Teams That Need to Ace The Draft

Teams That Need to Ace The Draft

2023 NFL Draft

Teams That Need to Ace The Draft

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Detroit Lions 

With two first round picks, and two more second rounders, the Detroit Lions have the capital to pull off an insane draft class. And they certainly need to pull off a masterclass. 

On the brink of becoming one of the top teams in the NFC, the Lions offense needs a little bit of love, especially with the six-game suspension of Jameson Williams. Adding another deep threat on the outside to learn behind Marvin Jones Jr. would be ideal. 

On the defensive side of the ball, the Lions need to find a way to create internal pressure in the trenches. Boosting the edge rusher should help, but finding a way to land Calijah Kancey or Jalen Carter would be ideal. 

 

Indianapolis Colts 

Chris Ballard is on the hot seat and will be looking to turn the Colts around in record time. Obviously, they will be selecting a quarterback with their first pick, but what they do with the remaining selections will be key. 

Everyone should expect Ballard to trade back from the 35th pick to acquire some more mid-round draft capital. In those mid rounds, Indianapolis needs to target a starting cornerback, some receiver depth, help on the edge, and a right guard. 

For a team with a lot of needs, this draft is crucial to Ballard staying in Indianapolis long-term. 

 

New England Patriots 

Bill Belichick has had some disappointing draft classes and teams since Tom Brady left New England. No one really knows what Mac Jones’s future in New England looks like, and his lack of weapons is truly astounding. 

Adding a receiver like Quentin Johnston, Zay Flowers, or Jaxon Smith-Njigba shouldn’t be excluded with the 14th pick. But finding some sort of receiving threat in the first two or three rounds should be a priority. 

On the defensive side of the ball, upgrading cornerback, safety, and the defensive line makes a lot of sense. Outside of Matthew Judon, the defense lacks star power. 

If Belichick fails to deliver a playoff run in 2023, perhaps he’s out of a job at the end of the season. 

 

Washington Commanders

The Commanders are stuck in purgatory. Between the revolving door at quarterback and subpar play from a star studded defense, Washington needs to quickly find its footing. 

The Commanders could look to add a tight end to pair with Logan Thomas, but bolstering the interior offensive line is key to Sam Howell’s early success. 

Cornerback is the number one need on the defensive side of the ball. With William Jackson III’s departure last season, Washington has no true lockdown corner. Finding a CB1 with the 16th overall pick sounds like the most likely option. 

 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

Are they tanking or are they trying to stay afloat in a lackluster NFC South? No one really knows, but Todd Bowles’s seat is awfully hot after a disappointing 2022. 

A starting tackle opposite Tristan Wirfs feels like a done deal with either their first or second pick, while adding depth at the running back position also seems likely. 

On defense, adding another edge rusher and interior pass rusher would make sense. While finding some depth in the secondary is key to their success next season.

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