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

Fantasy Quarterback Preview

Player Notes
Anthony Richardson Jun 10 10:40am CT
Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (shoulder) was held out completely from Thursday's organized team activities due to what he described as "a little soreness" in his surgically repaired right shoulder. "It's nothing to worry about," Richardson said. "I've dealt with this before. Normally, I just ice up and just go back at it again." The Colts aren't going to push the second-year signal-caller after he had season-ending AC joint surgery back in October, and Richardson dismissed any notion that he suffered a setback in his rehab. He said the Colts were actually "surprised" that Thursday was the first day he sat out due to soreness because it's been "smooth sailing" otherwise. Despite having played in only four games in the NFL, Richardson has enticing high-end QB1 upside in fantasy. Richardson should be a full-go in training camp this summer.

From RotoBaller

Evan Hull Jun 10 10:40am CT
Evan Hull

Indianapolis Colts running back Evan Hull (knee) played in just one game and eight offensive snaps in his rookie season in 2023 before suffering a season-ending knee injury in which he tore his left MCL. "It was a root tear, so it was a little different than your typical tear in the body, which would be more of a six- to eight-week type of thing that we see typically," Hull said. The former third-rounder was cleared to resume all football activities a few weeks after offseason organized team activities begin, and he's been competing alongside Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson as the Colts evaluate who will serve as the primary back to Jonathan Taylor in 2024. Sermon is probably the favorite for the No. 2 backfield job, but Hull could see some third-down work in his second season in the NFL.

From RotoBaller

Rashee Rice Jun 10 10:40am CT
Rashee Rice

Speaking to reporters on Saturday for the first time since his tumultuous offseason, Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice said his focus is to "mature and continue to grow." The 24-year-old second-year wideout was arrested in April following a multiple-vehicle crash in Dallas, and he's also a suspect in a separate incident in an alleged assault at a Dallas nightclub in May. "I've learned so much from that," Rice said. "All I can do is mature and continue to grow from that. This is a step in a better direction for me." He has taken part in all offseason practices with the Chiefs but is likely to face a suspension from the league to begin the 2024 season, which is obviously a hit to his fantasy value. In his rookie campaign, Rice became one of quarterback Patrick Mahomes' favorite targets, finishing with 79 receptions on 102 targets for 938 yards and seven touchdowns in 16 regular-season games.

From RotoBaller

David Njoku Jun 10 10:40am CT
David Njoku

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku said that he's looking to "just be better than last year" as an encore to his Pro Bowl season in 2023, and he's also excited about new offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey's scheme. "It is juicy," Njoku said of Cleveland's offense. "I am not going to say anything else. Leave it at that. But I'm really excited for this year." The 27-year-old former 29th overall pick in 2017 out of Miami, Njoku set career-highs across the board last year and finished with a team-high 81 catches on 123 targets for 882 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 16 regular-season games, while playing with five different quarterbacks. Dorsey will be Njoku's fifth offensive coordinator in eight seasons in Cleveland. Most of Njoku's production last year came late with veteran Joe Flacco, but still, he's firmly on the TE1 map in 2024 and has been extremely durable in his career.

From RotoBaller

Nico Collins Jun 10 10:40am CT
Nico Collins

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud gave wide receiver Nico Collins some high praise at this week's mandatory minicamp, comparing him to Hall of Famer and former Texan Andre Johnson. "[Collins is] a generational talent. He's like our age's Andre Johnson, in my opinion," Stroud said. "Just how fast he is, how he gets in and out of his braces, releases, how strong he is. I think last year was just a preview of what's to come for him." Collins had a career year in 2023, going for 1,297 receiving yards on 80 receptions (109 targets) and eight touchdowns in 15 regular season games (10 starts). The 1,297 yards rank eighth in the team's single-season record books, and his eight touchdowns are tied for fifth. The Texans rewarded Collins with a three-year, $72.5 million extension, but he could have a tough time replicating those numbers in 2024 with Stefon Diggs now in town in Houston.

From RotoBaller

Darren Waller Jun 10 10:40am CT
Darren Waller

New York Giants tight end Darren Waller announced his retirement on Sunday. There was talk about this, so the news isn't surprising to many. The 2015 sixth-round pick spent his first two seasons in Baltimore before spending five seasons with Oakland/Las Vegas. It was with the Raiders where he made a name for himself, posting back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns and becoming widely known as one of the NFL's top tight ends. Unfortunately, Waller battled injuries over the years, and he finished his final season in the league with the Giants by amassing only 552 yards and a touchdown off 52 catches. But with Waller now out of the equation, Daniel Bellinger and rookie Theo Johnson are the favorites to fill the void at the position moving ahead, with both men likely battling throughout training camp for the right to sit atop the depth chart.

From RotoBaller

Gerald Everett Jun 10 10:40am CT
Gerald Everett

According to Jay Glazer of Fox Sports, free agent tight end Mercedes Lewis will visit with the Bears on Monday. If all goes according to plan, he will sign a new contract. The veteran has spent time with the Jaguars and Packers before spending 2023 with Chicago, where he amassed just four catches for 29 yards and a touchdown. This will be season No. 19 for Lewis, assuming he signs. However, the Bears have Cole Kmet and Gerald Everett on the roster, so Lewis isn't expected to find a spot on many fantasy rosters during the 2024-25 campaign.

From RotoBaller

Steven Nelson Jun 9 6:53pm CT
Steven Nelson

Free-agent CB Steven Nelson (Texans) has announced his retirement from professional football. He did receive interest from the Houston Texans, Las Vegas Raiders, New York Giants, Los Angeles Rams, Washington Commanders and Miami Dolphins this offseason but has decided to retire, according to sources.

From TheHuddle

Ty Chandler Jun 9 6:13pm CT
Ty Chandler

Dynasty | Early reports are indicating the Vikings are planning on using both Aaron Jones and Ty Chandler extensively this season. Dynasty Analysis: Well, this isn't fun. Off-season reports don't mean much but dynasty managers who are leaning on Jones to be a featured option for the Vikings next season may be disappointed. It shouldn't be a shock as Chandler has looked good in spurts. Jones is also on a short-term deal and largely disappointed last season despite a monster playoff game against Dallas. Chandler may end up being a bargain this off-season.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Sterling Shepard Jun 9 6:13pm CT
Sterling Shepard

Dynasty | The Tampa Bay Bucs have signed wide receiver Sterling Shepard. Dynasty Analysis: It's a feel-good story for Shepard but hardly a needle mover in dynasty leagues. Shepard could prove serviceable down the line should he make the team but that's no guarantee. Injuries have really affected his play over the past few years and he's not nearly the player he once was. Dynasty managers should simply keep him on their watch lists at the moment as he isn't roster worthy, despite finding a new home.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Alvin Kamara Jun 9 6:03pm CT
Alvin Kamara

New Orleans Saints RB Alvin Kamara is expected to participate in the mandatory minicamp this upcoming week, according to head coach Dennis Allen. Kamara did not report for the voluntary workouts this offseason.

Fantasy Spin: Kamara should be the main running back for the Saints again this season and should see plenty of touches each game. He should be a weekly starting option in all fantasy leagues this upcoming season.

From TheHuddle

Darren Waller Jun 9 2:53pm CT
Darren Waller

New York Giants TE Darren Waller informed the team of his retirement from the NFL, according to sources Sunday, June 9.

Fantasy Spin: A move that was widely expected, the Giants will save $11.6 million against the salary cap. This opens up a chance for Daniel Bellinger and rookie Theo Johnson to take the starting role in the offense. For now, they can be considered potential streaming options in the right matchup.

From TheHuddle

Marcedes Lewis Jun 9 2:43pm CT
Marcedes Lewis

Free-agent TE Marcedes Lewis (Bears) intends to re-sign with the Chicago Bears following a meeting Monday, June 10, according to sources.

From TheHuddle

JuJu Smith-Schuster Jun 9 10:33am CT
JuJu Smith-Schuster

New England Patriots WRs Javon Baker, Kendrick Bourne, Demario Douglas, K.J. Osborn and Ja'Lynn Polk appear to be locks to make the team's 53-man roster at the beginning of the regular season, according to Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald. A handful of other receivers, such as Kayshon Boutte, Jalen Reagor, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Tyquan Thornton are battling for one or two roster spots.

Fantasy Spin: Another roster spot could open up for a wide receiver if Bourne, who is recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, begins the 2024 season on the Physically Unable to Perform List. Douglas, Osborn and Baker are worthy of consideration as late-round fliers in fantasy drafts but none should be viewed as a weekly starting option.

From TheHuddle

Nazeeh Johnson Jun 9 10:30am CT
Nazeeh Johnson

Kansas City Chiefs safety Nazeeh Johnson (knee) is taking part in offseason organized team activities and recorded a red-zone pass breakup during 11-on-11 drills on Friday. In addition, cornerback Joshua Williams picked a pass off in the red zone. Johnson missed all of last year due to a torn ACL but appears to be on track to be ready for training camp, the preseason and the start of the 2024 regular season this fall. The 25-year-old defensive back was a seventh-round selection by the Chiefs in 2022 out of Marshall. In his rookie campaign, he played in 11 games (no starts) and recorded just eight tackles (five solo). As long as he doesn't suffer a setback with his surgically repaired knee, Johnson will be competing for a depth role in KC's secondary this summer.

From RotoBaller

DeMeco Ryans Jun 9 10:30am CT
DeMeco Ryans

Houston Texans center Juice Scruggs "is looking great" at organized team activities this offseason, according to head coach DeMeco Ryans. Scruggs has worked diligently this offseason to prepare for the 2024 campaign and looks visibly bigger, stronger and more mobile. He's a natural center and is a projected starter for the defending AFC South champions. The 24-year-old former second-rounder last year out of Penn State overcame a slow-healing hamstring injury and started to establish his presence at the line of scrimmage in seven games (six starts). Since an injury to Tytus Howard last year, Scruggs became a starter, including playoff games against the Browns and Ravens, and was a reliable presence on the left side of the line.

From RotoBaller

Xavien Howard Jun 9 10:30am CT
Xavien Howard

Former Miami Dolphins star cornerback Xavien Howard sent a male teenager a sexually explicit photograph of the teen's mother because she refused to get an abortion, a new court filing alleges. The allegation was made on Thursday in a lawsuit filed last year by a woman who is not the teenager's mother. The woman is accusing Howard of secretly recording them having sex and sharing the recordings with others. She said Howard also shared, without her consent, sex tapes she had agreed to make. Howard, 30, was released by Miami this offseason in a money-saving move and he remains a free agent. He is denying the claims, according to his attorney, Ted Craig. It remains to be seen if Howard will face any kind of suspension from the NFL.

From RotoBaller

Nate Sudfeld Jun 8 9:03pm CT
Nate Sudfeld

Detroit Lions QB Hendon Hooker needs to 'take a step up' to secure the backup quarterback job from QB Nate Sudfeld, according to head coach Dan Campbell. 'We need to feel like by the end of camp this guy can run this offense,' Campbell said.

From TheHuddle

Von Miller Jun 8 8:43pm CT
Von Miller

Buffalo Bills LB Von Miller (knee) has been practicing without a knee brace for the first time since suffering a right knee injury in 2022. 'I have continued to grind and continued to work on my knee,' Miller said. 'Everything revolves around my health and how my knee is feeling.'

From TheHuddle

BJ Thompson Jun 8 10:30am CT
BJ Thompson

Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman BJ Thompson is in stable condition after suffering cardiac arrest during Thursday's practice. The 25-year-old was taken to the hospital by ambulance on Thursday morning. He was unconscious for an extended period, but Chiefs head trainer Rick Burkholder told reporters on Friday that he is now alert, awake, and recovering well. It's a scary development, but it sounds like his condition is improving and he will be okay. The 2023 fifth-round pick appeared in one game for Kansas City last season, racking up two tackles in the late-season win over the Los Angeles Chargers.

From RotoBaller