The recent NFL free agency frenzy witnessed numerous player movements as teams scrambled to address roster needs. However, with the NFL draft looming ahead from April 25-27 in Detroit, the process of team building continues unabated.
As teams finalize their draft boards, NFL Nation reporters have outlined the top three positional needs for all 32 franchises entering the draft, followed by suggestions from NFL draft analysts Matt Miller and Jordan Reid for prospects who could address those needs beyond Round 1.
Starting with the Buffalo Bills, who are in need of rejuvenating their roster with young talent due to salary cap constraints, the top three needs identified are wide receiver, safety, and defensive end. Despite early free agency moves, these needs remain pressing, particularly in light of Gabe Davis’s departure to the Jaguars. The Bills are urged to bolster their wide receiver corps despite signing Curtis Samuel. Austin Booker from Kansas is touted as a potential defensive end prospect.
In Miami, the Dolphins’ top three needs include defensive tackle, offensive guard, and wide receiver. The departure of key players has left gaps, especially in the defensive line and offensive guard positions. Christian Haynes from UConn is suggested as a viable option to address the guard vacancy.
The New England Patriots prioritize quarterback, offensive tackle, and wide receiver as their top three needs. Coach Jerod Mayo emphasizes the importance of securing a quarterback, potentially through a trade scenario, while also addressing other positions like left tackle and wide receiver. Kingsley Suamataia from BYU is highlighted as a potential solution for the tackle position.
For the New York Jets, offensive tackle, wide receiver, and safety emerge as their primary needs. While short-term solutions have been secured, there is a looming necessity to fortify these positions with long-term prospects. Patrick Paul from Houston is mentioned as a suitable candidate to address the offensive tackle position.
Moving on to the AFC North, the Baltimore Ravens identify offensive line, outside linebacker, and cornerback as their top needs. With significant changes in the offensive line roster, there is an urgent need to replenish talent in that area. Khyree Jackson from Oregon is suggested as a prospect to bolster the cornerback position.
In Cincinnati, offensive tackle, defensive tackle, and wide receiver are highlighted as key areas for improvement. The Bengals are seeking to find a reliable offensive tackle and add depth in defensive tackle and wide receiver positions. Michael Hall Jr. from Ohio State is recommended as a prospect to address the defensive tackle vacancy.
The Cleveland Browns prioritize wide receiver, running back, and defensive tackle as their top needs. With concerns over the age and injury history of key players, the Browns aim to inject youth and dynamism into their offensive skill positions. Jaylen Wright from Tennessee is suggested as a prospect to enhance the running back position.
In Pittsburgh, center, offensive tackle, and wide receiver emerge as the top needs. Despite addressing several needs in early free agency, the Steelers still lack depth at center and tackle positions. Sedrick Van Pran from Georgia is proposed as a candidate to fill the center position.
The AFC South sees the Houston Texans targeting cornerback, defensive tackle, and wide receiver as their top needs. Despite recent acquisitions, the Texans aim to strengthen their secondary, defensive line, and wide receiver corps. Maason Smith from LSU is suggested as a potential solution for the defensive tackle position.
For the Indianapolis Colts, cornerback, safety, and wide receiver are identified as their top needs. With a young secondary that struggled in the past season, the Colts prioritize bolstering their defensive backfield and adding a playmaking wide receiver. Jaden Hicks from Washington State is proposed as a prospect to address the safety position.
In Jacksonville, cornerback, wide receiver, and defensive line emerge as the top needs. The Jaguars aim to bolster their defense and provide support for quarterback Trevor Lawrence by focusing on these key areas. Max Melton from Rutgers is suggested as a candidate to address the cornerback position.
The Tennessee Titans prioritize offensive tackle, defensive line, and linebacker as their top needs. With a focus on protecting their quarterbacks and bolstering the defense, the Titans seek to address these positions in the draft. Adisa Isaac from Penn State is proposed as a prospect to enhance the defensive line.
In the AFC West, the Denver Broncos target quarterback, cornerback, and edge rusher as their top needs. With uncertainty at the quarterback position, the Broncos aim to secure a franchise quarterback and strengthen their defense. Spencer Rattler from South Carolina is suggested as a potential quarterback option.
For the Kansas City Chiefs, wide receiver, offensive tackle, and running back are identified as their top needs. With key departures and uncertainties, the Chiefs prioritize enhancing their offensive firepower and securing protection for their quarterback. Javon Baker from UCF is proposed as a candidate to address the wide receiver position.
The Las Vegas Raiders prioritize quarterback, offensive tackle, and cornerback as their top needs. With a focus on securing a young franchise quarterback and strengthening key positions, the Raiders aim to address these areas in the draft. Roger Rosengarten from Washington is suggested as a potential candidate to address the offensive tackle position.
For the Los Angeles Chargers, wide receiver, cornerback, and defensive tackle are identified as their top needs. With concerns over their receiving corps and pass defense, the Chargers aim to bolster these positions in the draft. Ruke Orhorhoro from Clemson is proposed as a candidate to address the defensive tackle position.
In the NFC East, the Dallas Cowboys prioritize offensive line, running back, and linebacker as their top needs. With key departures and uncertainties, the Cowboys aim to address these areas in the draft. Jonathon Brooks from Texas is suggested as a potential candidate to address the running back position.
The New York Giants target wide receiver, quarterback, and cornerback as their top needs. With uncertainties at key positions, the Giants aim to address these areas in the draft. Malachi Corley from Western Kentucky is proposed as a candidate to address the wide receiver position.
For the Philadelphia Eagles, cornerback, offensive tackle, and linebacker are identified as their top needs. With concerns over their pass defense and offensive line depth, the Eagles aim to address these areas in the draft. Michael Barrett from Michigan is proposed as a candidate to address the linebacker position.
The Washington Commanders prioritize quarterback, offensive tackle, and cornerback as their top needs. With uncertainties at key positions, the Commanders aim to address these areas in the draft. Christian Jones from Texas is proposed as a candidate to address the offensive tackle position.
Finally, in the NFC North, the Chicago Bears prioritize wide receiver, edge rusher, and offensive tackle as their top needs. With concerns over their offensive firepower and pass rush, the Bears aim to address these areas in the draft. Chris Braswell from Alabama is suggested as a potential candidate to address the edge rusher position.
The Detroit Lions target cornerback, edge rusher, and wide receiver as their top needs. With uncertainties at key positions, the Lions aim to address these areas in the draft. Roger Rosengarten from Washington is proposed as a candidate to address the cornerback position.
