Updated Needs for Every NFL Team Entering 2022 NFL Draft | Bleacher Report

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Kamil Krzaczynski/Associated Press

As the 2022 NFL draft approaches on April 28, teams will make last-minute additions to the roster for flexibility. Most clubs fill glaring holes before the three-day selection process to keep a general manager’s options open while on the clock. 

Despite a team’s efforts to spread its cap space and address multiple needs, we can still pinpoint the shallow areas on depth charts. 

Across the league, struggling veterans, inexperienced backups and players on one-year deals currently project as starters without much competition for the lead role. Teams can strengthen those positions with top draft picks. 

We’ve highlighted the three biggest needs for all 32 teams and listed an early-round draft prospect who can make an impact at one of those positions.

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Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Rondale MooreEmilee Chinn/Getty Images

• Edge-rusher
• Wide receiver
• Defensive lineman

The Arizona Cardinals have to beef up their front seven. They lost edge-rusher Chandler Jones along with defensive end Jordan Phillips in free agency, and defensive tackle Corey Peters remains available on the open market. J.J. Watt isn’t reliable for a full season. He’s missed 18 games since 2019. 

Last season, the Cardinals struggled to stop the run, giving up 4.6 yards per rush attempt, which ranked 26th across the league. With that shortcoming, they must replace the interior defenders lost over the past few weeks. 

Devon Kennard and Dennis Gardeck could line up on the edge, but the front office should look for an upgrade to fill the void of an All-Pro player in Jones. 

On top of pressing needs within the defensive front, Arizona should pick up another wideout to compensate for the departure of Christian Kirk. The club re-signed A.J. Green, but he’s heading into his age-34 campaign. Quarterback Kyler Murray would appreciate another young offensive playmaker opposite DeAndre Hopkins while Rondale Moore holds the slot position.

Potential Early-Round Fit: Houston DL Logan Hall

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Cordarrelle PattersonIcon Sportswire/Getty Images

• Quarterback
• Wide receiver
• Edge-rusher

The Atlanta Falcons move into the post-Matt Ryan era after they traded him to the Indianapolis Colts and signed Marcus Mariota, who’s thrown 30 regular-season passes since 2020.

The Falcons may use their first-round pick on a quarterback to learn the ropes while Mariota fills the bridge-gap role. However, the veteran signal-caller needs more weapons aside from tight end Kyle Pitts. 

The league suspended Calvin Ridley for at least the 2022 season for betting on NFL games, and Russell Gage signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which leaves Cordarrelle Patterson in the lead spot among the club’s wideouts. With him involved in the ground attack last season (153 carries for 618 rushing yards and six touchdowns), Atlanta will need more than career backups Auden Tate and Olamide Zaccheaus to bolster the position. 

Even before the Falcons released Dante Fowler Jr., who logged just 4.5 sacks and 17 pressures last season, they should’ve had their sights set on edge-rushers in the draft. Atlanta finished with the fewest sacks (18) and the lowest pressure rate (16.7 percent) in 2021.

Potential Early-Round Fit: Liberty QB Malik Willis

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Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marcus PetersScott Taetsch/Getty Images

• Cornerback
• Edge-rusher
• Center

In recent years, the Baltimore Ravens had great depth at cornerback, but that’s not the case right now, and they gave up the most passing yards last season.

Baltimore lost Anthony Averett, Tavon Young and even Chris Westry in free agency. The team hasn’t re-signed Jimmy Smith, and Marcus Peters will try to bounce back from a torn ACL. Even though Marlon Humphrey can play on the boundary and in the slot, the Ravens must add a cover man to round out the top three spots on the depth chart.

Baltimore can also strengthen its aerial defense with an edge-rusher after Tyus Bowser tore his Achilles in January. Even though head coach John Harbaugh predicts the outside linebacker returns for training camp, the front office should add another player to the rotation anyway. Since the Ravens haven’t re-signed Justin Houston or Pernell McPhee, they don’t have much depth behind Bowser and Odafe Oweh.

On offense, Patrick Mekari could replace Bradley Bozeman at center, but he may fall into a backup role with the ability to play multiple positions. Last year, the versatile lineman took most of his snaps at right tackle.

Potential Early-Round Fit: Iowa IOL Tyler Linderbaum

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Buffalo Bills cornerback Tre’Davious WhiteJohn Amis/Associated Press

The Buffalo Bills upgraded at right guard, releasing Daryl Williams and signing Rodger Saffold, who’s coming off a Pro Bowl season. Early in the upcoming draft, the club should target an interior offensive lineman to push Ike Boettger on the left side.

In 2021, Boettger split snaps at left guard with Jon Feliciano, who inked a deal with the New York Giants in free agency, and…