NFL Analysis
October 30, 2024
12 min read
2025 NFL Draft: Biggest Need For Every Team at Midseason
With eight weeks of action in the books, the NFL season has hit the midway point. The trade deadline is coming soon, giving teams the last chance to add a proven veteran before a playoff run. Other teams have already entered an evaluation stage for their roster and coaching staff.
The 2025 NFL Draft is becoming more in focus as November arrives. The college football season is entering its final month before bowl games and the Playoff begin, so the time is winding down for scouts to see who fits.
We've scoured advanced stats, watched each game, and projected performance for the rest of the NFL season to determine each team's 2025 NFL Draft needs. With the right evaluations, draft-day decisions, and internal development, your favorite team can have a stronger roster by the start of next season.
2025 NFL Draft Team Needs Entering Week 9
We'll go by division and look at the top few needs that have become apparent on every NFL roster.
AFC East
Buffalo Bills 
- CB
- EDGE
- SAF
The Buffalo Bills' most glaring needs are on the defensive side of the ball after they've devoted a ton of resources to the offense.
Adding a star cornerback and high-upside pass-rusher will keep the defense running hot for years to come. Safety depth isn't nearly as important, but until Cole Bishop proves himself, it is something worth considering.
Miami Dolphins
- OG
- CB
- DT
- EDGE
The trench play on both sides of the ball in Miami simply has not been good enough for many years. The right guard position has been a trainwreck this season, and right tackle hasn't been much better.
However, needs along the defense can't be ignored, setting the Miami Dolphins up for a difficult offseason as they have expensive holes to fill.
Drake Maye was sliding and hit late from behind. That could happen to anyone advancing the ball.
— ZeeBee (@BellinoZee) October 27, 2024
The only QB to take devastating sack today was Brissett. https://t.co/dgdAkAsynZ pic.twitter.com/gPMKxjBpws
New England Patriots
- OT
- WR
- DT
- SAF
Surrounding Drake Maye with competent blockers and higher-end playmakers remains the top priority for next offseason. The 2025 NFL Draft class offers reprieve at both positions.
Then, the New England Patriots must look at more impactful young talent along its defensive line and safety positions. They've done as much as they can with stopgap veterans.
New York Jets
- QB
- EDGE
- OT
The New York Jets' biggest need is a new coaching staff, as their roster is underperforming. It's hard to imagine that the next regime will see Aaron Rodgers as anything but a one-year answer if he doesn't retire first.
After finding a young quarterback, reinforcing their pass rush and adding a talented blocker to take over at right tackle becomes more pressing.
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens
- EDGE
- DT
- OG
- SAF
The emergence of Rashod Bateman means we can finally stop harping on the Baltimore Ravens' lack of offensive playmaking.
However, the defense is aging, limited, or always injured. Replenishing the talent across the unit can keep the roster competitive for years to come, but it's not easy to find impactful starters at multiple defensive positions.
Cincinnati Bengals
- OG
- EDGE
- SAF
- WR
Even if Tee Higgins departs after the season, the Cincinnati Bengals have other concerns to tackle before a receiver. The running game continues to be plagued by poor guard play, and the defense has slipped considerably.
The cornerback position has developed nicely, so adding surrounding pieces to help them force more turnovers is next.
Chief elevates for 6!#CINvsCLE on CBS and NFL+ pic.twitter.com/jz29Gk3eAO
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) October 20, 2024
Cleveland Browns
- QB
- OT
- CB
- RB
Unless Jameis Winston is the next Geno Smith, the Cleveland Browns need a young quarterback after the Deshaun Watson disaster.
Both tackle positions have also struggled, and adding a viable starting option to ease the workload on Nick Chubb makes sense. Denzel Ward's sixth concussion also puts his future in doubt.
Pittsburgh Steelers
- WR
- RB
- CB
- QB
As well as the first half of the season has gone for the Pittsburgh Steelers, the offense is still stuck in mediocrity. Finding more explosiveness at receiver and running back would give the unit a jolt.
Drafting a long-term cornerback option to pair with Joey Porter Jr. would be a great finishing piece on a terrific defense.
AFC South
Houston Texans
- OG
- LB
- RB
- SAF
There aren't many immediate needs across the Houston Texans' roster. Upgrading left guard Kenyon Green would help the unit significantly, though he's been benched already.
A rangier linebacker, explosive running back, and another quality safety would provide some long-term needs for this team.
TD doesn't stand, but we'll take the ball.
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) October 27, 2024
📺 CBS pic.twitter.com/ZiHfhWBMfZ
Indianapolis Colts
- CB
- DT
- TE
Assuming Anthony Richardson is given one more season to develop before the Indianapolis Colts have any big decisions to make, the unheralded cornerback room could use a facelift despite them playing above their pay grades.
DeForest Buckner's tenure with the Colts also seems in jeopardy as he turns 31 in March and is dealing with a high ankle sprain. An impact tight end would also be another area for improvement on the young offense.
Jacksonville Jaguars
- CB
- DT
- SAF
- WR
The entire Jacksonville Jaguars' roster lacks the punch that a Super Bowl contender needs. Even with recent investments into some of the listed positions, Jacksonville has to find impact players at some of the most valued positions in the league.
Despite the offense's inconsistency, I'd expect the defense to be overhauled first.
Tennessee Titans
- QB
- OT
- EDGE
- WR
Will Levis isn't the answer, so going back to the drawing board includes adding a top rookie and then surrounding that player with a better right tackle and receiving corps.
Not much has changed with the Tennessee Titans' needs, though. Between the draft and free agency, finding a top-notch quarterback, a quality No. 2 edge rusher, and a quality right tackle will require a lot of assets.
AFC West
Denver Broncos
- WR
- OC
- TE
- SAF
There's been enough internal growth across the Denver Broncos' defense to feel much better about the pass rush, linebacker unit, and cornerback room. Instead, going all-in around Bo Nix is necessary.
Even if Courtland Sutton sticks around, help at receiver and tight end can transform the offense into a more threatening unit.
Kansas City Chiefs
- CB
- OT
- DT
- RB
We'll have to see how the Kansas City Chiefs handle Trey Smith's free agency, as they could slide Kingsley Suamataia inside and then either replace or hope Wanya Morris improves.
Beyond that, most of Kansas City's needs are minor. More help at cornerback and a more explosive running back would help both sides of the ball.
"Gimme dat" - Tre'von probably#KCvsLV | 📺 @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/ClntMpGPog
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) October 27, 2024
Las Vegas Raiders
- QB
- EDGE
- WR
- CB
The Las Vegas Raiders have a strong front seven, two quality tackles, and two tight ends to build around, but not a ton else.
A star quarterback is the most pressing need, but the Raiders will need a great draft around that passer to get this roster closer to average. Bottoming out so they can avoid a trade-up in the 2025 class would be ideal asset management.
Los Angeles Chargers
- OG
- EDGE
- WR
- DT
The best leftover parts of the Los Angeles Chargers' roster are aging quickly, so the roster revamp will continue in 2025 for Jim Harbaugh.
Bolstering the trenches includes upgrading guard and maybe center, plus adding more talented athletes to the defensive front. Of course, more impactful offensive playmakers would also be welcomed.
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys
- CB
- WR
- EDGE
- RB
Dak Prescott has become an issue despite getting another huge contract, but it's impossible for the Dallas Cowboys to take that deal back now.
Investing into a deeper receiving corps and more explosive running back room is necessary. Help for the defense might have to wait until the offense gets several new bodies at each of those positions.
New York Giants
- QB
- OT
- OG
- CB
It shouldn't be surprising that the 31st-ranked scoring offense has so many needs.
The only three offensive pieces worth planning around are Malik Nabers, Andrew Thomas, and Tyrone Tracy. The rest of the offensive talent isn't up to NFL standards.
Favorite play of the weekend... Cooper Dejean. Yea go follow around Ja'Marr Chase on 4th Down, thanks. No big deal.
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) October 28, 2024
Eagles struck gold with Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper this Draft cycle - seriously. Gold. These dudes are special pic.twitter.com/JKOA4qVavH
Philadelphia Eagles
- SAF
- EDGE
- WR
- LB
Neither safeties nor linebackers are considered high-value positions, and WR3 isn't making or breaking this Philadelphia Eagles team.
This is one of the strongest rosters in the league that is hoping for some young players to breakout. If they don't, having extra bodies at edge and corner would make sense.
Washington Commanders
- EDGE
- CB
- OT
- DT
Not much has changed for the Washington Commanders' needs since last offseason. They're outperforming their talent level on both sides of the ball.
Replacing expensive veterans with young players can be tedious and frustrating, but Washington must identify upgrades at right tackle, defensive tackle, edge, and another quality cornerback.
NFC North
Chicago Bears
- EDGE
- OC
- OG
- SAF
The Chicago Bears' offensive line isn't nearly good enough for this offense to take the leap, and a conversation needs to be had about whether Braxton Jones is the best option at left tackle moving forward.
Beyond holes at center and guard, tackle could be one as well. Getting a consistently effective young pass-rusher would help the defense, even if veterans Darrell Taylor and DeMarcus Walker have done a nice job this season.
I feel the need, the need for speed. @jahmyr_gibbs1 #TENvsDET 📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/3uBlQJaDL6
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) October 27, 2024
Detroit Lions
- EDGE
- CB
- OG
The Detroit Lions cannot upgrade much, but they can future-proof the roster.
However, a high-end pass-rusher to complement Aidan Hutchinson has been needed for years. Adding a physical cornerback and then a long-term starter for each guard spot would be ideal.
Green Bay Packers
- EDGE
- CB
- DT
- OC
The Green Bay Packers spent heavily on defensive additions with draft capital, but they haven't brought much in return, making the unit ripe for a major overhaul this offseason.
In particular, getting more out of the front seven can lead to more turnovers and offensive opportunities. For the sake of the run game, I'd also like to see a better center than Josh Myers.
Minnesota Vikings
- CB
- DT
- SAF
- OC
What the Minnesota Vikings continue to do without stars at key defensive positions is a testament to Brian Flores' abilities.
The change from reliable but limited veterans to more explosive young players is risky and not something most coaches enjoy, but it is necessary for the Vikings to hit their peak with this staff. The offense can be an afterthought this offseason.
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons
- EDGE
- CB
- OT
- WR
The Atlanta Falcons' 2024 class hasn't contributed much to the team, leaving the roster reliant on some disappointing leftovers and feisty veterans at key positions. Adding a second rusher across from Matthew Judon and a more impactful starting corner than Mike Hughes would significantly increase the defense's potential. The offense could use some ancillary pieces in comparison.
1st NFL TD for Coker
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) October 27, 2024
📺:CBS pic.twitter.com/cDih7ar3sG
Carolina Panthers
- QB
- EDGE
- CB
- OC
You need stars to be a good team, and the Carolina Panthers lack any semblance of star power across the majority of its roster. Quarterback is the most glaring need, but the receiver room, running back position, pass-rush, and defensive backfield lack proven ability.
Hopefully, one of their young receivers and Jonathon Brooks can check off a few of those concerns over the rest of this season.
New Orleans Saints
- QB
- OG
- OT
- DT
Losing six straight games, the New Orleans Saints are ready for a rebuild.
Opening new holes to shed salary and get younger will complicate things in the short term, but it is necessary. Throw a dart, and you'll land on a team need.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- EDGE
- OG
- SAF
- CB
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are surprisingly solid, largely thanks to hitting on mid-round picks like Yaya Diaby, Zyon McCollum, and Tykee Smith.
Chasing after high-upside players across the defense will be the key for a unit preparing to see some starters hit free agency. 2025 will be about improving an already good team.
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals
- EDGE
- DT
- OT
- WR
Still working their way through their rebuild, it's not hard to spot areas needing a major talent influx. There are too few defensive playmakers across the unit, and this 2025 draft looks perfect for the Arizona Cardinals to get impactful options.
Still, they must balance going too heavy on that side of the ball, as Kyler Murray isn't working with much on offense.
Ladies and gentlemen, Matthew Stafford. pic.twitter.com/PXUzonhIdS
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) October 26, 2024
Los Angeles Rams
- CB
- QB
- WR
- SAF
The Los Angeles Rams are close to rebuilding time and probably need to consider trading Matthew Stafford.
Either way, this defensive backfield is not nearly good enough to compete in the playoffs. The offense must also properly account for Cooper Kupp's lack of durability and aging.
San Francisco 49ers
- EDGE
- SAF
- CB
- DT
Something is off about the San Francisco 49ers this year, and it's not just that Christian McCaffrey has been out. The defense isn't creating impact plays as well as they have in recent years, and their inability to identify a top-notch defensive end across from Nick Bosa is partially why.
Injuries haven't helped either, so adding reinforcements to mitigate the talent drop is part of the strategy.
Seattle Seahawks
- OT
- CB
- SAF
- TE
The Seattle Seahawks have turned most of their roster over in recent years, leaving their roster holes fluid based on how young guys develop.
Injuries to Abraham Lucas have opened a need at right tackle, and it'd be nice to see Geno Smith have a more dynamic tight end available. The defense simply needs to continue adding quality athletes who fit this staff's needs.
