Daniel Jones Ian Maule/Getty Images

Every Team's Biggest Weakness After 2024 NFL Draft

Matt Holder

Now that the NFL draft is over and most big-name free agents are signed, surely we're done talking about team needs, right? Nope.

Not even seven rounds of the draft and hundreds of millions of dollars can fill every hole on every team's roster. While the goal for each club during the offseason is to put together a complete team, that's nearly impossible in a salary-cap league.

Just ask Jerry Jones who quickly pivoted from being "all-in" during free agency to being all-in with the Dallas Cowboys' current roster this spring.

Here, we'll go division by division and point out each team's biggest weakness after last weekend's draft.

NFC East

Ezekiel Elliott Cooper Neill/Getty Images

Dallas Cowboys: Running Back

The Cowboys reunited with Ezekiel Elliott after the draft, but he is well past his prime and put up worse numbers with New England last season than he did in 2022 when Dallas released him the following offseason.

The position group was one of the team's needs heading into the draft after letting 2023 starter Tony Pollard walk in free agency, but the front office didn't use a single pick on a running back last weekend.

Signing a soon-to-be 29-year-old back who hasn't had a 1,000-yard season doesn't solve the issue.

New York Giants: Quarterback

The Giants were rumored to be in the QB market with the sixth overall pick last week but opted to upgrade the team's receiving corps instead by taking Malik Nabers.

That should give Daniel Jones a boost of confidence, but the decision feels like it has more to do with his contract situation than ability.

According to Spotrac, Jones' deal carries over $69 million of dead cap space this season and that figure drops to about $22 million next offseason. Meanwhile, he's coming off a torn ACL and has only had one promising season. That's tough to hang your hat on at the most important position heading into the fall.

Philadelphia Eagles: Right Guard

Safety was a consideration here, but Cooper DeJean's position flexibility can help solve that issue.

Meanwhile, the Eagles are expected to move Cam Jurgens from right guard to center now that Jason Kelce has officially retired. That elevates 2023 third-round pick Tyler Steen, who he is talented but unproven with only one NFL start under his belt, to the starting lineup.

Washington Commanders: Left Tackle

The Commanders have their quarterback of the future in Jayden Daniels, but protecting him might be a bit of an issue.

While the front office signed a couple of interior offensive linemen in free agency, the offense is currently slated to start Cornelius Lucas on Daniels' blind side, and he was primarily a backup last season.

Washington did spend a third-round pick on Brandon Coleman, who is solid in pass protection, per his B/R scouting report. However, relying on a rookie Day 3 selection or a second-stringer is a risky strategy.

NFC North

Kerby Joseph Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images

Chicago Bears: Left Tackle

General manager Ryan Poles has done an excellent job of revamping the Bears' offense this offseason, highlighted by using the No. 1 overall pick on Caleb Williams. However, the team's left tackle situation could impede the success of the unit and the quarterback.

Last year's Week 1 starter, Braxton Jones, is back in the fold, but he battled injuries in 2023 and Larry Borom struggled in relief. While Jones was solid as a rookie, left tackle was still considered a potential draft target for Chicago and it only added Kiran Amegadjie, who is considered a project coming out of Yale.

Detroit Lions: Safety

After losing C.J. Gardner Johnson in free agency, safety was one of Detroit's needs this offseason.

However, the organization didn't sign anyone on the open market or use a draft pick at the position. That leaves Kerby Joseph and Ifeatu Melifonwu as the Lions' starters on the backend.

Joseph posted a below-average 57.7 grade from Pro Football Focus last season, and while Melifonwu finished the year strong, he's still inexperienced and a gamble as a starter.

Green Bay Packers: Right Guard

The Packers have a well-put-together roster that doesn't have many weaknesses, but Sean Rhyan is currently penciled in as their starting right guard. The 23-year-old has zero NFL starts and struggled when called upon last season.

Behind him is fifth-round pick Jacob Monk, a couple of undrafted free agents and Royce Newman, who also floundered in 2023.

Minnesota Vikings: Interior Pass Rush

This point has been belabored all offseason and during the regular season: The Vikings could use a defensive tackle who can put pressure on the quarterback.

While they did sign Jerry Tillery on the open market, his career high for sacks in a season is 4.5—three years ago.

Minnesota has a good collection of edge-rushers in Andrew Van Ginkel, Jonathan Greenard and first-round pick Dallas Turner, but someone on the inside needs to step up to help flush the quarterback out of the pocket.

NFC South

Trevor Penning Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Atlanta Falcons: Edge-Rusher

There are many reasons why the Falcons using the No. 8 overall pick on Michael Penix Jr. was questionable, one of them being the defense needed an edge-rusher and the front office could have had its pick of the litter.

Instead, Atlanta is rolling with Arnold Ebiketie and Lorenzo Carter, who combined for nine sacks last season, as its starters. And third-round pick Bralen Trice, Ade Ogundeji and DeAngelo Malone are behind them.

Carolina Panthers: Offensive Tackle

Carolina has done a good job of improving the supporting cast for Bryce Young this offseason, but the front office didn't add any starting-caliber offensive tackles.

According to Pro Football Focus, left tackle Ikem Ekwonu gave up 11 sacks last season and right tackle Taylor Moton yielded 41 total pressures.

Adding a couple of guards and weapons should help Young and the Panthers' passing attack improve next season, but protecting the edges is still a question mark.

New Orleans Saints: Left tackle

On a similar note, while Taliese Fuaga ranked within the top-25 prospects on B/R's final big board, he was listed as a guard due to concerns about his ability to hold up in pass protection on the edge.

However, the Saints spent a first-round pick on Fuaga to replace Trevor Penning.

Essentially, all New Orleans did was swap out one tackle prospect who is a great run-blocker but better suited on the inside since he'll likely struggle with NFL speed rushers for another one. Also, the Oregon State product exclusively lined up at right tackle in college, so he'll be switching positions this season.

Tampa Bay Buccanneers: Cornerback

While the Buccaneers have a good corner in Jamel Dean, it was surprising to see them not spend a draft pick on someone to play on the other side.

Last year's starter Carlton Davis III is now in Detroit, leaving Zyon McCollum as the heir apparent. He gave up a 56.0 completion percentage and earned a 47.3 coverage grade in 2023, per PFF.

NFC West

Alaric Jackson Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Arizona Cardinals: Edge-Rusher

The Cardinals ranked third-last in sacks last season with 33 and didn't have a single player get close to cracking double digits for the metric. Dennis Gardeck led the way with six sacks, and adding an edge-rusher was one of the team's needs heading into the draft.

While first-round pick Darius Robinson can help, he is a better interior rusher than exterior. Arizona must be counting on BJ Ojulari to take a big step up heading into his second season, which is a bit of a gamble.

Los Angeles Rams: Left Tackle

While the Rams spent a ton of money at guard this offseason, they didn't bring in another left tackle option in free agency or the draft.

Alaric Jackson was solid in 2023, but he's still a one-year starter whom Los Angeles could have at least brought in some competition for.

Also, the Iowa product is about to enter a contract year, so it would have been smart for the front office to sign or draft someone who could be a long-term solution.

San Francisco 49ers: Interior Offensive Line

With the positional versatility of Jon Feliciano and third-round pick Dominick Puni, there are a variety of combinations the 49ers can use on the interior offensive line.

However, they'll still be left with at least one questionable starter in center Jake Brendel or right guard Aaron Banks.

Also, Feliciano is 32 years old while Brendel will be the same age in September, and Banks is about to enter a contract year, so San Francisco could use some future options in the middle of the trenches as well.

Seattle Seahawks: Interior Offensive Line

Seattle lost all three starting interior offensive linemen from last season in free agency and only signed Laken Tomlinson as a potential replacement. But the 32-year-old is coming off of a tough two-year stint with the Jets and isn't the player he was with the 49ers.

While 2024 third-rounder Christian Haynes can help fill in at the other guard spot, the Seahawks are currently expected to start Olu Oluwatimi at center.

The 2022 fifth-round pick didn't get much playing time last season, so the team's offense has several question marks on the interior offensive line.

AFC East

Khalil Shakir Perry Knotts/Getty Images

Buffalo Bills: Wide Receiver

The Bills used their first pick of the draft on Keon Coleman, but the second-round selection shouldn't be relied upon to replace what Stefon Diggs brought to the table.

The 20-year-old will have a lot of weight on his shoulders as the team's No. 1 receiver, especially since the crew behind him is headlined by Curtis Samuel and Khalil Shakir.

The position group as a whole leaves a lot to be desired, and having a rookie lead the way is a risky proposition.

Miami Dolphins: Right Guard

This offseason was tough on the Dolphins' interior offensive line as they lost two starters, Connor Williams and Robert Hunt. When healthy, both guys were good players in Mike McDaniel's system.

While the front office found a suitable replacement for Williams at center in Aaron Brewer, the right guard spot is still a question mark following Hunt's departure.

Currently, Robert Jones is expected to fill that role, but he was a backup last year and earned an average overall PFF grade (60.9) while posting a poor mark in pass protection (47.0). The latter could be troublesome if Miami wants to push the ball down the field with the speed it has at wide receiver.

New England Patriots: Left Tackle

One of the concerns about Drake Maye going to the Patriots is that the team's offensive line is subpar, especially after starting left tackle Trent Brown signed with the Bengals in free agency.

New England used the 68th pick of the draft on Caedan Wallace to potentially fill Brown's shoes, but that was a reach as he ranked 118th on B/R final big board.

Also, the Penn State product exclusively played right tackle in college so he'll have to switch positions as a rookie. Another option would be to have Mike Onwenu flip sides of the center, but he hasn't taken any snaps on the blind side in the NFL, either.

New York Jets: Tight End

Many expected New York to go one of two ways in the first round of the draft last week: Take the best offensive tackle available or tight end Brock Bowers.

General manager Joe Douglas opted for the former with Olu Fashanu, which isn't a bad pick by any means, but he didn't circle back and add a tight end later in the draft.

Tyler Conklin is a decent option as a pass-catcher but leaves something to be desired as a run-blocker. Also, he's not the greatest red-zone threat with only seven career touchdowns in six years.

AFC North

Jedrick Wills Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Baltimore Ravens: Left Guard

To be honest, it's hard to find many flaws in the Ravens' roster as they're a well-put-together team. However, they did lose two starting offensive linemen from last season: right tackle Morgan Moses and left guard John Simpson.

General manager Eric DeCosta did find a decent replacement for Moses in Roger Rosengarten, but the offense is projected to start Andrew Vorhees to fill Simpson's role.

Vorhees tore an ACL during the combine last year and ended up being a seventh-round pick, so he's a major question mark.

Cincinnati Bengals: Cornerback

For the better part of the last three seasons, Chidobe Awuzie served as one of, if not the top cornerback for the Bengals.

However, the organization let him walk in free agency, which elevates Cam Taylor-Britt to the CB1 role and DJ Turner II to a full-time starter. That's putting a lot of trust in two young players who have three years of NFL experience between them.

Granted, if Tee Higgins' trade request eventually gets fulfilled, then Cincinnati's biggest weakness would shift from corner to No. 2 wide receiver.

Cleveland Browns: Left Tackle

Protecting Deshaun Watson's blind side is an issue for a handful of reasons.

Former first-round pick Jedrick Wills Jr. has been underwhelming and heads into year five after having his season cut short due to an MCL injury in 2023. Also, this will be the last year of his rookie contract, so the Browns could use a left tackle for the future as well.

Last year, Geron Christian filled in after Wills was injured, but he struggled and is currently a free agent. Cleveland might hope Dawand Jones or James Hudson III step up this year, but the former is more of a right tackle and the latter is also entering a contract year.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Quarterback

Despite adding Russell Wilson and Justin Fields this offseason, quarterback is still the Steelers' biggest weakness. Both guys were cast away by their previous teams and replaced with draft picks, so Pittsburgh's QB situation is still very shaky.

Also, the team doesn't have a long-term solution since Wilson is on a one-year contract and the organization opted not to pick up Justin Fields' fifth-year option, making both signal-callers impending free agents.

AFC South

Tyson Campbell David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Houston Texans: Center

Michael Deiter was the Texans' primary starting center last season, as rookies Juice Scruggs and Jarrett Patterson both suffered injuries.

Deiter is now in Washington, though, leaving the second-year pros to battle it out for the role in 2023.

Relying on two young players who both missed a significant amount of games last year is a risky proposition, especially with the future of the franchise directly behind them in C.J. Stroud.

Indianapolis Colts: Cornerback

Many expected the Colts to spend a high draft pick on a cornerback last weekend, but general manager Chris Ballard opted to add a pass-rusher and wide receiver in the first two rounds instead.

While Laiatu Latu and Adonai Mitchell could be key contributors this season, that does leave the team's cornerback rooms with some question marks.

JuJu Brents and Dallis Flowers are expected to be Indianapolis' starters heading into training camp. The former is going into his second season after taking some lumps and bruises as a rookie, while the latter enters year three but only has five career starts after tearing his Achilles in 2023.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Cornerback

Darious Williams was the Jaguars' top cornerback last season, but he signed with the Rams in the offseason. While the front office added Ronald Darby in the free agency, it's a downgrade from Williams.

Also, Tyson Campbell has struggled to stay healthy during his tenure in the NFL, so there are a few question marks in Jacksonville's secondary.

Tennessee Titans: Right Tackle

While the Titans spent a top-10 pick on JC Latham, the plan is to move him to the left side. That leaves Dillon Radunz, Nicholas Petit-Frere and Jaelyn Duncan as their options on the right edge.

Radunz has been a bit of a disappointment and is about to enter a contract year, and Petit-Frere is coming off a campaign where he was suspended, injured and bad in the limited amount of snaps he got.

Last year's sixth-round pick, Duncan, might be Tennessee's best option at right tackle for the long haul, so the position is certainly a weakness.

AFC West

Aidan O'Connell Ian Maule/Getty Images

Denver Broncos: Center

The Broncos got their quarterback in the draft by using the 12th overall pick on Bo Nix, but they might want to consider signing a veteran center to protect him.

Right now, their options are Luke Wattenberg, Sam Mustipher or Alex Forsyth. They were all backups last season, with Mustipher taking the most snaps at 202, per Pro Football Focus.

Denver's other option would be to move Quinn Meinerz inside and start Calvin Throckmorton or one of the three players above at guard. Either way, the team's interior offensive line is less than ideal right now.

Las Vegas Raiders: Quarterback

Head coach Antonio Pierce and general manager Tom Telesco should not be disappointed by getting tight end Brock Bowers with the 13th overall pick seeing as he ranked second on B/R's final big board.

That being said, the run on quarterbacks early in the draft does leave them with a weakness at the most important position on the field.

Aidan O'Connell and Gardner Minshew II will duke it out in training camp for the starting job, and the winner will have plenty of weapons to throw to. But there's no denying the team would benefit from an upgrade on those options.

Los Angeles Chargers: Tight End

Don't tell Jim Harbaugh his team doesn't have any weapons, but maybe the Chargers could have benefitted from taking Bowers instead of letting him slide to a division rival.

Free-agent signings Hayden Hurst and Will Dissly are coming off sub-200 yard seasons and are getting up there in age.

Joe Alt will probably be a fine player, but Los Angeles has to find ways to stop Bowers twice a year while lacking some talent at the position on their end.

Kansas City Chiefs: Cornerback

The Chiefs decided to trade L'Jarius Sneed this offseason, elevating Jaylen Watson to the CB1 role moving forward.

Watson has been a good player throughout his career, but the defense has some questions on the other side.

Kansas City is currently expected to start Joshua Williams, who is heading into his third season after being a fourth-round pick in 2022 but only has six career starts to his name.

The front office didn't sign a corner of much significance and didn't address the position until the sixth round of the draft, which is putting a lot of faith in a rather unproven commodity.

   

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