Although every season has a few surprises, NFL teams with the lowest expectations will generally match that low billing.

The problem, most of the time, is that a glaring hole—or multiple—on the roster simply can't be overcome. Looking ahead to the 2023 season approaches, several of those problem points seem obvious.

And that, naturally, sends us toward the 2024 NFL draft.

If you have optimism, fans of the Arizona Cardinals, Houston Texans and other franchises on the list, keep it! Leave the pessimism to me—and hope these weaknesses find an unexpected solution in the fall.

The team choices are largely a direct reflection of the lowest current win totals on DraftKings.

Arizona Cardinals

Projected Needs: IOL, Edge, WR, CB, TE

Unless the Arizona Cardinals trade Kyler Murray, he's their quarterback of the future. We'll operate under the belief that Murray recovers from his knee injury and is part of new coach Jonathan Gannon's plans.

Murray may have a retooled line in front of him.

Recent first-round pick Paris Johnson Jr. is likely the long-term left tackle, but he'll probably be a guard as a rookie. The interior of Arizona's line is a considerable need, and right tackle won't be far behind if 2020 third-rounder Josh Jones doesn't earn an extension.

Right now, the Cardinals are in decent shape within the secondary. It's worth monitoring their cornerback room, though the pass-rushing group is a greater need as of today.

Arizona may have enough depth at receiver to survive DeAndre Hopkins' departure, but reinforcements should be a priority. The same would be true at tight end if the Cards release Zach Ertz because of his potential $7.55 million in cap savings.

Houston Texans

Projected Needs: WR, DL, LB, CB, TE

After selecting C.J. Stroud and trading up for Will Anderson Jr. in the 2023 draft, the Houston Texans hope they've added cornerstone players at quarterback and edge-rusher.

From here, the Texans will basically shift to the "everything else" category. The marquee areas should be receiver—barring a surge from rookies Tank Dell and Xavier Hutchinson—and the defensive line, which is awfully thin on productive depth.

Houston also needs long-term answers at linebacker and corner, which at least have starting-caliber players but probably shouldn't be content with them beyond 2023.

Depending on whether Dalton Schultz is re-signed, tight end could quickly join the conversation next offseason.

Indianapolis Colts

Projected Needs: OL, DL, Edge, WR, CB

Short of a complete debacle, the Indianapolis Colts won't be in the market for a quarterback in 2024. Even if he doesn't start immediately, Anthony Richardson is the Colts' long-term guy.

Instead, the offensive and defensive lines must be retooled.

Left guard Quenton Nelson is locked in. Indianapolis could release center Ryan Kelly, right tackle Braden Smith or defensive tackle DeForest Buckner for considerable cap savings, but that would only happen if their performance declines sharply. And that is not expected.

Outside of that quartet and edge-rusher Kwity Paye, the rest of the lines are effectively fighting for their jobs. Young players will likely be kept, of course, but a first-round talent could rapidly win a starting spot up front.

Indianapolis has a passable group of starters at both receiver and corner, although top wideout Michael Pittman Jr. and nickelback Kenny Moore II are entering the final year of their contracts.

Las Vegas Raiders

Projected Needs: CB, QB, OL, DL, LB

The best-case scenario for the Las Vegas Raiders is Jimmy Garoppolo returns from his foot injury and excels throughout his three-year contract. They have a contractual "out" if he doesn't recover well, though.

Given that knowledge, quarterback is a tentatively major need—until and unless Garoppolo has a healthy season.

No matter the signal-caller, Las Vegas should plan to upgrade the offensive line. Left tackle Kolton Miller is the only blocker—maybe plus left guard Dylan Parham—we can comfortably label a long-term starter who is also not entering a contract year in 2023.

But the greatest void is cornerback.

While any defensive position could use a jolt in Vegas, the Raiders' don't have a corner under team control through 2024 except for 2023 fourth-round pick Jakorian Bennett.

Los Angeles Rams

Projected Needs: Edge, WR, OT, LB, QB

Let's be serious: As of now, everything.

The necessary asterisk is the Los Angeles Rams' youth-filled roster is destined to have surprises. Breakout years from rookies and once-inexperienced reserves will have strengthened a few positions.

Sitting here in early June, however, we are unlikely to perfectly predict where that happens. So, let's talk priorities.

Los Angeles definitely needs a high-end edge-rusher—and preferably two. Wide receiver, offensive tackle and inside linebacker would all benefit from a top-ranked talent, too.

Lastly, the Rams should have a succession plan for quarterback Matthew Stafford. That might be 2023 fourth-rounder Stetson Bennett, but a disappointing season could result in a shot at a top prospect in 2024.

New England Patriots

Projected Needs: OT, TE, WR, DL

If you're looking for QB here, hold that thought.

Bill Belichick did Mac Jones few favors without a real coordinator in 2022. Even if Jones struggles with Bill O'Brien calling plays, the New England Patriots showed a willingness to start Bailey Zappe last season. The backup plan might be present already.

The greater issue is that neither of the Pats' first-string offensive tackles are signed past 2023. Trent Brown may land an extension, but Riley Reiff is approaching his age-35 season.

Additionally, tight ends Hunter Henry and Mike Gesicki—who joined New England in free agency—have expiring contracts. So do wideouts Kendrick Bourne and DeVante Parker, leaving both positions in flux.

New England needs to work out a long-term plan along a defensive line seemingly set for a rebuild after the 2024 season.

New York Giants

Projected Needs: QB, RB, WR, S, DL

How will the New York Giants follow up a surprise run to the postseason? Early odds are reasonably unkind to the G-Men.

In a perfect world, quarterback Daniel Jones develops in a positive way and becomes the unquestioned answer. But if the Giants actually hold a top-10 first-round pick, that perfect world is not reality. So, they absolutely should be looking for a QB if this scenario happens.

The current unknown is the future of Saquon Barkley. While he may play in 2023 under the franchise tag, a long-term extension is not a guarantee. New York might have a glaring void at running back.

Throw in a skeptical view of the Giants' receivers, and their offensive skill positions create a major question mark.

Safety is presumably the main defensive need, although depth is more likely New York's focus on that side of the ball.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Projected Needs: QB, Edge, OL, LB, S

If you subscribe to the notion that quarterback and edge-rusher are the sport's most important positions—and I do—the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a sizable problem.

Tom Brady's departure has left Tampa with Kyle Trask and recently signed Baker Mayfield. While the latter has bounced around a few teams over the last two seasons, Trask—a second-round pick in 2021—nears the 2023 campaign with nine career pass attempts.

At edge, the conversation centers on Shaq Barrett's recovery from an Achilles injury. He's signed through 2024 but could be released with $7.45 million in cap savings if he's not effective this season.

Those two positions must be addressed first, but the Bucs should monitor the offensive line and two defensive positions, too.

Inside linebacker and safety are both significant needs because each of Lavonte David, Devin White, Antoine Winfield Jr. and Ryan Neal have expiring deals. Any extensions may reframe that outlook.

Tennessee Titans

Projected Needs: WR, Edge, DL, OL, CB

Similar to AFC South nemesis Indianapolis, the Tennessee Titans must prioritize the offensive and defensive lines.

In particular, the defensive front is uncertain beyond star tackle Jeffery Simmons. Teair Tart and Denico Autry are entering the final year of their contracts, and Tennessee's depth at all three D-line spots is minimal.

The needs of the offensive line hinge on where 2023 first-rounder Peter Skoronski winds up. He seems more likely to play guard but should be given a shot at tackle after a standout college career.

While the Titans aren't necessarily set at cornerback or tight end, their last immense need is the receiving corps.

Not only is the unit perilously thin for the upcoming campaign, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and Chris Moore have expiring deals. Tennessee desperately needs to bring in wideouts, especially as the team presumably shifts to 2023 second-round quarterback Will Levis.

Washington Commanders

Projected Needs: Edge, TE, QB, OT, CB

Two storylines will define the Washington Commanders' needs.

In all likelihood, Sam Howell will be their quarterback in 2023. The hope is he becomes the undisputed starter and settles the position for many years. Otherwise, the Commanders will turn to Jacoby Brissett—another short-term stop-gap—and look for a QB in the 2024 draft.

Washington declined its fifth-year option on Chase Young and hasn't reached an extension with Montez Sweat. If either one does not return, edge-rusher soars on the priority list.

From there, it's a matter of veteran performance.

Does tight end Logan Thomas stick around for 2024? How about left tackle Charles Leno or corner Kendall Fuller? It will probably become clear that Washington should upgrade at one (or multiple) of their positions.

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