This is the first-round order of the 2017 NFL Draft, with a look at the top positional needs for every team, heading into the offseason. 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: The Vikings, who traded their first-round pick to the Eagles, have the same record and strength of schedule as the Colts, so there’s a tie for the 14th pick. A coin flip at a later date will determine which team picks first.
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11
SAINTS
Needs: CB, S, LB. In a division full of talented quarterbacks, finding help at both cornerback and safety is a must. Jairus Byrd has been a disappointment and will likely find competition waiting for him next year at safety. The Saints need depth at linebacker.
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11
SAINTS
Needs: CB, S, LB. In a division full of talented quarterbacks, finding help at both cornerback and safety is a must. Jairus Byrd has been a disappointment and will likely find competition waiting for him next year at safety. The Saints need depth at linebacker.
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12
BROWNS
Needs: QB, C/G, DB. Cleveland traded the No. 2 pick in the 2016 draft to the Eagles, who spent the selection on Carson Wentz. So, the Browns are still looking for their answer at QB. Strengthening the interior O-line should be on the to-do list. They should be looking to add help in the secondary, too.
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12
BROWNS
Needs: QB, C/G, DB. Cleveland traded the No. 2 pick in the 2016 draft to the Eagles, who spent the selection on Carson Wentz. So, the Browns are still looking for their answer at QB. Strengthening the interior O-line should be on the to-do list. They should be looking to add help in the secondary, too.
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13
CARDINALS
Needs: ILB, QB, CB. Adding a playmaking inside ‘backer should be a priority. Carson Palmer, 37, saw his play take a downturn in 2016. The Cardinals have been feast or famine in the secondary, so it’s important for them to find a potential starter at CB.
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13
CARDINALS
Needs: ILB, QB, CB. Adding a playmaking inside ‘backer should be a priority. Carson Palmer, 37, saw his play take a downturn in 2016. The Cardinals have been feast or famine in the secondary, so it’s important for them to find a potential starter at CB.
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14
COLTS
Needs: LB, OL, RB. The Colts are getting old on the defensive side of the ball and could use a young, splashy playmaker at outside or inside linebacker. Protecting Andrew Luck is essential and the offensive line isn’t doing that well enough. Finding another quality RB shouldn’t be difficult in this draft.
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14
COLTS
Needs: LB, OL, RB. The Colts are getting old on the defensive side of the ball and could use a young, splashy playmaker at outside or inside linebacker. Protecting Andrew Luck is essential and the offensive line isn’t doing that well enough. Finding another quality RB shouldn’t be difficult in this draft.
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14
EAGLES
Needs: CB, WR, RB. The Eagles dealt away a first-rounder to acquire the No. 2 overall pick in the 2016 draft, and got a first-rounder in the Sam Bradford deal before the season. Cornerback should be an area in which Philly is looking for an upgrade. The Eagles have some guys at wide receiver, but they need to find "the guy" for Wentz. Finding a quality RB1 shouldn’t be difficult in the 2017 draft given the depth at the position.
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14
EAGLES
Needs: CB, WR, RB. The Eagles dealt away a first-rounder to acquire the No. 2 overall pick in the 2016 draft, and got a first-rounder in the Sam Bradford deal before the season. Cornerback should be an area in which Philly is looking for an upgrade. The Eagles have some guys at wide receiver, but they need to find "the guy" for Wentz. Finding a quality RB1 shouldn’t be difficult in the 2017 draft given the depth at the position.
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16
RAVENS
Needs: Edge, S, WR. The Ravens need to find their next great edge rusher at OLB. They lack quality depth at safety right now. The Ravens are relying on aging receivers and might look to bolster the unit.
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16
RAVENS
Needs: Edge, S, WR. The Ravens need to find their next great edge rusher at OLB. They lack quality depth at safety right now. The Ravens are relying on aging receivers and might look to bolster the unit.
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17
REDSKINS
Needs: DL, S, ILB. A better defensive line will take some pressure off of Kirk Cousins (if he returns) and the offense. This appears to be a strong year for ILBs in the draft, which is a primary need here. An athletic, rangy safety improves the back end.
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17
REDSKINS
Needs: DL, S, ILB. A better defensive line will take some pressure off of Kirk Cousins (if he returns) and the offense. This appears to be a strong year for ILBs in the draft, which is a primary need here. An athletic, rangy safety improves the back end.
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18
TITANS
Needs: CB, WR, ILB. They need to bolster their secondary, and still could still use a true WR1. Adding a young talent at ILB who can cover on third downs should be a priority, too.
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18
TITANS
Needs: CB, WR, ILB. They need to bolster their secondary, and still could still use a true WR1. Adding a young talent at ILB who can cover on third downs should be a priority, too.
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19
BUCCANEERS
Needs: DL, S WR. Tampa Bay will need to find a high-impact player along the defensive line who can create mayhem on a regular basis. Safety is a need and could get early round consideration. While Mike Evans is a stud, Tampa Bay has to find another threat for Jameis Winston.
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19
BUCCANEERS
Needs: DL, S WR. Tampa Bay will need to find a high-impact player along the defensive line who can create mayhem on a regular basis. Safety is a need and could get early round consideration. While Mike Evans is a stud, Tampa Bay has to find another threat for Jameis Winston.
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20
BRONCOS
Needs: OT, G, TE. Russell Okung doesn’t look like a long-term option at left tackle, and the guard play hasn’t been much better. Both spots need to be addressed. Denver’s zone-rushing scheme is much more effective with a tight end who is an able blocker and this draft will offer those players.
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20
BRONCOS
Needs: OT, G, TE. Russell Okung doesn’t look like a long-term option at left tackle, and the guard play hasn’t been much better. Both spots need to be addressed. Denver’s zone-rushing scheme is much more effective with a tight end who is an able blocker and this draft will offer those players.
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