Welcome back to The Countdown. Today, it is all about those who must improve their squads via the NFL Draft. Teams that maybe didn’t do so well in free agency, teams that maybe didn’t do anything in free agency, and teams that need to build on an already fruitful free agent period.
Included in this list will be position needs these teams must focus on. Also listed will be players who fit these needs. The teams won’t be in any particular order, so a team at 1 won’t have a more pressing need to improve than the team at 10. Let’s crack on with the list, shall we? The clock strikes 9.
10. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have holes all over their football team, plain and simple. Now factor in that they are in a division where they are going to be competing with the “GOAT” Tom Brady, that is a problem. HC Matt Rhule is fighting for his job this season, and has got to make substantial improvements to this team if he is to keep his post. The Panthers are selecting 6th in Thursday’s 1st round, and all signs point towards Carolina taking a quarterback with that selection.
Kenny Pickett and Malik Willis are the two names that have been consistently linked to the Panthers, and rightfully so. They are the two best quarterbacks in the class, and either or can stake a claim to be the first quarterback taken. Early in the draft process, Carolina was enamored with Pickett. However, according to sources, Carolina may have pivoted away from Pickett a bit after their meeting with Willis. Sources tell me Carolina was so impressed with Willis that now there could be a legitimate decision to be made.
Keep in mind, the New Orleans Saints and others have been doing homework on the quarterbacks as well. The Saints have two first round picks, and could use that as ammunition to trade up on draft night. This could leave the Panthers with the next best guy. If Carolina wants their choice between the two, this may be a situation where Carolina has to trade up to get their guy.
Outside of quarterback, the Panthers have pressing needs along the offensive line, and at corner. The Panthers alleviated some of the need for interior help with the signing of Austin Corbett from the Rams, but at tackle the team has got to find a solution there. If quarterback isn’t the pick (somehow) for the Panthers, tackle would be the most logical pivot. The Panthers are intrigued by the top tackles, Ikem Ekwonu and Evan Neal, but keep an eye out for Charles Cross as well. Cross is one of the most dominant pass-protectors in the entire draft, and even though I am not a huge fan of his, sources tell me Carolina is taking a deep look at Cross.
9. New York Giants
New HC Brian Daboll and new GM Joe Schoen will take charge of their first draft as organizational leaders of a very flawed Giants team. The Giants need to get back to grassroots and start making selections that aren’t of luxury, but are of need that can stabilize this football team. So, where do they even start?
The Giants have two first round selections at numbers 5 and 7. Ask me a month ago, I’m not so sure I would have been thrilled about that 5th overall pick. Now, the Giants are sitting really pretty. With the constant speculation about Travon Walker potentially going as high as 2nd overall, and the constant rumors about a team trading up for a quarterback, the Giants are in a fantastic situation at 5th overall to get a foundational piece for their rebuild.
Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, my number one ranked corner in this year’s class, screams like a potential fit for the Giants. The Giants are still deciding on the future of James Bradberry, and even if he stays with the team, he only has one year left on his current deal. Gardner gives the Giants the opportunity to draft the heir, or immediate successor, to Bradberry at 5th overall or maybe 7th overall if the Giants go a different route at 5.
The Giants need to address their offensive line and edge rusher during this draft as well. Ikem Ekwonu is my number one rated player in this entire draft, and stands to be there for the Giants at 5 and maybe even 7. If the Giants pass on Ekwonu twice, I would be shocked. Ekwonu gives the Giants position versatility, as he can slot in at right tackle or at guard with the Giants already having Andrew Thomas at left tackle. Evan Neal could also be a fit, but I am told the Giants have done extensive reviews on Ekwonu.
Jermaine Johnson out of Florida State is who could be the guy for the Giants if they decide to go edge rusher. The Giants already have themselves a real potential talent with Azeez Ojulari, and now need to get him a partner to rush the quarterback with. Johnson comes in as my number two rated edge rusher in this class, behind potential number one pick Aidan Hutchinson.
8. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys do what the Cowboys do best, try to go under-the-radar in free agency and solve most of their needs during the draft. That has been their plan thus far with the additions of James Washington and Dante Fowler back in March. Since then, the Cowboys have done just shy of nothing of note (unless you want to say Ryan Nall is going to become a star running back in Dallas).
The Cowboys make a living off of what they do in the draft. You can say it is very 1990s, and boy do I say it all the time. With the way Dallas does draft though, you can see why they resort to it. The Cowboys have about as much success in the draft as any other team in the league. They are very, very, good at drafting.
To be very clear, this Cowboys team is in worse shape going into 2022 than it was going into 2021, and that is just fact. There have been more subtractions than additions, and how the Cowboys go about replacing Amari Cooper, Randy Gregory, Connor Williams, and Cedrick Wilson, will determine what kind of steel Dallas has.
Outside of receiver, which has been discussed at nauseum, Dallas has needs all over their defense and at offensive line. Defensively, Dallas could use an edge rusher, defensive tackle, linebacker, corner, and safety. On that offensive line, Dallas could use any combination of tackle or left guard. Sources tell me Dallas is open to any offensive line improvements, and the draft could give Dallas a great chance to strengthen.
Names to watch for the Cowboys include Arkansas wide receiver Traylon Burks, Boston College offensive lineman Zion Johnson, Tulsa offensive lineman Tyler Smith, and Purdue defensive end George Karlaftis. Sources also say that while these are names to consider, other possibilities could arise for Dallas at 24.
7. Green Bay Packers
We know the story already, so no need to go super in-depth. The Packers absolutely must add wide receivers in this draft, and early. Aaron Rodgers might be “the bad man”, but he cannot shoulder the load on his own. Nor can the Packers expect Rodgers to be the guy responsible for making bang average receivers better. Hey, maybe he could be that guy after Marquez Valdes-Scantling got $10 million AAV from the Chiefs this offseason.
If we discount the need for receivers, the second area to address is either offensive line or an edge rusher. The Packers spent the majority of 2021 without stout tackle David Bakhtiari, and lost edge rusher Za’Darius Smith in free agency. With two first round picks, the Packers must take the opportunity to improve their ranks.
Chris Olave and Treylon Burks keep getting brought up every time I have asked about who the Packers may be looking at the receiver position. Those could be solid options at 22, but what about 28? Sources tell me North Dakota State receiver Christian Watson is a name to keep in mind if the Packers decide to go a different route at 22. The Chiefs, with their two first round picks, also hold heavy interest in Watson.
The Packers also may have a need at tight end, and sources tell me there is heavy interest at the back end of round 1 from both the Packers and Cincinnati Bengals in Colorado State tight end Trey McBride. McBride had an all-time tight end season for the Rams this past season, and given his receiving exploits could be a really nice addition for the Packers ranks.
6. Baltimore Ravens
I say the Ravens have to take this opportunity to improve because this may be the last chance they have of picking in the top 15 of a draft for quite a long time. With a healthy Lamar Jackson, the Ravens are a playoff team picking in the twenties instead of the mid-teens. This is a golden opportunity for the Ravens to add a stud player to an already loaded roster that is bound for the playoffs in the AFC.
The Ravens do have holes defensively, specifically at linebacker, edge rusher, and defensive tackle. If it isn’t a defensive pick, improving the offensive line could be the way the Ravens decide to go.
The names I keep hearing linked with Baltimore are Devin Lloyd, Trevor Penning, Jordan Davis, and Jermaine Johnson. The Ravens have historically been a best-player available team, regardless of need. Lucky for them, a lot of their needs will be available at 14. Sources tell me the team is fairly high on Penning, but that doesn’t mean he will be the selection.
Another need that isn’t talked about enough is at corner. The Ravens were uncharacteristically torched at the back end last season, and that needs to be an area they improve at some point during this draft. Trent McDuffie could be a guy to watch, as he offers versatility as a slot corner and at safety. While the Ravens also have a need at receiver, I really struggle to believe that will be an area they actively look to address early in this draft. Maybe a mid-round receiver could be the way they decide to go to try and give Jackson someone else to throw to.
5. Kansas City Chiefs
This is exactly what happens when you give a quarterback, no matter how good he is, an exuberant amount of money. The Chiefs are feeling the effects of the Patrick Mahomes contract this spring, and it has led to the likes of Tyreek Hill and Tyrann Mathieu leaving town. Now, the Chiefs have got to look at the draft to improve their team. Remember how the Chiefs have been runaway favorites to win the AFC? Not any more.
Defensively, Kansas City is a mess. Yes, a lot of flaws can be covered up when you have someone like Mahomes spearheading the offense. But he cannot be the guy all of the time, he has to get some help. Edge rusher, defensive tackle, corner, and safety are all areas that Kansas City has to improve. Sources say Clemson corner Andrew Booth Jr. is a name to watch, along with Michigan corner/safety Daxton Hill.
While signing Juju Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling will help ease the pain of losing Tyreek Hill, the Chiefs know they have got to add another receiver at some point early on. Along with the aforementioned Christian Watson, the team holds some interest in former Georgia receiver George Pickens and former Penn State receiver Jahan Dotson. Watson is a name that is gaining a ton of momentum, while Pickens and Dotson should be available in the late twenties for the Chiefs.
Another sneaky area the team could go ahead and address is at running back. The team does already have Clyde Edwards-Helaire and the recently-signed Ronald Jones, but are those two good enough options? From what I have been told, running back is not a pressing need for Kansas City at this moment but it could be. Former Michigan State product Kenneth Walker III and former Iowa State product Breece Hall are the top two running backs in this class, but keep an eye out for former Georgia running back James Cook. Cook is a weapon in the passing game, and could give the Chiefs something Edwards-Helaire and Jones do not: pass-catching prowess at the running back position.
4. New York Jets
With two selections in the top 10, Jets GM Joe Douglas has got to get pieces that can help his football team get on the right track in 2022. It was an up and down season for the Jets in 2021, but a season that was full of growth. Zach Wilson showed promising signs to end the season, Elijah Moore showed he could be a talent at the receiver position, and defensively the Jets made steady improvements. For the first time in a long time, I can see a plan with the Jets.
The Jets will have massive decisions to make at both 4 and 10. Starting at 4, this pick will all come down to what happens in front of them. If the Lions or Texans trade out to a quarterback-needy team, the Jets will be in dreamland. If the Lions and Texans both stay put, it could be a sweat. Sources tell me the Jets are “praying” Kayvon Thibodeaux falls into their laps, and it makes sense why. The Jets struggled with getting to the quarterback a year ago, and Thibodeaux could help big time in that department. Carl Lawson will also return for the Jets after missing all of 2021 with injury, so the Jets could have themselves two all new pass rushers. If Thibodeaux goes before 4, I would expect the Jets to look heavy at offensive line help or at corner. Ikem Ekwonu and Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner are two names to watch. A trade out could also be in the works at 4 if there is no Thibodeaux.
At 10, this is where things could get interesting. The Jets have a need in their secondary, and Kyle Hamilton is one of the best safeties I have ever scouted. You can line him up literally anywhere outside of defensive tackle, and he will get the job done. We all know HC Rob Saleh is a defensive minded guy, and I would expect the creative juices to be in full flow if Saleh gets his hands on Hamilton. The other option for the Jets at 10 is to go receiver. Sources tell me Drake London and Jameson Williams are viewed as “equal” in the Jets building, and either one coud be the choice if the Jets opt to give Zach Wilson a new toy to play with at receiver.
Where the Jets are fortunate is they are afforded time in their rebuild after what has happened in the AFC this offseason. The Jets are a ways away from competing, but they aren’t as far off as they were two seasons ago. Full credit to the new regime for putting a new culture in place, and a bright future could be ahead for the Jets. Well, maybe, they are still the Jets after all.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
The post-Big Ben era in Pittsburgh has arrived. The Steelers, selecting at 20th overall, have some choices to make. Outside of quarterback, the Steelers have plenty of needs: all along the offensive line, corner, defensive tackle, linebacker, to name a few. This section, however, is all about how the Steelers can get their next franchise guy, and is he even here for them at all.
The Steelers signed Mitchell Trubisky this offseason to act as their bridge option to whomever their next franchise guy is going to be. The Steelers say they feel Trubisky still has some potential. Trust me, he is just a gap option. The question now is who do they think can become the next franchise cornerstone for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
I am told that the Steelers have had initial internal discussion about trading up for a quarterback, but that appears unlikely. The Steelers love former Pitt Panther Kenny Pickett, but the belief is that the cost to go get him will be too great. They would have to move 15 spots at least to do it, and that appears unlikely at this time.
The names surrounding the Steelers that are obtainable at 20 are Matt Corral, Sam Howell, and Desmond Ridder. Corral has issues with his medicals, stemming from the torn ACL he suffered at the end of 2021. Howell faces questions regarding his play in 2021, versus his stellar 2020 tape. Ridder, however, is rising up draft boards fast. Teams have raved about Ridder as a person, as a leader, and as the kind of guy any team would want to have in their locker room. That is enough to gain steam a week out from draft night, and it is happening.
The Steelers will be looking at a passer here, but as to whether or not they take one is another story entirely. It is quite possible the Steelers roll with Trubisky for a year and address the position next year, but I think that would be a huge mistake. If the Steelers have a guy that they like, whether it is Pickett (who they love) or anyone else, go get that guy now.
2. Buffalo Bills
How can a team that are runaway favorites in the AFC East and one of the top two favorites to win the entire AFC be on this list. Well, they have fallen short twice. The Bills are a favorite of mine, and I was on the right side of the Josh Allen debate back in 2018 (thanks Josh).
Yet, the Bills still feel like they are a piece or two away. They are in a fantastic position to draft the best player available if they choose to, but there are some needs that Buffalo has got to fill. They need to continue to protect Mr. Allen, and they have to find an opposite number to Tre’Davious White at corner.
At offensive line, sources tell me the Bills are “hot” on Northern Iowa product Trevor Penning. Not a huge favorite of mine, Penning was a man against boys playing in the FCS for Northern Iowa, and the story going from FCS stud to first round pick is an incredible one. Penning just feels like a fantastic fit in Buffalo, if he even makes it to them.
This is me spitballing more than anything, but if I am Bills GM Brandon Beane, I would be doing everything in my power to trade into the early teens to get Derek Stingley Jr., a top 10 prospect for me in this draft. The cost would be high, there is no doubt about that, but does it matter? If the Bills are playing in an AFC Championship or a Super Bowl next year, that 1st round pick would be in the late twenties or thirties. How would that pick help them? Simply put, it doesn’t.
Stingley Jr. would come in and give the Bills a simply downright frightening secondary. Himself, White, Micah Hyde, and Jordan Poyer, would make this unit one of the best secondaries in the game. That is also on top of an already fantastic front seven that just added Von Miller to their ranks. It would be a very steep price to pay, but it would be well worth it for the Bills to take a big swing while they can.
1. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals, fresh off of winning the AFC and losing narrowly in the Super Bowl, have to improve? Well, yes, they do. The Bengals were hanging in there until mid-December when Joe Burrow simply turned white hot to end the season. This Bengals team, while good, has holes that need to be filled.
The Bengals have got to find ways to keep Burrow upright. Without Burrow, the Bengals are absolutely doomed. Interior offensive line is an avenue the Bengals have to explore. While La’El Collins will be a good addition at right tackle, guard and center are still areas that must be addressed. Alex Cappa was signed for one guard spot, and now they need another guard and center.
Former Iowa center Tyler Linderbaum is the best offensive line prospect I have ever scouted, and because he strictly plays center he will take a tumble. The Bengals must snap him up at 31, as he will be an all-pro center for the next 10 years in the National Football League. Not to mention, Linderbaum is built for AFC North football.
Corner is an area the Bengals will also have to address at some point. No more having to rely on Eli Apple, please and thank you. It is for your own good, Cincinnati. Now, the Bengalsdo have an interest in Washington corner Kyler Gordon, as he could be an option in round 2 of the draft. If Andrew Booth Jr. falls out of round 1, I would be picking up the phone and doing everything in my power to get up to 33-35 to make sure I get him if I was the Bengals.
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