2024 NFL Draft Team Needs

The league’s 2024 NFL Draft team needs will be incredibly fluid throughout the offseason. Free agency will be the time that teams spend their money on their most pressing needs. That way they can be free to maneuver in the NFL Draft, selecting the best players available.

NFL Draft Team Needs

Arizona Cardinals

While QB might not be completely off the table depending on what the new front office and coaching staff prefer, it’s not an outright need for the team.

The Cardinals’ defense lacks talent at nearly every spot along the depth chart. But cornerback and pass rusher remain their most significant defensive needs because they are the most valuable positions on that side of the ball.

MORE: Free NFL Mock Draft Simulator With Trades

Defensive tackle could be a need if they believe they can get a difference-maker with one of their three top-50 picks. But they’re likely in a position to get a fantastic wide receiver on the outside, considering the class’ abundance of talent.

Atlanta Falcons

It’s time to admit that the Atlanta Falcons need an upgrade at the most important position in professional sports. They might accomplish that in the veteran market before the NFL Draft, but it is their most significant need, although pairing more WR talent alongside Drake London and Kyle Pitts wouldn’t hurt, either.

The Falcons have struggled to find a legitimate pass-rushing threat on the edge for a long time. Although they’ve thrown assets at the position, they haven’t hit any home runs there. They could also add some talent on the outside opposite of A.J. Terrell.

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens are a tough team to nail down. They have a relatively well-rounded roster. But a big-bodied wide receiver could be high on the teams’ list of potential needs. Running back is probably their top need, and this draft class is filled with potential producers on Day 2 and Day 3.

Baltimore’s defense is playing outrageously good football, no matter who is in or out of the lineup with injuries. But adding a high-end coverage player or a hybrid pass rusher who can play on the edge or the interior could take this unit to the next level.

Buffalo Bills

Cornerback might be this team’s first and second need. However, a possible Gabe Davis replacement could be the move, considering he’s in the final year of his deal.

The two safeties are aging, and each player has dealt with their own rash of injuries over the past few seasons. Center, guard, and tackle are all listed because this roster could use some depth at all three. Someone like Duke OT Graham Barton could be a fantastic option for his positional versatility.

Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers’ problems are crystal clear. They need speed and talent at wide receiver, and they could use an upgrade at tight end, although the free agency market is usually rife with deals on the second and third tier of TE starter.

Carolina hasn’t addressed the edge-rushing role. Brian Burns is set to hit free agency, and although Yetur Gross-Matos has been playing better in 2023 — his contract is also expiring.

As impressive as Jaycee Horn has been when he’s on the field, he hasn’t been on the field. They must address the cornerback position in the draft.

Chicago Bears

If it’s an A-tier position, the Chicago Bears need it. After spending a hilarious amount of money on two linebackers on a defense lacking talent everywhere, needs still fall on most defensive positions. Therefore, Chicago needs to go out and address a defensive end (if Matt Eberflus sees 2024) and a cornerback.

Is quarterback a critical need? Not particularly. However, the Bears must decide on Justin Fields’ fifth-year option in May, and with the first overall pick wrapped up, they could trade Fields for more picks and reset the rookie contract window — or trade the pick for a king’s ransom. That is why we’ll consider quarterback a need, in addition to the fact that we haven’t seen enough from Fields or this offense to offer him a ridiculous extension.

DJ Moore is awesome, but there’s a perennial All-Pro potentially staring them in the face at the top of the draft as well.

Cincinnati Bengals

Tee Higgins will be a free agent this offseason in search of a new home. The Bengals are set up nicely to potentially replace his skill set with the upcoming NFL Draft, considering there are many fantastic, big-bodied athletes at the position this year. Offensive tackle remains a need because Jonah Williams will be a free agent.

MORE: Top OTs in the 2024 NFL Draft

A tight end is next on the list, but considering D.J. Reader is a free agent this offseason, defensive tackle could be at the forefront of their needs, too.

Cleveland Browns

In a class with so many talented pass catchers, there is no reason why the Browns couldn’t target one in the NFL Draft, although they won’t be selecting in the first round.

Jordan Elliott is a free agent, and the Browns could use a gap-slicing three-technique to take Jim Schwartz’s already incredible defensive front to the next level.

Running back is the saddest need on the list. Nick Chubb may very well eventually make a full recovery, but it is not something the team should count on.

Dallas Cowboys

Leighton Vander Esch may never play football again, and the Cowboys were already paper-thin at linebacker. Markquese Bell is a safety who transitioned to linebacker, and Damone Clark is around, but they need way more help at the position overall. Stephon Gilmore likely hangs around in 2024, but Dallas needs to find a developmental player for the outside so DaRon Bland can slide back into the slot.

Tony Pollard will be a free agent or will be tagged for a second consecutive season, so running back remains a need. Tyler Biadasz has been a good player for Dallas, but he will also be a free agent.

Safety is a need because the Cowboys love running three-safety sets, and Jayron Kearse is in the final year of his deal. And unfortunately, the unit has regressed in 2023.

Denver Broncos

The marriage between Russell Wilson and Sean Payton predictably failed. Wilson is a highly volatile QB and Payton wants Drew Brees under center to operate the offense on schedule. But with so many potential quarterbacks going in Round 1 of the 2024 NFL Draft, Denver could be the team to snatch Bo Nix or Michael Penix Jr.

The Broncos can’t seem to keep wide receivers healthy, and Jerry Jeudy will be in the final year of his rookie deal in 2024. Their offensive line seems relatively settled, but the same cannot be said for the other side’s trenches.

Randy Gregory didn’t work out, and there is a distinct lack of “oomph!” on the edge. It also wouldn’t hurt them to look for a “tweener” who can play anywhere from outside of the tackle to an outside shade on the guard.

Detroit Lions

Guard is likely a position that Detroit addresses in free agency, but it’s a critical key to the Lions’ offensive success. Jared Goff can play efficient football, but he needs an offensive line that can pass-protect for him at a high level to maximize his efficiency.

Getting a legitimate complement to Amon-Ra St. Brown could also play a critical role in the Lions’ offensive efficiency. However, they already have Sam LaPorta to help that cause as well.

A defensive end who can free up Aidan Hutchinson on pass-rushing downs would be a huge benefit to this defense, which has fallen apart in the second half of the 2023 NFL season. But cornerback is the more significant issue because they have neither the talent nor depth on the outside to remain successful defensively.

Green Bay Packers

AJ Dillon will be a free agent, and there’s a lot of wear on Aaron Jones’ tires. Replacing David Bakhtiari is likely their top priority, and it’s a good year to need one in the NFL Draft.

The safety position is an absolute travesty in Green Bay, especially when Darnell Savage isn’t on the field. It is easily their most significant need. But they could also use help at cornerback, especially in the slot.

Houston Texans

Jonathan Greenard isn’t a bad player, but getting Will Anderson a high-tier counterpart on the other side of the field would pay huge dividends for this defense, especially considering how Ryans’ defenses were built in San Francisco. However, adding to their interior could also help quite a bit also.

MORE: 2024 NFL Draft Big Board

Derek Stingley Jr. hasn’t had the best health luck so far, and Houston could use at least one more cornerback on the roster for next season to improve the defense. And while wide receiver is less of a need now that we’re seeing offensive success with the unit they have, adding another weapon could make this offense insanely efficient.

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts could upgrade at quite a few positions, but their most critical needs come at cornerback and, more importantly, wide receiver.

Michael Pittman Jr. is a good player, but Shane Steichen’s offense is taken to the next level with a legitimate alpha on the outside at X receiver. Considering there are a few players in that mold in the 2024 NFL Draft class that could be inexpensive compared to a Pittman contract extension, it seems a likely move for the prudent Chris Ballard.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars are a good football team, but they have significant flaws. Their offensive line is not very good. They could realistically invest in three, and maybe even four, of the positions on the front line.

The defensive line has talent on the edges, but adding a hybrid EDGE/DT “tweener” could also be in store for the team in the draft. Wide receiver is a lesser need, but Zay Jones enters the final year of his deal in 2024, and Jacksonville needs a ball-winner on the outside.

Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs need a wide receiver. Patrick Mahomes is the best player on the planet and Travis Kelce is the best tight end in the world, but they need some reliability on the outside. Sticking with the offensive side of the ball, a Donovan Smith replacement should be at the front of Brett Veach’s mind as well.

Defensive tackle may or may not be a need depending on the Chirs Jones extension ordeal, but it wouldn’t hurt to add to the defensive interior either way. They’ve gotten away with relatively inexpensive options on the outside at cornerback, but adding a third player to Trent McDuffie and L’Jarius Sneed could keep this defense hanging around top-five territory.

Las Vegas Raiders

Incredibly, the Raiders have been as successful as they’ve been in 2023, considering they fired their head coach and benched their veteran QB along the way.

They need a QB, but they’ve won too many games to get one of the top two guys in the draft. Look at any defensive position, and the Raiders’ new front office could and should look to attack it. And when all that is said and done, they could use an RB.

Los Angeles Chargers

Right tackle has been an issue for years now. The Chargers haven’t been able to figure that position out for years, and there are multiple high-end options in the draft to replace Trey Pipkins. Brandon Staley likely won’t be the coach in 2024, but the team still needs to address multiple spots on the defensive depth chart.

The offense can survive without a new right tackle, but the defense can’t without serious help at cornerback, linebacker, and defensive tackle.

Los Angeles Rams

• OT, G, EDGE, CB, S, LB, RB

The Rams are in a weirdly good position. They’ve overachieved relative to expectations, considering their insane youth. They could legitimately go in almost any direction they want to in free agency and the NFL Draft, aside from quarterback and wide receiver.

Miami Dolphins

Adding a tight end who can block and be a legitimate pass-catching weapon over the middle could be a massive boost to the Dolphins’ offense to pair with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.

Austin Jackson is in the final year of his deal, and Miami needs someone to adequately protect Tua Tagovailoa’s blind side moving forward.

MORE: Top EDGEs in the 2024 NFL Draft

Adding talent on the edge after Jaelan Phillips’ season-ending injury is a much larger need now. But that need jumped to the top of the list after Bradley Chubb’s ACL tear. Safety is another need alongside Jevon Holland.

Minnesota Vikings

Danielle Hunter is in the final year of his deal, and there isn’t much to feel confident about on the edge aside from him. Now, the need is a bit mitigated by Brian Flores’ complex pressure packages, but having talent on the outside is always critical. But having talent on the outside at cornerback could make a huge difference for the Vikings defense.

Running back will rarely be a team’s most significant need considering its relative value, but the Vikings absolutely need more talent back there.

New England Patriots

The Patriots need a quarterback more than anything, but that’s only because of the value that position holds. They’re arguably even less talented at wide receiver, which is completely irredeemable.

Right tackle isn’t much better, considering New England went into the season thinking Riley Reiff was going to be the starter. Or maybe the organization will stop messing around and keep Michael Onwenu at right tackle.

A pass rusher will be another need for New England because Josh Uche is a free agent and Matthew Judon will be coming off a serious injury.

New Orleans Saints

Andrus Peat is starting at left tackle. And they might be worse at left guard now than they were when Peat was the starter there. So … they need help on the offensive line.

However, they could also use some pass-rushing talent, considering Cameron Jordan’s advanced age. Defensive tackle could also be an option for New Orleans, as is wide receiver because Michael Thomas can’t stay healthy.

New York Giants

The Giants need a lot of help. They could use a talented pass-catcher who is tall enough to ride big roller coasters, a new right tackle, two offensive guards, and quite possibly a quarterback, even though they just paid one. Their running back is also in the final year of his deal.

MORE: 2024 Senior Bowl Rosters

They could use a complement to Deonte Banks on the outside, and things haven’t gone well for them at safety this season.

New York Jets

The Jets need health more than anything in 2024, particularly on the offensive line. But they absolutely must address both offensive tackle spots in the offseason. New York also should look into possibly selecting a QB on Day 2, because Aaron Rodgers isn’t getting any younger.

Philadelphia Eagles

Offensive tackle isn’t a pressing need unless Lane Johnson retires, but the Eagles are no stranger to planning ahead in the NFL Draft. They’ll never consider a linebacker high in the draft, but the Eagles could use a spark at the position.

Safety is another likely Day 2 option, as is cornerback, considering their aging CBs are still on the hook for a lot of money next season.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers still need to improve their offensive line. Center has been problematic for a long time now, and left tackle has been an issue all season. But Pittsburgh has some freedom between sides there because Broderick Jones could end up being the left tackle of the future for them, and there are a few awesome right tackles in this class.

Diontae Johnson is still on the roster next season, but he’s so excruciatingly inconsistent that it wouldn’t hurt for the Steelers to add another pass catcher.

San Francisco 49ers

Right tackle is still a need for San Francisco, and Trent Williams isn’t getting any younger. Cornerback has always been an afterthought for the 49ers, and for good reason. They’ve always built their defensive front front to back. But adding talent there is never a bad decision.

MORE: Top Safeties in the 2024 NFL Draft

A safety to pair with Talanoa Hufanga and play on the back end could be a nice way to round out this defensive backfield if they don’t attack cornerback. And considering Chase Young is in the final year of his deal, they should look to address that position in the draft if they do not come to an extension agreement with him.

Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks always seem to need help at guard. Defensive tackle is a bit broad — their need is both at nose and at “defensive end,” which in their system is more of a defensive tackle than an EDGE. However, they could also use an EDGE to pair with Boye Mafe and Uchenna Nwosu.

Bobby Wagner is at the end of his road, and Seattle should look to replace him moving forward. Jordyn Brooks is also in the final year of his deal, multiplying that particular need.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Mike Evans is in the final year of his deal, and Chris Godwin only has one more remaining on his. In an outstanding draft class, particularly featuring big-bodied pass catchers with three-level talent, it’s not the worst time to replace a franchise legend.

The Buccaneers could also look at the quarterback, but it will be fascinating to see if they draft a developmental guy on Day 2 while also giving Baker Mayfield a short extension.

Tampa Bay also needs a pass rusher on the outside. Shaq Barrett is getting older, Joe Tryon-Shoyinka hasn’t developed, and YaYa Diaby looks good but is still young as an NFL player, even if he was an older prospect. They also need a third defensive lineman who can survive against the run.

Tennessee Titans

There aren’t many positions on the Titans’ roster that couldn’t be upgraded. Every spot aside from left guard should be addressed. They whiffed on their free agency spending at the position. They could also use another wide receiver, especially considering they could use a pass catcher who can thrive underneath. Derrick Henry’s age should also be a concern for them.

Washington Commanders

• QB, EDGE, OT, TE, CB, S, LB

There is absolutely no reason to muck about in the NFL Draft for the Commanders. Sam Howell is a boatload of fun, but he did not show us that he was a potential franchise QB in his second NFL season. With the second pick in the NFL Draft, one of Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, or Jayden Daniels should be a Commander in 2024.

But they also need help just about everywhere else. There’s a very good reason why they’ve secured the second pick in the draft. After trading their two starting defensive ends, they need a complete reboot at the position. But until they hire a new coach and coordinators, it’s impossible to know what to look for.

Want to predict the rest of the 2023 season with our FREE NFL Playoff Predictor? Looking for the most up-to-date NFL standings? What about a breakdown of team depth charts or the NFL schedule? Pro Football Network has you covered with that and more!