One defensive position each team should address in the 2024 NFL Draft
Most of them will wait until after the first round to tackle this need.
Last week, I highlighted one offensive position each team should address in this year’s draft, and I promised a defensive version would soon follow. Here it is, because I’m a woman of my word.
Before we get started, two quick notes. One, I did not necessarily pick out each team’s biggest need on defense (though I often did), but rather one that should be a priority at some point. And two, I consulted various positional rankings from the NFL world to zero in on which prospects a team might try to target. I’ll link to them in the footnote section1.
Now, unlike the upcoming first round of the draft, let’s get into defensive mode.
Arizona Cardinals
Need: CB
Pick to use on the position: No. 27
Possible draft targets: Cooper DeJean, Nate Wiggins, Kool-Aid McKinstry
After using their first first-round pick on a wide receiver, the Cardinals will likely try to bolster the defense with their second first-round pick. The unit, which ranked dead last in DVOA in 2023, needs a lot of help, and cornerback is a great place to start. The secondary allowed the second-worst passer rating (102.9) in the NFL last season and only added Sean Murphy-Bunting in free agency.
Atlanta Falcons
Need: Edge
Pick to use on the position: No. 8
Possible draft targets: Dallas Turner, Jared Verse, Laiatu Latu
It kinda seems like the Falcons need pass-rushing reinforcements every year, and it’s true again in 2024. The team leaders in sacks a year ago — vets Calais Campbell and Bud Dupree, with just 6.5 each — remain free agents. There’s a very good chance that Atlanta will have its choice of edge rushers at No. 8; every team above the Falcons in the draft order is projected to select an offensive player.
Baltimore Ravens
Need: CB
Pick to use on the position: No. 62 (second round)
Possible draft targets: Mike Sainristil, T.J. Tampa, Max Melton
GM Eric DeCosta has made it no secret that the Ravens will draft a cornerback and don’t plan on waiting until Day 3 to do so. They haven’t used a first-round pick on a corner since DeCosta took over, so I think they’ll hold off until the next round to bring in much-needed depth at the position.
Buffalo Bills
Need: S
Pick to use on the position: No. 60 (second round)
Possible draft targets: Tyler Nubin, Javon Bullard, Jaden Hicks
For the first time in seven years, Buffalo’s starting safeties won’t be Micah Hyde (free agent) and Jordan Poyer (released, then signed with Miami). This isn’t a strong safety class, so unless Cooper DeJean is still available late in the first round and the Bills switch his position, they’ll probably fill the hole on Day 2.
Carolina Panthers
Need: CB
Pick to use on the position: No. 33 or 39 (second round)
Possible draft targets: Nate Wiggins, Mike Sainristil, Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
The Panthers don’t have a first-round pick, but they do own two early second-rounders. I project that they’ll use one on a wide receiver and the other on the guy who will be trying to lock him down in practice. The depth at cornerback is a concern, particularly when you consider that Jaycee Horn has missed more games due to injury (29) than he’s played (22).
Chicago Bears
Need: Edge
Pick to use on the position: No. 75 (third round)
Possible draft targets: Bralen Trice, Adisa Isaac, Jonah Elliss
The Bears only have four total picks in this draft, and we already know what they’re doing with one of them. They’ll have to be extra judicious about which positions to target and when, but I’d be surprised if they didn’t make an effort to find a promising young edge rusher to pair with Montez Sweat. Maybe they can grab one in Round 3 — or maybe they’ll make a trade or two in order to acquire more draft capital.
Cincinnati Bengals
Need: DT
Pick to use on the position: No. 49 (second round)
Possible draft targets: Michael Hall Jr., Kris Jenkins, Maason Smith
As DC Lou Anarumo said earlier this offseason, the Bengals are going to have a tough time replacing D.J. Reader, who signed with the Lions in free agency. They’ll at least have to try, though, and luckily, there will be several worthy candidates available in Round 2.
Cleveland Browns
Need: DL
Pick to use on the position: No. 54 (second round)
Possible draft targets: Michael Hall Jr., Maason Smith, Marshawn Kneeland
Just like on offense, the Browns should focus on adding depth above all else. With only two picks through the first four rounds, that should make their strategy pretty simple: best player available. Preferably, however, one of those selections should be used anywhere on the defensive line, which could use younger blood.
Dallas Cowboys
Need: LB
Pick to use on the position: No. 87 (third round)
Possible draft targets: Payton Wilson, Cedric Gray, Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
Even though the Cowboys swooped in to steal Eric Kendricks from the 49ers — one of their few free agent moves — they should still look for another linebacker in the draft. Last season, that position was a mess for them. The first round, and perhaps the second as well, is too high for a linebacker this year, but if they don’t take one in the third round, they’d have to settle for a developmental guy later on Day 3.
Denver Broncos
Need: CB
Pick to use on the position: No. 76 (third round)
Possible draft targets: Andru Phillips, Kris Abrams-Draine, Khyree Jackson
Despite having Pro Bowler Pat Surtain II at one of the corner spots, the Broncos’ secondary was barely better than the Cardinals’ last season. The unit gave up a 98.0 passer rating to opposing QBs (third-worst in the league) and ranked 27th in EPA per dropback. Unfortunately, Denver doesn’t have a second-round pick, but it can come away with a solid prospect in Round 3.
Detroit Lions
Need: CB
Pick to use on the position: No. 29
Possible draft targets: Nate Wiggins, Kool-Aid McKinstry, Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
The Lions wisely made a couple moves at cornerback during free agency, but they’re hopefully not done yet. Youth and depth are important here. After all, this secondary allowed an average of 411 passing yards per game down the stretch.
Green Bay Packers
Need: S
Pick to use on the position: No. 88 or 91 (third round)
Possible draft targets: Calen Bullock, Cole Bishop, Kamren Kinchens
Like the Bills, the Packers are low on bodies at the safety position right now. They did make a splash in free agency with Xavier McKinney, but the other starting spot is a big question mark. Anthony Johnson Jr., a seventh-round pick from a year ago, is the current frontrunner.
Houston Texans
Need: CB
Pick to use on the position: No. 42 or 59 (second round)
Possible draft targets: Kamari Lassiter, Mike Sainristil, T.J. Tampa
I’m guessing the Texans will double up on defenders in the second round, using one of their picks on a defensive lineman and the other on a cornerback. Two former first-round picks will battle to start opposite Derek Stingley Jr., though they both signed one-year deals. In the draft, Houston can add another player to the competition, potentially one with a long-term future on the team.
Indianapolis Colts
Need: CB
Pick to use on the position: No. 15
Possible draft targets: Quinyon Mitchell, Terrion Arnold, Cooper DeJean
First the good: The Colts still have Kenny Moore II, who signed an extension with the team last month. Now the bad: The cornerback position after him is in iffy shape. If they try to fix that right away in the draft, then they can end up with one of the highest-rated CBs in this class.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Need: CB
Pick to use on the position: No. 17
Possible draft targets: Quinyon Mitchell, Terrion Arnold, Kool-Aid McKinstry
Hey look, another AFC South team in need of cornerback help. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Jaguars went with a wide receiver in the first round, but it depends on who is still on the board at that point. For now, I’m sticking with what most of the mock drafts say and have the Jags going with a CB.
Kansas City Chiefs
Need: DT
Pick to use on the position: No. 159 or 173 (fifth round)
Possible draft targets: Jordan Jefferson, Gabe Hall, Jaden Crumedy
The Chiefs aren’t in dire need of a defensive tackle — they inked Chris Jones to an extension this offseason and he remains an elite player. That said, he’ll be 30 this summer, and most of the other DTs on the roster are only under contract through this season. As such, KC can aim for a talented but raw prospect on Day 3.
Las Vegas Raiders
Need: CB
Pick to use on the position: No. 13
Possible draft targets: Quinyon Mitchell, Terrion Arnold
It’s very possible that the Raiders will decide to draft an offensive lineman with their first pick, but it’s also very possible they could have their choice of the top two cornerbacks in this draft class, either of whom could start immediately opposite Jack Jones. A majority of mock drafts right now are leaning toward the latter.
Los Angeles Chargers
Need: DT
Pick to use on the position: No. 37 (second round)
Possible draft targets: Kris Jenkins, Michael Hall Jr., Ruke Orhorhoro
The Chargers could use more bodies on the interior of their defensive line after they parted ways with Sebastian Joseph-Day late last season and let Austin Johnson walk in free agency. They should be able to secure a DT who can contribute right away on the second night of the draft.
Los Angeles Rams
Need: Edge
Pick to use on the position: No. 52 (second round)
Possible draft targets: Darius Robinson, Marshawn Kneeland, Adisa Isaac
The Rams’ major needs are on the defensive side of the ball, but Peter Schrager practically guaranteed that they will use their first-round pick — Sean McVay’s first! — on an offensive prospect, if they even stay put at No. 19. They lost the irreplaceable Aaron Donald to retirement, and though they also need an interior presence on their DL, it’s Donald’s pass-rushing prowess that they’ll miss most of all. That means finding an edge rusher early in the draft, just maybe not on Day 1.
Miami Dolphins
Need: DT
Pick to use on the position: No. 55 (second round)
Possible draft targets: Kris Jenkins, Michael Hall Jr., Braden Fiske
Christian Wilkins signed a big-money contract with the Raiders at the start of free agency and Raekwon Davis joined the Colts, both of which left the Dolphins with a giant-sized hole on their defensive line. They added several DTs on cheap, short-terms deals, but they don’t have the position shored up. Without a third- or fourth-round pick, the Dolphins will have to address the position in the early rounds — or make a trade into the middle rounds.
Minnesota Vikings
Need: CB
Pick to use on the position: No. 157 or 167 (fifth round)
Possible draft targets: Qwan’tez Stiggers, Josh Newton, Kamal Hadden
The Vikings have two first-round picks that they will probably package to jump into the top 10 for a quarterback. After that, they’re not on the clock until the fourth round. Cornerback might not be Minnesota’s most pressing need, but it’s one that DC Brian Flores is hoping the team will prioritize at some point. Luckily for him, there are some potential diamonds in the rough at the position on Day 3.
New England Patriots
Need: CB
Pick to use on the position: No. 103 (fourth round)
Possible draft targets: Khyree Jackson, Cam Hart, Decamerion Richardson
Unsurprisingly, the Patriots’ most glaring concerns are all on offense. Despite a slew of injuries on defense last season, the unit still finished in the top 10 (again) in defensive DVOA. So what they should be searching for in this draft is depth. Cornerback took a massive hit last year when injuries struck, which is why I singled out the position. Preferably, they’ll target a bigger CB.
New Orleans Saints
Need: Edge
Pick to use on the position: No. 150 or 168 or 170 or 175 (fifth round)
Possible draft targets: Mohamed Kamara, Javon Solomon, Brennan Jackson
I expect the Saints to have their eye on improving the offense in the early part of the draft. They currently don’t have any picks in Rounds 3 and 4, though that could change if they package any of their four fifth-rounders. For now, that’s a good spot to think about their long-term outlook at edge defender. Cameron Jordan will be 35 in July, and free agent acquisition Chase Young is only on a one-year deal.
New York Giants
Need: CB
Pick to use on the position: No. 47 (second round)
Possible draft targets: Mike Sainristil, Ennis Rakestraw Jr., T.J. Tampa
The Giants drafted Deonte Banks in the first round last year, and after flashing as a rookie, he’s a breakout candidate in 2024. Now to find someone who can start opposite him.
New York Jets
Need: S
Pick to use on the position: No. 72 (third round)
Possible draft targets: Tyler Nubin, Cole Bishop, Jaden Hicks
Jordan Whitehead is back in Tampa Bay, and the safeties who remain with the Jets are all set to hit free agency next year. The Jets don’t have a second-round pick this year, but they can land a quality safety who can help out straight away in the third round.
Philadelphia Eagles
Need: LB
Pick to use on the position: No. 50 or 53 (second round)
Possible draft targets: Edgerrin Cooper, Junior Colson, Payton Wilson
I wouldn’t say that linebacker is the Eagles’ No. 1 defensive need — that’s probably cornerback — but they have a lot of uncertainty at the position between Nakobe Dean’s injury history and Devin White’s inconsistencies. And without many high-end linebackers in this class, Philly should be smart about taking one when the value is there, perhaps with one of its second-round picks.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Need: DT
Pick to use on the position: No. 119 (fourth round)
Possible draft targets: DeWayne Carter, T’Vondre Sweat, Gabe Hall
I don’t think anyone in Pittsburgh wants to think about a Steelers team without Cameron Heyward, but it’s coming eventually. Heyward will be 35 next month, missed several games due to injury last year, and is only under contract through this season. That doesn’t mean he’s definitely gone after this year. It just means they should start looking for another DT to possibly pair with Keeanu Benton.
San Francisco 49ers
Need: CB
Pick to use on the position: No. 94 (third round)
Possible draft targets: Andru Phillips, Renardo Green, D.J. James
Last season, the 49ers had issues at nickel back, a problem that was solved temporarily by moving Deommodore Lenoir to that spot. Ideally, Lenoir would move back outside this year, the final season on his current deal. The Niners could do that if they land a nickel somewhat early in the draft. If history is any indication, though, it won’t happen in the first two rounds. It’s been a decade since San Francisco has selected a CB that high.
Seattle Seahawks
Need: LB
Pick to use on the position: No. 102 or 118 (fourth round)
Possible draft targets: Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Cedric Gray, Trevin Wallace
The Seahawks should be fine this season at linebacker if free agent additions Tyrel Dodson and Jerome Baker play up to their ability and stay healthy. However, both only signed one-year deals. Seattle needs depth at the spot and someone who could perhaps start down the road.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Need: Edge
Pick to use on the position: No. 26
Possible draft targets: Jared Verse, Laiatu Latu, Chop Robinson
There are a few different directions the Bucs could go with their first-round pick. During an offensive-heavy Round 1 of the draft, I believe they can stumble on a prospect who can get after the quarterback from day one. That would be useful after they released Shaquil Barrett this offseason.
Tennessee Titans
Need: Edge
Pick to use on the position: No. 38 (second round)
Possible draft targets: Marshawn Kneeland, Darius Robinson, Chris Braswell
Denico Autry led the Titans in sacks each of the last two seasons. He’s now a member of the Texans. Harold Landry remains in Tennessee, and he’s a reliable sack producer as well, but the Titans should bring in another edge rusher to help him take down quarterbacks.
Washington Commanders
Need: CB
Pick to use on the position: No. 40 (second round) or No. 67 or 78 (third round)
Possible draft targets: Ennis Rakestraw Jr., T.J. Tampa, Max Melton
The hope is that Emmanuel Forbes, Washington’s first-round pick last year, will improve after a rocky rookie season. Even if he does, the Commanders don’t have Kendall Fuller around anymore, while Benjamin St-Juste has just one year remaining on his contract. A physical cornerback with a high motor would fit right in on Dan Quinn’s defense, whether the team nabs one in the second or third round.
They are the same rankings as I used last week, courtesy of Christian at FTW, Nate Tice at Yahoo, Dane Brugler at The Athletic, Danny Kelly at The Ringer, Daniel Jeremiah at NFL Network, Mel Kiper at ESPN, and the staffs at PFF, Bleacher Report, and CBS Sports.