NFL Analysis
April 13, 2024
11 min read
Updated Needs For Every Team Entering 2024 NFL Draft
We are officially under two weeks away from the 2024 NFL Draft, and this promises to be one of the best and strangest drafts in a while.
But what are the most significant needs for each team going into the draft? Let's take a look by division, starting with the AFC East:
AFC East
Buffalo Bills
Top Needs: WR, S, LB
After trading away Stefon Diggs and losing Gabe Davis in free agency, wide receiver is the clear-cut top need for the Buffalo Bills going into the draft.
But don't expect them to ignore defense either, as they need more depth at linebacker and safety.
>> READ: Deep Dive Into Buffalo's New Offense
Miami Dolphins
Top Needs: OL, DT, LB
The Miami Dolphins could use multiple starters on the offensive line, especially considering Terron Armstead's health concerns. Finding multiple impact starters will be critical if the Dolphins want to contend in the AFC East.
New York Jets
Top Needs: TE, OL, WR
The New York Jets need to find one more playmaker for Aaron Rodgers, especially considering that Mike Williams is returning from an ACL injury.
Whether at tight end or receiver, the Jets need someone else who can consistently get open against single coverage. Given Tyron Smith's age and durability concerns, additional offensive line depth is also needed.
New England Patriots
Top Needs: QB, WR, OT
All of the New England Patriots' needs are on offense. They need to find a franchise quarterback, a No. 1 receiver and a starting left tackle.
That won't happen, but if the Patriots can address two of those needs, this would be a successful draft for Jerod Mayo in Year 1.
>> READ: Latest 2024 Round 1 Mock Draft
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens
Top Needs: OL, WR, EDGE
The Baltimore Ravens lost multiple players in free agency this offseason and haven't done much to replace them.
They lost three offensive line starters and their top pass rusher, Jadeveon Clowney. The Ravens need depth on both sides of the ball and could use a dynamic weapon to pair with Zay Flowers.
Cincinnati Bengals
Top Needs: OL, TE, WR
The Cincinnati Bengals added Trent Brown to play right tackle, but he is on a one-year deal and hasn’t shown the ability to stay on the field. The Bengals also could use a long-term answer at tight end and a replacement for Tyler Boyd at slot receiver.
Cleveland Browns
Top Needs: RB, DT, LB
No one knows Nick Chubb's long-term health status, as he suffered a gruesome knee injury in Week 2. The Cleveland Browns need to consider finding a replacement or someone who can start for him early in the season.
Defensive tackle and linebacker are two other spots that could use added depth during the draft.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Top Needs: C, CB, WR
The Pittsburgh Steelers released Mason Cole ahead of free agency and do not have an answer on the roster at center. They also need a slot cornerback and a No. 2 receiver after trading Diontae Johnson to the Panthers earlier this offseason.
AFC South
Houston Texans
Top Needs: DT, EDGE, CB
The Houston Texans lost multiple starters on the defensive line this offseason, including Maliek Collins and Sheldon Rankings. They've done a fantastic job of improving the roster, but the lack of interior defensive line depth is concerning.
They could also use more pass-rush depth behind Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, but it’s not a pressing need.
Indianapolis Colts
Top Needs: CB, WR, TE
The Indianapolis Colts retained their starting secondary from the 2023 season, but this unit needs upgrading.
The hope is that JuJu Brents can take a step forward in Year 2, but the Colts need to add talent and depth to the position. The same is true at wide receiver despite the investments made in Alec Pierce and Josh Downs.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Top Needs: EDGE, WR, CB
The Jacksonville Jaguars signed a long-term extension with Josh Allen, locking him up for the next five seasons. But they still need more depth behind him, as Travon Walker's development has been slow.
Wide receiver and cornerback are also major issues, especially after losing Calvin Ridley in the division to the Titans.
Tennessee Titans
Top Needs: LT, RT, TE
You can make a strong case that no NFL has a worse offensive line situation than the Tennesee Titans.
They did add Lloyd Cushenberry this offseason, but they have yet to make a move at offensive tackle. It feels like they’re locked in on a tackle with pick No. 7.
However, on Day 2 and Day 3 of the draft, look for them to add another tight end and more offensive line depth.
AFC West
Denver Broncos
Top Needs: QB, CB, TE
The Denver Broncos are another team desperate for a franchise quarterback. If the season started today, Jarett Stidham would be the starter.
Expect that to change during the draft, with Sean Payton likely making a move for a quarterback. The Broncos also need a No. 2 CB, and they could use more tight end help after Greg Dulcich has struggled to stay healthy.
Kansas City Chiefs
Top Needs: LT, WR, CB
With all the recent news surrounding Rashee Rice, you can make a case that wide receiver is the Kansas City Chiefs' No. 1 need.
However, the left tackle position is still a major concern, with Donovan Smith still a free agent. The Chiefs could also use another cornerback after trading away L’Jarius Sneed earlier this offseason.
Las Vegas Raiders
Top Needs: QB, RT, CB
The Las Vegas Raiders would love to grab a franchise quarterback, but that could be difficult sitting at No. 13.
Instead, look for them to fill their offensive line and cornerback needs early. But make no mistake about it: quarterback is the biggest need on the roster by a large margin.
Los Angeles Chargers
Top Needs: WR, OL, TE
Pass catcher is easily the Los Angeles Chargers' No. 1 need going into the draft. After losing Keenan Allen (trade) and Mike Williams (release), the Chargers must find Justin Herbert at least one reliable option.
Whether that is at wide receiver or tight end, the Chargers can’t go into the 2024 season with Josh Palmer and Quentin Johnston as their top receivers.
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys
Top Needs: C, LT, RB
The Dallas Cowboys lost their starting center, left tackle and running back in free agency and haven’t replaced them.
Those needs are their strongest going into the draft, but defensive tackle and linebacker are also areas of concern. But with only three picks in the first four rounds, it's unlikely the Cowboys can fill all those needs this year.
New York Giants
Top Needs: WR, OL, RB
Since trading Odell Beckham Jr., the New York Giants have been unable to find a No. 1 WR. They have some decent depth, but they need a dominant X-receiver through which they can run their offense.
The offensive line and running back remain weaknesses, but they can find quality starters at each position on Day 2.
Philadelphia Eagles
Top Needs: CB, LB, WR
The Philadelphia Eagles added more pass rushers in free agency and signed Devin White, but their biggest is still cornerback.
Darius Slay and James Bradberry are the NFL’s oldest cornerback duo, and the unit desperately needs an influx of athleticism. Philadelphia could also use a No. 3 receiver despite the addition of DeVante Parker this offseason.
Washington Commanders
Top Needs: QB, TE, EDGE
The Washington Commanders will select a quarterback at No. 2, covering their top need.
But tight end and pass rusher are still pressing needs. Dan Quinn prioritizes speed and athleticism on defense, so expect the Commanders to be in the market for more pass rushers on Day 2 and Day 3.
NFC North
Chicago Bears
Top Needs: QB, EDGE, DT
The most obvious need for the Chicago Bears is at quarterback, but they will solve that issue with the No. 1 pick.
After that, more depth is needed on the defense, especially on the edge. Montez Sweat was a huge addition before the 2023 trade deadline, but they could use a long-term pairing for him.
Defensive tackle depth is needed for this defense to take the next step.
Detroit Lions
Top Needs: CB, OL, EDGE
The Detroit Lions thought that trading for Carlton Davis solved their cornerback needs, but Cameron Sutton’s release opened up another spot in the secondary.
Outside of cornerback, the Lions only have a few other pressing needs. They could use more depth on the offensive and defensive lines, but they are pretty well set heading into the 2024 season.
Green Bay Packers
Top Needs: CB, OL, S
The Green Bay Packers must address a few needs before they take the next step in the Jordan Love era.
The interior offensive line needs some major upgrading, specifically at guard. On defense, the Packers could use another cornerback to pair with Jaire Alexander and a long-term pairing at safety with Xavier McKinney.
Minnesota Vikings
Top Needs: QB, CB, DT
The Minnesota Vikings are set up for success on offense. They have two fantastic receivers, a Pro Bowl-caliber tight end, and one of the best offensive lines in the NFL.
But they need a quarterback who can tie everything together. Expect the Vikings to be aggressive when filling that need early and then using their other picks to add depth to the cornerback and defensive tackle spots.
>> READ: What Happens If Vikings Can't Trade Up?
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons
Top Needs: EDGE, LB, DT
After signing Kirk Cousins to a mega deal this offseason, the Atlanta Falcons are pretty much set on offense.
Their most significant needs are on the defensive line, specifically more pass-rush help. The linebacker and cornerback positions also need depth.
Carolina Panthers
Top Needs: WR, CB, EDGE
The addition of Diontae Johnson has softened the need for wide receivers, but the Carolina Panthers could still use a bonafide No. 1 receiver for Bryce Young.
Cornerback is another key need after moving Donte Jackson for Johnson. After the Brian Burns trade, the Panthers desperately need more pass-rush help.
New Orleans Saints
Top Needs: OT, WR, DT
Ryan Ramczyk’s future is uncertain as he struggles to recover from a knee injury. With Trevor Penning not developing as the New Orleans Saints had hoped, the team's biggest need entering the draft is an offensive tackle.
But they also need to find a No. 2 receiver to pair with Chris Olave, especially after the release of Michael Thomas.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Top Needs: EDGE, C, CB
After releasing Shaq Barrett earlier this offseason, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ top priority is pass rusher.
YaYa Diaby was a steal last year, but the Buccaneers must find a long-term pairing for him moving forward. Center is another crucial spot, but the depth in this draft class should make that need easy to fill.
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals
Top Needs: WR, EDGE, CB
Finding a No. 1 receiver has been the Arizona Cardinals’ primary goal this offseason, and they are in a fantastic spot to do so at No. 4.
Marvin Harrison Jr. and Malik Nabers will be considered, but don't be surprised if they draft multiple receivers early in this year's draft. EDGE and cornerback are two other positions that could use upgrades.
Los Angeles Rams
Top Needs: DT, EDGE, CB
After Aaron Donald's retirement, the Los Angeles Rams' interior defensive line immediately jumped to the top of their needs list.
But they also need more help at pass rusher and cornerback as they look to rebuild their defense. Expect this to be a defensive-heavy draft for the Rams, especially on the first two days.
San Francisco 49ers
Top Needs: C, RT, S
The San Francisco 49ers have one above-average starter on their offensive line: Trent Williams.
The other four spots could all use upgrades. The biggest need is right tackle, but the 49ers could also draft a center in Rounds 1 or 2 if the right player is available.
Seattle Seahawks
Top Needs: G, EDGE, LB
The Seattle Seahawks have a major need at guard but could also use help at defensive end and linebacker.
The Seahawks lost Bobby Wagner in free agency on top of Devin Bush. Look for the Seahawks to address their offensive line need early and then add depth on the defensive line and linebacker.
