The 2025 NFL Draft represented the last major player acquisition opportunity of the offseason. While there are still secondary waves of veteran free agency and undrafted free agency, every team’s 2025 roster is largely in place at this point.
Every team was able to address some of their biggest short- and long-term needs in the draft, but that doesn’t mean every roster is complete. In the wake of the draft, we break down the biggest remaining weakness on all 32 teams.
Arizona Cardinals: Linebacker
The Arizona Cardinals spent all three of their Day 1 and 2 picks on defense. That should make the unit far more exciting than it’s been in recent years, where Budda Baker has been one of the few playmakers on a mostly anonymous unit.
Walter Nolen should pair with free-agent signing Josh Sweat to boost a pass rush that ranked 25th in pressure rate in 2024. Will Johnson could be the steal of the draft if his medicals check out, as the Cardinals got a top-10-to-15 player on most pre-draft big boards at 40th overall. All that should help Arizona’s pass defense improve after ranking dead last in pass defense success rate last season.
However, linebacker still looks like a big hole, with Akeem Davis-Gaither and Mack Wilson Sr. the current projected starters. Kyzir White remains a free agent and could probably be brought back on a cheap deal, and fourth-rounder Cody Simon could get a chance to play. While it’s not surprising to see the Cardinals devalue the position given Jonathan Gannon’s Eagles background, linebacker does loom as a glaring weakness on an otherwise improved defense.
Atlanta Falcons: Cornerback
The Atlanta Falcons had very limited draft resources, so they weren’t going to be able to address every need. Atlanta wisely chose to go all-in on the pass rush, double-dipping with Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. on Day 1. Trading away a 2026 first-rounder might come back to haunt the Falcons, but it undeniably makes the 2025 front more exciting.
The flip side is that the cornerback position didn’t get much help, leaving question marks on that end. Xavier Watts and Billy Bowman are nice safety additions who could slot in next to Jessie Bates III, but the cornerback spot opposite A.J. Terrell looks like it’ll be a competition between veteran re-treads Mike Hughes, Mike Ford Jr., and Kevin King.
Either way, it’s a safe bet opposing quarterbacks will be targeting the corner opposite Terrell for much of 2025. An improved pass rush can make the secondary’s life easier, so it’s possible that Walker and Pearce can cover up for some of the deficiencies on the back end. Still, even after a heavy investment on defense, Atlanta appears a little shorthanded at a critical spot.
Baltimore Ravens: Perimeter Cornerback
Brandon Stephens may have struggled in 2024, but he at least provided reliable starter snaps at outside cornerback. Now, the Baltimore Ravens may have to use a committee early in the season until they figure out their best solution at the position, while also hoping that Marlon Humphrey can stay healthy and Nate Wiggins progresses in Year 2.
In an otherwise impressive draft, cornerback stands out as one area where the Ravens didn’t really invest. Their only selections at the position came in the sixth round with Bilhal Kone and Robert Longerbeam. That likely leaves veteran Chidobe Awuzie, Jalyn Armour-Davis, and T.J. Tampa battling it out for the third corner spot.
The Ravens do have other solutions, including playing Kyle Hamilton more at nickel now that first-rounder Malaki Starks is in the building. That could allow them to push Humphrey outside with Wiggins. Still, there could be some early-season trial-and-error while Baltimore figures out its best combination in the secondary.
Buffalo Bills: Linebacker
The Buffalo Bills have a decent argument as the NFL’s most complete roster on paper. The Bills had one obvious need at cornerback entering the draft, and addressed that with first-rounder Maxwell Hairston. Dorian Strong was also a sneaky value in the sixth round, while Rasul Douglas remains available as a break-in-case-of-emergency option in free agency.
As such, it’s hard to find a glaring weakness. For now, we’ll zero in on linebacker, where Matt Milano had a rough return from a torn biceps late in 2024 and is in the final year of his contract. After two straight major injuries, it’s fair to question if Milano (who will be 31 when the season starts) can recapture anything resembling his All-Pro form.
If he can’t, the Bills’ linebacker spot next to Terrel Bernard could be a weakness. That also assumes that third-year pro Dorian Williams or Baylon Spector can’t take a step forward with extended playing time. Frankly, that’s a pretty nice spot to reside in terms of biggest roster weaknesses.
Carolina Panthers: Cornerback
The Carolina Panthers were never going to fix last year’s historically woeful defense in one offseason. The Panthers did make strides between free agency and double-dipping at edge rusher in the draft with Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen. All that should aid the unit that allowed the most points in NFL history in 2024.
However, cornerback still looks like a weakness that even an improved pass rush won’t fix. Jaycee Horn is locked in at one spot, and Mike Jackson earned an extension that should give him first crack at the other perimeter corner spot. Still, Jackson doesn’t have a long track record as a proven starter, while nickel could have used an upgrade over Chau Smith-Wade.
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Safety also could have been a consideration, though the Panthers added an intriguing Day 3 box safety prospect in Lathan Ransom. Tre’von Moehrig is a huge upgrade over the veteran stopgaps the Panthers have rolled out in recent years, and Ransom provides reasonable competition for Demani Richardson and Nick Scott.
Chicago Bears: Safety
Unsurprisingly, the Ben Johnson-era Chicago Bears have invested heavily in offense to help Johnson fulfill his vision on that side of the ball. Caleb Williams’ development is easily the most important factor in the Bears’ upcoming season, even more so than returning to the playoffs.
However, that doesn’t mean the defense should be ignored. While that side of the ball had more pre-existing talent, safety looked like a potential weak spot given Jaquan Brisker’s persistent concussion woes. Both Brisker and Kevin Byard are in the final year of their contracts, with Byard turning 32 before the start of the season.
As such, it would have been reasonable for the Bears to use a Day 2 or early Day 3 pick on a safety to ensure they’re not scrambling to replace both starters next offseason. Now, Chicago could really use a productive and healthy season from Brisker, who would likely get a nice contract next spring if he delivers on that hope.
Cincinnati Bengals: Defensive Tackle
Trey Hendrickson accounted for over half of the Cincinnati Bengals’ sacks last season. Even if the team strikes a long-term deal with Hendrickson, that can’t happen again in 2025. Picking super-freak Shemar Stewart in the first round was a first step towards rectifying that imbalance, as Stewart has the upside to become Hendrickson’s successor as a true No. 1 edge rusher.
However, in a deep defensive tackle draft, the Bengals didn’t come away with any players at that spot. B.J. Hill and Tedarrell Slaton are still the projected starters, with the latter likely to play mostly early downs as a run-stuffer.
In fairness, the Bengals did invest heavily at the position last draft. However, both Kris Jenkins Jr. and McKinnley Jackson profile as early-down contributors as well. Cincinnati defensive tackles combined to rank 21st in pressures last year, so the interior still looks like a weak spot on passing downs.
Cleveland Browns: Wide Receiver
The Cleveland Browns had a fascinating draft and immediately own the most interesting quarterback competition this summer. Regardless of who wins the competition between Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel, the quarterback will be heavily reliant on Jerry Jeudy for an otherwise underwhelming receiver corps.
The Browns did add Harold Fannin Jr. at tight end, and the Bowling Green product could team with David Njoku. Still, tight end is a position where most rookies aren’t huge contributors, and Fannin felt more like a pick for the future with Njoku in the final year of his contract. That doesn’t rule him out as a meaningful player in 2025, but asking Fannin to be the No. 3 target right away feels like a stretch.
The Browns could get a more sustained stretch of starter-level play from Cedric Tillman or Jamari Thrash, but now that hope becomes a must. Even if Dylan Sampson helps out in the passing game, not adding a wide receiver at all feels like a miss.
Dallas Cowboys: Wide Receiver
Over the last two seasons, CeeDee Lamb ranks top five in percent of team receptions(28.6%) and receiving yards (33.6%). Hopefully, Lamb is ready for a similarly massive volume in 2025, because the Dallas Cowboys did not draft a single wide receiver and will once again rely heavily on Lamb in the passing game.
With Lamb primarily occupying the slot, the perimeter receivers in three-receiver sets currently project as Jalen Tolbert and Jonathan Mingo. Neither has ever eclipsed 50 receptions or 650 receiving yards in a season, and is not a surefire starting-level option.
All this leaves Dak Prescott dangerously reliant on his All-Pro receiver once again. Last year, Prescott averaged -0.11 EPA per dropback targeting non-Lamb receivers, his worst since Lamb joined the Cowboys in 2020. There’s really not much reason to expect much better in 2025, which would limit Dallas’ overall offensive upside.
Denver Broncos: Linebacker
The Denver Broncos have quietly assembled one of the more complete rosters in the NFL. However, the team caught a really rough break right after the draft, when Dre Greenlaw injured his quadriceps while working out.
The linebacker position was already going to be highlighted in this spot due to the injury histories of Greenlaw and fellow projected starter Alex Singleton. The two combined to play five games last year, between a torn ACL for Singleton and a torn Achilles recovery from Greenlaw. There are mixed reports about the severity of Greenlaw’s injury, but if he misses substantial time, linebacker position looks rather thin with the Broncos failing to invest a single draft pick at the position.
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Even if Greenlaw avoided a worst-case scenario, there’s a decent chance he misses time at some point anyway. Either Drew Sanders or Justin Strnad would project as the starter in that event. The former third-rounder Sanders played only four games last year after an offseason torn Achilles, while injuries forced Strnad into the starting lineup for eight games in his first extended stint as a starter in four seasons. With the draft now past, Denver could be forced to sign a veteran as an insurance plan at the position.
Detroit Lions: Edge Rusher
Entering the draft, edge rusher looked like the clear top need for the Detroit Lions. That made it a surprise to see the Lions punt on the position entirely until the sixth round, with Boise State’s Ahmed Hassanein being the only addition in the draft.
To be fair, Tyleik Williams should still beef up the defensive tackle room, making that one of the deepest positions on the roster once Alim McNeil returns from his December torn ACL. However, the edge group still looks heavily reliant on Aidan Hutchinson. That’s no problem if Hutchinson stays healthy and replicates his form from the first five games of 2024, though it leaves them vulnerable if he misses any time again.
GM Brad Holmes has alluded to the possibility of bringing Za’Darius Smith back, and the veteran remains available after the draft. Either way, adding better support for Hutchinson felt like a no-brainer after Detroit was left extremely short in that area last season.
Green Bay Packers: Cornerback
Maybe the Green Bay Packers would consider hanging on to Jaire Alexander after all? Alexander isn’t the most reliable player after missing 10 games each of the last two seasons, but his All-Pro upside might be necessary after the Packers added only seventh-rounder Micah Robinson at the position.
Even slotting in Nate Hobbs and Keisean Nixon, the Packers would be relying on Carrington Valentine to play full-time starter snaps on the perimeter if they move on from Alexander. In a limited sample last year, Valentine allowed a whopping 10.1 yards per target on 30 targets in coverage.
If the Packers do hang on to Alexander, edge rusher would probably represent the second-largest need. The Packers did add a pair of Day 3 options in Barryn Sorrell and Collin Oliver, but don’t have a clearly effective starter opposite Rashan Gary. A step forward from 2023 first-rounder Lukas Van Ness would be an important development to shoring up that position group.
Houston Texans: Interior Offensive Line
The Houston Texans did an excellent job of bolstering C.J. Stroud’s supporting cast in the draft. The Texans landed a hulking left tackle prospect in Aireontae Ersery, while reuniting Iowa State receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel makes for a very fun and deep wide receiver room full of complementary skill sets.
However, while the Texans have options at guard and center, the three interior spots still look like a mess after no rookies were added to the mix. Veteran acquisitions Laken Tomlinson and Ed Ingram were both well below-average in pressure rate allowed last season, while it remains to be seen if third-year pros Jarrett Patterson and Juice Scruggs are viable full-time starters.
It was likely difficult to pass up on any of the three players the Texans picked in the first three rounds. Cornerback Jaylin Smith didn’t necessarily address a need at 99th overall, though, and the likes of Marcus Mbow and Miles Frazier were still on the board to help at guard. Houston should have a spirited training camp competition on the interior offensive line, so perhaps the Texans will eventually settle on a playable combination there.
Indianapolis Colts: Linebacker
The Indianapolis Colts did a lot of work on their defense this offseason. Camryn Bynum and Charvarius Ward represented rare free agent splurges for Chris Ballard, greatly improving the secondary. However, the front seven went largely unaddressed in early free agency, leaving that as a clear area to target in the draft.
Ohio State edge rusher J.T. Tuimoloau was a nice first step, but linebacker still looks like a clear weakness. Even with Zaire Franklin as an established starter, the Colts haven’t adequately replaced the departed E.J. Speed. With no draft additions, second-year pro and former fifth-rounder Jaylon Carlies looks to have the inside track to start after playing just 178 snaps as a rookie.
That could be a workable solution, but places a lot of pressure on Franklin to stay healthy and play another year of bellcow snaps. Should he miss any time, the Colts would be dangerously thin at that spot without another veteran addition.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Defensive Tackle
The Jacksonville Jaguars were probably not going to fix the entirety of their 31st-ranked defense in one offseason. Cornerback did get a big boost between Travis Hunter (for however many snaps he plays defense) and nickel Jourdan Lewis, with Caleb Ransaw also providing competition at that spot.
However, the Jags also ranked 24th in defensive rush success rate, and that looks like it could be a weakness again. In a very deep defensive tackle draft, Jacksonville surprisingly didn’t add a single player at the position. That leaves DaVon Hamilton and Arik Armstead as the projected starters again, with the latter getting a second chance after a disappointing debut season in Jacksonville.
The lack of investment could indicate faith in second-year pro Maason Smith, who theoretically brings some pass rushing juice. However, while two of his three sacks did come at the end of the season, Smith produced a below-average 6.2% pressure rate as a rookie. That could leave DT as a weakness that won’t be addressed until the 2026 offseason.
Kansas City Chiefs: Guard
The Kansas City Chiefs got lots of strong values in the draft this year, headlined by first-round OT Josh Simmons. In time, Simmons could become a franchise left tackle, shoring up the long-problematic position for the rest of Patrick Mahomes’ prime.
However, in the short term, the Chiefs are likely still looking at a left side of Jaylon Moore and Kingsley Suamataia on the offensive line. Simmons could theoretically replace Moore if the latter flops in his first year as a full-time starter, but that wouldn’t solve the issue at left guard if Suamataia doesn’t fare better at his second position.
The overall health of the offensive line looks great as long as the Chiefs didn’t miss on both Moore and Simmons. Still, it wouldn’t be surprising to feel Joe Thuney’s absence at some point in 2025, particularly with Mike Caliendo has to re-enter the lineup for an extended stretch again.
Las Vegas Raiders: Cornerback
The Las Vegas Raiders saw a ton of turnover at cornerback this offseason. Nate Hobbs departed in free agency, while Jack Jones’ persistent off-field problems got him released despite his promise and ball skills. All that left the Raiders’ cornerback room as one of the weakest entering the draft.
In fairness, the Raiders did address the position with uber-athlete Darien Porter in the third round. However, after playing mostly special teams during his six-year collegiate career, Porter comes in as an older rookie who is also less polished than you’d expect for someone his age. That makes him no sure bet to start right away, as enticing as his physical tools might be.
If that’s the case, Las Vegas will be hoping for the likes of Jakorian Bennett and Decamarion Richardson to take a big step forward, or for former first-rounder Eric Stokes to stay healthy. The Raiders didn’t add any other corners in the draft. As a result, this looks like a prime spot for the Raiders to target some short-term veteran help after the draft.
Los Angeles Chargers: Guard or Center
The answer to this prompt for the Los Angeles Chargers depends on where Zion Johnson plays. If the former first-rounder supplants Bradley Bozeman and moves to center, he leaves behind a hole at left guard. If he remains at left guard, Bozeman or Andre James would both be underwhelming starting options.
That’s the one fly in the ointment for Jim Harbaugh’s vision of a vicious run-first offense. Omarion Hampton should fit Greg Roman’s run scheme beautifully, but even the dynamic rookie will need adequate blocking. If not, the Chargers might once again put forth a boom-or-bust ground game.
All this also assumes Mekhi Becton is a reliable right guard, which is no sure bet after one productive season with Jeff Stoutland in Philadelphia. The Chargers at least have more options compared to past seasons, with Jamaree Salyer and Trey Pipkins also having experience on the interior. Still, it might take a bit for Los Angeles to find its ideal interior combination.
Los Angeles Rams: Cornerback
After finishing 27th in defensive pass success rate last season, it looks like the Los Angeles Rams are ready to run it back in the secondary. The Rams kept nearly all their defensive backs from 2024, as each of Los Angeles’ top seven DBs by snaps played last season are on the current roster. That doesn’t even include Derion Kendrick, who missed all of last year with a torn ACL but started 18 games his first two seasons.
Still, it’s fair to ask if that level of continuity is a good thing. Los Angeles ranked 24th in yards per attempt allowed to wide receivers (8.4), while also giving up the fourth-most touchdowns (20). Even when the pass rush did get home, the secondary didn’t always hold up its end of the bargain. The Rams ranked 18th in yards per attempt allowed (6.2) when the opposing QB was pressured, reflecting the secondary’s below-average playmaking.
Nevertheless, the Rams didn’t draft a single defensive back this year. Some of that was due to only holding six picks, though cornerback did look like one of the team’s top needs on paper. A reunion with Jalen Ramsey looks even more necessary given how the draft unfolded for Los Angeles.
Miami Dolphins: Cornerback
Cornerback was one of the Miami Dolphins’ top needs even before Jalen Ramsey’s trade request. Now that Ramsey appears to be on his way out, it looks like one of the weakest units in the NFL assuming the Dolphins do move on.
Miami did have several needs entering the draft, and addressing the trenches early was a smart move. Kenneth Grant and Jonah Savaiinaea will have opportunities to start right away at defensive tackle and guard, respectively. If the Dolphins had gone with a corner like Trey Amos or Will Johnson in the second round, it’s entirely possible we’d be pointing to guard as the top need without Savaiinaea on the roster.
Still, a perimeter cornerback duo of Storm Duck and Ethan Bonner looks totally untenable, and that’s what the Dolphins are staring at (unless former second-rounder Cam Smith finally breaks out or fifth-rounder Jason Marshall Jr. can play right away). If the Ramsey trade happens, the Dolphins will need some of their unheralded young players to contribute or for a veteran addition to play right away.
Minnesota Vikings: Cornerback
With a league-low four picks entering the draft, the Minnesota Vikings were never going to have an opportunity to plug all their roster holes. The Vikings did well to snag Donovan Jackson in the first round, giving them a very complete offensive supporting cast to aid first-year starter J.J. McCarthy.
Defensively, Brian Flores could have his work cut out to replicate last year’s third-place finish in PFSN’s Defense+ metric. The Vikings still have openings in the secondary with Stephon Gilmore and Shaquill Griffin un-signed. Isaiah Rodgers and Mekhi Blackmon project as their perimeter starting corners after no players were drafted at the position, a significant downgrade from 2024 on paper.
Of course, Flores’ pressure scheme theoretically alleviates some of the pressure on corners to cover for extended periods of time. Perhaps Minnesota wants to give the former third-rounder Blackmon a chance to develop, which would solve some of this issue. However, adding a veteran in the secondary waves of free agency would make sense as competition for the young players atop the depth chart.
New England Patriots: Edge Rusher
The New England Patriots came into the draft with a clear directive: help Drake Maye. The Patriots spent each of their four picks on Days 1 and 2 on offensive players, all of whom should directly support Maye’s development. If New England is losing 38-31 shootouts in 2025, that could be construed as a positive sign for the maturation of their second-year franchise quarterback.
Of course, that’s a possibility because of how the defense is still mostly a spackled-together unit of free-agent signings and holdovers. Some of those free agents are very highly compensated, of course, so it’s reasonable for the Patriots to expect an improvement from last year’s 30th-ranked unit by PFSN’s metrics.
However, edge rusher beyond Harold Landry does look like a major weakness. Even Landry comes with questions given that his high sack total in 2024 belied his well below-average pressure rate of 7.6%. Anfernee Jennings is a strong run defender, and Bradyn Swinson was viewed as a value pick in the fifth round. New England could enjoy a terrific interior pass rush led by Milton Williams, and (a hopefully healthy) Christian Barmore, and Keion White, but edge rusher looks like it’ll be a need entering 2026.
New Orleans Saints: Edge Rusher
The answer here could easily be quarterback, but we’ll hold off until we know more about Derek Carr’s status. If the Saints’ starting QBs end up being some combination of Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler, and Jake Haener, New Orleans could be in contention to make Arch Manning their first Round 1 QB pick since his grandfather Archie Manning in 1971.
For now, we’ll circle edge rusher, which didn’t see a draft addition beyond seventh-rounder Fadil Diggs. Cameron Jordan is nearing the end of his illustrious career, with his snaps getting reduced to a part-time role in 2024. Retaining Chase Young was helpful, but there’s not much game-changing talent at the position with second-rounder Isaiah Foskey yet to break out.
Unless Bryan Bresee breaks out in his second season, the Saints might not have an impactful individual pass rusher anywhere on defense. That could make generating pressure tough for new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, whose defenses have typically ranked right around league average in blitz rate.
New York Giants: Offensive Line (Except LT)
After a year in which the New York Giants had perhaps the most depressing quarterback room in the whole league, that position looks to be in much better shape. Between Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston, and Jaxson Dart, the Giants have a refreshing combination of veteran competency and rookie developmental upside.
Whether their quarterback will have enough time to hold onto the ball is a different question. The Giants drafted just a single offensive lineman, Purdue guard Marcus Mbow in the fifth round. That was a solid value for Mbow, who some viewed as a Day 2 pick. However, New York entered the draft with holes at virtually every offensive line spot except for left tackle, where Andrew Thomas resides.
Still, even Thomas is no sure bet after missing 18 games the last two seasons. Even if we pencil him in to stay healthy and give center John Michael Schmitz the benefit of the doubt, both guard spots and right tackle look like big question marks. There aren’t many options at this point of the offseason, so the Giants might have to hold on after ranking 27th in PFSN’s O-line rankings in 2024.
New York Jets: Wide Receiver
After briefly having an enviable top two in Davante Adams in Garrett Wilson, the New York Jets are back to the Wilson show in the passing game. That might not be the biggest deal since the Jets figure to operate a run-first offense with Justin Fields, Breece Hall, and first-round right tackle Armand Membou.
Still, no offense can survive without a competent passing game, and it’s not clear how many receivers Fields will be able to trust beyond Wilson. Veterans Josh Reynolds and Allen Lazard look like the top options on the depth chart behind Wilson, with neither really moving the needle. Rookie fourth-rounder Arian Smith brings track star speed, but also durability questions and shoddy hands.
Second-round tight end Mason Taylor does factor into the pass catchers equation. However, tight end is a notoriously difficult position to play as a rookie, so it’s unfair to expect Taylor to be the team’s No. 2 target right away. If that’s the case, the Jets could find themselves in the familiar position of struggling to move the ball through the air.
Philadelphia Eagles: Edge Rusher
The Super Bowl champs have one of the best rosters in the NFL and will enter the season as either NFC favorites or co-favorites with the Lions. Still, it looks like Philly may enter the season without a clear replacement for Josh Sweat, who priced himself out of town in free agency.
The only draft addition on the edge was sixth-rounder Antwaun Powell-Ryland, the team’s last out of 10 picks. Nolan Smith looks ready to ascend to a larger responsibility, but his partner on the edge is an open question. Second-year pro Jalyx Hunt flashed as a rookie but played only 231 snaps. Azeez Ojulari and Josh Uche are decent sub-package options, though neither figures to play an every-down role.
As a result, a position that has long been a position of strength could be a rare weakness, with franchise pillar Brandon Graham also retiring. Jalen Carter is good enough to lift any pass rush, but he may have to do most of the work on his own in 2025 if some of the young players don’t take big steps forward.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Quarterback
Time will tell whether or not the Pittsburgh Steelers were right to repeatedly pass on Shedeur Sanders. But in declining to pick the Colorado quarterback three times during the draft, the Steelers are now in Aaron Rodgers-or-bust mode.
That might turn out to be a perfectly fine reality. The Steelers’ insistence on never rebuilding and always competing for the playoffs dovetails well with signing a 41-year-old QB who is likely looking to join a competitive team. Rodgers wouldn’t give the Steelers a Super Bowl ceiling or guarantee their first playoff win since the 2016 Divisional Round. However, he would give Pittsburgh a chance at continuing to stay above .500 and squeeze into the playoffs.
For now, Mason Rudolph is an untenable solution as a starter. Will Howard is a nice developmental Day 3 option, though the odds are heavily against him becoming a reliable starter one day. If the Steelers don’t land Rodgers, Mike Tomlin’s much-ballyhooed streak of non-losing seasons would be in serious jeopardy in 2025.
San Francisco 49ers: Cornerback
The San Francisco 49ers did well to rebuild a defense that lost a ton in free agency. Each of John Lynch’s first five picks went to defense, with the defensive line specifically looking far deeper after adding three players in the first four rounds.
Still, the Niners entered the draft with enough needs that they were likely to exit with some outstanding. Even with third-rounder Upton Stout, cornerback looks very dicey beyond Deommodore Lenoir. They’ll likely need two out of the group of Stout, Renardo Green, Tre Brown, or Darrell Luter Jr. to play significant snaps in 2025. Fifth-rounder Marques Sigle could also be thrown into that mix, though he figures to play either safety or slot corner.
Linebacker or guard could also have been listed here, though the Niners at least have players with starting experience at those spots. Dee Winters and third-rounder Nick Martin will compete to start next to Fred Warner, while left guard will be the winner of a training camp battle between Ben Bartch and Spencer Burford.
Seattle Seahawks: Wide Receiver
The Seattle Seahawks entered the draft with tons of questions on offense. First-rounder Grey Zabel makes the offensive line look far better, as the Seahawks need only one of Anthony Bradford or Christian Haynes to step up at the other guard spot. Center Olu Oluwatimi is still a question mark, but the line should improve if tackles Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas can stay healthy.
However, while wide receiver saw a pair of Day 3 additions, the Seahawks still appear to be lacking a perimeter vertical threat. Cooper Kupp and Jaxson Smith-Njigba have positional redundancy, with Kupp likely needing to play out of position out wide. Even if that’s the case, Kupp has missed at least five games in three straight seasons, leaving the depth thin beyond JSN.
Seattle did well to snag Tory Horton in the fifth round, while seventh-rounder Ricky White III was extremely productive at UNLV. Still, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Seahawks feel DK Metcalf’s absence at times in 2025.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Edge Rusher
Entering the draft, edge rusher looked like an obvious spot for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to address. The Bucs had a high pressure rate because of Todd Bowles’ blitz-happy playcalling, but ranked just 24th in sack rate when they didn’t blitz. Haason Reddick is a nice one-year flier, but it would’ve been reasonable for Tampa to seek out a long-term partner for YaYa Diaby.
Instead, the Bucs surprised by taking wide receiver Emeka Egbuka in Round 1, then following that up with a pair of cornerbacks on Day 2. Egbuka is a high-floor prospect with impeccable reviews on his character, so perhaps he looks like the right move in the long run. For 2025, though, it’s hard to imagine him seeing the field behind Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Jalen McMillan.
Day 3 did bring a pair of potential contributors in David Walker and Elijah Roberts, though both seem likely to start off in situational roles as rookies. The Bucs’ draft strategy could have also been a vote of confidence in 2024 second-rounder Chris Braswell. The Alabama product played 307 snaps as a rookie and produced just 1.5 sacks, but it’s far too early to write him off. If Braswell sees a larger role as a second-year pro, perhaps that fills this need.
Tennessee Titans: Linebacker
The Tennessee Titans should feel as optimistic as any team about their future after coming away with the one true franchise quarterback this draft had in Cam Ward. And while Ward’s pass catchers could use an upgrade, signing Tyler Lockett to pair with Calvin Ridley right before the draft was a solid short-term solution.
Defensively, the Titans still have a lot of holes, most prominently at linebacker. Free agent signing Cody Barton will start at one spot, but there’s no clear partner for him at the position after the Titans passed on the position entirely in the draft. That could reflect the team’s faith in second-year pro Cedric Gray, who played just 48 snaps as a rookie after being a fourth-round pick.
Regardless, some familiar weaknesses could persist as a result. Tennessee allowed seven receiving touchdowns to running backs in 2024, most of any defense. They also ranked 21st in yards per carry allowed, including 25th in rushing EPA per play.
Washington Commanders: Edge Rusher
The Washington Commanders have mostly invested on offense this offseason, particularly in free agency and the trade market. That extended to the first round, where they took Josh Conerly as a long-term piece despite having a workable offensive tackle duo in place already.
As a result, the Commanders might not see a huge improvement on last year’s defense that finished 17th in PFSN’s rankings. The edge rusher spot is full of veteran rotational players who should probably be a peg lower on the depth chart. Dorance Armstrong, Deatrich Wise Jr., and Clelin Ferrell are all solid players on their own, but having those as the top three on the depth chart isn’t nearly as enticing.
The Commanders did a nice job of manufacturing pressure with the sixth-highest blitz rate in 2024, and Frankie Luvu will rush the passer far more than most off-ball linebackers. However, after passing on edge rushers in the draft, the Commanders likely won’t have an edge rusher capable of consistently creating individual wins in 2025.