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It's all about needs — top-10 style

What do NFL teams on Draft Day and the Rolling Stones have in common? They both subscribe to the notion that you can't always get what you want, but you just might find you get what you need.

For the most part, coaches claim to want to take the best player available at any given selection in the draft. But realistically, needs generally drive selections, especially in the early rounds. When we get to the later rounds, teams are mostly looking for guys who are going to make the team, but early on, it’s all about, “How does Player X fit into our existing puzzle?"

Let’s face it, it doesn’t matter how good Matt Ryan is, if he somehow remains on the board when the Patriots pick at No. 7, you better believe the Ravens will be downright giddy knowing that they’ll be able to nab him at No. 8 — barring another team trading in, of course.

With this mind, here’s my take on the top 10 needs that teams absolutely must address next weekend. Keep in mind, this isn’t necessarily a list of the worst units in the NFL, but rather the units that can’t afford to be ignored given the relative strengths/weaknesses of the team.

1. Chiefs offensive line — Considering the Chiefs also have glaring holes at cornerback and wide receiver, this just goes to show how truly horrendous their line is.

2. Saints cornerback — The Jason David experiment was an utter disaster, and expect much of the same from the vastly overrated acquisition of Randall Gay.

3. Dolphins offensive line — As bad as the Dolphins are, the O-line is really their only grave deficiency. OLT Vernon Carey and C Samson Satele are great, after that it’s “uh oh” time.

4. Broncos linebacker — Coordinator Jim Bates wasn’t the only reason the Broncos were laughably awful at stopping the run last season.

5. Bills wide receiver — Outside of ultra-talented Lee Evans, the only headline a Bills pass catcher has made recently is Roscoe Parrish for his DUI arrest.

6. Bengals defensive tackle — As porous as the “D” on the whole is, one stud tackle would make a load of difference in the Jungle.

7. 49ers defensive line — Sorry, Niner fans, but Justin Smith just doesn’t cut it.

8. Chiefs cornerback — With Ty Law gone, at least Patrick Surtain is the Chiefs’ only slow-footed, past-his-prime corner that needs replacing.

9. Patriots cornerback — None of the multiple free-agent pickups are legit options. However, S Brandon Meriweather’s skill set is far more conducive to corner, and a permanent switch would help alleviate this concern.

10. Jaguars defensive end — Paul Spicer and Reggie Hayward are good run supporters, but have injury concerns and don’t fit into new coordinator Gregg Williams’ attacking scheme.

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