This is a look at the first-round order for the 2024 NFL Draft as of Week 13 of the 2023 NFL season, as well as each team’s top five needs. The order is determined by record, with schedule strength serving as the first tiebreaker (for a complete list of draft-order tiebreakers, go here). Keep in mind that in the order below, teams that would make the playoffs if the season ended today are denoted as PL (short for playoffs). The results of postseason play decide the selection order for playoff clubs.
With veterans Dan Feeney and Lucas Patrick both facing free agency in 2024, Chicago will most likely aim to strengthen its interior offensive line. Although the Bears have lately invested money and draft picks to try to stabilize their two guard positions ( Nate Davis and Teven Jenkins ), they still need help at center as well as general depth for the unit.
The Cardinals must make a choice regarding tight end Zach Ertz’s future. The 33-year-old, who was placed on injured reserve in late October due to a quad injury, has averaged just 6.9 yards per reception this season (a career low) and will have a hefty budget hit in 2024. Trey McBride, the team’s 55th overall pick in 2022, is now the team’s No. 1 tight end option. While former Stanford wide receiver Elijah Higgins shows promise, the team should use a Day 3 choice on the position.
Trent Brown, the Patriots’ finest offensive lineman, will be a free agency at the end of the season. Mike Onwenu, who just switched from right guard to right tackle, is also expected to leave the team this spring. In this year’s draft, New England used three picks on interior lineman but did not address the team’s lack of depth outside.
The Giants’ offensive line in 2024 will be based around first-round tackles Andrew Thomas and Evan Neal, as well as center John Michael Schmitz, who was drafted in the second round this year. If Joshua Ezeudu, a third-round pick in 2022, stays healthy, he could earn a starting guard job, but finding additional youthful talent up and down the line should be a top focus.
For 2024, the Commanders have only one linebacker under contract: Jamin Davis. Cody Barton, Khaleke Hudson, or David Mayo might all return, but drafting a second-level defender on Day 3 seems wise.
Aside from all-world Jeffery Simmons, who dominated Carolina on Sunday, the Titans’ 2024 roster appears to be lacking in interior D-line depth. Simmons’ running partner, nose tackle Teair Tart, is set to become a free agency in March, and there isn’t much depth behind those two.
Aaron Rodgers will almost certainly want former Packers pass-catchers Allen Lazard (who was a healthy scratch against the Dolphins) and Randall Cobb (who is poised to become a free agency) back next season, and Garrett Wilson isn’t going anywhere. Could the Jets, who have moved from No. 18 to No. 8 in the draft order during their four-game losing streak, swing a trade for a high-profile veteran, as they attempted to do at the trade deadline? Even if they do sign a big-name receiver this offseason, either through trade or free agency, the Giants should draft another young player to pair alongside Wilson in the long run.
Baker Mayfield has done his best to lead the Buccaneers this season, but I don’t think the team will consider him the long-term quarterback solution unless they make a late playoff run. The fact that 2021 second-round pick Kyle Trask was unable to earn the job outright this summer and has as many throw attempts (one) as Chris Godwin this season despite the team’s 4-7 record implies Tampa Bay may be looking for a new quarterback in the early rounds next April.
The Chargers’ loss to the Ravens on Sunday night highlighted the team’s lack of depth at receiver once again. Keenan Allen was a stout performer, catching 14 catches for 106 yards, but he turns 32 this summer (on Day 3 of the draft, no less) and is entering his contract year. Mike Williams and Josh Palmer are also free agents after next season, while first-round pick Quentin Johnston has been disappointing as a rookie.
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