With the NFL Draft kicking off in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on Thursday April 24; the 32 NFL teams are finalising their roster-building plans. The three-day selection of college football’s leading players is the last major roster-strengthening landmark before preseason training camps open across America in July and August.
Following on from an AFC focus earlier in the week, here is one major need for every NFC team.
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys (12th in Round 1) – Running Back
An offense that was pretty potent a couple of years ago does not have enough difference-makers. A receiver is an option, but the rushing attack surely cannot be led by Javonte Williams or Miles Sanders.
New York Giants (3rd in Round 1) - Quarterback
Don’t let the offseason signings of Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston fool you, the Giants need to find the long-term answer at quarterback that has been missing since Eli Manning retired in 2019.
Philadelphia Eagles (32nd in Round 1) - Safety
The Eagles were weakened during free agency, but they remain one of the stronger teams in the NFL. They could go safety to replace C.J. Gardner-Johnson or address the interior or edge of their D-line.
Washington Commanders (29th in Round 1) – Edge Rusher
Washington’s pass rush was led by Dante Fowler Jr. in 2024, but he has returned for a second stint in Dallas. Grabbing a young player who can produce 10 sacks per season would be huge for Dan Quinn.
NFC North
Chicago Bears (10th in Round 1) – Edge Rusher
Montez Sweat led the Bears with 5 ½ sacks in 2024. That is not a very good return. The free agent-addition of Dayo Odeyingbo helps, but it is not nearly enough. More quarterback hunters are needed.
Detroit Lions (28th in Round 1) – Edge Rusher
Given their injuries on that side of the ball in 2024, the Lions will be tempted to go heavy on defense next week. A quality edge rusher to pair with the returning Aidan Hutchinson would be a good start.
Green Bay Packers (23rd in Round 1) - Cornerback
There are no signs that a Jaire Alexander trade is imminent, but it does feel like he has played his last snap in Green Bay. And that leaves the Packers with an All-Pro-sized hole in their secondary.
Minnesota Vikings (24th in Round 1) - Safety
The Vikings need more bodies in their secondary after losing Cam Bynum to free agency. They also have a strong need at corner, but a new safety frees up Josh Metellus to keep roaming the defense.
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons (15th in Round 1) – Edge Rusher
Morgan Fox and David Onyemata are the leading pass-rush candidates currently on the roster of an Atlanta team that has struggled to pressure quarterbacks for years. This group needs a huge upgrade.
Carolina Panthers (8th in Round 1) – Defensive Line
Whether the QB pressure comes from the middle or off the edge, a poor pass rush must be improved. A new WR for Bryce Young is tempting, but Carolina gave up an NFL record 534 points in 2024.
New Orleans Saints (9th in Round 1) - Cornerback
The Saints have a gaping hole at left guard and could bolster their offensive line in the top 10, but their cornerbacks mustered just five interceptions in 2024 and there is a massive need on the edges.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (19th in Round 1) - Linebacker
Lavonte David has been a tremendous servant to the Bucs and is still going strong at 35, recording a team-leading 122 tackles and 5 ½ sacks in 2024. But a succession plan must be put in place soon.
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals (16th in Round 1) – Wide Receiver
Another addition to the offensive line would make sense, but how about having some fun in the desert? Get another young WR to pair with Marvin Harrison Jr. and keep them for the next decade.
Los Angeles Rams (26th in Round 1) - Linebacker
Neither off-the ball linebacker currently pencilled in to start (Troy Reeder and Omar Speights) came anywhere close to 100 tackles in 2024. The Rams need to find a tackling machine to man the middle.
San Francisco 49ers (11th in Round 1) – Defensive Tackle
Recent transactions have left the Niners wafer thin at defensive tackle. That is the smart move in Round 1, although an heir-apparent for 37-year-old left tackle Trent Williams could also be tempting.
Seattle Seahawks (18th in Round 1) – Offensive Line
Another receiver wouldn’t hurt, despite the recent signings of Cooper Kupp and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. And corner is thin. But there are issues all across the O-line and that has to be the priority.