This is a look at the order for the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft (April 23-25), along with the top five needs for all 32 teams. The order for picks 1-20 is determined by record, using strength of schedule as a tiebreaker. The order for playoff teams (21-32 in the order) is determined the results of postseason play.
**Biggest needs:** QB, OL, LB, TE, WR
The Bengals spent big money to fill some of their large holes on defense early in the first wave of free agency, and barring some massive plot twist in the next month -- which would seem unwise to rule out at this particular moment in world history -- they'll fill their No. 1 need with the first overall pick. Then they can go about the business of boosting their new QB1's O-line (the return of Jonah Williams helps but why stop there for a group that ranked 26th in the league last season?) and skill-position weaponry.
**Biggest needs:** OL, TE, WR, CB, edge rusher
Left tackle looms large with Trent Williams making it very clear that he still wants out of town. Of course, Ron Rivera must upgrade the pass-catching options for QB Dwayne Haskins if he's going to help his young passer grow in Year 2. Things might look just fine at edge rusher with four-time Pro Bowl selectee Ryan Kerrigan and 2019 first-rounder Montez Sweat in tow, but keep in mind that Kerrigan, who'll turn 32 in August, is entering the final year of his contract.
**Biggest needs:** CB, DL, OL, RB, WR
To this point in the offseason, the Lions' strategy for fixing their defense has largely been to acquire Patriots castoffs, but that will change (I think) on draft weekend. Corner remains a spot crying out for help now that Darius Slay is an Eagle, and it wouldn't hurt to add more talent up front to rush the passer (after all, this team did rank dead last in pass defense in 2019). Former Eagles backup tackle Halapoulivaati Vaitai is now a Lion, but there's still plenty of room to improve an offensive line that ranked in the bottom half of the league last season and lost OG Graham Glasgow to the Broncos. Looking a little further down the road, Detroit's top three wide receivers ( Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones, Danny Amendola) are due to reach free agency next year.
**Biggest needs:** OT, edge rusher, S, WR, TE
GM Dave Gettleman loves him some hog mollies, so it would be a bit surprising if he doesn't pluck the eventual successor to Nate Solder at left tackle. Building around last year's top pick, Daniel Jones, is the right priority, and with a deep class of WRs to choose from, adding one with good size would make sense. However, the G-Men undoubtedly could use more juice off the edge on defense even after the addition of Kyler Fackrell (one-year deal), who did reach double digits in sacks with the Packers in 2018.
**Biggest needs:** QB, OL, RB, S, edge rusher
As much as we all believe in the Fitzmagic, we know it won't last forever. It's time to find the next franchise QB in Miami, and provide a major upgrade at offensive tackle for an O-line that was the league's worst in 2019. The Dolphins' top running back down the stretch last season averaged 1.8 yards per carry in 2019, so adding Jordan Howard is likely just the beginning of the makeover at that position. Patching up the defense was clearly the primary focus early in free agency, but they still should be in the market for a playmaking safety.
**Biggest needs:** QB, OT, LB, edge rusher, TE
The Chargers' mission for the remainder of this offseason: Make sure Tyrod Taylor is a bridge to somewhere more exciting at quarterback. Bryan Bulaga was a nice pickup at right tackle, but they still need someone to man the left side. The Bolts have to be thinking about 2021, when Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram will be free agents -- hard to imagine them paying both edge rushers -- and Hunter Henry only has a one-year commitment from the team on the franchise tag.
**Biggest needs:** DL, CB, edge rusher, OL, LB
First-year head coach Matt Rhule has a deep collection of glaring voids to fill on a defense that has to replace most of its starters from a year ago. They need starting-caliber players at every level on D, starting up front, where Kawann Short and Brian Burns can take on half of the starting D-line duties (the Panthers are reportedly going to run a 4-3 under Rhule). Luke Kuechly's retirement, James Bradberry's departure and the release of Eric Reid punched big holes in the back seven. On the other side of the ball, Carolina acquired left tackle Russell Okung but gave up a starting guard for him (Trai Turner) and lost another starting guard (Greg Van Roten) in free agency, creating a need on the interior O-line.
**Biggest needs:** OL, edge rusher, DL, DB, RB
GM Steve Keim will face a dilemma with the No. 8 overall pick -- does he invest in the protection for his uber-talented, young QB1 or add an explosive player to the front seven of a defense that allowed more yards than any other team last season? As for need No. 5 on the list above, Kenyan Drake is back, but only on a one-year deal. The Cardinals should add depth at the position.
**Biggest needs:** CB, DL, edge rusher, OL, RB
For the rebuilding Jaguars, free-agent additions Darqueze Dennard and Rashaan Melvin are nice players, but I wouldn't call them adequate replacements for the traded tandem of Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye. At the line of scrimmage, the defense has also bid adieu to Calais Campbell and Marcell Dareus this offseason. Edge rusher Yannick Ngakoue was slapped with the franchise tag, but he's made it clear he doesn't want to be in Jacksonville long-term. So, yes, this D requires some attention. The offense? Well, David Caldwell has plenty of work to do there, as well. This offensive line has been below average in each of the last two seasons, and the Jags could afford more explosiveness at running back and/or tight end to upgrade Gardner Minshew's supporting cast.
**Biggest needs:** OT, S, LB, DL, WR
Cleveland took a big step in the right direction by landing former Titans right tackle Jack Conklin, but they still need a left tackle to finish the job of giving Baker Mayfield high-quality bookends. Karl Joseph and Andrew Sendejo were added to fill the gaps at safety, but both are playing on one-year deals. They're young at linebacker after the departure Joe Schobert. B.J. Goodson can play a role in replacing him, but he's another potentially short-term fix as he's on a one-year deal. On the D-line, Larry Ogunjobi and Olivier Vernon are a year away from hitting the market. It would make sense to improve the depth behind Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry, too.
**Biggest needs:** WR, edge rusher, OT, CB, RB
Joe Douglas heads into his first draft as a general manager in need of a WR1, primo edge rusher, left tackle and CB1. Hey, no pressure! The good news is this will be a receiver-rich draft, which should ease the burden of replacing Robby Anderson. Plus, Douglas has added a lot of pieces to the O-line via free agency, but locking in signee George Fant, who was a backup in Seattle, at left tackle seems like a roll of dice that might not be the risk to take with a young QB still finding his way in the league. Lastly, the coach that seems eternally unhappy that Le'Veon Bell is on his roster might want to add some reinforcements behind him.
**Biggest needs:** WR, CB, DL, OL, LB
A year after the Antonio Brown debacle, finding Derek Carr a WR1 is atop the to-do list. The Raiders have a good shot to pick their favorite one with the 12th overall selection. The work at cornerback continues after a deal with Eli Apple fell through. The same goes for the interior D-line, where former Cowboy Maliek Collins is playing on a one-year commitment. Adding O-line depth might be in the offing with Gabe Jackson being dangled in trade talks.
The 49ers acquired this pick in the DeForest Buckner trade. See No. 31 for the 49ers' needs and the bottom section of this file for analysis of the Colts' needs.
**Biggest needs:** OT, RB, DL, QB, S
The Bucs bought a G.O.A.T. Now they have to keep him well fed. With that in mind, right tackle should be an area of focus, as incumbent starter Demar Dotson is unsigned at publishing. Ronald Jones needs a new running mate in the backfield with Peyton Barber moving on. And while Brady just arrived, it's not too early to groom a young passer for life after the 42-year-old under center. As for Todd Bowles' defense, there's a need to fill out the defensive line beyond Vita Vea and Ndamukong Suh, who's returning on another one-year deal. While the Bucs could continue to add pieces to a young secondary, it wouldn't be a surprise if they decided to address perceived positions of strength with Lavonte David, the franchise-tagged Shaquil Barrett and Chris Godwin a year away from free agency.
**Biggest needs:** WR, OL, CB, LB, S
John Elway would no doubt receive a Christmas card from Drew Lock if he were to nab a receiver who can take the top off the defense as a complement for Courtland Sutton. The Denver GM still has a hole to fill on the interior O-line, with Graham Glasgow and Dalton Risner occupying two of the three spots. Outside of those areas, the Broncos are in position to focus on adding depth to Vic Fangio's defense.
**Biggest needs:** DB, LB, DL, OL, RB
Yes, defense is the topic for the Falcons this draft season. They're in the market for a starter opposite Isaiah Oliver at corner (insurance at safety for the oft-injured Keanu Neal wouldn't be a bad idea, either) and Deion Jones could use some running mates at 'backer. The work of jump-starting the edge rush shouldn't end with the addition of Dante Fowler. As for Atlanta's offense, the starting O-line could remain intact, but depth is needed. And Todd Gurley, even if he returns to top form, can't be considered a long-term answer (he's playing on a one-year deal).
**Biggest needs:** Edge rusher, CB, OL, WR, TE
Veteran departures have left some significant holes to fill for Jerry Jones. Robert Quinn's gone, creating the most pressing of Dallas' needs -- an edge defender opposite DeMarcus Lawrence. Byron Jones cashed in, and the O-line took a hit with the retirement of Travis Frederick. The Cowboys are far from barren at corner or center, but they could use reinforcements. Mike McCarthy could be shopping for a new slot target, as well, with Randall Cobb's exit.
The Dolphins acquired this pick in the Minkah Fitzpatrick trade. See No. 5 for the Dolphins' needs and the bottom section of this file for analysis of the Steelers' needs.
The Raiders acquired this pick in the Khalil Mack trade. See No. 12 for the Raiders' needs and the bottom section of this file for analysis of the Bears' needs.
The Jaguars acquired this pick in the Jalen Ramsey trade. See No. 9 for the Jaguars' needs and the bottom section of this file for analysis of the Rams' needs.
**Biggest needs:** WR, OL, LB, CB, S
Much of the talk around the Eagles this offseason has centered on the need for more speed at wide receiver. DeSean Jackson can provide it, when healthy, but he was sidelined for much of last season and is entering his 13th NFL campaign. Philly should be adding depth behind Andre Dillard and Lane Johnson at offensive tackle with Jason Peters and Halapoulivaati Vaitai moving on. Less pressing -- but still notable -- is the need at linebacker, where Jatavis Brown, T.J. Edwards and Nate Gerry form the nucleus, albeit an unspectacular one. In the secondary, Rasul Douglas, Jalen Mills, Sidney Jones and Cre'von LeBlanc are due to become free agents next year.
The Vikings acquired this pick in the Stefon Diggs trade. See No. 25 for the Vikings' needs and the bottom section of this file for analysis of the Bills' needs.
**Biggest needs:** QB, TE, LB, DL, WR
Now, I'd be looking to the draft for a QB if I were the Patriots, but NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah has reported that the team is expecting 2019 fourth-round pick Jarrett Stidham to be The Guy for the forseeable future. So, take that need with a grain of salt. Anyway, tight end (a no-man's land for receptions last season) and wide receiver (is there a deep threat in the house?) seem like spots to address if Bill Belichick wants to be generous to his young QB. Restocking the front seven would seem an important task given the losses New England suffered this offseason.
**Biggest needs:** LB, OL, CB, WR, QB
This roster looks about as good as any on paper, so designating areas of "need" might be a little misleading for the Saints. They can take the best player available when they're on the clock this year and it will be hard to argue with whatever they do. If there's one area that might be a little weaker than others, it's middle linebacker, where Kiko Alonso is coming off his third ACL tear. Aside from that, New Orleans can add depth in areas where it can project veteran departures in the next couple years.
**Biggest needs:** CB, WR, edge rusher, OL, S
There are some major concerns that need to be alleviated for a team that is win-now mode. 1) They've waved goodbye to their top three corners from last year. 2) Stefon Diggs is gone, which means Adam Thielen needs more help. 3) Everson Griffen has decided to move on, leaving a hole off the edge. 4) They must add at guard. 5) There's no depth at safety, and Anthony Harris could walk in a year if Minnesota doesn't tag him again or get a long-term deal done. Good luck, Rick Spielman!
The Dolphins acquired this pick in the Laremy Tunsil trade. See No. 5 for the Dolphins' needs and the bottom section of this file for analysis of the Texans' needs.
**Biggest needs:** Edge rusher, OL, DL, RB, WR
Only the Dolphins produced fewer sacks than the Seahawks last season, and while that stat doesn't tell the whole story when it comes to disrupting the passer, there's clearly a hole off the edge in Seattle with Jadeveon Clowney still on the market. We wouldn't argue with continuing to add at that position even if Clowney returns. There's a need for more competition and overall depth throughout the defense. They've added some pieces to the O-line this offseason, but they have to do better for Russell Wilson up front. As for running back, former first-round pick Rashaad Penny is coming off an ACL tear, and Chris Carson is heading into a contract year.
**Biggest needs:** LB, OL, WR, edge rusher, DL
Eric DeCosta has to replace C.J. Mosley at some point, right? There's not much at inside linebacker aside from L.J. Fort. No one can truly replace future Hall of Famer Marshal Yanda, but a young interior O-linemen figures to be thrown into the fire with that unenviable task. Defenses trying to figure out how to stop Lamar Jackson might as well throw their hands up and give up if Baltimore gets Lamar Jackson another weapon at receiver. The need at edge rusher would shoot up the list if the franchise-tagged Matt Judon were dealt, but it should be on the radar here regardless.
**Biggest needs:** Edge rusher, DL, OL, CB, RB
Clearing out Jurrell Casey, a five-time Pro Bowl selectee, to make room for Vic Beasley (who has been disappointing since his great 2016 season), rips a hole in the front seven that ought to be addressed early on. Tennessee re-signed Dennis Kelly to avoid leaving the cupboard bare at right tackle after Jack Conklin's departure, but Kelly's better suited for swing backup duty. Corner depth is a need with Logan Ryan still on the market, and the Titans need a backup for Derrick Henry, a franchise-tagged player who might not be long for Nashville.
**Biggest needs:** TE, WR, OL, LB, CB
It's been a pretty quiet offseason in Green Bay after Brian Gutekunst threw wads of cash at his defense a year ago. So, either he doesn't like Aaron Rodgers very much (that can't be it) or help is on the way via the draft. He did pick a flex tight end in Round 3 a year ago (Jace Sternberger), but you can't bank on him alone to spice up the passing game (at least we wouldn't). A field-stretcher at receiver would be nice. On the O-line, Rick Wagner was signed to replace Bryan Bulaga, but he's on a short-term deal, and David Bakhtiari and Corey Linsley are set to become free agents in 2021.
**Biggest needs:** WR, OL, DL, CB, S
Emmanuel Sanders' departure for the
Saints is a big loss for the defending NFC champs, but they'll have a chance to fill the void with one of the draft's top receivers if they choose to use the pick acquired from the
Colts (13th overall) on the position. The Niners currently don't hold up a pick in Rounds 2-4, so trading down to add some much-needed draft capital would be shrewd. Such a move could allow them to invest in a future starter at tackle, with
Joe Staley entering Year 14, and/or replace
DeForest Buckner up front on D. It's also time to plan for the future in the secondary with several key contributors ticketed for free agency in 2021.
</content:power-ranking>
**Biggest needs:** CB, LB, RB, OL, DL
Corner still stands out as a top priority, even after the re-signing of Bashaud Breeland, because Kendall Fuller left in free agency and Breeland is only signed through 2020. There's a need for a playmaking linebacker with Reggie Ragland departing in free agency and starter Damien Wilson in the final year of his deal. While it may seem unfair to give Patrick Mahomes more weapons, the Chiefs should be shopping for a Damien Williams complement. Kansas City could also be in the market for an interior O-lineman now that stopgap Stefen Wisniewski is a Steeler.
TEAMS WITHOUT A FIRST-ROUND PICK
Buffalo Bills (10-6)
Biggest needs: Edge rusher, CB, RB, OL, LB
Buffalo has a pair of proven QB pursuers in Mario Addison and Jerry Hughes, but they will be 33 and 32 years old, respectively, by the time the 2020 season begins. An infusion of youth off the edge is in order. Perhaps a change of scenery and return to a familiar coach in Sean McDermott will revitalize former Pro Bowl CB Josh Norman's career. He's playing on a one-year deal, though. Devin Singletary showed a lot of promise as a rookie, and could still use a complement in addition to T.J. Yeldon now that Frank Gore is no longer in the mix. The Bills have stability up front on offense, but it might be short-lived. Dion Dawkins, Jon Feliciano and Ty Nsekhe are a year away from free agency.
Chicago Bears (8-8)
Biggest needs: CB, S, OL, WR, QB
The Bears are working with limited draft capital -- two picks in the top 160 -- but there ought to be more (arguably a lot more) done to replace the departed Prince Amukamara and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix in the backend of Chuck Pagano's defense. The addition of Germain Ifedi (one-year deal) might only be a Band-Aid for an O-line that sank to 29th in the league last season in Football Outsiders' rankings. Whoever is under center could certainly use another explosive pass catcher. Speaking of under center, if Ryan Pace really wants to try to get this right at quarterback, add a rookie to the room with Nick Foles and Mitchell Trubisky.
Houston Texans (10-6)
Biggest needs: DL, OL, edge rusher, WR, CB
Almost half of the Texans' draft picks this year come late in the seventh round, so Bill O'Brien's mad tradin' doesn't leave them a great deal of flexibility. There's a void to fill up front on D following the departure of D.J. Reader, and the team that used to have an embarrassment of riches off the edge is now looking awfully thin behind J.J. Watt and Whitney Mercilus. Receiver still has to be a consideration, even after the Brandin Cooks deal, because Kenny Stills and Will Fuller are due to become free agents after the 2020 season.
Indianapolis Colts (7-9)
Biggest needs: WR, QB, DB, DL, OL
A year after taking a shot on Devin Funchess -- now a member of the Packers -- as a big target at wide receiver, GM Chris Ballard should be looking to fill that void via the draft in a deep class at the position. Quarterback still has to be on the radar with Philip Rivers, 38, playing on a one-year deal.
Los Angeles Rams (9-7)
Biggest needs: Edge rusher, LB, RB, WR, OL
Swapping out Dante Fowler and Clay Matthews for the disappointing Leonard Floyd doesn't seem like a good deal. So, the work continues at edge rusher. Les Snead still needs to replace Cory Littleton and Todd Gurley, too. The Rams appear to be running it back on the O-line, but that's not necessarily a good thing, and keep in mind that the best of their bunch up front -- Andrew Whitworth -- will be 39 before next season is over. That said, there are needs in the secondary and at receiver that could be greater priorities this offseason.
Pittsburgh Steelers (8-8)
Biggest needs: OL, DL, edge rusher, WR, CB
The Steelers' hands are tied from a draft-capital standpoint, with a league-low one selection among the top 100 picks (No. 49 overall). They picked up veteran Stefen Wisniewski in free agency to play guard, but they have to think about investing in some young assets up front with OTs Alejandro Villanueva and Matt Feiler a year away from free agency. The acquisition of Chris Wormley should only be part of the plan to replace Javon Hargrave, and it would make sense to groom a young edge rusher with Bud Dupree looking like a short-term fix under the franchise tag.
