NFL

Find out which holes NFL teams need to patch up before the season starts

As the preseason ends, NFL teams are finalizing the latest details of what their rosters will look like for the upcoming season.

SCOTT TAETSCHAFP

As the NFL regular season approaches, teams are making final roster adjustments to solidify their chances of a successful campaign. Here’s an in-depth look at the most critical needs each of the 32 NFL teams must address.

Check out the biggest fixes NFL teams need to make before the regular season begins.

AFC East

1. Buffalo Bills:

Running Back: The Bills need a more consistent ground game to complement Josh Allen and relieve some of the pressure on their star quarterback.

2. Miami Dolphins:

Linebacker: Adding depth and versatility at linebacker could help the Dolphins shore up their defense, especially against the run.

3. New England Patriots:

Wide Receiver: The Patriots need more playmakers on the outside to give Drake Maye a better chance to develop and thrive in the offense.

4. New York Jets:

Offensive Line: Protecting Aaron Rodgers is paramount. The Jets need to ensure they have a solid offensive line, especially given some injury concerns.

AFC North

5. Baltimore Ravens:

Wide Receiver: Even with offseason additions, the Ravens’ wide receiver group needs to step up to give Lamar Jackson more reliable targets.

6. Cincinnati Bengals:

Secondary: The Bengals need to address their secondary, particularly at cornerback, after losing key players in free agency.

7. Cleveland Browns:

Linebacker: The Browns need to solidify their linebacking corps to strengthen their run defense and provide better coverage in the middle of the field.

8. Pittsburgh Steelers

Offensive Line: Protecting Russell Wilson is crucial. The Steelers need to upgrade their offensive line to help him and the running game.

AFC South

9. Houston Texans

Quarterback: With C.J. Stroud likely to start, the Texans need to ensure they have a solid backup plan in case of injury or struggles.

10. Indianapolis Colts

Offensive Line: After a disappointing season, the Colts need to rebuild their offensive line to protect their young quarterback, Anthony Richardson.

11. Jacksonville Jaguars

Defensive Line: The Jaguars need to improve their pass rush and run defense, making the defensive line a key area of focus.

12. Tennessee Titans

Wide Receiver: The Titans need more reliable targets for Ryan Tannehill or Will Levis to diversify their offense and complement Derrick Henry.

AFC West

13. Denver Broncos

Offensive Line: Russell Wilson needs better protection if he’s going to bounce back this season. The Broncos must upgrade their offensive line.

14. Kansas City Chiefs

Wide Receiver Depth: The Chiefs need to establish more reliable wide receiver depth to support Patrick Mahomes, especially after losing key players in recent years.

15. Las Vegas Raiders

Secondary: The Raiders must address their secondary, particularly at cornerback, to better compete against the high-powered offenses in their division.

16. Los Angeles Chargers

Defensive Line: The Chargers need more consistency and depth on the defensive line to improve their run defense and pass rush.

NFC East

17. Dallas Cowboys

Offensive Line: The Cowboys must ensure their offensive line remains strong to protect Dak Prescott and support the running game.

18. New York Giants

Wide Receiver: Daniel Jones needs more playmakers on the outside to build on his improved performance from last season.

19. Philadelphia Eagles

Linebacker: The Eagles need to address their linebacker depth to maintain their defensive dominance and provide more stability.

20. Washington Commanders

Quarterback: With questions surrounding Jayden Daniels if he will fit, the Commanders need a reliable backup option or potentially a more established starter.

NFC North

21. Chicago Bears

Defensive Line: The Bears need to improve their pass rush and run defense, making the defensive line a critical area to address.

22. Detroit Lions

Cornerback: The Lions need to solidify their secondary, particularly at cornerback, to compete in the pass-heavy NFC North.

23. Green Bay Packers

Wide Receiver/Tight End: Jordan Love needs more reliable targets at wide receiver and tight end to support his development as a starter.

24. Minnesota Vikings

Cornerback: The Vikings need to address their secondary to improve their pass defense, which was a weakness last season.

NFC South

25. Atlanta Falcons

Quarterback: The Falcons veteran Kirk Cousins need to determine if he is their long-term answer at quarterback or if they need to bring someone else.

26. Carolina Panthers

Wide Receiver: Bryce Young will need more reliable targets as he transitions to the NFL, making wide receiver a key position of need.

27. New Orleans Saints

Defensive Line: The Saints need to bolster their defensive line to improve their pass rush and run defense, especially with the loss of key veterans.

28. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Quarterback: With Tom Brady retired, the Buccaneers addressed their quarterback situation with Baker Mayfield, and they are still finding their footing.

NFC West

29. Arizona Cardinals

Offensive Line: Protecting Kyler Murray is crucial, especially as he returns from injury. The Cardinals need to improve their offensive line.

30. Los Angeles Rams

Offensive Line: The Rams need to rebuild their offensive line to protect Matthew Stafford and help the running game, which struggled last season.

31. San Francisco 49ers

Quarterback Depth: While Brock Purdy emerged as a strong option, the 49ers need reliable quarterback depth due to past injuries.

32. Seattle Seahawks

Defensive Line: The Seahawks need to improve their pass rush and run defense, making the defensive line a key area of focus.

As teams prepare for the upcoming NFL season, addressing these critical roster needs will be essential for their success. Whether through trades, free-agent signings, or developing players already on the roster, each team’s ability to fill these gaps will play a significant role in their performance this year.

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