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SNS NFL Team Needs-Post Free Agency

            Zachary Everett

AFC East

 

New York Jets

 

Additions / Re-signings: WR Allen Lazard, EDGE Solomon Thomas

Losses: DT Sheldon Rankins, G Nate Herbig, G Dan Feeney, WR Braxton Berrios, RB James Robinson, WR Elijah Moore

Team Needs: OT, G, TE, LB, S 

 

As it stands right now, the New York Jets have still not traded for Aaron Rodgers. We, at SNS, did not list QB as a need because it appears that the Rodgers trade is all but complete, but for now the Jets 2023 starting QB is Zach Wilson. Because the trade has not happened yet, we do not know what the Jets are giving up. Will they trade both 2023 seconds? Will they have to give up a 2023 first? So, assuming the Jets will be losing some draft capital this year, the Jets will be losing out on some day 1 and day 2 talent in this draft. So, filling the guard needs after losing Nate Herbig, and Dan Feeney may have to happen in round three or four of the draft. Now there will be some guys past day one to target at guard. Alabama’s Emil Ekiyor Jr., USC's Andrew Vorhees, TCU’s Steve Avila and even North Dakota State’s Cody Mauch may be available for the Jets if they keep one of their seconds. Edge Rusher is also a position of need that they may have to target later in the draft depending on the Rodgers deal. The Jets might be missing out on some chances to improve their offensive and defensive line, with the Rodgers trade, but if he could bring them a ring, it'll be well worth it. 

 

New England Patriots

 

Additions / Re-signings: WR Juju Smith-Schuster, TE Mike Gesicki, OT Riley Reiff, CB, Jonathan Jones, RB James Robinson

Losses: WR Jakobi Meyers, RB Damien Harris

Team Needs: EDGE, DT, CB, WR

 

The New England Patriots finished third in the division and missed the playoffs for only the second time since 2008. The Patriots did get a few new toys on offense in free agency, with the addition of Juju Smith-Schuster, and Mike Gesicki, but with the loss of Jakobi Meyers and an already lackluster receiving corps, New England could be in position to take a receiver on day 1 or day 2 of the draft. Defensively, New England has one of the more underrated pass rushers in the game, in Matthew Judon, but could gain in adding another one to have on both sides of the line. In the secondary New England had a lot of young players that produced last year but is still in need of an elite playmaker at corner. 

 

Miami Dolphins

 

Additions / Re-signings: CB Jalen Ramsey, RB Raheem Mostert, LB David Long, S Deshon Elliot, WR Braxton Berrios, G Dan Feeney

Losses: TE Mike Gesicki, LB Elandon Roberts, G Michael Deiter

Team Needs: DT, G, TE 

 

Miami had a bit of a disappointing end to a very promising start of the season, injuries especially at QB, torpedoed their season. Miami did make a move that should make Dolphins fans happy, trading a third-round pick, and TE Hunter Long, for CB Jalen Ramsey. Miami is one of five teams without a first round pick, and the only team to have less than five picks in the whole draft. Miami could acquire some more picks in the later rounds, and it will be expected that they do, but as of right now, the talented Miami roster does not have the capital to mightily improve their team in the draft. That doesn't mean that Miami can't fill some needs in the draft, but they will have to be smart with how they handle their picks. One direction Miami could go is to take a TE somewhere on day 3 of the draft. With the loss of Mike Gesicki to free agency, and Hunter Long as a part of that Rams trade, Miami could use a TE, and there is great depth at the TE position this year. Iowa’s Sam LaPorta, South Dakota State’s Tucker Kraft, Oregon State’s Luke Musgrave, and many other TEs, Miami could look to take to fill that need. 

 

Buffalo Bills

 

Additions / Re-signings: S Jordan Poyer, G Connor McGovern, RB Damien Harris

Losses: LB Tremaine Edmunds, RB Devin Singletary, WR Isaiah McKenzie

Team Needs: DT, LB, CB, S

 

The Bills ended the season with a disappointing divisional round loss to the Bengals. As disappointing as it was for Bills fans, they still have a lot of talent, especially offensively. With the addition of Damien Harris, and the already dangerous receiving duo of Stephon Diggs and Gabe Davis, the Bills have the offense to win the Super Bowl. Defensively they have some holes to fill with the free agency departure of Tremaine Edmunds - they need to address LB in the draft. And with Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer both into their 30’s they could look to make a move to improve on the back end of their secondary. 

 

AFC South

 

Houston Texans

 

Additions / Re-signings: TE Dalton Schultz, DT Sheldon Rankins, RB Devin Singletary, S Jimmie Ward, WR Robert Woods

Losses: EDGE Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, TE Jordan Akins, TE OJ Howard

Team Needs: QB, WR, C, OT, DT, EDGE, LB, FS

 

The Texans need an influx of talent, and with 11 picks in the draft, and five picks in the first three rounds, the Texans have the ability load up in April. The most obvious need is QB, but they also need weapons to surround their rookie QB. The Texans could look to take the first receiver off the board with their second First Round pick (#12). With a somewhat aging Justin Britt, the Texans could look to get a center in this draft, and there are some good ones. Minnesota’s John Michael Schmitz, Notre Dame’s Jarrett Patterson are just two who could be likely draft picks for Houston. Defensively, the Texans need help at every level but will have ample opportunities to do that in this draft. 

 

Indianapolis Colts

 

Additions / Re-signings: EDGE Samson Ebukam, QB Gardner Minshew, WR Isaiah McKenzie

Losses: LB Bobby Okereke, WR Paris Campbell, CB Brandon Facyson

Team Needs: QB, WR, G, LB, CB

 

Indianapolis had a very underwhelming season, almost everyone on their team took a step back. The offensive line, Jonathan Taylor, and especially Matt Ryan, who has now been released, all had disappointing seasons. Assuming Indianapolis takes Will Levis or Anthony Richardson at pick No.4, the next biggest need Indianapolis will need to address is the secondary. Besides Kenny Moore, and Isaiah Rodgers, the Colts really don’t have anyone else proven in the secondary. With the loss of Bobby Okereke in the off-season, and Shaq Leonard’s injury history the last two seasons, LB is also a major position of need for the Colts. The Colts have some holes, but they have a lot of talent at key positions, RB Jonathan Taylor, G Quenton Nelson, WR Michael Pittman, LB Shaq Leonard, CB Kenny Moore and with the endless potential of either Will Levis or Anthony Richardson, the Colts could have a bright future.

 

Tennessee Titans

 

Additions / Re-signings: OT Andre Dillard, CB Sean Murphy-Bunting, LB Azeez Al-Shaair, LB/EDGE Arden Key

Losses: G Nate Davis, LB David Long, WR Robert Woods, OT Taylor Lewan, LB Zach Cunningham 

Team Needs: OT, G, C, EDGE, QB, LB, WR

 

The Titans ended the season on a seven-game losing streak and are now in an interesting spot. The Titans are in a bit of a rebuild, with an aging Derrick Henry, and QB Ryan Tannehill coming off of his worst season as a Titan. The Titans also cut Taylor Lewan, Robert Woods, and Zach Cunningham. They may also be in the process of losing Kevin Byard. What all that means is the Titans have a lot of holes to fill in this upcoming draft. The Titans will most likely look to draft a tackle at Pick No.10, whether that be Paris Johnson Jr., Broderick Jones, or Peter Skoronski, we'll have to wait and find out. The Titans may also look to trade up and draft a QB if their guy falls far enough. As stated earlier, Ryan Tannehill struggled last year, and it would make sense if the Titans decided to move in that direction. The Titans are looking for an influx of talent and will look to get some of that in this draft.

 

Jacksonville Jaguars 

 

Additions / Re-signings: S Andre Wingard, CB Tre Herndon

Losses: OT Jawaan Taylor, LB/EDGE Arden Key, WR Marvin Jones

Team Needs: OT, G, C, DT, S

 

Coming off of a terrific turnaround from the worst record in 2021, to winning the division and a playoff game this season, Jacksonville has had a pretty quiet free agency so far, with their only impactful additions being the re-signing of Andre Wingard and Tre Herndon. When it comes to free agency losses, the only major one being Jawaan Taylor, who signed with Kansas City. That leaves a hole at tackle for Jacksonville, with a team that already needs to shore up the offensive line. Defensively, Jacksonville could use an interior defensive lineman to share snaps with Folorunso Fatukasi, so look for Jacksonville to take a defensive lineman in this draft.

 

AFC North

 

Cleveland Browns

 

Additions / Re-signings: DT Dalvin Tomlinson, S Juan Thornhill, Edge Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, TE Jordan Akins, WR Eljiah Moore

Losses: CB Greedy Williams, QB Jacoby Brissett

Team Needs: DT, LB, C

 

Cleveland has made a few splash moves this off-season. Cleveland started free agency by signing 29-year-old, defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson to a 4-year, $57 million contract. Cleveland followed that up with signing Juan Thornhill and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo. Then Cleveland trades the No. 42 overall pick to the Jets for Eljiah Moore, and the No. 74 overall pick in this year's draft. Cleveland has a lot of talent on their roster, which is a good thing because their first pick in this year's draft, isn't until the third round with the No. 74 overall pick that they got from the Jets. This is a deep draft so the Browns will be able to improve at key positions in the draft, but they will miss out on a lot of top end talent. 

 

Pittsburgh Steelers

 

Additions / Re-signings: G Issac Seumalo, G Nate Herbig, CB Patrick Peterson, EDGE Larry Ogunjobi

Losses: CB Cameron Sutton, LB Devin Bush, LB Robert Spillane 

Team Needs: WR, CB, OT, DT, S

 

The Steelers were a Jets week 18 win away from making the playoffs. The Steelers went 7-2 after the bye week and will try to continue that hot finish to next season. The Steelers went into the off-season wanting to improve the offensive line, signing guard Nate Herbig, and guard Issac Seumalo from the Eagles, keeping him in state. The Steelers will still be looking to improve at left tackle and could very well draft the best available one at pick No.17. The Steelers will also look to improve on the secondary, and could potentially look to draft cornerback Joey Porter Jr., son of Steelers legend Joey Porter. The Steelers will also look to draft a defensive tackle with aging Cameron Heyward nearing the end of his career. The Steelers are in need of talent but with a young QB in Kenny Pickett they have a bright future ahead.  

 

Baltimore Ravens

 

Additions / Re-signings: RB Justice Hill, CB Trayvon Mullen, WR Nelson Agholor 

Losses: G Ben Powers, C Trystan Colon-Castillo

Team Needs: WR, G, EDGE, DT, LB

 

The Ravens ended the season losing to the Bengals in the Wild Card round of the playoffs. As the franchise tag window opened up, the Ravens quickly franchise tagged Lamar Jackson after not being able to agree on a long-term deal. Jackson wanted a fully guaranteed contract similar to Deshaun Watson’s contract and Baltimore did not want to commit to a fully guaranteed contract. Shortly thereafter, Jackson asked the Ravens to trade him. Ravens HC John Harbaugh, and the rest of the Ravens organization are confident that he'll remain a Baltimore Raven. So, at least as of now Lamar Jackson is a member of the Ravens and has been franchise tagged. If Jackson and the Ravens relationship continues to deteriorate and both sides don't believe they will come to a long-term decision, do not be surprised if the Ravens attempt to trade up for QB Anthony Richardson. As for other likely draft picks, the Ravens need a receiver badly, the Ravens had no receiver record over 500 receiving yards, and only added receiver Nelson Agholor in free agency. As for defensive needs, Baltimore is in need of a pass rusher. The Ravens had no player record more than 6 sacks, and only one player recorded over 5 sacks. The Ravens have talent, and they have a former MVP QB, in Jackson, but it'll be interesting to see if Baltimore fully commits to him.

 

Cincinnati Bengals 

 

Additions/Re-signings: T Orlando Brown, G Cody Ford, LB Germaine Pratt 

Losses: S Jessie Bates, S Von Bell, TE Hayden Hurst, 

Team Needs: TE, G, LB, S, DT

 

Coming off an AFC Championship loss, the Bengals looked to improve their offensive line in free agency just like they attempted to do last off-season. Bengals signed right tackle La’el Collins last off-season, and now this off-season they signed left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. from Kansas City. Cincinnati is spending big money on their offensive line to help protect Joe Burrow and the fiery offense. Tight End is still a position of need after losing Hayden Hurst to Carolina, and could be the team to take the first tight end in the draft. Whether that is Michael Mayer or Dalton Kincaid, or another tight end, expect them to take one at some point in the draft. The biggest position of need after free agency has to be safety. The Bengals lost both Jessie Bates and Von Bell. There are many highly regarded safeties in this draft, if Cincy wants to take one early, they could go in the Brian Branch or Antonio Johnson direction. If they want one later in the draft, they could look at JL Skinner from Boise State or Ji’Ayir Brown from Penn State. 

 

AFC West

 

Denver Broncos

 

Additions / Re-signings: T Mike McGlinchey, G Ben Powers, Edge Zach Allen, RB Samaje Perine

Losses: EDGE Dre'Mont Jones, G Graham Glasgow, RB Chase Edmonds.

Team Needs: C, EDGE, DT, LB, CB, S

 

The Denver Broncos had an extremely disappointing season, after having such high hopes after the Russell Wilson trade. Going 5-12 and finishing last in the AFC West, is something no one expected. Denver is looking to change that, they hired Sean Payton as their new HC, but had to give up their first-round pick that they got by trading Bradley Chubb to Miami. Sean Payton is said to be implementing a whole new system around Russell Wilson and is hoping to get the Seattle Seahawks' version of Russell Wilson. In free agency, the Broncos had one major goal doing their best to fix the offensive line. Denver signed Mike McGlinchey from San Francisco, and Ben Powers from Baltimore. If Russell Wilson can get back to form, they have the key pieces offensively to improve. Defensively, after trading away Bradley Chubb, and not re-signing Dre’Mont Jones, Denver is in a huge need for an Edge Rusher. The signing of Zach Allen helps, but they need to be able to generate consistent pressure from both sides of the line. With Denver's first pick in the draft not being until the early third-round. Denver will have to be creative on how to land the guys they want, but they have the talent on their team to compete for the loaded AFC West.

 

Las Vegas Raiders

 

Additions / Re-signings: QB Jimmy Garoppolo, WR Jakobi Meyers, S Marcus Epps, LB Robert Spillane, TE OJ Howard

Losses: QB Derek Carr, Edge Clelin Ferrell, WR Mack Hollins

Team Needs: G, OT, QB, DT, EDGE, CB, S

 

The Raiders decided to bench Derek Carr for the last two games of the season for Jarret Stidham. The writing was clearly on the wall, and weeks later Derek Carr and the Raiders mutually parted ways. Derek Carr went to the Saints, and the Raiders signed Jimmy Garoppolo to a 3-year, $72 million contract. The contract is back ended, but if the Raiders released him after the 2024 season it would only be a dead cap of $18 million. The long and short of it is, don't be surprised if the Raiders take a QB at pick no.7. Especially if Will Levis is there, who just feels like a Josh McDaniels QB. The offensive line is a bit of a concern, they had good production out of rookie guard Dylan Parham, but depending on how comfortable the Raiders feel about seventh round pick, right tackle Thayer Munford, the Raiders could look to draft a replacement, or at least give him some competition. Defensively, the Raiders finished as the # 21 in yards allowed per game, which is in large part due to the Raiders lack of a consistent pass rush. Las Vegas recorded only 27 sacks which was 3rd worse in the NFL. After Las Vegas signed Chandler Jones last off-season, many people believed the Raiders had a dominant two-headed monster rushing the passer with Chandler Jones, and Maxx Crosby, but that just wasn't the case. Potentially after QB, look for the Raiders to make getting a pass rusher top priority in this year’s draft. 

 

Los Angeles Chargers

 

Additions / Re-signings: LB Eric Kendricks, OT Trey Pipkins, EDGE Morgan Fox

Losses: LB Drue Tranquill

Team Needs: WR, OT, DT, S

 

The Chargers ended their season on a rough note. Blowing a 27-0 lead in the wild card round of the playoffs and falling to Jacksonville. As crushing as that was for Chargers fans, they have a young stud QB, who is only going into his fourth year. The key is to have pieces around him. The Chargers did a great job protecting him by drafting left tackle Rashawn Slater in 2020. The two biggest holes offensively are improving the receiver position and figuring out what to do with Austin Ekeler. The Chargers are allowing Austin Ekeler to seek a trade, now, we at SNS, did not put running back as a need for LA, because ultimately, we believe he will in fact stay with the Chargers. Either way, don't be surprised if the Chargers go and take Bijan Robinson in the first if he is still available. When it comes to receivers, the Chargers have an aging Keenan Allen, and a receiver in Mike Williams who struggles to stay healthy. Look for the Chargers to take a receiver in this draft. On the defensive side of the ball, the Chargers have a lot of talent and not a lot of holes, the Chargers could use a safety to go alongside Derwin James, and they could use some depth on the defensive line, but the Chargers have a lot of talent, and the organization and fans are expecting to win now.

 

Kansas City Chiefs

 

Additions / Re-signings: OT Jawaan Taylor, LB Drue Tranquill, EDGE Charles Omenihu, RB Ronald Jones 

Losses: OT Orlando Brown, WR Juju Smith-Schuster, S Juan Thornhill, OT Andrew Wylie. 

Team Needs: WR, OT, DT, EDGE

 

The Kansas City Chiefs for the second time in four years won the Super Bowl. The Chiefs off-season may not have gone as well as their Super Bowl winning season though, as they lost both their tackles, and their second leading receiver in yards and receptions in Juju Smith-Schuster. Kansas City did sign tackle Jawaan Taylor, who will most likely play right tackle which leaves a huge hole at left tackle, and an obvious void to fill in the draft. Defensively, with the Chiefs releasing Frank Clark there is a need for a pass rusher alongside George Karlaftis. Coming off a Super Bowl victory, the Chiefs didn't lose a ton of players, but they lost some talent and some guys at some key positions, and will need to fill these holes in the draft if they want to repeat as champions this year.

 

NFC East

 

Washington Commanders

 

Additions / Re-signings: QB Jacoby Brissett, OT Andrew Wylie, G Nick Gates, LB Cody Barton

Losses: LB Cole Holcomb, QB Taylor Heinicke, WR Cam Sims

Team Needs: QB, C, LB, CB 

 

The Carson Wentz experiment did not work, and this off-season Washington signed a bridge QB in Jacoby Brissett. Brissett signed a 1-year, $8 million deal. Washington obviously does not have Brissett in mind to be their future QB, a quarterback could be the play in the draft, but at pick no. 16 the top four QBs are likely to be gone. Washington could potentially view Sam Howell as the future QB, the fifth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft out of North Carolina. As for other needs in this draft, Washington has room for improvement in the secondary. Good news for Washington, there should be a lot of good prospects available at 16, if they decide to go in that direction. Even with the addition of LB Cody Barton from Seattle, Washington could use another linebacker, so that would also be a position that Washington would look to draft. Washington has a lot of talent on the offensive and defensive side of the ball, the biggest hole is at the QB spot, but they have a lot of options on how to handle that. 

 

New York Giants

 

Additions / Re-signings: LB Bobby Okereke, WR Paris Campbell, WR Darius Slayton, TE Darren Waller, CB Amani Oruwariye

Losses: G Nick Gates, S Julian Love, C Jon Felicano 

Team Needs: WR, G, C, CB, S

 

The New York Giants surprised everyone this season when they not only made the playoffs but won a playoff game. That success was in large part due to the turnaround of Daniel Jones. A year ago, the Giants declined Jones fifth year option, and now Jones just inked a 4-year, $60mil deal. With the Giants fully committed to Daniel Jones, and Saquon Barkley looking like a top 5 running back last year, the Giants are fully committed to winning around Jones, so the next step has to be giving him some more weapons. The trade for Darren Waller helps but expect the Giants to take a receiver in this draft. Receiver is a big need, but arguably the biggest need that the Giants need to address is the CB position. The Giants don't have a lot of proven guys in the secondary besides Adoree Jackson. Darnay Holmes has shown flashes, but he primarily plays as a nickel CB. The Giants did sign Amani Oruwariye but that is more of a depth piece to add to the secondary than a projected starter. The Giants could also look to make an improvement at guard, where it is looking like Solomon Kindley or Wyatt Davis will be starting alongside Mark Glowinski. 

 

Dallas Cowboys

 

Additions / Re-signings: LB Leighton Vander Esch, S Donovan Wilson, RB Ronald Jones.

Losses: RB Ezekiel Elliot, C Connor McGovern, TE Dalton Schultz, WR Noah Brown

Team Needs: G, DT, EDGE, TE 

 

The Cowboys ended the season losing in the divisional round to the 49ers. The second straight year that the 49ers ended their season. The Cowboys then started the off-season parting ways with Zeke Elliot, longtime Cowboys RB, who recorded over 8,000 yards in his seven years with Dallas. The Cowboys also lost Connor McGovern in free agency to the Buffalo Bills which leaves a hole at center. A potential position that Dallas may look to draft that doesn't appear on paper to be a huge need is an edge rusher. Even with the addition of Dante Fowler, and Micah Parsons who comes of the edge, Demarcus Lawrence is already 30, and Dallas may want to get a guy that can replace his production sooner rather than later.

 

Philadelphia Eagles

 

Additions / Re-signings: CB James Bradberry, CB Darius Slay, DT Fletcher Cox, RB Rashaad Penny, CB Greedy Williams, C Jason Kelce

Losses: RB Miles Sanders, DT Javon Hargrave G Issac Seumalo, S Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, LB Kyzir White, LB TJ Edwards

Team Needs: LB, RB, C, G, DT, CB, S

 

Following a devastating Super Bowl loss, the Eagles were unable to financially afford to bring back a lot of players especially with a new Jalen Hurts contract coming up. The Eagles lost a lot of players and that is most evident on the defensive side of the ball. Eagles lost their two leading tacklers on the season with TJ Edwards and Kyzir White leaving in free agency. The Eagles also lost Chauncey Garner-Johnson, who is tied for league leader in interceptions, and Javon Hargrave who had 11 sacks on the season. It will not be easy to replace that talent in the draft, however the good news for Eagles fans is that the Eagles have two first round picks, and one in the top 10. The Eagles could go many ways with that pick, but don't be surprised if it’s a defensive lineman, everyone knows GM Howie Roseman loves drafting the big guys up front. With the no. 30 pick, many people suspect a running back (most likely Jahmyr Gibbs) but a center could be in play especially if this is Jason Kelce’s last season, and the Eagles decide to move Cam Jurgens to guard. The Eagles definitely lost a lot of talent, but they have a young stud QB, and one of the best receiving duos in the NFL, don't be surprised if the Eagles are back in the conference championship next season. 

 

NFC South

 

Atlanta Falcons

 

Additions / Re-signings: S Jessie Bates, DT David Onyemata, OT Kaleb McGary, WR Mack Hollins, QB Taylor Heinicke

Losses: QB Marcus Mariota, CB Isaiah Oliver

Team Needs: QB, WR, C, G, EDGE, DT, LB

 

The Falcons are one of many teams that are a possibility to land Lamar Jackson, if Baltimore does indeed decide to trade Jackson. But as of now, Atlanta is sticking with either third round pick from last year Desmond Ridder, or free agent Taylor Heinicke. As for the rest of the offense, with the mid-season trade of Calvin Ridley to Jacksonville, Atlanta has a huge need at the receiver position. Falcons could also look to improve the center position. Drew Dalman, a 2021 fourth round draft pick, has been solid but there is room for improvement and if the right guy is there, Atlanta may pull the trigger to try and upgrade the offensive line. Defensively Atlanta could look to improve the front seven, they did sign David Onyemata from divisional rival Saints and still have Grady Jarrett and Arnold Edbikete, but there isn't a whole lot there after that. Next year will be the deciding factor on what Atlanata will do with the QB position, but for right now the goal should be to improve the team around either Heinicke or Ridder. 

 

New Orleans Saints

 

Additions / Re-signings: QB Derek Carr, RB Jamaal Williams, S Johnathan Abram

Losses: DT David Onyemata, LB Kaden Ellis, DT Shy Tuttle, WR Deonte Harty

Team Needs: G, EDGE, DT, LB, CB

 

The Saints went out and signed Derek Carr to a 4-year, $150 million deal. Then with all of the unknowns regarding Alvin Kamara, the Saints signed Jamaal Williams from Detroit. With the NFC South appearing to be as bad as it is, the Saints are attempting to take advantage and take control of the division. The Saints might be in win now mode, but they still have positions that they need to improve on in this draft, especially on the defensive side of the ball. With the loss of David Onyemata, and Shy Tuttle the Saints have to improve on the interior defensive line in the draft. With a 33-year-old Cameron Jordan, the Saints need to be prepared to replace his production when he eventually retires, and New Orleans could be in a good position to do that in this draft. The Saints are in a good spot to win the NFC South but as we stand going into the draft, they are still not considered Super Bowl contenders, but a good draft class could go a long way in changing that forecast. 

 

Carolina Panthers

 

Additions / Re-signings: RB Miles Sanders, TE Hayden Hurst, WR Adam Thielen, WR DJ Chark, S Vonn Bell, DT Shy Tuttle, C Bradley Bozeman, QB Andy Dalton

Losses: QB Sam Darnold, RB D’Onta Foreman, LB Corey Littleton

Team Needs: QB, LB, C, WR

 

Carolina made the splash move of the off-season trading Pick No. 9, Pick No. 61, 2024 first rounder, 2025 second rounder, and WR DJ Moore for the No.1 overall Pick in this year's draft. To many people the Panthers gave up too much, but if Carolina drafts their future franchise QB, then it's worth it. Carolina also had a big off-season on the free agency market, picking up RB Miles Sanders, TE Hayden Hurst, WR Adam Thielen, and WR DJ Chark. Carolina is making sure their franchise QB will have weapons. Defensively Carolina has a young core in Edge Brian Burns and CB Jaycee Horn, and other key pieces in S Jeremy Chinn and DT Derrick Brown. Carolina could look to add some depth in their front seven, but Carolina may very well be a franchise QB away from taking over a struggling division in the NFC South. 

 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

 

Additions / Re-signings: QB Baker Mayfield, RB Chase Edmunds, CB Jamel Dean, LB Lavonte David, DT Greg Gaines

Losses: QB Tom Brady, CB Sean Murphy-Bunting, S Mike Edwards

Team Needs: QB, OT, G, C, EDGE, CB 

 

The big story for Tampa this off-season is the retirement of Tom Brady. As a short-term option Tampa signed Baker Mayfield to a 1-year deal worth $4 million. Mayfield is now on his fourth team in two years. As Tampa will look to potentially take a QB in the 2024 class, this year in the immediate Tampa Bay needs to focus on fixing the offensive line. Tampa Bay has one of the best young left tackles in the game in Tristan Wirfs, but other than that, they have holes to fill. At center Ryan Jensen is still a good player but is 31 and Tampa will need to prepare for someone to fill that role. 

 

NFC North

 

Chicago Bears

 

Additions / Re-signings: LB Tremaine Edmunds, LB TJ Edwards, G Nate Davis, RB D’Onta Foreman, RB Travis Homer, TE Robert Tonyan

Losses: RB David Montgomery, T Riley Reiff, LB Nicholas Morrow 

Team Needs: OT, RB, C, EDGE, DT, CB

 

The Bears were the other half of the trade that broke the off-season, getting two first round picks, including the 2023 first round pick swap, two seconds, and WR DJ Moore. While many people are crediting Ryan Poles, and saying he got away with a “robbery” (and there might be some merit to that) but Chicago moved down eight spots, and with a team that needs all the talent they can get, they will miss out on some good players. They did bring in some talent, spending big money on free agent LB Tremaine Edmunds. Chicago also brought in LB TJ Edwards from the Eagles, guard Nate Davis from the Titans, and two pairs of RB in Travis Homer and D’Onta Foreman. Now after free agency arguably the biggest need on the Chicago Bears is offensive tackle, which they will be in a great position to take the first tackle off the board. Whether that is Ohio State’s Paris Johnson Jr., Georgia's Broderick Jones, or even the Illinois native Peter Skoronski is still to be determined. With Chicago’s other nine draft picks, they need to look at getting an Edge Rusher. The Bears returning sack leader is safety Jaquan Brisker (4.0), and that is not a winning recipe. As stated earlier, the Bears are in need of a lot of talent, and can upgrade at every position you can think of besides QB. If Chicago can draft guys that keep fitting their culture, and they keep doing things the right way, the Bears could be building something special. 

 

Green Bay Packers

 

Additions / Re-signings: CB Keisean Nixon, S Tarvarius Moore

Losses: WR Allen Lazard, EDGE Dean Lowry, EDGE Jarran Reed, TE Robert Tonyan

Team Needs: WR, TE, G, OT, EDGE, DT

 

As of right now Aaron Rodgers is a Green Bay Packer. With everything that has happened in the past few months it would be surprising if Aaron Rodgers took the snap week 1 for the Green Bay Packers. That means Jordan Love will be the Packers new starting QB. With the Rodgers trade still unsettled, the compensation is unknown. Assuming the Packers at least get a couple of day 1 or day 2 picks the Packers should have a lot of capital to improve the team. Which is a good thing because this Packers team has some holes. Losing two key front seven contributors in Jarran Reed and Dean Lowry, and losing the team's leading receiver in Allen Lazard, will be hard to replace. A player like Iowa’s Lukas Van Ness at pick No.15 would not only help fill the Edge Rusher hole - he just seems like a Green Bay Packer. The Packers could also look to take a receiver in the first round (stop me if you've heard that before!), but USC’s Jordan Addison would make sense. The best route runner in the draft, is very reliable, especially for a younger QB, and something the Packers are in desperate need of. There are also some solid day 2 interior defensive lineman the Packers could get, like Wisconsin’s Keeanu Benton or Baylor’s Siaki Ika. Green Bay is in a good spot to get some talent with the eventual draft capital they get from trading Aaron Rodgers. 

 

Detroit Lions

 

Additions / Re-signings: CB Cameron Sutton, RB David Montgomery, S Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, LB Alex Analzone, CB Emmanuel Moseley, G Graham Glasgow

Losses: RB Jamaal Williams, S Deshon Elliot, G Evan Brown, LB Chris Board

Team Needs: G, DT, LB, EDGE, CB

 

Other than Kansas City, Detroit may be the only team who ended their season on a true high note (beating Green Bay on the last Sunday Night Football game of the year). The Lions are trying to maintain that momentum after a solid free agency period. The Lions attempted to fill their need at guard with a 1-year, 2.75 million deal bringing Graham Glasgow back to Detroit. The Lions also signed two cornerbacks in Emmanuel Moseley and Cameron Sutton, but still would expect them to get a corner in the draft. The Lions biggest hole is an interior defensive lineman, the Lions could be likely to fill that need in the first round with either pick No. 6 or pick No. 18. Two top candidates would be Bryan Bresee from Clemson or Calijah Kancey from Pittsburgh. The Lions are in a good spot with two first round picks, and five picks in the top 85. With plenty of young talent available, the Lions might be turning a new leaf, and stripping away the “Same Old Lions” moniker.

 

Minnesota Vikings

 

Additions / Re-signings: EDGE Marcus Davenport, EDGE Dean Lowry, CB Byron Murphy, C Garrett Bradbury

Losses: WR Adam Thielen, DT Dalvin Tomlinson, CB Patrick Peterson, LB Eric Kendricks 

Team Needs: G, WR, EDGE, DT, LB, CB

 

The Vikings had a disappointing ending to a very good regular season. Winning the division by four games and recording the most regular season wins for the Vikings since 2017. It was a bit of an up and down off-season for Minnesota, losing Dalvin Tomlinson, and two Vikings mainstays in Eric Kendricks and Adam Thielen. The Vikings did bring in Marcus Davenport, Byron Murphy, and even got Dean Lowry, from division rival Green Bay. The Vikings will need to address the loss of Dalvin Tomlinson, and the loss of Eric Kendricks in the draft, LB and DT are positions Minnesota needs to go after. Even with the addition of Marcus Davenport, and even with Za'darius Smith and Danielle Hunter, Minnesota could look to add a pass rusher. The biggest need Minnesota has to address is improving the secondary. The Vikings allowed the second most passing yards in the NFL last season (4,756). There are a lot of reasons teams don't win games, and it's difficult to blame one position group when you lose, especially in the playoffs, but the Vikings secondary was not good. If Minnesota wants to make a run in the playoffs, that is something they need to address.  

 

NFC West

 

Arizona Cardinals 

 

Additions / Re-signings: LB Kyzir White, Edge L.J. Collier, WR Zach Pascal, DT Kevin Strong, G Will Hernandez, OT Kelvin Beachum

Losses: Edge Zach Allen, G Cody Ford, DT Trysten Hill

Team Needs: C, G, OT, EDGE, DT, LB, CB

 

The Cardinals ended the season firing Kliff Kingsbury after serving as their head coach for four years. The Cardinals hired Eagles DC Jonathan Gannon. Arizona hopes Gannon will have a better tenure as head coach than Kingsbury, but with Kyler Murray’s health status unknown to start the season, and reports that DeAndre Hopkins may get traded, Arizona may be in line for a long season. Arizona could go a lot of different ways with the No. 3 overall pick in the draft. With the Panthers and Texans almost a lock to take a QB, Arizona will be able to take the best non-QB in the draft, or even trade down if a team like the Raiders want to jump in front of Indianapolis to take a QB. In the middle rounds of the draft, Arizona could look to shore up their offensive line. With Kelvin Beachum in his 30s, and the Cardinals expecting to release Rodney Hudson, drafting a tackle and center would make a lot of sense. Assuming Arizona does draft an Edge Rusher in the first round, the biggest need defensively will be in the secondary. Arizona did lose Byron Murphy to Minnesota, and to put it bluntly, there is just not a lot of talent in the secondary. This is a deep CB draft, so Arizona could even potentially double dip at the CB position. 

 

Los Angeles Rams

 

Additions / Re-signings: NONE

Losses: CB Jalen Ramsey, QB Baker Mayfield, CB David Long, DT Greg Gaines, S Nick Scott, LB Bobby Wagner

Team Needs: G, C, QB, Edge, DT, LB, CB

 

The Rams were riddled with injuries last year which was a major reason for their disappointing season. The Rams are in an interesting spot, they don't have a first round pick, thus far they haven't made a free agent signing, and they have a 35-year-old QB coming off a season-ending injury. The Rams still have key pieces, with Aaron Donald and Cooper Kupp, and are still in win now mode but they have a lot of holes to fill, especially defensively. With the loss of Greg Gaines, the Rams will need another defensive tackle to play alongside Aaron Donald. The Rams are also in need of getting a pass rusher off the edge, Los Angeles only recorded 38 sacks, which was in the bottom half of the league last year. With the loss of David Long and the Jalen Ramsey trade to Miami, the Rams biggest need is cornerback. If the Rams want one of the top corners, they will have to get creative and trade up for one, but corner arguably being the position with the most depth, there will be good prospect available at no. 36.  

 

Seattle Seahawks

 

Additions / Re-signings: LB Devin Bush, G Evan Brown, EDGE Dre’Mont Jones, S Julian Love, Edge Jarran Reed, LB Bobby Wagner

Losses: LB Cody Barton, RB Rashaad Penny, Edge L.J. Collier, S Johnathan Abram

Team Needs: G, C, EDGE, DT, CB

 

Seattle was a surprise team last year. making the playoffs, QB Geno Smith winning Comeback Player of The Year, and having a rookie class that seemed to all outperform expectations. The hype surrounding Seattle after this past season is still alive after a productive free agency period so far. Nothing too flashy, but they signed players that fit their culture and needs. Seattle lost LB Cody Barton, they signed LB Devin Bush, and brought back Seahawk legend Bobby Wagner. Shoring up the offensive and defensive lines has to be the key for Seattle heading into the draft, and Seattle has the ammunition to do so. Seattle has two first round picks, and five picks within the top 85. Seattle is in that interesting spot on whether they pass on Jalen Carter or not, if they do, Seattle could still get a top interior defensive lineman in Bryan Bresee or if they want more of an Edge Rusher they could go draft Texas Tech’s Tyree Wilson, who feels like a Seattle Seahawk. Either way, Seattle has a lot of picks coming off a playoff season and they will be looking to reload in this draft. 

 

San Francisco 49ers

 

Additions / Re-signings: DT Javon Hargrave, Edge Clelin Ferrell, QB Sam Darnold, CB Isaiah Oliver, C Jon Feliciano, Edge Austin Bryant

Losses: QB Jimmy Garoppolo, OT Mike McGlinchey, EDGE Samson Ebukam, S Jimmie Ward, CB Emmanuel Moseley, LB Azeez Al-Shaair, EDGE Charles Omenihu

Team Needs: OT, G, C, EDGE 

 

The 49ers lost in the NFC Championship game two straight years and followed that loss with a busy free agency. The 49ers brought in a lot of talent but also lost a lot. Most notable, tackle Mike McGlinchey. With the loss of McGlinchey and Trent Williams being 34 years old, the 49ers are in desperate need for a tackle. San Francisco will have to find an OT without having a first round pick, and in fact their first pick isn't until pick No. 99. San Francisco does have three third round picks, and three within four spots from each other, so they will be in place to get talent but will miss out on the top talent in the draft. The 49ers have a Super Bowl level roster, even with the QB position being as murky as it is, they expect to compete for the Super Bowl next season.

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