2017 NFL Draft order, needs: Playoff teams
Published:
Updated:
This is the first-round order of the 2017 NFL Draft, with a look at the top positional needs for every team, through the first two waves of free agency (March 20). 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: Pick 32 was acquired via trade.
Eliminated during Wild Card Weekend
**Needs: Pass rusher, LB, WR.** Most of the
[Lions](/teams/detroitlions/profile?team=DET)' top needs rest on the defensive side of the ball. Finding more pass rush from a defensive end or penetrating DT is a priority. The
[Lions](/teams/detroitlions/profile?team=DET) also need a three-down LB who can cover in space. They could target an explosive, young wideout at some point.
**Needs: LB, OG, CB.** The addition of
[Lawrence Timmons](/player/lawrencetimmons/2495762/profile) doesn't fully address the
[Dolphins](/teams/miamidolphins/profile?team=MIA)' issues at linebacker. The
[Dolphins](/teams/miamidolphins/profile?team=MIA) could look to add some competition at the guard position while finding another young cornerback to groom as a future starter should be on the to-do list.
**Needs: LT, MLB, QB.**
[Ereck Flowers](/player/ereckflowers/2552452/profile) isn't working out at left tackle and the
[Giants](/teams/newyorkgiants/profile?team=NYG) need new blood there. The play at linebacker hasn't been what the
[Giants](/teams/newyorkgiants/profile?team=NYG) had hoped for and they could look at both inside and outside spots.
[Eli Manning](/player/elimanning/2505996/profile) is 36 years old and they could use a QB to groom behind him.
**Needs: MLB, DT, CB.** The
[Raiders](/teams/oaklandraiders/profile?team=OAK) had hoped that their offseason changes at cornerback would help shore up that deficiency, but it looks shaky at best. The
[Raiders](/teams/oaklandraiders/profile?team=OAK) have improved their offensive line greatly, and now they need a stout defensive tackle. Middle linebacker is a possibility.
Eliminated during Divisional Round
**Needs: QB, OL, LB.** The
[Texans](/teams/houstontexans/profile?team=HOU) must find "the guy" at the quarterback position. It is almost certain that they will draft a QB this year. They have glaring needs at both right guard and right tackle. Finding a speedy ILB with cover talent is a need.
**Needs: OT, DT, CB.** The first need should be left tackle and the second need should be right tackle. OT is that high of a priority. Adding talent at the hybrid DE/DT spot should be a possibility, as should finding another long-armed, physical playmaker at cornerback.
**Needs: ILB, DL, CB.** The
[Chiefs](/teams/kansascitychiefs/profile?team=KC) will need to find the next
[Derrick Johnson](/player/derrickjohnson/2506353/profile) at an inside linebacker spot at some point, and adding depth at defensive line is a must. They need to find more help for the secondary, too.
**Needs: DB, DE, TE.** Dallas has suffered mass departures in free agency throughout its secondary, so both CB and safety will have to be addressed. Dallas needs to find a game-changing pass rusher on the edge and soon. With
[Jason Witten](/player/jasonwitten/2505629/profile) showing signs of age, adding an in-line TE could be an underrated draft move.
Eliminated in conference championship
**Needs: CB, pass rusher, RB.** The
[Packers](/teams/greenbaypackers/profile?team=GB) were a disaster at cornerback. They will likely draft more than one CB this year. Finding an edge rusher could be an early round consideration.
[Ty Montgomery](/player/tymontgomery/2552429/profile) did a nice job at RB last season, but they need to add to that position.
**Needs: OLB, ILB, WR.** The outside linebacker spot should be a priority considering the age of newly re-signed
[James Harrison](/player/jamesharrison/2504844/profile). With
[Lawrence Timmons](/player/lawrencetimmons/2495762/profile)' departure, a hole has developed at inside linebacker. The
[Steelers](/teams/pittsburghsteelers/profile?team=PIT) have a great wideout in
[Antonio Brown](/player/antoniobrown/2508061/profile) but need better complementary targets around him.
Super Bowl 51 loser
**Needs: OG, DE, DT.** A starting right guard could be a "now" priority for the
[Falcons](/teams/atlantafalcons/profile?team=ATL). If Atlanta wants to continue to build on a foundation of talent, it needs to keep finding pass rushers. They need depth at DT, but the addition of
[Dontari Poe](/player/dontaripoe/2533435/profile) (even for a year) could allow them to target secondary depth in middle rounds.
**Needs: DB, LB, WR.** Finding help at both cornerback and safety is a must. The
[Saints](/teams/neworleanssaints/profile?team=NO) need depth at LB. The trade of
[Brandin Cooks](/player/brandincooks/2543498/profile) has turned WR into a potential priority for the top 4 rounds.
Teams without a first-round pick
**Needs: Pass rusher, OT, CB.** The transition to Wade Phillips' defense could require another edge rusher. The
[Rams](/teams/losangelesrams/profile?team=LA) will likely take a look at bolstering the cornerback position in a CB-rich draft, while the addition of veteran OT
[Andrew Whitworth](/player/andrewwhitworth/2495977/profile) is more band-aid that fix there.
**Needs: OL, DT, RB.** With no first-round pick, the
[Vikings](/teams/minnesotavikings/profile?team=MIN) had to go out and add
[Mike Remmers](/player/mikeremmers/2535607/profile) and
[Riley Reiff](/player/rileyreiff/2533042/profile) to help at tackle. I would argue that more depth is still needed along the O-line. Adding depth at DT is needed, and
[Latavius Murray](/player/lataviusmurray/2541161/profile)'s deal might not prevent the addition of another RB.
**Needs: OT, LB, RB.** The
[Patriots](/teams/newenglandpatriots/profile?team=NE) will have to address offensive tackle at some point soon. This defense lacks playmaking talent at the linebacker spot, but there are plenty of fits in the draft. The
[Patriots](/teams/newenglandpatriots/profile?team=NE) never panic when it comes to finding a RB, and they can get one on Day 3 (Rounds 4-7).