The NFL draft is here! Thirty-two NFL teams are ready to retool their franchises in Cleveland.

Here’s a preview of the NFC and AFC west draft strategies. 

NFC

Picks 3: San Francisco 49ers

Needs: QB, DL, CB

Jimmy Garropolo was on thin ice after the 2020 season and head coach Kyle Shanahan’s recent comments did little to instill confidence in him. San Francisco traded multiple first round picks to move up to three, almost guaranteeing that their pick will be used on a quarterback. Justin Fields is the favorite, but keep an eye on Mac Jones or Trey Lance being the surprise of the night.

Pick 16: Arizona Cardinals

Needs: CB, WR, OL

The loss of Patrick Peterson was inevitable. Kyler Murray is the future for Arizona and it’s time they started building their defense of the future. If Patrick Surtain is available Arizona should be running to the podium.

Pick 56: Seattle Seahawks

Needs: CB, OL, LB

With a league low three picks, Seattle has to make every selection count. Seattle’s first pick comes in the second round, making it hard to project who will be available for them. 

The loss of Shaquill Griffin leaves a huge hole in the Seattle secondary. If Asante Samuel Jr, or Eric Stokes make it to 57 it will be hard for Seattle to pass on either one.

Pick 57: Los Angeles Rams

Needs: OL, LB, EDGE

Once again the Rams are without a first round pick, but with multiple playoff appearances they succeed despite their disadvantages. At pick 57, a linemen would be a good choice with aging tackle Andrew Whitworth soon retiring. Tackles Alex Leatherwood and Brady Christensen could be available late in the second round.

AFC

Pick 9: Denver Broncos

Needs: QB, LB, OL

Denver has a solid roster, but the quarterback position is a question mark. Even with the acquisition of Teddy Bridgewater, Denver could still be looking at quarterbacks Trey Lance and Mac Jones at pick nine. 

Pick 13: Los Angeles Chargers

Needs: FOR THE LOVE OF GOD OL!, CB

Justin Herbert is coming off the greatest rookie quarterback season in history, but was pressured more than any quarterback in 2020. Virginia Tech tackle Christian Darrisaw or USC’s Alijah-Vera Tucker could secure LA’s left tackle spot for a decade. 

Pick 17: Las Vegas Raiders

Needs: OL, Secondary, DL

Another team desperate for Oline help, the Raiders lost center Rodney Hudson, guard Richie Incognito and tackle Trent Brown. Oklahoma State University’s Teven Jenkins would be a good fit in Oakland’s short passing and run dominant scheme.

Pick 58: Kansas City Chiefs

Needs: EDGE, OL, LB

Patrick Mahomes ran for his life last Super Bowl, but Kansas City was quick to shore up their offensive line in free agency. The Chiefs could work on their pass rush, as Frank Clark was the only edge rusher with solid sack totals last season. Joseph Ossai could be a diamond in the rough for Kansas City to polish.