Sports NFL Crew Wants: Prioritizing Each and each Roster’s Very top Weaknesses Sooner than Week 11 0 of 32
Mario Hommes/DeFodi Photos by Getty Photos
One-ranking video games dominated Week 10 NFL creep. The disparity between the league’s entirely and worst teams mostly blurred in one more topsy-turvy slate of football. Nonetheless you are what your epic says you are, and with the exchange closing date passed and 2 teams four-or-worse video games off .500, consideration is starting to turn to the offseason.
Each and per week of the season, we will assess the bellow of every roster with a explicit kind out its weaknesses. By the high of the selling campaign, we will win constructed a mountainous board for every group in conserving with its biggest desires and wants. All the pieces from instantaneous holes to accept as true with to the offseason player carousel of free company and the 2025 NFL draft is taken into story.
The weaknesses listed below are no longer simply knee-jerk reactions to the weekend’s video games, but more an overarching overview with every show and future roster-constructing in thoughts.
Extra analysis of every NFL roster will submit every Monday for the length of the customary season.
Arizona Cardinals 1 of 32
Cardinals QB Kyler Murray Chris Coduto/Getty Photos
The Arizona Cardinals scored their fourth consecutive win by rolling the New York Jets 31-6 on Sunday. With a stable working recreation, a gradually bettering defense and among the important entirely quarterback play of Kyler Murray’s profession, Arizona all of sudden appears to be like like a extremely bad group.
The Cardinals, who live atop the NFC West, might perhaps presumably presumably even serene continue shopping for methods to bolster their roster now that the exchange closing date has passed. With head coach Jonathan Gannon’s second season shaping as much as be worthwhile, they should be eyeing prolonged-term constructing blocks within the offseason.
Very top Weaknesses:
Defensive Kind out Cornerback Edge-Rusher Guard Factual Kind out Circulate to Create Now: Signal DE Tarron Jackson
Remaining week’s exchange for Barron Browning helped to take Arizona’s hunch bustle. Nonetheless the Cardinals might perhaps presumably presumably even serene employ extra depth on the defensive line, every to learn the hunch bustle and bolster a middling drag defense.
With the exchange market closed and few free brokers accessible, Arizona might perhaps presumably presumably even serene withhold in thoughts signing Tarron Jackson from the Philadelphia Eagles apply squad.
Jackson, who signed with Philadelphia late final week, modified into once a 2021 sixth-spherical decide who regarded in all 17 video games for the Eagles as a rookie. He performed simply 23 p.c of the defensive snaps that season but recorded 18 tackles, a sack and 9 quarterback pressures. His expertise below Jonathan Gannon might perhaps presumably presumably even serene encourage design for a truly easy transition.
2025 Free Agency: CB D.J. Reed, New York Jets
The defense has started to design strides in its second year below Gannon. On the opposite hand, Arizona should be interested to bolster its secondary within the offseason. With $103.4 million in projected 2025 cap home, the Cardinals can secure the money for to trip high avid gamers at top payment positions.
New York Jets cornerback D.J. Reed—the fifth-ranked player on Bleacher Report’s free agent mountainous board—would be an supreme target. Whereas in general overshadowed by Sauce Gardner, Reed has been a excessive-stage starter for New York since arriving in 2022 free company.
At 28 years veteran, Reed must win a lot of prime taking part in years ahead of him. Defensive tackles like B.J. Hill and Sebastian Joseph-Day might perhaps presumably presumably even serene additionally be on Arizona’s radar.
2025 NFL Draft: Edge Nic Scourton, Texas A&M
Touchdown a franchise-caliber defensive kind out, like Michigan’s Mason Graham, within the draft would design sense for the Cardinals. If Arizona keeps trending in direction of the underside of Round 1, on the opposite hand, that would also point to mighty.
The B/R Scouting Department paired Arizona with Texas A&M edge-rusher Nic Scourton in its most in model mock draft, and it’s most no longer at danger of argue with the overview:
“Scourton would be ideal for Jonathan Gannon’s defensive way. The Purdue transfer has the skill to be a full hunch-rusher. …The 6’4″, 285-pound Scourton working alongside the 6’5″, 285-pound Darius Robinson in sub-packages has the skill to end important hurt against opposing schemes.”
Robinson, Arizona’s second-spherical decide, remains sidelined with a calf hurt but will, ideally, be a foundational share of the defense transferring forward. Scourton will most definitely be the identical.
Atlanta Falcons 2 of 32
Falcons RB Bijan Robinson Jonathan Bachman/Getty Photos
No longer landing a quality hunch-rusher on the exchange closing date is already having a scrutinize like a mistake by the Atlanta Falcons. Whereas miscues (and uncared for kicks) indubitably performed a position in Sunday’s 20-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints, miserable defense performed its section.
Atlanta allowed New Orleans to leap out to a 17-7 halftime lead and failed to epic a single sack on Derek Carr—bringing their 2024 total to 9 sacks in 10 video games. The Falcons win the muse of a extremely potent offense, but there is work to end on the opposite facet of the ball, now and within the looming offseason.
Very top Weaknesses:
Edge-Rusher Nickelback Center Defensive Kind out Linebacker Circulate to Create Now: Signal Edge Shaq Lawson
Matthew Judon has been a disappointment for the Falcons. Heading into this weekend, he has recorded simply 13 pressures on 201 hunch-bustle snaps in conserving with Skilled Football Focus, which comes out to about a 6.5 p.c tension payment. That would even be a predominant cause why edge-rusher is the group’s biggest weak point gorgeous now.
Atlanta might perhaps presumably presumably even serene withhold in thoughts Shaq Lawson, who modified into once released from the Carolina Panthers apply squad in late October. Remaining season, Lawson regarded in 16 video games with the Buffalo Bills and recorded one sack and 10 quarterback pressures.
Adding him would no longer solve the defense’s hunch-bustle factors by myself, but Lawson might perhaps presumably presumably even on the least be another chance to turn to for the relaxation of the season.
2025 Free Agency: IOL Slice Gates, Philadelphia Eagles
Starting heart Drew Dalman’s contract is set to expire and Elijah Wilkinson and Matt Hennessy are additionally impending free brokers, so the Falcons will likely be shopping for some interior offensive line encourage this offseason.
The negate is the group is for the time being projected to win simply below $11.6 million of cap home accessible in free company, per Over The Cap. So, the group will must target more cost-effective veterans on the inaugurate market. Gates would be a criminal pickup since he has expertise taking part in four out of 5 offensive line positions.
2025 NFL Draft: CB Trey Amos, Alabama
Mike Hughes has been taking part in effectively this year, but that would also design it mighty for Terry Fontenot to re-mark the seven-year pro since he goes to be a free agent within the offseason. So, query Fontenot to end a deep dive into this year’s cornerback class and the Alabama product is someone to protect an ogle on.
“Amos is a bodily and fluid cornerback prospect with the size, strength, and athleticism to compete on the next stage,” B/R’s defensive backs scout Cory Giddings said.
“Known for his stable press system and expertise to match up against bigger receivers, Amos has the skill location to bear accurate into a versatile nook in a position to taking part in every man and zone protection schemes.
“…Amos initiatives as a mid-spherical decide with the skill to bear accurate into a versatile starter. His combination of size, athleticism, and ball skills makes him an intelligent prospect, though bettering his tackling consistency and refining his system in deep protection will be key to his success.”
Baltimore Ravens 3 of 32
Lamar Jackson Cooper Neill/Getty Photos
The Ravens defense struggled on Thursday Night Football giving up 470 total yards, including 421 by the air. Joe Burrow torched the Ravens secondary and they did not win an resolution for Ja’Marr Bolt who had 11 catches for 264 yards and three touchdowns.
It did not topic.
The Ravens offense showed simply how devastatingly ambiance friendly it’ll even be with another advance-ideal performance from Lamar Jackson. He went 25-of-33 for 290 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions in a recreation that proved he is in a position to taking part in from behind and a success video games as a passer. One more MVP for him and a deep playoff drag should be the target transferring forward.
Very top Weaknesses:
Cornerback Interior Offensive Line Wide Receiver Offensive Kind out Edge-Rusher Circulate to Create Now: Fetch WR Tylan Wallace More Alive to
There is just not any longer grand to argue with about the Ravens offense, but it’s develop to make sure they’ll must outscore of us to win within the playoffs. The decision to change for Diontae Johnson on the exchange closing date when they had desires on defense indicated the group understood this reality.
It wasn’t Johnson that impressed on Thursday evening, though. That modified into once Tylan Wallace. In step with PFF, Wallace modified into once entirely on the field for 5 receiving snaps, but he had 115 receiving yards. Wallace must win a chance to attain alongside Imprint Andrews, Zay Vegetation and Isaiah Seemingly as targets in this offense.
2025 Free Agency: CB Charvarius Ward, San Francisco 49ers
This might perhaps admittedly be mighty to swing with the Ravens cap portray. Ward goes to be 29 if he this the inaugurate market within the offseason, but he is criminal satisfactory that he might perhaps presumably presumably even serene serene portray a huge two or three-year contract. On the opposite hand, stretching their funds to bear a trio of Marlon Humphrey, Nate Wiggins and Ward on the out of doorways might perhaps presumably presumably even push the Ravens over the high to develop to be the Substantial Bowl well-liked subsequent season.
Because it stands, the Ravens secondary, including impending free agent Brandon Stephens are truly appropriate one of few liabilities who might perhaps presumably presumably even find yourself costing Baltimore when it counts the most. Adding another stable cornerback to the roster would design an outright Substantial Bowl well-liked.
2025 NFL Draft: OT Charles Grant, William & Mary
The Ravens win completed a nice job of breaking in three fresh starters on the offensive line this season, but they serene must score expertise up front. Ronnie Stanley is determined to develop to be a free agent within the offseason and he is rising older. Re-signing him is serene potentially the entirely path forward, but drafting a mission who might perhaps presumably presumably even at final develop to be the left kind out would be a criminal employ of sources.
Buffalo Bills 4 of 32
Mack Hollins Andy Lyons/Getty Photos
Josh Allen can veil for heaps of shortcomings. Even his own. Allen threw two interceptions to carry his season total to four, but his legs helped design up for it in a 30-20 win over the Colts. Allen’s interceptions need to not be all that relating to. He’s saved the ball out of hurt’s manner for a spread of of the season and he did not win Keon Coleman or Amari Cooper.
As soon as he gets every of them advantage, Buffalo should be firing on all cylinders. That is a scary knowing for teams within the traipse of the 8-2 Bills.
Very top Weaknesses:
Edge-Rusher Cornerback Linebacker Interior Defensive Line Security Circulate to Create Now: Poach LB Kwon Alexander from Denver Broncos’s Prepare Squad
The Bills depth at linebacker has been a discipline all season. Transferring Baylon Spector to injured reserve with a calf hurt did not end something else to quell these worries. The Bills win Dorian Williams, Terrel Bernard and Nicholas Morrow, but they’re another hurt a ways off from being in serious danger within the heart of the defense.
In the meantime, gentle linebacker Kwon Alexander is for the time being on the Denver Broncos apply squad. They’ve called him up just a few occasions this season. He’s performed effectively when he is had his number called but the Broncos are serene at danger to lose him for this reason of they have not signed him to their packed with life roster.
2025 Free Agency: S Julian Blackmon, Indianapolis Colts
The Bills were lucky to win a consistent security duo for just a few years with Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde. Now that the 2 veterans are gone, the Bills might perhaps presumably presumably even want a minute more turnover there. For example, they’ll likely must carry in competition to figure out who the 2 starters will be subsequent season. Cole Bishop should be section of the thought as a second-year player, but Damar Hamlin and Taylor Rapp will must produce their spots all over again.
Julian Blackmon would design sense as a target. He’s having a tough season with the Colts, giving up a 129.6 passer ranking after giving up a 46.6 ranking final season. The Colts entirely gave him a one-year contract final season so it’s no longer laborious to appear at him leaving within the offseason.
2025 NFL Draft: CB Mansoor Delane, Virginia Tech
The Bills form of rebuilt their secondary on the hover this offseason. Tre’Davious White, Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde all left and the Bills did their entirely to place collectively a group that includes Rasul Douglas, Tayor Rapp and Cam Lewis. The group has completed effectively satisfactory to protect the Bills in contention this season, but it’s clearly a group that is serene below construction.
Discovering another cornerback who can play reverse a wholesome Christian Benford would be a criminal addition by the draft. Mansoor Delane has confirmed the competitiveness and flexibility to attain Sean McDermott’s machine.
“He has the total instruments but desires a minute more consistency in his play. His fluidity in protection, blended along with his aggressive nature and athleticism, makes him a precious share in every man and zone schemes,” B/R scout Cory Giddings said in his scouting portray.
Carolina Panthers 5 of 32
Bryce Young Matt Kelley/Getty Photos
Fabricate no longer compare now, but the Carolina Panthers win won two straight and continue to appear at promising flashes from second-year quarterback Bryce Young. Granted, Sunday’s extra time victory came in Germany against a New York Giants group that imploded, but Carolina will take all of the positives it’ll salvage.
The jury is serene out on Young pointless to claim. With a flawed total roster, though, the Panthers will potentially lengthen any prolonged-term quarterback choices till after the season.
Very top Weaknesses:
Quarterback Edge-Rusher Tight End Wide Receiver Defensive Kind out Circulate to Create Now: Give WR Jalen Coker more targets
In equity to the Panthers, right here is likely already within the works after the Jonathan Mingo exchange. Nonetheless Coker did not inaugurate getting important taking part in time till Week 5 and he is been reasonably productive since then, logging 14 catches for 222 yards and a landing heading into this weekend.
The undrafted rookie will most definitely be the offense’s prolonged-term resolution at slot receiver, so the group’s aim should be to salvage him as many opportunities as that chances are you’ll presumably presumably even consider to asses how mountainous of a want vast receiver will be within the offseason.
2025 Free Agency: LB Jamien Sherwood, New York Jets
Shaq Thompson’s days in Carolina will most definitely be numbered as he’ll be a 31-year-veteran free agent who’s coming off a torn Achilles within the offseason. So, the front space of labor will likely be shopping for some linebacker encourage and Sherwood on the complete is a criminal fit since he is younger and having an impressive marketing campaign this autumn.
Through Week 9, the 25-year-veteran who turns 26 in January ranked third among linebackers with 33 “defensive stops” in conserving with Skilled Football Focus. He’s additionally fared effectively in PFF’s grading machine with a 76.4 drag-defense grade and 70.3 ticket in protection to be a simply alternative for Thompson.
2025 NFL Draft: TE Tyler Warren, Penn Relate
Whereas the Panthers drafted Ja’Tavion Sanders within the fourth spherical final year, Ian Thomas and Tommy Tremble are impending free brokers. Also, the Penn Relate product’s expertise will most definitely be too criminal to hunch up on.
“Warren is a versatile playmaking tight stop with ragged height, weight, and athleticism,” B/R’s offensive skill positions scout Damian Parson wrote.
“Warren possesses stable ball skills to assault passes at its very top point. The gentle HS quarterback plays with criminal contact balance to fight for yards after the web. Warren has room to develop with functional strength and drag-blocking off system. If he improves these areas, he’ll be a three-down affect player on the TE space.”
Chicago Bears 6 of 32
Bears QB Caleb Williams Ben Hsu/Icon Sportswire by Getty Photos
Sunday’s 19-3 loss to the New England Patriots wasn’t the worst of the Chicago Bears’ season, but it would also want been the most disheartening.
Chicago had been undefeated at home and had viewed promising play from rookie QB Caleb Williams at Soldier Field.
Neither Williams nor the Bears fared effectively against New England in Week 10, with flawed offensive line play (9 sacks allowed) being truly appropriate among the largest factors.
Chicago has the offensive skill avid gamers mandatory to bear Williams accurate into a franchise quarterback. Except they secure an improved line—and a more cohesive recreation thought—the Bears will not be ready to end their longstanding quarterback woes.
Very top Weaknesses:
Factual Guard Offensive Kind out depth Center 2nd Corner Linebacker Circulate to Create Now: Give Jack Sanborn more taking part in time
Whereas the Bears win heaps of money invested in starting linebackers Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards, every win been about common this season. Heading into the weekend, Edmunds had a 60.5 grade from Skilled Football Focus whereas Edwards sat at 58.1. Whereas it’s a smaller pattern size, Sanborn had a ticket of 72.0.
It will be price seeing what the three-year pro can end with an even bigger position on the defense. He’s a restricted free agent within the offseason, so it’s a ways a chance to withhold in thoughts whether or no longer he is price offering a contract extension.
2025 Free Agency: OT Matt Peart, Denver Broncos
Darnell Wright and Braxton Jones are decent starters, but Chicago’s lack of depth at offensive kind out has been uncovered recently. They’ll also serene make investments in a quality backup this offseason.
Peart is a profession-prolonged swing kind out who has been taking part in effectively for the Broncos this season. On 142 total snaps by Week 9, he had entirely allowed six pressures (no sacks or QB hits) and earned a legit 65.5 drag-blocking off grade from PFF.
2025 NFL Draft: WR Evan Stewart, Oregon
Rome Odunze is starting to attain along but Keenan Allen is an impending free agent. Ryan Poles might perhaps presumably presumably even must explore this year’s draft class at vast receiver to interchange Allen and gives Caleb Williams another target. Poles might perhaps presumably presumably even serene take a prolonged compare on the Oregon product since he on the complete is a criminal chance within the slot.
“Stewart is a temporary-twitch route runner with alignment versatility,” B/R’s offensive skill positions scout Damian Parson said. “He makes plays from all across the offensive formations.
“Stewart possesses criminal vertical lumber to stress defenses down the field and after the web. Route working is a strength of his recreation to win against every man and zone coverages. Stewart’s frame and skillset resemble Minnesota Vikings WR2 Jordan Addison.”
Cincinnati Bengals 7 of 32
Ja’Marr Bolt Michael Owens/Getty Photos
Frustration. That will presumably presumably also be the entirely one-discover summary of the Cincinnati Bengals season so a ways.
Thursday evening’s loss modified into once the most in model example. Joe Burrow (428 yards, 4 TDs) and Ja’Marr Bolt (264 yards, 3 TDs) had truly appropriate one of their entirely performances and it serene wasn’t satisfactory for the Bengals to salvage within the win column.
A failed two-point conversion ended the evening for the Bengals and introduced their epic to 4-6. The defense couldn’t bear Lamar Jackson and the Ravens offense. Five of the Bengals six losses win now arrive by one ranking.
Very top Weaknesses:
Cornerback Interior Defensive Line Edge-Rusher Linebacker Interior Offensive Line Circulate to Create Now: Defend Mike Gesicki on the field
With Tee Higgins out for another recreation, Mike Gesicki saw a vast uptick in taking part in time and position within the passing recreation. In step with PFF, the tight stop modified into once on the field for 58 snaps, ran 45 routes and saw 9 targets.
He entirely turned it into four catches for 30 yards, but that can presumably presumably ignore the indisputable fact that he turned 14 targets into 12 catches for 173 yards and two touchdowns within the earlier two weeks.
Gesicki has confirmed that he is truly appropriate among the Bengals most dynamic receivers even when Tee Higgins returns to the lineup. He might perhaps presumably presumably even no longer carry heaps of blocking off to the table, but he might perhaps presumably presumably even serene continue to be on the field for nearly all of the hunch plays.
2025 Free Agency: LB Tyrel Dodson, Seattle Seahawks
Fundamental modifications are mandatory for the Bengals’ defense to attain to a legit stage. The instructing group has remained largely the identical since the Bengals were a high-10 unit in 2022. On the opposite hand, many of the contributors win both aged or left, and the Bengals have not nailed their draft picks.
That leaves just a few spots where an strengthen is mandatory and a linebacker to play alongside Logan Wilson is among them. Tyrel Dodson is price a scrutinize. It be easy to appear on the affect he has had with a rising Seattle Seahakws defense after placing collectively a stable 2023 marketing campaign in Buffalo.
If there is a silver lining to the Bengals frustrations this season it’s that they’ll produce an even bigger draft decide than they’ll also serene. Cincinnati is clearly better than its epic would point to and this might perhaps presumably presumably even give them a giant gamble to draft a right foundational share for its defense.
Michigan’s Mason Graham would indubitably qualify. The 6’3″, 318-pounder received a high-10 grade from B/R scout Matt Holder and he is excessive on the skill that he has as a versatile interior disruptor.
“Mason Graham has the skill to be truly appropriate among the entirely defensive kind out potentialities to attain out of faculty within the previous couple of years. His lack of elite size and length will withhold him from being within the identical class as Jalen Carter, but the Michigan product’s combination of strength and athleticism gives him a excessive ceiling as a legit.”
Cleveland Browns 8 of 32
Slice Chubb, left, and Jameis Winston Jason Miller/Getty Photos
The Cleveland Browns must be feeling grateful for a bye week. Factual about every little thing that would also hunch unpleasant this season has and the group has heaps of issues to figure out for the relaxation of the season. No longer the least of which is whether or no longer or no longer they’ll continue with Jameis Winston at quarterback or give Dorian Thompson-Robinson another shot.
Very top Weaknesses:
Quarterback Wide Receiver Left Kind out Linebacker Interior Defender Circulate to Create Now: Fetch some touches for WR Jamari Thrash
The Browns will not be making the playoffs. That ship has sailed. The alternatives to change away Amari Cooper and Za’Darius Smith before the exchange closing date were confessions of that reality. All that is left to end this season is to salvage a criminal compare on the younger expertise they win got on the roster as they struggle to figure out where to head from right here.
In that spirit, they should be having a scrutinize to salvage the ball in Jamari Thrash’s hands on the least just a few occasions within the arriving weeks. The fifth-spherical decide has worked his manner onto the field for some snaps, but hasn’t in fact been passionate about the offense. Elijah Moore is a free agent and the Browns will want a Third receiver to step up. Thrash will most definitely be that guy, but it’s laborious to know what they win got gorgeous now till they salvage him the ball some.
2025 Free Agency: TE Jack Stoll, Philadelphia Eagles
The Browns were efficient users of 12 personnel (one working advantage, two tight ends) within the early days of Kevin Stefanski’s offense in Cleveland. Their skill to salvage into heavier personnel sets modified into once section of a bodily drag recreation that opened issues up for play-creep hunch and gave the Browns an identity. The appearance of Deshaun Watson modified issues and adding offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey to the mix altered these traits too. The Browns are twenty seventh in 12 personnel usage this season.
Jack Stoll is no longer a effectively-identified commodity within the league, but he is a criminal blocking off tight stop that has helped the Eagles excel. They are fifth within the league in 12 personnel usage and Stoll’s skill to attain in and end the dirty work is a cause why.
2025 NFL Draft: RB Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
The eventual stop of the Slice Chubb era goes to be sad in Cleveland. He’s been the largest offensive well-known person the Browns win had since the franchise modified into once introduced advantage in 1999 and he is carried out effectively to attain from a devastating hurt final season. Sadly, he goes to be 29 in December. The time will most definitely be coming to search out his successor.
B/R’s Ryan Fowler recently when put next North Carolina working advantage Omarion Hampton to Breece Hall with a minute more physicality.
“Love Hall, Hampton’s explosiveness and expertise to bear every interior and out of doorways the tackles is fabulous. On the opposite hand, Hampton’s bodily manner to the distance jogs my reminiscence of Robinson out of Alabama thanks to his mighty create and starvation to assemble every lunge of yardage.”
That is a advantage that the Browns trustworthy might perhaps presumably presumably even salvage behind all over again.
Dallas Cowboys 9 of 32
Cowboys RB Rico Dowdle Sam Hodde/Getty Photos
It be formally time for the Dallas Cowboys to turn the page on their 2024 season.
Dak Prescott (hamstring) will most definitely be headed to injured reserve, and Sunday’s 34-6 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles showed that Dallas can’t compete without him.
The next two months should be spent evaluating impending free brokers and on the point of accept as true with holes within the upcoming offseason.
Very top Weaknesses:
Left Kind out Nose Kind out Cornerback Defensive End Security Circulate to Create Now: Decide to Rico Dowdle because the lead advantage
The Cowboys’ speeding assault has been bad this season. Heading into this previous weekend, they had the fewest speeding yards within the league (656) and were tied for the second-lowest yards per carry (3.8). A mountainous trigger of that is Ezekiel Elliot has forty eight carries and 3.1 ypc.
Elliott saw another six carries on Sunday, even when Rico Dowdle (12 carries, Fifty three yards) modified into once clearly the more ambiance friendly ball-carrier.
Whereas Dowdle serene has the most touches out of the backfield (86), he should be the offense’s feature advantage transferring forward and salvage the lion’s fraction of the carries. The 26-year-veteran is averaging 4.5 yards per bustle and is in a contract year, so the group might perhaps presumably presumably even serene employ the next two months to appear at how he handles an even bigger workload.
2025 Free Agency: DT B.J. Hill, Cincinnati Bengals
Osa Odighizuwa and a lot of other other Cowboys defensive tackles are impending free brokers, so Dallas will likely be within the marketplace for some encourage within the trenches this offseason. If the group serene desires to compete for a Substantial Bowl, adding a gentle like Hill would be a wise funding.
The seven-year pro has earned above-common grades for his drag defense and hunch bustle from Skilled Football Focus. Through Week 9 in 2024, he is earned marks of 68.3 against the drag and 73.1 as a hunch-rusher.
2025 NFL Draft: IOL Tate Ratledge, Georgia
Guard Zack Martin’s contract expires within the offseason and Tyler Smith’s deal is up on the high of the 2025 marketing campaign. So, Jerry Jones will likely be shopping for some guards in this year’s draft class.
Ratledge for the time being ranks because the third-entirely interior offensive lineman on B/R’s mountainous board.
“Ratledge wins as a drag blocker utilizing very criminal play strength and leg drive to work for the length of the frame of his target on angle-drive and combo blocks, tension to salvage vertical and effectively seal off alleys behind him,” offensive line scout Brandon Thorn said by the Bulldog’s scouting portray.
“He can salvage over-aggressive on contact, fall a shoulder and fail to assemble leverage before getting slipped, primarily on vertical double-teams when he has to generate instantaneous displacement. Ratledge presentations stable quickness and timing because the drive man on doubles to bump, feed and launch to line up backers.”
Denver Broncos 10 of 32
Bo Nix William Purnell/Icon Sportswire by Getty Photos
Remaining week’s recreation against the Baltimore Ravens and this week’s matchup with the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs were supposed to uncover us about the Denver Broncos. No topic every video games ensuing in losses, they supplied very diverse reviews.
The Broncos shook off the 41-10 loss to the Ravens and mostly locked up the Chiefs in a 16-14 loss. Denver jumped out to a 14-3 lead before Kansas Metropolis did barely satisfactory to take the lead. Kansas Metropolis blocked Denver’s 35-yard strive at a recreation-winner.
That is the form of loss that stings, but in fact gives hope that Denver’s defense is for right and they’re going be bad sooner than later.
Very top Weaknesses:
Center Working Motivate Wide Receiver Tight End Edge-Rusher Add Now: Funnel more targets to Troy Franklin
The Broncos win earned a space within the wildcard lumber with the early success they’ve had this season. They’ve paired a stable defense with a rising offense, but their loss to the Ravens final week modified into once a reminder that they serene win room to develop.
One predominant query they must figure out is what Troy Franklin’s position will be transferring forward. The rookie has had some criminal moments, but gorgeous now he is no longer grand more than a deep chance that gets targeted just a few occasions a recreation. His Week 7 route map showed him getting six diverse targets and turning it into 5 catches for 50 yards. More video games like that can presumably presumably be encouraging.
2025 Free Agency: Edge Michael Hoecht, Los Angeles Rams
The Broncos took a predominant step in direction of locking down a stable hunch bustle when they gave Jonathan Cooper a four-year contract extension. He earned that over the previous couple of seasons. On the opposite hand, Baron Browning’s position has no longer increased and he is headed in direction of the high of his contract. In the event that they permit the gentle off-ball linebacker to leave, they’ll in fact win a fourth edge player to head with Cooper, Nik Bonitto and Jonah Eliss.
Los Angeles Rams defender Michael Hoecht is a diverse edge defender who would pair effectively with Bonitto and Eliss as a complementary share. At 6’4″, 267 kilos he is a grand bigger player than Bonitto and Eliss who’re every below 250 kilos.
The Broncos defense has taken a vast step forward this season. They additionally made a stable below-the-radar decision by signing Jonathan Cooper to a four-year extension. He’ll pair with Nik Bonitto to bear a stable hunch-speeding duo for the next couple of years. The Broncos subsequent frontier is to salvage more reinforcements within the secondary.
Grabbing Malaki Starks within the first spherical would be a vast addition. Cory Giddings has him ranked because the entirely security within the draft class and a seemingly well-known person. Pairing him with Patrick Surtain II would give the Broncos a promising defensive advantage duo to head with their younger edge-rushers.
“Starks’ total skill location and football IQ give him a excessive ceiling as a defensive playmaker. With the skill to make contributions from day one, Starks is poised to develop to be a key player in any NFL secondary, offering the skill to bear accurate into a Skilled Bowl-caliber security,” Giddings wrote in his scouting portray.
Detroit Lions 11 of 32
Jahmyr Gibbs Alex Slitz/Getty Photos
The Detroit Lions overcame an weird 5-interception performance from Jared Goff to outlast the Houston Texans 26-23 on Sunday evening.
With Goff taking part in about as poorly as he has since joining Detroit in 2021, coming take good thing about a 23-6 halftime deficit required a total group effort. Happily, the Lions win satisfactory expertise for the length of the roster to fight by flawed video games and gut out wins.
Detroit is a title contender this season, has $54.8 million in projected 2025 cap home, and can win an inaugurate Substantial Bowl window for a pair of years.
Very top Weaknesses:
Cornerback Edge-Rusher Offensive Line depth Wide Receiver depth Left Guard Circulate to Create Now: None
The Lions added Za’Darius Smith to encourage accept as true with the gap for Aidan Hutchinson and Emmanuel Moseley returned to apply to potentially encourage solve the defense’s negate at cornerback. Provided that and the real fact the group has been rolling recently, there isn’t any must exchange issues up gorgeous now.
2025 Free Agency: G Trey Smith, Kansas Metropolis Chiefs
Kevin Zeitler is entirely on a one-year deal and Graham Glasgow has been more stable than criminal this season, which implies the group might perhaps presumably presumably even secure an strengthen over Glasgow. The purpose is that Detroit will likely be within the marketplace for a guard this offseason, one manner or another.
Smith is truly appropriate among the entirely interior offensive linemen within the NFL as Skilled Football Focus had him because the eighth-very top-graded guard (81.5) heading into the previous weekend.
Whereas the 25-year-veteran who turns 26 in June will portray high greenback on the inaugurate market, the Lions are for the time being projected to win about $65 million of cap home accessible this offseason, per Over The Cap.
2025 NFL Draft: CB Tacario Davis, Arizona
Given the defense’s want at cornerback, Brad Holmes will likely be doing heaps of homework on this year’s draft class on the distance. The Arizona product’s size might perhaps presumably presumably even serene pique Holmes’ ardour and the nook has a lot of seemingly on the next stage.
“Davis is an intelligent cornerback prospect with rare length and size—at 6’4″ and 195 kilos, he brings a diverse profile to the distance,” B/R’s defensive backs scout Cory Giddings said by the Davis’ scouting portray.
“His combination of height and creep skills permits him to compete in press protection, and his physicality in every protection and drag defense stands out. Davis gives a diverse mix of athleticism and bodily play, making him a seemingly second-spherical decide with the skill to affect on the next stage.”
Green Bay Packers 12 of 32
Xavier McKinney Chris Leduc/Icon Sportswire by Getty Photos
The bye week came at a criminal time for the Green Bay Packers because the group modified into once without three starters, Jaire Alexander, Evan Williams and Josh Myers, two Sundays within the past. Also, rookie working advantage MarShawn Lloyd will most definitely be coming off injured reserve, and the defense bought extra time to thought to interchange linebacker Preston Smith, who modified into once traded to the Steelers final week.
That ruin day might perhaps presumably presumably even serene encourage Green Bay design a playoff push within the second half of of the season as it sits at 6-3 and should be within the thick of the wildcard lumber down the stretch.
Very top Weaknesses:
Center Edge-Rusher 2nd Cornerback Defensive Kind out Linebacker Circulate to Create Now: Signal Edge Melvin Ingram
The Packers granted Smith’s exchange demand as he wasn’t a criminal way slot in Jeff Hafley’s machine. Nonetheless that does leave the defense skinny at edge rusher. Green Bay mandatory encourage on the distance before the exchange.
Adding a gentle like Ingram as a sub-equipment rusher would no longer be a flawed notion to encourage design a playoff push. He logged six sacks in that position for the Dolphins two years within the past.
2025 Free Agency: CB Donte Jackson, Pittsburgh Steelers
Eric Stokes and Corey Ballentine are impending free brokers, which implies Green Bay will likely look some cornerback encourage this offseason. Jackson will most definitely be an intelligent gentle chance since he has impressive ball skills with 17 profession interceptions and 52 passes defended heading into this weekend.
Through Week 9 of this season, the 28-year-veteran is second among cornerbacks with three picks and has yielded a meager 46.2 passer ranking when targeted, in conserving with Skilled Football Focus.
2025 NFL Draft: Edge Abdul Carter, Penn Relate
Any other time, the Packers can employ some encourage at edge-rusher. Kingsley Enagbare is a free agent after subsequent season. Brian Gutenkunst likes to draft excessive-stage athletes who’re initiatives on the distance, which inserts the Penn Relate product’s description to a tee.
“Carter is an elite athlete, which gives him a excessive ceiling as a hunch-rusher on the next stage,” the Nittany Lion’s scouting portray says.
“His salvage-off is terribly impressive as he explodes off the motorway of scrimmage and can win with lumber across the edge when occasions up the snap. Also, he is confirmed an honest dip-rip transfer and the skill to bear a stick transfer as an interior counter along with his creep skills.”
Houston Texans 13 of 32
Joe Mixon Alex Slitz/Getty Photos
For the first half of of Sunday evening’s recreation against the Detroit Lions, it gave the look of the Texans were going to salvage a vast bounce-advantage win. After dropping to the Jets on Thursday evening final week, the 23-7 led they constructed by halftime modified into once a bit perfect-looking out.
Then the opposite shoe dropped. The Texans intercepted Jared Goff Five occasions, but it wasn’t satisfactory to decelerate the Lions offense within the second half of. The Texans offense bought shut out over the final half-hour of recreation time and the Texans needed to head looking out for out as Jake Bates slid a 52-yard recreation-a success field aim simply for the length of the simply as time expired.
The Texans win now misplaced three of the final four and win loads to point to over the second half of of the season.
Very top Weaknesses:
Interior Offensive Line Interior Defensive Line Linebacker Security Edge-Rusher Circulate to Create Now: Defend Working Backs in Pass Protection
It be no secret that the Texans hunch protection has been a predominant negate all season. Stroud faced tension on the third-very top payment within the league going into Week 10 and he’d already been sacked 30 occasions. Some of that is on the offensive line. The interior has especially struggled to lengthen which creates predominant considerations for an offense.
On the opposite hand, there is a explicit point where instructing comes into play. Working backs Joe Mixon and Dare Ogunbowale blended to drag 25 routes final week against the Jets with simply three targets among the duo. Anytime the Texans throw the ball it will most likely presumably presumably potentially be more significant to both be play-faking to the working advantage or conserving him in protection to aquire Stroud simply a minute more time.
2025 Free Agency: Edge Josh Uche, Kansas Metropolis Chiefs
Depth on the edge is required for any contender. The Texans might perhaps presumably presumably even no longer attain simply contender put of abode this season, but they’ll win a criminal different to end it in C.J. Stroud’s third year. No longer entirely can they fix their offensive line woes, but salvage a minute youthful along the defensive line. Derek Barnett is determined to develop to be a free agent and Jerry Hughes will be 37 years veteran.
Josh Uche is a excessive-stop rotational hunch rusher who might perhaps presumably presumably even encourage. The 26-year-veteran simply bought traded to the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs, but that would also simply be a condo. He’ll enter free company with formative years on his facet and he has criminal manufacturing within the largest put of abode of the recreation. He’s no longer a stable drag defender, but the Texans simply want someone who can salvage after the quarterback with Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter.
2025 NFL Draft: IOL Wyatt Milum, West Virginia
It be going to take a combination of personnel modifications, instructing and growth from C.J. Stroud, but the Texans can no longer hunch into 2025 with the identical protection factors they win got gorgeous now. It be laborious to repair something so glaring within the heart of the season, but it should be fixed in 2025.
Section of that thought might perhaps presumably presumably even require an early draft decide. Particularly, someone who might perhaps presumably presumably even take the left guard space from Kenyon Green would be supreme. Whereas some will compare Wyatt Milum as an oddensive kind out, B/R’s Brandon Thorn has the West Virginia product kicking interior to guard.
Indianapolis Colts 14 of 32
Joe Flacco Andy Lyons/Getty Photos
The Colts’ frustrating season continued on Sunday with a 30-20 loss to the Bills. Finally a loss to truly appropriate among the entirely teams within the AFC is maddening, but there win been just a few issues that broke Indianapolis’ manner.
Jonathan Taylor had a stable recreation on the ground with 114 yards on 21 carries. The defense picked off Josh Allen twice. All of it modified into once wasted on another miserable performance from the quarterback space. Joe Flacco took four sacks and threw three picks within the loss.
Very top Weaknesses:
Security Tight End Quarterback Edge-Rusher Cornerback Circulate to Create Now: Traipse advantage to Anthony Richardson at quarterback
It be no secret that there win been going to be some rising difficulty for Anthony Richardson upon coming into the league. Regarded as among the significant drawbacks to him as a prospect modified into once that he entirely had one season’s price of starting expertise with the Florida Gators. No person denied the bodily instruments, it modified into once a topic of rising him.
The Colts benched the quarterback after some tough performances this season. With Indianapolis on the point of the wildcard lumber, they opted to inaugurate Joe Flacco for the entirely chance to win now. The negate is that Flacco threw two picks in his first 5 hunch attempts against the Bills and he would not transfer the franchise any closer to discovering out if they win got their future franchise quarterback on the roster. It be time to turn issues advantage to Richardson.
2025 Free Agency: S Budda Baker, Arizona Cardinals
The Colts younger secondary has made some strides this season. Jaylon Jones is having a scrutinize like a starter, Samuel Womack III has been mountainous and Kenny Moore II is serene taking part in effectively. On the opposite hand, the safety group serene has some questions. Julian Blackmon is a free agent and the jury is serene out on Slice Nefarious.
Making a drag at Budda Baker within the offseason would carry some stir to the secondary. Baker is potentially in line for his final important contract in this free agent cycle at 29 years veteran, but the Colts might perhaps presumably presumably even employ his versatility and playmaking as they continue to bear the defensive advantage group.
2025 NFL Draft: TE Harold Fannin Jr., Bowling Green
The Colts win added a lot of athletic tight ends over the previous couple of seasons. From Jelani Woods to Mo Alie-Cox they win got tried to kind out excessive-upside potentialities who will most definitely be developed into better avid gamers than they were in faculty. They’ve had diverse levels of success within the endeavor, but none win in fact emerged as a premier passing chance.
They’ll also take a explicit manner by going after truly appropriate among the entirely tight ends within the draft class this time spherical. Harold Fannin Jr. is within the mix with Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland to be the high tight stop selected within the spring. The 6’4″, 230-pounder is no longer a ragged in-line blocker, but he is dynamic with the ball in his hands and is already a criminal route-runner for a tight stop.
Jacksonville Jaguars 15 of 32
Foyesade Oluokun, left, and Josh Hines-Allen Successfully off Storry/Getty Photos
The Jaguars picked off Sam Darnold three occasions and dinky Justin Jefferson to forty eight receiving yards. One would mediate these two details would be satisfactory to salvage a win over the Vikings. Sadly for the Jags, the offense modified into once entirely in a position to muster seven factors of its own as Mac Jones tossed two interceptions of his own and entirely managed 111 passing yards.
The distinct stir right here is that the Jaguars defense performed effectively. They entirely sacked Darnold once, but they generated heaps of hurries and forced some miserable throws. That is something to create on over the second half of of the season and into 2025.
Very top Weaknesses:
Interior Defensive Line Cornerback Security Tight End Wide Receiver Circulate to Create Now: Build Trevor Lawrence on Injured Reserve
Dianna Russini and Michael Silver of The Athletic released a minute bit perfect-looking out news early on Sunday. No longer entirely did Trevor Lawrence hunch over Sunday’s recreation against the Minnesota Vikings with an AC joint sprain, but the hurt might perhaps presumably presumably even fee him the relaxation of the season.
That will presumably presumably also be the entirely result for all occasions alive to. This season has been brutal for Lawrence. In his first marketing campaign since signing a 5-year, $275 million he has his lowest completion proportion since his rookie marketing campaign and has been sacked 18 occasions in 9 video games.
The Jaguars are no longer returning to playoff contention at this point. Letting Mac Jones fabricate out the season gives them the entirely chance to salvage their quarterback wholesome, land a excessive draft decide and be ready to win a bounce-advantage season in 2025.
2025 Free Agency: OT Alaric Jackson, Los Angeles Rams
The Jaguars win tipped their hand that some modifications are coming on the offensive line. It be rare that a group in fact trades away a competent starting offensive kind out, but the Jaguars wwere willing to ship Cam Robinson to the Minnesota Vikings ahead of the exchange closing date.
That opens the possiblity that the Jaguars will actively pursue the entirely offensive linemen on the market. The kind out market will mostly be made up of aging veterans shopping for a job on the high of their prime. Alaric Jackson will most definitely be truly appropriate among the exceptions. The 26-year-veteran has confirmed himself going from an undrafted free agent to a legit starting left kind out in just a few seasons. The Jaguars should be willing to pay up for Jackson after shopping and selling away Cam Robinson.
2025 NFL Draft: OL Will Campbell, LSU
The Jaguars win been truly appropriate among the league’s most disappointing season this year. They are only a grand better group on paper than the product they’ve assign on the field. Offensive line struggles are one contributing negate. Brandon Scherff is starting to uncover his age, the group traded away Cam Robinson and Walker Slight is determined to be a free agent.
Will Campbell goes to be viewed as a kind out by some. B/R’s Brandon Thorn initiatives a transfer to the within. Both manner, he on the complete is a recreation-changer for the Jags up front.
“Overall, Campbell is a first-rate candidate to transfer interior as a legit. He has the make-up, creep skills, play strength, and aggressive toughness to design a subtle transition to guard or heart and be an affect starter with Skilled Bowl seemingly for the length of his rookie contract.”
Kansas Metropolis Chiefs 16 of 32
Kareem Hunt William Purnell/Icon Sportswire by Getty Photos
The Chiefs continue to simply be the group that is no longer going to be killed per week.
The Denver Broncos bought off to an supreme inaugurate, leaping out to a 14-3 lead with their defense getting after Patrick Mahomes and taking advantage of the quarterbacks’ impaired creep from a that chances are you’ll presumably presumably even consider ankle hurt.
Then Mahomes and Co. turned it on barely satisfactory to design the comeback. It started with an 11-play 70-yard landing drive with simply below two minutes left within the first half of to design it 14-10 at half of. This win is a right testomony to the defense and particular teams in Kansas Metropolis, though. The defense shut out the Broncos within the second half of and blocked a seemingly hunch-ahead field aim as time expired.
Very top Weaknesses:
Wide Receiver Cornerback Interior Defensive Line Left Kind out Security Circulate to Create Now: Signal CB Marcus Peters
The Chiefs must be truly appropriate predominant winners of the NFL exchange closing date. DeAndre Hopkins is already making a vast difference and Josh Uche strengthens the hunch bustle by giving them another chance on the out of doorways.
The entirely predominant want that went unaddressed is the lack of cornerback depth. The Chiefs are going to want cornerbacks no longer named Trent McDuffie to play effectively for the group to threepeat as Substantial Bowl champs. Marcus Peters did not compare criminal for the Raiders final season, but Peters spent the first three years of his profession in Kansas Metropolis. Enjoying for a contender might perhaps presumably presumably even give him simply a minute more existence as he finishes out his profession.
2025 Free Agency: WR Darius Slayton, New York Giants
Going from Daniel Jones at quarterback to Patrick Mahomes is a transfer that any vast receiver would dream about. The truth that Darius Slayton has spent everything of his six-year profession so a ways with the Giants would entirely design the transfer even sweeter for him. Slayton has develop to be an underrated receiver whose deep lumber has carved out a position yearly in New York.
That lumber, blended with Xavier Grand and Andy Reid’s scheming, would develop to be a just bigger asset in Kansas Metropolis. DeAndre Hopkins is a nice addition, but he is serene on the unpleasant facet of 30. Slayton would be a youthful addition to a receiver crew that lacks depth gorgeous now.
2025 NFL Draft: CB Will Lee III, Texas A&M
The Chiefs decision to change L’Jarius Sneed this offseason modified into once motivated by money, but the group’s skill to draft and bear expertise within the secondary needed to play a position. Sneed himself modified into once a immense example of that as a gentle Day 3 decide who blossomed below defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.
Will Lee will most definitely be another below-the-radar defensive advantage prospect who will most definitely be developed accurate into a well-known person.
“Will Lee III is a 6’3″, 190-pound cornerback with the supreme mix of size, length, and athleticism. His skill to press, mirror, and disrupt on the motorway of scrimmage, blended with stable ball skills and bodily tackling in drag strengthen, makes him an early-spherical NFL prospect with All-Skilled seemingly,” B/R scout Cory Giddings effectively-known. “Whereas gorgeous-tuning his system and consistency will be key, Lee’s irregular bodily traits and aggressive play model space him as a highly coveted chance for teams looking out for a versatile, affect cornerback.”
Las Vegas Raiders 17 of 32
New offensive coordinator Scott Turner Ethan Miller/Getty Photos
The Las Vegas Raiders’ decision to fire offensive coordinator Luke Getsy modified into once potentially made with the Week 10 bye week in thoughts. They made three predominant moves after starting 2-7, firing offensive line coach James Cregg and quarterbacks coach Successfully off Scangarello. They’re going to turn to Scott Turner to drag the offense now.
The bye week might perhaps presumably presumably even serene provide them more time to salvage on the identical page, but there is heaps of labor to end with Desmond Ridder potentially starting after coming in for Gardner Minshew II in Week 9.
Very top Weaknesses:
Quarterback Wide Receiver Cornerback Edge-Rusher Interior Defender Circulate to Create Now: Follow Desmond Ridder because the Starter
What is the worst that would also happen?
The Raiders are already out of the playoff hunt and need to not be looking out on Aidan O’Connell or Gardner Minshew to be the reply in 2025. Desmond Ridder is no longer going to be the guy both, but he arguably has the most upside. He’s entirely 25, has 17 starts with a 8-9 epic. Coming out of Cincinnati he modified into once broadly recognized for his athleticism and arm. He simply has to enhance on the finer factors of taking part in quarterback.
The Raiders might perhaps presumably presumably even serene let him inaugurate the final eight video games of the season. If he is dull, the Raiders find yourself in pole space to draft the entirely quarterback prospect in 2025.
2025 Free Agency: DT Bobby Brown III, Los Angeles Rams
The Raiders defense has been truly appropriate among the important disappointing models in football this season. They fully collapsed after having a scrutinize like a potentially elite unit within the advantage half of of the 2023 season. Signing Christian Wilkins modified into once supposed to encourage elevate an already stable unit, but his hurt has left the defense with more questions than answers.
The Raiders are relying on Adam Butler and John Jenkins to play heaps of snaps gorgeous now. Each and each are on the unpleasant facet of 30 and each are impending free brokers. Bobby Brown is truly appropriate among the few simply nose tackles who’s effectively in his prime at 25 years veteran and can hit the inaugurate market.
2025 NFL Draft: QB Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
Picking between Aidan O’Connell, Gardner Minshew and Desmond Ridder is a obvious mark that issues simply will not be going effectively for a franchise. The Raiders want a quarterback they’ll create spherical and they’ll must be willing to design the most of a excessive draft decide to search out that guy.
In the most in model mock draft from the B/R scouting department, that guy is Garrett Nussmeier with the sixth total decide.
“Nussmeier is an inexperienced prospect with immense NFL expertise,” B/R scout Dame Parson said of the decide. “Quite a lot of ‘NFL throws’ can even be viewed on movie, where he processes data effectively and anticipates throwing lanes.
Los Angeles Chargers 18 of 32
Joey Bosa, Tuli Tuipulotu and Daiyan Henley Sean M. Haffey/Getty Photos
It be repeatedly bad to do away with too grand from a mountainous win over a flawed group, but the Los Angeles Chargers regarded impressive on both facet of the ball in a 27-17 win over the Tennessee Titans.
Enjoying against the Tennessee offensive line looks to cure what ails any hunch bustle and the Bolts racked up seven sacks.
On offense, the return of Gus Edwards from injured reserve allowed the Chargers to unfolded the carries. That will presumably presumably also be mountainous because the group has leaned heavily on J.K. Dobbins in most in model weeks.
Very top Weaknesses:
Wide Receiver Interior Defensive Line Interior Offensive Line Edge-Rusher Cornerback Circulate to Create Now: Signal Edge Randy Gregory
The Chargers win managed to salvage passionate about the wildcard lumber in Jim Harbaugh’s first year. There are heaps of issues to love about what they’ve completed this season in conserving with what they did final year. One put of abode that has been disappointing is the hunch-bustle, though. Khalil Mack is having a immense year, but the Chargers are serene thirty first in tension proportion.
There will not be a ton of hunch-speeding abilities accessible after the exchange closing date. On the opposite hand, Randy Gregory is serene shopping for a home. The gentle modified into once serene a minute bit productive in runs with the Broncos and 49ers final season. Presumably sitting out the first half of of this season has rejuevenated him to encourage a group over the advantage half of.
2025 Free Agency: C Coleman Shelton, Chicago Bears
Bradley Bozeman’s willingness to defend his quarterback is a welcomed exhibiting of the harsh custom that Harbaugh would like to set up. His Fifty three.8 PFF grade, which ranks thirty third out of 35 products and services, is much less welcomed. It be likely that the Bolts will be having a scrutinize to interchange the quickly-to-be 30-year-veteran heart with an expiring contract.
They’ll also draft his successor, but they additionally might perhaps presumably presumably even must hunch the gentle path to be distinct that the offensive line would not win a ragged hyperlink subsequent season. Coleman Shelton has made a stable case for a starting job subsequent season when he becomes a free agent. The 29-year-veteran ranked tenth among all products and services in PFF grade heading into Week 11.
2025 NFL Draft: Edge Nic Scourton, Texas A&M
Khalil Mack is having a immense season, but in actual fact that he is scheduled to be a free agent and he goes to be 34 subsequent season. Given Harbaugh and Joe Hortiz’s dedication to constructing elite offensive and defensive lines, it’s no longer laborious to consider the group utilizing their first-spherical decide to enhance within the trenches. Nic Scourton is truly appropriate among the important irregular abilities in this year’s class. At 6’4”, 280 kilos he is constructed like an veteran college 3-4 defensive stop, but he has mechanically performed out of doorways linebacker at every Purdue and Texas A&M.
“Scourton already has a dejected stir transfer that can presumably presumably beat offensive tackles. He additionally has packed with life hands to encourage add to his hunch-bustle arsenal and a criminal motor to salvage protection sacks,” Matt Holder wrote in his scouting portray. “Between his pro-ready body and impressive creep skills, it’s a ways straight forward to appear at why NFL teams like Scourton and why he’ll likely be a first-spherical decide.”
Los Angeles Rams 19 of 32
Sean McVay Ric Tapia/Getty Photos
The Los Angeles Rams suffered a frustrating defeat against the Miami Dolphins on Monday evening. Whereas the defense performed effectively satisfactory, the offense stalled a ways too usually. Los Angeles in a roundabout way settled for six field-aim attempts and misplaced a 23-15 recreation.
Shaky offensive line play—due, in section, to the return of Steve Avila (MCL) and Jonah Jackson (broken scapula) from injured reserve—modified into once a mountainous section of the difficulty. Ideally, the motorway will be better once Avila and Jackson are advantage in mid-season bear. At 4-5, on the opposite hand, the Rams now face a must-win difficulty per week.
Very top Weaknesses:
Security Linebacker Cornerback Guard Center Circulate to Create Now: Fetch Colby Parkinson More Alive to
Most of L.A.’s desires this season win emerged thanks to accidents. With Avila, Jackson, Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua advantage within the lineup, the roster is getting more complete.
There is just not any longer grand for the Rams to end roster-wise at this point, but schematically, they’ll also serene compare to salvage tight stop Colby Parkinson more passionate about the passing recreation. The gentle Seattle Seahawk is on tempo for a profession year but has largely gentle from the recreation thought since Kupp and Nacua returned.
Parkinson wasn’t targeted on Monday evening.
By drawing up just a few more plays for Parkinson, the Rams might perhaps presumably presumably even reap the advantages of the glory that Kupp and Nacua quiz—as they win got with wideout Demarcus Robinson—whereas giving opponents another negate to take into story for the length of preparation.
The employ of the tight lead to the short-passing recreation might perhaps presumably presumably even additionally encourage Matthew Stafford salvage the ball out quicker, which also can bee a boon till the motorway factors are settled.
2025 Free Agency: Tyrel Dodson, LB, Seattle Seahawks
With $51.8 million in projected 2025 cap home, the Rams can secure the money for to be avid gamers on the inaugurate market. Given L.A.’s most in model formative years creep, on the opposite hand, Les Snead is no longer at danger of employ the offseason mountainous-name hunting—the times of chasing Von Miller and Odell Beckham Jr. are likely over.
Snagging Tyrel Dodson a ways off from Seattle would fit Los Angeles’ desires and construction thought. He’s been an unbelievable end-it-all linebacker for the Seahawks after spending the majority of his early profession as a position player in Buffalo.
Dodson would encourage bolster L.A.’s second-stage defense, and he is no longer going to turn 27 till June. Younger defensive backs like D.J. Reed and Asante Samuel Jr. might perhaps presumably presumably even serene additionally produce some consideration.
2025 NFL Draft: Malachi Moore, S, Alabama
The advantage stop of the defense has been a minute bit a criminal responsibility this season, though the Rams win at final started to appear at some flashes from rookie security Kamren Kinchens. Alabama’s Malachi Moore would be a gorgeous target in subsequent year’s draft thanks to his versatility.
“Moore is truly appropriate among the more effectively rounded safeties in this year’s class,” Giddings wrote. “Even though he does his entirely work closer to the box and defending the drag, he has the skill to play out in home and veil receivers from a multitude of depths.”
Moore might perhaps presumably presumably even change free-agent addition Kamren Curl, who has struggled in protection and is entirely signed by 2025, at stable security. He might perhaps presumably presumably even additionally see time at free security, at nickel, or rotate the least bit three positions.
Miami Dolphins 20 of 32
Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Photos
The Miami Dolphins win over the Los Angles Rams to shut out Week 10 on Monday Night Football might perhaps presumably presumably even want been a case of too-minute-too late as a ways as 2024 goes. The win introduced their epic to just a few-6 in a highly aggressive AFC. It does, on the opposite hand, uncover the Dolphins willingness to protect taking part in laborious and embody the position of spoiler over the advantage half of of the season.
Very top Weaknesses:
Interior Offensive Line Interior Defensive Line Wide Receiver Depth Tight End Quarterback Circulate to Create Now: Create more targets for Jaylen Breeze
This has been a frustrating season for a lot of alive to with the Miami Dolphins group. Jaylen Breeze is chief among them. The 25-year-veteran signed a three-year, $84.8 million extension this offseason entirely to be grand much less passionate about the offense this season. The speedster modified into once targeted 7.4 occasions per recreation final season, but entirely averaged 4.8 ahead of the Monday Night Football matchup this week.
Diverse that has to end with Tua Tagovailoa’s absence and Breeze has 5 drops this season. Nonetheless simply slicing Breeze out of the gameplan has made the Dolphins offense more uncomplicated to defend per week. The Dolphins threw the ball to Breeze six occasions of their loss to the Los Angeles Rams, but that modified into once with Tyreek Hill out of the lineup.
2025 Free Agency: QB Mac Jones, Jacksonville Jaguars
Backup quarterback is a needed space for everybody. It will be most important in Miami transferring forward. It be an wretched reality that Tagovailoa’s hurt history, which contains a pair of concussions, has to be regarded because the Dolphins are constructing their roster transferring forward. The quarterback has entirely performed all 17 video games in a season once in 5 years.
Any individual like Mac Jones, who’s serene attempting to resurrect his profession after failings in New England, will most definitely be drawn to going to Miami. His accuracy might perhaps presumably presumably even design him a criminal slot in Mike McDaniel’s offense and would give the Dolphins the skill to continue working a watered-down version of their offense when their franchise quarterback is out.
2025 NFL Draft: DT Tyleik Williams, Ohio Relate
The bottom line for the Dolphins gorgeous now is that they win got an costly roster with heaps of older veterans. This season has been a strive against in South Seaside and it’s a mark that the roster desires to be re-tooled. Constructing better offensive and defensive lines goes to might perhaps presumably presumably even serene be an emphasis in that rebuilding.
Tyleik Williams will most definitely be the form of tone-setter up front that the Dolphins have not got. Losing Christian Wilkins modified into once a predominant blow for the defense and defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver would not win the identical interior expertise he had in Baltimore. Williams has impressive creep skills for a 6’3″, 327 kilos lineman.
Minnesota Vikings 21 of 32
Sam Darnold Mike Carlson/Getty Photos
No topic a second consecutive three-turnover recreation from Sam Darnold, the Minnesota Vikings managed to outlast the Jaguars 12-7 on Sunday. Whereas there are no simply victories within the NFL, this one might perhaps presumably presumably even depend as a simply loss.
J.J. McCarthy is serene Minnesota’s quarterback of the prolonged drag, but Darnold is the quarterback of the show—and if he can’t effectively-organized up his mistakes, the Vikings might perhaps presumably presumably in fact win a temporary protect within the postseason. The criminal news is that Minnesota has satisfactory expertise in other locations on the roster to beat inconsistent QB play as a rule.
Very top Weaknesses:
Guard Interior Pass Speed Left Kind out Cornerback Circulate to Create Now: Initiate G Dalton Risner
The Vikings have not got many most in model weaknesses but guard is truly appropriate one of them, especially Ed Ingram who has been a disappointment since being a second-spherical decide two years within the past. In the meantime, Risner recently came off injured reserve and returned to the group’s packed with life roster.
The 5-year pro has a criminal display screen epic as a starter within the league and on the complete is a criminal in-home strengthen over Ingram. That exchange would encourage erase the offense’s biggest hole.
2025 Free Agency: CB Kristian Fulton, Los Angeles Chargers
Minnesota is for the time being projected to win $75 million of cap home accessible this offseason, in conserving with Over The Cap, and the front space of labor will likely employ a criminal chunk of that money at cornerback. Byron Murphy, Stephon Gilmore and Shaquill Griffin are all about to win their contracts expire, so the distance will be a predominant want.
Whereas Fulton’s profession bought off to a tough inaugurate in Tennessee, he is been placing collectively a bounce-advantage marketing campaign in Los Angeles. In seven video games, the 26-year-veteran had entirely surrendered 9 receptions and a passer ranking of 68.8 when targeted, in conserving with Skilled Football Focus.
2025 NFL Draft: IOL Parker Brailsford, Alabama
As mentioned above, the Vikings might perhaps presumably presumably even employ some encourage at guard and Risner is an impending free agent. Also, Garrett Bradbury’s contract expires after subsequent season. So, drafting a player just like the Alabama product who might perhaps presumably presumably even potentially accept as true with in at guard for a year and the transfer to heart on the complete is a easy transfer.
“Brailsford is an undersized, twitchy heart with an aggressive, bodily taking part in model,” B/R’s offensive line scout Brandon Thorn said. With improved footwork because the year has gone on he has been in a position to increasingly more beat defenders to the distance within the drag and hunch recreation, retaining up targets and organising first important contact as a rule.
“This has helped cowl some of his play strength considerations, but they live a difficulty periodically by video games, particularly in his struggles to anchor down against mighty nose tackles.
“Whereas Brailsford’s lean, angular frame and lack of sand is serene a prolonged-term discipline, his athletic skill and aggressive toughness are criminal satisfactory to protect him within the conversation to be drafted somewhere within the first few rounds.”
New England Patriots 22 of 32
Ja’Lynn Polk Michael Reaves/Getty Photos
Drake Maye and Caleb Williams will be linked collectively for the length of their careers. After Sunday, withhold in thoughts it Maye 1, Williams 0.
Maye did not gentle the enviornment on fire. He performed 15 of his 25 hunch attempts for 184 yards and a landing with one interception. Tranquil, he stabilized the offense and even operated at a excessive stage, including the final drive of the first half of to location up a field aim with one second left.
The 19-3 win has to in fact feel criminal for the Patriots. It be a mark they’re headed within the gorgeous route after a disappointing loss to the Titans final week.
Very top Weaknesses:
Offensive Kind out Interior Offensive Line Edge-Rusher Wide Receiver Interior Defensive Line Circulate to Create Now: Nothing
The Patriots seem to hang the difficulty they’re in at this point. They are prioritizing taking part of their youthful avid gamers. They made up our minds to bench Kendrick Bourne in negate that their youthful receiver would salvage more drag. The outcome modified into once a nice day for Kayshon Boutte and Ja’Lynn Polk’s second profession landing.
These are the types of minute wins that the Patriots should be shopping for. There will not be moves that are going to design them appreciably better gorgeous now. It be time to provide protection to Drake Maye and sign what they win got in some of their other younger avid gamers.
2025 Free Agency: Edge Malcolm Koonce, Las Vegas Raiders
If the Patriots are going to hurry their rebuild, they’ll must hit on some unsafe choices. With a vast funds to employ on free company, they’ll win the different to outbid teams for on the least just a few avid gamers.
Malcolm Koonce goes to be a free agent that some teams is no longer going to know what to end with. He had a breakout year in 2023, but suffered a season-ending knee hurt for the length of apply ahead of his contract year. The Patriots should be within the marketplace for hunch-speeding expertise within the offseason and Koonce will most definitely be the entirely combination of within the market expertise and age.
2025 NFL Draft: Edge Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College
Most of the emphasis in this home has been on who the Patriots might perhaps presumably presumably even target with their first decide. At this payment, they’re the well-liked to land the No. 1 total decide and they’ll win their decide of just a few intelligent options, but picking in direction of the high of the second spherical might perhaps presumably presumably even serene allow them to add another prospect who might perhaps presumably presumably even accept as true with a predominant want.
After shopping and selling away Josh Uche and Matthew Judon this season it’s sure the Patriots are bracing to inaugurate over on the edge. They’ve some decent energy-rushers on the roster, but Boston College’s Donovan Ezeiruaku has unprecedented bend off the edge and brings a minute more athleticism to the table than what they for the time being win.
New Orleans Saints 23 of 32
Derek Carr Ella Hall/Getty Photos
The Saints regarded to salvage a spark from meantime coach Darren Rizzi and vast receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (3 receptions, 109 yards, 2 TDs) in Week 10. On the opposite hand, their 20-17 victory modified into once removed from decisive.
Simply assign, New Orleans escaped simply by making fewer mistakes than the Falcons.
The Saints win a lot of questions about their roster and a lot of other mighty financial choices to design before the inaugurate of the 2025 league year. They’re projected to be $73 million over the wage cap within the offseason.
Very top Weaknesses:
Center Defensive Kind out Cornerback Offensive Kind out Wide Receiver Circulate to Create Now: Bench QB Derek Carr
The Saints are headed in direction of a rebuild and conserving a quickly-to-be 34-year-veteran quarterback likely is no longer within the group’s prolonged-term plans, especially since it’ll salvage $30 million of wage cap relief by making Carr a post-June 1 prick, per Over The Cap.
As a exchange, the club might perhaps presumably presumably even serene employ the closing weeks of the season to withhold in thoughts what they win got in younger quarterbacks Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler. If Haener and Rattler strive against, then the Saints should be in a criminal space to draft the model forward for the franchise this April.
2025 Free Agency: DL Milton Williams, Philadelphia Eagles
New Orleans might perhaps presumably presumably even employ some encourage at defensive kind out so signing the Louisiana Tech product in free company should be on the front space of labor’s thoughts. Williams has performed in additional of a rotational position for the length of his tenure in Philadelphia, but he is been having a criminal season as a hunch-rusher so a ways in 2024.
The 25-year-veteran ranked seventh among interior defenders with an 80.6 grade in that department from Skilled Football Focus heading into this previous weekend. Also, he is younger and need to not ruin the financial institution on the inaugurate market, a criminal combination for a money-strapped rebuilding group.
2025 NFL Draft: OT Ajani Cornelius, Oregon
Ryan Ramczyk might perhaps presumably presumably even want performed his final down with the Saints and Trevor Penning has a brighter future at guard than he does at gorgeous kind out. So, Mickey Loomis might perhaps presumably presumably even serene explore this year’s offensive kind out class and the Oregon product on the complete is a criminal mid-spherical target within the draft.
“Cornelius has confirmed enchancment this year as a hunch protector with guarding against excessive-facet, lumber rushes to the nook by utilizing a circle punch system that is truly appropriate among the predominant ways tackles can prevent getting edged too swiftly,” B/R’s offensive line scout Brandon Thorn said.
“Whereas Cornelius has worked this into his recreation with some effectiveness, his lack of foot quickness and vary serene is a hindrance whereas he is at chance of fall off of blocks within the drag recreation attributable to streaky body withhold an eye on and simply taking part in model that leads to overextending.
“Nonetheless he does carry criminal grip strength and supreme physicality to generate some flashy knockdowns. If he can continue to figure out ways to shore up his footwork and leverage he’ll continue to raise his draft stock.”
New York Giants 24 of 32
Isaiah Simmons Adam Pretty/Getty Photos
Sunday’s loss to the Carolina Panthers in Germany wasn’t all on quarterback Daniel Jones.
Jones performed effectively satisfactory late within the recreation to push the New York Giants into extra time before a Tyrone Tracy Jr. fumble resulted in Carolina’s toddle-off field aim early within the additional length.
On the opposite hand, Jones will live below the microscope for the relaxation of the season. At 2-8, the Giants will be in analysis mode over the final eight weeks of 2024.
Very top Weaknesses:
Quarterback Cornerback Guard Defensive Kind out Center Circulate to Create Now: Fetch Theo Johnson more targets
In equity to the Giants’ instructing group, Johnson has develop to be an even bigger section of the recreation thought recently. He had 10 targets in Weeks 8 and 9 blended when put next with simply 16 within the group’s first seven video games.
That model desires to continue to manufacture the selling campaign. The rookie tight stop averaged 11.8 yards per web heading into the weekend and can likely be a constructing block for the offense transferring forward.
2025 Free Agency: WR Tutu Atwell, Los Angeles Rams
New York might perhaps presumably presumably even employ some vast receiver encourage this offseason. Darius Slayton is an impending free agent and Jalin Hyatt has been disappointing this a ways in his profession.
Atwell will most definitely be the offense’s deep chance that Hyatt modified into once supposed to be. Atwell would encourage inaugurate issues up for Malik Nabers without threatening Nabers’ put of abode because the No. 1 receiver.
The 25-year-veteran clocked a sub-4.4 40-yard lumber three years within the past on the mix and modified into once productive whereas Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua were out for Los Angeles before every little thing of the year. Atwell had a 5-recreation stretch where he logged on the least 50 yards four occasions with the lone outlier being a forty eight-yard performance.
2025 NFL Draft: OT Cameron Williams, Texas
Jermaine Eluemunor is entirely on a two-year contract, making him a free agent after subsequent season. Joe Schoen might perhaps presumably presumably even serene compare into gorgeous kind out options in this year’s draft class and the Texas product on the complete is a criminal developmental mission.
“Overall, Williams is a inexperienced, inexperienced gorgeous kind out with the frame, length and grip strength to anchor against energy, lengthen the nook and blot out targets on the transfer within the drag recreation,” B/R’s offensive line scout Brandon Thorn said within the Longhorn’s scouting portray.
“Nonetheless he has shaky footwork and balance on the high of the QB’s fall that will require a temporary-trigger QB and encourage on an island. Williams’ upside will most definitely be very top at guard, but in a RPO/PAP-primarily based mostly hunch recreation can stick at kind out within the NFL.”
New York Jets 25 of 32
Aaron Rodgers Chris Coduto/Getty Photos
It be simply no longer occurring. The Jets rekindled playoff hopes and desires final week, but reasonably grand dashed them simply as swiftly with a 31-6 loss to the Arizona Cardinals.
It wasn’t simply a dominant performance by the Playing cards. The offense had simply 207 total yards, came up empty on three diverse trips to the red zone and the defense modified into once arguably worse.
Aaron Rodgers is no longer getting any youthful. The clock is ticking on this era of Jets football to be remembered for something else rather then failure to dwell as much as the hype.
Very top Weaknesses:
Security Interior Defensive Line Tight End Edge-Rusher Cornerback Circulate to Create Now: Play Malachi Corley More
The Jets passing recreation goes to drag by Garrett Wilson and Davante Adams. That simply is right. Each and each are the form of alpha receivers that teams drag their offenses by and that is been mirrored of their target distribution since the Jets traded for Adams.
Nonetheless their skill to stretch the defense vertically might perhaps presumably presumably even serene additionally inaugurate some below routes for rookie Malachi Corley. The Western Kentucky alum modified into once benched in Week 9 after dropping the ball simply before he modified into once going into the endzone for what would win been his first profession landing.
The Jets in fact can’t protect that against him and must let him to continue to bear. He’s the group’s entirely shot at rising a legit third chance behind Adams and Wilson.
2025 Free Agency: S Justin Reid, Kansas Metropolis Chiefs
The Jets are interested to at final salvage advantage to the playoffs for the first time since 2010. They additionally might perhaps presumably presumably even employ a take on the safety space. Focusing on a gentle who occurs to be section of the most worthwhile group within the league over the previous couple of seasons is no longer a flawed notion.
Justin Reid has been a starter for the Chiefs in every of the final three seasons. Whereas he is no longer among the elite avid gamers on the distance he is a obvious tackler and and skilled communicator.
2025 NFL Draft: QB Will Howard, Ohio Relate
The Aaron Rodgers era in New York might perhaps presumably presumably even no longer carry the Jets a Substantial Bowl. Factual now, it’s having a scrutinize prefer it would also no longer even carry them a playoff berth. Nonetheless if it helps them salvage decent quarterback play whereas they secure and bear a successor then the exchange to salvage Rodgers can win been a minute bit worthwhile. Will Howard will most definitely be the form of quarterback price rising. That is Dame Parson on what he brings to the table:
“Will Howard will test the bodily containers for NFL teams. The combo of height, weight, and arm strength will be distinct marks in his draft profile. He’s a plus-stage athlete in a position to making plays along with his legs. Howard has the arm expertise to assault every stage of the defense. He has starter instruments but expects to inaugurate as a backup.”
Philadelphia Eagles 26 of 32
Jalen Hurts Cooper Neill/Getty Photos
Philadelphia’s 34-6 drubbing of Dallas on Sunday might perhaps presumably presumably even want said more about the bellow of the Cowboys than the relaxation. Nonetheless the real fact remains that the Eagles win won 5 straight since the bye week and win taken over the high space within the NFC East.
Jalen Hurts (202 passing yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, 56 speeding yards, 2 speeding TDs) is all over again taking part in like a simply franchise quarterback, and the Eagles are truly appropriate one of just a few teams that would also engineer a deep drag within the NFC this season.
Very top Weaknesses:
Third Wide Receiver Linebacker Left Kind out Security Edge-Rusher Circulate to Create Now: Signal Michael Thomas
The Eagles did not design a transfer for a vast receiver on the exchange closing date and A.J. Brown has already battled a pair of accidents this season. So, the front space of labor might perhaps presumably presumably even serene compare into adding a gentle wideout like Thomas ahead of the playoffs.
Whereas the 31-year-veteran has been banged up over the previous couple of years, he is had a lot of time to heal up and can entirely must play about half of the season, which also can serene encourage him protect off the hurt portray. Furthermore, the 2-time All-Skilled modified into once productive when on the field final season, catching 39 passes for 448 yards in 10 video games.
2025 Free Agency: TE Tyler Conklin, New York Jets
Tight stop is potentially no longer Philadelphia’s biggest want this offseason, but Jack Stoll is an impending free agent and Dallas Goedert has battled accidents over the previous couple of years. In other phrases, it will most likely presumably presumably no longer be a flawed notion to make investments in a quality backup on the distance.
Conklin has been a productive hunch-catcher over the final four seasons with over 2,000 receiving yards for the length of that timeframe heading into this weekend. Worst case, he and Goedert might perhaps presumably presumably even add some 12 personnel packages which would encourage alleviate the third vast receiver negate effectively-known above.
2025 NFL Draft: S Dante Trader Jr., Maryland
C.J. Gardner-Johnson has been a minute underwhelming this year and Reed Blankenship’s contract expires after the 2025 marketing campaign. So, Howie Roseman will most definitely be exploring this year’s security class within the draft and the Maryland product will most definitely be an intelligent chance.
“Trader Jr. initiatives as an early-spherical decide with the skill to bear into an NFL starter,” B/R’s defensive backs scout Cory Giddings said by the Terp’s scouting portray. “His versatility in protection and stable drag defense makes him a precious asset, particularly in zone-heavy schemes where his consciousness and instincts can even be maximized.
“Whereas he might perhaps presumably presumably even must strengthen his lumber and man protection skills to address more athletic tight ends and receivers, Trader’s total skill location gives a stable foundation for growth. With additional model, he has the skill to develop to be a legit and impactful player.”
Pittsburgh Steelers 27 of 32
Mike Williams Scott Taetsch/Getty Photos
MIke Williams is potentially no longer the well-known person receiver that some Steelers fans were hoping the group would assemble before the exchange closing date.
Regardless, he proved he will most definitely be simply what the offense desires as he grabbed the 32-yard landing that can presumably presumably in a roundabout way assign the Steelers up for criminal with simply over two minutes to head.
The 28-27 win modified into once vast for the Steelers. Occurring the motorway and beating a criminal Commanders group is evidence that Pittsburgh goes to be a element arrive playoff time.
Very top Weaknesses:
Offensive Kind out Interior Offensive Line Wide Receiver Cornerback Interior Defensive Line Circulate to Create Now: Unleash Justin Fields within the Crimson Zone
The Steelers win struggled to manufacture drives with touchdowns. They ranked thirtieth in red zone landing payment heading into Week 10 at simply 46.4 p.c. Justin Fields modified into once clearly alive to because the quarterback, but his numbers for the length of the 20 are criminal. He modified into once 13-of-19 for 102 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions whereas adding another 5 touchdowns on the ground.
Head coach Mike Tomlin has talked about the group having a “Justin Fields equipment” but we have not in fact viewed it. The Steelers might perhaps presumably presumably even must salvage artistic addressing the difficulty and Fields dual-chance skill will most definitely be simply what the Steelers want.
2025 Free Agency: CB Byron Murphy, Minnesota Vikings
The Steelers signed Donte Jackson this offseason and he is been a stable addition to the defense. The 29-year-veteran is placing collectively the entirely marketing campaign of his profession. Him overperforming his one-year contract is nice, but it ability that he will most definitely be shopping for more money subsequent season and the Steelers might perhaps presumably presumably even must protect a ways off from handing a cornerback who will turn 30 a ton of money in free company.
That money will most definitely be better spent on someone like Byron Murphy. The 27-year-veteran is prospering below Brian Flores in Minnesota. For sure, Flores modified into once most recently with the Steelers before taking on because the defensive coordinator in Minnesota. He would uncover as much as Pittsburgh and gives them two corners who can press and play in an aggressive way.
2025 NFL Draft: WR Tre Harris, Ole Miss
The Steelers in fact must secure someone to pair with George Pickens on the out of doorways. Adding Mike Williams on the exchange closing date modified into once a gorgeous stopgap transfer, but drafting a legit prospect who might perhaps presumably presumably even develop with this offense would be an supreme scenario out of doorways of discovering a prolonged-term resolution at quarterback.
At 6’2″ 205 kilos, Harris has better size than many of the receivers in this draft class. He’s no longer going to win with pure lumber, but he is a stable route runner who might perhaps presumably presumably even bear accurate into a stable No. 2 chance for Pittsburgh.
San Francisco 49ers 28 of 32
Christian McCaffrey Kevin Sabitus/Getty Photos
Getting Christian McCaffrey (ankle/Achilles) advantage within the lineup in Week 10 modified into once mountainous for the San Francisco 49ers. His return opens up options in every the working and passing video games, even when he can’t fix every negate San Francisco has had this season.
The 49ers defense continues to be more criminal than immense. And the largest negate is turning scoring opportunities into factors. San Francisco entered Week 10 with the league’s fifth-worst red-zone landing payment (forty eight.6 p.c), and kicker Jake Spiteful uncared for three of his six field aim attempts against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.
Very top Weaknesses:
Defensive Kind out Center Cornerback
Linebacker Depth
Wide Receiver
Circulate to Create Now: Beget More Plays for Ricky Pearsall
Taking a scrutinize prolonged-term, receiver is no longer a predominant want for the 49ers. On the opposite hand, Brandon Aiyuk’s season-ending knee hurt is discovering out San Francisco’s depth in 2024. Kyle Shanahan’s entirely guess for the relaxation of the season is to salvage rookie first-spherical decide Ricky Pearsall more passionate about the passing recreation.
The 49ers win gotten the Florida product passionate about the passing and working video games since his Week 7 debut (Pearsall opened the season injured reserve after being shot in a theft strive in late August). He scored his first NFL landing on Sunday, but there is room to salvage him grand more alive to.
Pearsall possesses a skill location no longer wholly not like that of Deebo Samuel, and it’s a ways time to force opponents to appear at him as a important chance. If defenses must take a scrutinize at retaining Samuel, Pearsall, Jauan Jennings, George Kittle and Christian McCaffrey one-on-one, San Francisco’s mismatch seemingly will be by the roof.
2025 Free Agency: DT B.J. Hill, Cincinnati Bengals
The 49ers should be drawn to reloading their defensive front in free company. Cincinnati’s B.J. Hill would be a simply addition to San Francisco’s 4-3 inferior defense.
Defensive kind out Kevin Givens is determined to be a free agent, whereas fellow DT Javon Hargrave is recuperating from a season-ending triceps crawl. Hargrave will additionally turn 32 in February and on the complete is a cap casualty in 2025 (releasing him with a post-June 1 designation would put $20.7 million in cap home).
Hill will turn 30 in April, but remains truly appropriate among the league’s more disruptive interior defenders when fully wholesome. He recorded 26 solo tackles and 4.5 sacks whereas starting all 17 video games for the Bengals in 2023.
San Francisco’s skill to add a standout defender like Hill might perhaps presumably presumably even hinge on Hargrave’s future with the group. The 49ers are for the time being projected to win $44.5 million in 2025 cap home but might perhaps presumably presumably even must withhold in thoughts extending quarterback Brock Purdy within the offseason.
2025 NFL Draft: CB Jahdae Barron, Texas
The 49ers might perhaps presumably presumably even hunch in a lot of directions in subsequent year’s draft, looking out on how free company unfolds. Guard Aaron Banks, linebacker Dre Greenlaw, cornerback Charvarius Ward and nickel advantage Deommodore Lenoir are among San Francisco’s impending free brokers.
Given San Francisco’s cap difficulty and the market label of top payment corners, targeting a defensive advantage early within the draft would be easy. The B/R Scouting Department paired San Francisco with Texas’ Jahdae Barron in its most in model mock draft.
“Barron’s skill to veil bigger receivers and tight ends would address a important want for the 49ers, who fee defensive backs who’re in a position to handling a pair of roles within the secondary,” Giddings said.
Factual as John Lynch targeted Pearsall to location up for the prolonged drag at receiver (2025 will be a contract year for Samuel), he might perhaps presumably presumably even target Barron even when Ward and/or Lenoir are retained.
Seattle Seahawks 29 of 32
Geno Smith Steph Chambers/Getty Photos
The bye week gave the Seattle Seahawks a giant gamble to regroup after two consecutive losses—and 5 losses in six video games—dropped them to 4-5.
With upcoming video games against San Francisco and Arizona, Seattle can salvage advantage into the NFC West portray. On the opposite hand, it has looming questions about defense and along the offensive line that would also serene be answered, that would even be grand more uncomplicated in conception than in apply.
Very top Weaknesses:
Factual Kind out
Guard Defensive Kind out
2nd Security
2nd Cornerback
Circulate to Create Now: Signal OT Devin Cochran
The offensive line has been a vast negate for Seattle this season, and there is potentially no longer a explicit resolution on the Seahawks’ roster. Rookie third-spherical decide Christian Haynes potentially deserves more opportunities at guard, but he modified into once a wholesome scratch in Week 9, and Seattle would not appear to deem he is ready for a vast position.
“Guys that carry it day-after-day and uncover up in apply and uncover up in video games and encourage us win, they’ll play,” head coach Mike Macdonald said when discussing Haynes, per Mookie Alexander of SBNation. “For these that take a step advantage, you then win bought to be guilty.”
With gorgeous kind out George Fant dealing with a knee hurt, Seattle might perhaps presumably presumably even turn advantage to rookie sixth-spherical decide Michael Jerrell. Discovering extra depth would be logical.
Seattle might perhaps presumably presumably even serene withhold in thoughts poaching Devin Cochran, who has twice been elevated from the Bengals’ apply squad this season and modified into once packed with life for Thursday’s recreation against Baltimore.
2025 Free Agency: DT Osa Odighizuwa, Dallas Cowboys
Loads can and can exchange between now and the offseason, but Seattle is projected to be $10.8 million over the wage cap in 2025. If the Seahawks can secure the financial flexibility to kind out a starting-caliber defensive kind out, Dallas’ Osa Odighizuwa would be a logical target.
Seattle’s drag defense has been suspect this season, whereas Jarran Reed and Johnathan Hankins are every impending 2025 free brokers. Odighizuwa has been a typical starter for Dallas since the Cowboys selected him within the third spherical of the 2021 draft.
The 6’2″, 280-pound Odighizuwa ought so that you just can shift between kind out and stop, and he is no longer going to turn 27 till August. He additionally has expertise taking part in below defensive coordinator Aden Durde, who spent the final three seasons as Dallas’ defensive line coach.
2025 NFL Draft: OL Jonah Savaiinaea, Arizona
If the Seahawks don’t target the offensive line early and in general subsequent April, it’d be a surprise. The group has query marks at every guard and beautiful kind out, and its checklist of impending free brokers entails starters Connor Williams and Laken Tomlinson.
Touchdown Arizona’s Jonah Savaiinaea early would give Seattle a excessive-stop prospect whereas affirming some flexibility within the draft. Savaiinae has spent time at guard and kind out, and whereas he is potentially entirely suited to play interior, he might perhaps presumably presumably even accept as true with both space.
“Savaiinaea is a functional gorgeous kind out with heavy hands to snap rushers’ heads advantage when his timing is gorgeous before swiftly engulfing them or utilizing his signature snatch-entice approach to end the win swiftly,” Thorn wrote.
Theoretically, the Seahawks might perhaps presumably presumably even take him early and arrive advantage for the entirely guard or gorgeous kind out prospect accessible with their subsequent decide—without having to single out both space particularly.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30 of 32
Baker Mayfield Kevin Sabitus/Getty Photos
Even though the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defense fell short late against the 49ers on Sunday, Baker Mayfield and the offense continue to protect the Bucs in video games. Tampa serene has a giant gamble to design a postseason push, especially if it’ll salvage more healthy for the length of the Week 11 bye.
Monumental name offensive kind out Tristan Wirfs left Sunday’s recreation with a knee hurt and did not return. The Buccaneers might perhaps presumably presumably even win dodged a bullet, though. In step with NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, it looks to be an MCL hurt that will allow Wirfs to attain this season.
Very top Weaknesses:
Wide Receiver Edge-Rusher Defensive Kind out Tight End Guard Circulate to Create Now: Play LB J.J. Russell more
K.J. Britt has been bad in protection this season, incomes a 34.9 protection grade from Skilled Football Focus heading into this weekend. It be time to present someone else a shot and Russell had a criminal exhibiting against the Chiefs. Granted, it sounds like this exchange might perhaps presumably presumably even already be within the works as Todd Bowles had criminal issues to claim about the younger linebacker final week.
“J.J. has develop to be, in apply, a extremely criminal zone-consciousness guy and particularly within the passing recreation,” Bowles said by JoeBucsFan.com. “So we started utilizing him some [against the Chiefs] and he performed very effectively.”
2025 Free Agency: Edge Dante Fowler Jr., Washington Commanders
Tampa Bay might perhaps presumably presumably even employ some encourage at edge-rusher now and that is entirely going to salvage worse within the offseason when Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and Anthony Nelson develop to be free brokers.
Whereas Fowler would not provide grand drag strengthen, he can even be a criminal sub-equipment hunch rusher. The 30-year-veteran gets after the quarterback as he has 51.5 profession sacks, including 6.5 by 9 video games this autumn.
2025 NFL Draft: G Donovan Jackson, Ohio Relate
Ben Bredeson’s contract expires within the offseason which would hunch away the group with a want for a starting guard. In the meantime, the Ohio Relate product has the skill to develop to be an instantaneous starter on the next stage.
“Jackson is entirely as a downhill drag-blocker, being thick and heavy on vertical double-teams with associated elbows and hips to generate displacement,” B/R’s offensive line scout Brandon Thorn said. “He’s a functional puller who can seal or kick the high man on the motorway of scrimmage and has a criminal in fact feel on when to protect or launch on zone combinations.
“…[Jackson] has the mandatory create, raw strength and satisfactory creep skills to compete for a job as a rookie and potentially inaugurate within his first contract if he can continue to tighten up his recreation from the ground up.”
Tennessee Titans 31 of 32
Will Levis Harry How/Getty Photos
Will Levis’ return to the lineup did not lead to a win for the Titans. The second-year quarterback modified into once repeatedly on the drag as he took seven sacks behind the Tennessee offensive line.
Tranquil, there win been positives to do away with. The Titans averaged 6.3 yards per carry and Levis modified into once 18-of-23 for 175 yards and two touchdowns with out a interceptions.
The Titans win sure desires lined out on the offensive line and with the hunch-catching weapons transferring forward. That would also serene on the least encourage unprecedented supervisor Ran Carthon formulate a thought for subsequent offseason.
Very top Weaknesses:
Factual Kind out Interior Defensive Line Tight End Quarterback Wide Receiver Circulate to Create Now: Follow QB Will Levis
The league has never been more about instantaneous gratification. Just a few quarter of the league’s coaches salvage fired yearly, teams are benching second-year quarterbacks and there is an extraordinary sense of urgency that is no longer reasonably prefer it extinct to be. It be no longer essentially a criminal negate.
In the Titans case, going a ways off from Will Levis will be the most in model case of impatience hurting a group. Sticking with Levis will design truly appropriate one of two issues happen. Both he presentations right growth over the final half of of the season and earns another season or he flames out beautifully and the Titans know they must hunch shopping for their guy subsequent season. Enjoying Mason Rudolph does nothing for them.
2025 Free Agency: CB Nate Hobbs, Las Vegas Raiders
The Titans had three off-ball linebackers play 100% of the snaps in a recreation two weeks within the past. They additionally no longer steadily play more than two corners and most steadily deploy three safeties. In a league where group’s “inferior” defenses are truly appropriate their changeups, the Titans simply have not got the positional flexibility to salvage diverse packages on the field gorgeous now.
Signing a slot specialist might perhaps presumably presumably even encourage. That is repeatedly been where Nate Hobbs has thrived for the Raiders. He has the skill to bump out of doorways if he desires too, but the mix of L’Jarius Sneed, Roger McCreary and Nate Hobbs on the complete is a criminal trio that enables the Titans to play nickel more subsequent year.
2025 NFL Draft: WR Tez Johnson, Oregon
The Titans offense is in determined want of a face take. Whether Will Levis can develop to be the quarterback or no longer, they must strengthen their weaponry. Tyler Boyd modified into once a easy addition for this season as a gentle with data of Brian Callahan’s machine. On the opposite hand, targeting a dyanamic playmaker with loads more juice in Tez Johnson might perhaps presumably presumably even encourage herald a fresh era of Titans offense.
“Tez Johnson is a temporary-twitch route runner out of the slot with prolonged lumber,” Dame Parson said of Johnson’s skill location. “Johnson excels on chance routes matched up against safeties and linebackers. He’ll be the creep receiver within the offense to bear advantageous opportunities to salvage him the football in home. Johnson is an explosive playmaker.”
Washington Commanders 32 of 32
Commanders QB Jayden Daniels Scott Taetsch/Getty Photos
Whereas Washington’s 28-27 loss to Pittsburgh modified into once disappointing, it would also serene end nothing to decrease future expectations for the franchise.
The Commanders win their coach in Dan Quinn and their quarterback in rookie Jayden Daniels, and they’re getting loads out of a patchwork roster to contend in 2024.
Washington’s 7-3 epic is no mirage, and with the largest objects in space, the Commanders can kind out turning this group accurate into a perennial contender.
Very top Weaknesses:
Defensive Kind out Cornerback Offensive Kind out Free Security Wide Receiver Circulate to Create Now: None
Sticking with Cornelius Lucas at left kind out as an different of getting him rotate with Brandon Coleman modified into once truly appropriate right here, but Coleman has confirmed heaps of growth recently. The Commanders additionally upgraded their cornerback room with Marshon Lattimore on the exchange closing date and the group is rolling gorgeous now so there isn’t any must exchange issues up.
2025 Free Agency: S Budda Baker, Arizona Cardinals
As mentioned final week, Quan Martin has been struggling in protection this season. Also, Jeremy Chinn is entirely on a one-year deal, so Washington might perhaps presumably presumably even serene take a laborious compare at this year’s security class in free company.
Baker will be truly appropriate among the high avid gamers accessible on the distance this offseason and the group can secure the money for to inaugurate the checkbook for him as it’s for the time being projected to win over $100 million in cap home accessible, per Over The Cap.
The six-time Skilled Bowler is a playmaker who can line up all over the put the field, racking up 828 total tackles and 41 TFL in 114 profession video games heading into this weekend.
2025 NFL Draft: LB Lander Barton, Utah
Bobby Wagner, Slice Bellor and Mykal Walker are all impending free brokers this offseason. Even after utilizing a fifth-spherical decide on Jordan Magee final April, Adam Peters might perhaps presumably presumably even serene compare into this year’s linebacker class and the Utah product might perhaps presumably presumably even bear accurate into a full player on the next stage.
Barton comes from an athletic family and it presentations in his play. Scamper skills are the muse of his recreation as he has a lot of athleticism and loose hips to be efficient in man protection as effectively as tighten throwing windows when taking part in zone. That additionally helps him withhold a ways off from the trash against the drag and fabricate gap exchanges as he can transfer laterally with ease.
Against the drag, Barton is bodily and has some pop behind his pads when coming downhill. On the opposite hand, that would also no longer translate effectively to the next stage as he struggles to protect his floor and salvage off blocks against more bodily offensive linemen. For example, Oregon Relate’s Taliese Fuaga bought the entirely of the Ute when these two went head-to-head in 2023.
The Ute desires to bear a transfer to encourage disengage from blocks and/or learn to make employ of his quickness and athleticism to trudge blocks from offensive linemen claiming to the second stage. That will encourage him be more uncomplicated against the drag early in his profession whereas his strength improves.