Breaking Down All 32 NFL Team Needs

Apr 14th 2022

Sosa Kremenjas

Welcome to the breakdown of all 32 NFL teams. In this piece, we're going to take a look at every team by division, highlighting their biggest needs heading into the 2022 NFL Draft. There is still ample time for teams to improve their rosters, with the third and fourth tier of free agency still around and the draft upcoming.

Some of the holes listed on these rosters include unproven starters, unfilled roster spots, subpar performers, and more. Let's dive into it.

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens

Team needs: WR, LG, C, Slot CB, EDGE

Baltimore is a team with a rich tradition of success since the turn of the millenium. Unfortunately for the Ravens, a ton of their roster ended the season on Injured Reserve (I.R.) and the team basically limped to an 8-9 season because of it.

Looking at the offense, the Ravens could still use some assistance at wide receiver with Sammy Watkins currently an unsigned free agent. Baltimore will lean on Rashod Bateman and Marquise Brown but still have space for a more established presence at the position. After losing Bradley Bozeman in free agency, the offensive line currently features Tyre Phillips and Trystan Colon-Castillo on the interior. Both players have a combined 8 NFL starts. The Ravens could look to address their offensive line needs, even with the addition of Morgan Moses at RT.

Defensively, Baltimore suffered losses on every level, including Brandon Williams, Justin Houston, Jimmy Smith, Anthony Averett, and more. The Ravens have done a good job loading up with younger players ready to take the leap such as Malik Harrison (season-ending IR) and Odafe Oweh, but could use some assistance at EDGE and depth at cornerback.

Cincinnati Bengals

Team needs: TE, RB2, LG, Boundary CB

As it stands, Cincinnati is one of the more well balanced offenses. They addressed major needs across the offensive line with the additions of Ted Karras, La'El Collins, and Alex Cappa, though they still may need to find a long-term starter at left guard. Jackson Carman will likely get a shot to prove himself this season. The Bengals did lose C.J. Uzomah in free agency and signed Hayden Hurst to replace him, but Hurst has never topped 571 receiving yards in a single season and leaves something to be desired.

Cincinnati's defense isn't far behind, actually. The biggest losses suffered on this side of the ball were cornerback Trae Waynes and defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi. The team doesn't have any pressing needs on defense but could use some depth along the interior defensive line and could look for an upgrade at cornerback over Eli Apple.

Cleveland Browns

Team needs: Slot WR, DT, DE

The Browns were one of the more exciting teams throughout the offseason. The front office made a splash trade for Deshaun Watson and added a potent receiver in Amari Cooper. That was a good start, but the Browns are still scheduled to start Donovan Peoples-Jones and Jakeem Grant alongside Cooper. That duo won't fly, particularly with Jarvis Landry seemingly moving on.

Defensively, Cleveland is on schedule to potentially lose a handful of defensive lineman. Jadeveon Clowney, Malik McDowell, Malik Jackson, and Takkarist McKinley are all pending free agents. They could certainly use some additions to both defensive end and defensive tackle, where Chase Winovich, Jordan Elliott, and Tommy Togiai are projected to start.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Team needs: LT, C, QB, SS, CB

Pittsburgh have plenty of areas to focus on when it comes to the offensive side of the ball. No position is more important than the quarterback, and as of today, the Steelers are deploying Mitchell Trubisky as a bridge option between Ben Roethlisberger and whoever the next young prospect is. There is a lot of smoke surrounding the Steelers' intentions to potentially draft a quarterback in the first round, and Malik Willis has been a name often connected with the team. The Steelers also have holes along the offensive line. Left tackle Dan Moore Jr. was credited with allowing seven sacks (10th-most) last season, according to PFF.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Steelers are mostly set in their front seven, though Stephon Tuitt's status has yet to be determined. He sat out the entirety of 2021 but appears to be on track to play this season. The defensive backfield is where the Steelers could look to bolster their defense. Safety Miles Killebrew has just four career starts in six seasons and Ahkello Witherspoon started just three games last season for the Steelers, despite being pegged for a potential starting role in nickel packages this season.

AFC South

Houston Texans

Team needs: Slot WR, RG, RT, RB, Defense

The Texans are picking inside of the top-five with good reason: they aren't a very good football team. Really, they could use assistance pretty much everywhere, but we'll narrow it down to a handful of the most pertinent positions.

Offensively, the team looks prepared to hand the reins to second-year quarterback Davis Mills. They could use a more promising prospect at the position, but Mills seems set to get at least an entire season to show off his potential development. Losing David Johnson won't help, but Houston could rely on the recently signed Marlon Mack to handle RB1 duties alongside Rex Burkhead. The Texans have a great receiver in Brandin Cooks but a bunch of unestablished options outside of him. They need to get more talent in that room, and could specifically use a chain-moving option or more explosiveness out of the slot. The offensive line is sorted out on the left side but could end up being disastrous on the right side. Both right guard and right tackle are needs entering the draft.

Defensively, the team could really use help at every and any position. They're going to rely on plenty of young players with minimal starting experience, as well as veterans who haven't really established themselves and have played in sub package roles for other franchises. They need help at EDGE, interior defensive line, arguably two linebacker spots, and at free safety.

Indianapolis Colts

Team needs: Boundary WR, LT, RG, Boundary CB

The Colts' needs begin on the boundary at receiver with T.Y. Hilton potentially moving on in free agency. Indianapolis does have budding stud Michael Pittman and an often-injured Parris Campbell in the slot, but they may look to address two spots with Campbell's injury history. Left tackle Eric Fisher also departed via free agency, leaving the colts with two projected starters at LT and RG with just 15 and zero career starts. There will likely be offensive line adjustments.

Defensively, General Manager Chris Ballard will be tasked with replacing cornerback Xavier Rhodes, even with the addition of Brandon Facyson. There's a shot the team also looks to address the nose tackle position.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Team needs: C, LB, EDGE, SS

The Jaguars seem like a team with many more "needs" than they actually have, at least in terms of clear places to address via the NFL Draft. Jacksonville didn't lose any impact free agents outside of RG Brandon Scherff and LB Myles Jack, who were both cap casualties post season.

They went out of their way to spend big money at the receiver position in Christian Kirk and Zay Jones, solidifying what they believe to be a solid trio that includes Marvin Jones. The offensive line will need help at center and potentially even left guard. Center Tyler Shatley has just 33 career starts over eight NFL seasons and left guard Ben Bartch allowed three sacks last season and is just a former fourth-round draft pick.

Defensively, the team certainly has some positions to fill. Their EDGE depth chart is fairly decent and has loads of potential in Josh Allen and K'Lavon Chaisson, but they can still use a 1A pass rusher to complement whatever those guys bring to the table.

On the backend of the defense, Andrew Wingard is not a starting quality player and that position should be addressed via the draft. The Jaguars could look to double-dip at the safety spots.

Tennessee Titans

Team needs: Slot WR, LG, RB2, NT

The Titans addressed one spot vacated by Julio Jones at wide receiver by trading a late-round pick for Robert Woods but could still use additional help in the slot. A.J. Brown and Woods both profile as boundary guys who can play inside too, but the Titans could use a shiftier short-statured route runner who can consistently move the chains in the middle of the field. Tennessee also lost RG Rodger Saffold, RB D'Onta Foreman, RG David Quessenberry, and TE's Anthony Firkser and MyCole Pruitt on offense. Tight end wont be much of a need with the addition of Austin Hooper, but they will likely address the interior offensive line as Aaron Brewer has just six career starts and was undrafted in 2020.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Titans moved on from cornerback Janoris Jenkins and look okay at the position. Nose tackles Teair Tart (59.2 PFF grade) and Naquan Jones (44.3 PFF grade) could be improved. Tennessee may also look to bolster their inside linebacker room after losing Jayon Brown and Rashaan Evans in free agency, though David Long Jr. and Zach Cunningham are capable of starting.

AFC East

Buffalo Bills

Team needs: LG, RB, Boundary CB

The Bills are arguably the most complete roster in the NFL. Offensively, they could use an addition at left guard where Ryan Bates is likely pegged as the starter. Bates signed a four-year deal with Buffalo in the offseason but has just four career starts. The running back position is maybe the one sore spot on the offensive side of the ball. Devin Singletary is the top option as of now, but the Bills even had him rotate with Zack Moss and that proved to not be very effective. Duke Johnson is a solid role player, but likely isn't fit for the starting job.

Defensively, like the offense, the Bills are solid from the ground up. Defensive tackle may be a spot the Bills look to address, specifically the depth after losing Star Lotulelei and Harrison Phillips. The defensive line also lost EDGE's Jerry Hughes and Mario Addison, though the addition of Von Miller softens the blow. The one position the Bills could certainly use is cornerback. Buffalo lost Levi Wallace in free agency and Tre'Davious White is still recovering from the torn ACL that knocked him out of the 2021 season.

Miami Dolphins

Team needs: QB, NT, Slot CB

I'm fairly certain the Dolphins won't address the quarterback position, but it's fair to wonder whether Tua Tagovailoa is fit to be a franchise quarterback. I lean towards "no", but there's no doubt Miami will give him the opportunity to either prove them right or wrong in 2022. The Dolphins will also need to sort out their offensive line after the additions of Terron Armstead and Connor Williams.

Defensively, the nose tackle spot could be addressed with Raekwon Davis slotted to start. Also, the Dolphins lost Justin Coleman in free agency, and even after re-signing Nik Needham, the team could look to address the final "starting" cornerback spot (nickel) to pair with two very good boundary corners.

New England Patriots

Team needs: RG, LB x2, CB

The biggest offensive losses for the Patriots both came from the offensive line — Ted Karras through free agency and Shaq Mason, who was traded for pennies on the dollar. Mason's departure would leave right guard as their biggest need heading into the NFL Draft.

Defensively, the Patriots lost a star in J.C. Jackson, and potentially several veterans including Dont'a Hightower, Kyle Van Noy, Jamie Collins, and Chase Winovich. The linebacker spot should be addressed with Ja'Whaun Bentley and Mack Wilson likely pegged for starting spots. The Patriots should look to replace Jackson in the secondary, too. Malcolm Butler was signed, but he's coming out of retirement and his contributions should be viewed as extra additives.

New York Jets

Team needs: Slot CB, EDGE, WR, Power RB

Even though the Jets need an infusion of talent pretty much everywhere on offense, they really don't have many glaring holes on that side of the ball. New York could use another body at receiver to complement Elijah Moore, Corey Davis, and Braxton Berrios. The offensive line suffered multiple losses in free agency including Morgan Moses and Laurent Duvernay-Tardif. The running back spot is likely covered with Michael Carter and Tevin Coleman on the roster, but Coleman is a very straight-line runner with injury issues and Carter might moonlight better as a scat back type of player. The room could use a power runner who can grind out some yardage between the tackles.

Defensively, the team still needs additions at EDGE and slot cornerback. Carl Lawson is coming off a season-ending injury in 2021, and the cornerback room has some potential in players like Bryce Hall and recent addition D.J. Reed, but they still could use a solidified third player to round out the trio, specifically in the nickel spot.

AFC West

Denver Broncos

Team needs: TE2, LB x2, SS

There may not be a team in the NFL who improved more over the course of the offseason than the Broncos. The offense has nearly no glaring holes after the additions of Russell Wilson and Billy Turner. They may need a backup running back with Melvin Gordon potentially joining the Ravens, as well as a backup tight end or a more traditional in-line player with Albert Okwuegbunam set to be the "move" player at the position.

Defensively, Denver could use some additions in the linebacker group. Both Alexander Johnson and Kenny Young hit the free agent market. The Broncos were able to re-sign Josey Jewell and sign Alex Singleton, though neither player provides unquestioned starter ability. Lastly, the backend of the defense may be addressed. Cornerbacks Bryce Callahan and Kyle Fuller both appear to be on their way out. Denver did a good job supplementing the position by drafting Patrick Surtain II in 2021 and by signing K'Waun Williams. Strong safety Caden Sterns is the one potential hole in the secondary.

Kansas City Chiefs

Team needs: X WR, RT, EDGE, CB

No team was more confusing than the Chiefs this offseason. They need an "X" wide receiver after moving Tyreek Hill, though they shouldn't have many issues finding one with their newly delivered draft picks. Yes, they did sign Marquez Valdes-Scantling to serve as the vertical threat, but they still need help at the position as Mecole Hardman doesn't cut it. Right tackle is not a pressing need after drafting Lucas Niang in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, but there may be some opportunity to potentially upgrade at that spot.

Defensively, the Chiefs need a lot of work. There may not be a worse EDGE rusher depth chart in the NFL, and losing Melvin Ingram and Alex Okafor surely won't help the unit. On the second level the Chiefs are ready to replace Anthony Hitchens without any hiccups, but the secondary also suffered some losses with Tyrann Mathieu seemingly moving on. The cornerback position is not in good shape. The Chiefs have arguably the worst cornerback room in football. It wouldn't be a surprise if they double-dipped in the draft at the position.

Las Vegas Raiders

Team needs: LG, RG, LB

It seems to be a theme these days in the NFL, and the Raiders are one of many franchises to make a huge splash play in the offseason by acquiring Davante Adams. Really, the offense is mostly set outside of the interior offensive line. Both guard positions — currently featuring Denzelle Good and Jermaine Eluemunor — should be upgraded. Losing Richie incognito doesn't help an offensive line that lost Rodney Hudson one offseason ago. Good has 43 career starts as a 31-year-old and had just a 50.1 PFF grade this past season, while Eluemunor has registered just 14 starts entering his age-28 season.

The defense suffered a handful of losses, including linebackers Cory Littleton, K.J. Wright, and Nick Kwiatkoski, EDGE Carl Nassib, and CB Desmond Trufant. Now, the Raiders elected to move on from most of these guys by cutting them, but they still need to be replaced. There are some question marks about how Jayon Brown will fit into the defense and what kind of player Divine Deablo can be after transitioning from safety. Otherwise, the team doesn't have many glaring holes on defense. Cornerback could use some depth and Jonathan Abram too considering his injury history, but this team is ready to compete in the AFC West.

Los Angeles Chargers

Team needs: Boundary WR, RT, RB2, LB

The AFC West did not hold back in their pursuit of a championship this offseason. That sentiment rang true for the Chargers, who are left with maybe just three holes on their offense, one of which isn't a starting position. Even with the re-signing of Mike Williams, the team could use another boundary receiver to complement Keenan Allen in the slot and Williams outside. Preferably an elite field-stretching receiver who can consistently win vertically. Right tackle also needs to be solved after the failed Bryan Bulaga experience. Bulaga was cut and the team is left with just Storm Norton. Some may argue tight end is up there as well post-Jared Cook, but Gerald Everett is a fun player with major mismatch potential.

On the flip, linebacker may be the only weak spot for the Chargers. They lost NT Linval Joseph, CB Chris Harris Jr., and LB Kyzir White, among others. Yet, the team responded by adding Austin Johnson and Sebastian Joseph-Day to man the interior defensive line, and big-ticket cornerback J.C. Jackson as Harris' indirect replacement. Los Angeles has first-round pick Kenneth Murray and Drue Tranquill to man the second-level of the defense, but both are relatively unproven players who have yet to solidify starting spots in their careers.

NFC North

Chicago Bears

Team needs: X WR, RG, RT, EDGE, LB x2, CB

There isn't any easy way to say it, but the Bears are one of the least talented rosters in the NFL. They could use help at a number of positions on both sides of the ball. To begin, the offense certainly needs an infusion of talent at wide receiver. Darnell Mooney is a solid player and Byron Pringle is a good No. 4 receiver, but the Bears need a true "X" receiver who can line up on the boundary and dictate coverage since losing Allen Robinson. The offensive line, specifically the right side, will need some adjustments, too. Dakota Dozier is not a starting quality offensive lineman and Larry Borom could easily be upgraded as a former day three draft pick.

On the flip side, the losses of Eddie Goldman, Danny Trevathan, Akiem Hicks, and Alec Ogletree have opened holes along the front seven. Chicago could look to address both the EDGE and off-ball linebacker spots, in addition to adding one or two cornerbacks to supplant Kindle Vildor and/or Duke Shelley. Simply put, the Bears have a lot of holes and need to do well in the draft to properly begin their rebuild.

Detroit Lions

Team needs: QB, EDGE, LB, FS, CB

Detroit holds the No. 2 overall draft pick and could elect to address the quarterback position at that spot, even with Jared Goff in the fold. The team will at some point address the long-term future at quarterback, though it may not necessarily be an *immediate* need.

Defensively, there are multiple places to improve. The defensive line features a lot of young up-and-coming talent but lacks at EDGE where Charles Harris leads the way after Trey Flowers' release. Linebacker could also be addressed with Derrick Barnes or Jarrad Davis scheduled to start alongside Alex Anzalone. The backend may not having any glaring holes but should be upgraded. The cornerback room is a shaky one, especially when considering Jeff Okudah's season-ending injury. The safety duo is also subpar.

Green Bay Packers

Team needs: Boundary WR, Slot WR, DE, LB, RG

Any way you slice it, the Packers need wide receiver help. The team traded Davante Adams to the Raiders and lost Marquez Valdes-Scantling this offseason. Their biggest needs begin at that position, and it's arguable they could draft two or even three receivers. The offensive line is solid but does have some questions entering the draft. Is Royce Newman starter quality? And how healthy will Elgton Jenkins be next season coming back from a mid-season ACL tear?

On the other side of the ball, the Packers also need to find some assistance at EDGE and DE, though mostly for depth. The team is fairly well equipped on this side of the ball but doesn't have much after Dean Lowry and Jarran Reed at DE, or Preston Smith and Rashan Gary at EDGE.

Minnesota Vikings

Team needs: RG, Slot WR, TE, DT, CB

Minnesota is under transition, moving on from long-time Head Coach Mike Zimmer to the newly minted Kevin O'Connell. Starting with the offense where KOC will operate, the team needs a starting quality player at right guard to replace Jesse Davis or Wyatt Davis, and at slot receiver where K.J. Osborn isn't a needle mover. There could be an argument for the team to draft a tight end, too, as Irv Smith Jr. and Johnny Mundt are both returning from season-ending injuries last season.

The defense is undergoing a major rehaul. The team let go of Sheldon Richardson, Everson Griffen, Michael Pierce, and Anthony Barr in free agency and brought in Harrison Phillips, Dalvin Tomlinson, and Za'Darius Smith. They still need one more starting quality defensive tackle, preferably a 3-tech to pair with Tomlinson, and some cornerback help with the uncertainty of Patrick Peterson at his age, the development of Cam Dantzler, and the subpar signing of Chandon Sullivan.

NFC South

Atlanta Falcons

Team needs: WR x3, LG, QB, DT, EDGE, FS

This isn't a joke — there may not be a single spot on the Falcons' roster that doesn't need an addition. Offensively, they have by far the worst wide receiver room in the NFL after losing Julio Jones, and Calvin Ridley (suspension) and Russell Gage in consecutive seasons. The offensive line needs work at left guard and potentially center, the team is left without a franchise quarterback post-Matt Ryan trade, and all-around looks pretty bare on offense.

Atlanta's defense isn't much better. They have unproven starters at defensive tackle, a former first-round disappointment who they signed at LB in Rashaan Evans, and two starting spots open at safety. This team needs a ton of help.

Carolina Panthers

Team needs: LT, LG, TE, QB, MLB

This season may be Matt Rhule's last as the Panthers' head coach — he's one of the coaches entering this season on the hot seat. That's probably not a good thing considering the lack of quality on the left side of the Panthers' offensive line and quarterback. Starting left tackle Cam Erving (56.0 overall PFF grade) and left guard Pat Elflein (50.1 overall PFF grade) are not starter quality. There is no denying they could use upgrades at all three positions, as well as a potential addition at tight end. Tommy Tremble flashed at the position but is unproven and starter Ian Thomas is currently suspended nor starting quality.

On the flip, Carolina's defense is tremendous. Even after losing Stephon Gilmore, A.J. Bouye, and Morgan Fox, the team is well prepared to performed on this side of the ball. The one position they may look to address is linebacker. Damien Wilson hasn't shown much over the course of his career and Cory Littleton was a cost-effective signing after a disappointing tenure with the Raiders.

New Orleans Saints

Team needs: Boundary WR, LT, QB, DT

Onto the Saints. Like some others, the Saints are going through transition with Sean Payton "retiring". The team approved Defensive Coordinator Dennis Allen to the head role, so there should be some familiarity. Offensively, that may not be a good thing. The team was unspectacular last season, but it's hard when a starting quarterback (Jameis Winston) goes down with a season-ending injury. While Winston re-signed, the team could still elect to draft a quarterback of the future, but it's not certain. There is no doubt the team needs wide receiver help alongside Michael Thomas, who should be able to return this season. Lastly, left tackle is a major question mark since losing Terron Armstead to the Dolphins in free agency.

New Orleans is fairly set on defense, outside of a spot or two. They supplanted the loss of Marcus Williams with Marcus Maye but still need help at defensive tackle and potentially even linebacker. Pete Werner, a former second-round pick, is projected to start at linebacker. He should get a chance before the Saints look to address the position, but crazier things have happened.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Team needs: LG, TE, DE, EDGE depth

The NFC is wide open this season and that's good news for the Bucs and returning quarterback Tom Brady. They're considered one of the favorites to represent the conference in the Super Bowl. With that said, the team really doesn't have many glaring holes. Offensively, Tampa Bay will need a new left guard after losing both Alex Cappa (free agency) and Ali Marpet (retirement) in the offseason. They were able to replace one of those losses by trading for veteran Shaq Mason. The other spot that might present a question mark is tight end. Will Rob Gronkowski return this season? And regardless of what he does, will Tampa look to get younger at the position?

On defense, the team could use an EDGE rusher to fill Jason Pierre-Paul's departure, as well as more depth at the position. The defense is well equipped for 2022.

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys

Team needs: Boundary WR, LG, EDGE, CB depth

It's no secret the Cowboys are already looking to replace what Amari Cooper brought to the team. Yes, CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup are a great 1-2 punch, but the team utilizes 11-personnel formations often and needs three starting receivers. Dallas also lost Connor Williams this offseason and while he wasn't a dominant player, he will need to be replaced. Connor McGovern is certainly a decent option there.

On defense, Randy Gregory's strange free agency saga has left a hole at EDGE for the Cowboys to fill. The defensive line — outside of Demarcus Lawrence and Osa Odighizuwa— has a bunch of question marks, even with Dante Fowler Jr.'s addition. Sliding to the backend, the Cowboys could use some cornerback depth alongside young players Nahshon Wright and Kelvin Joseph.

New York Giants

Team needs: LG, RT, TE, LB, EDGE

For a team that has underperformed for what feels like ever, the Giants don't have a ton of opening holes. The offensive line definitely needs work at left guard and right tackle, where Max Garcia (56.3 overall PFF grade) and Matt Peart (six career starts) are projected to start. Tight end is another spot that probably needs an addition with Ricky Seals-Jones (free agent add) being the only prospect at the position.

On defense, the Giants will need to address linebacker and EDGE. Their pass rush has been subpar for what feels like years, but Azeez Ojulari is a promising player at one edge spot. Tae Crowder is not a starting quality player at linebacker (29.1 overall PFF grade) and will need to be replaced.

Philadelphia Eagles

Team needs: Boundary WR, Slot WR, RB, CB, LB

The Eagles are an interesting team with a lot of draft ammo over the next two seasons. Presumably, the team appears ready to give Jalen Hurts another season to prove whether he is or isn't franchise quarterback worthy. He'll need some assistance, specifically at wide receiver where the team has just DeVonta Smith proving to be a starting quality player. They will need a boundary WR to replace the ineffective Jalen Reagor and potentially a slot receiver who is more productive and consistent than Quez Watkins. The team could also use a backup running back who is more consistent than Miles Sanders, who seems to struggle with health and leaves something to be desired.

On defense, the Eagles could use a linebacker and a cornerback, but are otherwise solid. Kyzir White and T.J. Edwards are a decent linebacker duo, but the Eagles could use a stout needle-mover at that position. Also, the loss of Steven Nelson opens a starting spot at cornerback where Zech McPhearson is currently projected to start.

Washington Commanders

Team needs: Boundary WR, TE2, QB, LB, CB depth

Washington is the final team to evaluate in the NFC West. Starting at the most important position, the Commanders traded for Carson Wentz yet still need a legit franchise quarterback. Wentz could offer some ability as a spot-starter and potential bridge quarterback, but he shouldn't be relied on as a legitimate longterm starter. To help Wentz, the team could seek another boundary wide receiver alongside Terry McLaurin and gadget/slot player Curtis Samuel, who didn't have an ideal debut season.

On the flip, the defense is a strong unit, despite cutting Landon Collins and Matt Ioannidis, and losing Tim Settle in free agency. Two of the three big losses in free agency opened some potential holes in the defensive line's depth, which could be address. Moving to the second level, Washington will need to find a legit starter at mike linebacker and some cornerback depth with three starters locked in.

NFC West

Arizona Cardinals

Team needs: Boundary WR, LG, EDGE, Boundary CB

Arizona suffered a late-season collapse in 2021 but at least made the playoffs and showed promise. To address the offense, Steve Keim should look to add a boundary wide receiver to replace A.J. Green and to pair with DeAndre Hopkins. Rondale Moore will get a shot to replace Christian Kirk in the slot. The offensive line could use an addition too, potentially at left guard, where Justin Pugh has been often injured and just average since joining the team.

Defensively, the team lost Chandler Jones and will need to find a way to replace him. It won't be easy. The second position that is a glaring hole is boundary cornerback, where late-round rookie Marco Wilson showed some promise. The Cardinals signed former first-round pick Jeff Gladney at that spot, but he should be viewed as depth at this point in time.

Los Angeles Rams

Team needs: RG, EDGE, CB, Slot CB

Like the Bucs, the Rams are well equipped to make a serious run at the NFC Championship Game/Super Bowl. Offensively, the team needs a new right guard since Austin Corbett's departure. Wide receiver is a question mark — L.A. is intent on re-signing Odell Beckham Jr. but there's been no deal to date. Still, the Rams added Allen Robinson in free agency to pair with Cooper Kupp and Van Jefferson for the time being.

On defense, the Rams could use some additions. EDGE is one of the most pressing needs and cornerback might be the top priority. The team lost Von Miller and Darious Williams to free agency and need to find a way to replace them.

San Francisco 49ers

Team needs: LG, S, EDGE, CB

The 49ers are prepared to move on from the Jimmy Garoppolo era to the Trey Lance one, and they're prepared to do it effectively. There aren't many needs on offense, with left guard being the only pressing need. Colton McKivitz (two sacks allowed on just 70 plays) is much better suited as a depth piece. The other position San Francisco may elect to address is wide receiver, specifically Jauan Jennings' spot. He isn't a needle mover for when the 49ers when they deploy 11-personnel based formations.

On defense, the 49ers will need some help at EDGE, CB, and even S. Nick Bosa is one of the premier players at the position but Dee Ford has been a non-factor for years, has hardly played, and might ultimately be cut. The 49ers signed FS George Odum in free agency, but his skills are better suited on special teams and as depth.

Seattle Seahawks

Team needs: LT, RT, QB, LB, EDGE, CB

The Russell Wilson era is officially over. Seattle moved on from their franchise quarterback this offseason and need to find a suitable starter at that position before they elect to do anything else. It doesn't help that they need two starting starting tackles, too. Their current projected starting bookends — Stone Forsythe and Jake Curhan — have just a combined five NFL starts.

The defense has more pieces than the offense but still needs some adjustments. Seattle hasn't brought Carlos Dunlap back and will need to find a starter to replace him. The second-level of the defense is the same, with Bobby Wagner departing and Cody Barton slated to be a starter. One of the team's biggest losses was cornerback D.J. Reed; Seattle has to find a suitable replacement, though free agent Justin Coleman might be an option.