2017 NFL Draft Goals – Picks 17-32

Posted April 23, 2017.
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What does every team need to accomplish in the 2017 NFL Draft? We’ll look at each team’s goals on this page, as well as possible selections for each squad. Also see how the goals are being addressed in the 2017 NFL Mock Draft (will be updated tomorrow).

Back to 2017 NFL Draft Goals: Picks 1-16.

Washington Redskins:
It would be nice if the Redskins could figure out what they wanted to do with Kirk Cousins prior to the 2017 NFL Draft, whether that’s extending him or trading him to the 49ers. I don’t see that happening, however, as it takes Washington eons to do anything. In the meantime, the Redskins need to fix their troublesome defense and add some play-making talent around their quarterback.

Ideal 2017 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
17. Reuben Foster, LB
49. Quincy Wilson, CB
81. Montravius Adams, DT
114. Cooper Kupp, WR
123. Eddie Jackson, S
Tennessee Titans:
*** Discussed at No. 5 overall ***

Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
The Buccaneers are on the cusp of making the playoffs. They just have to fill out some of their glaring needs. These include running back, defensive end and safety. Otherwise, they should be taking the best players available.

Ideal 2017 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
19. Dalvin Cook, RB
50. Josh Jones, S
84. Tarell Basham, DE
125. Josh Reynolds, WR
Denver Broncos:
The Broncos were in the Super Bowl recently, yet they have so many issues with their roster. They don’t have any play-makers beyond their two starting receivers, while their offensive line is in shambles. On the other side of the ball, their defensive line and linebacking corps need to replace key departed players.

Ideal 2017 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
20. Cam Robinson, OT
51. Jarrad Davis, LB
82. Jordan Leggett, TE
101. Carlos Henderson, WR
126. Charles Walker, DT
Detroit Lions:
The Lions are in the top 10 of my NFL Power Rankings, but they have some major work to do on defense. They need to find two linemen, a couple of linebackers, a cornerback and a safety. Fortunately for them, they appear nearly set on offense, though another running back wouldn’t hurt.

Ideal 2017 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
21. T.J. Watt, DE
53. Raekwon McMillan, LB
85. Marcus Williams, S
127. Isaiah Ford, WR

Miami Dolphins:
The Dolphins are in a weird situation with Ryan Tannehill, where they have to decide if he’s the answer for the long haul. They need to make sure he’s protected well in 2017, unlike last year, so adding a guard makes sense. On the other side of the ball, a pass-rusher and a linebacker are desperately needed.

Ideal 2017 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
22. Charles Harris, DE
54. Raekwon McMillan, LB
97. Nico Siragusa, G
New York Giants:
The Giants could be without Eli Manning next year if the allegations about him in the memorabilia scandal are true. Regardless, Manning has regressed, so the Giants need to find a long-term solution soon. They also must bolster their offensive line and add some play-makers.

Ideal 2017 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
23. Garett Bolles, OT
55. DeShone Kizer, QB
87. Blair Brown, LB
140. Zach Banner, G
Oakland Raiders:
The Raiders have a prolific offense, though it needs a running back (if Marshawn Lynch isn’t acquired), a third receiver and a right tackle. Most of Oakland’s greatest needs are on defense, so the team will spend most of its energy upgrading the stop unit.

Ideal 2017 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
24. Gareon Conley, CB
56. Tanoh Kpassagnon, DT
88. Kareem Hunt, RB
129. Connor Harris, LB

Houston Texans:
The Texans thought they would obtain Tony Romo. That’s no longer a possibility, so they’ll have to secure a quarterback early in the 2017 NFL Draft because relying on Tom Savage would be disastrous. Otherwise, Houston needs to fill some holes created by players who have departed via free agency. Cornerback, safety and right tackle are the three big holes.

Ideal 2017 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
25. Pat Mahomes, QB
57. Marcus Maye, S
89. Gerald Everett, TE
130. Taylor Moton, OT
Seattle Seahawks:
Seattle has two big areas of concern that must be addressed: the offensive line and the secondary. The former is a surprise to no one, given how poorly Russell Wilson has been protected the past couple of years. The secondary may shock some, but Richard Sherman appears to be on his way out, while Kam Chancellor is an impending free agent after 2017.

Ideal 2017 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
26. Garett Bolles, OT
58. Jourdan Lewis, CB
90. Carl Lawson, DE
102. Cordrea Tankersley, CB
106. George Kittle, TE

Kansas City Chiefs:
The Chiefs need to find a new quarterback because Alex Smith clearly isn’t the answer. He’ll continue to come up short in the playoffs. A signal-caller could be obtained at the bottom of the first round. A new running back and a No. 2 receiver are needed as well. Fortunately for the Chiefs, their defense is in pretty good shape and doesn’t need very much beyond a linebacker and a second cornerback.

Ideal 2017 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
27. Pat Mahomes, QB
59. Alvin Kamara, RB
91. Ahkello Witherspoon, CB
104. Malachi Dupre, WR
132. Eric Wilson, LB
Dallas Cowboys:
Most of Dallas’ top-30 visits were defensive linemen or defensive backs, as expected. The Cowboys are very weak in those areas, so they’ll need to address those as quickly as possible. A second receiver and right tackle will also have to be acquired.

Ideal 2017 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
28. Adoree Jackson, CB
60. Derek Rivers, DE
92. Malachi Dupre, WR
133. Shaquill Griffin, CB

Green Bay Packers:
The Packers were completely incapable of containing the Falcons in the NFC Championship. Adding a pass-rusher, an inside linebacker and a couple of defensive backs is imperative. The offense, meanwhile, is mostly set, though a running back and a guard are needed.

Ideal 2017 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
29. T.J. Watt, DE/OLB
61. Fabian Moreau, CB
93. Blair Brown, LB
134. Taywan Taylor, WR
Pittsburgh Steelers:
The Steelers struggled offensively when Le’Veon Bell was lost with an injury in the AFC Championship. More play-making talent is needed on offense. The defense doesn’t need as much work, but an edge rusher, an inside linebacker and a cornerback should be acquired.

Ideal 2017 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
30. T.J. Watt, DE/OLB
62. Zay Jones, WR
94. Ahkello Witherspoon, CB
105. Carroll Phillips, DE/OLB
135. Eddie Vanderdoes, DT
Atlanta Falcons:
The Falcons don’t have many needs, but the few holes on their roster are pretty glaring. They’ll need to focus on upgrading their edge rush, one of the guard positions, and the interior of their defensive line.

Ideal 2017 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
31. Jordan Willis, DE
63. Dan Feeney, G
95. Carlos Watkins, DT
136. Shaquill Griffin, CB
New Orleans Saints:
*** Discussed at No. 11 overall ***
Los Angeles Rams:
The Rams have to make some major changes on offense to give Jared Goff any sort of chance. Unfortunately for them, they don’t have a first-round pick, so they can’t grab a blue-chip prospect. They’ll need to obtain a No. 1 receiver and several offensive linemen in the second and third days, somehow. Meanwhile, personnel for their new 3-4 defense will have to be acquired as well.

Ideal 2017 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
37. Corey Davis, WR
69. Dan Feeeney, G
112. Antonio Garcia, OT
141. Ethan Pocic, C
Minnesota Vikings:
The Vikings signed two tackles in free agency, yet they still need a couple of offensive linemen to shore up their horrible pass protection. They also need some other offensive pieces, such as a running back and a receiver. Not much is required on defense, fortunately.

Ideal 2017 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
48. Zay Jones, WR
79. Nico Siragusa, G
86. D’Onta Foreman, RB
120. Ethan Pocic, C
128. Deatrich Wise Jr., DE
New England Patriots:
The Patriots once again don’t have a first-round selection. They actually don’t pick until the beginning of the third frame, so it’ll be difficult for them to acquire multiple starters. I imagine they’ll focus on defensive end, linebacker and cornerback (if Malcolm Butler is dealt).

Ideal 2017 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
72. Derek Rivers, DE
96. Alex Anzalone, LB
131. Howard Wilson, CB