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The biggest 2024 Draft needs for all 32 NFL teams

The NFL Draft is where teams find the foundation of Super Bowl-winning teams. In 2024, some teams are closer than others.

The Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers, for example, have minor holes to fill after making it to Super Bowl 58 and remaining largely intact through free agency. The Washington Commanders, New England Patriots and Carolina Panthers, on the other hand, can’t take a surgical approach to their picks if they want to spark a rapid turnaround. They’ll have to make a barrage of selections like the finale of a Fourth of July firework show and hope each ignites.

Let’s take a look at what each franchise needs most headed into the 2024 NFL Draft. Teams are listed in alphabetical order.

1
Arizona Cardinals: Wide receiver

Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Other needs: EDGE, CB, LB, DL, IOL

Arizona needs help just about everywhere, even after a strong, common sense run through free agency. But finding a top wideout who can push Kyler Murray to his potential — or at least the $104 million still owed to him after his 2022 contract extension — is the top priority. Fortunately, the Cardinals’ spot at No. 4 suggests they’ll have their pick of all-star pass catchers in a class loaded with receiving talent.

2
Atlanta Falcons: Edge rusher

Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Other needs: DT, CB, LB

The Falcons have a veteran quarterback, a stable offensive line and three recent top-10 draft picks rounding out its skill positions. What Atlanta needs now is a cache of young defensive playmakers who can fill the holes in a veteran lineup. There’s no place that’s more glaring than in the pass rush, and while there’s no surefire star in this year’s class, another top-10 draft slot could give Raheem Morris’ team the pick of the litter when it comes to dragging down QBs.

3
Baltimore Ravens: Offensive line

Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Other needs: WR, EDGE, CB, S

The Ravens lost a slew of talent in the free-agent marketplace, and while re-signing Justin Madubuike helps, it’s difficult to see how this roster is more talented than the 2023 version. Baltimore has a lot of gaps to fill at the draft, but finding an immediate starter could help a line that saw Kevin Zeitler and John Simpson depart this spring, turning their roles over to the untested Daniel Faalele and Andrew Vorhees. Baltimore has done a great job developing offensive line talent; 2024 offers a new opportunity.

4
Buffalo Bills: Wide receiver

Oct 26, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (4) follows a block by offensive tackle Dion Dawkins (73) in the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Other needs: CB, S, EDGE

This was a priority even before Buffalo traded away Stefon Diggs. Now it’s a glowing sigil that shows AFC rivals where to attack. But after that, the Bills badly need to reinforce a secondary that was forced to say goodbye to several high-level veterans this offseason, thanks to a combination of age and the salary cap crunch that limited the franchise’s free agency moves.

5
Carolina Panthers: Edge rusher

Jan 7, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Derrick Brown (95) during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Other needs: CB, TE, DL, WR

Honestly, you could make the case for a few different positions here. The Panthers are a mess. They can afford to take the best player available when their pick comes up… at 33rd overall since their first-round pick belongs to the Bears.

6
Chicago Bears: Quarterback

Dec 24, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears kicker Cairo Santos (8) celebrates with offensive lineman Lucas Patrick (62) after kicking a 49-yard field goal in the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports ORG XMIT: IMAGN-710736 ORIG FILE ID: 20231224_sns_qt0_00058.JPG

Other needs: LB, EDGE, OL, WR

This was less of a need before Justin Fields became a Pittsburgh Steeler. Fortunately, Caleb Williams is waiting at the top of the draft. Otherwise, some additional depth in the front seven could push a defense that finished 2024 like a top-3 unit to new heights.

7
Cincinnati Bengals: Defensive line

Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Mike Hilton (21) is introduced before the first quarter of the NFL Week 18 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024. Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

Other needs: OT, EDGE, WR, TE

Sam Hubbard and Trey Hendrickson are an effective combo on the edges and Myles Murphy is there to pick up the slack. But Cincinnati would benefit from another young pass-rusher. There’s a similar situation in the middle of the line, where BJ Hill and Sheldon Rankins are holding things down but also at the point of their careers where an age-related decline could begin. Adding a tight end or wideout in case Tee Higgins doesn’t return also makes sense.

8
Cleveland Browns: Linebacker

Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Other needs: DT, EDGE, WR

The Browns have entered the “maybe Devin Bush” phase of their linebacker rotation, which Steelers and Seahawks fans can tell you generally ends with disappointment. Jordan Hicks is here as well, but he’ll turn 32 this summer. Cleveland’s high-flying defense needs another young stud to pair with Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. The good news? This is a franchise that’s crushed its early round defensive picks lately.

9
Dallas Cowboys: Offensive tackle

August 10, 2019; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) and owner Jerry Jones (right) before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.

Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Other needs: C, S, CB, RB, WR

Salary cap constraints meant Jerry Jones’ promise to go “all in” this offseason meant barely taking a seat at the free agency table. The Cowboys are left with several holes to fill (and a looming extension decision for Dak Prescott). None may be more important than filling Tyron Smith’s All-Pro shoes at left tackle.

10
Denver Broncos: Quarterback

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Other needs: CB, LB, EDGE, S, TE

Sean Payton’s current penciled-in starter is Jarrett Stidham. That about covers that.

11
Detroit Lions: Edge rusher

Nov 12, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Detroit Lions defensive end John Cominsky (79) celebrates during the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Other needs: CB, S, WR

Aidan Hutchinson had 33 quarterback hits last season to lead the Lions. In second place was Alex Anzalone, a linebacker who isn’t a full time pass-rusher, with 12. Detroit signed Marcus Davenport this offseason, but more reinforcements are needed to give Hutchinson a proper running crew up front.

12
Green Bay Packers: Offensive line

Jan 14, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) reacts after a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half of the 2024 NFC wild card game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Other needs: OG, S, LB, CB

The following players left Green Bay this offseason:

  • David Bakhtiari
  • Jon Runyan Jr.
  • Yosh Nijman

As it currently stands, 60 percent of the Packers’ starting offensive line is made up of 2022 draft picks all selected after pick No. 91. Rasheed Walker and Zach Tom exceeded expectations last season, but more help is needed for a young, thin unit.

13
Houston Texans: Cornerback

Nov 12, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) reacts after scoring a touchdown with wide receiver Tank Dell (3) in the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium.

Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

Other needs: IOL, DT, S, LB

Houston’s young, relatively inexpensive core has provided the opportunity to take on expensive veteran contracts — see the arrivals of Danielle Hunter and Stefon Diggs (though Buffalo is mostly footing the, uh, bill there). The Texans have bought low on former top-10 draft picks by bringing in Jeff Okudah and CJ Henderson, but relying on either would be a tough choice. Adding a lockdown running mate for Derek Stingley could make this team a Super Bowl contender.

14
Indianapolis Colts: Cornerback

Brent Skeen-USA TODAY Sports

Other needs: EDGE, LB, WR

Kenny Moore re-signed, and JuJu Brents has the potential to emerge as a top-level starter. That leaves an opening for a sideline cornerback to take the Colts’ defense to the next level.

15
Jacksonville Jaguars: Wide receiver

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) runs onto the field before a regular season NFL football matchup Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 23-7. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]

Other needs: OT, DT, EDGE, S, CB

Signing Gabe Davis made more sense when Calvin Ridley looked like he might return. But Ridley is a Tennessee Titan, and Jacksonville remains in search for the right combination of receivers to push Trevor Lawrence to his All-Pro potential. Patching holes in the secondary is also a concern.

16
Kansas City Chiefs: Offensive tackle

Feb 11, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith (65) poses for a photo after winning Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Other needs: WR, EDGE, CB

Signing Marquise Brown lessens the team’s glaring need at wideout, and Kansas City could wait until Day 2 where elite speed deep threats like Troy Franklin and Xavier Worthy may be available. The biggest question is whether Andy Reid is comfortable with Wanya Morris as a full-time blindside protector. There’s a healthy crop of tackles in this year’s draft, but that well could run dry after 50 picks — making offensive line the potential target for the Chiefs’ first pick.

17
Las Vegas Raiders: Quarterback (and edge rusher)

Oct 15, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Josh Uche (55) tries to tackle Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) in the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports

Other needs: OT, CB, WR

Las Vegas has a handful of needs to fill. While upgrading the quarterback position is a big one, the Raiders don’t have great draft position to land a high level passer and can turn to Aidan O’Connell for another tryout year behind center. Thus, Antonio Pierce could opt to supercharge his pass rush by giving Maxx Crosby and Christian Wilkins (and Malcolm Koonce) some extra help along the edges.

18
Los Angeles Chargers: Wide receiver

Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Other needs: CB, DL, IOL, LB, TE

Prior management dropped the 2024 Chargers into salary cap hell, necessitating the departures of Mike Williams and Keenan Allen. Josh Palmer is capable of stepping into a larger role, but Quenton Johnston frustrated and underwhelmed as a rookie. In order to maximize Justin Herbert’s talent, Los Angeles needs another blue chip pass-catcher.

19
Los Angeles Rams: Defensive line

Dec 31, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Los Angeles Rams linebacker Ernest Jones (53) at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Other needs: S, EDGE, CB

That’s a bit of a cheat/catch-all for the Rams’ two needs: an outside pass-rusher to pair with Byron Young and an interior disruptor with the unenviable task of replacing Aaron Donald. While last year’s young defense punched above its weight class, it still ranked just 20th in overall efficiency last fall.

20
Miami Dolphins: Offensive line

Dec 4, 2022; Santa Clara, California, USA; Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel speaks with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) during the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Other needs: DL, S, EDGE, CB

Miami’s guards paved the way for a league-best 5.1 yards per carry. But Robert Hunt left as a free agent, and Isaiah Wynn remains an unreliable option having played only 16 games the last two seasons. Bolstering that unit would do wonders to not only protect Tua Tagovailoa, but also to keep the run game that helps prop him up thriving.

21
Minnesota Vikings: Quarterback

Dec 24, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) catches a touchdown pass from quarterback Nick Mullens (not pictured) as Detroit Lions cornerback Cameron Sutton (1) defends during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Other needs: DL, S, CB, OG

Kirk Cousins’ departure made Minnesota desperate enough for quarterback help that it gave Sam Darnold $10 million. Which, oh no.

22
New England Patriots: Quarterback

Dec 18, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones (55) stiff-arms New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) on the way to scoring a touchdown at the end of the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Other needs: WR, OT, EDGE, CB

New England’s many needs make a trade back from the third overall pick possible. The only problem? 2025’s draft is low on quarterback talent, so suffering through another lost season wouldn’t have much of a light at the end of its tunnel.

23
New Orleans Saints: Offensive tackle

Oct 15, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis (56) and quarterback Derek Carr (4) prepare to walk onto the field before the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Other needs: DT, TE, WR, EDGE, S

New Orleans’ perpetual existence in salary cap purgatory puts a premium on finding young, inexpensive players at high cost positions. That shoots tackle to the top of this year’s list, especially given the frustrating development of former first-round pick Trevor Penning.

24
New York Giants: Wide receiver

Oct 2, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks to quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during the second quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Other needs: QB, RB, CB, LB, S

The Giants have one more year with which to deal with Daniel Jones. After that, they can part ways with relatively minor cap penalties. But he’s won a playoff game for New York and deserves at least an honest chance to prove he can be an above average starting quarterback. That means getting him a legitimate WR1 — and Brian Daboll’s team will have several options with a top-6 draft pick.

25
New York Jets: Wide receiver

Oct 1, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard (10) makes a catch as Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) defends during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Other needs: S, DT, QB, TE

Speaking of teams that need a top-flight wideout to prop up a controversial quarterback, here come the Jets. Aaron Rodgers will turn 41 years old this season and is coming off a torn Achilles. Garrett Wilson is a great start. After that, things get dicey even with Mike Williams in tow.

26
Philadelphia Eagles: Cornerback

Oct 22, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter (98) looks on during the fourth quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Other needs: LB, S, DT, WR

A run-stuffing linebacker who can cover sideline-to-sideline is also a big part of this wishlist. But cornerback, once a position strong enough to spark a run to the Super Bowl, has quickly worn thin as James Bradberry and Darius Slay age out of their primes. More help is needed across the secondary to spark a run back to the top of the NFC East.

27
Pittsburgh Steelers: Wide receiver

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JANUARY 06: Patrick Peterson #20 of the Pittsburgh Steelers and teammates celebrate after a play in the fourth quarter of a game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on January 06, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775992512 ORIG FILE ID: 1913328787

Other needs: OT, CB, LB, S

Whether it’s Russell Wilson or Justin Fields, Pittsburgh’s quarterback is going to need reliable targets to which he can throw. George Pickens may be headed for a career year (or may crumble into dust and get benched), but without Diontae Johnson in the lineup there’s a massive opportunity for the Steelers to draft the next link in a chain of great wideouts. Granted, that’s typically come after the first round has wrapped, but 2024 could be different.

28
San Francisco 49ers: Offensive tackle

Jan 28, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) celebrates with guard Jon Feliciano (55) and offensive tackle Trent Williams (71) after a play against the Detroit Lions during the second half of the NFC Championship football game at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Other needs: IOL, CB, EDGE, WR

The right side of the San Francisco line was a problem in 2023, albeit not enough of one to keep the team out of Super Bowl 58. Upgrading at right tackle would fix one of the Niners’ few obvious weaknesses. Drafting a wideout contingency plan for any Brandon Aiyuk departure would be sensible as well.

29
Seattle Seahawks: Interior offensive line

Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Other needs: LB, DT, EDGE… QB

Abe Lucas and Charles Cross have Seattle’s edges locked down. Between them, however, is a mishmash of replacement-caliber players. There are plenty of valuable guards and centers who’ll be available in the middle rounds of this year’s draft, though finding one who could contribute immediately may force the Seahawks to make that move sooner rather than later.

30
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Edge rusher

Jan 15, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Carlton Davis III (24) gestures after a play against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half of a 2024 NFC wild card game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

Other needs: IOL, OT, CB, RB

Shaquil Barrett is no longer on the team and wasn’t great in 2023. Joe Tryon-Shoyinka hasn’t developed as planned. There’s a massive need to restock Tampa’s pass rush in order to keep the Bucs atop the NFC South another season.

31
Tennessee Titans: Offensive tackle

Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Other needs: CB, S, EDGE, QB

Trading for L’Jarius Sneed and signing Calvin Ridley shored up two different weaknesses. However, there’s still a need for blocking help in order to keep Will Levis upright and in position to claim the throne as Tennessee’s franchise quarterback. Given Chidobe Awuzie’s injury history, adding a boundary corner wouldn’t hurt, either.

32
Washington Commanders: Quarterback

Dec 24, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14) is pressured by New York Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (95) in the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Other needs: OT, EDGE, CB, LB

The Commanders sold at last year’s trade deadline and come into 2024 with a boatload of draft picks. That’s great, because they have needs almost everywhere. The first matter of business: drafting the franchise quarterback who can lead the team to its first playoff win since 2006.

See live draft results and grades at the 2024 USA TODAY NFL Draft Hub.

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