Free agency is the first stage of the personnel acquisition puzzle. Teams are able to fill roles and gain a better understanding of where their respective rosters sit prior to the draft, which allows them to best devise a strategy to attack those remaining needs.
For example, wide receiver may not have been viewed as a need for the Jets until Davante Adams was released. As it stands, the franchise lacks viable outlets apart from Garrett Wilson. Quarterback was a need for New York upon releasing Aaron Rodgers, but they filled the void in free agency by signing former first-round pick Justin Fields from Pittsburgh. It is a fluid process.
Here is the most pressing need for each team ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft:
AFC North
Bengals: Edge rusher
Cincinnati extended star wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, but those moves may prevent them from securing pass rusher Trey Hendrickson long-term — though the team is reportedly trying to retain him. In the event that Hendrickson is gone, and following the news of Sam Hubbard’s retirement, the Bengals are left with former first-round pick Myles Murphy and Joseph Ossai, who re-signed at a modest rate. The moves to bolster the interior defensive line leave edge rusher as a more pressing need.
Offensive guard, linebacker and safety would be other considerations.
Browns: Quarterback
Cleveland traded for former first-round pick Kenny Pickett and signed veteran Joe Flacco. Neither is a long-term solution, however. In short, it is less than an ideal situation at the game’s most important position. Cleveland is still likely to take a quarterback on Day 2 of the draft as well.
Running back and wide receiver should also be points of emphasis.
Ravens: Edge rusher
Baltimore had little pass rush outside of 33-year-old Kyle Van Noy in 2024. The idea of Van Noy replicating that production year-over-year is unrealistic. Odafe Oweh did have 10 sacks, but his 11.7% pressure rate, according to TruMedia, ranked No. 59 among players with at least 200 pass rush snaps. Baltimore could benefit from adding a true difference-making pass rusher as it prepares for the future.
Defensive line and building out depth along the offensive line are a few other areas that the Ravens will likely address.
Steelers: Quarterback
Pittsburgh is being held hostage by veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers after Justin Fields opted for the greener pastures of New York. He could still opt for retirement rather than performing for the AFC North franchise. The franchise did bring back Mason Rudolph, but one would assume they are a team in the mix to draft a quarterback as well.
AFC South
Colts: Interior offensive line
Veteran interior offensive linemen Will Fries and Ryan Kelly signed with Minnesota this offseason. They missed a portion of time a year ago due to injuries and rookies Dalton Tucker, Tanor Bortolini stepped into those roles. There were growing pains as expected as the organization may feel more comfortable bringing in veteran competition.
Some would place tight end high on the list, but the team may just lean into its run game given its investment in the wide receiver position. The defensive line is an aging group that has dealt with suspensions and injuries.
Jaguars: Defensive tackle
There is a lot of wish-casting in regards to Jacksonville’s defensive interior. They hope that DaVon Hamilton and Arik Armstead return to form and that second-year defensive tackle Maason Smith builds upon last campaign. New head coach Liam Coen could use a few more bodies in the secondary and tight end could be addressed in the absence of Evan Engram, but Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham has been a popular choice at No. 5 overall.
Texans: Interior offensive line
Houston created a need on its own roster when it traded veteran left tackle Laremy Tunsil to Washington in exchange for draft compensation, in addition to trading offensive guard Kenyon Green and releasing Shaq Mason. The team did sign traveled veterans in free agency, but replacement level play is about all one should expect.
At No. 25 overall, or in a trade up the board, the potential union of the Texans and the top available offensive lineman feels like a probable outcome.
Titans: Edge rusher
The Titans had the fourth-lowest pressure rate (28.9%) in the NFL last season, according to TruMedia. Tennessee’s collection of pass rushers (Arden Key, Ali Gaye, etc.) leaves a lot to be desired, especially after allowing Harold Landry to depart. The Titans sit at No. 1 overall and the expectation is that they will select Miami quarterback Cam Ward. In that scenario, they would punt on addressing edge rusher until No. 34 overall or later.
AFC East
Bills: Cornerback
Buffalo has replacement-level players or better in almost every role. There is a case to be made for an upgrade in multiple spots, but the boundary cornerback opposite Christian Benford may be the biggest need even though they just brought back Tre White. First-round pick Kaiir Elam did not work out and he was traded to Dallas this offseason.
Safety is another potential need.
Dolphins: Defensive line
The 2025 NFL Draft is particularly deep at defensive line and the lack of attention to the position in free agency could be a signal that they intend to take a few in April. At this time, the Dolphins have three players listed for three starting roles: Zach Sieler, Neil Farrell Jr. and Matt Dickerson. Calais Campbell signed with Arizona and is no longer a candidate to bail them out again this season. It does feel as though the franchise may be leaning into a more purposeful rebuild.
Cornerback shoots to the top of the list if Jalen Ramsey is dealt.
Jets: Wide receiver
New York collected about a half-dozen competent pass catchers in the past few years after acquiring Aaron Rodgers, but then those players gradually moved on over the same period of time. In terms of reliability, the room is essentially Garrett Wilson, Allen Lazard and Josh Reynolds. It would not be surprising if they invested heavily in tight end rather than wide receiver. They need to develop and execute a long-term vision at the position in order for Justin Fields to succeed.
Defensive tackle may also be on the mind of new head coach Aaron Glenn.
Patriots: Offensive tackle
New England needed not one, but two offensive tackles. The Patriots signed veteran Morgan Moses to play right tackle, but still need to address backside protection for Drake Maye. Fortunately for the Patriots, they hold the No. 4 overall selection and will have the choice of Missouri’s Armand Membou or LSU’s Will Campbell.
Wide receiver remains a priority as well.
AFC West
Broncos: Running back
Linebacker? Check. Safety? Check. Tight end? Check.
Denver has gone through its offseason wish list and efficiently crossed each off; with the exception of running back. Javonte Williams was signed by Dallas, which leaves Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime to compete. Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty or North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton could be primary targets for the organization in the first round of this week’s draft.
Chargers: Tight end
Despite the signing of veteran Donte Jackson, cornerback remains a potential problem area for Jim Harbaugh’s team. It may not be realistic to expect the defensive tackles to play as well as they had in 2024 and there is a big emphasis on older pass rushers Khalil Mack and Bud Dupree performing in the absence of Joey Bosa. But there are options in those spots.
For the way Harbaugh wants to execute his offense, the presence of a field-stretching tight end would be invaluable. Michigan’s Colston Loveland and Penn State’s Tyler Warren have been associated with them for months, but could be off the board by No. 22 overall. A wide receiver that can stretch the field vertically is also on the agenda.
Chiefs: Defensive tackle
Kansas City had solid play to pair with Chris Jones for years and that group rarely turned over, but now Khalen Saunders, Derrick Nnadi and Tershawn Wharton have been extracted over the past few offseasons. The leftovers are uninspiring and it is time for the franchise to build that room back up in a deep draft for the position.
Running back would be another consideration if the Chiefs had not shown a willingness to invest little in the position since Clyde Edwards-Helaire did not pan out. Cornerback and offensive guard round out the top four.
Raiders: Wide receiver
Brock Bowers is Geno Smith’s primary outlet in Las Vegas, but the wide receiver room is thin beyond Jakobi Meyers. The Raiders have opened trade discussions for tight end Michael Mayer, so it does not sound like a heavy 12 personnel share is in their future. They will need at least one and possibly two wide receivers to upgrade that operation.
Prisco’s final 2025 NFL mock draft: Shedeur Sanders drops out of Round 1 as only one QB goes in first 32 picks
Pete Prisco
NFC North
Bears: Defensive tackle
Chicago’s roster, from top to bottom, is really solid after all the moves the Bears made along the offensive and defensive lines. There are still question marks in specific roles, but the biggest is defensive tackle. They may not add another body to that room, but they need Gervon Dexter and Zacch Pickens to develop and/or Grady Jarrett and Andrew Billings delivering competent play into their 30s.
Lions: Edge rusher
Detroit moved on from Za’Darius Smith after acquiring him midseason and Aidan Hutchinson is returning from a serious knee injury. The other pass rushers on the roster are Marcus Davenport and Josh Paschal. Davenport has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career and Paschal has been more of a stable run defender than one capable of providing explosiveness off the edge. The Lions would benefit from adding a young, bendy, explosive pass rusher who can challenge at the high side.
Perhaps they are able to find a WR3 in that complementary role to Jameson Williams, Amon-Ra St. Brown long-term as well.
Packers: Cornerback
Green Bay signed Nate Hobbs and there could be more versatility there than his background in Las Vegas suggests. The team will almost certainly move on from Jaire Alexander at some point this offseason, which leaves them Carrington Valentine and Keisean Nixon. They may well be fine, but that is one position that carries the biggest unknown at this stage of the festivities.
They need more pass rush production, but the investment has already been made with two former first-round picks on the roster. They just need to perform at a higher level.
Vikings: Cornerback
Safety, linebacker and cornerback are all on similar footing. They could each use one new starter. In the case of cornerback, they retained Byron Murphy Jr. and signed Isaiah Rodgers, but the coaching staff seems to be higher on the Rodgers addition than maybe he has proven to this point in his career. At safety, Harrison Smith is 36-years-old and Camryn Bynum signed with Indianapolis in free agency.
NFC South
Buccaneers: Linebacker
Safety and linebacker are probably two of the biggest needs if you are a believer that Cade Otton can be a solution for them at tight end. They re-signed Lavonte David but, at some point, he is going to move on and there is not a transition of power in waiting.
Defensive line, edge rusher and offensive guard could also be part of draft weekend plans.
Falcons: Edge rusher
Atlanta had one of the worst pass rush operations in the league last season; an evergreen statement. The Falcons had the third-lowest pass rush rate (28.6%) in the NFL last season, according to TruMedia. They signed Leonard Floyd, but that is this year’s version of Matthew Judon. They need a new hope at the position that they can build around. Fortunately, there are several options in this year’s class.
A cornerback opposite A.J. Terrell may also be part of the conversation.
Panthers: Edge rusher
Cornerback is probably the most deficient aspect of the roster despite extending Jaycee Horn. The linebacker group has a lot to prove, but the coaching staff will probably give them the opportunity to maintain their roles.
Patrick Jones II and D.J. Wonnum have been fine depth additions at edge rusher over the past two offseasons, but hoping Jadeveon Clowney can be the focal point of the team’s pass rush in the short and long term is not a plan grounded by reason. It would benefit them to add a difference-maker to speed up the opposing quarterback’s processing. There are multiple options for them with the No. 8 overall selection.
Saints: Defensive line
There are not a lot of exciting elements to New Orleans’ roster right now. Would it be surprising if the unit were entirely turned over in the next few years?
The Saints need to add playmakers and one of the most deficient areas is wide receiver. Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed both suffered serious injuries. Journeymen Cedrick Wilson Jr. and Dante Pettis are also in that room. The Saints need another player who can turn a single into a double to pair with Olave.
NFC East
Commanders: Edge rusher
Washington has a lot of defensive ends who will be firm at the point of attack and give the franchise a high floor in run defense. The issue is that they lack any and all explosiveness off the edge. Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr. would give them something they sorely lack among that group.
Ideally, they would draft a cornerback capable of starting on the boundary and allow Mike Sainristil to move back into the slot.
Cowboys: Offensive guard
Offensive tackle Tyler Guyton and center Cooper Beebe are young players who no longer have the benefit of Zack Martin’s presence on that offensive line. Brock Hoffman is in line to start at one guard spot and he had already been pushed out of the center competition. They could theoretically reshuffle the deck and try Beebe at guard and Hoffman at center.
The secondary could use a revitalization as well.
Eagles: Safety
Philadelphia has replacement level players or better at every position, so “need” is a relative term. Their need is not as pressing as holes on the roster of other teams. The Eagles may not be able to find an upgrade without moving up in the first round to target either South Carolina’s Nick Emmanwori or Georgia’s Malaki Starks.
They did lose free agents Milton Williams, Josh Sweat and Mekhi Becton, but had already been preparing for that eventuality.
Giants: Quarterback
It is a make-or-break year for head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen and their actions support that idea. Right now, their fate lies in the hands of Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston. Neither has inspired enough confidence to hold down a job for consecutive years over the last three years.
NFC West
49ers: Defensive tackle
The choice boiled down to the interior offensive line and the interior defensive line. Offensive guard Aaron Banks signed with the Packers in free agency and reserve offensive tackle Jaylon Moore signed with Kansas City. The offensive line had already been a weakness despite the offensive structure taking some of the pressure off that unit.
However, defensive tackle is a bigger need. Javon Hargrave, Arik Armstead, DeForest Buckner and Javon Kinlaw are all gone. Maliek Collins is gone from last year’s team as well. Those defections were not countered with equal or better replacements. The search for a reliable rusher opposite Nick Bosa continues as well.
Cardinals: Linebacker
Arizona has replacement-level linebackers right now, which makes sense because Philadelphia never spent big on the position and that is where head coach Jonathan Gannon cut his teeth. The success of the cornerback position relies upon the development of youth, such as Max Melton and Garrett Williams.
Similar to roadwork in your local town, annual spring construction of the offensive line commences once again.
Rams: Cornerback
Inside linebacker may actually be more bereft of talent, but the Rams have had no problem finding Day 3 prospects or undrafted free agent players to fill that role. The efforts to solve the short- and long-term cornerback situation have been mixed. Darious Williams was solid for them, but they will have to replace him in the coming years.
Seahawks: Offensive guard
Seattle is not going to move on from offensive tackles Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas, but they need to play better. The lack of consistency is exacerbated by poor interior play. They chose not to be active in pursuit of top dollar free agents and are now forced to address the need in the draft.
Safety would be another consideration as head coach Mike Macdonald pursues his version of Kyle Hamilton.
The 2025 NFL Draft is to take place from April 24-26 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. More draft coverage can be found at CBSSports.com, including the weekly mock drafts and a regularly available look at the eligible prospects.