25 roster spots across the NFL that still need an upgrade

Holding a big lead on the edge rusher chosen ahead of him in the 2022 draft (Travon Walker), Hutchinson paced the NFL in QB pressures last season. The Michigan product is one of the NFL's best young pass rushers, but the Lions' otherwise well-designed rebuild has not seen a viable complementary piece surface. Detroit followed Minnesota in taking a flier on ex-New Orleans first-rounder Marcus Davenport, whose last productive season came in 2021, and has not seen 2022 second-rounder Josh Paschal (three career sacks) pan out. Strong at most positions, the Super Bowl-contending team could use at least a veteran rotational piece alongside Hutchinson.

The Broncos found a potential slot cornerback answer early last season, as Ja'Quan McMillian helped key a defensive turnaround. But the team will hold a competition to see who will start opposite Surtain on the perimeter. After a lost rookie season, third-rounder Riley Moss leads the way. The Iowa alum is attempting to become the first white cornerback to start an NFL game since Kevin Kaesviharn in 2003. Ex-Bills starter Levi Wallace, whom the Steelers benched last season, is in place as potential insurance. Adoree' Jackson still needs a team. Denver determining it is a man down at corner would not surprise during training camp.

In 2023, the Raiders defense finished with a top-half ranking for the first time in 21 years. The team got there despite starters Chandler Jones and Marcus Peters being moved off the roster by season's end. Antonio Pierce reunited with ex-Arizona State recruit Jack Jones, who has worn out his welcome in multiple places. Jones flashed brightly in his first Las Vegas weeks, scoring two defensive TDs. But the Raiders are counting on him now, having lost starter Amik Robertson and waited until Day 3 of the draft to address the position. Journeyman Brandon Facyson and 2023 fourth-rounder Jakorian Bennett are the best-known names positioned to join Jones as Nate Hobbs' sidekicks.

The Giants said goodbye to veterans Xavier McKinney and Adoree' Jackson, effectively stripping their secondary of experience. Except for backup Darnay Holmes and mid-offseason slot addition Tre Herndon, the Giants' secondary consists of rookie contract players. The team will count on the likes of Cor'Dale Flott, Dane Belton and Day 2 rookies Tyler Nubin and Dru Phillips. Meanwhile, Pro Football Focus ranked New York's new No. 1 corner -- 2023 first-rounder Deonte banks -- 110th at the position last season. McKinney also drew a top-five safety contract, reflecting the league's valuation of the ex-second-rounder. The Giants probably need another veteran DB.

The Bears made Rome Odunze the focus of their second first-round pick, and they used their next draft choice -- a third-rounder -- on an O-lineman before taking a punter in Round 4. Chicago acquired and extended Montez Sweat, but the team lacks proven disruptors elsewhere up front. DeMarcus Walker remains as a supporting piece, with Jake Martin in the mix as a supplementary rusher. Beyond Sweat, the Bears return no player who totaled more than three sacks in 2023. Considering their draft path, the Bears run the risk of being short on the inside and outside upfront. Reuniting with DE nomad Yannick Ngakoue is probably on the table.

The Buccaneers traded Carlton Davis to the Lions and did not use a draft choice on the position nor add a starter-caliber replacement. This will mean Todd Bowles' team will lean on younger options as Jamel Dean sidekicks. The Bucs developed a few CBs in recent years (Dean, Davis, Sean Murphy-Bunting), but each came from Day 2 of the draft. Nine-game starter Zyon McCollum received a bottom-10 PFF ranking among regular CBs last year, and there is not much behind him. The Bucs did add former special-teamer-turned-slot Tavierre Thomas to pair with Christian Izien, but the team is at least one man short on the outside.

This may qualify as overblown, as the Ravens have done well recently to form a stable O-line despite losing pieces. Ben Powers and John Simpson went from fringe roster players to coveted free agents following strong contract years. Simpson's exit left the Ravens with three holes to fill up front, with right guard Kevin Zeitler and right tackle Morgan Moses out as well. Zeitler and Moses have 325 combined starts. Baltimore has hopefuls -- from UFA addition Josh Jones to 2023 draftee Andrew Vorhees, who took a de facto injury redshirt -- but it will carry far less experience up front. Ronnie Stanley's injury trouble comes along with the lack of seasoning.

The Vikings were connected to the likes of L'Jarius Sneed and ex-Lion Jerry Jacobs this offseason. The team did not receive enough from free-agent pickup Byron Murphy last season; the ex-Cardinal allowed six TDs as the closest defender. Third-round rookie Mekhi Blackmon showed some promise last season, and while the team did sign Shaquill Griffin, the ex-Seahawks starter played for three teams over the past two seasons. Versatile Josh Metellus resides here as well, but the Vikings -- after ranking 24th in pass defense -- may be a piece short. This situation tragically worsened recently, as fourth-round rookie Khyree Jackson died in a car accident. 

The Bills do not lack for quantity here. They signed Curtis Samuel, Chase Claypool, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Mack Hollins before drafting Keon Coleman atop Round 2. This crop joins returning slot player Khalil Shakir in aiming to fill the voids created by the Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis exits. Yes, the Chiefs won a Super Bowl despite a shaky receiver situation; they also employ Andy Reid and Travis Kelce. The Bills do not have a similar infrastructure and seem vulnerable, regardless of James Cook and Dalton Kincaid's promise, going into training camp. A trade should certainly be under consideration. 

Sam Howell took a staggering 65 sacks last season, the most since David Carr in 2005 and fourth-most in the sack era. QBs are responsible for many of their sacks, and Washington did drop its multiyear left tackle -- Charles Leno -- just before the new league year. The team, however, waited until Round 3 to address the position (Brandon Coleman) and only has veteran swingman Cornelius Lucas as a potential stopgap. Considering the concerns about Jayden Daniels' slender frame, it would seemingly behoove the Commanders to look into more help in the event Coleman needs expected acclimation time.

The Chargers added some veteran pieces up front in 2022, bringing in Sebastian Joseph-Day and Austin Johnson. Both are gone, and the Jim Harbaugh era did not include many notable investments. The team's only experienced D-lineman added, Poona Ford, could not earn steady playing time last season in Buffalo. The Bolts still have Morgan Fox; he quietly totaled 5.5 sacks during the team's disastrous 2023 season. With the team waiting until Round 4 to address the position group, new DC Jesse Minter has his work cut out for him. Though, the team is -- health permitting -- in good shape at outside linebacker. That edge help will be needed to cover for a shaky interior.

This might not necessarily be a need area for the Raiders; they set up the Aidan O'Connell-Gardner Minshew competition weeks ago. But it is worth noting the Raiders stand out for QB planning. This is arguably the only team running out the clock at the game's premier position. While the Giants will probably be looking for a passer in 2025, they still have a top-10 pick equipped with a potential WR1-level talent. Minshew is a clear bridge, and O'Connell looks like either a bottom-tier starter or a reasonable backup option. Aiming to tread water this season, Raiders connections to the 2025 QB class are coming.

Jadeveon Clowney finally scored a multiyear contract this offseason. This comes after five one-year arrangements followed his rookie deal. The former No. 1 overall pick bounced back with the Ravens last season, but he has recently followed good years with letdowns. The Panthers, who sold low on Brian Burns, have Clowney installed as their top edge rusher. The team added Danielle Hunter sidekick D.J. Wonnum, who is coming off an ACL tear, and wildly disappointing Jaguars first-rounder K'Lavon Chaisson. Using their limited draft capital on other positions, the Panthers will have issues rushing the passer.

Few non-Bears/Commanders teams made a more predictable first-round draft choice in April. The Saints have All-Pro right tackle Ryan Ramczyk at a career crossroads, uncertain to play in 2024, and saw three-year starter James Hurst retire just before the draft. The team's LT hopeful, 2022 first-rounder Trevor Penning, was benched early last year. Nine-year starter Andrus Peat also departed for Las Vegas. The team drafted Taliese Fuaga 14th overall but still looks likely to count on Penning (at RT) and then has a hole at left guard. Beyond center, Erik McCoy and RG Cesar Ruiz, the Saints have too many questions upfront.

From Mike Wallace to George Pickens, the Steelers have kept their unmatched wide receiver development factory up and running. Pickens represents the latest success story, and the team used a Day 2 pick on a receiver (third-rounder Roman Wilson) for the ninth time since 2013. With Diontae Johnson traded, however, the team looks to have a need for a veteran piece to help Russell Wilson (and perhaps eventually Justin Fields). Calvin Austin is in place as an unproven slot cog, while tertiary targets Van Jefferson and Quez Watkins would be underwhelming as Pickens' top sidekick.

The Colts have tremendous confidence in their drafting ability, with 19 of the team's projected starters a homegrown talent. Slot corner Kenny Moore essentially runs that number to 20, having been a waiver claim prior to his rookie season. Beyond Moore, the Colts have no proven option. Neither boundary position is locked down, though 2023 second-rounder JuJu Brents has the inside track to one spot. Indianapolis ranked 28th in pass defense last season, and seventh-rounder Jaylon Jones and undrafted player Dallis Flowers will battle to start alongside Moore and Brents. Given the veterans on this team, Indy seems in need of a veteran.

Bigger problems encircle the Cowboys, who have Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb in contract years and Micah Parsons extension-eligible. The prospect of three position-record contracts is rare, and the starts take precedence. Dallas' backfield presents a lower-level issue, but it does appear deficient. Still tied to Ezekiel Elliott dead money from the post-June 1 cut in 2023, the Cowboys have the shopworn ex-rushing champ back in place as their RB1 favorite. Recent Tony Pollard backup Rico Dowdle and journeyman Royce Freeman join gadget aspirant Deuce Vaughn. Running backs have been devalued, but it is surprising a contending team will go into camp with this setup.

Few NFL skill positions have gone through an anonymous stretch on this level. The Colts' Michael Pittman Jr.-dependent passing game has not featured much from the tight end spot; no Colts TE has topped 450 yards since Eric Ebron in 2018. That came in Andrew Luck's finale. Entering 2024, the Colts still look to be in need to help Anthony Richardson. They spent 2023 without third-rounder Jelani Woods, who arrived during Frank Reich's final year in charge. The team did not draft or sign anyone of note this offseason, leaving Woods, Kylen Granson and veteran Mo Alie-Cox as the top cogs here. 

Miami lost Robert Hunt, who became the NFL's fourth $20 million-per-year guard in March, and has not re-signed center Connor Williams. The team re-signed left guard Isaiah Wynn, who missed half of last season. Austin Jackson's bounce-back 2023 season, after a lost 2022, earned the right tackle an extension. But questions abound elsewhere on this front. Terron Armstead remains one of the NFL's better LTs, when healthy, but the Pro Bowler has missed 20 games over the past three seasons. As the Dolphins sport another elite array of skill players, Tua Tagovailoa's protection appears thin. 

Not exactly a durable tandem over the past two years, Keenan Allen and Mike Williams nevertheless played a central role in Justin Herbert's rise. Allen is an elite route runner, and Williams a quality field-stretching presence. The Bolts passed on using the No. 5 pick to fill the void, circling back to Ladd McConkey at No. 34. The second-rounder joins Allen-Williams sidekick Josh Palmer, underwhelming 2023 first-rounder Quentin Johnston and DJ Chark as the key parties here. Bargain buys Hayden Hurst and Will Dissly join them at tight end. While Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman appear ready to reignite the Bolts' run game, Herbert's weaponry has taken a hit.

Bo Nix's first set of NFL weaponry features Courtland Sutton and little else. While some receiver prospects are present, the Broncos are vulnerable at tight end. Greg Dulcich, a 2022 third-rounder, showed promise as a rookie in a broken offense. But the former Russell Wilson target has run into chronic hamstring trouble. The issue cost him almost his entire second season; the UCLA alum has needed four IR stays in two years. Dulcich did not practice fully this offseason, and Sean Payton is talking up ex-Saints UDFA Lucas Krull as a viable option. This situation would be less concerning if Denver's overall skill-position situation was better. 

The Falcons tried to trade back into the first round for a pass rusher, but with the team having made the historically unusual decision to sign a high-priced quarterback and backstop him with a top-10 draftee, no avenue emerged. Atlanta adding Michael Penix Jr. to develop behind Kirk Cousins cost the team a shot at Laiatu Latu or Dallas Turner. The Falcons did not re-sign 2023 sack leaders Calais Campbell and Bud Dupree and instead have unproven charges Arnold Ebekitie and backup Lorenzo Carter at outside linebacker. Ebekitie (six sacks in 2023) needs help; the Falcons need third-rounder Bralen Trice to develop quickly.

Also a team with a modest skill corps, the Patriots have some problems up front as well. They re-signed right tackle Mike Onwenu and extended 10th-year center David Andrews. Cole Strange, a 2022 first-round guard who has not yet justified his draft slot, is rehabbing a torn patellar tendon and is not expected to be ready for Week 1. Compounding this problem, the Pats have recently cut Steelers RT Chukwuma Okorafor as the favorite for their LT role. Their other guard spot is uncertain as well. As the Pats begin the post-Bill Belichick era with Drake Maye, too many questions exist on the O-line. 

Unable to pair J.J. Watt and Chandler Jones for long, the Cardinals punted on their edge rusher position in 2023. Situational rusher Dennis Gardeck led the team with six sacks, and Jonathan Gannon's debut yielded just 33 -- 30th in the NFL. The Cards used their second first-round pick on Missouri's Darius Robinson, but he profiles as a D-lineman. Arizona converting ILB Zaven Collins to an edge player did not produce immediate results, and the team will need more from 2023 second-rounder BJ Ojulari. As the Gannon-led rebuild commences, the Cardinals' pass rush looms as a concerning area. 

Darren Waller may not have delivered for the Giants, playing just one season after the team sent the Raiders a third-round pick. But the former Pro Bowler totaled 552 yards in 12 games last season. The Giants, who rostered a deficient receiving corps throughout Daniel Jones' first NFL half-decade, are light on replacements. Daniel Bellinger looms as the next man up, but converted wideout Lawrence Cager and rookie fourth-rounder Theo Johnson may be battling for the receiving TE role. With the Giants ditching Saquon Barkley and needing first-rounder Malik Nabers to flash difference-making form immediately, they have a red-alert issue at tight end.