Every team's biggest need heading into 2024 NFL Draft
Here, theScore goes through all 32 teams to identify their biggest need ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft, which will take place April 25–27.
Arizona Cardinals
Biggest need: Wide receiver
Top early-round targets: Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, Rome Odunze
The Cardinals, owners of the No. 4 overall pick, are praying that quarterbacks are selected early and Harrison is pushed toward them. After parting ways with DeAndre Hopkins and Marquise Brown in consecutive offseasons, Arizona's in dire need of an alpha pass-catcher for Kyler Murray.
Atlanta Falcons
Biggest need: Pass-rusher
Top early-round targets: Dallas Turner, Laiatu Latu, Chop Robinson
Atlanta was a below-average pass-rushing team in 2023, and its joint sack leaders - Calais Campbell and Bud Dupree - remain free agents. It'd be tempting to get another weapon for Kirk Cousins, but it won't matter if the defense can't close out games. While the Falcons taking Turner at No. 8 might be the most common selection in mock drafts, trading down and taking Latu or Robinson could be tempting.
Baltimore Ravens
Biggest need: Offensive line
Top early-round targets: Tyler Guyton, JC Latham, Kingsley Suamataia
Baltimore likes to take a best-player-available approach, and it's often successful. A cornerback or a pass-rusher could be the move, but addressing the offensive line might be the best balance between value and need, with the hole at right tackle standing out after Morgan Moses was traded.
Buffalo Bills
Biggest need: Wide receiver
Top early-round targets: Brian Thomas Jr., Xavier Worthy, Ladd McConkey
After trading Stefon Diggs to the Texans, the Bills might as well have a big neon sign outside Highmark Stadium that reads, "Help wanted for Josh Allen." Buffalo sits at No. 28, and the likes of Thomas may be out of reach, but chatter of a trade-up is circulating. However, with such a deep wideout class, intriguing options should be available at the end of the first round.
Carolina Panthers
Biggest need: Wide receiver
Top early-round targets: Ladd McConkey, Troy Franklin, Keon Coleman
The Panthers' 2024 campaign is all about getting Bryce Young back on track, though they'll have to do so without a first-round pick. Carolina brought in Diontae Johnson via trade, but the veteran is entering a contract year. Young needs a long-term go-to option, so using No. 33 overall on a receiver should be a lock.
Chicago Bears
Biggest need: Quarterback
Top early-round targets: Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels
The Bears still haven't had a 4,000-yard passing season in their entire history. Williams is all but certain to be the pick at No. 1 overall, and the former Heisman winner has the elite skill set to finally break Chicago's quarterback curse. What the Bears do at No. 9, though, remains a question mark.
Cincinnati Bengals
Biggest need: Defensive tackle
Top early-round targets: Jer'Zhan Newton, Byron Murphy II, Maason Smith
After losing D.J. Reader in free agency, the Bengals should be hunting for some new beef for the interior of their defensive line. This class of big men isn't stacked with first-round talents, but Newton and Murphy would both be good value at No. 18. Cincinnati brought in a solid veteran in Sheldon Rankins, so the team might wait to see who falls into its lap at No. 49.
Cleveland Browns
Biggest need: Defensive tackle
Top early-round targets: Kris Jenkins, Ruke Orhorhoro, Maason Smith
The Browns' biggest need is a long-term fix rather than helping the team win in 2024. Three of Cleveland's top four defensive tackles are over 30 years old, while the other - Maurice Hurst - re-signed on a one-year deal. Finding future building blocks upfront is a major priority if the Browns are to remain relevant in the AFC.
Dallas Cowboys
Biggest need: Offensive tackle
Top early-round targets: Amarius Mims, Tyler Guyton, Kingsley Suamataia
Has anyone heard from the Cowboys lately? The NFL's most in-your-face franchise has been very quiet this offseason. Dallas should continue the low-key approach with its first-round pick and get a new left tackle for Dak Prescott after losing Tyron Smith to the Jets in free agency.
Denver Broncos
Biggest need: Quarterback
Top early-round targets: J.J. McCarthy, Bo Nix, Michael Penix Jr.
The Broncos need help in a lot of places, and there's an argument to be made for building up their roster before dropping in a young quarterback. Sean Payton isn't known for his patience, though. If McCarthy unexpectedly falls to No. 12, Denver would run the card up. Nix and Penix are getting more first-round buzz of late, but picking either up in the second would be a much bigger win for Payton's club.
Detroit Lions
Biggest need: Cornerback
Top early-round targets: Nate Wiggins, Kool-Aid McKinstry, Ennis Rakestraw
After years in the wilderness, the Lions have built a strong top-to-bottom contender. But even after acquiring Carlton Davis via trade, Detroit needs to focus on its secondary if it's going to go one step further in 2024. Dan Campbell and Co. will hope one of the big-name cornerbacks falls to No. 29, though someone like Rakestraw could be a good option in the late second round.
Green Bay Packers
Biggest need: Safety
Top early-round targets: Cooper DeJean, Jaden Hicks, Cole Bishop
The Packers' free-agent spree saw them land rising star Xavier McKinney to address a hole at the back of their defense, but the position remains a big weakness. While linebacker is also a major issue, there's a lack of standout prospects at the position. The versatile DeJean could be a great do-it-all piece for Jeff Hafley and might be available at No. 25.
Houston Texans
Biggest need: Defensive tackle
Top early-round targets: Mike Hall Jr, Braden Fiske, Kris Jenkins
The Texans have gone all-in this offseason, making major moves to improve at receiver, running back, and pass-rusher. However, Houston, which doesn't own a first-rounder but has two seconds, should focus on a less glamorous position. A running mate for free-agent signing Denico Autry would make sense after the franchise parted ways with 2023 starters Sheldon Rankins and Maliek Collins.
Indianapolis Colts
Biggest need: Cornerback
Top early-round targets: Terrion Arnold, Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean
The Colts might profess their confidence in a young and unproven cornerback group outside of Kenny Moore, but not addressing the unit is too big a risk when you have to go up against C.J. Stroud and Trevor Lawrence four times a year. With a likely run on offensive players early, Indy might have its pick at the position.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Biggest need: Cornerback
Top early-round targets: Terrion Arnold, Quinyon Mitchell, Nate Wiggins
Like their AFC South rivals above, the Jaguars are vulnerable at cornerback. They lost Darious Williams in free agency and saw Tyson Campbell struggle with injuries and form in 2023. Bringing in a player who can battle the likes of Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins, and their former star Calvin Ridley is a must. Jacksonville should have multiple options at No. 17, but the franchise might need to move up to secure its top-rated cornerback.
Kansas City Chiefs
Biggest need: Offensive tackle
Top early-round targets: Tyler Guyton, Amarius Mims, Kingsley Suamataia
Patrick Mahomes can win a Super Bowl with a subpar receiver group, but the Chiefs shouldn't test his superhuman abilities for a second year. With second-year pro Wanya Morris currently slated to be the reigning champion's left tackle, Kansas City should leave the opening two rounds with another option.
Las Vegas Raiders
Biggest need: Quarterback
Top early-round targets: J.J. McCarthy, Bo Nix, Michael Penix Jr.
Does anyone want to see Gardner Minshew compete with Aidan O'Connell for the Raiders' starting job? Las Vegas, Minnesota, and Denver are the prime candidates to trade up for a quarterback, and they could be competing for the final available member of the top four prospects. The Raiders' second-biggest need is the offensive line, which doesn't bode well for any incoming rookie.
Los Angeles Chargers
Biggest need: Wide receiver
Top early-round targets: Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, Rome Odunze
The Chargers own perhaps the most glaring need in the entire NFL after trading Keenan Allen and releasing Mike Williams. Justin Herbert is a star, but he still needs help. Luckily, the Chargers will likely come away with the second receiver off the board at No. 5 if they choose.
Los Angeles Rams
Biggest need: Pass-rusher
Top early-round targets: Laiatu Latu, Jared Verse, Chop Robinson
Aaron Donald can't be replaced, but his retirement coincides with the Rams' first first-round pick since 2016, so they'll have a shot at adding an elite talent. Instead of going for a straight replacement for the legendary defensive tackle, L.A. - which owns the No. 19 pick - should bolster its edge group, as one of the top four prospects will likely still be on the board.
Miami Dolphins
Biggest need: Guard
Top early-round targets: Graham Barton, Troy Fautanu, Chrisitan Haynes
The offensive line was the main weakness within the Dolphins' offense last season, and that was before they lost top guard Robert Hunt in free agency. Miami is projected to start the underwhelming duo of free-agent addition Isaiah Wynn and Robert Jones at guard, a major concern considering Tua Tagovailoa's struggles when pressured. Adding someone like Barton, who has experience playing multiple positions, would allow the Dolphins to shuffle pieces around to find their best five.
Minnesota Vikings
Biggest need: Quarterback
Top early-round targets: Drake Maye, J.J. McCarthy, Michael Penix Jr.
The Cousins era is over. While the Vikings need a new quarterback, they sit at No. 11. At first glance, it seems they're likely out of reach for the top three prospects, but Minnesota owns an extra first-round pick and is crucially just ahead of the two fellow QB-needy teams in the Raiders and Broncos. If anyone can trade up, it's the NFC North club.
New England Patriots
Biggest need: Quarterback
Top early-round targets: Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, J.J. McCarthy
New England has a franchise-altering choice to make at No. 3 overall. Do they go down the rookie quarterback path again or sell the farm and land several building blocks for Jerod Mayo's vision? The problem for the Patriots is they almost certainly won't be able to get their top choice at quarterback after the Bears and Commanders make their picks. Do they want to roll the dice once more after whiffing on Mac Jones?
New Orleans Saints
Biggest need: Offensive tackle
Top early-round targets: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Taliese Fuaga, Patrick Paul
The Saints might be the team that can least afford to exit the opening rounds without a new offensive tackle. Trevor Penning, a 2022 first-round pick, has been a major disappointment and was benched last season, while former All-Pro Ryan Ramczyk's ability to continue playing is in question due to a serious knee injury. With the Saints committed to Derek Carr for at least the next two seasons, his protection must be addressed.
New York Giants
Biggest need: Quarterback
Top early-round targets: J.J. McCarthy, Michael Penix Jr., Bo Nix
Daniel Jones is only one year into a four-year, $160-million extension, but he's also Daniel Jones, and he's coming off a torn ACL. If the Giants could take back his deal, they'd do it in a heartbeat. But they can't make things worse by doubling down on the error (see: sunk cost fallacy), and there's a workable exit from the contract after 2024. If New York likes a quarterback, it shouldn't hesitate to take one.
New York Jets
Biggest need: Offensive tackle
Top early-round targets: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Taliese Fuaga, Brandon Coleman
The Jets already addressed their need at offensive tackle by signing Smith and trading for Moses. Selecting one high in the draft is no longer a must-make move, but New York is taking a big risk by relying on two 33-year-old players - one of which (Smith) has an extensive injury history - to protect Aaron Rodgers, who's coming off an Achilles injury. The Jets are in win-now mode and can't afford for one injury to bring their season crashing down.
Philadelphia Eagles
Biggest need: Cornerback
Top early-round targets: Kool-Aid McKinstry, Nate Wiggins, Cooper DeJean
The Eagles arguably need reinforcements at linebacker more than cornerback, but general manager Howie Roseman likes to pretend the former position doesn't exist. Darius Slay is still a solid corner but is 33 and missed time last season with injury, while James Bradberry's play declined significantly. Philly's youth movement needs to extend to cornerback.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Biggest need: Center
Top early-round targets: Jackson Powers-Johnson, Graham Barton, Zach Frazier
The Steelers' biggest need is a toss-up between center and receiver, especially after the team sent Johnson to Carolina. But Pittsburgh could field a trio of workable receivers headlined by George Pickens if the season started today, and after releasing Mason Cole and watching nearly every free agent at the position sign elsewhere, Pittsburgh doesn't have a starting-caliber center.
San Francisco 49ers
Biggest need: Offensive tackle
Top early-round targets: Tyler Guyton, Amarius Mims, Blake Fisher
Trent Williams continues to defy Father Time, but the 49ers still need to plan for the day when the 36-year-old perennial All-Pro eventually succumbs. In the meantime, an offensive tackle chosen early could push right tackle Colton McKivitz while also providing insurance behind Williams, who's a lock to miss a couple of games a year.
Seattle Seahawks
Biggest need: Guard
Top early-round targets: Troy Fautanu, Graham Barton, Christian Haynes
Seattle's offensive line is strong on its outsides but has major question marks on the interior, especially at guard. Tremayne Anchrum Jr. and Anthony Bradford are currently slated to be the top guards, and neither is starting-caliber. If former Washington star Fautanu - a candidate to move inside at the pro level - falls to No. 16, Seattle shouldn't hesitate to take him.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Biggest need: Pass-rusher
Top early-round targets: Laiatu Latu, Chop Robinson, Adisa Isaac
The Bucs found an intriguing talent in 2023 third-rounder Yaya Diaby, who led the team in sacks last season. But more long-term help is needed at pass-rusher, especially with Shaq Barrett released and the inconsistent Joe Tryon-Shoyinka likely heading into the final year of his contract.
Tennessee Titans
Biggest need: Offensive tackle
Top early-round targets: Joe Alt, Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Tyler Guyton
The Titans allowed the second-most sacks to their quarterbacks last season, and if the team wants to find out if Will Levis is the long-term answer under center, improving his protection is vital. Offensive tackle is the unit's clear weakness, which is why few predict Alt will get past Tennessee at No. 7.
Washington Commanders
Biggest need: Quarterback
Top early-round targets: Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, J.J. McCarthy
With the Bears seemingly locked into Williams at No. 1, the Commanders are the first major pivot point in the draft with the second pick. The early chatter had Maye as the odds-on favorite to land in Washington before Daniels overtook him in recent weeks. What's clear is the Commanders must jumpstart their new era with a fresh face under center.