During free agency, NFL teams attempted to plug the holes on their roster this offseason.
But the talent acquisition period has not ended with the 2025 NFL Draft quickly approaching. Whether teams address more needs or just take the best player available will depend on each organization’s discretion as many teams approach team-building from different perspectives.
Either way, rosters will continue to look completely different from last year, and it’s important to stay ahead of these transactions by identifying the remaining needs after the free agency before the draft.
That way, you can acquire an edge in early best ball drafts, NFL draft wagering and in dynasty trades with your moves considering real-life team needs that have yet to transpire. It also helps to call out the draft capital, as that will factor into their strategy.
Below, you’ll find a breakdown of the needs of all 32 teams for the 2025 NFL Draft
I also like to include 2026 free agents (via Spotrac.com), as some of the sharper teams (cough, Eagles, cough) build their rosters out ahead of time. The rich stay rich.
2025 NFL Draft Team Needs
Let’s dive into 2025 NFL Draft team needs for every franchise.
Tennessee Titans
Team Needs: QB, WR, EDGE, CB
Will Levis isn’t the long-term answer at QB for Tennessee. Therefore, the Titans are back in the QB market. It’s an area they are expected to address in the NFL Draft, with the most likely outcome being Miami’s Cam Ward as the No. 1 overall pick.
Keep in mind that during free agency, they elected not to bring back Mason Rudolph (signed back to Pittsburgh), opting for Brandon Allen and Tim Boyle instead.
Head coach Brian Callahan has blatantly stated at the start of the offseason that they needed to add another offensive tackle this offseason and improve the right guard spot. Kevin Zeitler signed with the Titans in free agency to improve the guard spot on a one-year deal.
They also signed Dan Moore, who has started at left tackle for Pittsburgh over the last four seasons, to a lucrative 4-year, $82 million contract.
With Moore at LT, they can shift last year’s first-round pick, JC Latham, back to RT.
Calvin Ridley is the only notable remaining WR left under contract on the roster. Van Jefferson was signed to a one-year deal. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine departed in free agency to the Dolphins.
The Titans posted the fourth-worst PFF pass-rush grade last season and Harold Landry is now with the Patriots, after leading the team in sacks in 2024.
New GM Mike Borgonzi has spoken at length about addressing both the OL/DL in offseason pressers.
After QB, the Titans’ second-shortest odds at first position to draft are at DL/EDGE.
The Titans also need to address the traditional off-the-ball linebacker and cornerback positions after the losses of Kenneth Murray and Chidobe Awuzie. Linebacker Cody Barton signed with the Titans as a replacement, but Awuzie is projected to be replaced by 2024 5th-round pick, Jarvis Brownlee Jr.
Unfortunately for the Titans, they don’t have a third-round pick this season after the L’Jarius Snead trade last season. They have two fourth-rounders.
Presuming they go QB in Round 1, some of the player options they should consider at positions of need on Day 2 include UCLA edge rusher Oluwafemi Oladejo, Missouri WR Luther Burden, Texas WR Isaiah Bond and Washington State WR, Kyle Williams.
Williams played under the current Titans OC Nick Holz at UNLV, and with Cam Ward at Washington State in 2023.
I also think tight end might be another low-key position of need. I’d say I like the combination of Chig Okonkwo and Josh Whyle more than most, although Okonkwo is in the final year of his rookie contract.
Okonkwo finished the 2024 season strong in his last three games. He could be a sneaky fantasy tight end without much receiving competition elsewhere on the roster.
Notable 2026 Free Agents: TE Chig Okonkwo, S Amani Hooker, OLB Arden Key, WR Treylon Burks, CB Roger McCreary, OT Nicholas Petit-Frere, OG Kevin Zeitler , DE Dre’Mont Jones, DT Sebastian Joseph-Day, WR Van Jefferson
Cleveland Browns
Team Needs: QB, RB, WR, OL, DT, CB
The Browns were once viewed as very logical candidates to land Kirk Cousins (given the HC/QB connection) as soon as his stalemate with the Atlanta Falcons reaches its conclusion. We know that they needed to add more QBs this offseason, even after acquiring the former first-round pick, Kenny Pickett.
Pickett was told he will have a chance to ‘compete’ for the QB1 job regardless of the other QBs added to the roster according to Mary Kay Cabot.
But that veteran addition may not end up being Cousins after all, given the team also signed Joe Flacco to a one-year deal that is highly incentive-driven contract. It can pay up to $13 million, more than $9 million of incentives in addition to the $4 million-base contract.
Even so, a rookie QB is expected to join this team before it’s all said and done, with the Browns owner essentially closing the door on the Deshaun Watson era in Cleveland.
It could be Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders at No. 2 overall or perhaps another QB in the draft at a later time (with this being the much more likely scenario), such as Alabama’s Jalen Milroe, Louisville’s Tyler Shough, or Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart.
Given all that has been come out of Browns’ camp recently with owner Jimmy Haslam going as far as saying the team would not “force” a QB with it’s first overall pick, seems very unlikely Cleveland takes a QB second overall.
Left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. is still a free agent, although Teven Jenkins was signed during free agency on a one-year deal. But Jenkins will join three additional interior OL starters hitting free agency in 2026.
The Browns seem to have confidence in tackle Dawand Jones after he suffered a season-ending injury in Week 11. But considering he has ended his first two seasons on IR, the Browns should add more tackle depth.
Oregon’s Josh Conerly could be an option at the start of Round 2.
RB Nick Chubb remains unsigned, putting RB atop the needs list. The two RBs under contract are also on expiring deals. A logical Day 2 replacement could be Ohio State RB, Quinshon Judkins. Later in the draft, an another RB target could include Arizona State RB Cam Skattebo.
An edge rusher would have been a bigger focal point to address if Myles Garrett is traded. Garrett won’t be traded after signing a 4-year, $160 million contract extension this offseason, becoming, at the time, the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.
The way the betting markets are leaning, Penn State pass rusher, Abdul Carter, has a chance to join Garrett in Cleveland.
If anything, interior defensive tackle is an area of need in the long term. They did add DT Maliek Collins on a two-year deal.
But last year’s second-round pick, Mike Hall, will take time to return from injury. Shelby Harris is 34.5 years old and in the final year of his deal.
Some draft targets include Tennesee DT Omarr Norman-Lott and Kentucky DT Deone Walker.
Outside Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman, the Browns don’t have a ton of depth at WR. This is where Colorado’s Travis Hunter enters the conversation as the betting favorite to be the second overall pick in the draft by Cleveland. The Browns view him as a WR first, who would moonlight as a defensive back.
Texas WR Isaiah Bond and Maryland WR Tai Felton could be viable No. 3 options. In addition to their normal picks in Round 1 and 2, the Browns also have two third-round picks.
Cleveland does have some depth concerns at cornerback with guys on expiring contracts.
Note that GM Andrew Berry has a strong track record of drafting OL, WR, and/or EDGE with premium draft capital.
Notable 2026 Free Agents: G Joel Bitonio, G Wyatt Teller, G Teven Jenkins, TE David Njoku, DE Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, C Ethan Pocic, DT Shelby Harris, ILB Jordan Hicks and CB Greg Newsome, CB Martin Emerson and CB Tony Brown
New York Giants
Team Needs: QB, OL, DT, CB
Entering the offseason, the top need was clear for the Giants. Find a QB. But even after adding Jameis Winston and Russell Wilson during free agency, this quarterback room in Big Blue isn’t a finished product.
They must add a rookie QB to the mix to give head coach Brian Daboll and GM Joe Schoen as many outs as possible to find positive play out of the position in 2025 and beyond. Who is the future face of the franchise?
The combination of Wilson/Winston does not take the Giants out of the running for Colorado QB, Shedeur Sanders, with the third overall pick in my estimation.
But it does give them flexibility in a case where Sanders gets drafted before they select. Or if they opt to take a different rookie QB later in the draft.
FWIW, I think Sanders will be a New York Giant when the dust settles on Night 1 of the NFL Draft. New York has an extra third-round pick in this year’s draft to potentially move up the board.
The Giants were previously listed at +150 to draft a QB with their first pick, the second-shortest odds to only the cornerback position (presumably, for Colorado’s Travis Hunter).
Interestingly enough, the Giants hired former Patriots WR/CB Troy Brown as an offensive assistant this offseason.
Outside the obvious need at QB…
The defense needs to improve.
Injuries destroyed the defensive line in 2024, and the secondary allowed too many big plays. OLB Azeez Ojulari left and signed with the Eagles in free agency.
Simply put: they need more depth. DT Roy Robertson-Harris, Chauncey Golston and Jeremiah Ledbetter were brought in during free agency, but it’s not enough. Luckily, it’s a very deep class on the defensive line.
A few potential draft targets include Michigan’s Mason Graham, Ohio State’s Jack Sawyer and Texas A&M edge rusher, Shermar Stewart.
Cornerback Deonte Banks allowed a top-10 passer rating when targeted in 2024.
Defensive back Jason Pinnock signed with the 49ers, and safety Tyler Nubin is coming off a season-ending ankle injury. CB Paulson Adebo was signed in free agency, as was safety Jevon Holland.
Maybe the Giants’ yearly offensive line needs aren’t as apparent as the Atlanta Falcons’ need for a pass rush…but it is close.
Andrew Thomas played six games last season. Starting guard Greg Van Roten re-signed, but he is entering his age-35 season.
RT James Hudson signed with the Giants on a 2-year deal. But he was PFF’s third-worst graded pass-blocker last season among tackles in just four games.
They need to upgrade the offensive line if they want any chance at improved QB play in 2025.
A target on the offensive line that New York could target in Round 2 is Purdue’s Marcus Mbow.
Big Blue might also look to add another WR. Darius Slayton will stay a Giant, after signing a 3-year $36 million contract. But Wan’Dale Robinson is in the last year of his rookie deal.
Notable 2026 Free Agents: QB Russell Wilson, DE Jeremiah Ledbetter, OG Aaron Stinnie, TE Daniel Bellinger, OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux, RT Jermaine Eluemunor, RT Evan Neal, DT Rakeem Nunez-Roches, WR Wan’Dale Robinson, G Austin Schlottmann G Joshua Ezeudu.
New England Patriots
Team Needs: OT, WR, EDGE
Don’t need to sugarcoat the team’s needs, folks. The offensive line and pass-catchers for Drake Maye are the only way New England needs to attack the NFL Draft.
First step in free agency was signing veteran OT Morgan Moses. OG Wes Schweitzer also signed a one-year deal with the Pats after 62 career starts.
However, center David Andrews was released. They signed ex-Vikings center, Garrett Bradbury to a two-year $12 million contract after he was cut from Minnesota.
I spoke with Patriots beat reporter and staff writer Evan Lazar at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. He told me that “trench players” are at the top of the Patriots’ to-do list in the 2025 offseason. OL and DL. Beef up the line of scrimmage. Spoken like a true defensive-minded head coach.
Given that the Pats made so many improvements on defense during free agency with Milton Williams, Harold Landry, Carlton Davis etc., the offensive line sticks out like a sore thumb.
They cannot enter the season with offensive tackle Vederian Lowe protecting Maye’s blind side. Not ideal. Veteran Morgan Moses could theoretically flip over to LT, but he has played 97% of his NFL snaps at right tackle.
LSU’s Will Campbell and Missouri’s Armand Membou are viewed as the top 2 tackle prospects in this year’s draft. In Round 2, Minnesota’s Aireontae Ersery, Oregon’s Josh Conerly and Purdue’s Marcus Mbow.
The Patriots are favored in the betting markets to select an offensive lineman with their first draft pick.
As for WR, the splashy FA move they made was signing Stefon Diggs to a three-year deal worth nearly $64 million. But it’s essentially a one-year deal that the Patriots can get out of if things don’t work with the 31-year-old WR coming off a torn ACL.
The Diggs signing shouldn’t stop the Patriots from drafting Colorado’s Travis Hunter with the 4th overall pick, should he be available.
If the Patriots drafted an offensive tackle and/or WR with every single one of their draft picks, that would please me.
Here are some of the WRs that New England has been connected to throughout the pre-draft process.
Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan, Iowa State’s Jaylin Noel, Ole Miss’s Tre Harris, Georgia’s Arian Smith and Washington State’s Kyle Williams.
Mike Vrabel’s team might also look to add another off-ball linebacker with Ja’Whaun Bentley released to create cap space. They did sign ex-Titans linebacker Jack Gibbens and Robert Spillane while matching the Raiders offer sheet to retain Christian Elliss.
Notable 2026 Free Agents: OG Cole Strange, CB Marcus Jones, TE Austin Hooper, EDGE K’Lavon Chaisson, LB Jack Gibbens, OT Vederian Lowe
Jacksonville Jaguars
Team Needs: DT, CB, S, WR, RB, OT
New Jaguars GM James Gladstone noted during his NFL Combine press conference by prioritizing the offensive and defensive fronts, in addition to point scorers, as their top targets. He also mentioned that addressing the interior of the offensive line is important (protect Trevor Lawrence) and that the running back class is very deep.
Travis Etienne is in the final year of his deal. Tank Bigsby had his moments last year but fizzled out down the stretch. Don’t be surprised to see a rookie RB join this backfield. Kansas State’s DJ Giddens, Oregon’s Jordan James or Virginia Tech’s Bhayshul Tuten could be rookie RBs they look to draft.
The Jaguars made improvements to the interior of the offensive line with OG Patrick Mekari along with center, Robert Hainsey, who will reunite with Liam Coen from Tampa Bay.
But despite having quality edge rushers (Travon Walker and Josh Allen), the Jaguars lacked interior push.
Head coach Liam Coen said earlier this offseason regarding the 5th overall pick per the CoachSpeakIndex, “we want to play physical defense. We want to play a physical brand of football. We want to play good defense, we want to be fundamentally sound on special teams. But we’d better go light that scoreboard up on offense.”
Given that Michigan’s DT Mason Graham should be available at 5th overall, he makes a ton of sense for the Jaguars to select as a perfect fit and best player available proposition.
However, they could also go with Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker if they believe he is the best defender available.
The Jags are heavy favorites to draft DL/EDGE with their first pick, followed by OL, which I don’t necessarily agree with.
Jacksonville’s secondary was also terrible in 2024, allowing the most passing yards. The team needs to revamp the entire secondary under new defensive coordinator, Anthony Campanile.
Tyson Campbell is serviceable, but another reliable CB2 across from him is needed. Ronald Darby signed with the Houston Texans after his release. The Jags added ex-Cowboys slot CB Jourdan Lewis in free agency. They seem to have a lot of slot CBs on the roster between Lewis and Jarrian Jones, which suggests they will take a hard look at perimeter CB in the draft.
That, along with safety. Andrew Cisco is gone, and Darnell Savage is not good. PFF’s fifth-lowest graded safety in 2024.
Texas safety, Andrew Mukuba, could be a nice option on Day 2.
Christian Kirk and Evan Engram (entering his 31-year-old season) were both in the final years of their contracts and ended up being salary cap casualties under a new regime.
During FA, the Jags signed WR Dyami Brown. They also added two more TEs: Hunter Long and Johnny Mundt.
Long is interesting because he has connections to the Jags new GM from their time spent together with the Rams.
With Brenton Strange returning, they are probably all set at tight end. WR though, lacks established depth behind Brian Thomas Jr.
Gabe Davis, Parker Washington, etc. Maybe the new regime likes them, or maybe they are ready to move on. They sure moved on from Evan Engram and Christian Kirk, so any incumbent not-named BTJ has nothing guaranteed.
Given how active Gladston was in Jacksonville’s free agency period by turning over the roster, I expected the unexpected from Jacksonville in this year’s draft. They have six picks in the first four rounds (two third-round picks as well).
Don’t rule out Georgia LB Jalon Walker at 5th overall. 9-1 odds for a linebacker to be their first draft selection. Or even Boise State RB, Ashton Jeanty. Current RB coach for the Jaguars, Chad Morton, was the RB coach for Seattle when they drafted fellow Mountain West RB, Rashaad Penny, in the first round back in 2018.
40-1 odds for the Jaguars to select Jeanty.
Notable 2026 Free Agents: OLB Travon Walker, ILB Devin Lloyd, RB Travis Etienne, WR Dyami Brown, OG Cole Van Lanen, S Andrew Wingard, LB Chad Muma
Las Vegas Raiders
Team Needs: CB, RB, WR, EDGE, LB
The running back production was terrible in 2025, so expect the Black Hole to upgrade the backfield in the NFL Draft.
The new GM, John Spytek, also mentioned the strength of the RBs in this year’s draft class.
He specifically mentioned that speed is great, “But to me, it’s more about the guys that have great instincts, great vision, that are hard to get on the ground. If they can run 4.3’s, even better, but I’ve seen a lot of great ones that run the 4.5’s and 4.6’s that are just hard to tackle and they set the tone for the team, so we’re looking for that.”
Head coach Pete Carroll is no stranger to wanting to run the football, so this shouldn’t surprise anyone that they will be investing in RBs. Both Ohio State RBs have obvious ties to Raiders’ current OC, Chip Kelly.
All the Las Vegas Raiders have done at the position is sign veteran running back Raheem Mostert to a one-year, $2.1 million contract. If there’s one thing Mostert can do well, it’s speed.
Given what Spytek got out of 4th-rounder Bucky Irving in Tampa Bay last season, I think they wait to take a RB. Therefore, I’m fading them in betting markets to select an RB with their first pick despite heavily juiced odds that they select the Boise State running back.
And given the lack of WR depth behind Jakobi Meyers (who is in the final year of his deal), I’d imagine they’re looking to bolster the position.
Based on the current coaching staff in Las Vegas, Keenan Allen and Tyler Lockett would be logical veteran additions.
Defensively, the 2024 unit was bad in general, more so against the pass, as they ranked 32nd in PFF coverage grade.
During free agency, CB Eric Stokes signed a one-year deal. Still, nobody should be overconfident about the starters reprising their roles in 2025. Jack Jones has already been released. CB is a dire need, and that’s why it should surprise nobody if they select Michigan’s CB Will Johnson as high as 6th overall. Las Vegas has odds listed at more than 4-to-1 to select a CB first.
Some other prospects that fit an area of need for the Raiders include:
Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty, Iowa RB Kaleb Johnson, Notre Dame CB Benjamin Morrison, Georgia LB Jalon Walker (Walker has met extensively with the Raiders), Iowa State WR Jaylin Noel, Arizona WR Tetairoa McMillan, Ohio State WR Emeka Egbuka, Texas CB Jahdae Barron, ECU CB Shavon Revel, Missouri WR Luther Burden and Ole Miss CB Trey Amos.
Aidan O’Connell is still on the roster, while Gardner Minshew was released. The Raiders appear set to bring in two new bodies to compete for the starting job per the Athletic.
One of those QB bodies will be veteran Geno Smith after LV acquired him with a third-round pick. Smith is expected to be the bridge QB for an incoming rookie, but recently signed a two-year extension worth $85.5 million that includes $66.5 million guaranteed. Makes him the 17th-highest paid QB and likely takes the Raiders out of the QB market at 6th overall. They also gave up a third-round pick in this year’s draft to acquire Smith from Seattle.
Still, that did not stop them from taking visits from Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders and Ole Miss’s Jaxson Dart.
The offensive line doesn’t have many glaring holes, although there is a potential depth need at the guard spot. Jordan Meredith is in the final year of his contract (RFA). Cody Whitehair is a free agent.
They lost Robert Spillane, but LB Elandon Roberts signed with the Las Vegas Raiders on a one-year, $3 million deal. The Patriots also matched the Raiders’ offer for linebacker Christian Elliss, making linebacker depth a bigger area of need.
Notable 2026 Free Agents: LT Kolton Miller, WR Jakobi Meyers, K Daniel Carlson, P A.J. Cole, G Dylan Parham, LS Jacob Bobenmoyer, DE Malcolm Koonce, CB Eric Stokes and LB Devin White.
New York Jets
Team Needs: WR/TE, OL, DT, S, CB
I’ve always been a fan of Jets tight end Jeremy Ruckert, and he might get a chance to start with Tyler Conklin now on the Chargers. Stone Smartt was added on a one-year deal.
It feels like a long shot for Ruckert to be the Jets’ future TE1 but it’s not crazy. He’s Fields’ former teammate at Ohio State.
And per the CoachSpeak index, Jets GM Darren Mougey at the owners’ meeting, claims that Ruckert can take the next step and they feel good about their current TE room.
That being said, Ruckert is in the last year of his contract. And New York is apparently “infatuated” by Penn State prospect, tight end Tyler Warren. They have also shown a lot of interest in Oregon tight end, Terrance Ferguson.
New York is favored by the sportsbooks to select a tight end with their first draft pick.
And yes, this is one that I have already fired on. Just one of the perks of being in the BettingPros discord, as you will be notified of all my favorite bets leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft.
Just more receiving options in general is a must for Gang Green, given the barren depth behind Garrett Wilson. They could be a sneaky candidate to add Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan.
There’s a severe lack of pass-catcher depth on the roster. Allen Lazard initially looked like he would also be traded, but a $8.5M salary cut might keep him on the roster.
The Jets offensive line also needs work, after the band-aid attempt did not pan out in 2024. Both tackles – Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses – are gone. Second-year player Olu Fashanu figures to take one spot, but the other remains vacant. Two of the starting interior blockers will be free agents in 2026.
The Jets could select Minnesota tackle Aierontae Ersery or Oregon’s Josh Conerly.
Defensive tackle Quinnen Williams is the anchor of the interior, but there’s a lack of depth behind him. More pass rush also seems to be necessary, given the Haason Reddick disaster and the Achilles injury to Jermaine Johnson. It’s a great class to draft edge rushers.
Edge rushers Nic Scourton and Shermar Stewart from Texas A&M could be a potential option.
Without D.J. Reed (who signed with the Lions), the Jets will need another CB to play alongside Sauce Gardner.
CB Brandon Stephens was signed after playing with the Ravens last season. However, he also allowed the second-most yards while in coverage last season.
Also, both starting safeties – Tony Adams and Andre Cisco – will be free agents in 2026.
Notable 2026 Free Agents: CB Ahmad Gardner, LB Quincy Williams, QB Tyrod Taylor, G John Simpson, WR Garrett Wilson, K Greg Zuerlein, T Alijah Vera-Tucker, DE Jermaine Johnson, P Thomas Morstead, RB Breece Hall, DT Phidarian Mathis, FB Andrew Beck and TE Jeremy Ruckert, S Andre Cisco, S Tony Adams, C Josh Myers and LT Chukwuma Okorafor
Carolina Panthers
Team Needs: EDGE/DT, WR, CB/S, TE
Panthers general manager Dan Morgan has explicitly stated the team wants to attack the defensive line this offseason, similar to their approach to the offensive line last season.
They signed DT Tershawn Wharton, and they also added Bobby Brown. But they aren’t finished.
Carolina is reportedly ‘very interested’ in the former Bulldog EDGE defender, Mykel Williams.
The Panthers are also listed at -140 to select an EDGE rusher with their first pick. But don’t be surprised if they select another Bulldog, potentially in LB Jalon Walker, who can also bring value as a pass rusher.
More offensive weapons overall will always remain a priority for Carolina as they continue to build around Bryce Young. They re-signed David Moore in free agency and have two ascending second-year WRs on the roster between Jalen Coker and Xavier Legette.
But Iowa State’s Jaylin Noel could be another WR option in Round 2 as a future slot replacement for 45-year-old Adam Thielen (ha).
Tetairoa McMillan from Arizona would give Young a massive target to throw to.
The Panthers’ GM also mentioned “thinness” in the tight end room. Tommy Tremble was a free agent but signed a two-year deal to return. They took a local prospect visit from Oregon tight end Terrance Ferguson.
Secondary-wise? It’s Jaycee Horn (who signed a 4-year extension) and not much else. Michael Jackson was added to a two-year deal worth $14.5 million.
More defensive backs (particularly AT safety) are also needed.
Trevon Moehrig was a great addition in free agency, but there’s not much behind him. Nick Scott is a veteran safety who only played six games last season. He is a solid leader in the locker room, plus a strong contributor on special teams.
The Athletic’s Joseph Person expects Carolina to target another safety.
The Panthers could sign or draft almost any position and it would likely fill a need other than the offensive line. They are truly a BPA team, although I think they will go defensively in the first round, which is also how the sports books see it.
Heavy favorites at -140 to go DL/EDGE with their first draft selection.
I’d imagine the Panthers draft a rookie RB, but they might be gun-shy to use a top draft pick as the Jonathon Brooks selection has not aged well. They just paid Chuba Hubbard to be their guy while cutting Miles Sanders.
They replaced Sanders with former Cowboys RB, Rico Dowdle. The former Dallas RB signed for a one-year deal worth $6.25 million after rushing for 1,079 yards in his first season as a legitimate starter.
Notable 2026 Free Agents: RT Taylor Moton, DE Jadeveon Clowney, WR Adam Thielen, LT Ikem Ekwonu, DT Shy Tuttle, DE D.J. Wonnum, C Austin Corbett, C Brady Christensen, RB Rico Dowdle, and S Nick Scott
New Orleans Saints
Team Needs: EDGE, CB, QB, OL WR/TE
The Saints’ No. 1 need before free agency was in the trenches. Therefore, it was very savvy for the team to re-sign Chase Young to a three-year deal. They also traded for DT Davon Godchaux from the Patriots.
Still, Payton Turner is gone. Cam Jordan is in the last year of his deal. The Saints are in a good position to draft a strong pass rusher in a deep class.
Note that they are likely moving to a 3-4 defense under defensive coordinator Brandon Staley. As outlined in the Saints Wire, this suggests that they will target two edge/linebacker players, such as Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart, Georgia’s Mykel Williams and Jalon Walker, Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr. or Marshall’s Mike Green.
Walter Nolen, a Defensive Tackle from Ole Miss, also makes sense on the interior.
On the offensive line, left guard Lucas Patrick signed with the Bengals in free agency. But the Saints’ 2024 offensive line was graded dead last by PFF in pass-blocking last season. Trevor Penning has not lived up to his first-round draft capital and probably isn’t a long-term answer.
Top draft options include Will Campbell, LSU, Josh Conerly Jr., Oregon and Aireontae Ersery, Minnesota.
In the secondary, S Will Harris (Commanders) and CB Paulson Adebo (Giants) signed with other teams, while Alontae Taylor is in the last year of his contract. Taylor was also horrible last season, grading out as PFF’s worst coverage cornerback.
The Saints signed CB Isaac Yiadom to a three-year contract ($9 million). Safety Justin Reid was signed on a three-year deal. CB draft targets include Trey Amos, Ole Miss, Jahdae Barron, Texas and ECU CB Shavon Revel.
Unless Michigan’s Will Johnson at 9th overall, New Orleans might opt for Round 2 to select another defensive back.
Therefore, I like going against CB as the favorite for them to draft first. It’s +300 as a favorite because it’s very inconclusive about what New Orleans will do.
I think the best value is for them to OL at as long as 6-1 odds, but these position ranges are all over the place.
As for the quarterback, Derek Carr restructured his contract to create cap space for the Saints. But he is probably gone after this season, after seeking a trade earlier in the offseason.
There have also been recent reports to surface that have suggested Carr could miss the 2025 season with a shoulder injury.
Jaxon Dart has gotten real interest from the Saints alongside Texas QB Quinn Ewers, Ohio State’s Will Howard, Syracuse’s Kyle McCord and Louisville’s Tyler Shough.
Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders is also not out of the running given that he was one of the five teams Deion Sanders listed off that Sanders wants to be drafted by. The Saints have two third-round picks to potentially move back into Round 1 if they don’t take the Colorado QB inside the top 10.
Or they could pair a second-round rookie QB with second-year QB, Spencer Rattler, who Kellen Moore feels is a “really good player” according to Nick Underhill.
More receiving threats is also a need.
Almost all of their top WRs are in the final years of their contracts. Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed also missed the majority of games last season. Brandin Cooks signed a two-year deal with the Saints to return to New Orleans, but he is also at risk of injury.
Some additional pass-catchers the Saints could target at both TE/WR include Tai Felton, Maryland, TE Tyler Warren, Penn State and TE Harold Fannin, Bowling Green.
Notable 2026 Free Agents: DE Cameron Jordan, TE Taysom Hill, ILB Demario Davis, WR Rashid Shaheed, WR Chris Olave, TE Foster Moreau, LT Trevor Penning, SS J.T. Gray, WR Cedrick Wilson , OG Dillon Radunz, C Will Clapp, and CB Alontae Taylor.
Chicago Bears
Team Needs: EDGE, S, LB, RB
One of the biggest needs the Bears needed to address this offseason was improving the offensive line. They got ahead of the free-agency frenzy by acquiring Joe Thuney from the Chiefs for a 2026 fourth-round pick. This was the second move they made this offseason to improve the offensive line, having already acquired Jonah Jackson from the Rams for a sixth-round pick.
Ex-Falcons center Drew Dalman also joined the Bears on a 3-year $42 million contract. They are finally getting the much-needed protection for Caleb Williams, who was one of the biggest winners after the first week of free agency.
But it STILL might not be complete.
Offensive tackle Braxon Jones is entering the last year of his rookie contract and could be upgraded. The offensive line is complete from an overhaul perspective with three new starters, but they can still make it even better in the draft. Take no chances.
If Will Campbell from LSU is there, just take him. Potentially Round 2 targets include Donovan Jackson from Ohio State, Tyler Booker from Alabama or Jonah Savaiinea from Arizona.
Besides that, this pre-draft 2025 Bears roster looks pretty solid on paper.
Shortly after DT Grady Jarrett’s release, he signed with the Bears. They also signed defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo.
Bolstering the DL/EDGE alongside Montez Sweat seems like the most sensible move if they elect to go away from doubling down on the OL in Round 1. They have the second-shortest betting odds to select a DL/EDGE prospect with their first pick, that could be Georgia’s EDGE Mykel Williams or Texas A&M’s Shermar Stewart as top-10 picks.
Safety might be an under-the-radar need. Jaquan Brisker has a concussion history. Brisker and Kevin Byard are also in the last years of their deals.
As is linebacker, T.J. Edwards to go along with a potential out in linebacker Tremaine Edmunds’ contract.
Texas safety Andrew Mukuba fits the need in the backend. Georgia LB Jalon Walker might be the perfect fit for them if he falls to the 10th overall pick.
In such a great RB class, I could see Ben Johnson wanting to get “his” guy. D’Andre Swift has an out in his contract after the season, where he can be released for a very small dead cap hit.
The Bears are heavy favorites to select an RB with their first pick, with the popular choice being Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty.
If they wait or if Jeanty is selected ahead of them, they could draft someone like Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson, Arizona’s Cam Skattebo, Brashard Smith from SMU or even North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton.
The Bears also have two second-round picks at 39 and 41.
Notable 2026 Free Agents: G Joe Thuney, SS Kevin Byard, LB T.J. Edwards, G Ryan Bates, DT Andrew Billings, SS Jonathan Owens, S Jaquan Brisker, RT Joshua Miles, LB Noah Sewell, WR Maurice Alexander, C Chris Glaser WR Samori Toure and T Braxton Jones, and DT Chris Williams.
San Francisco 49ers
Team Needs: DT, EDGE, OL, CB
There was a mass exodus of players from the 49ers this offseason that they couldn’t afford to keep.
Javon Hargrave, Jaylon Moore, Maliek Collins, Leonard Floyd, Jordan Mason, Deebo Samuel, Dre Greenlaw, Talanoa Hufanga, Charvarius Ward, Aaron Banks, Isaac Yiadom, Jon Feliciano…the list goes on and on.
They need to nail this draft to get back into the NFC Title conversation.
On the offensive line, the 49ers have two projected starters in the last years of their contracts. Trent Williams isn’t getting any younger, entering his age 37 season.
After the Niners lock up Purdy, bolstering his protection up front makes the most sense.
There is also a severe lack of depth on the defensive line.
The 49ers’ secondary also lacks reliable talent. They signed CB Tre Brown, but he allowed the third-highest passer rating when targeted last season (144.8).
San Fran addressed wide receiver/cornerback with veteran signings, suggesting they look strongly for trench players in the NFL Draft.
I lean towards the defensive line as their first selection, something they do quite often. And it’s available at more than 2-to-1 odds on most sportsbooks.
As the Athletic’s Matt Barrows wrote regarding the 49ers’ biggest needs this offseason, this team should double down on drafting defensive tackles, given the lack of proven depth on the roster.
After having just traded Samuel while meeting with several rookie WRs at the combine, retooling the pass-catchers for Brock Purdy makes logical sense. Brandon Aiyuk is on the trade block coming off a torn ACL injury.
Demarcus Robinson is coming over from the Rams on a two-year contract.
Safety/CB Jason Pinnock signed with the 49ers from the Giants but on a one-year deal. Safety Richie Grant also signed with the 49ers (also one year).
High-end prospects that fit the Niners’ needs includes: DT Shermar Stewart from Texas A&M
Tennessee EDGE, James Pearce, CBs Maxwell Hairston from Kentucky and Michigan’s Will Johnson, Texas’ offensive lineman Kelvin Banks and UCLA Edge rusher Oluwafemi Oladejo.
The Niners have two third-round picks, rounding out four inside the top 100.
Notable 2026 Free Agents: TE George Kittle, DE Yetur Gross-Matos, WR Jauan Jennings, DT Jordan Elliott, T Colton McKivitz, DE Drake Jackson, G Ben Bartch, and CB Tre Brown.
Dallas Cowboys
Team Needs: RB, WR, DT/ EDGE, CB, OL
Jon Machota of The Athletic believes that the Ashton Jeanty to Dallas is more noise than anything else, and Dallas will draft a running back in round 2 or 3. Javonte Williams starting with Miles Sanders backing him up is nobody’s idea of a completed backfield.
I tend to agree given the surplus of RBs the Cowboys with met with during the pre-draft process including TreyVeon Henderson from Ohio State, Ollie Gordon from Oklahoma State, Omarion Hampton from North Carolina, Jarquez Hunter from Auburn, Kaleb Johnson from Iowa, Damien Martinez from Miami, Jordan James, from Oregon, Bhayshul Tuten from Virginia Tech, Dylan Sampson from Tennessee AND Brashard Smith from SMU.
Moreso on offense, another WR to pair with CeeDee Lamb is sensible, given the current roster build.
Brandin Cooks is a New Orleans Saint. Jalen Tolbert is in the last year of his rookie deal. NFL Draft insider Tony Pauline noted that Dallas will potentially prioritize WR in the NFL Draft, and they could even move up to select one.
A potential name to monitor: Emeka Egbuka. He’s known Cowboys WR coach Junior Adams since Adams coached his high school coach at Eastern Washington.
Other high-end WRs include Colorado’s Travis Hunter in a trade-up scenario, Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan, Texas WRs Matthew Golden and Isaiah Bond and TCU WR Savion Williams.
WR KaVontae Turpin re-signed on a three-year deal worth $18M deal. Turpin was targeted on 26% of his routes run in 2024. Turpin never played more than 50% of the snaps last season but flashed big-time potential as an explosive playmaker.
Dallas is favored at +200 to draft a WR first in the NFL Draft. And yes, folks, I have already fired on. Get in the BettingPros Discord to get notifications on my favorite bets leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft. Be sure to also follow me on the BettingPros App.
Beefing up the defensive line is also a big need for Big D. NFL offenses were able to overexpose their run defense at times last season, as they ranked fourth worst in rushing yards allowed per game. DT Mazi Smith has not lived up to his first-round draft expectations. DeMarcus Lawrence is gone.
Even after re-signing Osa Odighizuwa the defensive line is far from finished. Solomon Thomas, Dante Fowler Jr. and Payton Turner are nice depth pieces, but they are hardly foundational pieces.
Dallas might look for guys like Landon Jackson from Arkansas, Mykel Williams from Georgia, Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss and Shemar Stewart, Defensive End, Texas A&M.
Another CB might also make sense, given the cornerback losses Dallas has to overcome. Jourdan Lewis signed with the Jags. They just don’t have much depth at the position, and you can never have too many good cover cornerbacks in today’s NFL.
Trevon Diggs’ contract is also structured in a way that the team can be flexible with him. He has also been tough to rely on after missing 21 games the last two seasons (all but two games missed in 2023) with knee injuries. The Cowboys traded for cornerback Kaair Elam, but he hasn’t been good.
Texas’ Jahdae Barron, Kentucky’s Maxwell Hairston, Michigan’s Will Johnson, and Notre Dame’s Benjamin Morrison are logical CB options for Dallas.
Adding an experienced offensive lineman to bolster the interior protection will also be advised. Zack Martin retired and former Dolphins guard Robert Jones was signed in free agency on just a one-year deal.
I’m somewhat surprised that OL has the second-shortest odds among the top positions for Dallas to draft first based on their current construction.
Off-ball linebacker is also a defensive need, given Eric Kendricks and Nick Vigil are free agents. LB Kenneth Murray came over via trade and they signed Jack Sanborn from the Bears.
Notable 2026 Free Agents: S Donovan Wilson, OLB Micah Parsons, G Tyler Smith, DE Sam Williams, CB C.J. Goodwin, WR Jalen Tolbert, QB Will Grier, G Jack Anderson, TE Jake Ferguson, DE Earnest Brown, CB Andrew Booth Jr., CB Kemon Hall, CB Luq Barcoo, RB Malik Davis, OLB Luiji Vilain, T Matt Waletzko, CB DaRon Bland, EDGE Dante Fowler Jr., G Robert Jones, CB Kaiir Elam, and OG Brock Hoffman.
Miami Dolphins
Team Needs: DT, EDGE, IOL, CB, S
Interior offensive line. It’s a glaring hole on Miami’s roster. The rushing attack struggled immensely in 2024, and it won’t get easier to improve with two starters needed at both guard spots.
RG James Daniels was brought in for one of those spots. But the 27-year-old is coming off a torn Achilles injury. OT Larry Borom was also signed after four years in Chicago. Depth signing. They also signed LT Jackson Carman. Another depth signing. Liam Eichenberg is entering the last year of his contract. And he is a depth piece at best. See a theme here guys?
Mike McDaniel knows how critical it is to invest in the offensive line position, and we should expect them to do so in the NFL Draft.
This is very much the expectation, given Miami is favored heavily at -110 to select an OL player with their first pick in the upcoming draft.
Incoming rookies that they will look at include Armand Membou from Missouri, Grey Zabel from North Dakota State, Kelvin Banks from Texas, Tyler Booker from Alabama and Marcus Mbow from Purdue
Offensive tackle is less concerning, given that Patrick Paul is expected to start in the spot vacated by Terron Armstead.
Given that it’s more of an interior OL issue than an offensive tackle, I think Miami will end up going BPA. I’d rather bet on them going in a different direction in Round 1 than betting on the heavily favored position.
Another cornerback opposite Jalen Ramsey is also advised. Storm Duck is pegged in as a potential 2025 starter. Yes, that is a real NFL player. Yikes. Cam Smith hasn’t done much after being drafted in the second round two years ago.
If Michigan’s CB Will Johnson is available, I think the Dolphins easily pull the trigger.
Safety is also a need, as the players they signed to replace Jevon Holland are on one-year deals. Secondary needs major upgrades.
Nick Emmanwori (Safety from South Carolina) or Georgia safety Malaki Starks could hear their name called early if Miami looks to safety in Round 1.
The other top need is in the defensive trenches. Bradley Chubb is expected to return, but the team lacks depth across the defensive line. Three of the defensive linemen who finished top 5 in snaps played last season are currently not on the roster.
Miami has shown a willingness to draft DL/EDGE players with high-end draft capital.
In the last 6 drafts, when Miami had a first-round pick, they drafted a DL/EDGE piece in 4 of those drafts. 5 of those drafts included a DL/EDGE in Rounds 1 or 2.
I know my colleague Derek Brown likes Miami to draft a DL/EDGE player with their first pick at more than 3-to-1 odds. I think this might be a squad ride, folks. Miami currently ranks in the bottom five in positional spending toward the defensive line. And it shows.
According to the Athletic’s Mike Silver, the Bills beat out the Dolphins and 49ers for former Chargers edge rusher, Joey Bosa.
Given Devon Achane‘s injury history and Jaylen Wright‘s lackluster rookie campaign, RB also seems like a logical spot for additional bodies. They signed Alexander Mattison who played for the Raiders last season.
Notable 2026 Free Agents: TE Jonnu Smith, DE Jaelan Phillips, P Jake Bailey, ILB Channing Tindall, DT Neil Farrell Jr., WR Tanner Conner, WR Erik Ezukanma, CB Kader Kohou, S Ashtyn Davis, and OG Liam Eichenberg
Indianapolis Colts
Team Needs: TE, OL, EDGE, DT, S
As noted by the Athletic’s James Boyd, New Indy DC Lou Anarumo puts a lot of pressure on the backend. Therefore, a smart and savvy safety playing center field is a must-have requirement for the 2025 Colts defense.
Camryn Bynum was an ideal addition to the safety room from the Vikings. CB Charvarius Ward was also a great addition to the Colts’ secondary. Corey Ballentine was also signed.
But remains to be seen whether safety Nick Cross is in the team’s long-term plans entering the last year of his contract. Another safety might be added in the draft, so don’t be surprised if they pull the trigger early with somebody like Malaki Starks from Georgia.
Even so, with the backend on defense improved through free agency, the Colts can shift gears toward offense in the NFL Draft.
What might help is adding an actual threat at the tight end position. Please, Shane Steichen, stop the four-man tight end rotations.
Please, Shane Steichen, stop the four-man tight end rotations.
As I referenced in my AFC South Forecast, Colts GM Chris Ballard didn’t sugarcoat the need for a massive upgrade at tight end in 2025 in his post-season presser. They are going to add a receiving threat, but they didn’t do it during free agency.
I fully anticipate them adding another TE of consequence in the NFL Draft or through a veteran trade. It doesn’t take a genius to figure they might want to trade for someone like Dallas Goedert, who previously played under Steichen in Philly.
The interior of the offensive line also needs fine-tuning, given that the center Ryan Kelly (Vikings) and guard Will Fries (Vikings) are both gone. The two projected starting tackles will be free agents in 2026.
Alabama’s Tyler Booker would be an ideal fit for the interior offensive line, along with Oregon’s Josh Conerly.
OL and TE headline the Colts’ primary needs and that aligns exactly with what they are favored to do in the betting markets. Safety is the distant third option.
Every mock draft has either Michigan’s Colston Loveland or Penn State’s Tyler Warren linked to the Colts, and it would be shocking if they don’t go in that direction should either be on the board when they make their selection. LSU’s Mason Taylor could be an alternative option in Round 2.
On the defensive line, they lost DT Raekwon Davis and DE Dayo Odeyingbo while adding next to nothing in free agency other than DT Neville Gallimore.
It’s a very similar-looking unit to last year’s, although Odeyingbo is a big loss, given he led the Colts in defensive snaps. Samson Ebukam is coming off a torn Achilles.
Indianapolis finished 26th in sacks and 22nd in pressure rate last season. If the Colts wanted to make a splash trade, they could acquire Trey Hendrickson from the Bengals, given that former Bengals DC, Lou Anarumo is in the same position for the Colts.
Notable 2026 Free Agents: RT Braden Smith, DE Samson Ebukam, DE Kwity Paye, WR Alec Pierce, TE Jelani Woods, LT Bernhard Raimann, S Nick Cross, WR Laquon Treadwell, TE Sean McKeon, TE Albert Okwuegbunam, RB Salvon Ahmed, ILB Jacob Phillips and OLB Cameron McGrone, QB Daniel Jones and DT Neville Gallimore.
Atlanta Falcons
Team Needs: EDGE/DT, S, CB, C, TE/WR, OT
Death, taxes, and the Falcons’ lack of pass rush. It’s the same need every year and 2025 is no different, with Grady Jarrett released from the roster.
Luckily, it’s a great year to draft edge rushers. Don’t blow this, Atlanta. Leonard Floyd isn’t enough on just a one-year deal.
The one that they seem to be homing in on is Marshall’s Mike Green. The Falcons had a massive representation of staff, including HC Raheem Morris, at Marshall’s pro day. Presumably, to scout the top defensive line prospect in Green.
Other pass rushers they might consider include Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart and Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker.
Another safety is also a need with former second-rounder Richie Grant signing with the 49ers. Jordan Fuller is a fine temporary fix, but he’s not a long-term answer with Jessie Bates holding the other safety slot.
South Carolina’s Nick Emmanwori and Georgia’s Malaki Starks are viewed as the top two safety prospects by the consensus big board.
Cornerback is next, as the Falcons are still searching for a strong No. 2 across from A.J. Terrell. Mike Hughes signed back on a three-year deal worth $18 million.
Dee Alford remains unsigned after leading the Falcons in slot snaps in 2024. Eventually he re-signed on a one-year deal at the start of April.
A few CB prospects Atlanta might look at include Ole Miss’s Trey Amos, Iowa State’s Darien Porter and Kentucky’s Maxwell Hairston.
The Falcons lost center Drew Dalman to the Bears in free agency, but they were prepared for this. C Ryan Neuzil will replace him, but they will now require a new backup center given Neuzil is in a contract year.
Tight end Kyle Pitts is entering the last year of his rookie deal and it seems unlikely he is going to be in the team’s long-term plans. Replacing him with another future pass-catcher or more traditional tight end seems very feasible for the Falcons.
A few potential targets among this year’s WR group include TCU WR Jack Bech and Texas WR Isiaah Bond.
It is noteworthy that the Falcons do not have a third-round pick in this year’s draft after the Matthew Judon trade last season.
I wanted to bring this up because Atlanta might spend some of it’s limited draft capital on a tackle prospect. According to the Athletic’s Josh Kendall, tackle is an area of need given that RT Kaleb McGary is entering the last year of his contract. Right tackle is more important now than ever because it’s protecting Michael Penix’s blindside.
Potential targets include Texas’s Kelvin Banks, Ohio State’s Josh Simmons and Donovan Jackson.
Notable 2026 Free Agents: DT David Onyemata, RT Kaleb McGary, TE Kyle Pitts, ILB Kaden Elliss, WR Drake London, P Bradley Pinion, WR Ray-Ray McCloud, OLB Arnold Ebiketie, ILB Troy Andersen, OLB DeAngelo Malone, WR Phillip Dorsett, DE Khalid Kareem, WR David Sills, CB Lamar Jackson, C Jovaughn Gwyn, RB Tyler Allgeier.
Arizona Cardinals
Team Needs: OL, CB, EDGE, DT, WR
Arizona made big additions to its defensive line in free agency with the signings of defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson and edge rusher Josh Sweat. Even so, beefing up the DL remains a primary focus for the Cardinals, given how poor Jonathan Gannon’s front 7 was against the run and pass last season.
Similar to their fellow red birds, the Cardinals also have an overt need for a pass rush. They posted the second-worst PFF pass rush grade in 2024.
Gannon isn’t ready to completely write off 2024 FA additions such as Justin Jones and Bilal Nichols, but he acknowledges they need to present a bigger interior threat to opposing offenses (AZCardinals.com). Losing NT Roy Lopez won’t make things easier.
They did get a boost late in the veteran signing period with the addition of soon-to-be 40-year-old defensive end, Calais Campbell.
But post-free agency, I think that the offensive line might be the biggest need.
After all the Red Birds invested defensively during free agency, so it wouldn’t surprise me to see them opt for offense in the first round.
They have interior offensive linemen from last season who are free agents after playing significant snaps in 2024. Right tackle Jonah Williams is in the last year of his contract after playing just six games in 2024 because of a knee injury.
O-line makes sense (specifically at guard) with that position listed with the second-shortest odds to be the Cardinals’ first pick.
O-line and defensive line are tied for the most likely position the Cardinals draft first in the draft (+175).
More so on offense, WR. Zay Jones will return on a one-year deal, but another WR is not out of the question for the Cardinals.
I would also strongly consider perimeter CB. Sean Murphy-Bunting wasn’t fantastic last season after getting a big chunk of change from Arizona in free agency last season (3 years and $22 million). He is projected to start, but the Cardinals should invest in another boundary CB.
Some prospects that fit needs at OL, CB, EDGE, DT and WR that Arizona has been connected to include: Defensive end Shemar Stewart from Texas A&M, WR Matthew Golden from Texas, WR Tre Harris from Ole Miss, Offensive lineman Donovan Jackson from Ohio State and CB Will Johnson from Michigan.
At inside linebacker, captain Kyzir White anchored the defense in 2024, but he is a free agent. OLB Baron Browning signed a 2-year, $15 million contract extension. LB Akeem Davis-Gaither was also signed.
Notable 2026 Free Agents: OT Jonah Williams, S Jalen Thompson, RB Michael Carter, G Nick Leverett, DE Calais Campbell, WR Greg Dortch and DE L.J. Collier
Cincinnati Bengals
Team Needs: EDGE, CB, DT, IOL, RB
Cincy has its hands filled trying to re-sign all of its offensive free agents this offseason.
But to their credit, they got it done.
Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Mike Gesicki are all coming back.
So, what does that mean the draft needs are? Defense.
Sam Hubbard retired, Sheldon Rankins was released and Trey Hendrickson’s status remains in the air as he wants a long-term deal or to be traded.
This needs defensive help at all three levels. The defensive line is the most prominent and immediate need. 2023 first-rounder Myles Murphy has yet to live up to his draft pedigree.
The Bengals drafted defensive tackles Kris Jenkins Jr. and McKinnley Jackson last year, so they might be banking on massive sophomore leaps to go along with bringing back some veterans – B.J. Hill and Joseph Ossai – from last season. DT T.J. Slaton was signed from the Packers.
Upgrades in the form of draft picks could be Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr., Ohio State’s Jack Sawyer, Marshall’s Mike Green, Texas A&M’s Nic Scourton and Shermar Stewart, Georgia EDGE Mykal Williams, Ole Miss DT Walter Nolen and Toledo DT Darius Alexander.
They are favored at -150 to draft a DL/EDGE with their first pick. I’d be happy to pass that by in favor of CB at 3-1 odds.
Because CB can’t be ignored, given that their two starters are in the last years of their contracts. Slot CB Mike Hilton is also a free agent. They signed Marco Wilson on Day 2 of free agency but it’s a minimal contract.
They should look closely at Ole Miss CB Trey Amos.
Another interior offensive lineman would make sense given that Lucas Patrick and Ted Karras will be free agents in 2026. Georgia center Jared Wilson could add some interior depth along with Arizona’s Jonah Savaiinaea.
Although they did re-sign guard Cody Ford to a two-year deal.
Linebacker Germaine Pratt is in the last year of his deal, along with safety Geno Stone, putting those positions as lower priority needs. Especially given neither played particularly well last season.
Georgia safety Malakai Starks and South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori are nice options in the draft.
There’s Chase Brown and not much else behind him at running back. Zack Moss is on the roster but is coming off a season-ending neck injury. Khalil Herbert is now with the Colts after a midseason trade, leaving Brown and a massive void of depth.
They brought in former Bengals RB, Samaje Perine, after his one-year stint with the Chiefs.
Chase Brown szn is a full go, if the Bengals decide Brown and Perine with a Day 3 RB are enough. I tend to think they go in that direction, given all the dire needs they have defensively. Head coach Zac Taylor recently spoke about how they have a strong one-two punch between Brown and Perine.
Some RBs they might consider late include Arizona’s Cam Skattebo, VT’s Bhayshul Tuten and Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson.
They also met with Ohio State RB: TreyVeon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins.
Notable 2026 Free Agents: DE Trey Hendrickson, S Geno Stone, LB Germaine Pratt, C Ted Karras, RB Zack Moss, CB Daxton Hill, CB Cam Taylor-Britt, DE Joseph Ossai, OG Lucas Patrick.
Seattle Seahawks
Team Needs: IOL, EDGE, S, DT, WR
Seattle urgently needs to improve the interior offensive line after trudging out a bottom-10 grade unit per PFF in 2024. The tackles (when healthy) are solid, but the interior leaves a lot to be desired. Both tackles are in the final year of their deals, although Charles Cross has the fifth-year option.
Regardless, if Seattle wants Sam Darnold to succeed, they need to provide him with solid protection.
They are favored to select an offensive lineman with their first pick in the draft. I very much agree.
Seattle GM John Schneider said this offseason that: “We’ve got to be able to get speed on defense, and be able to run the ball, and get our identity. We want to be able to run the ball wherever we’re playing. Having that physical run game gets the defense rocking, too.”
South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori has met with Seattle multiple times during the pre-draft process. And boy, can that guy FLY.
Safety Coby Bryant is in the last year of his rookie contract and Rayshawn Jenkins remained unsigned at the time of this recording (although he shouldn’t move the needle).
Other prospects that Seattle has been tied to across the offensive line include Donovan Jackson from Ohio State, center Jared Wilson from Georgia and William & Mary’s OT Charles Grant.
WR was a massive need after the team traded away DK Metcalf after already releasing Tyler Lockett the week before free agency kicks off.
The team signed Marquez Valdez-Scantling to a one-year deal, reuniting him with former Saints OC, Klint Kubiak. They also landed Cooper Kupp, bringing him back to his home state of Washington. The WR room is going to look very different from what it did in 2024.
Across the defensive line, the Seahawks were able to sign Jarran Reed to a three-year deal before FA. DeMarcus Lawrence also signed with the Seahawks.
Seattle has a new QB heading into 2025 go along with two second and two third-round picks in this year’s draft.
Notable 2026 Free Agents: TE Noah Fant, LT Charles Cross, P Michael Dickson, DE Boye Mafe, RB Kenneth Walker, T Abraham Lucas, CB Tyler Hall, S Coby Bryant, DT Quinton Bohanna, G Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu, S JT Woods, CB Damarion Williams, S Ty Okada, QB Sam Howell, CB Tariq Woolen and OG Josh Jones.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Team Needs: EDGE, LB, CB, TE/WR
It doesn’t take a genius to figure out what the Buccaneers need the most. Defense.
Whether it’s an edge rusher, a cornerback or an off-ball linebacker, the “need” is clear for Todd Bowles’ unit to improve after last season’s porous showing.
They added Haason Reddick on a one-year deal and brought back 35-year-old linebacker Lavonte David. However, it’s still not enough. Logan Hall and Greg Gaines will be free agents at the end of the season.
Top draft options in the front 7 include:
Jihaad Campbell, Alabama linebacker; Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College edge rusher and UCLA edge rusher; Oluwafemi Oladejo.
Todd Bowles noted that the team doesn’t have enough cornerback depth, so they will have to address it during the NFL Draft. That could include prospects such as ECU CB Shavon Revel, Notre Dame CB Benjamin Morrison and Kentucky CB Maxwell Hairston
On the offensive line, LG Ben Bredeson was brought back on a three-year deal. Any offensive additions in the draft should be just based on BPA, as the team doesn’t have many holes offensively.
Tight end might be the only sneaky need, given that Cade Otton is entering the final year of his rookie contract. Perhaps Bowling Green tight end Harold Fannin finds his way to Tampa Bay. Or perhaps they move up to select Penn State TE, Tyler Warren.
And WR might be another option for depth purposes. Mike Evans and Chris Godwin probably aren’t reliable enough to bank on staying healthy all year. Jalen McMillan can take another step in Year 2, but more depth wouldn’t hurt. Top WRs include Iowa State’s Jaylin Noel, Maryland’s Tai Felton, TCU’s Jack Bech and Virgina Tech’s Jaylin Lane.
Notable 2026 Free Agents: WR Mike Evans, DE Haason Reddick, LB Lavonte David, DT Greg Gaines, SS Jordan Whitehead, DE Logan Hall, G Luke Goedeke, RB Rachaad White, DE Adam Gotsis, OLB Deion Jones, WR Marquez Callaway, TE Cade Otton, CB Dallis Flowers, DE Mike Greene and CB Zyon McCollum.
Denver Broncos
Team Needs: RB, WR, EDGE/DT, TE
Similar to the Las Vegas Raiders, Denver has a glaring need at RB. And they have not been shy getting to know this year’s draft class, having met with more than 7 (and counting) incoming rookie RBs, such as North Carolina RB Omarion Hampton, D.J. Giddens from Kansas State, Ollie Gordon II, Oklahoma State, Kaleb Johnson, Iowa, Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State, Devin Neal, Kansas, Cam Skattebo, Arizona State and Brashard Smith, SMU.
It doesn’t come as a surprise that the Broncos are favored to draft an RB at most sportsbooks.
After RB, more WRs and even another TE aren’t out of consideration. Not many established pass-catchers after Courtland Sutton, who is in the final year of his deal, entering age 31. Luther Buren from Missouri visited the Broncos on a top-30 visit.
We also know tight end Evan Engram’s lengthy injury track record, while Sean Payton’s favorite tight end Adam Trautman is on the last year of his contract.
Even after signing Engram, the Broncos are going to add some additional tight end of note in the draft. They have already taken a visit from Oregon tight end, Terrance Ferguson.
The short-term needs are weighted heavily toward offensive skill players to build around Bo Nix.
But defensively, there is a long-term need on the defensive line with three defensive ends on the roster hitting free agency in 2026 between Zach Allen, John-Franklin Meyers and Malcolm Roach.
Defensive tackle DJ Jones was a free agent, but the Broncos were able to retain him on a three-year, $39 million contract.
If the Broncos opt to wait on RB in the draft, DT Kenneth Grant could be the option from Michigan as potentially the best player available.
Linebacker Cody Barton signed with the Titans, while Alex Singleton is slated to hit free agency next season. They replaced Barton with ex-49ers LB Dre Greenlaw.
Notable 2026 Free Agents: DE Zach Allen, WR Courtland Sutton, DE John Franklin-Myers, LB Alex Singleton, K Wil Lutz, TE Adam Trautman, S P.J. Locke, DE Malcolm Roach, LB Nik Bonitto, G Calvin Throckmorton, CB Damarri Mathis.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Team Needs: QB, DL, CB, RB, OL
The Steelers wanted Justin Fields to be their quarterback in 2025. This was something I felt strongly about during the start of the offseason.
But alas, he signed with the New York Jets. And all the Steelers have done thus far is sign Mason Rudolph to a 2-year contract worth $8 million, reuniting the two parties after the QB’s one-year stint in Tennessee. Rudolph showed out in the final portion of the 2023 season for Pittsburgh, going 3-1 before getting bounced in the postseason against the Bills.
He’s not the last addition to the QB room, as Aaron Rodgers to Pittsburgh seems very much a possibility. Just a matter of when the former Jets QB decides to show up. Knowing Rodgers, this will likely drag out.
Most teams would be overwhelmed by not having a concrete QB this close to the NFL Draft, but this just seems like the norm for a Mike Tomlin-led squad. No matter what, they are going to win at least 8-9 games and finish with a winning record.
And it will come in the form of a team led by a combination of Rudolph and/or Rodgers with a rookie QB to be named later, such as Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, Ole Miss’s Jaxson Dart, Louisville’s Tyler Shough, Alabama’s Jalen Milroe, Ohio State’s Will Howard or Texas’s QB Quinn Ewers.
The Steelers seem to like Milroe a lot, and he would be a great addition. Play him at QB or RB. Either way, it would be a nice fit in Arthur Smith’s offense. Could he be in play at 21st overall? We shall see.
Whispers from the Combine claimed the Steelers will look at the trenches with the 21st pick. That being said, they are also looking to add more WRs, according to Nick Farabaugh of Penn Live, in addition to the defensive line in the draft.
Now, this is less prominent of a need after the team acquired DK Metcalf. It’s also more difficult for them to acquire more WRs without their second-round pick that was used to in the Metcalf transaction.
Because the remaining WR depth behind Metcalf and George Pickens is “slim” pickings, and I’m not convinced that Pickens won’t be moved before it’s all said and done. Although with each passing day, it seems less likely a team will fork over an offer worthwhile enough for the Steelers on a rental player.
Still, the Steel Curtain could consider WRs such as Ohio State’s Emeka Egubka, Missouri’s Luther Burden, Ole Miss Tre Harris, Texas WR Matthew Golden, Iowa State’s Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, TCU’s Savion Williams Colorado State WR, Tory Horton and Stanford WR Elic Ayomanor.
Defensively, Pittsburgh has to come to grips with the reality that Cameron Heyward and T.J. Watt won’t be around forever and could be gone sooner than we think.
Larry Ogunjobi is gone. Defensive tackle is a dire need. Texas’s DT Alfred Collins, Michigan’s Kenneth Grant, Florida State’s Joshua Farmer, SMU’s Elijah Roberts and Oregon’s Derrick Harmon fit the mold.
The Steelers are the betting favorite to go DL/EDGE with their first pick, followed by quarterback.
Across the OL, RG James Daniels is gone, with Isaac Seumalo hitting FA next season. They did make some depth signings with Max Scharping and Calvin Anderson lessening the immediate need for offensive line bodies.
The Steelers will need to add another running back mate to pair with Jaylen Warren. The veteran addition in the backfield came in the form of Kenneth Gainwell, who was with the Eagles for the last four seasons.
But the team believes that Warren can be a three-down RB, so the amount of capital they invest in a backfield mate could be negligible at best. But Warren is only on a one-year deal, as is Gainwell.
The Steelers have also been doing extensive work on this year’s RB class. But they don’t have a second-round pick. Unless the move is Pickens for a second rounder, I’d presume they are hoping to find value at the positions from Round 3 onward.
Texas RB Jaydon Blue, Kansas State RB D.J. Giddens, Oklahoma State RB Ollie Gordon, Ohio State’s Treyveon Henderson, Ohio State’s Quinshon Judkins, Tennessee’s Dylan Sampson, Oregon’s Jordan James, Arizona’s Cam Skattebo, Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson and VT’s Bhayshul Tuten.
Yahoo’s Charles Robinson believes that the team could take Judkins as high as the 21st overall pick.
But as Penn Live’s Nick Farabaugh suggested on X…Henderson might be the top RB on the Steelers’ board at 21. He along with RB Jaydon Blue, WR Matthew Golden, WR Jayden Higgins, WR Jaylin Noel, WR Savion Williams and S Nick Emmanwori fit the criteria of prospects the Steelers have had a combine formal meeting with, had Mike Tomlin/Omar Khan present for a pro day AND a top-30 visit.
Farabaugh also points out that the Steelers are all over the board with their pre-draft visits, hosting 1st rounders at WR, safety, DT/EDGE, QB and RB.
The Steelers made some veteran depth signings in their secondary, while also adding safety Juan Thornhill. However, you can never have too many guys who can cover in a division with Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson. Also remains to be seen how much Darius Slay has left in the tank at 35 years old on a one-year deal.
Don’t rule out cornerback prospects like Texas’ Jahdae Barron or Notre Dame’s Benjamin Morrison.
Notable 2026 Free Agents: OLB T.J. Watt, G Isaac Seumalo, LB Cole Holcomb, S Miles Killebrew, SS DeShon Elliott, RB Cordarrelle Patterson, DE Montravius Adams, DE Dean Lowry, WR George Pickens, DE DeMarvin Leal, RB Jonathan Ward, QB Skylar Thompson, WR Brandon Johnson and WR Calvin Austin.
Los Angeles Chargers
Team Needs: TE, EDGE/DT, WR, RB, CB
EDGE rusher Joey Bosa was released after failing to stay consistently healthy for the Chargers while carrying a massive salary cap hit. They opted to sign Khalil Mack to a one-year, $18M deal. But he is 34 years old. DT Poona Ford also departed in free agency, but they added defensive tackle Teair Tart to plug up the interior, albeit on a one-year deal.
Still, there’s an obvious need for an upgrade in the trenches from both the edge and interior.
The Chargers are favored to select a DL/EDGE player at +200 odds.
Also on defense, CB might need some more work. Asante Samuel Jr. is still a free agent due to some medical concerns. Donte Jackson was signed in free agency, while Cam Hart and Tarheeb Still were 2024th 5th-round picks. The secondary seems very far from finished, given the two FA signings, bottom-10 graded CBs last season.
Ole Miss’s Trey Amos could be a draft target for the Chargers.
Offensively, free agent running back acquisition Najee Harris can fill in the role as the early-down grinder, but he needs an explosive complement. Especially with him being on a one-year deal.
Ohio State’s Treyvon Henderson was once recruited by Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh during his time at Michigan. He would be a perfect fit alongside Harris in the Bolts’ backfield. The quintessential thunder and lightning.
Tight end remains one of the most glaring holes on the roster, and it’s an obvious position the Chargers will look to upgrade through the 2025 NFL Draft. They signed veteran, Tyler Conklin, to a one-year deal worth $3M, but that won’t preclude them from taking a tight end. They are listed at 3-to-1 odds to select a tight end with their first pick.
Same with the Mike Williams veteran WR signing. Williams, 31 in October, experienced a turbulent season, starting with the New York Jets before being traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Across both teams, he accumulated just 21 receptions for 298 yards.
His familiarity with quarterback Justin Herbert cannot be ignored, nor the fact that last year he was returning from a torn ACL in Week 3 of the 2023 season
Even so, it hardly takes them out of the rookie WR market.
Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston rest atop the WR depth chart, but there’s definitely room for another wideout, given Joshua Palmer signed with the Buffalo Bills.
Some potential pass-catchers at TE and WR the Chargers could target include Penn State’s Tyler Warren, Michigan’s Colston Loveland and Ole Miss’s Tre Harris.
The Chargers opened the offseason with massive needs across the interior offensive line, but did a great job signing players such as center Bradley Bozeman, OG Mekhi Becton, and Andre James.
Notable 2026 Free Agents: RB Najee Harris, EDGE Khalil Mack, G Trey Pipkins, FS Alohi Gilman, LT Rashawn Slater, G Zion Johnson, OLB Bud Dupree, LS Josh Harris, RB Hassan Haskins, RB Jaret Patterson, OLB Caleb Murphy, DT Christopher Hinton, WR Dez Fitzpatrick, DT Otito Ogbonnia, S Kendall Williamson, RT Jamaree Salyer.
Green Bay Packers
Team Needs: CB, EDGE, WR, DT
According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, the Packers would like to add a veteran receiver to their roster this offseason. Makes sense, given the injury to Christian Watson (contract year) and Romeo Doubs entering the last year of his rookie contract after dealing with a flurry of concussions in 2024.
But all they have done is add Mecole Hardman.
They will draft a WR at some point, history suggests it won’t be in Round 1. Especially in a class that lacks premier alpha No. 1 WR prospects. It would be very ironic for them to select finally select a WR in Round 1 in a lesser class.
Just watch them just sign Amari Cooper off the scrap heap.
Note that when asked about the WR room, the Packers’ head coach and GM said they were okay with its current form. Par for the course for a team that vomits at the idea of a true No. 1 WR.
Isaiah Bond and Matthew Golden from Texas are two WRs they could consider at various points during the draft with Golden being the Round 1 pick who could break the mold for Green Bay. Maryland’s Tai Felton and Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka are also alterative options.
The Packers also need an impact-making pass rusher. GM Brian Gutekunst has been very clear with his goal to become better at pressuring opposing QBs.
At the Scouting Combine, the Packers GM said via Yahoo Sports, “We need to affect the quarterback more in our front four, with just four players,” Gutekunst said. “I’m excited about the guys we have in the room; we’ll see if we add to it, but that’s gotta get better if we’re going to accomplish the goals we want to accomplish in this season.”
As noted by LombardiAve.com, the team fired defensive line coach Jason Rebrovich at the end of the season, highlighting the need for change. DeMarcus Covington was hired as his replacement after spending 2017-2024 in several roles with the Patriots.
Run-stuffer Tedarrell (T.J.) Slaton left in free agency, signing with the Bengals.
Shemar Stewart from Texas A&M and Mykel Williams from Georgia, James Pearce Jr from Tennessee, LSU Edge rusher Bradyn Swinson, and LB Jihaad Campbell all could provide pass rush relief. Ole Miss’s Walter Nolen could provide relief from the defensive interior.
Cornerback Jaire Alexander‘s time with the Packers seems to have all but reached its conclusion. Even if he comes back to the team, he cannot be trusted to stay healthy.
And with multiple-depth CBs gone (Eric Stokes (Raiders), Corey Ballentine (Colts), Robert Rochell (Chiefs), the secondary lacks reliable depth. The Packers signed former Raiders slot CB, Nate Hobbs, to a 4-year contract ($48 million).
Shavon Revel from ECU makes sense in Round 2 at CB along with Notre Dame’s Benjamin Morrison or Ole Miss’s Trey Amos. Round 1 if they go cornerback, could be Jahdae Barron from Texas. That’s a Pat Fitzmaurice-approved selection.
Elgton Jenkins is expected to kick inside at center with newcomer Aaron Banks filling in at guard, so the OL is in a good spot.
Notable 2026 Free Agents: ILB Quay Walker, DT Devonte Wyatt, WR Christian Watson, QB Malik Willis, T Sean Rhyan, LS Matthew Orzech, C Trey Hill, WR Romeo Doubs, T Zach Tom.
Minnesota Vikings
Team Needs: CB, S, IOL, QB, DT
The Sam Darnold–J.J. McCarthy discourse finally reached its conclusion during free agency.
“Minnesota is ready to roll with J.J. McCarthy,” according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
And the first-year starter will do so behind a revamped offensive line. Center Ryan Kelly and offensive guard Will Fries were both signed to bolster the offensive interior after they moved on from Garrett Bradbury, Ed Ingram and Dalton Risner.
The Vikings could add one more interior offensive lineman at left guard to complete the rebuild up front. BYU’s Caleb Etienne, Oregon’s Josh Conerly, Ohio State’s Donovan Jackson, Purdue’s Marcus Mbow or Arizona’s Jonah Savaiinaea are notable draft options.
But they will eventually have to add somebody else to the QB room. McCarthy is coming off a serious injury and the only other QB on the roster is Brett Rypien.
The team wanted to bring back Aaron Jones, so they inked him on a two-year deal to stay with the Minnesota Vikings. RB Jordan Mason will back up Jones after the Vikings were able to work out a trade with San Fran to acquire the running back. They signed him a two-year $10.5 million contract.
Given the Vikings’ lack of draft capital – just four draft picks with two inside the top 100 – it seems very much like a stretch to see them drafting a rookie running back before Day 3.
Considering this is a team that needs show, I have to take the low-hanging fruit. Minnesota NEEDS to trade down and stockpile more picks.
The Vikings desperately need cornerback depth, given the departures of Stephon Gilmore and Shaquill Griffin are all entering free agency. However, they signed CB Isaiah Rodgers in free agency and retained Byron Murphy on a three-year extension. They also signed Jeff Okudah and Tavierre Thomas to one-year deals.
But depth is still needed, given that Mekhi Blackmon is coming off a torn ACL injury that forced him to miss the entire 2024 season.
Ole Miss CB Trey Amos, Texas CB Jahdae Barron or ECU Shavon Revel are potential targets.
The Vikings are favored in the betting market (+175) to select a CB with their first pick. But I think this is a sneaky spot for safety No. 1 to come off the board at longer than 3-1 odds.
I bet this one when it first came out. Just another reason to be part of the BettingPros discord, where you will be notified as soon as I fire on any bets for the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Vikings lost Cam Bynum to the Colts in free agency and Harrison Smith isn’t getting any younger. Safety Josh Metellus is also in the last year of his contract.
I will say that the Vikings re-signing safety Theo Jackson was an under-the-radar move. He was very solid on a small sample size last season.
Minnesota upgraded with DT Jonathan Allen and two-time Pro Bowler DT Javon Hargrave (2 years and $30 million). These guys are a bit on the older side, so an injection of youth in the defensive interior is a must.
Oregon’s DT Derrick Harmon and Texas A&M DT Shermar Turner make a ton of sense as potential interior fits.
Notable 2026 Free Agents: LB Andrew Van Ginkel, TE Josh Oliver, FS Harrison Smith, FB C.J. Ham, S Josh Metellus, DT Michael Pierce, LB Eric Wilson, LB Brian Asamoah, LS Andrew DePaola, QB Brett Rypien, DE Jonathan Harris, CB Nahshon Wright and CB Ambry Thomas.
Houston Texans
Team Needs: OL, WR, RB, DT
Hot Take: The Texans STILL need to improve their offensive line. So far they have approached this re-tooling with an addition by subtraction mindset.
RG Shaq Mason was released. OT Laremy Tunsil was traded to the Commanders. OG Kenyon Greene was traded to the Eagles in exchange for safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson.
Houston needs to find a way to get the best five out there in their best spots to succeed. That’s where the Texans’ new offensive coaching staff, along with any new players, will hopefully come into play.
LG Laken Tomlinson signed with the Texans in their first direct move in FA to boost the OL. He wasn’t great last year in Seattle, but he has rapport with DeMeco Ryans from their time overlap in San Fran.
They also added OT Zach Thomas on Day 3 of free agency. He played for the Patriots and Texans in 2024. He started the year in New England at LG, before switching over to LT.
They traded for former Vikings guard Ed Ingram. Ingram got benched last season with Minnesota.
They made a slightly bigger move across the OL by signing tackle Cam Robinson, who played for Minnesota and Jacksonville last season. They also signed tackle, Trent Brown.
And even after all these moves, they are listed at nearly -200 to draft an OL with their first pick by the sportsbooks. Because most of these moves are just temporary fixes. They need long-term foundational pieces on the offensive line.
Texas’ Kelvin Banks would be a home-run pick late in Round 1. The offensive tackle entered the year with the potential to be a top 5 pick, but has seen his draft stock fall.
Other OL prospects they should consider include Alabama’s Tyler Booker, Oregon’s Josh Conerly, North Dakota State’s Grey Zabel and Purdue’s Marcus Mbow.
Houston also has major question marks behind Nico Collins at the WR position. Tank Dell is injured, and Stefon Diggs is gone. They added Christian Kirk for next to nothing from the Jaguars with Dell likely on the shelf for the majority of the 2025 season.
But Kirk is just on a one-year deal.
Potential WR draft targets include Iowa State’s Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins, Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka, Illinois’ Pat Bryant, TCU’s Jack Bech, Oregon’s Tez Johnson, Stanford WR Elic Ayomanor and Washington State’s Kyle Williams.
Joe Mixon will turn 29 in July. He signed a three-year, $27-million contract extension that includes $13 million guaranteed after being traded for last offseason.
However, I am hesitant to be bullish on Mixon again, given I liked him because of his situation, and projected workload last year.
We’ll see changes in the Texans’ offense in 2025, which could negatively influence Mixon’s fantasy output. He also has an “out” at the end of the year, so he can be cut for $2 million compared to his $10.5 million salary.
RB2 Dameon Pierce may get more offseason hype entering the final year of his rookie contract. However, I’ll wait to see this first because the current coaching staff is fond of Mixon. And Pierce has never seemed to be favored under this current regime. More likely he gets traded than featured in the 2025 Texans offense.
RB is a position they will likely address in the draft, given the depth of the class. Perhaps a sleeper team to draft somebody like Texas RB Jaydon Blue, SMU RB Brashard Smith, USC RB Woody Marks, Iowa RB Kaleb Johnson, VT RB Bhayshul Tuten or Ohio State RBs Treyvon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins.
Houston has two 3rd-round picks in this year’s draft.
Defensively, they are pretty set. I’d say interior DL is probably the biggest area they could upgrade to, just based on the current personnel.
Florida State’s Joshua Farmer, Texas’ Alfred Collins or Toledo’s Darius Alexander would be a good fit at DT.
Tight end Dalton Schultz‘s poor 2024 outing makes me more bullish on second-year tight end Cade Stover as a buy in dynasty. He might be one year away from fully taking over the TE1 role (Schultz has an out in his contract after the 2025 season). Although this could become a dreaded 3-headed monster at tight end with Brevin Jordan returning after a 2024 injury-ridden season.
Notable 2026 Free Agents: WR Christian Kirk, LT Cam Robinson, DT Sheldon Rankins, OG Laken Tomlinson, OLB Danielle Hunter, FS Jimmie Ward, DE Denico Autry, QB Davis Mills, DT Tim Settle, P Tommy Townsend, TE Brevin Jordan, WR John Metchie, OLB Christian Harris, CB Anthony Averett, OG Ed Ingram and RB Dameon Pierce.
Los Angeles Rams
Team Needs: CB, OT, TE, QB, LB
The Rams CBs have been treading above water for seemingly the last two seasons.
LA would be smart to get ahead of their potential secondary issues after finishing fifth worst in yards per attempt faced (7.5).
CB Ahkello Witherspoon returning after not getting much attention in free agency isn’t going to be a major needle-mover, although it could move them away from going CB in Round 1 of the draft.
They are currently favored in the betting market to go in that direction, but I think they will go more on the offense.
Specifically, the offensive line. The team re-signed offensive tackle Alaric Jackson and center Coleman Shelton during free agency. But RT Rob Havenstein is in the last year of his contract at age 33, and the team has no contingency plans at tackle.
The Rams current TE room consists of Tyler Higbee, Colby Parkinson and Davis Allen. Higbee is 32 years old in the last year of his contract. The Rams were in the running for Brock Bowers last season, so don’t be shocked if they look to add a dynamic pass-catcher at the position in the NFL Draft.
I also believe that Rams are looking to groom a successor for Matthew Stafford with Jimmy Garoppolo slotted in as the short-term QB2 on just a one-year deal.
Texas QB Quinn Ewers or Alabama’s Jalen Milroe could very much be that developmental QB prospect Sean McVay looks to mold.
Other top prospects that the Rams could draft at positions of need include TE Tyler Warren from Penn State, OT Josh Simmons from Ohio State, OT Kelvin Banks from Texas, OT Josh Conerly from Oregon, CB Trey Amos from Ole Miss and CB Azareye’h Thomas from FSU.
Note that the Rams are a prime candidate to trade DOWN, given they do not have a second-round pick (have two third-round picks).
Nathan Landman was added as a linebacker, but he is on a very low one-year deal. They also re-signed Troy Reeder.
Notable 2026 Free Agents: RT Rob Havenstein, WR Tutu Atwell, TE Tyler Higbee, SS Kamren Curl, WR Quintez Cephus, OLB Tony Fields, CB A.J. Green, CB Decobie Durant, OLB Keir Thomas, CB Shaun Jolly, RB Kyren Williams and CB Ahkello Witherspoon.
Baltimore Ravens
Team Needs: IOL, EDGE, DT, CB/S, TE, K
At the start of the offseason, is was possible that the Baltimore Ravens would lose offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley to a higher bidder during free agency. But they didn’t let him hit the open market. Stanley signed a 3-year, $60 million contract extension on March 8th before free agency even kicked off.
Ben Cleveland also returned on a one-year deal.
Still, they weren’t without their losses. Guard Patrick Mekari signed with the Jaguars. The interior offensive line is a priority need.
BYU’s Caleb Etienne, Purdue’s Marcus Mbow and Oregon’s Josh Conerly are targets on the table.
I spoke with FantasyPros’ own Ravens fan (expert) Ryan Wormely, and he convinced me that the interior offensive line is the top need. This goes slightly against the betting markets, with DL/EDGE the slight favorite.
In the secondary, cornerbacks Brandon Stephens, Tre’Davious White and Arthur Maulet are all gone.
Baltimore has only five corners on its roster, with a late free agent signing by acquiring Chidobe Awuzie. The Ravens GM confirmed that CBs are always a priority need in his pre-draft presser.
Safety also might need another body. Safety Marcus Williams was released. A’Darius Washington is a good third safety, but he won’t prevent them from adding to the position.
Keep an eye on Notre Dame’s Xavier Watts. In the later rounds, looks at safeties such as Virginia’s Jonas Sanker, Penn State’s Jaylen Reed or Oklahoma’s Billy Bowman. Ravens GM Eric DeCosta confirmed that one of the 11 picks they have will be used on a safety and a cornerback. Thanks for narrowing things down for us Eric.
Improving the backend to this defense, which struggled immensely in the first half of last season.
The defense also lacked consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, so an EDGE rusher in a great draft class is a must-have addition.
OLB Odafe Oweh and OLB David Ojabo are set to be FAs at the end of the season. Kyle Van Noy led the team with 14 sacks last season but will be 35 years old in 2025. DT Micael Pierce retired.
Texas A&M Shemar Stewart and Nic Scorton, UCLA edge rusher Oluwafemi Oladejo are prime options on the D-line. On the interior, Ohio State’s Tyleik Williams fits the mold.
The talks of Ravens-Mark Andrews eventually splitting seem to have some legs, given it’s the last year of the tight end’s deal. All three of Baltimore’s TEs are in the final year of their contracts. When DeCosta was recently asked about Andrews’ future he said, “He’s a great player, and we’re in the business of keeping as many great players as we can, so there’s always a lot of unpredictability with the draft.”
LSU’s Mason Taylor could be a fit in Round 2, although he might have a chance to sneak into the first round.
And lastly, I have to mention this. But kicker. I’m guessing the Justin Tucker era might be over.
Ole Miss’s Caden Davis is viewed as the consensus top kicker in this year’s draft, but Ryan Fitzgerald from FSU will also deserve consideration given the Ravens have shown a lot of pre-draft interest in him.
Notable 2026 Free Agents: TE Mark Andrews, RB Derrick Henry, WR DeAndre Hopkins, ILB Kyle Van Noy, S Kyle Hamilton, C Tyler Linderbaum, OLB Odafe Oweh, OLB David Ojabo, DT Travis Jones, LS Nick Moore, WR Keith Kirkwood, WR Anthony Miller, RT Daniel Faalele, CB Jalyn Armour-Davis, TE Charlie Kolar, P Jordan Stout and TE Isaiah Likely.
Detroit Lions
Team Needs: EDGE, OL, CB, WR
The defense let the Lions down in the back half of 2024. Losing Aidan Hutchinson was a major blow, and Detroit can’t afford to enter this season without more pass-rush answers.
Former Cardinals NT Roy Lopez was also added for interior depth, along with DT Levi Onwuzurike. Both on one-year deals.
The defensive tackle signings were ideal, given how poor they were in between the tackles defensively.
This class has a ton of great defensive line edge prospects, so it’s a great problem to have for Detroit.
And this hasn’t gone unnoticed by the sportsbooks, with Detroit listed at -200 odds to select a DL/EDGE prospect with their first overall pick. Those are the highest-juiced odds of any team-to-position listed.
Options include Texas A&M’s Shermar Stewart, Ohio State’s Jack Sawyer, Texas A&M’s Nic Scourton and Auburn’s Jalen Mcleod.
But if we want long shots, the Lions have also shown interest in Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell. If he were to fall, it would be hard to see Detroit not pulling the trigger based on BPA.
In addition to the trenches, the secondary needs love. The Lions’ secondary struggled in 2024, allowing the third-most passing yards to opposing QBs. Cornerbacks Carlton Davis and often-injured Emmanuel Moseley are gone, and Amik Robertson is in the final year of his contract.
D.J. Reed was signed, but another CB is needed. Iowa State CB, Darien Porter, is an interesting option along with Kentucky’s Maxwell Hairston.
Via Sports Illustrated, offensive guard Graham Glasgow‘s performance declined in 2024. He allowed 36 pressures and earned a Pro Football Focus grade of 57.9, highlighting the need for upgrades. Kevin Zeitler also signed with the Titans in free agency.
North Dakota State’s Grey Zabel would be an ideal fit along with Arizona’s Jonah Savaniinaea and Ohio State’s Donovan Jackson.
Notable 2026 Free Agents: OT Dan Skipper, DT D.J. Reader, DE Aidan Hutchinson, ILB Alex Anzalone, WR Kalif Raymond, CB Amik Robertson, WR Jameson Williams, OLB Jalen Reeves-Maybin, DE Josh Paschal, S Kerby Joseph, WR Tom Kennedy, CB Stanley Thomas-Oliver, G Netane Muti and T Jamarco Jones.
Washington Commanders
Team Needs: EDGE, IOL, RB, CB, WR
The Commanders released DT Jonathan Allen and edge rusher Dante Fowler Jr. signed back with Dallas. Fowler led the team in sacks in 2024. They signed DT Javon Kinlaw to a three-year deal.
I think they have enough interior bodies to improve against the run in 2025, so increasing the pass rush is the No. 1 need.
Calling my shot here. At some point in the draft, they select Oluwafemi Oladejo UCLA edge rusher. Landon Jackson from Arkansas is another edge option they might consider along with Ohio State’s JT Tuimoloau.
Both top RBs between Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler, will be free agents in 2026. I’d be shocked if they don’t draft an RB in such a strong class to save salary cap space in future seasons.
One of the reasons why I think that Robinson Jr. is a MUST-SELL in dynasty fantasy football.
Some RBS that have been connected to the Commanders include: Auburn’s Jarquez Hunter, USC’s Woody Marks and Oregon’s Jordan James.
Even after Washington traded for Deebo Samuel, he is a band-aid fix at WR. He signed a 1-year deal, $17M renegotiated contract. They still need more long-term options among the WRs outside Terry McLaurin. Noah Brown and K.J. Osborn will return on 1-year deals.
Either Iowa State WR between Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins would be great additions.
The secondary also needs help after finishing bottom 3 in PFF passing grade in 2024. A healthy CB Marson Lattimore should help – they also signed CB Jonathan Jones to a one-year deal worth $5.5 million – but they still need to add depth. Lattimore’s not exactly known for staying healthy.
The Commanders improved their offensive line after acquiring Laremy Tunsil from the Texans but they could use another tackle. Andrew Whylie is in the last year of his deal. However, it’s not the biggest need given they have 2024 third-rounder Brandon Coleman on a rookie contract.
I think an interior offensive lineman might be a bigger need, given that guard Sam Cosmi is going to miss a lot of 2025 after tearing his ACL in January.
There is a surplus of offensive linemen in this year’s class who have tackle/guard eligibility, so they won’t be limited by options. Oregon’s Josh Conerly would be a nice fit.
The Commanders are favored to go offensive line with their first pick, but I can’t help but see the value at more than 2-to-1 odds for them to go defensive trenches. Stacked class for edge rushers. WR at more than 10-1 odds seems like a nice long shot as well.
They don’t have any third-round picks in the draft, and they have just five picks overall. Look out for the Commanders to trade back out of Round 1.
Notable 2026 Free Agents: WR Deebo Samuel, WR Terry McLaurin, T Andrew Wylie, RB Austin Ekeler, S Jeremy Reaves, RB Brian Robinson, G Bobby Hart, WR Chris Moore, CB Bobby Price, FS Percy Butler, WR Mike Strachan, TE Tyree Jackson, WR Lawrence Cager, LB Bobby Wagner, TE Zach Ertz, DE Jake Martin and DE Clelin Ferrell.
Buffalo Bills
Team Needs: CB, EDGE/DT, S, IOL, WR
The Amari Cooper experiment did not pan out. But that hardly means that Buffalo will stop looking for wide receiver playmakers. Mack Hollins signed with the AFC East rival New England Patriots. Outside of Josh Palmer replacing Cooper and Hollins, this room isn’t drastically different from last season.
I think they need a burner on the outside. Texas WR Isaiah Bond or Arian Smith from Georgia fits the bill in this year’s draft class. But in typically Brandon Beane fashion, the Bills GM doesn’t believe WR is a huge hole on the roster. So likely not high-end draft capital spent on WR.
The offensive line is intact for 2025, but Buffalo might want to add some interior depth with two guys hitting FA in 2026.
The defensive line/pass rush is more of a demand in 2025. Buffalo could use another game-wrecker off the edge to help them win in the later months of the season. They released Von Miller but extended Greg Rousseau (4-year, $80 million contract). Joey Bosa signed a one-year deal with the Bills after his release from the Chargers.
Buffalo also signed two more defensive line players in free agency, but both are facing six-game suspensions due to PEDs: DE Larry Ogunjobi and OLB Michael Hoecht.
This team is a Bosa injury away from opening the year very thin with pass rushers.
They are favored by the sports books to take a DL/EDGE player with their first pick, with CB second at over 2-to-1 odds
Joshua Farmer, Defensive Tackle from Florida State, Walter Nolen, DT from Ole Miss, Kenneth Grant, Defensive Tackle, Michigan, Landon Jackson, Defensive End, Arkansas, and Oluwafemi Oladejo, Outside Linebacker, UCLA.
You can always use more guys that can cover. Buffalo is no different. Only the Raiders had a worst PFF coverage grade than they did in 2024…
Safety Damar Hamlin is returning but it’s only on a one-year deal. Taylor Rapp was great in run defense and tackling but struggled in pass coverage. Both Rapp and Hamlin were bottom-10 PFF-graded safeties in coverage last season. Micah Hyde retired.
CB Rasul Douglas is still a free agent. I wouldn’t be surprised if Buffalo brings back Douglas after the draft, just so he doesn’t count toward the compensatory draft picks process.
This secondary need is lessened slightly after the team re-signed CB Christian Benford to an extension. It gives them more flexibility in Round 1 to not force cornerback selection. But they’d probably prefer NOT to have to consistently rely on Dane Jackson, who was PFF’s second-worst graded CB in 2024.
Buffalo ranks 31st in positional spending in the secondary.
They will take a long look at CBs like Ole Miss’s Trey Amos, Texas’s Jahdae Barron or Kentucky’s Maxwell Hairston.
At safety, Buffalo has been sniffing around the position with prospects such as Nick Emmanwori, Safety, South Carolina, Andrew Mukuba, Texas, Malaki Starks, Georgia and Xavier Watts, Safety, Notre Dame.
Buffalo re-worked a lot of player contracts for guys in their final years.
Except for running back James Cook. He might end up being the odd man out if Buffalo feels they can replace his production with Ray Davis and a rookie RB. Ty Johnson will be returning on a two-year contract. Recent reports have claimed things have not “been great” between the two parties as they look to build out a long-term extension according to NFL insider, Ian Rapport.
Buffalo has two second-round picks in the draft, but no third-rounders (Cooper trade).
Notable 2026 Free Agents: DT DaQuan Jones, G Connor McGovern, DE A.J. Epenesa, G David Edwards, QB Mitchell Trubisky, LB Matt Milano and RB James Cook.
Kansas City Chiefs
Team Needs: DL, OT, EDGE, RB, TE
The Chiefs need to further build out the defensive line. They lost DT Tershawn Wharton this offseason. Adding another pass rusher opposite George Karlafitis would be ideal to restock the defensive line.
Jaylon Moore signed a two-year deal worth $30 million to protect Patrick Mahomes’ blindside at LT. But he is still somewhat of a projection after coming over from the 49ers on a smaller sample size.
Right tackle Jawaan Taylor was the most penalized tackle last season and can easily be moved on after the 2025 season.
They have a chance to draft a developmental tackle at the end of Round 1 for the long haul.
They are favored to go OL at +100 with DL/EDGE second in the betting odds.
They also need to replace Joe Thuney after trading him to the Bears. OG Trey Smith will return after signing his franchise tag ($23.4 million).
Potential late-round 1 targets the Chiefs might consider include Minnesota OT Aireontae Ersery, Oregon OT Josh Conerly and Ohio State OT Josh Simmons.
RB is also a position of need. Isiah Pacheco was not the same guy last season after his injury, and he is entering the last year of his rookie contract. Elijah Mitchell and Kareem Hunt are fine, but they need a home-run hitter if Pacheco can’t get back to pre-injury form.
Travis Kelce’s seasons are on a year-by-year basis, and it remains to be seen if Jared Wiley or Noah Gray is the heir to the tight end throne in KC.
Other prospect targets: Ole Miss CB Trey Amos, Iowa State CB Darien Porter, Georgia Tech DE Kyle Kennard and Florida State DT Joshua Farmer.
The Chiefs had a ton of WRs on 1-year deals in 2024 but have a strong top-two between Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice entering 2025. But given Rice’s injury/potential suspension …they will have to add more WRs to the roster.
Marquise Brown signed a 1-year, $11 million contract extension ($4M more than last season with the increase in the salary cap). JuJu Smith-Schuster will also return on a one-year deal.
Notable 2026 Free Agents: TE Travis Kelce, WR Marquise Brown, ED Charles Omenihu, CB Trent McDuffie, DE George Karlaftis, WR Skyy Moore, FS Bryan Cook, LB Leo Chenal, S Deon Bush, TE Anthony Firkser, WR Tyquan Thornton, LB Shaun Bradley, LB Blake Lynch, CB Joshua Williams, RB Isiah Pacheco, RB Kareem Hun
Philadelphia Eagles
Team Needs: S, EDGE, CB, TE/WR, IOL
Just so we are clear at the top, the Super Bowl champions have a stacked roster. There’s a reason they won last year, so a lot of these “needs” are a bit nitpicky.
We all know the Eagles will just draft the highest remaining Georgia Bulldog defender on the board. Georgia safety, Malaki Starks, you ARE A PHILADELPHIA EAGLE.
But jokes aside, secondary is probably the biggest area of need.
The Eagles acquired OL Kenyon Greene from the Texans as part of a pick exchange with safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson. Gives them a slightly bigger void at that safety spot.
The Eagles might need more depth at cornerback after moving on from several guys last season. Darius Slay, James Bradberry, Isaiah Rodgers and Avonte Maddox won’t be back.
Kentucky CB Maxwell Hairston is a name to keep an eye on for the Eagles’ defense.
I’d also anticipate more investment into the edge/pass rush department. Milton Williams is gone alongside Josh Sweat and Brandon Graham (retired).
OLB Azeez Ojulari signed with the Eagles on a one-year deal ($4 million).
Boston College’s Donovan Ezeiruaku is a potential target late in Round 1.
The Eagles are also favored to draft a defensive lineman with their first pick.
Given the strength at tight end in this year’s class, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them draft one. Howie Roseman is always one step ahead of replacing guys. The two TEs on the depth chart are in the last years of their contracts.
Dalla Goedert is on the trade block. LSU’s Mason Taylor might be a sneaky target for Philly in the second round.
Also, don’t hate the idea of another wideout given the lack of depth behind DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown, both of whom got injured last season.
More interior OL pieces seem to always be in play for Philly. Mekhi Becton signed with the Chargers in free agency. Jack Driscoll remains unsigned.
Notable 2026 Free Agents: TE Dallas Goedert, DT Jordan Davis, OL Kenyon Greene, Azeez Ojulari, DE Joshua Uche, TE Kylen Granson, TE Harrison Bryant, WR Jahan Dotson, S Reed Blankenship, P Braden Mann, C Cam Jurgens, LB Nakobe Dean, G Brett Toth, CB Parry Nickerson, TE Nick Muse, CB Tariq Castro-Fields, CB Tristin McCollum, OLB Ochaun Mathis, RB Ty Davis-Price, DE K.J. Henry, G Darian Kinnard, WR Danny Gray, WR Elijah Cooks and TE Grant Calcaterra.
