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Football

Every NFC team’s top needs ahead of free agency and the draft

Joe Mewis
Every NFC team’s top needs ahead of free agency and the draftGetty Images

The next few weeks will be a pivotal time in the NFL as free agency and then the draft will dictate just how rosters will look for the 2024 season. 

Some teams have desperate needs ahead of the start of free agency next week, while others can afford to be a bit more picky in who they move for. 

The salary cap will also come into play here, with some franchises needing to use all their financial cunning to strengthen, while others will be able to bankroll big spending sprees. 

Here is a look at the current needs of the 16 NFC teams. 

Chicago Bears - OL, WR, TE, Edge, CB

Draft pick: 1
We’re still waiting to find out if the Bears opt to keep Justin Fields or draft Caleb Williams with the first overall draft pick, but away from the quarterback position, they need to strengthen their offensive line and give whoever is behind centre some fresh targets. 

Washington Commanders - QB, Edge, WR, OL, LB

Draft pick: 2
All signs point to the new regime in Washington pulling the trigger on a QB with their number two pick. After that, they need to put more pieces around whoever they select and should be focusing on their line and receivers. The Montez Sweat and Chase Young-sized holes on the defensive line also need sorting out. 

Arizona Cardinals - WR, DT, OL, Edge, CB

Draft pick: 4
Marvin Harrison Jr is the early consensus for the Cardinals’ number four draft pick, while they are likely to have some gaps on the defensive line after free agency. 

New York Giants - DT, RB, OL, Edge, CB

Draft pick: 6
Saquon Barkley is about to test free agency, so he needs to be replaced if he chooses to move on, while the offensive line needs help to give Daniel Jones a chance at getting back to his best next term. Leonard Williams was missed after he was traded away last season, so that’s another position to address either in free agency or the draft. 

Atlanta Falcons - QB, WR, Edge, DT

Draft pick: 8
Quarterback is the screaming need here, whether they look to draft someone or go after Kirk Cousins in free agency. Another receiving option would help the new signal-caller out. 

Minnesota Vikings - QB, Edge, OL, LB

Draft pick: 11
The Viking's offseason hinges on whether or not they re-sign Kirk Cousins. Once that situation is resolved either way, replacing Danielle Hunter, who is set for free agency will be their next move. 

New Orleans Saints - Edge, WR, OL, CB, DT

Draft pick: 14
The Saints are doing their usual trick of scrambling to get under the salary cap and could do with a productive draft this year, given how many positions need addressing. Wide receiver is of particular importance even before they make a decision on Michael Thomas.

Seattle Seahawks - QB, LB, OL, DT, Edge, S

Draft pick: 16
Another team with a lot of needs, especially after recent cuts saw two safeties depart. In an ideal world, a QB for the future would be drafted, but a lot of work needs to be done on the defense. 

LA Rams - CB, Edge, S, K, QB

Draft pick: 19
If the Rams can even match last year’s draft class, they’ll be fine. Expect the secondary to be targeted either in the draft or free agency, while it feels like the right time to nab a young QB to nurture.

Philadelphia Eagles - RB, WR, CB, LB, Edge

Draft pick: 22
Last season’s defensive issues down the home stretch will mean linebackers and cornerbacks will be high up the Eagles shopping list. Some new weapons for Jalen Hurts will help ensure last season’s poor finish to the season is a blip, rather than the new normal in Philly. 

Dallas Cowboys - OL, RB, CB, WR

Draft pick: 24
If the Cowboys are to take the next step and trouble the latter stages of the postseason, Dak Prescott will need some more toys to play with. An ageing offensive line will also need refreshing. 

Green Bay Packers - RB, S, Edge, OL, CB

Draft pick: 25
Replacing free agency-bound AJ Dillion tops the Packers' to-do list, while on the other side of the ball, a new secondary is needed. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers - QB, OL, S, Edge

Draft pick: 26
Baker Mayfield is the X-factor here, with the Bucs still hoping to bring the QB back after he led the team to the playoffs last season. Mike Evans' re-signing is a big boost and means that pass rushers can be targeted.  

Detriot Lions - CB, OL, Edge, WR

Draft pick: 29
Work will be needed on the offensive line, especially the guard position, but a strong roster means the Lions will be able to look at the best players available in the draft. 

San Francisco 49ers - CB, Edge, OL, DT

Draft pick: 31
Another strong roster that will not be too badly impacted by free agency. Cornerback is the biggest position of need, with depth required on the offensive line. The Chase Young trade did not quite have the impact they wanted, so they will look at pass rushers. 

Carolina Panthers - WR, LB, OL, CB

Draft pick: Traded away to Chicago
Dave Canales will be a busy man as he takes the reigns in Carolina. He will need to do all he can to make Bryce Young a success, so more targets and better protection will be needed. Tagging Brian Burns means linebackers and corners can be looked at from a defensive point of view.

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