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NFL Draft 2019: Each team’s biggest need entering season

By Michael Johnson

ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 26: Head coach Steve Wilks of the Arizona Cardinals watches from the sidelines in the fourth quarter of a preseason footbal game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on August 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 26: Head coach Steve Wilks of the Arizona Cardinals watches from the sidelines in the fourth quarter of a preseason footbal game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on August 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER 02: Head coach Todd Bowles of the New York Jets leaves the field following the Jets’ 34-21 win against the Buffalo Bills during their game at MetLife Stadium on November 2, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER 02: Head coach Todd Bowles of the New York Jets leaves the field following the Jets’ 34-21 win against the Buffalo Bills during their game at MetLife Stadium on November 2, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

New York Jets – Outside Linebacker 

Coming into the 2018 season, the New York Jets outside linebackers had a combined total of 4.5 sacks in 2017. If the Jets wants to overtake the Patriots, they’ll need to get after the quarterback on defense consistently. Right now, they don’t have anyone at their rush linebacker spot who can do that. 

Oakland Raiders – Linebacker 

Tahir Whitehead is solid, but that’s where it stops. They have old man Derrick Johnson as their band-aid for the 2018 season. He’ll turn 35 in November and will be a free agent in 2019. Outside linebacker Emmanuel Lamur has 30 tackles over the last two seasons and there isn’t much depth after that.

Of course, they could also need to replace Khalil Mack after trading him on Saturday.

Philadelphia Eagles – Offensive Tackle 

The Super Bowl champs don’t have a lot of weaknesses, but there’s a glaring need up front along the offensive line. Jason Peters is old (36) and coming off a devastating injury. Lane Johnson is a screw-up away from being suspended for a season. The Eagles have their franchise quarterback healing up and, if they want to keep him healthy, they’ll need to fill that void up front

Pittsburgh Steelers – Inside Linebacker 

Ryan Shazier is out and there isn’t a player on the roster that can fill his spot. They finished the season inside the top 10 against the run last year, but that’s bound to change. Shazier also played an important role in defending the pass — his 11 pass defended and three interceptions are proof of that. The Steelers are going into the season with a major hole at the position.

San Francisco 49ers – Outside Linebacker

At outside linebacker, the 49ers have Mark Nzeocha, who hasn’t started a game in his career. Hopefully Ruben Foster doesn’t become a repeat offender or the 49ers will have more than outside linebacker troubles. Cornerback is another question mark. Richard Sherman looked bad in camp, and he’s a band-aid over a cut that needs stitches, but linebacker is still the biggest question mark.

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