Bears general manager Ryan Poles Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images
Every Team’s Updated 2024 NFL Draft Needs, Top Targets After 1st Wave of Free Agency
The first week of 2024 NFL free agency has come and gone, and it certainly hasn’t lacked excitement. We’ve seen big names such as Saquon Barkley, Kirk Cousins, Calvin Ridley and Danielle Hunter sign with new teams, and we’ve seen a few surprising trades along the way.
There’s still plenty of free-agency and trade action to come, but with the first wave complete, much of each team’s focus will now turn toward the draft.
We’re here to do the same.
We spent all season chronicling each team’s biggest weaknesses on a weekly basis. This offseason, B/R’s Alex Ballentine (AFC) and Kris Knox (NFC) will provide updated analysis for all of the ways each team can improve ahead of the 2024 campaign.
This week, we’ll recap some of the biggest moves of the offseason thus far. We’ll examine each team’s top remaining assets, needs and potential draft targets while diving into how recent moves may impact draft strategy.
Arizona Cardinals
Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort Stacy Revere/Getty Images
Notable Signings: DL Justin Jones, LB Mack Wilson, OT Jonah Williams
The Arizona Cardinals put a lot of emphasis on their defense in early free agency, which shouldn’t be a surprise. Head coach Jonathan Gannon has a defensive background, and the defense was a frequent liability in 2023.
Additions like defensive lineman Justin Jones and linebacker Mack Wilson should improve a run defense that ranked dead-last this past season. Cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting will aid a secondary that ranked 30th in net yards per pass attempt allowed, though there’s still room for improvement.
Adding offensive tackle Jonah Williams should give Arizona the chance to try moving 2023 first-round pick Paris Johnson Jr. over to the left side.
Updated Team Needs: WR, DL, CB
Updated Salary-Cap Space: $30.6 Million
2024 NFL Draft Picks (Overall No. per Tankathon)
Round 1: No. 4
Round 1: No. 27 (via HOU)
Round 2: No. 35
Round 3: No. 66
Round 3: No. 71 (via TEN)
Round 3: No. 90 (via HOU)
Round 4: No. 104
Round 5: No. 138
Round 5: No. 162 (via HOU)
Round 6: No. 186 (via MIN)
Round 7: No. 226 (via NYG)
Day 1 Draft Target: WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
Adding Johnson should help protect quarterback Kyler Murray, but the Cardinals still need to support their signal-caller with more reliable pass-catchers. Should Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. fall to Arizona at No. 4, it would be a dream.
“Harrison would be an instant No. 1 WR for most offenses,” Derrik Klassen of Bleacher Report Scouting Department wrote.
Arizona needs a true No. 1 receiver, and Harrison is an elite prospect with the potential to be a top target from the moment he takes an NFL field.
Day 2 Draft Target: CB T.J. Tampa, Iowa State
Adding Murphy-Bunting will help Arizona’s much-maligned secondary, but he’s not a true No. 1 corner. The Cardinals might not be able to find one in the second round, but they would be wise to target a top CB prospect early in the draft.
This year’s cornerback class has talent at the top, but it lacks overall depth, which is a theme for the 2024 class in general. Iowa State’s T.J. Tampa would be a logical Day 2 target because his physical style of play and ball skills (19 pass breakups over the last three seasons) would mesh perfectly with Gannon’s defense.
Day 3 Draft Target: DL Keith Randolph Jr., Illinois
Adding Jones to the defensive front is a good start for the Cardinals, but they must continue building their front seven. The NFC West is talented, and the San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks all love to run the ball.
Fortunately, run-defending linemen can often be found later in the draft. Illinois’ Keith Randolph Jr. is just such a player. Though he’d offer little to the pass rush, his play strength and 6’3″, 296-pound frame could allow him to clog rushing lanes and give Arizona a chance to contain opposing backs like Kyren Williams, Kenneth Walker III and Christian McCaffrey.
Atlanta Falcons
New Falcons QB Kirk Cousins Stephen Maturen/Getty Images
Notable Signings: QB Kirk Cousins, WR Darnell Mooney, WR Rondale Moore
The Atlanta Falcons addressed their biggest need by signing quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract. He is coming off a torn Achilles, but if he returns to pre-injury form, Atlanta should be a major factor in the NFC South over the next few years.
The Falcons also did a nice job of upgrading Cousins’ supporting cast by signing Darnell Mooney and swapping quarterback Desmond Ridder for receiver Rondale Moore.
With Drake London and Kyle Pitts already in the fold, the Falcons should now have a fairly complete receiving corps.
Updated Team Needs: Edge, CB, OT
Updated Salary-Cap Space: $4.4 Million
2024 NFL Draft Picks (Overall No. per Tankathon)
Round 1: No. 8
Round 2: No. 43
Round 3: No. 74
Round 3: No. 79 (via JAC)
Round 4: No. 109
Round 5: No. 143
Round 6: No. 187
Round 6: No. 197 (via CLE)
Day 1 Draft Target: Edge Jared Verse, Florida State
No one should completely rule out Atlanta targeting an elite receiver in Round 1 because the draft class is that good. From a needs standpoint, though, targeting a top edge-rusher might be more logical.
Atlanta beefed up its front by adding Bilal Nichols and Justin Jones, but Calais Campbell and Bud Dupree remain unsigned.
Florida State’s Jared Verse is the Bleacher Report Scouting Department’s top-rated edge-rusher, top defensive player at any position and its ninth overall draft prospect. He’s coming off back-to-back nine-sack seasons and has all the tools to continue being productive at the pro level.
The Falcons have their most important offensive piece in Cousins. Now it’s time to add his defensive counterpart, a dominant sack artist.
Day 2 Draft Target: CB Kamari Lassiter, Georgia
Atlanta’s defense was fairly solid on the back end last season, but the search for a reliable corner opposite A.J. Terrell continues. The Falcons might not find a Day 1 starter on Day 2 of the draft, but they can take multiple swings at the position thanks to an extra third-round pick from the Calvin Ridley trade.
Georgia’s Kamari Lassiter is a quick and versatile prospect, albeit a bit slight at 6’0″ and 180 pounds. Size and play strength could be concerns early in his career, but he’s a willing tackler and has solid instincts in coverage and run support.
Day 3 Draft Target: OT Javon Foster, Missouri
For now, the Falcons should be fairly set at offensive tackle, as Jake Matthews and Kaleb McGary man the left and right sides, respectively. Atlanta also re-signed Storm Norton, who filled in when McGary suffered an MCL sprain.
However, Atlanta should be on the hunt for more tackle depth, and a developmental prospect like Missouri’s Jevon Foster would be ideal. He will need time to develop, but his 6’5″, 309-pound frame provides a strong starting point.
McGary will turn 30 and Matthews will turn 33 before the 2025 offseason. Planning ahead would be wise, especially with an aging Cousins under center.
Baltimore Ravens
Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta Justin Casterline/Getty Images
Notable Signings: RB Derrick Henry,
The Ravens’ 2024 free agency has been characterized by how many players have walked than who they’ve brought in during the first wave. Patrick Queen, Ronald Darby and Geno Stone were all important cogs on the defense who will be playing elsewhere in 2024.
One area they probably upgraded was at running back. Gus Edwards agreed to terms with the Los Angeles Chargers and the Ravens replaced him with Derrick Henry.
The 30-year-old has racked up a lot of miles but still went for over 1,100 rushing yards behind a bad Titans offensive line last year.
Updated Team Needs: WR, CB, OT
Updated Salary-Cap Space: $14.4 million
2024 NFL Draft Picks (Overall No. per Tankathon):
Round 1: No. 30
Round 2: No. 62
Round 3: No. 93
Round 4: No. 113 (via DEN), No. 130
Round 5: No. 165
Round 6: No. 218 (via NYJ)
Round 7: No. 228 (via NYJ), No. 250
Day 1 Draft Target: WR Keon Coleman, Florida State
Odell Beckham Jr. remains unsigned, but even if the Ravens wind up bringing him back, they need to make further investment in their receiver room. Lamar Jackson proved he can cook in Todd Monken’s offense. Now the Ravens need to continue surrounding him with weapons. Zay Flowers proved to be an electric option with great YAC ability.
They could pair him with a true ball-winner in Keon Coleman. The 6’3″, 213-pound receiver might have put off some teams with his 4.84 40-yard dash time, but he showed good explosiveness in the jumps. The Ravens already have a burner in Flowers. Coleman would be a fitting complement.
Day 2 Draft Target: OT Patrick Paul, Houston
The Ravens’ decision to trade Morgan Moses to the New York Jets accelerates the timeline to find a starting right tackle. The 33-year-old provided them with a solid season in 2023, but they had the opportunity to sell high and improve their draft capital. That’s going to create a need to find a starter in the draft, though.
Patrick Paul would make a lot of sense. He had 44 collegiate starts at left tackle and Brandon Thorn noted a lot of room for technical improvement in his scouting report. That might make for a bumpy ride in his first year of starting, but the Ravens are a good place to be for a young offensive lineman. With Jackson’s athleticism and the Ravens’ ability to run the ball, they’ll give Paul a long runway.
Day 3 Draft Target: CB Josh Newton, TCU
The Ravens would do well to target a developmental defensive back prospect at some point on Day 3. With Ronald Darby leaving in free agency, they have even less depth than they played with last season. A more immediate starter is also a need, but that’s not realistic on Day 3.
TCU’s Josh Newton fell down board throughout the 2023 campaign, but he was a key member of the 2022 Horned Frogs that went to the National Championship Game. B/R scout Cory Giddings noted that he is a, “very good press man player. Patient at the line of scrimmage with quick feet and the ability to stay square.”
That skill could be a foundation for the Baltimore coaching staff to build on.
Buffalo Bills
Bill EDGE Von Miller Ryan Kang/Getty Images
Notable Signings: WR Curtis Samuel, QB Mitch Trubisky, LB Nicholas Morrow
The Bills had to do a lot of work just to get compliant ahead of the league year. Their offseason has been characterized more by who they’ve lost than who they were able to bring in.
They released Mitch Morse, Jordan Poyer, Tre’Davious White and Nyheim Hines to clear up cap space after they traded away Ryan Bates.
However, they created enough space to make a few signings that should help lessen the blow. Curtis Samuel will help replace some of the production lost when Gabe Davis signed with the Jaguars, and Nicholas Morrow could take over for Tyrel Dodson who bolted in free agency.
Updated Team Needs: WR, CB, S
Updated Salary-Cap Space: $14.9 million
2024 NFL Draft Picks (Overall No. per Tankathon):
Round 1: No. 28
Round 2: No. 60
Round 3: None
Round 4: No. 128, No. 134 (compensatory)
Round 5: No. 144 (via CHI), No. 160 (via GB), No. 163
Round 6: No. 189 (via DEN), No. 200 (via DAL), No. 204
Round 7: No. 248
Day 1 Draft Target: CB T.J. Tampa, Iowa State
Ideally, the Bills will come away from this draft with a long-term replacement for Gabe Davis and a cornerback who can aid in replacing Tre’Davious White.
With Buffalo feeling the strain of its cap situation, great drafting is the best way to continue building a contender around Josh Allen.
T.J. Tampa is a borderline Day 1 prospect who could help with that. At 6’2″, 200 pounds he has ideal size and B/R scout Cory Giddings praised him for his physicality. In short, he has the raw material for the Bills to mold him into an asset.
Day 2 Draft Target: WR Xavier Legette, South Carolina
Xavier Legette has a lot of flaws, but he also has a lot of things going for him that make him an enticing prospect. At 6’1″, 223 pounds, he has a pro-ready frame to go with good ball skills. He also is a powerful runner as his frame would suggest.
However, B/R scout Derrik Klassen also noted the receiver struggles with the finer points of playing the position.
“He is not skilled at battling at the line of scrimmage, nor is he a developed route-runner who can mix up his approach to keep defensive backs guessing,” he wrote. “He plays with a fairly straightforward approach.”
He could be a deep ball specialist early in his tenure while he develops into something more.
Day 3 Draft Target: Edge Austin Booker, Kansas
The Bills reworked Von Miller’s contract and re-signed Leonard Floyd to keep them around, but they also lost Leonard Floyd while Shaq Lawson remains unsigned. They should be looking to take a swing on a developmental pass-rusher who can take some reps throughout the season.
Austin Booker is an interesting fit. He’s raw, but he has the length at 6’4″, 240 pounds to develop a solid repertoire of pass-rush moves.
Carolina Panthers
Panthers general manager Dan Morgan David Jensen/Getty Images
Notable Signings: G Robert Hunt, G Damien Lewis, WR Diontae Johnson (trade)
The Carolina Panthers and new head coach Dave Canales have put some effort into trying to support second-year quarterback Bryce Young this offseason.
Adding guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis should have a positive impact on an offensive line that allowed 65 sacks in 2023. The trade for Diontae Johnson gives Young a receiver who knows how to get open downfield, but it did cost Carolina cornerback Donte Jackson.
Carolina could still use a running back to pair with Chuba Hubbard and a quality receiving tight end, but Young should be thrilled with the work that has already been done.
Updated Team Needs: WR, TE, Edge
Updated Salary-Cap Space: $19.2 million
2024 NFL Draft Picks (Overall No. per Tankathon)
Round 2: No. 33
Round 2: No. 39 (via NYG)
Round 3: No. 65
Round 4: No. 101
Round 5: No. 141 (via NYG)
Round 5: No. 142 (via TEN)
Round 7: No. 240 (via PIT)
Day 1 Draft Target: N/A
The Panthers don’t have a first-round selection due to last year’s trade to acquire Young. Unfortunately, they weren’t able to add one in the deal that sent pass-rusher Brian Burns to the New York Giants.
Carolina got second- and fifth-round picks out of the trade, which is quite underwhelming considering it was reportedly offered a pair of first-round picks for Burns in 2022.
The good news is that New York’s selections could give the Panthers a shot at trading into the first round, should they find a prospect they love falling toward the back end on Day 1.
Day 2 Draft Target: WR Jalen McMillan, Washington
Even with Johnson in the fold, Carolina should be eyeing wide receivers in this draft class. It’s a supremely talented and deep group, and last year’s top target, Adam Thielen, will turn 34 in August.
Washington’s Jalen McMillan would be a good get at the top of Round 2. He has a nice combination of size (6’1″, 197 lbs) and seed (4.47) plus the skills and savvy needed to make an early impact.
“His well-rounded athletic profile, route-running chops and reliable hands will allow him to be productive from day one, both from the slot and outside,” Derrik Klassen of the B/R Scouting Department wrote.
Day 3 Draft Target: Edge Adisa Isaac, Penn State
With Burns out, Carolina needs to find new ways to generate a pass rush. It would be logical to target an edge-defender with the Panthers’ other second-round pick, but the team should be willing to throw multiple darts at the position.
Penn State’s Adisa Isaac is an interesting prospect who might still be available on Day 3. The 6’4″, 250-pound defender has a good blend of size, strength and physical upside. He may need some polish to develop into a starter, but he could likely contribute early as a situational defender.
Isaac recorded 7.5 sacks and 16 tackles for loss in his final season at Penn State.
Chicago Bears
New Bears RB D’Andre Swift Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
Notable Signings: RB D”Andre Swift, TE Gerald Everett, WR Keenan Allen (trade)
It feels likely that the Chicago Bears will use the No. 1 overall pick on a new franchise quarterback. Unsurprisingly, general manager Ryan Poles has put a lot of effort into stocking the cupboard for said signal-caller.
Chicago has added some defensive talent, like safeties Kevin Byard and Jonathan Owens. A lot of the focus, though, has been on offense.
Trading for Keenan Allen and signing Gerald Everett will give the Bears two experienced and productive targets to complement D.J. Moore and Cole Kmet. Running back D’Andre Swift will pair with Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson to give Chicago a potentially elite backfield.
Now, it’s time to find a quarterback.
Updated Team Needs: QB, WR, Edge
Updated Salary-Cap Space: $31.8 million
2024 NFL Draft Picks (Overall No. per Tankathon)
Round 1: No. 1 (via CAR)
Round 1: No. 9
Round 3: No. 75
Round 4: No. 122 (via PHI)
Day 1 Draft Target: QB Caleb Williams, USC
All signs point to the Bears favoring USC’s Caleb Williams with the No. 1 pick, according to according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, but Chicago is still in the evaluation process.
A quarterback will almost certainly be the pick, though, as Chicago traded Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday.
Williams would be a sensible choice at No. 1, as he’s widely considered to be an elite prospect.
“Williams is a fascinating prospect,” Klassen wrote. “The arm talent oozes off the film, and he is a special playmaker when things break down. Williams is also more put together as a processor than his playing style suggests, even if he still needs work.”
If Williams isn’t the No. 1 pick, LSU’s Jayden Daniels or North Carolina’s Drake Maye probably will be.
Day 2 Draft Target: WR Johnny Wilson, Florida State
While Allen and Moore give Chicago a tremendous tandem at receiver, it would behoove the Bears to continue adding to the position. Allen is entering the final year of his contract and will turn 32 just before the draft.
Chicago may well use its second first-round pick on a pass-catcher, but there’s depth to be found in this year’s class. Florida State’s Johnny Wilson, for example, is an imposing prospect who could contribute early and might be available in Round 3.
At 6’6″ and 237 pounds, he could quickly become a possession receiver and physical mismatch for the Bears. Though he doesn’t possess elite straight-line speed (4.52), he moves well for a receiver his size.
Day 3 Draft Target: Edge Gabriel Murphy, UCLA
The Bears got their top-tier edge-rusher when they traded for Montez Sweat at least year’s trade deadline. They need to bolster the rotation opposite him, and while there’s still plenty of time to do so in free agency, taking a Day 3 flier on a prospect like UCLA’s Gabriel Murphy would make sense.
Murphy is a 6’2″, 249-pound prospect with impressive quickness, agility and athleticism. He doesn’t possess the size or play strength to consistently line up as an edge-setter, and his technique could use some refinement. However, he knows how to slip past blockers and could contribute early as a pass-down specialist.
Cincinnati Bengals
Bengals WR Tee Higgins Joe Sargent/Getty Images
Notable Signings: S Geno Stone, RB Zack Moss, TE Mike Gesicki
The Bengals have remained relatively busy in free agency.
Geno Stone might be the most significant player they added. They have a young secondary and bringing on a veteran safety was a good need to fill. They stole him from a division rival in the Ravens, and he’s coming off a career year with seven interceptions and nine passes defended.
Signing Zack Moss and subsequently trading Joe Mixon is a good move at running back. Mixon was efficient but had lost th
