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2024 NFL Draft: Top needs for all 32 teams

Wed Apr 17 1:47pm ET
Field Level Media

Knowing the difference between wants and needs can be a life skill. We're about to find out where 32 NFL general managers rate in this category.

The 2024 NFL Draft kicks off April 25 and there are schools of thought in every front office as to whether the best player available -- generally defended as the primary default setting for the draft -- or best fit for a specific, existing need makes more sense.

In reality, a confluence of the two is the sweet spot every franchise targets.

Take the Chicago Bears.

Unless you are driving the Tyson Bagent bandwagon, quarterback stands as the No. 1 need for general manager Ryan Poles. He essentially made the same admission with the delayed consummation of a trade of 2021 first-rounder Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

And even if Poles agrees with Field Level Media consensus rankings that Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. is the best player available in the 2024 draft class, it would be a stone-cold stunner if the Bears went receiver over USC quarterback Caleb Williams.

Chicago has the No. 9 pick to invest on another need -- or BPA -- or Poles could opt to trade down and gather more draft capital. The Bears have only four total draft picks thanks to trades for defensive end Montez Sweat and wide receiver Chase Claypool.

Here are the top needs for all 32 teams listed in the current 2024 draft order.

Chicago Bears

QB, Edge, OT, WR, DT

Set to select the first overall pick for the third time in franchise history, the Bears are still looking for stability at quarterback in what will be their 30th starter since 2000.

Washington Commanders

QB, OT, Edge

Another reset in Washington this offseason brings the search for a new QB to help the franchise reach its first Super Bowl in 32 years.

New England Patriots

QB, WR, CB, OT, DT

Owner Robert Kraft remains blunt about big changes to the offense - starting with a clean slate at quarterback.

Arizona Cardinals

WR, OL, CB, DL, RB

One pick away from the No. 3 slot where they selected Larry Fitzgerald in 2004.

Los Angeles Chargers

CB, RB, OT, WR, DT

Shoring up the defense and pass protection are peak priorities under new coach Jim Harbaugh.

New York Giants

CB, RB, WR, QB, S

With or without Daniel Jones, the Giants have work to do at a number of positions.

Tennessee Titans

Edge, OT, DT, WR, TE

Likely in position to select the best defensive player in the draft or a top-ranked playmaker, but need is great on offensive line, too.

Atlanta Falcons

CB, Edge, DT, OL, S

New coach Raheem Morris covets pass rush and takeaways.

New York Jets

OL, TE, WR, S, CB, QB

Aaron Rodgers returns from Achilles surgery as a pocket passer only preserved by pristine protection from the offensive line.

Minnesota Vikings

QB, OL, Edge, DT-NT, WR

Kirk Cousins hit the exit for Atlanta in free agency and Minnesota armed up with a second first-round pick to help fill the void.

Denver Broncos

QB, WR, CB, DT, Edge

No longer tethered to Russell Wilson -- only by his record dead cap hit -- it's likely a transition season for the Broncos.

Las Vegas Raiders

QB, CB, WR, OT, OL

Head coach Antonio Pierce plans to construct a winner in the trenches.

New Orleans Saints

OT, WR, QB, CB, DT

Multiple offensive linemen could be added by the Saints due to injuries and ineffective play last season.

Indianapolis Colts

WR, CB, S, RB, TE

Michael Pittman stayed but offensive firepower must improve for second-year QB Anthony Richardson to reach his potential.

Seattle Seahawks

OL, TE, LB, Edge, DL

No longer Pete Carroll's operation, the Seahawks still have vacancies at key front seven positions and the interior offensive line.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Edge, DT, CB, OT, WR

Josh Allen cashed in after his 17.5-sack season and would thrive with a better supporting cast.

Cincinnati Bengals

DT, OT, TE, WR, CB

An active interior pass rusher might lift the Bengals to the top tier of contenders.

Los Angeles Rams

DT, CB, OT, CB, QB

Aaron Donald's retirement is cause for concern as the Rams make a first-round pick for the first time since 2016 (Jared Goff).

Pittsburgh Steelers

OT, WR, CB, DT, S

Pittsburgh invested its top pick on offense in every draft since 2019.

Miami Dolphins

OL, DT, TE, Edge, LB

Sneaky solid free agency haul left a few remaining voids, including right guard, and left tackle Terron Armstead's durability is a lingering worry.

Philadelphia Eagles

S, CB, TE, OT, Edge

Welcomed back C.J. Gardner-Johnson in free agency but free safety and pass rushers are key concerns.

Dallas Cowboys

OT, LB, WR, RB, DT

No longer is Tyron Smith old reliable at left tackle. Even if Tyler Smith slides outside, offensive line additions are priority.

Green Bay Packers

OT, DT, CB, S, LB

With the future in Jordan Love's hands, the Packers address front five.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Edge, CB, S, LB, OL

GM Jason Licht back to the well: Bucs drafted defensive linemen in first round in 2018, 2021, 2023.

Buffalo Bills

WR, DT, Edge, RB, CB

Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis are gone, leaving Buffalo with a largely new cast outside.

Detroit Lions

CB, S, Edge, OL, WR

Free agent addition Carlton Davis proclaimed himself the No. 1 corner in Detroit. Still, Lions GM admits team covets cornerbacks.

Baltimore Ravens

OL, WR, Edge, S, DL

Figuring out the left side of the line and a long-term plan at tackle would be wise given investment in Lamar Jackson.

San Francisco 49ers

OL, WR, LB, CB, TE

Defensive line remains a default play for GM John Lynch but the O-line is overdue some attention.

Kansas City Chiefs

OT, CB, RB, WR, TE

More playmakers won't hurt Patrick Mahomes, as long as the Chiefs stabilize blocking, too. Leading receiver Rashee Rice's arrest adds uncertainty despite KC signing WR Hollywood Brown.

Carolina Panthers

WR, CB, Edge, DT, TE

Heavily invested in improving offensive line. Time to find a big-play receiver for Bryce Young.

Houston Texans

CB, LB, OL, DL, TE

Pair of 2023 first-rounders worked out quite nicely (CJ Stroud, Will Anderson Jr.). Shopping to fill niche roles shows just how far the roster has come since 2022.

Cleveland Browns

QB, RB, LB, DT, WR

Deshaun Watson played 12 games in two seasons and is coming off of shoulder surgery, while RB Nick Chubb's status will be up in the air until he proves recovered from knee reconstruction.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

2024 NFL Draft Recap

Player Notes
Nick Chubb May 2 2:10pm ET
Nick Chubb

Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry said that running back Nick Chubb (knee) is "progressing nicely" in his recovery from the gruesome knee injury that he suffered in Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2023. However, Berry also said Chubb "still has a long way to go" in his rehab. Chubb resumed running on land a few weeks ago, but it remains to be seen if he'll be ready for the start of training camp this summer. The Browns didn't take a RB in this year's draft but added D'Onta Foreman and pass-catching back Nyheim Hines in free agency. Cleveland also has Jerome Ford as an option to help ease Chubb back into the fold if he's still not 100 percent early on in 2024. Before his injury, Chubb as a no-doubt RB1, but that will be in question this fall as he comes off his season-ending injury.

From RotoBaller

Jermaine Burton May 2 8:59am ET
Jermaine Burton

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton could have a leg up on the No. 3 job in Cincy in 2024 behind Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins if he can acclimate quickly due to his size, explosiveness and versatility. However, Charlie Jones could also carve out a bigger role as a more traditional slot receiver in his second NFL season now that he's fully healthy. Andrei Iosivas impressed as a rookie in 2023 and isn't going anywhere, so there's definitely going to be competition behind Chase and Higgins. If trust from quarterback Joe Burrow is the key, The Athletic's Paul Dehner Jr. writes that nobody would be surprised if the reliable Trenton Irwin ends up being the starting slot receiver in Week 1. Unless Chase or Higgins miss time with injury, the Bengals' No. 3 wideout is going to have a tough time being fantasy relevant on a weekly basis. Just ask Tyler Boyd.

Kyle Pitts May 2 8:59am ET
Kyle Pitts

Dynasty | The Atlanta Falcons have exercised the fifth-year option on the contract of tight end Kyle Pitts. Dynasty Analysis: Pitts was great in his rookie season but his play has really fallen off the past two seasons. Atlanta obviously believes their sub-par quarterback play has had a lot to do with that as the likes of Marcus Mariota and Desmond Ridder have held the entire offense back. Pitts will look to bounce back with Kirk Cousins (and maybe even Michael Penix eventually). If you're still a big-time believer in his ability, this off-season will represent what could be the last "buy low" opportunity for him in dynasty leagues.

Audric Estime May 2 8:59am ET
Audric Estime

Despite having Javonte Williams, Samaje Perine, and Jaleel McLaughlin on the roster, the Denver Broncos selected former Notre Dame running back Audric Estime in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The 221-pound bruiser likely saw his stock fall after posting a 4.71 forty-yard dash time at the NFL combine, but Sean Payton and company stopped the fall. In a media availability after the draft, Payton called Estime a " first and second-down runner" with experience in a pro-style offense. With Williams posting just 3.6 yards per carry last season and Perine having a limited role, Estime could be in play for early-down work right away as a rookie. His fantasy upside will be limited, but any role as a fifth-round rookie would mean exceeding expectations.

Deon Jackson May 2 1:00am ET
Deon Jackson

The New York Giants could look to add a veteran presence to their backfield before the 2024 NFL season, according to Dan Duggan of The Athletic. "This is a spot that could call for a cheap veteran reinforcement, even if that's just re-signing Matt Breida," Duggan writes. New York's backfield is currently led by Devin Singletary who flashed potential in Houston last season but has never been an every-down back. Below Singletary on the depth chart are rookies Dante Miller and Tyrone Tracy, as well as Eric Gray, Gary Brightwell, Deon Jackson, and Jashaun Corbin, who are most likely non-factors. The Giants' offense consistently gave Saquon Barkley 20-plus touches, but Singletary can't handle that workload on his own. Signing another veteran running back to take some pressure off the 26-year-old makes plenty of sense. For now, though, Singletary remains the only Giants running back worth rostering in redraft leagues.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson May 2 12:20am ET
Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson will be more aware of the speed and violence of the football game around him so that he can better protect himself heading into his second pro season, offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter told members of the media. Richardson was the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft but made just four starts as a rookie before he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury. Richardson's physicality and athleticism helped him become a top pick and budding NFL star, but these same qualities likely made him more susceptible to injury, too. Cooter's comments should provide Colts fans and fantasy managers with some optimism that Richardson can stay healthy in 2024. At the same time, though, they also suggest that Richardson may tone down his physicality, which could lead to fewer rushing yards and touchdowns, as well as more sacks. Fantasy managers should view the Indianapolis signal-caller as a fringe QB1 heading into drafts.

From RotoBaller

Zach Ertz May 2 12:10am ET
Zach Ertz

Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz could face competition from rookie Ben Sinnott heading into the 2024 season, according to Ben Standig of The Athletic. Ertz landed with Washington during free agency as the Commanders looked to replace fellow veteran Logan Thomas. While Ertz currently has a grasp on the No. 1 tight end role, Washington did spend a second-round pick on Sinnott, a Kansas State product, suggesting there could be some competition and turnover at the position. Standig writes that "Sinnott's unique versatility means he could carve out a role in offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury's attack," implying the rookie has an inside track to earning targets right away. Ertz might still be the preferred option to open the year, but Sinnott will get involved. As a result, both tight ends should be avoided in most redraft formats. Sinnott, however, is an intriguing depth name in dynasty leagues.

From RotoBaller

Darius Slayton May 2 12:00am ET
Darius Slayton

New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton is expected to remain a starter despite the addition of first-round pick Malik Nabers, according to Dan Duggan of The Athletic. Duggan notes that while Slayton has expressed frustration about his current contract status, the pass-catcher is expected to open the 2024 campaign as New York's No. 2 receiver behind Nabers. Such an alignment would push Jalin Hyatt into the No. 3 role, at least to start the year. Isaiah Hodgins, Isaiah McKenzie, and Gunner Olszewski would round out the depth chart. With uncertainty at quarterback and increased competition in the passing game, Slayton isn't a very enticing name for the 2024 fantasy football season. In all likelihood, he'll open the year on the fringe of rosters and waiver wires in most 12-team redraft formats.

From RotoBaller

Jalin Hyatt May 2 12:00am ET
Jalin Hyatt

New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt has likely dropped to No. 3 on the depth chart after the team spent a first-round pick on Malik Nabers, according to Dan Duggan of The Athletic. Duggan notes that Nabers already has the inside path to being New York's No. 1 receiver and Darius Slayton will likely start opposite him. With that said, there could be an opportunity for Hyatt to surpass Slayton on the depth chart. "The plan should be for Hyatt to take on a bigger role this season and eventually replace Slayton," writes Duggan. Such a plan would put Hyatt on the radar in deeper dynasty leagues, but he can be avoided in most redraft formats.

From RotoBaller

DaRon Bland May 1 10:30pm ET
DaRon Bland

The Dallas Cowboys expect cornerback Trevon Diggs (knee) to be ready for the start of training camp this summer after he tore the ACL in his left knee during a Sept. 21 practice. He had surgery at the end of October. Fellow cornerback DaRon Bland, who set an NFL record with five interceptions returned for touchdowns last year, is expecting his teammate Diggs to make a full recovery. "I mean, a lot of people are not expecting what Tre is gonna come back with," Bland said. I know what Tre is gonna come back with. It's going to be something dangerous. Can't wait." The 25-year-old former second-round pick in 2020 out of Alabama as an All-Pro in both 2021 and 2022 and racked up 14 touchdowns (two returned for touchdowns). Providing he's fully healthy this fall, he should once again be a coveted defensive back in IDP fantasy formats because of his ball-hawking abilities.

From RotoBaller

Jalen McMillan May 1 9:40pm ET
Jalen McMillan

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Trey Palmer had a good rookie season in 2023 considering his draft status and with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin in front of him, but he has far from secured the No. 3 spot in an offensive system that is sure to be 11-personnel heavy in his second season. However, Palmer should be a lock for the active roster out of training camp, as should rookie Jalen McMillan, who the Buccaneers spent a Day 2 pick on in a deep receiver class. Palmer and McMillan are expected to battle for the No. 3 job in training camp this summer. With Godwin expected to move back into the slot in 2024, Palmer may struggle to match his rookie numbers (39 catches, 385 yards, three touchdowns), especially if McMillan impresses.

From RotoBaller

Ben Sinnott May 1 9:30pm ET
Ben Sinnott

Washington Commanders rookie tight end Ben Sinnott was taken with the No. 53 overall pick in the third round of this year's draft out of Kansas State, and he will have an opportunity for playing time right away despite the presence of Zach Ertz, John Bates, Cole Turner and Armani Rogers on the roster. He brings receiving prowess and height (6-foot-3, 250 pounds) to an offense that could use a bit of both to help rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who was taken second overall. The athletic tight end's unique versatility means he could carve out a role in offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury's attack in 2024. Sinnott had 676 receiving yards and six touchdowns on 49 catches in 2023. Still, Ertz is likely to open the year as Washington's primary pass-catching tight end, with Bates being a steady blocker. Sinnott could leapfrog Turner and Rogers with a strong training camp, but he's unlikely to be an immediate fantasy asset in single-year leagues.

From RotoBaller

Daniel Jones May 1 9:20pm ET
Daniel Jones

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (knee) said he's been cutting and "doing everything" as he rehabs from a torn right ACL. His plan remains to be ready for training camp this summer. In addition to a torn ACL, Jones missed time with a neck injury and ended up starting just six games after having a career year in 2022. In his six starts, Jones didn't have much of a chance behind a sieve-like offensive line, throwing for 909 yards, two touchdowns and six interceptions. The 2024 season could be a make-or-break year for the 26-year-old former first-round pick, although the G-Men didn't take another QB in this year's draft. Jones now has an elite wideout to work with in Malik Nabers, but he also lost do-it-all running back Saquon Barkley to free agency. Jones is an injury question mark with a low floor and ceiling as a QB2 in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Malik Nabers May 1 9:10pm ET
Malik Nabers

New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers, who was taken with the sixth overall pick in this year's NFL draft, is expected to be the team's No. 1 receiver immediately in his first year in the league. Despite his contract unrest, Darius Slayton is still the most established receiver on the roster, so he figures to maintain a significant role in the final year of his deal in 2024. Meanwhile, The Athletic's Dan Duggan writes that the plan should be for Jalin Hyatt to take on a bigger role this year and eventually replace Slayton. Isaiah Hodgins will provide solid depth, while Isaiah McKenzie and Gunner Olszewski figure to battle for a return job on special teams. Nabers, 20, was extremely productive at LSU, but there's an argument that he's downgrading at quarterback from Jayden Daniels to Daniel Jones (knee), which will make him a volatile gamble in single-year fantasy leagues in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Trey Lance May 1 9:00pm ET
Trey Lance

The Dallas Cowboys will decline to pick up the fifth-year option on quarterback Trey Lance, according to a source. The move isn't a surprise at all after the decision was essentially made last August when Dallas acquired him from the San Francisco 49ers for a 2024 fourth-round pick. Lance's 2025 option would have cost the Cowboys a fully guaranteed $22.4 million. The Cowboys don't have a QB on their roster signed beyond the 2024 season, with Dak Prescott, Lance and Cooper Rush all set for unrestricted free agency next March. They cannot use the franchise tag on Prescott and haven't started serious talks on an extension. Lance will make $5.31 million in base salary in 2024 as part of the fully guaranteed, $34.1 million deal he signed with the Niners as the third overall pick in 2021. Dallas liked the progress Lance made in 2023, but he was inactive for every game.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Boyd May 1 6:40pm ET
Tyler Boyd

Free-agent wide receiver Tyler Boyd was in Los Angeles this week to meet with the Los Angeles Chargers and is also scheduled to meet with the Tennessee Titans later this week, according to a source. The market should be heating up for Boyd, who had 513 catches for 6,000 yards in his eight seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals. The 29-year-old wideout fell out of favor in fantasy circles as the No. 3 behind Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins in recent seasons, though, but perhaps he'll resurface with a change of scenery. His best chance to do so would probably be with the Bolts after they traded Keenan Allen and lost Mike Williams to free agency this offseason, although LA is also transitioning to more of a run-first offense under new head coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Boyd May 1 5:23pm ET
Tyler Boyd

Free-agent WR Tyler Boyd (Bengals) is scheduled to meet with the Tennessee Titans at some point this week, according to a source.

From TheHuddle

Tyler Boyd May 1 5:13pm ET
Tyler Boyd

Free-agent WR Tyler Boyd (Bengals) met with this Los Angeles Chargers this week, according to a source.

From TheHuddle

Aaron Rodgers May 1 5:10pm ET
Aaron Rodgers

New York Jets offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker (Achilles), who just had his fifth-year option picked up, said he is "on pace for a good start to the season." The No. 14 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft suffered a torn Achilles in Week 5 of last season and missed the remainder of the year on Injured Reserve. He was limited to just seven games in 2022 due to a torn tricep, so it's a positive sign that he's optimistic about his recovery. Tucker has played both guard and tackle for New York, but he's a more natural fit at guard and is projected to play on the best offensive line of his pro career. This offseason, New York signed future Hall of Fame left tackle Tyron Smith, traded for veteran right tackle Morgan Moses, and drafted Penn State rookie Olu Fashanu in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Clearly, the team wants to do a much better job of protecting Aaron Rodgers (Achilles) this season, and Vera-Tucker staying healthy will play a factor in doing so.

From RotoBaller

David Long Jr. May 1 4:50pm ET
David Long Jr.

The New York Giants signed defensive back David Long Jr. on Wednesday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The 26-year-old corner was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Michigan, but New York will already be the fifth organization he has spent time with in his brief NFL career. In 2023 alone, he was on the Las Vegas Raiders, Carolina Panthers, and Green Bay Packers roster. Overall, he has racked up 97 tackles, one interception, and eight pass deflections in 63 games. Assuming he makes the 53-man active roster, he'll likely act as a depth option in New York's secondary which was a middle-of-the-pack unit in 2023.

From RotoBaller