Wed Apr 17 1:47pm ET
Field Level Media
Knowing the difference between wants and needs can be a life skill. We're about to find out where 32 NFL general managers rate in this category.
The 2024 NFL Draft kicks off April 25 and there are schools of thought in every front office as to whether the best player available -- generally defended as the primary default setting for the draft -- or best fit for a specific, existing need makes more sense.
In reality, a confluence of the two is the sweet spot every franchise targets.
Take the Chicago Bears.
Unless you are driving the Tyson Bagent bandwagon, quarterback stands as the No. 1 need for general manager Ryan Poles. He essentially made the same admission with the delayed consummation of a trade of 2021 first-rounder Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
And even if Poles agrees with Field Level Media consensus rankings that Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. is the best player available in the 2024 draft class, it would be a stone-cold stunner if the Bears went receiver over USC quarterback Caleb Williams.
Chicago has the No. 9 pick to invest on another need -- or BPA -- or Poles could opt to trade down and gather more draft capital. The Bears have only four total draft picks thanks to trades for defensive end Montez Sweat and wide receiver Chase Claypool.
Here are the top needs for all 32 teams listed in the current 2024 draft order.
Chicago Bears
QB, Edge, OT, WR, DT
Set to select the first overall pick for the third time in franchise history, the Bears are still looking for stability at quarterback in what will be their 30th starter since 2000.
Washington Commanders
QB, OT, Edge
Another reset in Washington this offseason brings the search for a new QB to help the franchise reach its first Super Bowl in 32 years.
New England Patriots
QB, WR, CB, OT, DT
Owner Robert Kraft remains blunt about big changes to the offense - starting with a clean slate at quarterback.
Arizona Cardinals
WR, OL, CB, DL, RB
One pick away from the No. 3 slot where they selected Larry Fitzgerald in 2004.
Los Angeles Chargers
CB, RB, OT, WR, DT
Shoring up the defense and pass protection are peak priorities under new coach Jim Harbaugh.
New York Giants
CB, RB, WR, QB, S
With or without Daniel Jones, the Giants have work to do at a number of positions.
Tennessee Titans
Edge, OT, DT, WR, TE
Likely in position to select the best defensive player in the draft or a top-ranked playmaker, but need is great on offensive line, too.
Atlanta Falcons
CB, Edge, DT, OL, S
New coach Raheem Morris covets pass rush and takeaways.
New York Jets
OL, TE, WR, S, CB, QB
Aaron Rodgers returns from Achilles surgery as a pocket passer only preserved by pristine protection from the offensive line.
Minnesota Vikings
QB, OL, Edge, DT-NT, WR
Kirk Cousins hit the exit for Atlanta in free agency and Minnesota armed up with a second first-round pick to help fill the void.
Denver Broncos
QB, WR, CB, DT, Edge
No longer tethered to Russell Wilson -- only by his record dead cap hit -- it's likely a transition season for the Broncos.
Las Vegas Raiders
QB, CB, WR, OT, OL
Head coach Antonio Pierce plans to construct a winner in the trenches.
New Orleans Saints
OT, WR, QB, CB, DT
Multiple offensive linemen could be added by the Saints due to injuries and ineffective play last season.
Indianapolis Colts
WR, CB, S, RB, TE
Michael Pittman stayed but offensive firepower must improve for second-year QB Anthony Richardson to reach his potential.
Seattle Seahawks
OL, TE, LB, Edge, DL
No longer Pete Carroll's operation, the Seahawks still have vacancies at key front seven positions and the interior offensive line.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Edge, DT, CB, OT, WR
Josh Allen cashed in after his 17.5-sack season and would thrive with a better supporting cast.
Cincinnati Bengals
DT, OT, TE, WR, CB
An active interior pass rusher might lift the Bengals to the top tier of contenders.
Los Angeles Rams
DT, CB, OT, CB, QB
Aaron Donald's retirement is cause for concern as the Rams make a first-round pick for the first time since 2016 (Jared Goff).
Pittsburgh Steelers
OT, WR, CB, DT, S
Pittsburgh invested its top pick on offense in every draft since 2019.
Miami Dolphins
OL, DT, TE, Edge, LB
Sneaky solid free agency haul left a few remaining voids, including right guard, and left tackle Terron Armstead's durability is a lingering worry.
Philadelphia Eagles
S, CB, TE, OT, Edge
Welcomed back C.J. Gardner-Johnson in free agency but free safety and pass rushers are key concerns.
Dallas Cowboys
OT, LB, WR, RB, DT
No longer is Tyron Smith old reliable at left tackle. Even if Tyler Smith slides outside, offensive line additions are priority.
Green Bay Packers
OT, DT, CB, S, LB
With the future in Jordan Love's hands, the Packers address front five.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Edge, CB, S, LB, OL
GM Jason Licht back to the well: Bucs drafted defensive linemen in first round in 2018, 2021, 2023.
Buffalo Bills
WR, DT, Edge, RB, CB
Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis are gone, leaving Buffalo with a largely new cast outside.
Detroit Lions
CB, S, Edge, OL, WR
Free agent addition Carlton Davis proclaimed himself the No. 1 corner in Detroit. Still, Lions GM admits team covets cornerbacks.
Baltimore Ravens
OL, WR, Edge, S, DL
Figuring out the left side of the line and a long-term plan at tackle would be wise given investment in Lamar Jackson.
San Francisco 49ers
OL, WR, LB, CB, TE
Defensive line remains a default play for GM John Lynch but the O-line is overdue some attention.
Kansas City Chiefs
OT, CB, RB, WR, TE
More playmakers won't hurt Patrick Mahomes, as long as the Chiefs stabilize blocking, too. Leading receiver Rashee Rice's arrest adds uncertainty despite KC signing WR Hollywood Brown.
Carolina Panthers
WR, CB, Edge, DT, TE
Heavily invested in improving offensive line. Time to find a big-play receiver for Bryce Young.
Houston Texans
CB, LB, OL, DL, TE
Pair of 2023 first-rounders worked out quite nicely (CJ Stroud, Will Anderson Jr.). Shopping to fill niche roles shows just how far the roster has come since 2022.
Cleveland Browns
QB, RB, LB, DT, WR
Deshaun Watson played 12 games in two seasons and is coming off of shoulder surgery, while RB Nick Chubb's status will be up in the air until he proves recovered from knee reconstruction.
Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane has impressed fans after showing up to voluntary offseason workouts this month looking to be in excellent shape physically. Already one of the most impressive offensive rookies in 2023 with the most yards per rush (7.8) with a minimum of 100 attempts, his fantasy stock is soaring heading into his sophomore campaign this fall. Achane stands at only 5-foot-9, 188 pounds, but he packs a punch and is one of the fastest players overall in the NFL already. The only knocks on the 22-year-old are that he missed six games with injury, and that Raheem Mostert, who scored 21 total touchdowns in 2023, is still around. Achane had 103 carries for 800 yards and eight touchdowns in 11 regular-season games (four starts). Even with Mostert around, Achane, when healthy, has some of the most upside of any RB in the league.
From RotoBaller
The New York Giants visited with Oregon quarterback Bo Nix and South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler this week, according to sources. The Giants continue to do their due diligence on the QB position ahead of this month's NFL draft at all levels of the draft. Nix is a potential first-round pick, but he's not expected to go as early as New York's sixth overall pick. Rattler is seen as a mid-round selection. The G-Men have six picks in this year's draft with one in every round other than the seventh. They continue to say that Daniel Jones (knee), who is coming off a torn ACL, is their starter when healthy, but they are wisely planning to have better depth behind him in 2024 and beyond if he gets hurt again or disappoints this fall.
From RotoBaller
Georgia tight end Brock Bowers is visiting with the Los Angeles Chargers on Wednesday. Bowers also has visited with the Chicago Bears and New York Jets this week, so he's making the rounds with interested club's with the NFL draft coming late next week. Even after missing his pro-day workout with a minor hamstring injury, the 21-year-old is projected to be a top-15 pick in this first round next week after dominating as a pass-catching tight end in college with the Bulldogs. Bowers had 2,538 receiving yards and 31 total touchdowns in three seasons, even after missing a big chunk of 2023 due to an ankle injury. It's probably unlikely the Bolts would take Bowers fifth overall, but if he did end up in LA, we could easily see him being fantasy relevant in Year 1 after the team lost pass-catchers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams in the offseason.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Cowboys have signed free agent running back Royce Freeman. Dynasty Analysis: The well-traveled Freeman joins Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn, Malik Davis and Snoop Conner in a makeshift backfield for the Cowboys at the moment. While the signing is a little intriguing on paper since Freeman has proven to be capable before, it seems highly likely Dallas takes a running back in the upcoming NFL Draft. At this point, he simply needs to be added to dynasty watch lists in case the Cowboys really do punt on the position and employ some kind of committee with this group,
The Dallas Cowboys signed free-agent running back Royce Freeman to an undisclosed one-year deal on Tuesday, according to a source. The former third-round pick of the Denver Broncos in 2018 out of Oregon spent last year with the Los Angeles Rams and had 77 carries for 319 yards and two rushing touchdowns in 14 regular-season games (zero starts) while adding a 13-yard catch on two targets. Even with Tony Pollard departing via Tennessee in free agency this offseason, it might be tough for Freeman to make a huge impact in Dallas' backfield in 2024 alongside the likes of Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn and Malik Davis. The Cowboys could also add more competition at the position via the upcoming draft. At best, Freeman could be a touchdown-dependent RB3/flex option in fantasy in 2024.
From RotoBaller
While Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (knee) has been working hard in the weight room, there's no timetable yet for his return in 2024. "I don't know that we'll go past today and this week at least that's the way I'm looking at it," head coach Kevin Stefanski said. "I can promise you he's working very hard early in the morning. He's here, he's attacking his rehab. That's the best way I can put it. When he's ready, he'll be ready." The 28-year-old suffered a gruesome season-ending knee injury in Week 2 of last year. While he'll be sticking around with the team in 2024, it's unclear if he'll be ready by training camp this summer or if the Browns will be forced to ease him into the fold in the opening portion of the 2024 campaign. Because of the uncertainty around how Chubb will bounce back, it will make him an extremely risky RB1 in fantasy.
From RotoBaller
The San Francisco 49ers signed free-agent wide receiver Trent Taylor to an undisclosed one-year deal on Tuesday. It will be a reunion between the two sides after the Niners selected Taylor in the fifth round (177th overall) in 2017 out of Louisiana Tech. The 29-year-old pass-catcher spent the first three years of his NFL career in the Bay Area before two years with the Cincinnati Bengals. He went catchless on two targets in 17 games (zero starts) for the Chicago Bears in 2023. Taylor is most likely to pitch in on special teams for the 49ers after Ray-Ray McCloud left in free agency this offseason. In his six NFL seasons, Taylor has 87 receptions on 137 targets for 834 yards and three touchdowns, with most of the production coming in his first two seasons with the 49ers.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence missed just one game last season, but he dealt with multiple injuries to his lower and upper body that could have affected his play in 2023. In a media availability on Tuesday, the former No. 1 overall pick said he did not feel 100% healthy until March. "When March hit, I felt really good, like lifting and doing everything like totally normal," Lawrence said. "But until March, I'd say that's when I started to feel like 100%, do stuff that I normally do." The 24-year-old threw for 4,016 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions, and the Jaguars lost a Week 18 game against the struggling Tennessee Titans that would have sent them to the playoffs. Ultimately, it was a disappointing season for Lawrence and the Jaguars alike, but a healthy Lawrence could yield better results in 2024. The team has uncertainty at the wide receiver position after the departure of Calvin Ridley, but they are likely to add weapons in the upcoming NFL Draft. Lawrence figures to have a low-end QB1 upside, though he's likely to produce mid-range QB2 numbers in fantasy football.
From RotoBaller
Veteran wide receiver Rashard Higgins and linebacker Christian Kirksey are signing one-day contracts with the Cleveland Browns to retire with the organization, the team announced on Tuesday. Higgins was selected by Cleveland in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft and racked up 137 receptions for 1,890 yards and 12 touchdowns in 82 games from 2016 to 2021. He spent the 2022 season with the Carolina Panthers but did not log a snap. Kirkey was a 2014 third-round pick by the Browns and played for the team until 2019 before brief stints with the Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans, and Buffalo Bills. Overall, he secured 779 tackles, 16.5 sacks, seven interceptions, and 34 passes defended in 114 career games.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said he is "not sure" when running back Nyheim Hines (knee) will practice with the team for the first time. The 27-year-old is rehabbing from a torn ACL that he suffered off the field last offseason as a member of the Buffalo Bills. Despite that, the Browns signed him to a one-year, $1.15 million deal after free agency began. Since being traded to the Bills in the middle of the 2022 campaign, Hines has rushed for negative three yards and caught five passes for 53 yards and a touchdown. Meanwhile, Cleveland has Nick Chubb (knee), D'Onta Foreman, and Jerome Ford on the roster. That said, it'd be surprising if Hines has a role in the offense this season, but he could be a factor in the kick return game if he can work his way back from the unfortunate injury.
From RotoBaller
The Atlanta Falcons secured quarterback Kirk Cousins this offseason on a four-year, $180 million deal, setting them up to have above-average quarterback play for the first time since Matt Ryan parted ways with the organization. However, the team is not done adding to the quarterback room. "We're definitely gonna add a quarterback," Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot said. "We're not going to into the season with two arms." The team has Cousins and Taylor Heinicke on the roster, but most teams carry between three and five quarterbacks in the offseason. It's unlikely that Atlanta will consider a first-round quarterback in this year's class, but they could begin to take fliers on signal-callers as soon as Round 2 begins. Cousins will turn 36 years old before the start of the 2024 season, so throwing a dart on players like Michael Penix Jr. or Bo Nix would make sense if they fall to the second round. On Day 3 of the draft, Spencer Rattler, Michael Pratt, and Joe Milton III are potential project options to consider. Although any quarterback Atlanta adds can be safely ignored in single-quarterback formats, they might be worth rostering in deep superflex and two-QB setups considering Cousins' age and the major Achilles injury he is coming off of.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Dolphins receiver Jaylen Waddle is having his fifth-year option exercised. Dynasty Analysis: Waddle has strung together three straight 1,000-yard seasons to start his career, so this is hardly a surprise. While his 72/1,014/4 year was a bit of a disappointment in 2023, Waddle has still shown a lot of ability and could be a player who excels later in his career when Tyreek Hill moves on. While not in the elite level of receivers, Waddle still makes for a solid WR2 target in dynasty leagues and this move ensures we'll have at least two more seasons of him in Miami.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (shoulder) told reporters on Tuesday that he is "throwing full speed" with no limitations on motion or velocity. The 28-year-old said he's making 40-yard and 60-yard throws while following his doctor's lead, and the plan is for him to participate in OTAs in late May or early June in some capacity. However, the former Pro Bowl quarterback and the organization are likely to be careful with him during that time and focus on getting him 100% ready for training camp. Watson was limited to just six games last year before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury, and he has only played in 12 total games over the last three years. Although it's been a long time since he has delivered strong fantasy numbers, his QB21 price tag in early FFPC drafts makes him worth taking a flier on for the 2024 campaign.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Cowboys receiver CeeDee Lamb is not attending the latest series of voluntary workouts. Dynasty Analysis: This really isn't much of a story as few expected Lamb to be around until he gets a contract extension. He's entering the last year of his deal and is inevitably going to be one of the league's highest paid players after a 135/1,749/12 season. Lamb is quickly putting some heat on players like Ja'Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson to be the overall WR1. Dynasty managers shouldn't be concerned until the season draws closer.
Dynasty | The Eagles and wide receiver DeVonta Smith have agreed to a $75 million contract extension. Dynasty Analysis: Smith is now under team control through the 2028 season and Smth gets $51 million in guaranteed money as part of the deal. It's a hefty price to pay for a WR2 but Smith is clearly one of the best receivers in the game and is coming off back-to-back seasons featuring more than 1,000 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in each year. While AJ Brown gets a lot of the attention, Smith could hold more true value as our WR13.
Dynasty | Las Vegas wide receiver Davante Adams has recently indicated he wants to stay with the Raiders. Dynasty Analysis: Adams is coming off a decent 103-1,144-8 season but also one that saw his production come in peaks and valleys. As the article indicates, Adams is basically saying he'd already be gone if he wanted to be. The Jets have reportedly made some overtures but those were quickly extinguished. At this point, it would be a surprise to see Adams anywhere other than Vegas next season. However, finding a decent quarterback to keep his stats where they should be is another challenge altogether. Adams has dropped to our WR26 but is still a solid trade target for a contending team.
Dynasty | Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson is not attending voluntary workouts. Dynasty Analysis: Jefferson is entering the final year of his rookie contract and is in line to possibly be the highest paid receiver of all-time. Minnesota has Jordan Addison as well but Jefferson is clearly one of the biggest difference makers in the league so it would be shocking to see him hit free agency. Regardless, Jefferson is playing it safe here and dynasty managers don't need to be too concerned at this point in the off-season. He remains our WR1 at this point in time.
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said that former rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit will be started off as a running back in his transition to the NFL game in 2024. Reid said it's "not an easy transition, but he seems to be wired" for the professional game due to his experience in rugby. Rees-Zammit is getting acclimated to the team by working with quarterback Patrick Mahomes and company in Texas during in-person work. "We'll start him off at the running back position, get him to feel comfortable with that going forward here," Reid said. The head coach also said Rees-Zammit will get looks from special teams coordinator Dave Toub in the return game once the team gets into offseason work. The signing of the rugby star was interesting this offseason, but Rees-Zammit will be a long shot to become fantasy relevant in 2024.
From RotoBaller
NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe threw cold water on the idea that the Miami Dolphins could take a quarterback in Round 1 of the upcoming NFL draft. Instead, Wolfe thinks the team will go after either an offensive or defensive lineman at pick No. 21 overall. Wolfe said he'd "be shocked" if the Dolphins took a signal-caller in the first or second round this year. In addition to their offensive and defensive-line needs, the Dolphins could also use help at tight end. Don't forget that the Dolphins have only two picks in the top 150 this year, so spending a luxury pick on a QB seems like a reach if they plan on eventually extending Tagovailoa for the long term. Although nothing is official with an extension for Tagovailoa yet, all signs point to him staying in Miami long-term, so it would make sense for the Dolphins to hone in on more protection for him early in this year's draft.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins general manager Chris Grier told reporters on Tuesday that the team plans to pick up the fifth-year options for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and pass-rusher Jaelan Phillips prior to the deadline. These moves don't come as much of a surprise, especially for Waddle, after he put up his third straight 1,000-yard season in 2023 to begin his NFL career. The 25-year-old is the first pass-catcher to do that in franchise history, and it's even more impressive doing it alongside All-Pro wideout Tyreek Hill the last two years. Hill's presence limits Waddle's overall fantasy upside, but he's proven these last two seasons that there's still plenty to go around for Waddle in Miami's high-octane offense. Waddle will now be guaranteed to stick in Miami for the next two seasons.
From RotoBaller