at cornerback in the middle rounds.
Titans
Titans Draft Needs: Defensive Tackle, Offensive Line, Tight End, Wide Receiver
Looking at the NFL Draft needs by team in 2022, the Titans have a lot of little needs. If they can find an upgrade at offensive guard, they should take it. The same is true for the nose tackle position.
But if Tennessee only adds depth in the later rounds at those positions, that’s fine too. Offensively, the Titans could look for a slot receiver in the middle rounds to play alongside Robert Woods and A.J. Brown while a young tight end could also be a useful addition for Tennessee.
Colts
Colts Draft Needs: Wide Receiver, Offensive Line, Secondary, Edge Rusher, Tight End
The Colts believe their short-term needs at quarterback have been solved by trading for Matt Ryan. But Ryan isn’t a mobile quarterback, so the Indy offensive line could use some reinforcements.
The Colts could also make a play for a wide receiver early in the draft, although it’ll have to be someone who’s ready to contribute right away. Finding an instant-impact tight end would also be a great move for Indy. Defensively, there are areas of need as well. Even after signing Stephon Gilmore, the Colts don’t want to ignore their secondary in this draft, even if it just means adding some depth.
Texans
Texans Draft Needs: Wide Receiver, Offensive Line, Running Back, Defensive Line, Linebacker
Frankly, the Texans need help at just about every position. Outside of Laremy Tunsil at left tackle, it’s tough to find any position where they should feel content. They probably won’t be able to go after one of the quarterbacks in the 2022 class because they have so many other needs, leaving the job to Davis Mills.
All three levels on defense need help, although it’s tough to decide what group needs the most help. Finding a running back and some depth at wide receiver are also good ideas for the Texans during the draft.
Jaguars
Jaguars Draft Needs: Edge Rushers, Secondary, Inside Linebacker, Center
The Jags have made some moves this offseason to help shore up their offensive line, eliminating that as a pressing need heading into the draft. However, they have a ton of work to do on the defensive side of the ball.
When we look at the NFL Draft needs by team for 2022, edge rusher stands out for Jacksonville, which is why Aidan Hutchison is likely the top overall pick. But the rest of the draft should be heavy on cornerbacks. However, it’ll also be tempting for the Jags to use a pick during the early rounds on an inside linebacker to complement the youthful talent they have at that position.
Chiefs
Chiefs Draft Needs: Wide Receiver, Secondary, Offensive Line, Edge Rusher
Even with JuJu Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling joining the fold, wide receiver is still a need for Kansas City after losing Tyreek Hill. Perhaps they can find a receiver with a shorter name.
The left tackle position is interesting to watch with Orlando Brown only around for one more year on the franchise tag. Of course, the Chiefs can’t ignore their defense. If they can find help at safety and another pass rusher in this draft, they will feel much better heading into the season.
Raiders
Raiders Draft Needs: Cornerback, Offensive Line, Safety, Defensive Tackle
Looking at NFL Draft needs by team for 2022, the Raiders have one of the longest lists. While Las Vegas has a pair of former first-rounders at offensive tackle, the middle part of their offensive line needs help, perhaps from an early-round pick.
On defense, the Raiders look good on the edge after signing Chandler Jones. But the interior of the defensive line needs work while cornerback also appears to be a significant need.
Chargers
Chargers Draft Needs: Offensive Line, Cornerback, Linebacker
If the Chargers want to get the most out of Justin Herbert while he’s still on his rookie contract, they need to do some serious work on their offensive line. They drafted left tackle Rashawn Slater in the first round last year, but they still need to use two or three early picks on offensive linemen.
After that, they can move to the defensive side of the ball. They added Khalil Mack as an edge rusher but middle linebacker remains a need. Likewise, the Chargers signed JC Jackson but still need more depth at cornerback.
Broncos
Broncos Draft Needs: Defensive Line, Offensive Tackle, Linebacker Tight End
With a top-flight quarterback, the Broncos could have been Super Bowl contenders last year. With Russell Wilson, that problem has been solved.
Of course, there are still some needs to address during the draft. The right tackle position is still an issue. The Broncos also weakened themselves along the defensive line and at tight end in the trade for Wilson, so they will need to supplement those positions during the draft. Plus, given all of their injuries at linebacker last season, Denver should add some depth at that position.
Cowboys
Cowboys Draft Needs: Edge Rusher, Safety, Offensive Line, Wide Receiver
When it comes to NFL Draft needs by team in 2022, the Cowboys have more needs than most. DeMarcus Lawrence is no spring chicken anymore, so a young edge rusher would be a great addition.
The safety position is also looking a little bleak, so Dallas might need to use an early-round pick on a defensive back. Of course, while scoring points hasn’t been a problem in recent years, the Cowboys do need to look for reinforcements along the offensive line and will also need to look for a wide receiver who can help them fill the void left by Amari Cooper.
Eagles
Eagles Draft Needs: Wide Receiver, Secondary, Linebacker, Edge Rusher
The Eagles are right to move forward with Jalen Hurts at quarterback after he got them to the playoffs last year. But Philadelphia still doesn’t have any reliable playmakers at wide receiver outside of DeVonta Smith.
That could force the Eagles to use a first-round pick on a wide receiver for the third straight year. But the defensive side of the ball needs attention too. The defensive line is getting a little old, so reinforcements might be needed there. The Eagles would also love to add an impact player to their secondary with one of their first two or three picks.
Commanders
Commanders Draft Needs: Offensive Line, Wide Receiver, Secondary, Linebacker
Looking at NFL Draft needs by team in 2022, the Commanders are no longer among the teams looking for a quarterback after trading for Carson Wentz. But Wentz will need a reliable offensive line given his history. That’s something Washington doesn’t have right now, so that should be the top priority during the draft.
The Washington secondary is also in rough shape, especially at safety, while the Commanders will also need to find a linebacker sooner rather than later. If they can find a way to add a wide receiver within the first three or four rounds, that’s not a bad idea either.
Giants
Giants Draft Needs: Edge Rusher, Offensive Tackle, Cornerback, Linebacker
The Giants are starting over with a new head coach yet again, and looking at the NFL Draft needs by team for 2022, they are among the neediest teams.
They look like a team that could take one of the offensive linemen that are projected to be a top-10 pick. But the G-Men also need to find an impact pass-rusher in this class. But the needs don’t end there, as cornerback is a huge position of concern if you look at the current roster.
Then there is the elephant in the room: Daniel Jones. Will the Giants like one of the quarterbacks in the 2022 class enough to use a pick on one? Can they even afford to use a pick on a quarterback with so many other needs?
Packers
Packers Draft Needs: Wide Receiver, Offensive Line, Edge Rusher, Tight End
With Davante Adams gone, the Packers will surely use one of their two first-round selections on a wide receiver, possibly both. Last year’s injury problems along the offensive line should also push Green Bay to spend draft capital at that position, knowing they need to keep Aaron Rodgers healthy.
After parting ways with Za’Darius Smith, the Packers also need to add a pass rusher in this draft class.
Vikings
Vikings Draft Needs: Secondary, Defensive Tackle, Edge Rusher
Kirk Cousins remains the quarterback in Minnesota, at least for now, so the Vikings might as well try to put the best team around him. Oddly enough, the Vikings are solid on offense and may not need to draft on that side of the ball until Day 3.
But finding cornerback help around Patrick Peterson and safety depth outside of Harrison Smith will be priorities for Minnesota. Even after getting Za’Darius Smith from the Packers, adding another edge rusher wouldn’t hurt given the lack of a pass rush for the Vikings last season.
Bears
Bears Draft Needs: Offensive Line, Defensive Line, Wide Receiver, Secondary
The Bears at least know that Justin Fields is going to get a long look at quarterback over the next couple of seasons. But getting a top-flight wide receiver and giving Fields a more stable offensive line should be considered Chicago’s top priorities in this draft.
At the same time, the new coaching staff can’t ignore the defensive side of the ball. Both the defensive line and the secondary could use an infusion of talent because the Bears can’t expect Fields to be ready to carry the entire team on his back in 2022.
Lions
Lions Draft Needs: Wide Receiver, Secondary, Defensive Line, Quarterback
Detroit has not spent much money this offseason, as the Lions look dedicated toward building a youth team through the draft. On the defensive side of the ball, the Lions have needs at all three levels, so it’ll be interesting to see how they prioritize things.
Despite signing DJ Chark and hitting on Amon-Ra St. Brown in the fourth round of last year’s draft, wide receiver remains a need for Detroit. It’ll also be interesting to see if the Lions look to grab a quarterback who can push out Jared Goff in a year or two.
Buccaneers
Buccaneers Draft Needs: Offensive Guard, Edge Rusher, Tight End, Safety, Wide Receiver
Losing Alex Cappa in free agency will surely force the Bucs to use one of the top selections on an offensive guard. Tight end is also a need after losing O.J. Howard in free agency while the depth at wide receiver behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin is enough of a concern to warrant a pick in the middle rounds.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Buccaneers will also be looking to find an edge rusher and perhaps some additional depth at cornerback.
Saints
Saints Draft Needs: Wide Receiver, Quarterback, Offensive Line, Edge Rusher, Tight End
If you look at NFL Draft needs by team in 2022, the Saints are one of those teams with a laundry list of needs. It’s likely that they will need to take a young quarterback at some point. But New Orleans also lacks a serious playmaker at wide receiver who can complement Michael Thomas.
Keep in mind that the Saints lost left tackle Terron Armstead and safety Marcus Williams in free agency. Even if the Saints are still in decent shape after losing those players, there are positions on both sides of the ball where it’d be helpful for New Orleans to get younger or at least add some depth, giving the Saints a lot of work to do during the draft.
Falcons
Falcons Draft Needs: Wide Receiver, Quarterback, Running Back, Safety Edge Rusher
Atlanta is surely in the market for a quarterback after trading Matt Ryan. Even with Marcus Mariota as a placeholder, the quarterback position is one of the team’s top NFL Draft needs for 2022.
However, without Calvin Ridley, wide receiver figures to be even more important than finding a young quarterback, as the Falcons might need to use multiple picks at that position. Finding a running back among the draft sleepers in the late rounds is also a good idea. But Atlanta also needs work defensively, particularly at safety and the outside linebacker spots where the Falcons need a pass rusher.
Panthers
Panthers Draft Needs: Quarterback, Offensive Tackle, Linebacker, Cornerback
Carolina is another team that will be taking a close look at the quarterbacks in the 2022 class. But the offensive line is also an area that needs fixing. Specifically, the Panthers should be looking at offensive tackles after addressing the interior of the line in free agency.
Defensively, Matt Rhule’s team isn’t in terrible shape, although the Panthers could be deeper in some spots. Carolina could use an infusion of talent at linebacker and some additional depth at cornerback. However, those needs can probably be addressed in the later rounds, opening the door for the Panthers to pick a quarterback early.
Rams
Rams Draft Needs: Defensive Tackle, Cornerback, Wide Receiver, Edge Rusher
Needless to say, the Rams are well-positioned to compete for another Super Bowl title, although they will have a few NFL Draft needs in 2022. Von Miller warrants replacing, so Los Angeles will look for a pass rusher.
Additional depth at defensive tackle should also be looked at as a priority. However, cornerback might be the team’s most pressing need, as the secondary looks like the biggest question mark defensively at this point of the offseason.
Cardinals
Cardinals Draft Needs: Wide Receiver, Edge Rusher, Offensive Tackle, Cornerback
Arizona’s top priority during the draft could be finding an edge rusher to help replace Chandler Jones. The Cardinals can’t rely on J.J. Watt to be a dominant pass rusher anymore. Of course, the offensive line should also be a priority because the Cardinals need to keep Kyler Murray better protected.
Meanwhile, the outside of the field on both sides of the ball are areas of need. Arizona’s looking thin at cornerback and could benefit from a young wide receiver to complement the aging AJ Green and DeAndre Hopkins.
49ers
49ers Draft Needs: Secondary, Offensive Guard, Wide Receiver, Edge Rusher
With rumblings that Deebo Samuel wants to be traded, wide receiver jumps to the top of San Francisco’s needs heading into the draft. The 49ers were probably leaning that way anyway. At the same time, both cornerback and secondary are positions where San Francisco could use rookies who are ready to step into the starting lineup right away.
Of course, finding another edge rusher to play opposite Nick Bosa would also give the San Francisco defense a nice boost. That being said, don’t be surprised if the 49ers use a pick in the first two or three rounds on an offensive guard because both spots could be up for grabs.
Seahawks
Seahawks Draft Needs: Quarterback, Offensive Line, Secondary, Defensive Line, Linebacker
Is Drew Lock really the quarterback of the future? The Seahawks should enter the draft at least considering a quarterback. However, their much-maligned offensive line remains their biggest need ahead of the draft.
The Seahawks also need to use some draft resources to rebuild their once heralded secondary. But Seattle also can’t afford to ignore its front-7, which also needs to come out of the draft looking better than it is right now.
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