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Which players might fit QB-needy teams in NFL draft?

With less than a month until the draft, several NFL teams still are still unsettled with their quarterback depth chart.  And with little consensus on the incoming class, April could be a nerve-wracking time for many general managers and coaches.

Here's a look at eight teams who might be looking for quarterbacks in the draft, with our ranking of their need and a look at which prospects might fit them:

Broncos

The situation: Remember when John Elway said the acquisition of Mark Sanchez was the "first step" in the process of replacing Peyton Manning and Brock Osweiler? Everyone is still waiting for that next move, as Sanchez and Trevor Siemian remain the two quarterbacks on the roster. For the defending Super Bowl champions, this is particularly precarious spot in which to find themselves.

The need (1-10): 9. Whether it's another veteran (Mike Glennon, Nick Foles?) or draft pick, another move has to be forthcoming. The current outlook is untenable. 

The fit: Look for Denver to add another veteran before, or during, the draft. If the Broncos still go the rookie route with the No. 31 overall pick, its options might come down to Memphis' Paxton Lynch and Michigan State's Connor Cook. Lynch's athleticism suits him for coach Gary Kubiak's offense, but he might need significant time to adjust to taking on an NFL quarterback's responsibilities.

Browns

The situation: Robert Griffin III is in the fold, but that shouldn't change the Browns' plans in the draft. New coach Hue Jackson made a guarantee in February the team would select a quarterback. They should have their options open with the No. 2 pick, though they also own the first pick in the second round and could maneuver to find an answer at the position later.

The need (1-10): 9. The evaluation of this quarterback class may go down as the new Browns regime's most important move. Given that RG3 is a reclamation project, Cleveland has to use this opportunity to invest at the position.

The fit: North Dakota State's Carson Wentz and Cal's Jared Goff could present Cleveland with a tough decision, which will likely be about more than just fit. Wentz might have particular appeal as a strong pocket passer with impressive athleticism.

49ers

The situation: As shipping Colin Kaepernick to the Broncos becomes a more realistic probability, San Francisco has to take stock of its quarterback plan should the deal go down. Blaine Gabbert returns after taking over for Kaepernick midway through last season, but will Kelly really trust him with his offense? He's likely only a bridge starter, leaving GM Trent Baalke and coach Chip Kelly to find the long-term solution.

The need (1-10): 4 if Kaepernick remains with the team, 7 if he doesn't. Kelly's offensive system demands a lot of the quarterback. If the 49ers don't see someone who can handle the responsibilities, they should look elsewhere with the No. 7 overall pick. But there's never a guarantee that the answer will be ready and waiting in the  draft next year.

The fit: Goff might not meet Kelly's threshold for "repetitive accuracy," but he might be the best option available in this draft. His sharp anticipation could be a big asset for the offense.

Rams

The situation: No other team passed for fewer yards in 2015, but the Rams don't appear particularly motivated to overhaul their aerial attack. General manager Les Snead backed Case Keenum as the team's No. 1 at the beginning of offseason team activities, though that endorsement will carry more weight if the Rams stand pat at the position during the draft. 

The need (1-10): 7. Keenum has been acceptable as a fill-in, but asking him to start a full season is likely too much. The offense brings problems to Los Angeles that can't be solved merely by adding a new quarterback, but it's time to give Todd Gurley some help.

The fit: With the No. 15 overall pick and two selections in the second round, the Rams should be able to move around on a desired quarterback - or hope that one slides to them. Lynch might be an intriguing option in the firs roundt, but Cook might be more of a traditional fit and should be available in the second.

Eagles

The situation: Philadelphia didn't shy away from spending on quarterbacks this offseason after new coach Doug Pederson's arrival. Sam Bradford was brought back on a two-year contract, and Chase Daniel followed Pederson from Kansas City on a deal that would make him a highly paid backup or bargain starter. Yet Pederson still has said he expects the team to draft a third quarterback, if only as a developmental player behind Bradford and Pederson.

The need (1-10): 2. With Bradford and Daniel in the fold, there's not much pressure to gamble unless Howie Roseman and the Eagles brass believe they have the best player and soon-to-be starter staring at them.  The Eagles are doing their homework, though, visiting several quarterbacks -- and even owner Jeffrey Lurie is in the travel party.

The fit: Assuming the Eagles don't draft a quarterback at No. 8 overall, Arkansas' Brandon Allen could be an interesting third-day option. His timing and ability to make throws at the intermediate level would mesh well with Pederson's offense.

Jets

The situation: New York's outlook all depends on Ryan Fitzpatrick, who remains unsigned. Should he return, the Jets likely would likely be set with Geno Smith as a backup and last year's fourth-round pick Bryce Petty still serving as a developmental option. But any team letting its starter hang around this long in free agency likely isn't married to one scenario.

The need (1-10): 3 if Fitzpatrick re-signs, 8 if he doesn't. New York is expected to make a serious push in the AFC, so going back to Smith as starter might be tough. The Jets don't have the appearance of a team looking for a long-term answer at the position right now.

The fit: North Carolina State's Jacoby Brissett could serve as a backup with potential to be an eventual starter. Chan Gailey's offense could help maximize his skill set as well.

Cardinals

The situation: Carson Palmer is coming off a career-best season, but he turns 37 at the end of the upcoming season. His successor doesn't have to be found in this draft, but Arizona has to be cognizant of its options.

The need (1-10): 2. Palmer has been the heart of the Cardinals' offense, and that's not likely to change anytime soon. With Arizona expected to contend for the NFC again, using an early pick on a quarterback might be somewhat of a luxury.

The fit: Ohio State's Cardale Jones could be an interesting mid-round project for Bruce Arians. The Cardinals' downfield passing attack would suit Jones' strengths, and he likely wouldn't be forced into action anytime soon.

Cowboys

The situation: Dallas seemed like a logical destination for one of the draft's top quarterbacks - and you have to weigh how much to believe Jerry Jones saying at the NFL scouting combine he envisions Tony Romo remaining the starter for the next four to five years. There's plenty of unrest after Romo's injuries left the team to rifle through the likes of Brandon Weeden, Matt Cassel and Kellen Moore en route to a 4-12 campaign. As it stands now, Moore would be Romo's backup entering offseason workouts.

The need (1-10): 4. The Cowboys haven't drafted a quarterback in the first three rounds since taking Quincy Carter in 2001, and they have substantial needs elsewhere. But if an intriguing prospect is available in the third round or later, Dallas might want to consider the investment.

The fit: Mississippi State's Dak Prescott might present an intriguing option as a developmental quarterback for Jason Garrett's staff. He'll need plenty of time to refine his footwork and other elements of his game as a pocket passer, but he could bring value in the long term.

Follow Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz on Twitter @MikeMSchwartz.

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