This is a look at the top five needs for each club and the first-round order for the 2024 NFL Draft as of Week 16 of the 2023 NFL season. With schedule strength serving as the first tiebreaker, the order is decided by record (the complete list of draft-order tiebreakers may be seen here).
Note that the teams listed below are designated with PL, short for playoffs, indicating that they would qualify for the postseason if the season ended today.The outcomes of postseason play influence the playoff clubs’ selection order.
Movement from the previous week’s order is indicated by arrows.
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1.
Bears of Chicago
PICK GOT FROM THE PANTHERS IN CAROLINA
Panthers: 2-12 on the season (schedule strength of.526).
The Packers will take on the Panthers in Week 16
The Bears’ top needs are QB, TE, WR, IOL, and Edge.
General manager Ryan Poles scored a major victory when he signed DJ Moore during the summer, but a large portion of the 2024 receiving corps is still unresolved because veterans Darnell Mooney and Equanimeous St. Brown are about to enter free agency.
Tyler Scott, a rookie, has shown promise this season, but if Chicago wants to thrive with Justin Fields (or a new passer selected with this pick), they need to add playmakers in the draft and/or free agency.
An examination of the Panthers’ needs may be found at the bottom of this article.
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2.
Patriots of New England
3-11 ·.531 (schedule strength)
Primary requirements: QB, TE, OT, CB, RB
Week 16 foe: the Denver Broncos
Throughout the season, the Patriots have struggled at cornerback.J.C. Jackson hasn’t made a significant impact since coming back to Foxborough from Los Angeles.
in early October, and following the season, he can become a cap casualty. Jack Jones was cut by the squad in the middle of November, while Myles Bryant will soon become a free agent.Jonathan Jones, Christian Gonzalez, and Marcus Jones will make their injury returns in 2024, but adding further depth should be New England’s top focus in the middle of the draft.
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3.
Cardinals of Arizona
3-11 ·.566
Primary requirements: CB, WR, DT, IOL, TE
Opponent in Week 16: the Bears
This offseason, Arizona’s weak run defence might use some reinforcements. Should the Cardinals choose to re-sign Kevin Strong, Leki Fotu, and/or Carlos Watkins, they will still require the addition of additional young talent through the draft. On Days 1 and 2, Jonathan Gannon will undoubtedly be thinking about interior linemen.
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4
Commanders in Washington
4-10 ·.490
Primary requirements: Edge, QB, OT, LB, WR
Opponent in Week 16: the Jets
This season, Curtis Samuel has had his moments. He caught two touchdowns in Sunday’s loss to the Rams, for example. However, he might attract interest as a free agent, while Byron Pringle and Jameson Crowder, two reserve receivers, are also unsigned for the upcoming campaign. Over the next few seasons, finding a cheap mid-round pass-catcher would act as insurance behind Jay Dotson, Dyami Brown, and Terry McLaurin.
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5.
1.
The Giants of New York
5-9 ·.480
Needs most at RB, OL, DT, QB, and WR
Opponent in Week 16: the Eagles
Should the Giants and Saquon Barkley part ways in the offseason, expect New York to choose a second dual-threat back in April among the first 100 overall picks. Following their trade of Leonard Williams to Seattle at the deadline, the G-Men have one more pick in the second round.
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Six
1.
Bears of Chicago
5-9 ·.490
Opponent in Week 16: the Cardinals
For a breakdown of the needs of the bears, see Pick No. 1.
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7.
3.
Chargers of Los Angeles
5-9 ·.510
Chief requirements: CB, RB, OT, DT, QB
opponent for Week 16: the Bills
In his first NFL start, Easton Stick did not perform well, but then again, not many Chargers did during last Thursday’s lopsided loss to the Raiders, 63-21.
With three more games under his belt, the former sixth-round pick will be able to persuade whoever runs the team that he is the best quarterback prospect available this year, even when it comes to backing up Justin Herbert.
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8
Tennessee Titans
5-9 ·.531
Needs most at OT, CB, WR, Edge, and RB
Week 16 opponent: Seattle Mariners
For the 2024 campaign, the Titans ought to be assessing both offensive tackle positions.Andre Dillard, who signed a three-year contract with Tennessee this year, may make a comeback at left tackle. He hasn’t started since November due to a complication with his injury.
If Dillard gets better over the next few games, Jaelyn Duncan, who has been starting in his place for the past few weeks, might have an opportunity to contend for the starting job.
Alternatively, the group can select a gifted player from the 2024 draft class. There is uncertainty around the right tackle position as well. Could Dillon Radunz, who made one start at left tackle in Week 11, move back inside after replacing Nicholas Petit-Frere while the latter was sidelined due to injury and suspension?
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9.
Jets in New York
5-9 ·.536
Chief requirements: OT, QB, DT, S, and WR
Opponents for Week 16: Commanders
A star in the midst of the Jets defence is Quinnen Williams. But he’s the only tackle with a 2024 deal. In order to determine whether any of this year’s DT prospects can supplement the franchise defence, the organisation must closely assess both Solomon Thomas and Quinton Jefferson’s potential free agent returns.
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10
2.
Falcons of Atlanta
6–8 ·.413
Needs most at QB, WR, Edge, CB, and DT
Opponent in Week 16: the Colts
Due to Desmond Ridder’s inconsistent play this season, Atlanta may decide to select a different quarterback early in the 2024 NFL Draft. Even if Ridder wasn’t the only reason the Falcons lost to Carolina on Sunday, the news that Arthur Smith is once again considering switching quarterbacks suggests Ridder will, at the very least, have some competition in the offseason.
Atlanta might climb even higher up the draft board at the end of the season with a difficult final three games, which would put the Falcons in a great position to choose a new quarterback.
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11
4
The Raiders of Las Vegas
6–8 ·.469
Primary requirements: IOL, OT, RB, CB, DT
Opponent in Week 16: the Chiefs
Similar to how he did early in the previous season when James was sidelined by a concussion, versatile offensive lineman Dylan Parham started at center for the injured André James in the team’s victory over the struggling Chargers. In the event that James, tackle Jermaine Eluemunor, guard Greg Van Roten, and the club are unable to re-sign this summer, the former Memphis Tiger should serve as a cornerstone around whom the team will build.
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12
Packers in Green Bay
6–8 ·.500
Primary requirements: OT, S, IOL, CB, RB
Opponent in Week 16: the Panthers
The Packers’ cornerback depth has been strained by injuries to former first-round picks Baker Mayfield and Eric Stokes (who returned to the team on Sunday against Tampa Bay) and the trade of Rasul Douglas to Buffalo at the deadline. As a result, Baker Mayfield was able to gain 381 passing yards and a perfect passer rating against Green Bay in the team’s devastating 14-point loss at home on Sunday. David Long Jr., who signed recently and is now on his third team this season, emphasises how important it is for general manager Brian Gutekunst to strengthen the position during the draft.
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Thirteen
2.
Saints of New Orleans
7-7 ·.418
Top priorities: OT, OG, CB, LB, and Edge
Opponent in Week 16: the Rams
In Sunday’s game against the Giants, the Saints appeared to be unbeatable, but that is only the immediate picture. Longer term, though, New Orleans will have to deal with immediate issues as backup Max Garcia, offensive linemen Andrus Peat and James Hurst, and guard Andrew Hurst are all expected to become free agents this spring.Next season, Trevor Penning might be able to reclaim his starting left tackle position, although he will face competition in training. The team’s priority should be to choose one inside lineman.
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14
3.
Denver Broncos
7-7 ·.515
Top priorities: TE, DT, S, CB, and Edge
Opponent in Week 16: the Patriots
Denver has struggled all season with the depth behind second-year tight end Greg Dulcich, who has missed much of the season due to a hamstring injury. Adam Trautman, who was reunited with his former coach Sean Payton after being acquired by the Broncos from the Saints this offseason, has only been mediocre in Dulcich’s place. Expect Denver to look for another tight end with blocking ability in the draft, even if the team decides to re-sign Trautman in the upcoming months.
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15
8
The Pittsburgh Steelers
7-7 ·.520
Primary requirements: CB, OT, IOL, DT, and LB
Opponent in Week 16: the Bengals
As demonstrated by the four sacks Pittsburgh gave up against Indianapolis, the offensive line still needs reinforcements even after using a first-round pick in 2023 to choose offensive tackle Broderick Jones. Jones, who was benched in November and appears to be a cap casualty this offseason, went from left to right tackle to replace Chuks Okorafor. With Jones’ adaptability and the depth of the 2024 class at the position, Pittsburgh can select a left or right tackle starter.
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16
3.
The Seattle Seahawks
7-7 ·.551
The most important needs are for LB, OG, S, DT, and Edge.
Opponent in Week 16: the Titans
Boye Mafe emerged as the Seahawks’ best pass rusher in 2022 following a rookie campaign that saw him record three sacks. The squad is hoping that 2024 will see the return of veteran Uchenna Nwosu from a pectoral injury and that 2023 second-round pick Derek Hall will experience a similar upsurge to Mafe’s the following season. Nevertheless, since Darrell Taylor will be a restricted free agent, general manager John Schneider is likely to search the middle of the draft for potential edge players.
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17
2.
Cardinals of Arizona
PICK GOT FROM THE TEXANS IN HOUSTON
The Texas record is 8-6 (.469).
The Browns are the Texans’ Week 16 opponent.
For an examination of the Cardinals’ needs, see Pick No. 3, and for an analysis of the Texans’ needs, see this article’s section on playoff teams.
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18
2.
The Buffalo Bills
8–6 ·.495
Top priorities: DT, S, Edge, WR, and CB
Opponent in Week 16: the Chargers
Due to a neck strain that kept him out of Sunday’s game against Dallas, Buffalo may lose free agent safeties Mah Hyde and Taylor Rapp. Meanwhile, starting quarterback Jordan Poyer, who turns 33 during the 2024 NFL Draft, is entering his contract year.Damar Hamlin, who miraculously survived a heart crisis in 2022, has only made four appearances this season. To strengthen their defence at the back end, the Bills need to acquire more players.
Chadiha: By the end of the season, the Bills will pass the Dolphins and win the AFC East | “The Insiders”
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PL
Minnesota Vikings
7-7 ·.480
Primary requirements: QB, Edge, OG, LB, DT
opponent for Week 16: the Lions
Jonathan Bullard, the starting defensive lineman, will be a free agent this spring, and if Harrison Phillips continues to play at his present high level, he will be a sought-after free agent in 2025. Although rookie Jaquelin Roy will fight for playing time in the upcoming season, the Vikings’ front line has to be deeper.
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PL
Tampa Bay Eagles
7-7 ·.505
Primary requirements: QB, WR, IOL, LB, S
Opponent in Week 16: the Jaguars
In the last year of his contract, safety Antoine Winfield is making the most of it and needs to be pursued as a free agent. Ryan Neal, who will also be entering the market in March, was not present for the team’s Sunday game in Green Bay. As the season has progressed, rookie defenders Chrisitan Izien and Tee Delaney have taken on larger roles; nonetheless, the Buccaneers should strengthen their defensive backfield in the middle rounds.
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PL
7.
Rams of Los Angeles
7-7 ·.531
Main requirements: OT, CB, LB, S, and Edge
opponent for Week 16: the Saints
After the season, starting quarterbacks John Johnson III and Jordan Fuller will be eligible for free agency.In order to fight for playing time with former seventh-round picks Jason Taylor and Russ Yeast, the Rams may need to re-sign one of those veterans and choose another safety in the middle rounds if Quentin Lake continues to play as the nickel back in 2024.
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PL
The Indianapolis Colts
8–6 ·.485
Biggest needs: CB, EDGE, LB, WR, and DT
16th opponent: at the Falcons
While playing quarterback Garrett Minshew for the majority of the season, receiver Alec Pierce has averaged 15.2 yards per reception. When Richardson returns from injury, consider Pierce’s potential as a downfield threat alongside Richardson. Josh Downs, the slot guy, was a great pick in the third round in 2023, but Michael Pittman Jr., the cornerstone of the passing attack, will be a free agent at the end of the season. In the first three rounds, general manager Chris Ballard will undoubtedly go for a tough-minded, all-around receiver if he is unable to re-sign Pittman.
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PL
5.
Bengals of Cincinnati
8–6 ·.561
Primary requirements: OT, WR, DT, TE, and OG
16th opponent: the Steelers
Tee Higgins made the play of the game, backhanding the ball over the pylon for the game-winning touchdown, as the Bengals defeated the Vikings with Ja’Marr Chase out injured in the fourth quarter. However, Higgins’ contract expires in 2023, so he will undoubtedly be looking for a sizable salary. No. 3 pick Trenton Irwin and veteran Tyler Boyd may potentially find new homes. Although rookie Andrei Iosivas shows some promise, Joe Burrow needs dependable targets in 2024 besides Chase.
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PL
Jacksonville Jaguars
8–6 ·.577
Primary requirements: Edge, OG, DT, WR, OT
opponent for Week 16: the Buccaneers
Given his substantial 2024 cap figure of $21.6 million and the fact that he has only played in seven games this season due to a four-game suspension at the beginning of the season and a knee injury that has placed him on injured reserve, it would seem logical that Cam Robinson’s career with the Jaguars is in jeopardy. In order to challenge 2021 second-round pick Walker Little—who has filled in for Robinson but has also struggled with injuries—for the left tackle position opposite last year’s first-round pick, Anton Harrison, Jacksonville needs to choose another young lineman, if only to add depth.
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PL
The Chiefs of Kansas City
9–5 ·.495
Primary requirements: DT, OT, WR, CB, LB
Raiders are the opponent for Week 16
Due to his flexibility and ability to create plays, defensive back L’Jarius Sneed would be highly sought-after if he were to enter the market.To supplement Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson and Joshua Williams might be considered for starting roles, but the Chiefs need to find another cover guy since good corners are never enough on a team.
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PL
The Houston Texans
SELECTION GOT FROM THE CLEVELAND BROWNS
Browns’ standings: 9–5 (.536)
Browns’ 16th-round opponent: the Texans
Texas’s top needs are at OT, DT, Edge, CB, and TE.
In the near future, Will Anderson can serve as the defensive line’s anchor, but after recording 12.5 sacks this season, Jonathan Greenard, a veteran, will undoubtedly want a hefty salary as a free agent. Although Derek Barnett had a good sack on Sunday against a subpar Titans defence, Houston needs to acquire some pass-rush support for Anderson in the draft. Barnett was a good waiver-wire addition.
For an analysis of the needs of the Browns, scroll to the bottom of this page.
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PL
Dolphins of Miami
10-4 ·.393
Primary requirements: IOL, S, WR, DT, and TE
Cowboys are the opponent for Week 16
Austin Jackson, the Dolphins’ starting right tackle of the future, inked an extension earlier this month. They can now discuss the content of their line in the draft because of this.Liam Eichenberg has occasionally struggled in the pivot position, and Robert Hunt and Connor Williams—who is sidelined for the whole season due to an ACL tear—are upcoming free agents.
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PL
The Dallas Cowboys
10-4 ·.434
Top priorities: OT, RB, C, DT, and CB
opponent in Week 16: at the Dolphins
Trevon Diggs, a teammate, led the league in pick returns (5 out of 8), while DaRon Bland’s heroics with regard to turnovers are similar to what he accomplished in 2021 (11 picks, 2 TDs). When Diggs recovers from his September ACL tear, those two might make for a formidable cornerback tandem.This season, Stephon Gilmore has filled in admirably for Diggs; however, he will become a free agent at the end of the season and will turn 34 in September of next year. All clubs are facing attrition at the position, so Dallas should search for another mid-round steal, such as Bland, a 2022 fifth-round selection.
GMFB responds to the Bills’ convincing victory over the Cowboys
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PL
Lions of Detroit
10-4 ·.454
Main requirements: DT, WR, OG, CB, and Edge
opponent for Week 16: the Vikings
The Lions had high hopes for this season’s cornerback position after signing Emmanuel Moseley in the offseason, but he suffered an ACL tear for the second time in a row.In the meantime, Bears receiver DJ Moore—who has caught 13 receptions for 164 yards and two touchdowns in Chicago’s two games against Detroit this season—may still be giving Jerry Jacobs nightmares. I anticipate the Lions to look at cornerbacks in the first two rounds, particularly if they discover a value similar to what they did in 2023 when they selected nickel safety Brian Branch in the second round.
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PL
Eagles of Philadelphia
10-4 ·.520
Primary requirements: RB, Edge, WR, LB, CB
opponent for Week 16: the Giants
In two straight losses to NFC title contenders San Francisco and Dallas at the beginning of December, Philadelphia gave up 75 points in total.Although they are suffering from injuries, slot defenders Avonte Maddox (torn pectoral muscle) and Darius Slay (knee injury) should be starting in 2024. James Bradberry, who turns 31 this summer, was defeated by Seahawks wide receiver Jayson Smith-Njigba on the game-winning touchdown catch in Philadelphia’s Week 15 defeat. The team also has to find some competition for rookie corners Kelee Ringo, Josh Jobe, and Eli Ricks during training camp.
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PL
49ers of San Francisco
11-3 ·.500
Top priorities: OT, IOL, TE, Edge, and DT
opponent for Week 16: the Ravens
Nick Bosa and Chase Young, the former Buckeye teammates, have gelled since Young was traded from the Commanders, but in 2024, both Young and Clelin Ferrell will be eligible for free agency.Due to a knee injury, Drake Jackson is on injured reserve, and Spotrac reports that San Francisco may decide not to retain midseason addition Randy Gregory at his current 2024 cap figure of $14 million. It would be prudent to select another edge rusher in the latter rounds of the draft.
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PL
Ravens of Baltimore
11-3 ·.520
Chief requirements: DT, WR, OG, RB, CB
Opponent in Week 16: the 49ers
Although Odell Beckham Jr. has recorded two games with 90 yards or more in the last four weeks, he hasn’t looked like his former self lately. As of right now, he won’t be playing for the Ravens in 2024. Neither Devin Duvernay nor Nelson Agholor were hurt. In contrast, Rashod Bateman had a season-high 39 receiving yards in Sunday’s victory over Jacksonville; he also threw a pass.There is a link between Lamar Jackson and rookie sensation Zach Flowers (who leads the club with 65 catches and 680 receiving yards), but in 2024, Bateman will need to improve, and the team will probably also need to sign another young dynamo.
Teams lacking a first-round selection
Panthers of Carolina
2–12.
TRANSFERRED TO THE CHICAGO BEARS AS A FIRST-ROUND PICK
Top priorities: Edge, WR, CB, LB, and IOL
opponent for Week 16: the Packers
Carolina might think about going against the grain, even though the majority of teams are reluctant to choose an off-ball linebacker this early in the draft. With veteran Shaq Thompson, who turns 30 next autumn, recovering from a broken leg and team leader Frankie Luvu perhaps moving for a competitor in free agency, Panthers scouts need to identify a Day 2 or early-Day 3 choice who can strengthen the team’s secondary defence.
Browns of Cleveland
9–5.
FIRST-ROUND PICK TRANSFERRED TO THE HOUSTON TEXANS
Primary requirements: DT, LB, Edge, OT, WR
16th opponent: the Texans
Amari Cooper is still playing well; in Cleveland’s victory over Chicago, he came close to recording his sixth career 1,000-yard season (he currently has 985 yards). However, in 2024, the last year of his current contract, he will count for $23.8 million against the quota.
Elijah Moore is approaching a contract year, just like Cooper. Between those two and rookie Cedric Tillman, there isn’t much depth.
The organisation should still hunt for at least one pass-catcher to help develop a solid corps in front of Deshaun Watson’s return to play in the fall, even if Cooper and the Browns decide to extend the contract.
