Every team will have to balance their draft boards with team needs when making selections in the 2016 NFL draft, and there's no question that in many cases, teams will choose to take the highest-ranked prospect on their board, without necessarily having a weakness at that position. But we see teams every year influenced by their biggest positions of need in deciding which players to pick.
That will be no different this year, so let's take a closer look at the five biggest needs for all 32 teams.
Note: Teams are listed in alphabetical order. To quickly get to your team, click on the links below.
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN | CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND | JAC | KC | LA | MIA | MIN | NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | OAK | PHI | PIT | SD | SF | SEA | TB | TEN | WAS
Arizona Cardinals
Top needs: OC, 3-4 OLB, QB, CB, S
Jonathan Cooper was traded to New England, and Ted Larsen is gone. Arizona signed G Evan Mathis, but only to a one-year deal. So with QB Carson Palmer now 36 and not getting any more mobile, the Cardinals need to address the interior of their offensive line -- particularly center -- at some point in this draft. Alabama's Ryan Kelly, our No. 1 center, might still be on the board when Arizona goes on the clock at No. 29 overall. It could also look to draft a developmental backup QB with one of its two picks in the first three rounds. While Palmer played at a high level last season, it's time for Arizona to start planning for the future at the game's most important position.
Atlanta Falcons
Top needs: OLB, S, DE, TE, OG
The Falcons were the worst defense in the NFL at covering RBs and TEs last season, giving up 213 combined completions, according to ESPN Stats & Information. Adding a weak-side outside linebacker with sideline-to-sideline speed and coverage ability would help Dan Quinn's defense become a more versatile unit. After releasing William Moore this offseason, Atlanta has Kemal Ishmael slotted into the starting strong safety role right now. The Falcons should look to draft a player who can push to win the starting job there. Keanu Neal, Su'a Cravens and Jeremy Cash are all good Day 2 options. Matt Ryan hasn't had a TE who can stretch the seam since Tony Gonzalez retired. This isn't a deep tight end class, but the top two players at the position -- Hunter Henry and Jerell Adams -- would provide a boost in that regard.