Most NFL franchises have roster needs to varying degrees. Some of these needs far exceed others and this is the case for a handful of franchises.
Here are five teams that will almost certainly fill a specific need in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft:
As part of its coaching search, Tennessee made it clear to candidates that they intended to move forward with Will Levis as their starting quarterback. They did everything they could to support him this offseason by signing wide receiver Calvin Ridley, running back Tony Pollard and center Lloyd Cushenberry. Wide receiver and offensive tackle were considered the most likely outcomes for the Titans at No. 7 overall, but they used free agency to sign Ridley and released incumbent starting left tackle Andre Dillard. Levis spent last offseason running for his life, but the franchise now has one of the league’s best offensive line teachers in Bill Callahan and is likely to use its first-round pick on the offensive line to the second year in a row.
New Orleans’ offensive tackle desperation is an evolving situation. Left tackle Trevor Penning is a former first-round pick, but he hasn’t lived up to expectations. Meanwhile, it has been reported that the structural integrity of right tackle Ryan Ramczyk’s knee is a concern following injury. The Saints have always maximized their investment in the offensive line, so the current situation must worry them. At 14th overall, they can get a quality solution at either tackle spot.
The need could be expanded to include offensive guard, as it really comes down to how the franchise feels about Tyler Smith, who played guard when Tyron Smith was healthy and left tackle when he wasn’t. . Center Tyler Biadasz also signed with Washington. The team claims to be comfortable with the offensive line as it is currently constructed, but they are simply trying not to draw more unwanted attention to their current situation.
Every team in the Top 10 overall has been linked to an offensive position, with the exception of Atlanta. The Falcons could go for cornerback, but they really need a player who can make the opposing quarterback uncomfortable and lose his spot. Will it be Alabama’s Dallas Turner, UCLA’s Laiatu Latu or Florida State’s Jared Verse? Turner offers more dynamic qualities but does not have the highest level of the group.
The Falcons could also trade down if there is a team desperate for quarterback, wide receiver or offensive line help.
Indianapolis decided to improve the cornerback position this offseason within a reasonable parameter. There were reports of their varying level of interest in cornerback L’Jarius Sneed before he was traded from Kansas City to the Titans. Fortunately, there is a golden opportunity for the organization to address this position in the 2024 NFL Draft. Teams will be frantic to sign quarterbacks, wide receivers and offensive tackles like the target buyers out there to purchase viral “Stanley” mugs, but the Colts are the buyers minding their own business by purchasing toilet paper and other essentials. Alabama’s Terrion Arnold, Toledo’s Quinyon Mitchell and Iowa’s Cooper DeJean should be the first off the board. Indianapolis should be able to get their hands on one of them.
The wild card is whether or not Georgia tight end Brock Bowers is available. If that were to happen, then general manager Chris Ballard would have a tough choice to make.
A few years ago Detroit had a grocery list and they started crossing them off as they were addressed.
StrategistTo come backWide receiverTight endOffensive tackleLinebacker
They continued to work on building a complete team this offseason by signing defensive tackle DJ Reader and edge rusher Marcus Davenport. They traded for veteran cornerback Carlton Davis, but were blindsided by an off-field incident involving Cam Sutton. A position that had been crossed off the list is now back. Cornerback is one of the biggest needs on a roster that aims to compete for a Super Bowl.
The 2024 NFL Draft will take place April 25-27 in Detroit. More coverage of the draft can be found at CBSSports.com, including the weekly updated draft ordinancemock drafts and one available regularly look at eligible prospects.