AFC draft needs: Team-by-team breakdown

Indianapolis Colts

Their draft strategy: Defense, defense, defense. The Colts will use an early pick on a running back, although likely not a first-round pick. They will try and improve their defense, and linebackers are needed. Southern Cal's Mike Patterson would be a heck of a first-round pick at defensive tackle.

Needs in order: LB, DT, CB, RB, G

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars would love to get either a top-notch corner or a left tackle in the first round. The left tackle spot appears to be the one of most need since Mike Pearson, the projected starter, is coming off major knee surgery. They do have some young players who could do the job at corner, so left tackle should be the main focus in the first round.

Needs in order: T, CB, WR, LB, RB.

Kansas City Chiefs

This is another team that has to get better on defense, and needs young blood. The Chiefs have to get a quality outside pass rusher at some point in the draft. They also need a cover corner after not landing one in free agency. Look for an early pick on a receiver, too.

Needs in order: DE, CB, WR, DT, T

Miami Dolphins

New coach Nick Saban has his hands full rebuilding this mess. The Dolphins say they are set at quarterback, but the feeling around the league is that might be just lip service. They could use the second pick on a quarterback. If not, a running back is a distinct possibility. The Dolphins would love to trade down from the second spot to add picks, but that could be tough. If they stay, a quarterback or runner should be the choice. After that, they need help on the offensive line and some young legs on defense.

Needs in order: QB, RB, OT, G, WR

New England Patriots

The uncertainty of whether linebacker Tedy Bruschi will play this year could lead the Patriots to take a player at that spot, even though they signed Monty Beisel. You can also never have too many cornerbacks, so they will find one in this draft. On the offensive side of the ball, help on the offensive line and at receiver would be nice.

Needs in order: LB, CB, WR, T, RB

New York Jets

They lost defensive tackle Jason Ferguson to the Cowboys in free agency, so a young tackle early in the draft makes sense. They also could use help at tight end, but there isn't really a premier player at that spot in this draft. They could consider Virginia's Heath Miller in the first round. A right tackle is also needed.

Needs in order: DT, TE, CB, T, G

Oakland Raiders

Ted Washington and Warren Sapp aren't kids anymore and they didn't play all that well last year. So a defensive tackle is needed. They also need help at linebacker, safety and inside on the offensive line. This team has a chance to fill some holes in this draft, which could make this a playoff team.

Needs in order: DT, LB, S, CB, G

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers got by with so-so corners last year, so they could consider one early in this draft. They also need a speed replacement for Plaxico Burress outside and the loss of Oliver Ross could mandate a high pick on a tackle. Miller is a possibility here, too.

Needs in order: CB, WR, T, TE, RB

San Diego Chargers

They want a deep threat in the passing game, which is why a receiver could be their first pick. With two first-round picks, they'll likely use the other on defense. A ball-hawking safety (Thomas Davis) is needed. They also could use more help in their pass rush.

Needs in order: WR, S, DE, T, CB

Tennessee Titans

Oh, how the mighty have fallen. This was once one of the more talented teams in the league. But cap troubles have decimated the roster. Word of warning: They won't be down for long. This is one of the best drafting teams in the league, so they'll be back. They need a corner in the worst way, so they could use their first pick there. A receiver, maybe Mike Williams of Southern California, is also a possibility.

Needs in order: CB, WR, T, DE, LB