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2018 NFL Draft: Biggest need for each team

By Conor Dorney

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 27: Commissioner of the National Football League Roger Goodell speaks during the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 27: Commissioner of the National Football League Roger Goodell speaks during the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images) /
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RALEIGH, NC – NOVEMBER 25: Bradley Chubb #9 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack reacts after a win against the North Carolina Tar Heels during their game at Carter Finley Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Raleigh, North Carolina. North Carolina State won 33-21. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC – NOVEMBER 25: Bradley Chubb #9 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack reacts after a win against the North Carolina Tar Heels during their game at Carter Finley Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Raleigh, North Carolina. North Carolina State won 33-21. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Indianapolis Colts: EDGE rusher

The Indianapolis Colts have already capitalized on this draft’s clamoring for quarterbacks, trading down from the third overall selection with the Jets, and picking up three second-rounders and the sixth overall pick in 2018. It’s an outstanding trade from the Colts perspective to move down just three spots, while simultaneously picking up a bevy of Day 2 picks that will give the club even more flexibility on draft day.

In their transition to a 4-3 defense, adding players in this draft who can pressure the quarterback will be priorities 1a and 1b. New head coach (and former Eagles offensive coordinator) Frank Reich takes the reins and will need to quickly rebuild his defense for the team to compete in a rapidly-improving AFC South division.

There are several edge rushers who stand out in this class, chief among them being NC State’s Bradley Chubb. I’ve mentioned it numerous times, but Chubb is one of my favorite players in the entire draft and I believe he’ll make the biggest impact of any rookie on defense in this class. Chubb plays with a nonstop motor and has the versatility to play both inside and outside. He has an outstanding get off from the line of scrimmage and is able to disrupt opposing running games just as much as he is able to sack the quarterback.

Getting Chubb with the sixth overall pick would be an absolute steal for the Colts and go a long ways toward rebuilding a pass rush that was near the bottom of the league last season. After focusing on defense early, expect Indianapolis to snatch up help for their offensive line and receiving corps as they look to surround Andrew Luck with the talent to make a playoff run in 2018.

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