2015 NFL Draft: Biggest needs for 6 teams vying for 1st overall pick

The football gods have forsaken us by putting Tennessee at Jacksonville on the Thursday Night Football schedule this week. It's the least appealing matchup of the season - and it's also one that could have a major impact on the league for the next decade and beyond.

Both the Titans and Jaguars are in the running for the top pick in the 2015 draft, with some projections pegging the AFC South doormats as the two most likely teams to earn that dubious distinction:

Let's check in with the half-dozen teams in contention for the first overall selection, and examine the positions and players they may target with their top picks.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2014 record: 2-12 (.482 strength of schedule) 

Biggest need: LT

Other needs: QB, pass rusher

If the Buccaneers lose their final two games, they'll pick first in April thanks to the impact the terrible NFC South has on their strength of schedule. In such a scenario, the decision will likely come down to whether the front office believes Marcus Mariota (Oregon) or Jameis Winston (Florida State) can be a franchise quarterback. If not, look for the Buccaneers to play it safe and select a left tackle, like Brandon Scherff (Iowa), and search for a quarterback in a later round.

Tennessee Titans

2014 record: 2-12 (.491 strength of schedule)

Biggest need: QB

Other needs: Pass rusher, CB

Jake Locker failed to become the franchise passer the Titans believed he would be when they made him the eighth overall pick in 2008, so here they are again in search of a face of the franchise. The Titans' roster is as talent-poor as any in the NFL, so the team may consider giving rookie Zach Mettenberger (who looked mildly promising in limited action this season and is a better fit for Ken Whisenhunt's scheme than Mariota or Winston) one more season to prove he's the man and instead address one of its other needs. Edge rushers Randy Gregory (Nebraska) and Shane Ray (Missouri) are obvious candidates.

Jacksonville Jaguars

2014 record: 2-12 (.509 strength of schedule)

Biggest need: OL

Other needs: DL, RB

The Jaguars lack talent across the board, so they'll be free to take the best player available (outside of quarterback, where Blake Bortles remains their guy despite a shaky rookie season) every time they go on the clock. Ideally, a premier offensive tackle like Scherff will be on the board in the first round, allowing the Jaguars to move the disappointing Luke Joeckel to the right side and greatly improving Bortles' protection.

Oakland Raiders

2014 record: 2-12 (.585 strength of schedule)

Biggest need: DL

Other needs: WR, CB

The Raiders have a quarterback to build around in Derek Carr. They just need almost everything else. Defensive tackle Leonard Williams (USC) would be a great start. He's a difference-maker in the interior and will help keep blockers off 2013 first-rounder Khalil Mack, an emerging star. Wide receiver Amari Cooper (Alabama) is also a possibility. He would be the kind of flashy pick the Raiders may seek if they play next season in a new city (as some believe they will).

Washington Redskins

2014 record: 3-11 (.496 strength of schedule)

Biggest need: Pass rusher

Other needs: CB, OT

Quarterback will vault to the top of the Redskins' list of needs if the team decides to part ways with Robert Griffin III in the offseason. For now, we'll assume Griffin returns and the Redskins will turn their attention to improving a toothless defense. Pass rusher Vic Beasley (Clemson) can slot into the Redskins' scheme opposite Ryan Kerrigan, providing an upgrade over impending free agent Brian Orakpo. 

New York Jets

2014 record: 3-11 (.547 strength of schedule)

Biggest need: QB

Other needs: CB, OT

The Jets may have taken themselves out of the running for a quarterback by narrowly edging the Tennessee Titans in Week 15. Then again, blemishes on the consensus top two quarterbacks (Mariota's lack of experience in a pro-style scheme and Winston's major character red flags) could nudge them down the board to the Jets. Winston and The Big Apple sounds like a match made in media heaven, doesn't it?