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SNS NFL Team Needs-Post Free Agency 2024

Zachary Everett, SNS Senior Media Content Coordinator

New England Patriots

Key Additions / Re-signings: OT Mike Onwenu, RB Antonio Gibson, QB Jacoby Brissett, TE Hunter Henry, TE Austin Hooper, S Kyle Dugger, LB Sione Takitaki

Losses: TE Mike Gesicki, LB Mack Wilson, WR DeVante Parker, CB Jalen Mills

Team Needs: QB, WR, OT, IDL, CB

 

It is officially a new era in New England. Bill Belichick and the Patriots mutually parted ways, and former Patriot Jerod Mayo takes over as head coach. It is a tough spot for a rookie head coach, the Patriots have a lot of holes on the roster. The Patriots do hold the 3rd overall pick in the draft. Many speculate that they will take a QB but with a depleted roster trading down could be another option. If New England were to trade down, look for them to take a WR or offensive tackle, as it is a stacked tackle and receiver draft class. Defensively it was a very interesting year, the Patriots allowed the least number of yards per carry but had the least number of sacks in the NFL with only 36 team sacks. That would lead everyone to believe that New England needs a pass rusher but that is not a huge need on this Patriots team. With All-Pro Matthew Judon, and with Deatrich Wise Jr., and Keion White, the room should be producing more. White was a rookie this past season and there is still development that needs to be done. In the secondary, the CB position is pretty thin and is a position New England definitely needs to address in this year's draft.

New York Jets

Key Additions / Re-signings: EDGE Haasan Reddick, WR Mike Williams, OT Morgan Moses, OT Tyron Smith, G John Simpson, QB Tyrod Taylor, IDL Javon Kinlaw, IDL Leki Fotu, CB Isaiah Oliver,

Losses: EDGE Bryce Huff, CB Bryce Hall, S Jordan Whitehead

Team Needs: WR, OT, EDGE, S

 

Many people said the Jets won the off-season last year when they traded for Aaron Rodgers and it only took 4 plays for that to all come crumbling down. Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles and effectively ended the season for the Jets. While it's a small sample size, on all three of the pass plays for Aaron Rodgers, he was pressured before he went down, and the offensive line wasn't much better as the season went on as they allowed 64 sacks last season which was tied for fourth most in the NFL. That is why Joe Douglas and Robert Saleh made the offensive line a priority this free agency as they signed John Simpson, Tyron Smith, and traded for Morgan Moses. Those moves might work in the short term but a player like Tyron Smith at the age of 33 is not the long-term solution. The Jets need to find an offensive tackle for the future. New York also signed former Charger receiver Mike Williams to a one-year deal to give Aaron Rodgers another weapon but that should not stop the Jets from drafting a receiver if a receiver they like is on the board. On defense the Jets lost Bryce Huff to the Eagles and then traded for Haasan Reddick from the Eagles for a conditional 2026 third-round pick. That trade makes the need at the Edge position for the Jets not as crucial but beyond Jermaine Johnson, who is entering his third NFL season, the Jets don't have much depth. Another position where the Jets don't have a ton of depth is at safety, if you look at New York's roster they only have three safeties currently on the roster. The Jets have some positions they must address, but if New York stays healthy, they could be a dangerous team next year.

Miami Dolphins

Key Additions / Re-signings: LB Jordyn Brooks, C Aaron Brewer, TE Jonnu Smith, WR Braxton Berrios, S Jordan Poyer, EDGE Shaq Barrett

Losses: IDL Christian Wilkins, G Robert Hunt, LB Andrew Van Ginkel, LB Jerome Baker, S Deshon Elliot

Team Needs: IOL, TE, IDL, EDGE

 

Miami had a bit of a disappointing end to a very promising start to the season. After starting 5-1 and being multiple games up in the AFC East, a week 18 home loss to the Bills crowned the Bills the winner of the AFC East and forced the Dolphins to play Kansas City on the road in the Wild Card round. The off season started for Miami with rumors that they are looking to extend QB Tua Tagovailoa in the 45 million plus range. The Dolphins will need to clear a lot of cap space which is why they decided to let Christian Wilkins walk. Wilkins was a crucial piece on this Dolphins team and is a huge loss on the defensive line. Wilkins is a great pass rusher and a great run defender; it will not be easy for Miami to replace a guy like that. Even with the Dolphins having Bradley Chubb and signing Shaq Barrett, the Dolphins may still need to address Edge in the draft. On the O-line the Dolphins lost guard Robert Hunt to the Panthers and signed center Aaron Brewer from the Titans. It appears that the Dolphins will play Liam Eichenberg at center, which he has played in the past, but don't be surprised if the Dolphins draft an interior lineman in the first two days of the draft

Buffalo Bills

Key Additions / Re-signings: EDGE AJ Epenesa, IDL DaQuan Jones, WR Curtis Samuel, QB Mitchell Trubisky

Losses: WR Stefon Diggs, WR Gabe Davis, C Mitch Morse, CB Dane Jackson, S Jordan Poyer

Team Needs: WR, IDL, EDGE, S

 

The Bills ended their season for the third year in a row with a divisional round playoff loss. An underwhelming end to the season as the Bills can't seem to get over the hump. To make matters worse, this off-season the Bills traded receiver Stefon Diggs to Houston. The Bills received a 2025 second-round pick for 30-year-old Stefon Diggs, which is not bad value, but what hurts Buffalo fans the most is that they are potentially wasting Josh Allens prime by not giving him any weapons. This puts receiver as a position they need to address in the draft. As right now Curtis Samuel would be the Bills #1 receiver. Defensively, the pass rush was a little inconsistent last year in part due to a disappointing season from Von Miller, but with the resigning of AJ Epenesa, and Greg Rousseau steadily improving, it may not be the most pressing need but should still be addressed in the later rounds. What is more pressing is the secondary, especially the safety position. The Bills let both safety Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde go and are in desperate need of an upgrade in the back end of the secondary. The defensive line could also use shoring up; Buffalo resigned DaQuan Jones, who is serviceable, and they have Ed Oliver, but they lack depth.

AFC  East

Tennessee Titans

Key Additions / Re-signings: CB L’Jarius Sneed, WR Calvin Ridley, OC Lloyd Cushenberry, CB Chidobe Awuzie, RB Tony Pollard, LB Kenneth Murray

Losses: RB Derrick Henry, CB Sean Murphy-Bunting, LB Azeez Al-Shaair, DL Denico Autry

Team Needs: WR, OT, EDGE, LB, CB

 

In a somewhat shocking move, the Titans fired Mike Vrabel and hired Brain Callahan who was the OC at Cincy as their new Head Coach. The Titans in less shocking news, did not re-sign Derrick Henry after months of it being rumored to be his last season in Nashville. The Titans then made some interesting moves, signing Calvin Ridley to a four-year $92 million contract. Granted, only $50 million of it is guaranteed but still a lot of money for a team that may not be ready to compete for the division. The Titans signed Tony Pollard to a three-year $24 million contract, which is the same contract the Bears signed D’Andre Swift for. Then the Titans trade for one of the top corners in the NFL in L’Jarius Sneed for a 2025 3rd-round pick, and swaps of 2024 7th-round picks. The Titans are in a weird spot; they have some talent, but an unproven QB in Will Levis, a hole at receiver, and a major hole at tackle. Unless the Titans view one of the top receivers as a player, they cannot pass on, the consensus pick for the Titans is an offensive tackle with their 7th overall pick.

Indianapolis Colts

Key Additions / Re-signings: IDL Grover Stewart, CB Kenny Moore, IDL Raekwon Davis, QB Joe Flacco

Losses: RB Zach Moss, QB Gardner Minshew

Team Needs: CB, WR, LB

 

If Indianapolis fans were told Anthony Richardson would only start four games last year due to injury and they would still have only been a game away from the playoffs, they would have taken that. The Colts are a fairly young team in a good spot and all things considered they do not have a lot of glaring holes in the draft. One hole they do need to address is the cornerback position, with Kenny Moore II being the only really established guy and with Moore primarily in the slot, a boundary corner is priority one. At pick #15, the Colts should be in position to take the first corner off the board if they decide to head in that direction. On the other side of the ball Michael Pittman Jr. had a breakout year with over 100 receptions and 1,100 yards. Rookie Josh Downs had a very good season too, but Indy needs a third receiver, and in a stacked receiving class they will be able to find their guy on day 2 or 3 if they head in that direction.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Key Additions / Re-signings: EDGE Josh Allen, WR Gabe Davis, DL Arik Armstead, C Mitch Morse, S Darnell Savage

Losses: WR Calvin Ridley, CB Darious Williams, EDGE K’Lavon Chaisson

Team Needs: EDGE, OT, CB

 

No team had a more disappointing end to their season than the Jacksonville Jaguars. Starting the year 8-3 and in first place of the AFC South, to 9-8 and ending the year in third place in the AFC South. The Jaguars have a good roster and a QB still on his rookie deal, these are the years they need to take advantage of, and Jacksonville cannot afford to have another meltdown like this past season. After tagging Josh Allen in March, the Jaguars and Allen agreed to a five-year $150 million deal. That was a huge move by the Jags and keeping a guy like Josh Allen is extremely important to their success. Even with Allen back, the Jaguars could use help getting to the passer, as they finished with only 40 combined sacks on the year, which was third worst in the NFL. Jacksonville is lacking depth in the secondary, and losing Darious Williams did not help, so don't be surprised if the Jaguars take a couple of corners in this draft.

Houston Texans

Key Additions / Re-signings: WR Stefon Diggs, RB Joe Mixon, EDGE Danielle Hunter, DL Denico Autry, LB Azeez Al-Shaair

Losses: EDGE Jonathan Greenard, IDL Sheldon Rankins, RB Devin Singletary

Team Needs: IDL, LB, CB

 

The Texans had an impressive turnaround from 3-13-1 in 2022-23, to a 10-7 record and the AFC South division champs. That was in large part to a terrific rookie season from CJ Stroud who threw for over 4100 yards, 23 TDs, and won Rookie of the Year. With the trade for receiver Stefon Diggs, CJ Stroud just got another weapon. Arguably their biggest need heading into the draft was at the receiver and running back, but with the acquisition of Stefon Diggs and the signing of Joe Mixon the offense, is not a position the Texans need to spend a ton of draft capital on. On the defensive side of the ball the Texans also took a big step up in large part due to Will Anderson Jr. who won Defensive Rookie of the Year. The Texans did lose Jonathan Greenard in free agency, but they addressed that hole by signing Danielle Hunter. The Texans could still use another big body on the defensive line and are thin at cornerback and at linebacker.

AFC  South

Cincinnati Bengals

Key Additions / Re-signings: IDL Sheldon Rankins, S Geno Stone, S Vonn Bell, RB Zach Moss TE Mike Gesicki

Losses: RB Joe Mixon, CB Chidobe Awuzie, IDL DJ Reader, OT Jonah Williams, TE Irv Smith

Team Needs: RB, IDL, LB, OT

 

The Bengals finished fourth in the AFC North with a 9-8 record. It was a setback after the success of the past two years but to be expected after Joe Burrow went down 10 games into the season. With a healthy Joe Burrow the Bengals should be back to their 2022 form, but that doesn't mean they don't have holes to fill. Offensively, Cincy franchise tagged Tee Higgins and his camp requested a trade. The Bengals have no intention of fulfilling the trade request and Higgins' agent says they would like a long-term deal. Assuming Cincinnati works things out with Higgins, a receiver will not be a major need in the draft, but if Cincinnati and Higgins can't work out a deal, look for the Bengals to potentially draft a receiver at some point in this draft. Running back is another position the Bengals could look to draft as Cincy lost Joe Mixon to Houston in free agency. Cincy did sign Zach Moss but that would not stop them from drafting a RB. Defensively the Bengals lost DJ Reader to the Lions and while they did bring in Sheldon Rankins, the Bengals are still very thin on the defensive line. If the Bengals wanted to address the defensive line with their 18th overall pick Byron Murphy II from Texas or Jer’Zhan “Johnny” Newton from Illinois are a couple of options, so there are many ways Cincinnati could go in the first round of the draft.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Key Additions / Re-signings: QB Russell Wilson, QB Justin Fields, LB Patrick Queen, CB Donte Jackson, S Deshon Elliott, WR Van Jefferson

Losses: WR Diontae Johnson, OT Chukwuma Okorafor, QB Kenny Pickett, QB Mitchell Trubisky

Team Needs: WR, OT, EDGE, IOL

 

The Steelers had a very exciting off season, bringing in two QBs and a division rival's starting linebacker. While the Steelers may have their short term QB in Russell Wilson and their long term QB in Justin Fields figured out, there are still several holes on the team, especially on offense. Pittsburgh traded receiver Diontae Johnson to the Panthers for CB Donte Jackson and a pick swap. Diontae Johnson's tenure with the Steelers never really panned out, leaving the Steelers receiver room even more depleted. The Steelers also need help on the interior offensive line. Zach Frazier, center from West Virginia and Jackson Powers-Johnson, center from Oregon are also an option if Pittsburgh decides to go that direction earlier in the draft. The Steelers also need to give TJ Watt some pass rush help, as the Steelers don't have a lot of consistent pass rushers besides him. All in all, this was a very productive off season for the Steelers, but they still have many holes heading into the draft.

Cleveland Browns

Key Additions / Re-signings: EDGE Za’Darius Smith, IDL Shelby Harris, WR Jerry Jeudy, QB Jameis Winston, IDL Quinton Jefferson, LB Devin Bush

Losses: LB Sione Takitaki, IDL Jordan Elliot, TE Harrison Bryant

Team Needs: WR, EDGE, LB

 

Cleveland had an odd year finishing second in the AFC South and making the playoffs despite their starting QB (Deshaun Watson) only playing six games. Fortunately, having former divisional rival QB Joe Flacco as a back-up proved a wise move as he had a career renaissance winning Comeback Player of the Year and taking the Browns to the playoffs. If Deshaun Watson can stay healthy, Cleveland does not have a ton of needs heading into this draft and are in a position where they can take the best player available. Even the Browns' two biggest needs, receiver and Edge are just providing more depth at those positions than having real holes. Which is probably a good thing considering the Browns only have five total picks this year, and none in the first-round.

Baltimore Ravens

Key Additions / Re-signings: RB Derrick Henry, LB Malik Harrison,

Losses: LB Patrick Queen, S Geno Stone, G Kevin Zeitler, RB Gus Edwards, WR Devin Duvernay, G John Simpson

Team Needs: WR, IDL, LB, S, IOL, OT

 

The Baltimore Ravens were a game away from the Super Bowl. Many people thought that the lack of a consistent run game in the AFC Championship game was a huge reason why they fell short, which may have been the motivating factor for the Ravens to go and sign future First Ballot Hall of Famer Derrick Henry to a two-year, $16 million contract. Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry is a scary combination, and a receiver could potentially make the Ravens offense unstoppable. The Ravens are in a position to take the best player available in the first round, but receiver is definitely a position of need. The offensive line is also a position of need as the Ravens lost Kevin Zeitler and John Simpson, and traded tackle Morgan Moses to the Jets. The Morgan Moses trade might show that the Ravens have faith in former fourth-round pick from Minnesota Daniel Faalele, but it may also show that they plan on taking a tackle early in the draft. With the loss of Geno Stone at safety the Ravens still have Kyle Hamilton and Marcus Williams but no one behind them. The Ravens need bodies in the secondary badly, so don't be surprised if Baltimore spends some picks on day 3 adding some depth in that secondary.

AFC  North

LA Chargers

Key Additions / Re-signings: RB Gus Edwards, DL Poona Ford, TE Hayden Hurst

Losses: RB Austin Ekeler, WR Keenan Allen, WR Mike Williams, LB Kenneth Murray,

Team Needs: WR, OT, RB, IDL, LB, CB

 

The Jim Harbaugh era has officially begun for the Los Angeles Chargers. Coming off a National Championship with Michigan, the Chargers are hoping to have similar championship level success with Harbaugh under the helm. The Chargers were in a bit of a sticky cap situation leading to the releasing of WR Mike Williams after seven seasons with LA. The Chargers also couldn't work a deal with receiver Keenan Allen leading to a trade with Chicago. Los Angeles got a 2024 fourth-round pick in exchange for Allen. Losing two huge weapons for Justin Herbert might make one think the Chargers are going receiver in the first round, but that might not be the case for a Jim Harbaugh coached team. Maybe more than any other coach Jim Harbaugh prioritizes a run game and that is predicated on the offensive line, and with a hole at tackle the Chargers will be set up to take the first offensive tackle off the board. The Chargers also have pick #37 which will put them in prime position to take a receiver if they go that way. Besides QB, there isn't a position LA couldn't draft – the Chargers have a lot of holes. There is no question the Chargers front offense needs to give Justin Herbert more weapons and protection, but the Chargers also have to take good players in the draft and not just address their needs.

Denver Broncos

Key Additions / Re-signings: LB Cody Barton, S Brandon Jones, WR Josh Reynolds, TE Adam Trautman

Losses: QB Russell Wilson, C Lloyd Cushenberry, WR Jerry Jeudy, LB Josey Jewell

Team Needs: QB, WR, EDGE, IDL, IOL, CB

 

The Denver Broncos finished the season with an 8-9 record and finished third in the AFC West. After starting the year 1-5 and allowing 70 points in one game to Miami, the Broncos turned their season around, but it was too late. The Broncos released Russell Wilson, incurring an $85 million dollar cap hit over the next two years. On paper, Wilson did not have a terrible year and improved his numbers drastically from the 2022 season. But it still wasn't what Denver envisioned when they traded for him. With Wilson signing with Pittsburgh, the Russell Wilson era is finally over in Denver leaving a hole at QB. Unfortunately for Denver, with the 12th overall pick in the NFL Draft, they will miss out on the Top 4 QBs in this draft. With no second round pick the Broncos do not have a lot of draft capital to trade up for one of the top QBs. Whatever Denver decides to do at QB, there are a lot of other holes on this Broncos team. With the loss of Lloyd Cushenberry, that leaves a hole at center. The Broncos did sign Josh Reynolds but with the trade of Jerry Jeudy to Cleveland and an already thin receiver room look for Denver to draft a receiver. Defensively, the Broncos defense had a good second half turnaround, but lack of pass rush was an issue all season leading to Denver being in the bottom third in sack production in the NFL this past season. The Broncos need better production from their Edge Rushers, and with a room lacking experience, look for the Broncos to draft an Edge Rusher. Maybe even worse than their pass rush, the Broncos allowed the third most rushing yards, and allowed the most yards per carry of any team last year (5.0 YPC). The Broncos need to address the defensive tackle position in the draft. 

Las Vegas Raiders

Key Additions / Re-signings: IDL Christian Wilkins, QB Gardner Minshew, OT Jermaine Eluemunor, RB Alexander Mattinson

Losses: RB Josh Jacobs, DL Bilal Nichols, QB Jimmy Garoppolo, IDL Jerry Tillery

Team Needs: QB, RB, WR, IOL, OT, LB, CB

 

The Raiders fired Josh McDaniels after a week 8 loss to the Lions. The Raiders with Antonio Pierce as interim head coach really seemed to play better and harder, leading to Las Vegas's front office deciding to keep Antonio Pierce as the head coach. The Raiders made a huge splash in the off-season signing star defensive tackle Christian Wilkins to a four-year, $110 million deal. That move should drastically help the defense, but Las Vegas still has some holes on the second and third level. Robert Spillane played well last year, but the Raiders are thin at the linebacker position. Defensively, the Raiders were 12th in passing yards allowed per game last year but Las Vegas is still missing an elite CB2 that could push the passing defense into the Top 10. Offensively is where the real questions are at, the Raiders need to decide if Aidan O’ Connell is their future QB. The fourth-round pick in last year's draft had an up and down year. Las Vegas did sign Gardner Minshew but that should not stop the Raiders from drafting a QB. It is believed by people the Raiders will be looking to draft one of the top QBs in the class. It might be difficult with the # 13th overall pick, a trade would most likely need to be in play to get one of the topflight QBs. The Cardinals at pick #4 who already have a QB in Kyler Murray could be a spot where a team trades up for a top QB, but to go from pick #13 to pick #4 would take a lot of trade compensation. No matter who takes the first snap at QB next year, the Raiders need to get him weapons in this draft. With the loss of Josh Jacobs and no real depth at receiver, the Raiders need to help a potential rookie QB next year.

Kansas City Chiefs

Key Additions / Re-signings: WR Marquise Brown, TE Irv Smith, DL Tershwan Wharton

Losses: CB L’Jarius Sneed, LB Willie Gay, S Mike Edwards

Team Needs: WR, OT, CB, IOL

 

The Kansas City Chiefs have won back-to-back Super Bowls, a feat that hasn't happened in 20 years since the 2003 and 2004 New England Patriots. The Chiefs were not very aggressive in free agency, they did bring in some depth at TE and on the DL, and they did bring in some speed at receiver with the signing of Marquise Brown. KC did however have a blockbuster trade with the Titans, trading away star CB L’Jarius Sneed for a 2025 3rd-round pick, and swaps of 7th-round picks. Losing a star corner does leave a hole in that secondary but with a defense that was Top 10 in passing yards allowed and interceptions, General Manager Brett Veach may not view CB as the biggest hole even after the Sneed trade. Arguably, the biggest hole on the roster is at the left tackle position. If the season started today, the Chiefs would be starting 2023 3rd-round pick from Oklahoma Wanya Morris. He did play in 14 games last season, but only started four and all four came at the end of the season. The defending Super Bowl Champs could also shore up the interior offensive line, as it is thin. KC is in a great spot to potentially three-peat but there are some holes they need to address in this year's draft.

AFC  West

Washington Commanders

Key Additions / Re-signings: RB Austin Ekeler, C Tyler Biadasz, LB Frankie Luvu, LB Bobby Wagner, EDGE Dorance Armstrong, EDGE Clelin Ferrell, S Jeremy Chinn

Losses: WR Curtis Samuel, CB Kendall Fuller, S Kam Curl, LB Cody Barton, QB Jacoby Brissett

Team Needs: QB, WR, TE, IOL, EDGE

 

The Commanders had the most cap space going into the off-season, and they used a lot of it. Washington was very aggressive trying to give their rookie QB they intend to draft a roster to compete. It appears as it is coming down to the Commanders taking either Drake Maye from North Carolina or Jayden Daniels from LSU. Both QBs would be a much-needed improvement and would be the first time Washington has drafted a QB in the first round since Dwayne Haskins. The Commanders were aggressive in free agency, but they were 4-13 for a reason, this team still needs an influx of talent. After losing Curtis Samuel to Buffalo, they need a third receiver and a tight end for the future. Signing 33-year-old TE Zach Ertz to a one-year deal is not the solution long term. The Commanders traded Montez Sweat to Chicago halfway through the season last year and even though they signed Dorance Armstrong this off-season, Edge Rusher is still a position Washington should look to draft. Draft capital wise, the Commanders are in a good spot with nine overall draft picks and three picks in the Top 40.

NY Giants

Key Additions / Re-signings: EDGE Brian Burns, G Jon Runyan, OT Jermaine Eluemenor, RB Devin Singletary, QB Drew Lock

Losses: RB Saquon Barkley, S Xavier McKinney, QB Tyrod Taylor

Team Needs: QB, RB, WR, CB

 

This write up is totally different from last year. Coming into the off-season last year, the Giants were feeling good, they had just won a playoff game, there was a feeling that they found their franchise QB in Daniel Jones, as New York just signed him to a four-year deal, and they had a franchise running back in Saquon Barkley. As we sit now, the Giants had a disappointing season with a 6-11 record, Daniel Jones took a step back, and they lost Saquon Barkley to division rival Philadelphia Eagles in free agency. The good news for New York is that they were able to trade for star Edge Rusher Brian Burns. Defensively, the Giants have a lot of young talent, a CB is needed in the draft, but the Giants are in a good spot. Offensively, the Giants are in an interesting spot ahead of this draft, they are stuck with Daniel Jones for this season as releasing him would be a $69 million cap hit, but after next year his cap hit drops to $22 million. If the Giants plan on drafting a QB this year, they will almost certainly miss out on Williams, Daniels, and Maye. That would leave JJ McCarthy as the next viable QB to draft, but a team like the Vikings may try to jump in front of New York to take JJ. Regardless if the Giants have a rookie QB next year or they have Daniel Jones, they need to address the major need at receiver. New York does not have a #1 receiving option and no matter the QB, they need weapons to throw the ball to. While we at SNS did not list offensive line as a need, the Giants did allow 85 sacks last season which was the second most all time. Don't be surprised if the Giants look to improve their offensive line for whomever is at QB next year.

Philadelphia Eagles

Key Additions / Re-signings: EDGE Bryce Huff, RB Saquon Barkley, LB Devin White, S Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, WR DeVante Parker

Losses: EDGE Haason Reddick, RB D’Andre Swift, S Kevin Byard

Team Needs: CB, IOL, LB

 

The Eagles had a very disappointing end to the season last year, dropping six of their last seven games. A lot was made about Jalen Hurts' performance last year and the number of turnovers, but no matter how you feel about Jalen Hurts, he was not the only problem. The Eagles fired both their offensive and defensive coordinators after the season. Eagles' fans were upset with how their season ended but perked back up when they signed running back Saquon Barkley from their divisional rivals. The man who played the Eagles twice a year and had many career performances against them is now wearing the midnight green. The Eagles also brought in Bryce Huff from the Jets, but then a couple of weeks later traded Hasson Reddick to the Jets, effectively turning it into a Bryce Huff, Hasson Reddick trade, where the Eagles also got a conditional third-round pick. In terms of the draft, the Eagles desperately need a cornerback. The Eagles did bring back Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, and they still have Darius Slay and James Bradberry on the roster, but with how Bradberry struggled last year and with Philadelphia allowing the 5th most passing yards, there may be a riot in Philly if GM Howie Roseman does not draft a cornerback. The Eagles drafted Cam Jurgens in 2022 to replace Jason Kelce when he eventually retired, and that time has come, but even if Jurgens is the long-term replacement The Eagles could still use some depth at center.

Dallas Cowboys

Key Additions / Resignings: CB Jourdan Lewis, LB Eric Kendricks

Losses: EDGE Dorance Armstrong, C Tyler Biadasz, RB Tony Pollard, OT Tyron Smith

Team Needs: RB, WR, OT, IOL, S, IDL

 

The Cowboys ended their season on another disappointing note losing in the Wildcard Round to the Green Bay Packers. The Cowboys followed that up by having a very quiet free agency. The Cowboys made no splash signings and didn't really address any needs. The Cowboys did lose some key players in Tony Pollard and some important pieces on both sides of the line (Biadasz, Tyron Smith, and Dorrance Armstrong). So, the Cowboys will have some holes to fill in this draft. Arguably the biggest hole is at the running back position, with the loss of Zeke Elliot in free agency last year and the loss of Tony Pollard in this free agency this year. It is crucial that the Cowboys go and draft a running back. The Cowboys also need help badly on the offensive line. Don't be surprised if the Cowboys spend several picks on the offensive line in this draft. The Cowboys could also look to add some much-needed depth on the defensive line in this draft.

NFC EAST

Carolina Panthers

Key Additions / Resignings: G Robert Hunt, WR Diontae Johnson, G Damien Lewis, LB Josey Jewell, EDGE K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE Jadeveon Clowney

Losses: EDGE Brian Burns, LB Frankie Luuvu, S Jeremy Chinn, TE Hayden Hurst, EDGE Yetur Gross-Matos

Team Needs: IOL, OT, WR, EDGE, IDL

 

The Panthers had a very underwhelming 2023 season. After trading up eight spots in last year's draft to acquire Bryce Young with the first pick, Carolina thought they had a team to compete for the division. A lot of blame was put on Young for last season, but Young didn't have the weapons or protection around him. Young was sacked 62 times last season, and the Panthers allowed 65 in total, which was tied for second worst in the league last year. The addition of Robert Hunt helps but besides Hunt, and Icky Ekwonu, Carolina could upgrade everywhere else. Similarly to the signing of Robert Hunt, the trade for Diontae Johnson is an upgrade to the receiving room but not the answer. With the trade of Brian Burns to the Giants, the Panther did everything they could in free agency to fill that void signing Jadeveon Clowney and K’Lavon Chaisson, but most likely neither of them will replace Burns production especially considering both players are on short term deals. The issue the Panthers are going to have in this draft is that they have no first-round picks and only seven picks total. The Panthers do have two early second round picks, but they will have to draft smartly to fill these spots on the roster.

Atlanta Falcons

Key Additions / Re-signings: QB Kirk Cousins, WR Darnell Mooney

Losses: TE Jonnu Smith, CB Jeff Okudah, C Matt Hennessy, WR Van Jefferson

Team Needs: IOL, WR, OT, EDGE, IDL, CB

 

The Atlanta Falcons made one of the biggest splash moves in free agency signing quarterback Kirk Cousins. With that signing, the Falcons believe they can win the NFC South. Specifically on offense, Atlanta has a reason to believe that. The Falcons have a future star at running back in Bijan Robinson, two solid receivers in Drake London and Darnell Mooney, and a tight end that is just waiting to break out in Kyle Pitts. Now, the Falcons are still looking for a #1 receiving option, potentially in the first round if the right one is there, but the Falcons have the offensive firepower to do some damage this year. The Falcons could look to improve at center in this draft or at least add some depth. Drew Dalman improved mightily from last season but still struggled at times in pass protection. Arguably the biggest need for the Falcons is on the defensive line. Atlanta is pretty thin on the Edge and the interior defensive line. Good news for the Falcons is that there is a real possibility that there will be no defensive players taken off the board by the time the Falcons are on the clock at #8 overall. Atlanta could have their pick at who they want to take on the defensive side of the ball if they want to go that way. A player like Dallas Turner would be perfect in the Falcons 3-4, but there are many ways they could handle their first-round pick.

New Orleans Saints

Key Additions / Re-signings: EDGE Chase Young, LB Willie Gay Jr., WR Cedrick Wilson

Losses: QB Jameis Winston, CB Lonnie Johnson, LB Zach Baun, IDL Malcolm Roach

Team Needs: WR, OT, IDL, CB, EDGE

 

The Saints are in a weird spot, the Falcons and Buccaneers seemingly got better, the Saints did make some key signings in bringing in Chase Young and Willie Gay but will have to drastically improve on offense this year to win the NFC South. A lot of the offense's success will be predicated on how Derek Carr performs this year. Not to say he played badly last year, but Carr did leave some things on the table last year which caused them to lose some games. The Saints also desperately need another receiver to go alongside Chris Olave and Cedrick Wilson, who they signed this off season. On the defensive side of the ball, the Saints were excellent on pass defense but were in the bottom 10 in rush defense. One way to improve on your run defense is to draft some defensive lineman, and the Saints do have holes there. The Saints could also use a third linebacker, they have one of the better linebackers in the NFL currently in Demario Davis and an above average off ball linebacker in Peter Werner but not much depth besides that. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Key Additions / Re-signings: QB Baker Mayfeild, WR Mike Evans, LB Lavonte David, S Jordan Whitehead, IDL Greg Gaines, CB Bryce Hall

Losses: LB Devin White, EDGE Shaquil Barrett, CB Carlton Davis, G Nick Leverett

Team Needs: IOL, EDGE, LB, CB

 

The Buccaneers kicked off their off-season by re-signing Baker Mayfield to a three-year deal worth $100 million, and then followed that up by re-signing Mike Evans to a two-year, $52 million deal. Baker went from getting a one year prove it deal last season to leading the Bucs to a divisional round playoff game. Baker Mayfield is the guy for the foreseeable future and bringing back Mike Evans is only going to help Baker. Tampa does need some help on the interior offensive line, as they lost Nick Leverett in free agency. They did sign Sua Opeta from Philly, where he was serviceable last year, but he is not the ideal long-term guy at left guard for the Buccaneers. Same could be said about center Robert Hainsey, who was above average in pass pro, but struggled at times in the run game. Which is evident in RB Rachaad White only averaging 3.6 yards per carry last year. It will be difficult for Tampa to repeat as division winners if they can't run the ball at a more successful clip. With the loss of Shaq Barrett, Devin White, and Carlton Davis the Buccaneers have holes at every level of the defense. Besides spending some draft capital shoring up the interior offensive line, expect Tampa Bay to draft a lot of players on the defensive side of the ball.

NFC South
AFC  SOUTH

Chicago Bears

Key Additions / Re-signings: RB D’Andre Swift, WR Keenan Allen, S Kevin Byard, TE Gerald Everett

Losses: QB Justin Fields, WR Darnell Mooney, IDL Justin Jones, G Dan Feeney

Team Needs: QB, WR, IOL, IDL, CB, S, EDGE

 

When the season ended for the Chicago Bears, the discourse of whether the Bears should keep Justin Fields or use the #1 pick on a QB began. The Bears ended that discourse when they traded Fields to the Steelers for a conditional 2025 sixth-round pick. All signs now point to Chicago taking QB Caleb Williams from USC. Chicago hopes that Williams will be their franchise guy. The Bears traded for receiver Keenan Allen in exchange for a 2024 fourth-round pick, and with a receiving duo of D.J. Moore and Keenan Allen that could be a scary combo, but the Bears still need a third receiver. On the defensive side of the ball, the Bears need help on the defensive line. While Chicago invested two draft picks on the defensive line last year, there are still some holes on the defensive tackle unit. The Bears have a pretty good secondary, but if Tyrique Stevenson plays primarily in the slot, the Bears could use a third corner behind Jaylon Johnson and Kyle Gordon. The Bears will be set up in a good spot with two Top 10 picks, but only have two remaining picks after that so expect some trade backs in the draft so they can obtain more draft capital.

Minnesota Vikings

Key Additions / Re-signings: EDGE Jonathan Greenard, RB Aaron Jones, QB Sam Darnold, LB Andrew Van Ginkel, LB Blake Cashman

Losses: QB Kirk Cousins, EDGE Danielle Hunter, EDGE D.J. Wonnum, LB Jordan Hicks, EDGE Marcus Davenport

Team Needs: QB, IDL, EDGE, CB

 

It is the end of the Kirk Cousins era in Minnesota, leaving an obvious hole at QB. It is heavily rumored that Minnesota will be looking to trade up into the Top 5 of the draft to take a QB. The Vikings are in a good spot to do that after acquiring the Texans #23rd pick in the draft, along with their #11th, and potentially a future draft pick could be enough to trade in the Top 5 to get their franchise QB. With the signing of running back Aaron Jones and two stud receivers in Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, the offense around whether it is Sam Darnold or a rookie QB is in a good spot. On the defensive side of the ball, the Vikings lost a lot of bodies, especially on the defensive line. The signing of Jonathan Greenard will help but losing Danielle Hunter, Marcus Davenport, and D.J. Wonnum still leaves a major hole at the Edge Rusher spot. The Vikings could also look to shore up their cornerback room. If the Vikings do decide to trade up for a QB, they may lose considerable draft capital which may make it more difficult to fill some of their needs but overall, the Vikings roster is in a pretty good spot.

Green Bay Packers

Key Additions / Re-signings: RB Josh Jacobs, S Xavier McKinney, RB A.J. Dillon

Losses: RB Aaron Jones, G Jon Runyan, S Darnell Savage

Team Needs: OT, IOL, CB, EDGE

 

The Green Bay Packers were the surprise team of the NFL season, winning nine regular season games and then going on the road and bullying the Cowboys in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs. The emergence of QB Jordan Love has to thrill Packers fans as it appears Green Bay have found their franchise guy to replace Aaron Rodgers. Green Bay started free agency hot by signing two-time Pro Bowl RB Josh Jacobs to a four-year, $48 million deal. The Packers also shored up their safety room by signing Xavier McKinney who had 116 total tackles and 3 interceptions last season. The Packers will have to find a left tackle to replace David Bakhtiari after they released him after 11 seasons with Green Bay, where he struggled to stay healthy in the last few seasons. There are quite a few interesting tackle prospects that the Packers could look to take, especially in the first round if they decide to head in that direction. The Packers also have a hole at right guard, to play alongside OT Zach Tom on the right side of the line. On the defensive side of the ball, the Packers were in the bottom half of the league in sacks. However, the Packers have a good amount of depth behind Preston Smith and Rashan Gary, with players like Lukas Van Ness, who was taken in the first-round last year, as well as Kingsley Enagbare and Colby Wooden. Green Bay has talent at the edge spot; they just need more production. The Packers are the youngest team in the NFL, and they already have had playoff success, if Green Bay is able to get better in the draft, the Packers could contend for the NFC North next year.

Detroit Lions

Key Additions / Re-signings: CB Carlton Davis, G Graham Glasgow, G Kevin Zeitler, CB Amik Robertson, IDL D.J. Reader

Losses: G Jonah Jackson, S Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, IDL Benito Jones

Team Needs: IOL, CB, WR, LB, IDL

 

The Detroit Lions had their greatest season in the Super Bowl era. For the first time in 30 years the Lions have won their division and the first time in 32 years the Lions won a playoff game. Not only that, but the Lions were also a 17-point blown lead away from their first trip to the Super Bowl. With the loss of guard Jonah Jackson to the Raiders, the loss of Chauncey Gardner-Johnson and the struggling pass defense, the two biggest holes heading into this off-season were the interior offensive line and the secondary. The Lions tried their best to address those needs in free agency by re-signing Graham Glasgow, signing Kevin Zeitler, and trading for Carlton Davis. Kevin Zeitler only signed for a one-year $6 million deal and Carlton Davis is a nice piece for that Lions secondary, but the cornerback room is very thin. Meaning the Lions are still very likely to address both those needs in the draft, and maybe double dip at corner. A position the Lions may look to draft that may surprise people is a center. Frank Ragnow is only 28 but he has been battling a ton of injuries these past few years and may be closer to retirement than people think. The Lions also signed Edge Rusher Marcus Davenport to try and get more consistent pressure on the QB, but Davenport is probably not a long-term solution, and the Lions really need someone on the other side of Aidan Hutchinson who can consistently get pressure on the QB. Offensively, with the loss of receiver Josh Reynolds, the Lions are really lacking size in the receiver room and could benefit from drafting a guy like Pittsburgh's Bub Means later in the draft. The Lions are in real good shape to repeat as division champs, but Detroit has some key pieces to address in the draft.

NFC North

Arizona Cardinals

Key Additions / Re-signings: IDL Bilal Nichols, IDL Justin Jones, CB Sean Murphy-Bunting, OT Jonah Williams

Losses: WR Marquise Brown, IDL Leki Fotu

Team Needs: WR, RB, IOL, EDGE, IDL, CB

 

The Cardinals finished with a 4-13 record under Jonathan Gannon in his first year, but with a roster full of holes and a QB in Kyler Murray that was only able to start in five games due to injury, you really can't judge Gannon yet. This year will be very telling, and it starts with a good draft. Arizona has two first round picks and three picks in the top 35. The Cardinals with the #4 overall pick are at a spot where they will be able to draft the first non QB in the draft and would probably be looking at either receiver or Edge Rusher if they stick and pick. If Arizona decides to trade down to a team like Minnesota or Denver who are in need of a QB, it may be beneficial for Arizona in the long run who have a lot of holes on their roster and a potential trade allows them to acquire more picks and address more needs in the draft. One need the Cardinals need to address is the offensive line, drafting Paris Johnson Jr. last year was a step in the right direction in rebuilding the offensive line but besides Johnson they could use an upgrade everywhere else. The Cardinals are also very inexperienced at cornerback which is why they went out and signed Sean Murphy-Bunting, but depth is also an issue at CB, and depending on who is on the board Arizona may look to take a CB with their second first-round pick.

Seattle Seahawks

Key Additions / Re-signings: IDL Leonard Williams, TE Noah Fant, LB Jerome Baker, QB Sam Howell

Losses: G Damien Lewis, LB Jordyn Brooks, TE Will Dissly, LB Bobby Wagner, LB Devin Bush, QB Drew Lock

Team Needs: IOL, QB, EDGE, IDL, LB, S

 

The Seattle Seahawks had a bit of a disappointing season following their playoff berth the previous year. Now Seattle has to decide what to do with 33-year-old Geno Smith. The Seahawks did trade for Sam Howell from Washington, but there is doubt whether Seattle views him as the long term starting QB option. Seattle has the #21 overall pick, meaning the top four QBs will likely be gone, but they could potentially be in a position to draft Michael Penix or Bo Nix. Besides Geno Smith's Seahawk future in question, Seattle needs to address the center and the guard position in this year's draft. At center currently Seattle has Nick Harris, a fifth-round pick in 2020 who has only started four career games. After losing guard Damien Lewis, Seattle has right guard Anthony Bradford who was a fourth-round pick in last year's draft. A lot of inexperience on the right side of the offensive line. On the defense, the Seahawks re-signed Leonard Williams to a three-year deal, and Boye Mafe had a great season last year, causing 42 hurries and 9 sacks. Beyond that, the Seahawks don't have much and could look to get some more Edge depth in the draft. The Seahawks lost Bobby Wagner in free agency along with Jordyn Brooks, and while they did sign Jerome Baker, they are still very thin at linebacker and should look to draft an off-ball LB in this draft. The Seahawks are an interesting spot, they have a very talented team, but they have some question marks and are very thin at some roster spots.

LA Rams

Key Additions / Re-signings: G Jonah Jackson, CB Darious Williams, S Kam Curl, QB Jimmy Garoppolo, CB Tre White

Losses: IDL, Aaron Donald, S Jordan Fuller

Team Needs: OT, IDL, EDGE, LB, CB

 

The Los Angeles Rams made the playoffs for the fifth time under Sean McVay in his seventh year as the head coach. McVay for the first time is going to have to coach the Rams without first ballot Hall of Famer Aaron Donald, who retired in March. This leaves a massive hole on the defensive line and a need that the Rams will look to address in the draft. That is not the only spot on the defense the Rams need to address in this draft, LA is very thin and inexperienced at the Edge position and at the linebacker position. In the secondary the Rams made an effort in free agency to fill that need by signing Darious Williams, Kam Curl, and Tre White. Those pieces will help, but Tre White is 29 with an injury history and Darious Williams is 31, and both signed a one-year deal. Those signings are a nice stop gap but that will not stop Les Sneed from drafting a corner in this draft. On the offensive side of the ball, the Rams have a need at right and left tackle. At left tackle the Rams currently have Alaric Jackson who went undrafted in 2021 and Joe Noteboom who started 8 games last year. At right tackle the Rams have Rob Havenstein who signed a three-year extension this off-season, but at the age of 31 that should not stop the Rams from drafting a future replacement.

San Francisco 49ers

Key Additions / Re-signings: EDGE Leonard Floyd, EDGE Yetur Gross-Matos, IDL Jordan Elliot, C Jon Feliciano, LB De’Vondre Campbell

Losses: DL Arik Armstead, IDL Javon Kinlaw, EDGE Chase Young, CB Isaiah Oliver, QB Sam Darnold

Team Needs: IDL OT, IOL, EDGE, CB, S

 

The 49ers were so close to capturing the Lombardi Trophy, losing on a walk off touchdown in overtime. San Fran knows they were that close and with 10 picks in the draft including six in the first four-rounds, the Niners feel like they are in a spot where they can reload in this draft. One glaring need is the right side of the offensive line. At right guard the Niners have 32-year-old Jon Feliciano, who is solid and only re-signed for one season, the Niners should look for a potential replacement. At right tackle Colton McKivitz started every game for San Francisco last year and was pretty solid, but that wouldn't stop the 49ers from drafting a tackle if the right player is still on the board. On defense, the 49ers are very talented but are thin at every level of the defense. With 10 picks there are many ways they can shore up their defense. One thing to note since Kyle Shanahan became the head coach in 2017, the 49ers have never drafted a cornerback before Round 3 and have only taken two corners before Round 5.

NFC West
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