One offensive position each team should address in the 2024 NFL Draft

Many of these franchises will take care of this need in Round 1.

Last year in the lead up to the NFL Draft, I outlined one position each team needed to prioritize. I thought that research really prepared me for the draft (and hopefully you too!), so I wanted to take a similar approach this year — with a slight twist. 

This time, I’m breaking this up into two parts, and it’s not AFC vs NFC. Instead, I’ll have one newsletter devoted to offensive positions and another to defensive positions. (FYI: I haven’t decided yet if the defense-focused newsletter will be next, or if I’ll run with another idea I had after this one.) I also identified a few prospects each team could target to fill their hole, based on a handful of position rankings from around the internet¹. 

This year, a lot of franchises will be looking for receivers and offensive linemen. It’s a good thing this draft class is stacked at both positions.

Arizona Cardinals

Need: WR

Pick to use on the position: No. 4 

Possible draft targets: Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, Rome Odunze

As I said in my last newsletter, I think the Cardinals will take MHJ if they don’t trade out of the No. 4 pick. It’s entirely possible that a QB-hungry team will trade up into the No. 4 spot and Arizona could then lose out on a prospect whom some believe is the No. 1 player in the entire draft. If that happens, the Cardinals aren’t completely out of luck because this draft is not short on receiving talent.

Atlanta Falcons

Need: WR

Pick to use on the position: No. 74 or 79 (third round)

Possible draft targets: Malachi Corley, Roman Wilson, Ja'Lynn Polk

Most likely, the Falcons will use their first couple of picks to address their holes on defense. That means waiting until the third round at the earliest, and possibly not until Day 3 of the draft, to add another target for Kirk Cousins. In this scenario, I have them grabbing a receiver in Round 3, though this draft class is deep enough that they could still land an impact guy later on.

Baltimore Ravens

Need: OL

Pick to use on the position: No. 30

Possible draft targets: Tyler Guyton, Graham Barton, Kingsley Suamataia

Fortunately for the Ravens, their two biggest needs — OL and WR — are the most loaded positions in this draft class. Although they could hold off on an offensive lineman until the second round, I chose it as their No. 1 priority after they lost three starters on the OL (LG John Simpson, RG Kevin Zeitler, RT Morgan Moses) this offseason.

Buffalo Bills

Need: WR

Pick to use on the position: No. 28

Possible draft targets: Brian Thomas Jr., Adonai Mitchell, Ladd McConkey

The Bills already needed another receiver in this draft before they traded Stefon Diggs to the Texans. Now they really need one. I don’t know if they’ll trade up to ensure they can nab Thomas Jr., who is ranked as WR4 according to most draftniks. After that, the WR rankings are all over the place. No matter who is still available if they stay at No. 28, they’ll have a chance to select a day one starter at the position.

Carolina Panthers

Need: WR

Pick to use on the position: No. 33 or 39 (second round)

Possible draft targets: Xavier Worthy, Xavier Legette, Keon Coleman

The Panthers have tried to do right by Bryce Young during free agency with the additions of three linemen (OG Robert Hunt, OG Damien Lewis, OT Yosh Nijman) and WR Diontae Johnson. Their work is far from over, however. Even without a first-round pick, they can find Young a dynamic receiver on the second night of the draft.

Chicago Bears

Need: QB

Pick to use on the position: No. 1

Possible draft targets: Caleb Williams, end of list

If Caleb Williams can’t end the Bears’ franchise QB curse, then I don’t know if anyone can.

Cincinnati Bengals

Need: OL

Pick to use on the position: No. 18

Possible draft targets: JC Latham, Taliese Fuaga, Troy Fautanu

Another year, another offensive lineman needed to protect Joe Burrow. Thankfully, the Bengals have plenty of options in this draft. Depending on who remains on the board here — as well as if they decide to trade Tee Higgins — the Bengals might decide to bolster their OL on Day 2 instead. 

Cleveland Browns

Need: OL

Pick to use on the position: No. 156 (fifth round)

Possible draft targets: Trevor Keegan, Matt Goncalves, Caedan Wallace

I expect the Browns to prioritize a defensive player with their first pick (No. 54 overall) and maybe their second (No. 85). I’m on the fence about when they’ll draft an offensive prospect and which position that will be — what they could use most of all is depth on that side of the ball, whether that’s the OL or another weapon for Deshaun Watson. I settled on the OL because of all their injuries there last season (plus Watson’s propensity to take a lot of sacks), but not until the third day of the draft.

Dallas Cowboys

Need: OL

Pick to use on the position: No. 24

Possible draft targets: Amarius Mims, Troy Fautanu, Jackson Powers-Johnson

The Cowboys lost left tackle Tyron Smith and center Tyler Biadasz in free agency, and now have a decision to make about whether to keep excellent left guard Tyler Smith at that spot or move him to LT. That gives them flexibility on which offensive lineman to take early in the draft.

Denver Broncos

Need: QB

Pick to use on the position: No. 12

Possible draft targets: Bo Nix, J.J. McCarthy, Michael Penix Jr. 

The Broncos could very well try to trade up in the draft — and may have to in order to end up with McCarthy or possibly Nix. The 12th spot seems too high for Penix Jr., but maybe they could move down or trade back into the latter half of the first round (or early second round) if they like him.

Detroit Lions

Need: WR

Pick to use on the position: No. 61 (second round)

Possible draft targets: Ja'Lynn Polk, Troy Franklin, Keon Coleman

The Lions have a few different approaches they can take to the early part of the draft. I would not be surprised to see them trade out of the first round and acquire an additional second-round pick. Either way, I’m guessing they’ll wait until Day 2 to find their Josh Reynolds replacement.

Green Bay Packers

Need: OL

Pick to use on the position: No. 41 or 58 (second round)

Possible draft targets: Jordan Morgan, Kiran Amegadjie, Cooper Beebe

It’s been more than a decade — Derek Sherrod, in 2011 — since the Packers used a first-round pick on an offensive lineman. Maybe that streak ends this year, or maybe they zero in on a CB or DL in the first round and wait, per usual, to bring in another OL following David Bakhtiari’s official departure.

Houston Texans

Need: OL

Pick to use on the position: No. 86 (third round)

Possible draft targets: Beaux Limmer, Dominick Puni, Blake Fisher

The Texans have been one of the big winners so far this offseason as they continue to build a contender while their QB is still on his rookie deal. I believe they’ll beef up their defense with their first pick(s) in the second round. Based on their injuries last season, and losing tackle George Fant and center Michael Deiter in free agency, they could use more depth along the OL to protect C.J. Stroud.

Indianapolis Colts

Need: WR

Pick to use on the position: No. 117 (fourth round)

Possible draft targets: Malik Washington, Jermaine Burton, Brenden Rice

I would hardly be shocked to see the Colts come away with a receiver before Day 3, but with Michael Pittman Jr. now under contract for several more seasons, they can afford to hold off on the position if they choose. No matter when it happens, they should give Anthony Richardson at least one new weapon in this draft.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Need: WR

Pick to use on the position: No. 96 (third round)

Possible draft targets: Javon Baker, Ricky Pearsall, Roman Wilson

As with other teams, the Jaguars could take a receiver earlier or later than I’m projecting. It’s a need at some point after Calvin Ridley surprisingly signed with the Titans during free agency.

Kansas City Chiefs

Need: OT

Pick to use on the position: No. 32

Possible draft targets: Kingsley Suamataia, Tyler Guyton, Jordan Morgan

I had a decision to make about which position to single out here: OT or WR. But Patrick Mahomes’ health has to matter most of all, especially when he can make average wide receivers look good. Still, Kansas City hasn’t drafted an offensive lineman in the first round in 11 years.

Las Vegas Raiders

Need: QB

Pick to use on the position: No. 44 (second round)

Possible draft targets: Michael Penix Jr., Spencer Rattler

A few weeks ago, Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce said that Aidan O’Connell deserved the chance to win the starting QB job in 2024. That may be true, but right now, his only competition is Gardner Minshew. If the Raiders target a QB in the first round, I’d suggest they trade up rather than reach on a prospect at No. 13. For now, I’m circling the second round as a good spot for them, but maybe that’s too low for Penix Jr. and too high for Rattler.

Los Angeles Chargers

Need: WR

Pick to use on the position: No. 5

Possible draft targets: Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, Rome Odunze

I’m not convinced that the Chargers will be picking at No. 5 or, even if they do, that they’ll take a sorely needed receiver. But they could land an elite playmaker for Justin Herbert here.

Los Angeles Rams

Need: RB

Pick to use on the position: No. 154 or 155 (fifth round)

Possible draft targets: Dillon Johnson, Isaiah Davis, MarShawn Lloyd

The Rams, who actually have a lot of picks this year, will go heavy on defense in the early rounds. Not that they would use a high draft pick on a running back anyway. I don’t think many teams will this year, either, so they should have a solid group to choose from on Day 3.

Miami Dolphins

Need: OL

Pick to use on the position: No. 21

Possible draft targets: Amarius Mims, Troy Fautanu, Graham Barton

Only three of the Dolphins’ starting linemen are under contract beyond this season, and one of them — Terron Armstead — will soon be 33 and has dealt with multiple injuries. Landing a lineman early, and one who can line up at different spots, would be smart for this season and future seasons.

Minnesota Vikings

Need: QB

Pick to use on the position: No. 11

Possible draft targets: Drake Maye, J.J. McCarthy, Bo Nix

The Vikings are the team most likely to move up into the first round (but maybe not the only team). Anywhere in the No. 3 to No. 8 range makes sense, meaning they could wind up with the third QB on the board … or the fifth.

New England Patriots

Need: QB

Pick to use on the position: No. 3

Possible draft targets: Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, J.J. McCarthy (I guess)

I have no idea if the Patriots will draft a QB at No. 3 or move down and snag one later. It depends on what they think of whoever’s left after the Bears take Caleb Williams and the Commanders go with either Daniels or Maye. If they reached for McCarthy at No. 3, then they shouldn’t plan to start him right away without a better supporting cast.

New Orleans Saints

Need: OT

Pick to use on the position: No. 14

Possible draft targets: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Taliese Fuaga, Troy Fautanu

The Saints are still looking for their Terron Armstead replacement, two years after he left in free agency. Even if they believe Trevor Penning can turn things around at LT, their right tackle situation is a big question mark as Ryan Ramczyk’s knee problems continue to loom. At least they’re in a decent position to lock up one of the top OT prospects.

New York Giants

Need: WR

Pick to use on the position: No. 6 

Possible draft targets: Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, Rome Odunze

Like the Cardinals and Chargers right ahead of them in the draft order, the Giants need receiving help and can end up with one of the three best talents at the position in this draft — if they stay at No. 6.

New York Jets

Need: WR/TE

Pick to use on the position: No. 10

Possible draft targets: Brock Bowers, Rome Odunze, Brian Thomas Jr.

I believe the Jets could go a few different ways with their first-round pick and will probably employ a “best player available” strategy. That might mean they add more receiving help for Aaron Rodgers, whether that’s a highly rated wideout or the TE-in-name-only Bowers.

Philadelphia Eagles

Need: OL

Pick to use on the position: No. 50 or 53 (second round)

Possible draft targets: Kiran Amegadjie, Patrick Paul, Cooper Beebe

Despite Jason Kelce’s retirement, the Eagles’ offensive line is in good shape. That said, they should still take advantage of this OL-rich draft class. With two second-round picks, they have a chance to bring in someone who can provide depth for now and be a future starter after, say, Lane Johnson calls it a career. 

Pittsburgh Steelers

Need: OL

Pick to use on the position: No. 20

Possible draft targets: Jackson Powers-Johnson, JC Latham, Amarius Mims

Whether it’s Russell Wilson or Justin Fields under center, the Steelers’ OL will have to protect a quarterback who tends to get sacked often. They have an opening at center after releasing Mason Cole, but they could also stand to add another tackle.

San Francisco 49ers

Need: OL

Pick to use on the position: No. 31 

Possible draft targets: Jordan Morgan, Tyler Guyton, Amarius Mims

A few days before the Super Bowl, PFF published an article about how the Chiefs could dominate the 49ers’ OL. Spoiler alert: They did. The right side in particular should be upgraded because the left side still has Trent Williams (who remains a force of nature, but will also be 36 soon).

Seattle Seahawks

Need: OG

Pick to use on the position: No. 16 

Possible draft targets: Graham Barton, JC Latham, Troy Fautanu

The Seahawks have a hole to fill at guard, where the current members of the roster are all lacking in experience. It’s a good bet that GM John Schneider trades down, and depending on when Seattle picks first, it could still end up with a top-rated lineman who can start immediately.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Need: OG/C

Pick to use on the position: No. 57 (second round)

Possible draft targets: Jackson Powers-Johnson, Zach Frazier, Cooper Beebe

The Bucs have missed the presence of Ryan Jensen, who was sidelined for all of last season and most of 2022 before retiring this offseason. They also might want to bring in competition at left guard for free agent signee Ben Bredeson. While Tampa could address this spot near the end of the first round, I don’t think it’s a bad idea to wait until the next round.

Tennessee Titans

Need: OT

Pick to use on the position: No. 7

Possible draft targets: Joe Alt, Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Taliese Fuaga

The Titans are in prime position to secure the first offensive lineman in this draft. If not the first, then almost assuredly the second. That’s great news for 1) new coach Brian Callahan, 2) his dad, Bill, the celebrated OL coach, and 3) Will Levis.

Washington Commanders

Need: QB

Pick to use on the position: No. 2 

Possible draft targets: Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels

No one outside of the Commanders’ front office seems to have any clue which QB they prefer. It’d be a stunner if Maye or Daniels isn’t starting for them in Week 1, though.

1. Those include: 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.