Every fanbase is focused on their team’s positional needs entering the 2025 NFL Draft. However, as with free agent acquisitions, scheme fit and a vision for how a player will be used is even more important than what position he plays. Just because a team needs a cornerback doesn’t necessarily indicate that the top available corner is the right fit.
Using PFSN’s suite of metrics — Offense+, Defense+, QB+, and OL+ — we can dive deeper into what specific roster weakness is holding each team back. Below we break down all 32 rosters and pinpoint a precise flaw that each team has yet to solve this offseason.
Arizona Cardinals: Tackling in Run Defense
The Arizona Cardinals were a lopsided team in 2024, ranking fifth in offense and 27th in defense by PFSN’s metrics. The Cards struggled in both success rate (28th) and EPA per rush allowed (25th), suggesting they had problems knocking teams off schedule and limiting explosive runs.
The biggest issue was Arizona’s inability to finish plays in run defense. The Cardinals were actually above-average in preventing rush yards before contact (eighth) but woeful at allowing rush yards after contact (29th).
Defensive tackle additions Calais Campbell and Dalvin Tomlinson will help, but the Cardinals haven’t re-signed their top linebacker in Kyzir White, and could target that position to help with finishing plays in the run game. Jihaad Campbell’s versatility as an off-ball linebacker and edge rusher would fit with past Cardinals draft picks, making the Alabama linebacker a player to watch when the Cardinals pick at No. 16 overall.
Atlanta Falcons: Pressure Off the Edge
Any Atlanta Falcons observer knows that the pass rush has been the team’s evergreen weakness. Atlanta finished 31st in sack rate in 2024… which was actually the team’s second-best finish in the last four years. The Falcons didn’t affect opposing quarterbacks beyond sacks either, ranking 30th in pressure rate and 29th in non-blitz pressure rate.
That pass rush is a big reason why Atlanta ranked 29th in PFSN’s Defense+ metric in 2024, neutralizing an offense that ranked 10th in spite of quarterback inconsistency. Trading for Matt Judon late in the preseason did nothing to boost the edge-rusher group, as the Falcons ranked last in pressure rate (7.9%) among edge rushers specifically.
Leonard Floyd has a history of delivering high sack totals, but his pressure rate was almost exactly average for an edge rusher (12.3%, which ranked 35th out of 70 qualifying edge rushers in 2024). Adding a true No. 1 edge rusher in the draft feels like a must, even if Atlanta trades down from No. 15 overall to add to its limited draft capital.
Baltimore Ravens: Pressure Off the Edge
The Baltimore Ravens are a tricky team for this exercise. While their defense was the weak unit for most of the season, the Ravens completely turned things around after major personnel changes in Week 11 and ranked first in virtually every defensive metric (PPG, EPA per play, success rate, yards per play, etc.) from that point on.
However, one weakness that remained was edge-rusher pressure. From Week 11 on, Baltimore ranked 26th in pressure rate from its edge rushers (9.6%). That’s almost identical to the team’s average over the course of the entire season (9.7%, which ranked 27th).
Although Odafe Oweh had a career-high 10 sacks, his 11.7% pressure rate ranked 40th out of 70 qualifying edge rushers in 2024. Similarly, Kyle Van Noy had 12.5 sacks but ranked a more modest 24th in pressure rate (13.8%). With Van Noy approaching his age-34 season and Oweh in the last year of his rookie deal, refreshing the pipeline at edge rusher would be wise given how deep the position is in this draft.
Buffalo Bills: Safety Play
Defense is the clear unit to target for the Buffalo Bills, who finished fourth in PFSN’s Offense+ metric but 18th in Defense+. And while much of the focus has been on finding a starting perimeter cornerback to pair with Christian Benford, the safety play shouldn’t be overlooked either.
On paper, the Bills have starting safety options with Taylor Rapp, second-year pro Cole Bishop, and Damar Hamlin (who re-signed in free agency). However, running it back may not be the wisest option considering the Bills had trouble defending the deep middle of the field.
In 2024, Buffalo ranked 23rd in yards per attempt allowed on passes to the deep middle (15+ air yards between the numbers). They gave up 14.9 yards per attempt on those throws, their worst in a season since 2019.
With Bishop unproven and Hamlin on a one-year deal, it might be wise for Buffalo to continue throwing darts at the position. The Bills have extra picks in the second and fourth rounds and relatively few roster weaknesses, which gives them the ability to make a proactive move like this.
Carolina Panthers: A YAC Weapon
Everyone knows the Carolina Panthers need more help for their historically bad defense from 2024. While Carolina should absolutely invest more in rebuilding PFSN’s worst-graded defense since 2020, there isn’t a single move (or two) that can fix a unit that needs a major remodel.
However, if Bryce Young can build on the promise he demonstrated at the end of 2024, the Panthers can call 2025 a successful season even with another losing record. One way to help Young would be helping him more after the catch. Last season, Young ranked 35th out of 36 qualifying QBs in average yards after the catch on his completions, with just 4.1 YAC on average.
Some of that was because he had the sixth-deepest aDOT, and deeper throws tend to lead to fewer YAC. However, Young also ranked 34th on average YAC for passes thrown five yards or shorter, suggesting the low figure was also a byproduct of Carolina’s receivers. Adding a pass catcher on Day 2 could help address this weakness and maximize Young’s ceiling.
Chicago Bears: Slot Receiver
While Keenan Allen wasn’t particularly efficient during his lone season with the Chicago Bears, he did serve as the team’s primary slot receiver. Allen played in the slot 53% of the time, and the Bears haven’t really replaced that. DJ Moore has never aligned in the slot on more than 28% of his snaps in a season, while Rome Odunze did so 34% of the time after playing just 20% of his career college snaps in the slot.
As such, the Bears could look for a better YAC option than what Allen provided in the slot in 2024. Allen ranked 37th out of 41 qualifiers in average YAC from the slot (3.0 yards). Going with a younger option in the draft could provide Chicago more juice in that department in 2025.
There’s not really a receiver worth taking there with the No. 10 overall pick, though the Bears are in a juicy spot for receivers with picks No. 39 and 41. PFSN’s Mock Draft Simulator has Jaylin Noel projected to go in that area of the draft, with Luther Burden III and Emeka Egbuka ranked slightly above that range.
Cincinnati Bengals: Impactful Run Defenders
The Cincinnati Bengals were one of the more lopsided teams in 2024. The Bengals placed seventh in PFSN’s offense metric but 28th in defense, even with a fairly strong finish on defense. And while the offensive line could still use help, there are far more problems to fix on the other side of the ball.
The Bengals were especially helpless to stop the run, ranking 31st in success rate (54%). While Cincinnati has taken steps to improve its defensive tackle run by adding Tedarrell Slaton and drafting Kris Jenkins Jr. last year, linebackers Logan Wilson and Germaine Pratt weren’t very impactful against the run. Among 69 linebackers to defend 200+ run plays, Pratt ranked 43rd in run stop rate (6.6%), while Wilson ranked 51st (6.2%).
There are more pressing needs to address in the first round, but linebacker could be a good investment on Day 2 of the draft. Finding a run-down replacement for retired edge rusher Sam Hubbard could also make sense, though Cincy might want to give 2023 first-rounder Myles Murphy a clearer path toward playing time.
Cleveland Browns: Decisive Quarterback Play
As the worst offense in PFSN’s Offense+ (and most other metrics) in 2024, the Cleveland Browns have an obvious side of the ball to address. The Browns might have the most dire quarterback situation in the NFL between Deshaun Watson’s albatross contract, his Achilles injury that likely keeps him out for 2025, and their lack of a viable starter on the roster.
And while the Browns can’t be beggars when it comes to acquiring a quarterback, it’s worth considering what style of passer they should want. When the offense showed signs of life with Jameis Winston from Weeks 8-15, Cleveland had the fifth-deepest aDOT (8.9 air yards) on pass attempts. But the team’s average time to throw ranked eight-fastest too (2.73 seconds), illustrating how Winston was decisive about pushing the ball downfield to maximize their receiving weapons.
Granted, sometimes Winston made quick and poor decisions. But given the quarterback style that helped the Browns’ offense in 2024, a prospect like Shedeur Sanders might not fit as well. Sanders has deep ball accuracy but also held the ball (3.0 average time to throw) when asked to cycle through progressions. His aDOT was also below average at 8.1 air yards, as Colorado’s heavy reliance on RPO screens is not necessarily something that would translate to Kevin Stefanski’s offense.
While the team has brought in Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, perhaps they will add a quarterback of the future at some point in the 2025 NFL Draft — like, say, Jaxson Dart or Tyler Shough.
Dallas Cowboys: Non-Slot Receivers
As excellent as CeeDee Lamb is, the Dallas Cowboys appear entirely reliant on their All-Pro receiver based on their current roster construction. The Cowboys have plenty of holes after finishing bottom 10 in both PFSN’s offense and defense metrics in 2025, but few are more alarming than their lack of receiving options apart from Lamb.
Last season, Dak Prescott ranked 27th in passer rating (83.8) and 31st in EPA per dropback (-0.15) when targeting non-slot receivers. Both were his worst marks in a season since at least 2019, when PFF began tracking targets by alignment. All the Cowboys have done is swap out Brandin Cooks for Parris Campbell, which doesn’t move the needle.
The Cowboys may or may not be in range to pick Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan at No. 12 overall, the consensus top receiver (counting Travis Hunter as a DB). McMillan would be a beautiful stylistic complement to Lamb, but Dallas has enough needs that trading up for him might not be the wisest use of their resources.
For what it’s worth, Lamb has even publicly urged the front office to draft a WR2, and he shouted out McMillan as one of his favorite receivers in this class.
Denver Broncos: Pass-Catching RB
It’s hard to find a flaw in last year’s top-ranked defense by PFSN’s metrics, particularly after the Denver Broncos added Dre Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga in free agency. Last year’s offense drastically improved after a slow start, ending a respectable 16th in PFSN’s offense metric.
However, one major weakness was the running back position, both on the ground and through the air. While Denver was simply below-average in running back carries, the Broncos were abysmal in running back production in the passing game. Denver running backs ranked 31st in yards per reception (5.5) and 26th in EPA per target (-0.19) in 2024.
This all fits with Sean Payton’s public desire for a versatile “Joker” weapon on offense. The Broncos partially filled that need with tight end Evan Engram, but he’ll turn 31 before the start of the season. Drafting Omarion Hampton in the first round or a prospect like Cam Skattebo or TreVeyon Henderson in the middle rounds could turn this weakness into a strength.
Detroit Lions: Athleticism on the Edge
Last year’s Detroit Lions were one of the NFL’s most well-rounded rosters before injuries depleted the defense. However, one consistent season-long weakness was finishing pressures with sacks. Detroit was sixth in pressure rate but 28th in sack rate. The biggest reason was because they converted only 14.5% of their pressures into sacks, the worst rate in the NFL.
That’s a tricky weakness to address, and the Lions can hope they have slightly better luck in that area in 2025. But there’s typically a correlation between explosiveness and finishing sacks. Last year’s Lions relied more on bigger edge rushers, opting for size over explosive athleticism (apart from Aidan Hutchinson, who didn’t have the same problems turning pressures into sacks).
With big ends like Josh Paschal and Levi Onwuzurike still on the roster, it might benefit Detroit to find a situational pass rusher who diverts from their preferred body type. Even if the Lions don’t feel comfortable with drafting a Donovan Ezeiruaku type in the first round, popular Day 2 sleepers like Bradyn Swinson or Josaiah Stewart could add some useful diversity to the edge rusher room.
Green Bay Packers: Man Coverage Beater
The Green Bay Packers had top-10 units on offense and defense last year by PFSN’s metrics. However, one of the most well-publicized splits for any player last season belonged to Jordan Love. The Packers quarterback excelled against zone coverage (fourth in EPA per dropback) but struggled against man coverage (33rd in EPA per dropback).
To make matters worse, Love’s preferred target against man coverage was Christian Watson, who will likely miss time in 2025 after tearing his ACL in Week 18. Love targeted Watson more than any other receiver against man coverage (27) and averaged 9.1 yards per attempt throwing to Watson vs. man, compared to 4.8 targeting anyone else.
Even if Green Bay continues its 22-year drought of not taking a wide receiver in the first round, there are plenty of options to address this issue on Day 2. Prospects like Tre Harris, Jalen Royals, and Kyle Williams should be available when the Packers pick in the second and third rounds, and all were ranked top 10 in the FBS in yards per route against man coverage in 2024.
Houston Texans: Pass Protector at Left Tackle
The Houston Texans’ trade of Laremy Tunsil was one of the most surprising moves so far this offseason. But while the Texans currently have a massive hole at left tackle, they also have four picks in the top 90 and a chance to address their concerns along the offensive line.
Using one of those picks on a Tunsil replacement feels like an obvious move. Veteran Cam Robinson is on the roster as an emergency option, but shouldn’t alter the team’s draft plans. Robinson allowed the second-most pressures (52) in 2024 and is on a one-year deal. Blake Fisher will likely get a crack at starting after Houston picked him in the second round last year, but has played almost exclusively right tackle between his rookie season and Notre Dame career.
Improving the pass protection across the board is the Texans’ biggest offseason priority. Houston’s offensive line was PFSN’s 31st-ranked unit, largely because they ranked 25th in non-blitz pressure rate allowed (35%). Tunsil was one of the few positives in that area, and now the Texans must replace him with a capable long-term solution.
Indianapolis Colts: Pressure Off the Edge
The Indianapolis Colts finished 21st in PFSN’s offense metric and 23rd in defense, so there are a few areas to pick from. However, the Colts’ most glaring weakness last season was their pass rush, which has gone largely unaddressed this offseason.
Indianapolis ranked 28th in pressure rate (29%) and 24th in sack rate (6.2%). Looking solely at four-man rushes, the Colts were even worse, ranking 30th in pressure rate when they didn’t send extra pass rushers (25%). Indy will get Samson Ebukam back this season, but a 30-year-old coming off a torn Achilles is no sure bet.
Even if Indianapolis opts for a tight end at No. 14 overall like many expect, there is plenty of depth in this year’s edge rushing class. Whether it’s a designated pass rusher like Donovan Ezeiruaku or someone with more three-down potential like Landon Jackson, improving edge rusher pressure specifically feels like an important priority in the draft.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Possession Receiver
There are several areas you could pick on the Jacksonville Jaguars’ defense that probably require the most attention. After all, the Jaguars placed 31st in PFSN’s defensive metric, ahead of only the historically porous Panthers. While they’ve made some additions to the secondary, the front seven remains unchanged after early free agency.
However, the Jaguars have also shuffled around their offensive personnel, adding Dyami Brown but losing Christian Kirk and Evan Engram. That gives the Jaguars a redundant top three at wide receiver between Brian Thomas Jr., Gabe Davis, and Brown. All are vertical threats, with Thomas and Davis recording an aDOT over 11 air yards last season. Brown’s aDOT was much shorter last year at 7.3, but his career average is 13.9.
Kirk and Engram were also utilized in the slot far more than any of the Jaguars’ current top three receivers, none of whom played more than 30% of their snaps in the slot in 2024. Parker Washington could certainly step into that role after seeing expanded playing time at the end of last season, but it’s also possible the Jaguars could use a Day 2 or early Day 3 pick to round out their receiver room.
Kansas City Chiefs: Pressure Off the Edge
Common wisdom suggests the offensive line is the biggest need for the Kansas City Chiefs. That could still be true, but a lot of the Chiefs’ potential answers are simply unknown commodities right now.
Jaylon Moore and Kingsley Suamataia, while both unproven, could represent a competent left side of the offensive line. That makes it hard to formulate a statistical argument for OL as a pressing need, given that the Chiefs finished with the fifth-ranked line by PFSN’s metrics in 2024.
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However, one clear weakness from 2024 that has gone unaddressed is the edge rusher group. Chris Jones gives the Chiefs’ pass rush a reasonable floor, while George Karlaftis has had 18.5 sacks pver the last two seasons. But even with Karlaftis, the Chiefs’ edge rushers ranked 30th in sacks (16.0) and 27th in pressures (131).
Having Charles Omenihu healthy for the full season could help, as he had just two sacks in nine games (including playoffs) after returning from an ACL injury. Given the lack of development from former first-rounder Felix Anudike-Uzomah, though, it might be worth another early draft pick to reinforce the other side of the trenches as well.
Las Vegas Raiders: Elusiveness at Running Back
The Raiders were the fourth-worst offense by PFSN’s metrics in 2024. The passing offense was actually respectable given the early-season trade of Davante Adams and quarterback carousel, finishing 20th in success rate. However, Las Vegas was bogged down by the worst rushing offense in the NFL, ranking last in yards per rush (3.6) and EPA per rush (-0.24).
Looking at running back carries specifically, the Raiders ranked 24th in yards before contact per carry, but only 30th in yards after contact per rush. The offensive line certainly had its problems, but the running backs also did nothing to maximize a tough situation. Free agent addition Raheem Mostert isn’t the likely solution, as he turns 33 in April and averaged his fewest yards after contact (2.7) last season since 2020.
Recent draft rumors have linked Las Vegas to Ashton Jeanty at sixth overall. However, a deep running back class means the Raiders could address more pressing needs at receiver (Tetairoa McMillan) or in the secondary (Will Johnson) that early before finding their starter on Day 2.
Los Angeles Chargers: Perimeter Receiver
The Los Angeles Chargers were a top-five defense but below-average offense by PFSN’s metrics in Jim Harbaugh’s first season. A big reason for that was the lack of reliable weapons in the passing game beyond slot receiver Ladd McConkey. Justin Herbert ranked eighth in EPA per dropback on throws between the numbers (0.35), but just 17th on throws outside the numbers (0.25).
Having 2017 first-rounder Mike Williams return for a second stint doesn’t really solve that weakness at this stage of Williams’ career. Quentin Johnston emerged as a fantasy-viable option due to his eight touchdowns, though he wasn’t especially efficient. Per NFL Pro, Johnston was the only Chargers player with 15+ targets in 2024 who recorded a negative catch rate over expected (his catch rate was 3.3% lower than expected).
Despite Harbaugh’s reputation as a run-first coach, he’s shown a willingness to invest at receiver before. Beyond McConkey going 34th overall last year, the 49ers also drafted A.J. Jenkins 30th overall in 2012 when Harbaugh coached San Francisco. While that pick busted, it illustrates that Los Angeles might be willing to invest a premium resource in filling out its receiver room.
Los Angeles Rams: Zone Cornerback
The Los Angeles Rams were an offense-first team in 2024, despite some low-scoring wins late in the season. The Rams finished 11th in PFSN’s Offense+ metric but just 24th in defense, driven mostly by porous pass coverage. Los Angeles was 27th or worse in both EPA per dropback (-0.13) and success rate (53%) in coverage.
That makes cornerback a need after the Rams did not make any changes to their secondary in free agency. When identifying draft fits at the position, it’s worth noting Chris Shula’s scheme. The Rams played zone coverage at the third-highest rate (78%), with Cover 3 being their most common coverage (40%, sixth-highest).
Texas’ Jahdae Barron comes from a similar coverage scheme and has the skill set that could fit into the Rams’ “Star” position, though he would require a first-round pick. Other mid-round corners who played in zone-heavy schemes include Louisville’s Quincy Riley, UTSA’s Zah Frazier, and Florida State’s Azareye’h Thomas.
Miami Dolphins: Interior Offensive Line
Even with Tua Tagovailoa’s injured reserve stint and a woeful rushing attack, the Miami Dolphins finished with PFSN’s 15th-ranked offense. Better health for Tua could raise that ranking in 2025, but Miami can also help itself by improving the interior of its offensive line.
The Dolphins had PFSN’s 26th-ranked offensive line in 2024. While Miami’s pressure rates are always low, that stems almost entirely from Tagovailoa having the fastest average time to throw (which has been the case two years in a row). By ESPN’s Pass Block Win Rate metric, Miami was far worse in pass protection, ranking 28th.
Miami signed James Daniels to occupy one of its starting guard spots but projected starters Aaron Brewer and Liam Eichenberg are both undersized, which has consequences for the run game. The Dolphins ranked 28th in yards before contact per carry for RBs last season (1.1). Adding some size to the center and/or left guard spots in the draft could take some pressure off the passing game and lead to a more consistent season from De’Von Achane on the ground.
Minnesota Vikings: Perimeter Coverage
The biggest statistical weakness for the Minnesota Vikings last season was probably their pass protection. The Vikings ranked 22nd in non-blitz pressure rate allowed, as well as 23rd in sack rate allowed. However, Minnesota will get Christian Darrisaw back after an October torn ACL, while Colts defectors Ryan Kelly and Will Fries should boost the interior.
Therefore, perimeter cornerback looms as a bigger issue for the Vikings to address in the draft. With Stephon Gilmore and Shaquill Griffin as the primary outside corners in 2024, Minnesota still ranked 22nd in yards per attempt allowed (7.5) on throws outside the numbers.
On paper, Mekhi Blackmon and Isaiah Rodgers are downgrades from that duo, which could make a below-average area a significant weakness in 2025. Minnesota played two-high coverages at the highest rate last season (51%), so adding a perimeter corner from a similar scheme could give the Vikings more options at that position if Gilmore or Griffin don’t return.
New England Patriots: Left Tackle Pass Protector
No need to overthink this one. The left tackle spot on the New England Patriots is arguably the biggest roster hole in the entire NFL and one that the Patriots are likely to address early in the NFL Draft.
Last season, New England’s left tackles allowed the third-highest pressure rate (8.5%) and fourth-most pressures (54). Per NFL Pro, Drake Maye experienced quick pressure (pressure within 2.5 seconds) at the sixth-highest rate of any QB to take 150+ dropbacks. While that reflects on the whole offensive line, the left tackle spot is the one position that doesn’t have a viable starting option for 2025.
Based on PFF’s charting, Armand Membou, Josh Conerly Jr., and Kelvin Banks Jr. all ranked in the top-five among draft-eligible tackles in their Pass Blocking Efficiency metric. LSU’s Will Campbell, a popular pairing with the Patriots who Mike Vrabel called a left tackle, ranked T-20th in this class.
New Orleans Saints: Three-Down Edge Rusher
The New Orleans Saints finished 22nd in PFSN’s offensive metric last season, in part due to a spate of injuries. While that side of the ball does have question marks, better health (especially at the skill position spots) could lead to some natural improvement with Kellen Moore’s arrival.
The defense quietly finished 19th in PFSN’s metric, their worst since the Defense+ metric began in 2019. The Saints’ run defense was an abomination, ranking 31st in yards per rush allowed (4.9) and 30th in both success rate (56%) and EPA per rush (-0.04). In particular, the Saints had problems with edge containment. Only Carolina allowed more rush yards per game outside the tackles than New Orleans (87.2), as opponents averaged 5.5 yards per carry on runs to the perimeter.
The Saints could use more than just a run-stuffer on the edge as well after ranking 24th in edge rusher sacks as well (17.0). With the No. 9 overall pick, New Orleans could have its pick of the top edge rushers available (minus Abdul Carter) as it seeks to rebuild a once-elite unit.
New York Giants: Every Offensive Line Spot Besides Left Tackle
There were many factors that contributed to the New York Giants recording PFSN’s second-worst offense in 2024, ahead of only the Browns. And while the quarterback play should have a higher floor with Russell Wilson arriving, that might not matter much if the offensive line remains in its current state.
The Giants had PFSN’s 27th-ranked offensive line last season. New York allowed the fifth-highest pressure rate and was below average across the board. Even assuming a healthy season from left tackle Andrew Thomas (who has missed 18 games the last two years), here’s how every other OL spot ranked in pressure rate allowed in 2024:
- LG: 24th (5.9%)
- C: 25th (4.5%)
- RG: 22nd (5.9%)
- RT: 20th (6.2%)
The Giants did not bring in a definitive new starter in free agency, with James Hudson and Stone Forsythe only serving as competition for Jermaine Eluemunor at right tackle. Wilson averaged the 10th-longest time to throw (2.77 seconds) in 2024, which was actually his fastest average since 2021.
Adding multiple potential starters (especially on the interior) feels like a high priority regardless of whether it’s Wilson or a rookie playing quarterback next season.
New York Jets: Pass Protecting RT
The New York Jets are a difficult team to forecast for the draft. The offense will look totally different given the massive change in playing style from Aaron Rodgers to Justin Fields, with Davante Adams also removed from the equation. The defense also lost key pieces like D.J. Reed and C.J. Mosley, with head coach Aaron Glenn likely to put his stamp on the offense.
One of the few certainties is that the offensive line will have a tougher job in pass protection than they did last season. Whereas Rodgers averaged the sixth-fastest time to throw (2.59 seconds), Fields’ average time to throw would have ranked fourth-longest (2.93 seconds) if he played enough to qualify. The Jets allowed the fifth-lowest pressure rate as a result of Rodgers’ quick throws but ranked just 23rd in ESPN’s Pass Block Win Rate metric.
While there’s an unknown element with Olu Fashanu at left tackle, the 2024 first-rounder will get every chance to start. Right tackle is a more open question, as current projected starter Carter Warren had an abysmal 12.1% pressure rate allowed in just 92 pass-blocking snaps last year. Using the seventh overall pick on a prospect like Armand Membou could give the Jets a potentially elite young tackle pairing and maximize Fields’ chances of success.
Philadelphia Eagles: Pressure Off the Edge
Milton Williams earned the biggest contract among the Philadelphia Eagles’ free agent defections, but Josh Sweat’s departure could have the biggest impact. Sweat accounted for 54 of Philly’s 154 edge rusher pressures in 2024 (35%), the highest share by any player to leave in free agency.
Even with Nolan Smith ready for a larger role, the Eagles are currently relying on Jalyx Hunt or Bryce Huff to sop up starter snaps on the edge. Azeez Ojulari and Josh Uche should help replace some of Sweat’s pass-rushing productivity, but both are likely designated pass rushers at best.
In PFSN’s most recent Mock Draft Simulator data, defensive tackle (35%) was a more popular first-round choice for the Eagles than edge rusher (25.2%). If the caliber of prospects at No. 32 is equal, though, the Eagles probably need reinforcement on the edge more than the interior with Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis returning.
Pittsburgh Steelers: O-Line Options
Quarterback is the very obvious need for last year’s 25th-ranked offense in PFSN’s metric. However, the Pittsburgh Steelers appear content to wait out the Aaron Rodgers staredown and seem likely to turn to the 41-year-old as the team’s starting quarterback for 2025.
If it’s Rodgers, his quick release would help the offensive line out in pass protection. However, the Steelers were also a bottom-eight rushing offense by EPA per rush and success rate in 2024. Pittsburgh ranked 25th in yards before contact per rush (1.2), and 23rd in stuff rate (18%), meaning runs that went for zero or negative yards.
Broderick Jones will get the first chance to start at left tackle, but shouldn’t be locked in without competition. Jones conceded 11 sacks last season, tied for the second-most of any offensive lineman. Guard could also use more depth with Isaac Seumalo in the last year of his contract and second-year pro Mason McCormick set to start at right guard.
San Francisco 49ers: Three-Down Defensive Lineman
Despite a spate of injuries, the San Francisco 49ers still finished with a top-10 offense by PFSN’s metric. On the other hand, the defense slipped to 26th, a steep decline after five consecutive top-10 finishes. Injuries played a role on that side of the ball too, but unlike the offense, there are issues that go beyond getting the stars healthy.
Apart from Nick Bosa, the Niners lack impactful players in the trenches. San Francisco finished 25th in both passing and rushing success rate, due in part to their lack of disruptive defensive line play beyond Bosa. The 49ers ranked 15th in non-blitz pressure rate, despite Bosa ranking fifth among edge rushers with a 17.2% pressure rate. The unit also had trouble in the run game, ranking 24th in average yards before contact.
Even if someone like Drake Jackson has a belated breakout, the 49ers are lacking in support around Bosa, with no major additions coming in free agency. Even with potential holes at cornerback and linebacker, finding a three-down defensive lineman to pair with Bosa might be the most crucial ingredient to the defense rediscovering its former elite form.
Seattle Seahawks: Interior Pass Protection
The Seattle Seahawks’ need for offensive line improvement is a familiar story at this point. The unit was PFSN’s third-worst offensive line in 2024, ranking 30th in pressure rate. According to NFL Pro, the Seahawks also gave up the third-highest rate of quick pressures (within 2.5 seconds) at 18.7%. Only the Falcons and Titans were worse in that category.
Looking at the interior three positions, the Seahawks ranked 29th in both pressure rate and pressures allowed from the center and guard spots. Seattle has a crowded room with lots of starting options at those spots, but it’s not clear if any of those players are really ideal choices.
Christian Haynes was the closest among the team’s guards to hitting league-average in pass protection, allowing a 5.9% pressure rate (average was 5.1% in 2024). The 2024 third-rounder could get a chance to further develop, but Seattle would do well to add more competition for Anthony Bradford (7.8%) and Sataoa Laumea (11.0%).
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Coverage Against TEs and RBs
Even with Liam Coen taking off for Jacksonville, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers should field another effective offense with most of the core returning after finishing third in PFSN’s 2024 rankings. And while the defense finished a respectable 16th, some of that was due to a hot finish against weaker opposition.
From Week 11 on, the Buccaneers ranked second in scoring defense but didn’t face a single team that finished in the top half of PFSN’s Offense+ metric. The closest was a Week 15 win over the Chargers, who ranked 17th. Even during their hot finish, one consistent weakness was defending tight ends and running backs in coverage. While Tampa was a top-six defense in yards per attempt allowed to wide receivers, they were bottom 10 against those aforementioned two positions:
- vs WRs: 7.6 yards per attempt (6th)
- vs TEs: 8.5 yards per attempt (29th)
- vs RBs: 6.4 yards per attempt (24th)
Adding a potential successor for Lavonte Davis at linebacker is a high-priority item anyway, as is finding a long-term safety partner for Antoine Winfield Jr. with Christian Izien being a restricted free agent next offseason.
Tennessee Titans: Slot Receiver
The Tennessee Titans have poured resources into improving last season’s sixth-worst offense by PFSN’s metrics. And while the offensive line appears improved in front of presumptive first-overall pick Cam Ward, the Titans are still lacking in targets beyond Calvin Ridley.
Specifically, Ward could use a more reliable option in the slot after leaning so heavily on Xavier Restrepo last season at Miami. The Tyler Boyd experiment was unsuccessful for Tennessee in 2024, as Titans slot receivers ranked 26th in receptions, 25th in yards, and 31st in target rate. Only the Eagles, who had A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith as perimeter receivers, targeted players lined up in the slot less frequently.
There are still veteran options like Tyler Lockett and Keenan Allen available, though they should be available as secondary plans after the draft. Reuniting Restrepo with Ward on Day 3 is certainly a possibility, while Luther Burden III and Jaylin Noel could be possibilities if the Titans stick with their second-round pick at No. 35 overall.
Washington Commanders: Playmaking in the Secondary
The Washington Commanders’ pass defense had an odd paradox in 2024. Washington was one of the best teams at generating pressure, ranking fifth in sack rate (8.0%) and eighth in pressure rate without blitzing (34%). Despite that success getting to the quarterback, the Commanders were still one of the worst pass defenses overall, ranking 24th in EPA per dropback (-0.10).
The issue was that Washington’s coverage players didn’t fare well enough taking advantage when the pass rush did its job. On plays where opposing QBs were pressured, the Commanders allowed the third-most yards per attempt (7.0) and had just three interceptions the whole season. Overall, Washington DBs combined to finish bottom-10 in both interceptions (five) and passes defended (42) in 2024.
A full healthy season from Marshon Lattimore would help, and Mike Sainristil showed promising ball skills with 14 passes defended, double any other player on the defense and most among all NFL rookies. But drafting a safety or outside corner with plus ball skills would elevate this defense and accentuate the pass rush while boosting an offense that doesn’t really need the extra help to begin with.
