by John Sarianides
What will the Niners do at two? Inquiring minds want to know.
NFC EAST
Dallas Cowboys: CB, S, DT, DE, WR
The Cowboys could go in myriad of directions in the first round but look for them to go either corner or safety. Both positions are deep in this draft. Addressing the defensive line, namely defensive end will also be a priority for Jerry Jones.
New York Giants: RB, DT, OG, ILB, DE
The Giants need to find a starting caliber running back that can complement what could be an explosive passing game. Dalvin Cook could be a possibility for the G-Men at pick number 23. Replacing departed defensive tackle Jonathan Hankins will also be a priority for GM Jerry Reese.
Philadelphia Eagles: CB, RB, ILB, DT, S
The Eagles have a variety of needs and are a true wild card in the first round. GM Howie Roseman will wait to see how the board shakes out and he may take the best player available at pick number 14. If the Eagles don’t go running back, look for them to try to bolster what is a suspect interior defensively.
Washington Redskins: DE, OLB, CB, ILB, OG
The Redskins have some holes to fill defensively. I really like Temple’s Haason Reddick at pick 17 in the first round, He is a good value and he would give the Redskins a versatile defender that can do a lot of different things and play in a lot of different packages. The Redskins also need to add depth to their linebacking corp and secondary.
NFC NORTH
Chicago Bears: S, CB, QB, WR, DT
The Bears could go in a myriad of directions with the third overall pick. The consensus is they’ll go quarterback but I think is awfully hard to pass up on players like LSU safety Jamal Adams or Ohio State cornerback Marshon Lattimore. Chicago not only needs to address their secondary but they must also add depth to a weak receiving corp.
Detroit Lions: DE, DT, ILB, CB, RB
The Lions have multiple needs defensively. In a draft loaded with with secondary talent and edge rushers, GM Bob Quinn could go in a myriad of directions in the first round. Michigan defensive end Taco Charlton is a possibility for the Lions with the 21st pick. Charlton can play the 9 technique end and is a local product. Detroit could also go corner. Perhaps Gareon Conley could be a fit for the Lions. Quinn likes building from the inside, out so expect the Lions to once again draft an interior lineman on either side of the ball at some point.
Green Bay Packers: CB, S, OG, ILB, RB
Green Bay’s secondary was atrocious last season so one has to think GM Ted Thompson will go cornerback with the team’s first round pick. It is either that or the Packers could appease the locals and draft Wisconsin outside linebacker T.J Watt. The Packers need to address the strong safety position as well as the offensive line. Adding depth at guard will also be a priority for Thompson.
Minnesota Vikings: OT, DE, CB, S, OLB
The Vikings have multiple needs along their offensive and defensive lines. With no first round pick, look for the GM Rick Spielman to focus on upgrading the offensive guard and tackle positions as well as the defensive tackle and outside linebacker positions. Minnesota could also take a running back late.
NFC SOUTH
Atlanta Falcons: DE, DT, OG, WR, S
The Falcons need to find a complement to Vic Beasley and that is probably where they will go with their first round pick. Defensive tackle is also a position of need. Atlanta needs to address it’s depth inside. Adding an offensive lineman who can play both guard and tackle will also be a priority. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Falcons added either a receiver or tight end day three.
Carolina Panthers: OL, DE, RB, WR, TE
The Panthers could go offensive tackle in the first round but that is highly unlikely. It wouldn’t be surprising to see them go running back and take either Leonard Fournette if he is there or Christian McCaffery. The Panthers will also address their lack of depth at receiver and tight end in this draft as well.
New Orleans Saints: DE, CB, OLB, S, DT
The Saints will focus on overhauling their defense in this draft. With picks 11 and 32 in the first round, New Orleans will look to add a pass rusher and either a corner or safety. The Saints also need to beef up the linebacker position and add depth to the offensive line.
Tampa Bay Bucs: OT, WR, OG, DE, OLB
The Bucs need to draft an offensive lineman that can develop into the leader of the offensive line and solidify the group. Whether it be Garrett Bolles, Ryan Ramcyzk or Forrest Lamp, Tampa Bay must find a way to add an impact lineman to protect Jameis Winston. Improving the depth at receiver and adding another pass rusher will also be a priority.
NFC WEST
Arizona Cardinals: WR, QB, TE, DT, ILB
It will be interesting to see what Arizona does with the 13th overall pick of the first round. I have a feeling GM Steve Keim will either go receiver, quarterback or the best player available. Keim needs to add an impact receiver that can play opposite Larry Fitzgerald and draft the heir apparent to Carson Palmer. Those are his top two priorities during the first two days of the draft.
Los Angeles Rams: OL, WR, CB, S, DE
The Rams do not have a first round pick thanks in part to the Jared Goff trade last year. GM Les Snead will look to fortify the offensive line on day two. Protecting Goff is priority number one for the Rams. Replacing Kenny Britt will also be a priority so look for the Rams to go receiver in day two or early day three. Adding a pass rusher and a safety will also be a focus for Snead.
Seattle Seahawks: CB, OT, OLB, DT, S
The Seahawks need to address the cornerback position for next season whether Richard Sherman is back or not. Drafting an offensive tackle that could potentially start will also be a priority. Upgrading the depth on defense will also be a focal point. The Seahawks have lost several key contributors in free agency the last three years.
San Francisco 49ers: QB, DE, CB, S, OLB
What will Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch do in their first draft in charge of the 49ers? Inquiring minds want to know. I would not be surprised if they took a quarterback with the second overall pick in the draft. Most pundits think they’ll go defense but Shanahan is an offensive guy and the 49ers have gone defensive line in the first round in each of the last two drafts. Adding a pass rusher will be a priority as well as a corner who can step in play in sub packages as well. Don’t be surprised if the Niners trade the second over all pick.