The NFL offseason is a whirlwind of activity, with free agency dramatically reshaping team rosters. As the dust settles, the focus shifts to the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft, where teams aim to fill remaining gaps and build for the future.
This article dives into the first-round draft order and analyzes the top five needs for each team after the free agency frenzy, providing a glimpse into potential draft strategies and prospects.
2024 NFL Draft: First-Round Order and Team Needs
1. Chicago Bears (Pick acquired from Carolina Panthers)
Panthers’ record: 2-15 (.522 strength of schedule)
Biggest needs: QB, WR, EDGE, OT, DT
The Bears made a significant move by trading Justin Fields to Pittsburgh, signaling their intent to draft a quarterback with the No. 1 pick. USC’s Caleb Williams is the likely choice, and the acquisition of veteran Keenan Allen provides a reliable target. However, the Bears could still use depth at wide receiver and a left tackle to solidify the offensive line. Defensively, an edge rusher and a disruptive defensive tackle remain priorities.
2. Washington Commanders
Record: 4-13 (.512 strength of schedule)
Biggest needs: QB, OT, Edge, CB, WR
With the first pick likely spoken for, Washington is in prime position to select their quarterback of the future. They also need to address their offensive line, particularly at tackle. Defensively, edge rusher and cornerback stand out as areas requiring attention, and adding another playmaking receiver would bolster their offensive arsenal.
3. New England Patriots
Record: 4-13 (.522 strength of schedule)
Biggest needs: QB, OT, CB, WR, DT
The Patriots’ trade of Mac Jones creates a significant need at quarterback, likely prompting them to target a signal-caller early in the draft. They also need a starting left tackle and could use another weapon at wide receiver. Defensively, cornerback and defensive tackle are areas that could be addressed.
4. Arizona Cardinals
Record: 4-13 (.561 strength of schedule)
Biggest needs: WR, CB, Edge, RB, IOL
The Cardinals’ offense lacks firepower, making wide receiver a top priority. They could use multiple picks to address this need. Cornerback is also a glaring weakness, and edge rusher, running back, and interior offensive line depth are all areas requiring attention.
5. Los Angeles Chargers
Record: 5-12 (.529 strength of schedule)
Biggest needs: WR, CB, IOL, OT, RB
The Chargers lost key receivers in free agency, making wide receiver an urgent need. They could also use help at cornerback, interior offensive line, offensive tackle, and running back. Building a complete team around Justin Herbert is crucial for their success.
6. New York Giants
Record: 6-11 (.512 strength of schedule)
Biggest needs: WR, CB, RB, S, QB
The Giants might be in the market for a quarterback despite extending Daniel Jones. Regardless, they need to surround their quarterback with more weapons, making wide receiver a primary concern. Cornerback, running back, and safety are other areas where the Giants could look to add depth and talent.
7. Tennessee Titans
Record: 6-11 (.522 strength of schedule)
Biggest needs: OT, Edge, DT, WR, LB
The Titans addressed their cornerback need in free agency but still need a starting left tackle. Edge rusher, defensive tackle, and wide receiver are other areas they could target in the draft.
8. Atlanta Falcons
Record: 7-10 (.429 strength of schedule)
Biggest needs: Edge, CB, DT, S, QB
While Kirk Cousins solidifies their quarterback position, finding a young backup should be a priority. Edge rusher, cornerback, and defensive tackle are other areas the Falcons could address in the draft.
9. Chicago Bears (from Carolina)
See Pick No. 1 for analysis of the Bears’ needs.
10. New York Jets
Record: 7-10 (.502 strength of schedule)
Biggest needs: TE, S, WR, LB, CB
The Jets have built a solid offensive line but could use a dynamic tight end and another weapon at wide receiver. Safety, linebacker, and cornerback are areas they could look to strengthen on defense.
11. Minnesota Vikings
Record: 7-10 (.509 strength of schedule)
Biggest needs: QB, IOL, Edge, WR, DT
Finding a successor to Kirk Cousins is paramount for the Vikings, and they may target a quarterback in the first round. Interior offensive line, edge rusher, wide receiver, and defensive tackle are other areas they could address.
12. Denver Broncos
Record: 8-9 (.488 strength of schedule)
Biggest needs: QB, CB, DT, Edge, OT
The Broncos’ trade for Sean Payton signals their intent to compete, and finding a quarterback will be crucial. Cornerback, defensive tackle, edge rusher, and offensive tackle are other areas they could address in the draft.
13. Las Vegas Raiders
Record: 8-9 (.488 strength of schedule)
Biggest needs: QB, CB, OT, WR, IOL
The Raiders might be in the market for a quarterback, but they could also address needs at cornerback, offensive tackle, wide receiver, and interior offensive line.
14. New Orleans Saints
Record: 9-8 (.433 strength of schedule)
Biggest needs: OT, WR, CB, DT, LB
The Saints need to address their offensive line, particularly at tackle. Wide receiver, cornerback, defensive tackle, and linebacker are other positions they could target in the draft.
15. Indianapolis Colts
Record: 9-8 (.491 strength of schedule)
Biggest needs: CB, WR, RB, IOL, S
The Colts could use depth at cornerback, wide receiver, and running back. Interior offensive line and safety are other positions they might address in the draft.
16. Seattle Seahawks
Record: 9-8 (.512 strength of schedule)
Biggest needs: DT, LB, IOL, Edge, TE
The Seahawks addressed their quarterback situation, but defensive tackle, linebacker, interior offensive line, edge rusher, and tight end are all areas they could look to improve.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars
Record: 9-8 (.533 strength of schedule)
Biggest needs: CB, DT, OT, IOL, Edge
The Jaguars could use help at cornerback, defensive tackle, offensive tackle, interior offensive line, and edge rusher. Building a strong defense will be key to their success.
18. Cincinnati Bengals
Record: 9-8 (.574 strength of schedule)
Biggest needs: OT, DT, CB, WR, TE
The Bengals need to find a replacement for Jonah Williams at right tackle. Defensive tackle, cornerback, wide receiver, and tight end are other positions they could address.
19. Los Angeles Rams
Record: 10-7 (.529 strength of schedule)
Biggest needs: DT, Edge, CB, OT, K
The Rams have several needs, including defensive tackle, edge rusher, cornerback, offensive tackle, and kicker. They will need to be strategic with their draft picks to fill these holes.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers
Record: 10-7 (.540 strength of schedule)
Biggest needs: OT, IOL, WR, CB, DT
The Steelers need to protect their new quarterback duo, making offensive line a top priority. Wide receiver, cornerback, and defensive tackle are other areas they could address.
21. Miami Dolphins
Record: 11-6 (.450 strength of schedule)
Biggest needs: IOL, DT, OT, Edge, TE
The Dolphins could use help on both sides of the ball, with needs at interior offensive line, defensive tackle, offensive tackle, edge rusher, and tight end.
22. Philadelphia Eagles
Record: 11-6 (.481 strength of schedule)
Biggest needs: CB, IOL, OT, WR, S
The Eagles will likely look to add depth to their secondary with picks at cornerback and safety. Interior offensive line, offensive tackle, and wide receiver are other positions they might target.
23. Minnesota Vikings (from Cleveland via Houston)
See Pick No. 11 for analysis of the Vikings’ needs.
24. Dallas Cowboys
Record: 12-5 (.446 strength of schedule)
Biggest needs: OT, RB, IOL, DT, WR
The Cowboys lost several key players in free agency, creating needs at offensive tackle, running back, interior offensive line, defensive tackle, and wide receiver.
25. Green Bay Packers
Record: 9-8 (.474 strength of schedule)
Biggest needs: DT, LB, OT, CB, S
The Packers need to find a replacement for David Bakhtiari at left tackle. Defensive tackle, linebacker, cornerback, and safety are other positions they could address.
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Record: 9-8 (.481 strength of schedule)
Biggest needs: Edge, IOL, CB, S, LB
The Buccaneers need to address their pass rush and could use help at edge rusher. Interior offensive line, cornerback, safety, and linebacker are other areas they might target.
27. Arizona Cardinals (from Houston)
See Pick No. 4 for analysis of the Cardinals’ needs.
28. Buffalo Bills
Record: 11-6 (.471 strength of schedule)
Biggest needs: WR, Edge, DT, S, RB
The Bills traded away Stefon Diggs, creating a significant need at wide receiver. Edge rusher, defensive tackle, safety, and running back are other positions they could target.
29. Detroit Lions
Record: 12-5 (.481 strength of schedule)
Biggest needs: CB, Edge, S, OT, WR
The Lions need to solidify their secondary with picks at cornerback and safety. Edge rusher, offensive tackle, and wide receiver are other areas they might address.
30. Baltimore Ravens
Record: 13-4 (.543 strength of schedule)
Biggest needs: IOL, OT, Edge, WR, S
The Ravens need to rebuild their offensive line, with needs at both guard and tackle spots. Edge rusher, wide receiver, and safety are other positions they could target.
31. San Francisco 49ers
Record: 12-5 (.509 strength of schedule)
Biggest needs: CB, OT, IOL, WR, LB
The 49ers addressed their defensive line needs in free agency and could now focus on cornerback, offensive tackle, interior offensive line, wide receiver, and linebacker.
32. Kansas City Chiefs
Record: 11-6 (.481 strength of schedule)
Biggest needs: WR, OT, CB, RB, IOL
The Chiefs need to add weapons for Patrick Mahomes, making wide receiver a priority. Offensive tackle, cornerback, running back, and interior offensive line are other positions they might target.
Teams Without a First-Round Pick
Carolina Panthers: Traded their first-round pick to the Chicago Bears. Their biggest needs include wide receiver, tight end, cornerback, edge rusher, and defensive tackle.
Cleveland Browns: Traded their first-round pick to the Houston Texans. Their biggest needs include offensive tackle, linebacker, defensive tackle, wide receiver, and tight end.
Houston Texans: Traded their first-round pick to the Arizona Cardinals. Their biggest needs include cornerback, tight end, linebacker, interior offensive line, and defensive tackle.
Conclusion
The 2024 NFL Draft promises to be another exciting chapter in the league’s offseason, with teams looking to fill their rosters with promising young talent. The first round, in particular, is crucial for teams to address their most pressing needs and set the foundation for future success.