NFL Draft: Fantasy Needs for Every Team

Defense will be a priority for some, but real needs and fantasy needs are aligned for several clubs.

The NFL free agency period saw (and continues to see) plenty of big names on the move, as teams try to fill holes in their current rosters en route to a potential playoff berth (or even better, Super Bowl) next season. That exercise will continue in the coming weeks and into late April, as the league holds the 2023 NFL draft.

Until then, NFL fans and fantasy managers will wait with bated breath to see how their teams can improve – and for our purposes, how the moves will affect the value of our fantasy heroes. Now’s the time to look at what teams have done, and what positions franchises might target the rest of free agency and in the draft.

Here’s my look at all 32 NFL squads and their biggest “fantasy” needs as we inch closer to the draft. Being that this is about fantasy, I’ve listed offensive needs alone. Some teams have a lot of needs (hello, Rams), some have few or none (looking at you, San Francisco). Alright, let’s dig into what moves we should soon expect.

If the Cardinals trade DeAndre Hopkins, they may go after a wide receiver in the first round :: Isaiah J. Downing/USA TODAY Sports

Arizona Cardinals (RB, WR, OL): The Cardinals still have James Conner under contract for the next two years, but there’s not much behind him on the depth chart. Conner isn’t the most durable back, either, so adding another running back could be in the “cards.” Arizona could also have a need at wide receiver if the team trades away superstar DeAndre Hopkins (he’s been given permission to seek a deal), and their offensive line was the most penalized in the league last season.

Atlanta Falcons (QB, WR): The Falcons have Desmond Ridder at quarterback, but is he the long-term answer? Taylor Heinicke was brought on as a backup, but he’s not the answer, either. Their offense could also use a wideout to complement Drake London, so don’t be surprised if they take one in the first round of the draft.

Baltimore Ravens (QB, WR): The Ravens might need a new starting quarterback if the team deals Lamar Jackson, who has requested a trade. Stay tuned. The team always seems to need wide receivers, as their top three at the position are currently Rashod Bateman, Devin Duvernay and newly signed Nelson Agholor.

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• Fantasy Impact: Adam Thielen | Brandin Cooks | Mike Gesicki | Jamaal Williams | Miles Sanders | JuJu Smith-Schuster | Baker Mayfield | David Montgomery | Allen Lazard | Rashaad Penny | Darren Waller | Jakobi Meyers | Jimmy Garoppolo | Derek Carr | Dalton Schultz | Devin Singletary | Damien Harris

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Buffalo Bills (RB, OL): The Bills signed Damien Harris, but it’s only to a one-year deal so they could still select a running back in the draft. Signing Connor McGovern helps the offensive line, but the team could still upgrade at tackle.

Carolina Panthers (QB, WR): The Panthers will get their future quarterback with the first overall pick in the draft, likely Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud or Alabama’s Bryce Young. They filled the running back (Miles Sanders) and tight end (Hayden Hurst) spots in free agency, but Carolina could still use some weapons at wide receiver. Adam Thielen is almost 33, and D.J. Chark has had just one strong year in the pros.

Chicago Bears (OL): The Bears have filled a bunch of positions via trades and free agency, adding D.J. Moore, D’Onta Foreman and Robert Tonyan. That leaves the biggest void on the offensive line, though the team did add Nate Davis. I’d look for Chicago to draft a high-impact offensive tackle to help protect Justin Fields.

Cincinnati Bengals (RB, TE): The Bengals added Orlando Brown, which makes their offensive line even better. That’s good news for Joe Burrow. The team could use running back depth behind Joe Mixon after Samaje Perine signed with the Broncos, and tight end is a position of need even after adding Irv Smith Jr. He's been inked to just a one-year deal, and Smith hasn't been durable as a pro.

Cleveland Browns (RB, WR): The Browns could use RB depth behind Nick Chubb, as Kareem Hunt is a free agent and D’Ernest Johnson signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Trading for Elijah Moore and signing Marquise Goodwin helps at wide receiver, but a better complement for Amari Cooper makes sense.

Dallas Cowboys (RB, TE, OL): The Cowboys added Ronald Jones, but he’s not the answer in replacing Ezekiel Elliott. The loss of Dalton Schultz to the Houston Texans leaves the team thin at tight end, so don’t be surprised if Dallas fills the position in the draft. Tyron Smith and Zack Martin aren’t getting any younger, so the Boys could also add some reinforcements on the offensive line. 

Denver Broncos (RB): The Broncos were bad last season, but the team has talent at most of the offensive skill positions. Perine was added as insurance for Javonte Williams, who is coming off a serious knee injury, so another running back could be added in the draft or free agency. Their offensive line has already been improved with the additions of both Ben Powers and Mike McGlinchey this year.

Detroit Lions (WR, TE): The Lions added David Montgomery to their backfield, and the team already has a strong offensive line. The needs come at wideout, where the team lost Chark and could upgrade over current projected perimeter receiver Josh Reynolds, and at tight end. Detroit, which traded T.J. Hockenson last season, has been no stranger to drafting the position prominently in the past.

Green Bay Packers (WR, TE): The Packers have almost no depth at wide receiver behind Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs, so this will be a big point of emphasis. Allen Lazard is heading to New York, and Randall Cobb is a free agent who might not be back with Aaron Rodgers expected to land with the Jets. The loss of Tonyan creates a void at tight end, which the team should fill in the draft.

If Alabama QB Bryce Young isn’t the first player drafted, he’ll likely go to Houston with the second pick :: Gary Cosby Jr./USA Today Sports

Houston Texans (QB, WR): The Texans have made a number of signings in free agency, adding Schultz, Devin Singletary, Robert Woods and Noah Brown. None of the moves really pop in fantasy land, but the draft should bring some better options. They’ll likely land either Stroud or Young at quarterback, and a potential No. 1 wide receiver to replace Brandin Cooks could be had at No. 12 overall.

Indianapolis Colts (QB, WR, OL): The Colts could do a deal with the Ravens for Jackson, but taking a quarterback with the No. 4 overall pick makes more financial sense. That could be Florida’s Anthony Richardson. Adding Isaiah McKenzie fills the void left by Parris Campbell, but the Colts should be looking for another wideout in the draft. After a disappointing 2022, their line could use a boost, too.

Jacksonville Jaguars (RB, OL): The Jaguars don’t have a lot of needs on offense with the addition of Calvin Ridley and by franchising Evan Engram. Running back is a lesser need after adding D’Ernest Johnson, but getting better protection for Trevor Lawrence is a priority. I’d bet on them taking a lineman in Round 1.

Kansas City Chiefs (RB, WR, OL): The Chiefs could add a running back, as Clyde Edwards-Helaire has been a disappointment and Jerick McKinnon is a free agent. Wide receiver is a huge need after losing JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mecole Harman to free agency. A trade with the Cardinals for Hopkins remains a possibility. The Chiefs also lost Andrew Wylie (Commanders) and Brown (Bengals), so helping to improve the offensive line beyond the signing of Jawaan Taylor is a must.

Las Vegas Raiders (QB, TE, OL): The Raiders did add Jimmy Garoppolo, but the team could still add a franchise quarterback in the draft. Austin Hooper and O.J. Howard were added at tight end, but neither is a long-term option. Las Vegas could also use some more help on the offensive line to protect Garoppolo this season.

Los Angeles Chargers (RB, WR, TE): The Chargers could deal fantasy star Austin Ekeler, and that would create a huge hole in their backfield. Veteran receiver Keenan Allen isn’t getting any younger, so Los Angeles could look to add a player in the draft. Gerald Everett is a free agent after this season, so tight end could also be a position of need for the lightning bolts, unless Tre’ McKitty shows flashes.

Los Angeles Rams (QB, RB, WR, OL): The Rams basically need everything at this point, right? Matthew Stafford is an aging quarterback, the team tried to move on from Cam Akers at running back, and Allen Robinson was a dud in his first season in Hollywood. The team also needs help on its offensive line. Good luck, Rams.

Miami Dolphins (RB, TE, OL): The Dolphins returned their backfield from 2022, but Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson Jr. and Myles Gaskin aren’t going to be long-term options. Mike Gesicki left for New England and the Dolphins traded Hunter Long, leaving a void at tight end. Miami doesn’t have a first round pick in the draft, but adding offensive line help to protect Tua Tagovailoa also makes a lot of sense.

Minnesota Vikings (QB, WR): The Vikings could look to add their quarterback of the future, as Kirk Cousins could be heading into his final season with the team. K.J. Osborn is the heir apparent to take over as the No. 2 wideout in the absence of Thielen, but Minnesota still needs to add depth at the position before the season.

New England Patriots (QB, WR, OL): Could the Patriots make a huge move and deal for Lamar? It’s possible, so I listed quarterback as a potential need. Signing Smith-Schuster helps at wide receiver, but I can still see New England making a push to add depth. Signing Riley Reiff helps, but their offensive line is a need.

New Orleans Saints (WR, TE, OL): The Saints will have Michael Thomas back (for how long, no one knows), but adding depth at wide receiver makes sense. The team could also look for an upgrade at tight end over Juwan Johnson, and their offensive line could use help after being ranked 29th by PFF at the end of 2022.

Many mock drafts have the Giants taking Tennessee receiver Jalin Hyatt :: Saul Young/News Sentinel/USA TODAY Network

New York Giants (WR, OL): The Giants re-signed Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton and added Campbell and Jamison Crowder, but the team still needs more help at wide receiver. The G-Men could also use some improvements over last year’s offensive line that “earned” a 30th-place rank on PFF’s final listing for 2022.

New York Jets (QB, OL): The Jets are pretty much set up on offense, assuming Rodgers is going to be their quarterback. Until then, a signal-caller is on their list of needs. With Breece Hall and Michael Carter in the backfield and Garrett Wilson, Lazard, Corey Davis and Hardman at wide receiver, New York’s biggest need is on the offensive line. Don’t be surprised if Gang Green adds a tackle in the draft.

Philadelphia Eagles (RB, OL): The Eagles are loaded on offense, though running back is still a need. The team did add Rashaad Penny, but he’s not durable. I’d hate this as a fan of the Cowboys, but I could see the Eagles drafting Bijan Robinson out of Texas. Their offensive line is solid, but adding some depth is always a good idea.

Pittsburgh Steelers (OL): The Steelers are pretty much set with young talent at their top offensive skill positions, so the biggest need is on the offensive line. The addition of Nate Herbig helps, but Pittsburgh should go after a tackle in the draft.

San Francisco 49ers (OL): The 49ers are absolutely loaded with talent all over the offense, so I don’t see any real weaknesses. If anything, it wouldn’t hurt them to add depth on the offensive line, but even that’s a stretch for what’s a solid group.

Seattle Seahawks (QB, WR, OL): The Seahawks retained Geno Smith on a three-year deal, but he’s entering his age-33 season. As a result, the team could grab a quarterback with one of their boatloads of picks from the Russell Wilson trade. Tyler Lockett is still a solid wideout, but he’s not getting any younger and we haven’t seen a lot from former second-rounder Dee Eskridge. The Seahawks did add Evan Brown, but more help is coming on the offensive line in the NFL draft.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (QB, RB, OL): The addition of Baker Mayfield just puts a Band-aid on a huge hole in the offense, so the Bucs should be looking for help at the quarterback position. If Kyle Trask isn’t the long-term answer, the team could take a QB at No. 19 in the draft or attempt to move up if someone slides. The Bucs added a veteran in Chase Edmonds to pair with Rachaad White, but grabbing an upgrade is well within the realm of possibility. In fact, they could land Robinson.

Tennessee Titans (QB, WR, OL): The Titans have needs almost everywhere, from quarterback to wide receiver and on the offensive line. Ryan Tannehill is on his last legs, and the team doesn’t have faith in Malik Willis. Whether they can land a franchise field general at No. 11 overall is questionable, though. Wideout is also a need, as there’s not much depth behind Treylon Burks. The team added Andre Dillard to help the line, but it still needs work with Taylor Lewan gone.

Washington Commanders (QB, TE, OL): Washington is slated to go with Sam Howell as their starting quarterback, but Jacoby Brissett will be waiting in the wings if he falters. Still, the position is anything but secure. Logan Thomas has faltered since his breakout 2020 season, and reports suggest he could be released. Wylie will help the offensive line, but adding another tackle is worthwhile.

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Michael Fabiano is an award-winning fantasy football analyst on Sports Illustrated and a member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association (FSWA) Hall of Fame. Click here to read all his articles here on SI Fantasy. You can follow Michael on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram for your late-breaking fantasy news and the best analysis in the business to help you win a fantasy championship!