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NFL free agency isn’t over, but many big-name players have signed a new contract. That means it’s time to focus on the 2024 NFL Draft.
While some teams take the best player on the draft board regardless of position, others look to fill the holes on the roster. Free agency allowed NFL teams to fill the holes on their roster but created them for others.
Let’s dive into the top draft needs for every NFC team.
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NFC East
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys haven’t made many moves in free agency. However, they’ve lost multiple starters, including two guys on the offensive line. Tyron Smith signed with the New York Jets, while Tyler Biadasz joined the Washington Commanders. Therefore, no one should be surprised if the team used its first-round pick on an offensive lineman. Dallas also must add a running back after Tony Pollard signed with the Tennessee Titans.
New York Giants
It seems like the Giants need help on the offensive line every year. The team signed multiple veterans in free agency, adding Aaron Stinnie from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jon Runyan from the Green Bay Packers, and Jermaine Eluemunor from the Las Vegas Raiders. While all the additions allow New York to use its first-round pick on a wide receiver, the team should add an offensive lineman or two during the middle rounds.
Philadelphia Eagles
While many said the Eagles would never pay up for a big-name running back with Howie Roseman calling the shots, Philadelphia made a blockbuster move. They signed Saquon Barkley to a massive three-year contract after losing D'Andre Swift to the Chicago Bears. The Eagles will likely draft an offensive or defensive lineman with their first-round pick but don’t rule out a cornerback.
BREAKING: Eagles, RB Saquon Barkley agree to terms on contract. (via @rapsheet, @mikegarafolo, @tompelissero) pic.twitter.com/Umgtg6UJt2
— NFL (@NFL) March 11, 2024
Washington Commanders
Washington has added 15 free agents, one of the highest totals in the NFL. They have filled several needs on defense, adding multiple linemen and linebackers. The Commanders also improved their offensive line, adding Tyler Biadasz from the Dallas Cowboys and Nick Allegretti from the Kansas City Chiefs. Everyone expects the team to select a quarterback with the No. 2 pick. However, don’t be surprised if Washington trades back into the first round to grab a new left tackle.
NFC North
Chicago Bears
The winner of the offseason has been the Bears. Not only will they draft Caleb Williams with the first overall pick, but the team also has another top-10 selection. However, that didn’t stop Chicago from being active in free agency for the second consecutive year. The Bears signed D'Andre Swift and Gerald Everett in free agency before trading a fourth-round pick to the Los Angeles Chargers for Keenan Allen. They also added Kevin Byard to pair with Jaylon Johnson and Jaquan Brisker in the secondary.
Trade summary:
Bears get - Keenan Allen
Chargers get - 4th-round pick— Underdog NFL (@Underdog__NFL) March 15, 2024
Detroit Lions
Aidan Hutchinson was a superstar in his second NFL season, totaling 11.5 sacks. The Lions improved the defensive line unit around him, adding Marcus Davenport and D.J. Reader in free agency. However, that won’t keep Detroit from adding a first-round edge-rusher if they like the options when on the clock. Despite trading for Carlton Davis III, the Lions should add a cornerback with one of the top picks in the NFL Draft.
Green Bay Packers
Many were surprised when the Packers signed Josh Jacobs to a massive four-year deal. Following the addition of Jacobs, Green Bay released Aaron Jones. Yet, that wasn’t the team’s only significant signing. The Packers improved their secondary, signing former New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney. While the team lacks a glaring need on paper, Green Bay should draft a cornerback or offensive tackle with its first-round pick.
Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota is in a bad situation. They lost Kirk Cousins in free agency, as the veteran signed a massive deal with the Atlanta Falcons. The Vikings quickly signed Sam Darnold to a one-year deal as the bridge quarterback but still need a long-term replacement. Minnesota acquired the 23rd overall pick in the NFL Draft from the Houston Texans, giving them two Day 1 selections. Expect the team to trade into the top five to secure its next franchise quarterback.
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons were one of the biggest winners in free agency. Atlanta finally fixed its quarterback problem, signing Kirk Cousins to a massive four-year contract. They also upgraded the receiving corps, signing Darnell Mooney in free agency and trading for Rondale Moore. However, the Falcons haven’t improved their defense despite having a massive need for edge-rushers. Expect the team to select an edge-rusher with the eighth overall pick if they don’t trade down.
BREAKING: Free agent QB Kirk Cousins has agreed to terms on a deal with the #Falcons, per his agent @MikeMcCartney7. pic.twitter.com/hUVBSvHZoZ
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 11, 2024
Carolina Panthers
Since the team doesn’t have a first-round pick this year, the Panthers had to be aggressive in free agency. They franchised tagged Brian Burns and sent him to the New York Giants for an early second-round pick. Carolina improved Bryce Young’s protection, signing multiple offensive linemen in free agency, including two starting guards. More importantly, the team acquired Diontae Johnson from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Yet, expect the Panthers to pick a wide receiver early in the NFL Draft despite the veteran’s arrival.
New Orleans Saints
Unfortunately, the Saints had limited cap space to work with this offseason. However, they signed Cedrick Wilson Jr. to replace Michael Thomas at wide receiver. New Orleans also signed Chase Young and Willie Gay Jr. as starters on defense. Many expect the Saints to use their first-round pick on an offensive tackle. As a former first-round selection, Trevor Penning has been a bust. Meanwhile, Derek Carr took too many hits in 2023.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Despite having three of the top-20 free agents heading into the offseason, the Buccaneers managed to keep Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans, and Antoine Winfield Jr. in Tampa Bay. However, the team traded away Carlton Davis III and released Shaquil Barrett, creating holes at cornerback and edge-rusher. They also lost Devin White in free agency. Therefore, expect the Buccaneers to use multiple early draft picks on defense.
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals are open for business with the fourth overall pick in the NFL Draft. Arizona will listen to offers if a quarterback-needy team wants to trade up that high. However, expect them to select Marvin Harrison Jr. if they don’t trade the pick. Marquise Brown signed with the Kansas City Chiefs, leaving Michael Wilson and Greg Dortch as the top-two wide receivers on the roster. Defensively, the Cardinals should spend early draft picks on their cornerback and pass-rush units.
Source: #AZCardinals WR Hollywood Brown is signing with the #Chiefs, another high-octane target for Patrick Mahomes.
One of the most talented WRs available, Brown lands in a perfect spot on a 1-year deal worth up to $11M with a chance to cash in next year. pic.twitter.com/Fsoqk1wwWB
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 15, 2024
Los Angeles Rams
Los Angeles improved the two biggest holes on its roster in free agency. They re-signed Alaric Jackson and Kevin Dotson on the offensive line before adding Jonah Jackson from the Detroit Lions. The Rams also upgraded their secondary, signing Darious Williams from the Jacksonville Jaguars and Kamren Curl from the Washington Commanders. Unless the team trades the pick, they will have a first-round selection for the first time since taking Jared Goff in 2016. Expect them to target a defensive lineman following Aaron Donald’s retirement.
San Francisco 49ers
While the 49ers have used their first draft pick on a defensive player in five of the past seven years, I bet they use their 2024 first-round pick on offense. Brandon Aiyuk’s name has been involved in trade talks. Either he or Deebo Samuel won’t be on the roster after next season, meaning San Francisco could trade one during the NFL Draft for more picks. Therefore, don’t be surprised if they select a wide receiver with their first-round selection.
Seattle Seahawks
After having Pete Carroll on the sidelines for the past 14 years, Mike Macdonald will take over for Seattle. Therefore, expect the team to make different decisions during the NFL Draft than in the past. The Seahawks acquired Sam Howell from the Washington Commanders, securing a backup with upside behind Geno Smith. Unfortunately, Seattle might need three new starters on the offensive line next year, making the odds they select a guard or center with their first-round pick high.
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