In preparation for our first mock draft of 2011, we're continuing to highlight the needs of every team that is picking in the first round. Obviously, those needs could change in the next three months, but we've got an idea of what each team will be zoning in on during the draft process.
Here's a look at the bottom half of the first round and what each team will be eying through the draft process. If you missed the first half of this list, check out Saturday's post, and come back every Thursday through April to get a look at our updated mock drafts.
(*Denotes the picks will be determined by the Super Bowl result.)
17. New England Patriots
2010 Record: 14-2
Needs: Defensive end, outside linebacker, tackle, guard, running back, wide receiver
Analysis: The Patriots' priorities could change once they know whether or not they'll have left tackle Matt Light, left guard Logan Mankins and right guard Stephen Neal. If Light and Mankins return, the Patriots should target a defensive end or outside linebacker in the first round. If Alabama running back Mark Ingram is still around at this spot, they might look at him, too.
18. San Diego Chargers
2010 Record: 9-7
Needs: Defensive end, wide receiver, right tackle
Analysis: The Chargers could lose wide receivers Vincent Jackson and Malcom Floyd, which could change their strategy at the top of the draft. Other than that, they'll be looking at one of the draft's talented defensive ends.
19. New York Giants
2010 Record: 10-6
Needs: Tackle, outside linebacker, defensive end, safety, running back
Analysis: The Giants should make left tackle their priority in the first round, but they might also need a defensive end and outside linebacker with Mathias Kiwanuka and Keith Bulluck hitting free agency.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2010 Record: 10-6
Needs: Defensive end, inside linebacker, outside linebacker, guard, tackle
Analysis: The Bucs have a pair of outstanding young defensive tackles, but they need a playmaker at defensive end. It also looks like they'll need to replace inside linebacker Barrett Ruud, who took a step back this season and will likely leave in free agency.
21. Kansas City Chiefs
2010 Record: 10-6
Needs: Tackle, outside linebacker, defensive tackle, wide receiver, center
Analysis: The Chiefs' primary objective this offseason should probably be retaining outside linebacker Tamba Hali, but they also need plenty of help on both sides of the trenches.
22. Indianapolis Colts
2010 Record: 10-6
Needs: Tackle, guard, defensive tackle, safety
Analysis: Bill Polian called out the offensive line after the Colts' Super Bowl loss, and then he drafted a third-string defensive end in the first round. Now's the time for the Colts to make wholesale upgrades on the offensive line.
23. Philadelphia Eagles
2010 Record: 10-6
Needs: Right guard, safety, cornerback, outside linebacker, right tackle
Analysis: Philly's defense wasn't very impressive last season, and the Eagles definitely need help in the secondary.
24. New Orleans Saints
2010 Record: 11-5
Needs: Defensive end, outside linebacker, defensive tackle, running back, safety
Analysis: Defensive end Will Smith had a big drop-off in sacks — from 13 in 2009 to 5.5 in 2010 — and he needs some more help around him. They also need some help around Jonathan Vilma in the linebacking corps, which was on display when Scott Shanle missed a key tackle on Marshawn Lynch's historic playoff run. The Saints also need to upgrade the running back position, which was crushed by injuries this season.
25. Seattle Seahawks
2010 Record: 7-9
Needs: Quarterback, running back, guard, center, safety, cornerback, defensive tackle
Analysis: The Seahawks have a tremendous group of linebackers, but they've really got to make improvements in the secondary.
26. Baltimore Ravens
2010 Record: 12-4
Needs: Cornerback, right tackle, wide receiver, safety, inside linebacker, outside linebacker
Analysis: The Ravens really need to upgrade their cornerbacks, and they could use some help at wide receiver and right tackle. It would also behoove them to get younger at linebacker while they groom the replacement for Ray Lewis.
27. Atlanta Falcons
2010 Record: 13-3
Needs: Outside linebacker, defensive end, safety, offensive linemen, tight end
Analysis: The Falcons had a decent defense, but they need more of an edge and some added aggression. They could also make an improvement at left tackle, and depending on their ability to retain both starting guards — left guard Justin Blalock and right guard Harvey Dahl — they might need to address that area, too.
28. New England Patriots
2010 Record: 14-2
Needs: Defensive end, outside linebacker, tackle, guard, running back, wide receiver
Analysis: If the Pats need to replace Light, this would be a good spot to snag a tackle. Otherwise, the Patriots might trade out of this pick.
29. Chicago Bears
2010 Record: 11-5
Needs: Tackle, guard, wide receiver, outside linebacker, defensive tackle
Analysis: The Bears surrendered an astounding 56 sacks this season, which was the worst count in the league. Just a horrendous offensive line.
30. New York Jets
2010 Record: 11-5
Needs: Defensive end, outside linebacker, safety, wide receiver
Analysis: Head coach Rex Ryan will always be looking for pass rushers, and the Jets need to get younger on the edge. Santonio Holmes, Braylon Edwards and Brad Smith are all free agents, too, so the Jets might need to overhaul their wide receiving corps.
*31. Pittsburgh Steelers
2010 Record: 12-4
Needs: Right tackle, guard, cornerback
Analysis: It's amazing the Steelers advanced to the Super Bowl with this offensive line. They could also form a Pouncey wall if they add center Maurkice Pouncey's brother, Mike, at the end of the first round.
*32. Green Bay Packers
2010 Record: 10-6
Needs: Outside linebacker, running back, defensive end, guard, left tackle
Analysis: The Packers could use a little more jump opposite of Clay Matthews, who would also like some more help in front of him at defensive end.
