NFL Analysis
4/11/25
17 min read
Updated Needs For Every Team Entering 2025 NFL Draft
The NFL offseason is about to reach its crescendo moment in a few weeks. The first few waves of NFL free agency are over, leaving short-term veterans waiting to see how the 2025 NFL Draft shakes out before committing to their next role. Front offices and coaches are also anxious to see which rookies they can add, as this is the best way for franchises to build a contending roster.
The best franchises addressed specific needs in free agency so they could keep options open when they were on the clock. Signing veterans for immediate weaknesses decreased the pressure to select a rookie to fill a major role. But there is a point in the draft when teams want to consider short- and long-term roster holes.
Things have changed quite a bit after free agency, so here's a full guide to every team's needs heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. Don't be surprised if all 32 teams select a player at each position listed under their needs, even if it doesn't happen in Round 1.
Teams Needs Entering 2025 NFL Draft
We went in divisional order and looked at the top few handfuls of needs that have become apparent on every NFL roster.
AFC East
Buffalo Bills
- CB
- EDGE
- DT
- RB
Buffalo did well to add Joey Bosa on a prove-it deal and raise the unit's ceiling, but its most glaring needs are still on the defensive side of the ball.
A young, impact edge-rusher and cornerback would significantly help their ability to get past Kansas City in the AFC. It'd also make sense to go after a running back if paying James Cook isn't part of the long-term plan.
Miami Dolphins
- DT
- OG
- SAF
- CB
Miami's top-heavy, highly leveraged roster-building strategy has left it especially hurting at several key positions. The team has only two proven defensive tackles on the roster, and the defensive back rooms aren't much more encouraging.
Beefing up the interior offensive line is also a must, so the Dolphins have one of the most challenging situations to account for in the draft.
New England Patriots
- OT
- EDGE
- SAF
- LB
New England spent heavily in free agency, but the team is undoubtedly stronger today than it was a few months ago.
Foundational talent on the edge and left tackle would still be welcomed because of their importance. More defensive playmaking at linebacker and safety would elevate the team's long-term upside, too.
New York Jets
- EDGE
- OT
- WR
- SAF
Adding Justin Fields in free agency doesn't completely remove the position from the New York Jets draft board, but there are other pressing needs they can look at now.
The trenches are still a weak point until we see Jermaine Johnson back from a torn Achilles, and right tackle Carter Warren hasn't proven himself yet. New York could easily justify taking a wide receiver early on as well since the only inspiring talent on the roster today is Garrett Wilson.
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens
- OG
- DT
- SAF
- RB
Few teams draft and develop as well as Baltimore does. However, the team is not in the position to take the best player available, as its trenches need freshening.
A starting left guard and rotation-worthy bodies along the defensive line are absolute musts from the draft. It'd also be good to see developmental talent added at running back and safety.
Cincinnati Bengals
- OG
- EDGE
- DT
- SAF
The Bengals have allocated a ton of assets to their defense in recent years, but the unit has struggled to develop the young bodies they've added.
If Trey Hendrickson isn't back and there's no growth from the 2024 unit, the franchise will continue wasting Joe Burrow's prime. Another problem for the Bengals is they still lack decent starters at both guard spots on offense, and there are only so many rookies who can be expected to make a difference.
Cleveland Browns
- QB
- WR
- RB
- DT
Keeping Myles Garrett keeps Cleveland in the mix to revamp this roster quickly. Its 32nd-ranked offense badly needs to hit on key playmakers, though.
Starting with at least an average quarterback and then adding an explosive receiver and running back is a lot to ask in one class, but the Browns have the draft capital to pull it off.
Pittsburgh Steelers
- QB
- RB
- DL
Pittsburgh is another AFC North team needing to figure out how to proceed at quarterback before anything else. Signing Aaron Rodgers would help, but he can't be trusted to stay healthy or impactful. The massive hole at running back can't be overlooked, but the 2025 NFL Draft class can bring a reprieve to the position.
The Steelers' defense plays above its talent level. Defensive line help is needed as Cameron Heyward ages, and T.J. Watt is coming off a down season.
AFC South
Houston Texans
- DT
- LB
- OL
- WR
Houston revamped its offensive line this offseason, but whether it added quality veterans or just familiar names remains to be seen. Adding competition at guard, tackle, and center is still a priority.
However, DeMeco Ryans needs more dynamic talent up the middle of his defense as well, so Houston will carefully pick its spots to balance adding talent for 2025 and future years.
Indianapolis Colts
- DT
- OG
- TE
- LB
Reinvesting in the trenches is a must for the Colts. Their offensive line is young, and the need is much lower as long as the team is confident in Tanor Bortolini and Matt Goncalves.
The bigger concern is the aging defensive tackle room that is starting two 31-year-olds, so don't be surprised if the Colts grab one with their first-round pick.
Jacksonville Jaguars
- DT
- WR
- OG
- SAF
Few teams signed as many qualified stopgap veterans in free agency as the Jaguars did. They have a massive gap at defensive tackle, which is why Mason Graham has been linked heavily to their fifth overall pick.
However, bolstering their receiving corps and offensive line is completely justified despite those being secondary needs.
Tennessee Titans
- QB
- WR
- EDGE
- SAF
We can confidently say Tennessee will address its need for a quarterback with the top pick, but other premium needs exist. Adding another starting-caliber receiver will be critical, and balancing that with a replacement for Harold Landry will be difficult. The Titans' starting lineup is at least average outside of those three spots.
AFC West
Denver Broncos
- RB
- EDGE
- DT
- TE
Denver's roster is relatively well-equipped to make a playoff push in 2025 if its calculated risks in free agency pay off. An increase of star power on each side of the ball would be a big boost, though, so the directions they go in the first two rounds can swing their ceiling significantly.
An explosive workhorse back and a top-tier pass rusher can make Denver a sleeping giant.
Kansas City Chiefs
- DT
- OT
- RB
- WR
All attention is on Kansas City's tackle situation, but it's hard to imagine the Chiefs would enter the season with a rookie left tackle next to a new starting left guard in Kinglsey Suamataia.
More depth is needed at both positions, but Kansas City can't prioritize it over replenishing the defensive line. Additional playmaking can never hurt, either.
Las Vegas Raiders
- WR
- CB
- RB
- SAF
The Raiders have the worst receiving core in the league, so they should be a major candidate to double-dip at the position in the first few rounds.
An impact starting cornerback is also desperately needed, and a higher-upside running back should be targeted early on Day 3. Las Vegas can ignore a good number of other spots but have to be aggressive for its clear needs.
Los Angeles Chargers
- DT
- WR
- EDGE
- RB
It's a little daunting to think the Los Angeles Chargers could pass on a playmaker early on, but Jim Harbaugh must consider reinforcing the defensive front before splurging on a receiver or tight end.
The Chargers are relying on a host of Day 3 picks and unheralded talents otherwise, and those are difficult roles for average Joes to thrive in. After injecting some upside and athleticism, look for the offense to get more speed across the board.
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys
- WR
- OG
- DL
- RB
It's not a great thing for a franchise to need a "sexy" draft that calls for several explosive playmakers, but that's where Dallas is now. Barring overconfidence in recent draft picks, Dallas has to swing big for a starting receiver, defensive tackle, and right guard.
It's also hard to feel good about the running back depth with three players who don't create for themselves at a standout level.
New York Giants
- QB
- OT
- OG
- DT
New York's dearth of talent along the offensive line will make it difficult for the team to field a competitive offense in 2025.
The draft must bring at least two quality depth pieces, if not outright starters. Kicking the can on a potential franchise quarterback doesn't make sense, though, making this one tricky situation to navigate.
Philadelphia Eagles
- EDGE
- CB
- OL
- TE
There aren't any glaring immediate needs on Philadelphia's roster, but we know Howie Roseman will be one step ahead of tomorrow's problems.
Eventual replacements for Dallas Goedert, Lane Johnson, Bryce Huff, and another competitive cornerback must be on the docket. It's possible no team will get less in Year 1 from their rookie class than Philadelphia, but that's only because this roster is so strong.
Washington Commanders
- EDGE
- OT
- CB
- WR
Washington swung big to fill a couple of huge holes this offseason and are in a better position to compete at a high level in 2025 than they were after last year's draft.
Still, there are too few potential long-term pass-rushing stars for Dan Quinn to mold, and the right tackle situation is mediocre. A starting-level outside cornerback would also bring peace of mind to a secondary who struggled mightily while being outmanned.
NFC North
Chicago Bears
- WR
- TE
- DT
- RB
Ben Johnson and Ryan Poles deserve credit for filling so many obvious needs this offseason. They have a good starting roster, so their biggest openings are more about the long-term.
More offensive playmaking can help insulate against another disappointing year from DJ Moore and give Caleb Williams every chance possible to be the savior in Chicago.
Detroit Lions
- EDGE
- OG
- OC
- WR
There aren't many teams with as much talent as Detroit in its starting lineup. If its young secondary talent develops, the defense is close to being set for years to come.
A true stud across from Aidan Hutchinson has to be a priority. Otherwise, revamping the offensive line to get younger and adding a long-term third receiver would be top draft goals.
Green Bay Packers
- EDGE
- DL
- CB
- OT
Green Bay spent heavily on defensive additions with draft capital, but it hasn't brought much in return, making the unit ripe for a major overhaul as a few members creep up in age.
We'll also learn a lot about how Green Bay views the futures of Jaire Alexander and Rasheed Walker with their picks. This could be a future-proofing type draft for the Packers.
Minnesota Vikings
- CB
- DT
- OG
- SAF
What Minnesota continues 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 in comparison, but an upgrade at left guard is the most sensical spot to address.
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons
- CB
- DT
- OC
- WR
Most of the 2024 offense is back in place, sans Drew Dalman, so this should be a defense-centric haul. Finding a true partner for A.J. Terrell and a replacement for Grady Jarrett is imperative.
We could see Atlanta bank on edge rusher additions from the last few offseasons instead of investing into one high, which would be a calculated risk.
Carolina Panthers
- EDGE
- SAF
- WR
- CB
The good news for Carolina is that the offense is in a much better spot now than it was midway through the season. It could use another explosive receiver and maybe an upgrade at center, but the defense will be the bigger focus overall.
This is the weakest edge group in the NFL, basically telegraphing what to expect with their first pick.
New Orleans Saints
- QB
- DT
- WR
- CB
New Orleans won't allow itself to completely rebuild; instead, it will exist in a mediocre purgatory until they find their next franchise quarterback.
There's enough talent for the Saints to be more competitive in 2025, but their mission has to prioritize franchise changers over filling short-term holes. They're a sleeper to take a quarterback in the first round.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- SAF
- WR
- OG
- LB
Tampa Bay is surprisingly solid, largely thanks to hitting on mid-round picks like Yaya Diaby, Zyon McCollum, and Tykee Smith.
It is ideal to target players who can contribute in rotational roles in 2025 before stepping into full-time opportunities. The Buccaneers' lone glaring need today is a safety to start next to Antoine Winfield Jr.
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals
- DL
- IOL
- LB
- WR
Adding several reliable veterans on defense will help Arizona's defense get closer to the level it needs to be to reach the postseason, but those short-term deals can't sway the franchise too significantly.
Arizona's secondary and pass-rush are relative strengths, so complementing that group with versatile and explosive bodies is next. it can't forget about the offense, as it's still one of the weaker units in the league.
Los Angeles Rams
- LB
- CB
- TE
- RB
Few teams draft as well on Day 2 and 3 as the Rams do, so they have the chance to go out of order in tackling their weaknesses. Getting more dynamic linebackers and cornerbacks seems most obvious, given the lack of proven talent at those positions.
Otherwise, it'd be great to see Sean McVay go all-in on playmakers at tight end and running back.
San Francisco 49ers
- DT
- EDGE
- OT
- IOL
The 49ers have 11 draft picks, so they have a ton of ammunition to move around for good prospects aggressively. They'll need to hit often, as their trenches have gotten barren compared to what they were in recent years.
It's not unreasonable to expect the 49ers to add multiple starters across their offensive and defensive lines.
Seattle Seahawks
- OT
- CB
- OG
- WR
Seatte's faith in right tackle Abraham Lucas will dictate a big part of its strategy early on. Adding another young blocker to a line set to start five players with less than four years of experience is a bold but possibly necessary choice.
They'll also look to create talent pipelines at receiver and corner.
