• Bears load up in free company, nonetheless have wants within the trenches: They nonetheless want a dominant three-technique go rusher within the center and will stand to get a starting-caliber offensive sort out.
• As Aaron Rodgers commerce hangs within the steadiness, Jets’ QB want stays: Until that occurs, quarterback is the workforce’s prime want.
• Chiefs left with a gap at offensive sort out: The departures of each Orlando Brown Jr. and Andrew Wylie may have Kansas City seeking to draft offensive line expertise.
Estimated Reading Time: 13 minutes
With free company and the tampering interval per week previous, we’ve seen workforce wants shift throughout the NFL panorama forward of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Knowing there’ll nonetheless be extra strikes between now and draft night time, that is how we see every workforce’s draft wants following the beginning of free company.
JUMP TO A TEAM:
ARZ | ATL | BLT | BUF | CAR | CIN | CHI | CLE | DEN | DAL | DET | GB | HOU | IND | JAX | KC | LVR | LAC | LAR | MIA | MIN | NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF | SEA | TB | TEN | WSH
Arizona Cardinals: EDGE, IDL, CB
After shedding Zach Allen in free company and J.J. Watt to retirement earlier this offseason, the Cardinals’ defensive position, on paper, is without doubt one of the least inspiring within the league. They want a serious expertise enhance at each edge defender and inside defensive position. And Byron Murphy Jr.‘s departure in free company additionally leaves them with holes at inside and outdoors cornerback.
Read extra: 2023 free company grades for all 32 groups
Atlanta Falcons: EDGE, IDL, WR
The Falcons have been busy this free company interval, signing the likes of David Onyemata and Jessie Bates III, in addition to bringing again their large weapons on the offensive line by re-signing Kaleb McGary and Chris Lindstrom, however that is nonetheless a workforce that wants extra to make the postseason bounce. A dominant edge participant is on the prime of the checklist for them, as could be a great pass-rushing inside defensive lineman. They might additionally use one other dependable receiver to go together with Drake London (although they may additionally simply use Kyle Pitts extra, or each).
Read extra: The greatest free agent signings up to now
Baltimore Ravens: CB, WR
We gained’t put a quarterback on this checklist as a result of Lamar Jackson nonetheless occupies that spot for now. The Ravens have not but signed anybody who wasn’t already on their roster, so their post-free company wants look much like their pre-free company wants. They want one other dependable receiver with Rashod Bateman. And with Marcus Peters not beneath contract, they want a starting-caliber cornerback reverse Marlon Humphrey.
Read extra: Biggest surprises of 2023 NFL free company
Buffalo Bills: OL, LB, RB
The Bills signing Connor McGovern helps out their offensive line wants, however they may nonetheless use a possible improve at proper sort out. With Tremaine Edmunds gone, linebacker goes larger on the wants misplaced. Though working again isn’t a serious want, maybe they appear so as to add an influence again within the center rounds.
Read extra: 2023 NFL Free Agency Tracker — Cuts, trades and signings for all 32 NFL groups
Carolina Panthers: QB, WR
The Panthers traded as much as No. 1 general to select a quarterback. They signed Andy Dalton in free company, however that was extra to mitigate any time wanted for his or her rookie to be prepared for NFL motion than it was to really fill the necessity. And after Carolina misplaced D.J. Moore within the trade-up with the Bears, large receiver is correct behind quarterback as a serious want.
Read extra: 2023 free company grades for all 32 groups
Chicago Bears: IDL, OT, CB
The Bears have introduced in a ton of expertise since free company opened. They’ve signed Tremaine Edmunds, T.J. Edwards, Nate Davis, Andrew Billings, DeMarcus Walker, Robert Tonyan and D’Onta Foreman. They additionally acquired D.J. Moore of their trade-down with the Panthers. They’re not fairly a whole workforce but, although, even regardless of the optimistic outlook of these additions. They nonetheless want a dominant three-technique go rusher within the center and will stand to get a starting-caliber offensive sort out. Though their secondary is already fairly younger, one other strong exterior cornerback could possibly be a goal for them on Day 2 of the draft.
Read extra: Breaking down the Bears-Panthers commerce — Bears stroll away as simple winners
Cincinnati Bengals: TE, CB, S
Signing Orlando Brown Jr. to play left sort out was a serious transfer by the Bengals. Losing Hayden Hurst indicators a good finish being on the board for them with one in every of their first few picks of the draft. And a secondary decide, whether or not at security to mitigate shedding Jessie Bates III or at exterior cornerback to bolster the rotation with Chidobe Awuzie and Cam Taylor-Britt, may be excessive on their precedence checklist.
Read extra: The greatest free agent signings up to now
Cleveland Browns: DL, WR
The Browns’ defensive position has to get stronger on the inside. The Dalvin Tomlinson, Trysten Hill and Maurice Hurst additions have been wanted, however Cleveland might proceed to focus on the place within the draft. On the again finish, Juan Thornhill was a great signing, as properly. They additionally need to get a brand new receiver (or two) into their rotation from final yr. Amari Cooper can’t carry this group alone.
Read extra: Most improved place teams from 2023 NFL free company
Dallas Cowboys: RB, IDL
The Cowboys have achieved a pleasant job rounding out their roster this free company interval. They traded for veteran starters Brandin Cooks and Stephon Gilmore, and shed Ezekiel Elliott’s contract. Elliott’s exit opens up a possible working again choice within the first two rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft, particularly with Tony Pollard coming again on the franchise tag and off damage. Dallas might additionally add some further beef on the inside of their defensive position to go with Micah Parsons and Demarcus Lawrence on the sting.
Read extra: Most improved place teams from 2023 NFL free company
Denver Broncos: LB, WR
The Broncos have been busy this offseason, signing Mike McGlinchey, Ben Powers and Zach Allen to beginning spots, in addition to Samaje Perine, Chris Manhertz, and Tremon Smith to contributing roles. Their linebacker room might use further athleticism, even with the Alex Singleton re-signing. And relying on what occurs with their large receivers amid commerce rumors surrounding that corps, they could possibly be in want there, too.
Read extra: McGlinchey might be an elite run-blocking power for Broncos
Detroit Lions: IDL, S, WR
The Lions are certainly hoping Levi Onwuzurike could be a constant contributor for his or her defensive position in 2023 and past, however his again accidents make it arduous to have blind religion in that. With that in thoughts, the Lions want a dominant three-technique defensive sort out. Cornerback was a obtrusive want on their depth chart earlier than free company, however with the additions of Emmanuel Moseley and Cameron Sutton, they at the least don’t have to select one within the first spherical (although they nonetheless might). The again finish might use one other influence participant, and so they might additionally goal a big-bodied receiver to pair with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams.
Read extra: Most improved place teams from 2023 NFL free company
Green Bay Packers: TE, WR, S
The Packers have been quiet this free company interval, as all focus is on the Aaron Rodgers state of affairs and getting the correct deal achieved there. They do want some new expertise at each tight finish and large receiver, although it isn’t a complete desert in both class. Their lone defensive signing has been security Tarvarius Moore, however they may look to draft one other one within the later rounds.
Read extra: Aaron Rodgers intends to play for Jets — Longtime Packers QB breaks silence on commerce rumors
Houston Texans: QB, WR, DL
The Texans are one other workforce with a serious want at quarterback, and we anticipate that to be the place they aim at No. 2 general. But regardless of buying Jimmie Ward, Sheldon Rankins, Robert Woods and Shaq Mason in free company, that is nonetheless a roster that wants assist in a handful of areas. With Brandin Cooks on the best way out by way of commerce, the large receiver room turns into in want of latest expertise, as does the go rush. The Texans do have an additional first-round decide at No. 12 general, so search for these two positions to be on the desk.
Read extra: RB Austin Ekeler granted permission to hunt commerce — Texans amongst most closely fits
Indianapolis Colts: QB, OL, CB
Despite signing Gardner Minshew in free company, the Colts’ largest want is to discover a younger franchise quarterback. Their offensive line was additionally extremely disappointing final yr and will get some new seems. But following their commerce of Stephon Gilmore, they’ll certainly be doing their due diligence on the sturdy 2023 cornerback class.
Read extra: 2023 NFL Three-Round Mock Draft — Colts snag QB Anthony Richardson
Jacksonville Jaguars: CB, OL, RB
With the anticipated launch of Shaquill Griffin, the Jaguars solidified their prime want being a beginning caliber exterior cornerback. They additionally misplaced beginning proper sort out Jawaan Taylor, although they do have Walker Little, who can step in straight away, so maybe they don’t see that as a serious want for this draft. Travis Etienne is the go-to- starter for them at working again, however they could look so as to add one other younger again within the center rounds.
Read extra: 2023 free company grades for all 32 groups
Kansas City Chiefs: OT, EDGE, WR
Even after signing sort out Jawaan Taylor, with each Orlando Brown Jr. and Andrew Wylie departed, the Chiefs might want to proceed to search for new offensive sort out expertise within the draft. Frank Clark’s launch additionally opens up a necessity for pace at edge rusher alongside the defensive position (although we did just like the Charles Omenihu signing). They might additionally use one other big-bodied offensive weapon not named Travis Kelce.
Read extra: 2023 NFL Free Agency Grades — Signings, trades and newest transactions
Las Vegas Raiders: QB, OL, CB
The Raiders signing Jimmy Garoppolo means they may go into the 2023 season with out an abysmal offense, however they nonetheless want a younger franchise quarterback. Their offensive line might additionally use a serious enhance, particularly on the inside. Plus, don’t rely out a cornerback decide for the Raiders at No. 7 if there’s no quarterback on the board they like.
Read extra: 5 signings that earned a below-average grade
Los Angeles Chargers: IDL, WR, EDGE
It’s well-documented that the Chargers want extra pace on the large receiver place; that continues to be a necessity after free company. They additionally must get stouter in the midst of their defensive entrance with regards to run protection. Their depth on the edge spot in 2022 was additionally uncovered when Joey Bosa was damage.
Read extra: RB Austin Ekeler granted permission to hunt commerce
Los Angeles Rams: All of Them
The Rams’ fall from Super Bowl grace has been fairly the spectacle. Going into the 2023 season, they’ve two of the perfect gamers at their positions within the league in Aaron Donald and Cooper Kupp, however that’s about it. They traded away Jalen Ramsey, launched Leonard Floyd, misplaced Greg Gaines and haven’t introduced in anybody apart from Hunter Long. This workforce has main wants in each trenches, at linebacker and within the secondary. Not to say, quarterback Matthew Stafford handled lots of accidents final season. This is the case of a workforce with lots of wants and never lots of premium draft picks to assist.
Read extra: The 100 greatest remaining free brokers
Miami Dolphins: OL, TE
On paper, this can be a actually good soccer workforce. They misplaced Byron Jones however added Jalen Ramsey, and so they have been capable of carry again lots of their pace on offense. At this level, it is a matter of the offensive line taking part in higher. On protection, the David Long addition was a great one. This looks like probably the most full rosters within the league, one which simply must exit and execute.
Read extra: 2023 NFL Three-Round Mock Draft
Minnesota Vikings: WR, CB, LB
Adding Byron Murphy Jr. and Marcus Davenport definitely helps mitigate two of the Vikings’ largest projected wants heading into the draft. But cornerback stays a serious want for them, as does linebacker. With the discharge of Adam Thielen, they may additionally stand to improve their WR2 spot.
Read extra: 2023 free company grades for all 32 groups
New England Patriots: OT, CB, WR
The Patriots’ offensive line was their largest legal responsibility final season. While they signed veteran Riley Reiff, they want much more than that. They additionally re-signed Jonathan Jones, however that secondary wants a couple of decide value of latest expertise. They did signal tight finish Mike Gesicki and JuJu Smith-Schuster, however they should not be achieved including offensive weapons.
Read extra: Biggest surprises of 2023 NFL free company
New Orleans Saints: OLB, IDL
The Saints misplaced Shy Tuttle, David Onyemata and Marcus Davenport from final yr’s defensive position. They signed Nathan Shepherd and Khalen Saunders to assist with the lack of our bodies on the defensive position however might nonetheless use an influence participant there.
Read extra: Biggest surprises of 2023 NFL free company
New York Giants: CB, WR, S
The Giants introduced again lots of their guys from final season whereas additionally including Darren Waller, Parris Campbell and Bobby Okereke. As of now, their depth chart is strong; it doesn’t have a ton of obtrusive holes. But that’s to not say there aren’t areas to improve. Defensive coordinator Wink Martindale might additionally use extra top-tier cornerbacks, so that’s on the checklist. The Giants misplaced Julian Love to free company, so one other security choice could possibly be so as. For as a lot as this workforce has our bodies alongside the large receiver depth chart, it nonetheless lacks a WR1-caliber participant.
Read extra: 5 signings that earned a below-average grade
New York Jets: QB, OT
Aaron Rodgers has but to formally develop into a member of the New York Jets. Until that occurs (and the entire motive it’s occurring within the first place), quarterback is the workforce’s prime want. Once they tackle that, they’ll must make some investments alongside the offensive line, notably getting some insurance coverage at each offensive sort out spots.
Read extra: Aaron Rodgers intends to play for Jets — Longtime Packers QB breaks silence on commerce rumors
Philadelphia Eagles: EDGE, DB, IOL
As you may anticipate for a workforce that simply made the Super Bowl, there aren’t a ton of wants the Eagles have to deal with. They introduced again each James Bradberry and Darius Slay, so the skin cornerback isn’t the urgent want we thought it may be. They additionally introduced again veterans Brandon Graham and Fletcher Cox. With two first-round picks, the Eagles are in an amazing spot to draft the perfect participant obtainable at each spots. They’ll probably look towards the trenches, as they usually do, however might additionally eye an additional secondary decide.
Read extra: Free company features and losses — Tracking WAR misplaced, gained by every NFL workforce
Pittsburgh Steelers: OL, CB
The Patrick Peterson signing definitely helps the Steelers’ secondary, however it doesn’t take cornerback off the desk for them in Round 1. They signed inside offensive lineman Nate Herbig in free company however might nonetheless use one other offensive sort out.
Read extra: 2023 free company grades for all 32 groups
San Francisco 49ers: CB, LB, OL
The Niners have one of many strongest groups within the league, after which they added Javon Hargrave to that in free company. They did lose Azeez Al-Shaair, who was a great LB3, in addition to Samson Ebukam and Emmanuel Moseley. Look for them to hit these positions with their three late third-round picks.
Read extra: Biggest surprises of 2023 NFL free company
Seattle Seahawks: EDGE, IOL, CB, WR
We knew the Seahawks have been going to be aggressive in attempting to improve their defensive position from Pete Carroll’s post-season press convention. And they did that in free company by including Dre’Mont Jones and Jarran Reed. But they nonetheless want a dominant edge presence, a place we anticipate them to focus on with their No. 5 decide. The subsequent three positions on the checklist are lesser wants, however they’re all areas the place Seattle might use an injection of expertise. They have loads of potential to assault these holes with their further first-round decide and their two second-round picks.
Read extra: The greatest free agent signings up to now
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: QB, OT
The Bucs signed Baker Mayfield to a one-year deal, however like many different groups that signed veterans, that doesn’t change their must hit on the quarterback place. They additionally moved on from left Donovan Smith, so addressing that gap stays paramount.
Read extra: Free company features and losses — Tracking WAR misplaced, gained by every NFL workforce
Tennessee Titans: OT, EDGE, WR
Even with the addition of Andre Dillard, the offensive line remains to be the first want for the Titans. They made some good strikes on protection, bringing in Arden Key and Azeez Al-Shaair, however might use extra expertise on the sting. They additionally must proceed to take a position earlier picks into their pass-catching unit.
Read extra: The 100 greatest remaining free brokers
Washington Commanders: QB, CB, OT
The Commanders have achieved a pleasant job addressing a few of their most urgent wants this free company interval. They signed Andrew Wylie to play proper sort out with the intention to kick Sam Cosmi inside. They additionally signed Jacoby Brissett to compete with Sam Howell for the beginning quarterback job. But quarterback might clearly be in play for them with their first-round decide within the draft. As far as their largest want proper now, cornerback appears to be the plain selection. That might very properly be the place they find yourself going with their first-round decide if there isn’t a quarterback or offensive lineman of choice obtainable.
Read extra: 2023 free company grades for all 32 groups
