NFL Team Needs: Prioritizing Every Roster’s Biggest Weaknesses Before Week 8

In what was the game of the weekend and what could arguably be the best game of the season, the Detroit Lions managed to come out on top against Minnesota and take control of the NFC North.

The contest featured four lead changes, including a late game-winning field goal by Jake Bates to improve Detroit’s record to 5-1. Also, running back Jahmyr Gibbs accounted for 160 yards of offense and two scores to make the Lions the top seed in the NFC as we near the halfway point of the campaign.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Edge-Rusher
2. Cornerback
3. Offensive Line depth
4. Wide Receiver depth

Add Now: Trade for EDGE Azeez Ojulari, New York Giants

Haason Reddick was listed here after Aidan Hutchinson’s injury last week, so this week’s suggestion will pivot to a different edge-rusher. Ojulari recently overtook Reddick as the No. 1 player on B/R’s NFL Trade Block Big Board and was named as a good fit for the Lions.

“With the 2-4 Giants close to falling out of contention, the impending free agent should be available for a price,” B/R’s Kristopher Knox wrote.

“The Lions should already be on the phone with New York. With Hutchinson and Davenport out, Detroit desperately needs a capable sack artist. Ojulari has shown that he can be one when given the opportunity.”

2025 Free Agency: EDGE Jonathon Cooper, Denver Broncos

Even if Hutchinson makes a full recovery by the start of next season, Detroit could use another edge-rusher since Davenport is only on a one-year deal. Cooper may not be the biggest name on the market, but he’s been a very productive pass-rusher over the last two years.

According to Pro Football Focus, the 26-year-old had 55 pressures on 421 pass-rush snaps in 2023 and has 24 on 168 through six games in 2024. He’s also racked up 13 sacks during that timeframe and currently has a career-high 79.0 run defense grade from PFF.

2025 NFL Draft: IOL Tate Ratledge, Georgia

Kevin Zeitler is only on a one-year deal and turns 35 in March, so Brad Holmes will likely be looking for some guard help in the draft. The Georgia product would be a good option, as he ranks as the third interior offensive lineman on B/R’s big board and has immediate starter potential, per offensive line scout Brandon Thorn.

“Ratledge has a well-rounded, dense build, solid arm length, athletic ability, and very good play strength,” Thorn noted in the Bulldog’s scouting report. “…Overall, Ratledge’s build, play strength, processing skills and demeanor are NFL-starter caliber at guard and should get him in a lineup within his rookie year.”

(Previous Week’s Selections: EDGE Haason Reddick, DT Jarran Reed, WR Nic Anderson)

The Green Bay Packers put together a gritty win on Sunday, edging out the Houston Texans by two points, 24-22. Also, the defense might have an emerging star in rookie fourth-round pick Evan Williams, who has been playing well lately and led the team in tackles this week.

More importantly, the Packers are just a half-game out of first place in the division after the Vikings suffered their first loss of the year.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Center
2. 2nd Cornerback
3. Defensive Tackle
4. Linebacker
5. Edge-Rusher

Add Now: Trade for CB Greg Newsome, Cleveland Browns

As mentioned last week, Eric Stokes has been struggling so far this season. That could impact the Packers’ ability to make a playoff/Super Bowl run, so the front office should look into bringing in a second corner to play on the other side of Jaire Alexander. Meanwhile, Newsome was ranked as the fifth player on B/R’s NFL Draft Big Board column this week.

“Cleveland may have to tear everything down and rebuild on the cheap, which is why cornerback Greg Newsome II is a viable trade candidate,” B/R’s Kristopher Knox wrote. “The 24-year-old is set to play on his fifth-year option in 2025, and the Browns could remove next year’s $13.4 million salary from the books by trading him now.

“Dealing Newsome, who has allowed an opposing passer rating of only 82.1 in coverage this season, would also bring some valuable trade capital.”

2025 Free Agency: C Austin Corbett, Carolina Panthers

It’s been brought up before that this is likely Josh Myers’ final season in Green Bay since he’s an impending free agent and hasn’t met expectations as a 2021 second-round pick. So, the club will likely be looking for a new center in the offseason.

While Corbett is a natural guard, he moved to center this season after Carolina brought in high-priced free agents Damian Lewis and Robert Hunt. Granted, the 28-year-old who turns 29 in December did suffer a season-ending biceps injury, so this pairing will depend on how his medicals check out.

However, he was having a solid campaign at the new position before getting hurt.

2025 NFL Draft: EDGE Abdul Carter, Penn State

The Packers haven’t been getting much production out of their edge-rushers so far this season, and Preston Smith, who turns 32 in November, has an out in his contract that would save the club $13.4 million via a post-June 1 cut, per Over The Cap.

So, the position could be a sneaky need for the Cheeseheads, and Brian Gutekunst should be intrigued by the Nittany Lion’s traits. “Carter is an elite athlete, which gives him a high ceiling as a pass-rusher at the next level,” the Penn State product’s scouting report says.

“His get-off is very impressive as he explodes off the line of scrimmage and can win with speed around the edge when times up the snap. Also, he’s shown a decent dip-rip move and the potential to develop a stick move as an inside counter with his movement skills.”

(Previous Week’s Selections: CB Patrick Peterson, C Ryan Kelly, DL Deone Walker)

It’s become a legitimate question, but, yes, C.J. Stroud is human. The sophomore has been stellar for the Texans this season, but the Green Bay Packers defense had him out of sorts in a 24-22 loss to the Packers. Stroud only threw for 86 yards yards while completing less than half his pass attempts. His protection wasn’t good. The line gave up four sacks and seven quarterback hits.

The optimistic angle is that, despite all of the offensive issues, the Texans only lost by two to a good football team. The defense did enough to keep them in it despite a good performance from Jordan Love and the running game gave the Texans a chance.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Interior Defensive Line
2. Cornerback
3. Interior Offensive Line
4. Running Back
5. Safety

Add Now: Trade for LB Channing Tindall, Miami Dolphins

Injuries to Henry To’oTo’o and Azeez Al-Shaair have tested the Texans’ depth at inside linebacker. With injuries impacting the secondary as well, depth is going to be crucial for Houston to remain in control of the AFC South race and get to the playoffs with momentum at the end of the season.

There aren’t a lot of great free-agent options, but targeting a young linebacker like Channing Tindall and developing him could create some depth. Tindall is an athletic prospect who hasn’t found his footing in Miami, but DeMeco Ryans and his coaching staff have shown the ability to develop players at the position.

2025 Free Agency: IOL Teven Jenkins, Chicago Bears

The Texans don’t have many outright holes on either side of the ball, but their situation at left guard could be classified as such. Kenyon Green has been given plenty of chances to prove that he can be a reliable starter and it hasn’t really happened.

The Texans could choose to go through the draft to patch the hole, but there’s more risk there than signing a veteran to do the job. They could really get the best of both worlds if they find space in the budget to go after Teven Jenkins in free agency. The former second-round pick has found a role as a solid starting guard after struggling at tackle.

2025 NFL Draft: DT T.J. Sanders, South Carolina

The Texans are at the point where they can start really building their roster to beat the AFC teams they will see in the playoffs. Right now, that means prepping for the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs. T.J. Sanders would be the kind of pick a team should make if they hope to have a shot against Baltimore’s run game.

The 6’4″, 290-pound Sanders appears to have good length for an interior defender and does a good job of using it to shed blockers on the inside. His athleticism and hand-fighting could be developed as an interior pass-rusher who would pair nicely with Will Anderson Jr.

(Previous Week’s Selections: CB Marcus Peters, S Talanoa Hufanga, IOL Tyler Booker)

Since Shane Steichen took over as the Colts’ head coach, it has felt like he understands how to get just enough out of the offense for them to be competitive. Sometimes that’s a good thing. Sometimes it can be incredibly frustrating.

Sunday was the latter. Facing a Dolphins team with very little momentum and a beat-up defense, the Colts did enough to get a 16-10 win but couldn’t pull away against a team that isn’t very good right now. Anthony Richardson returned after missing the last two weeks with an oblique injury. It took him a while to start running the football but once he did it was a huge help for the Colts offense as he finished with 56 yards on 14 carries.

Still, his 10-of-24 for 129 yards and no touchdowns through the air were not promising.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Interior Defensive Line
2. Cornerback
3. Safety
4. Tight End
5. Edge-Rusher

Add Now: LB Devin White

The Colts defense is already kind of thin at the linebacker position, and E.J. Speed missing games doesn’t help the matter. The Colts have proven they are scrappy enough to hang around in the AFC wild-card race, but that’s going to require continued improvement from the defense.

Adding Devin White to their linebacker corps would give them the depth they need. White doesn’t have the best instincts, but he’s still a useful sideline-to-sideline player who can conttibute in coverage.

2025 Free Agency: CB Paulson Adebo, New Orleans Saints

The Colts secondary has been a work in progress since they traded away Stephon Gilmore. Kenny Moore II is a good nickel defender and Julian Blackmon is a fine safety. However, Blackmon is set to be a free agent and the rest of the secondary is made up of young players who are still trying to prove themselves.

Paulson Adebo likely would have been too expensive for the Colts in the offseason. However, his broken femur is going to cost him the rest of the season and could affect his price tag in the spring. That might give the Colts the chance to jump into that bidding war.

2025 NFL Draft: S Billy Bowman Jr., Oklahoma

The Colts have a decision to make on Julian Blackmon after giving him a one-year contract last offseason. He’s played well enough that a multiyear deal is probably coming from someone. If that someone isn’t the Colts then they should be prepared to find a starter alongside Nick Cross in the next draft.

Billy Bowman Jr. has proven himself as a reliable option in the back half of Oklahoma’s defense. He has a knack for playing the ball in the air and has been a turnover-producing machine in the Sooners system.

(Previous Week’s Selections: IOL Nate Davis (trade), QB Mac Jones, TE Tyler Warren)

Don’t call the Jaguars’ season over just yet. Jacksonville stayed a second week in London to play the New England Patriots in a must-win game and came away with a 32-16 win. No one is going to throw a party for beating the 1-6 New England Patriots, but the team did show a promising amount of fight.

They erased an early 10-0 deficit with 22 unanswered points in the second quarter. Tank Bigsby is a big reason for that success. He had 26 carries for 118 yards and two touchdowns to lead the offense.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Interior Defensive Line
2. Cornerback
3. Safety
4. Tight End
5. Edge-Rusher

Add Now: Trade for EDGE Arnold Ebiketie, Atlanta Falcons

The Jaguars have to have a better pass rush if they are going to resurrect their season and chase a wild-card spot. They only sacked Drake Maye twice while going against a dreadful Patriots offensive line, and they’ll have to put more pressure on opposing quarterbacks to get some momentum.

It’s hard to find teams willing to trade away productive edge-rushers at this point in the season. But Arnold Ebiketie is a former Day 2 pick who has seen his role decline quickly once the team acquired Matthew Judon. Perhaps the Jaguars could help him thrive.

2025 Free Agency: S Israel Mukuamu, Dallas Cowboys

The Jaguars secondary is definitely going to look different in 2025. The group hasn’t been all that great, and two of the five significant starters (safety Andre Cisco and cornerback Ronald Darby) are set to become free agents next season. Even if they decide to bring both of those players back it would be wise to add some depth through the draft or the lower end of free agency.

Israel Mukuamu has showcased some potential as a safety. He’s a long, disruptive player in coverage at 6’4″, 205 pounds, but he hasn’t been able to nab a major role in a deep Dallas safety room. That should drive his price down and make him a good value pick up for the Jags.

2025 NFL Draft: OT Josh Simmons, Ohio State

The Jaguars have already poured a lot of future guaranteed money into Trevor Lawrence. For better or worse, he’s the franchise quarterback moving forward. Truth be told, a lot of the offense’s issues this season have come from crucial dropped passes and a lack of solid pass protection.

Jacksonville would be wise to address the latter through the draft. Josh Simmons was unfortunately knocked out for the rest of the season with a knee injury, but he was working toward proving himself as one of the best tackles in this draft class.

(Previous Week’s Selections: S Budda Baker (trade), DT Osa Dighizuwa, CB/WR Travis Hunter)

It shouldn’t be a surprise that the back-to-back Super Bowl champions are the last undefeated team left in the NFL after Week 7. Yet, it is. The Chiefs have been hanging on by a thread at the receiver position without Marquise Brown and Rashee Rice, Patrick Mahomes threw two interceptions to no touchdowns and the Chiefs still managed to put up 28 and beat the 49ers by 10 points.

They’re doing it with a killer defense and an offense that seems to always manufacture enough points to win.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Wide Receiver
2. Cornerback
3. Safety
4. Interior Defensive Line
5. Left Tackle

Add Now: Trade for WR Mike Williams, New York Jets

Another week means another suggestion for the Kansas City Chiefs to add to their wide receiver corps. Mahomes and Andy Reid can do a lot to mask the deficiencies the team has at the position since Rice suffered a season-ending knee injury. Williams was signed by the New York Jets this offseason, but the pairing hasn’t really worked out.

With the Jets trading for Davante Adams it would make sense that they would be willing to part ways with Williams. He’s a big-bodied vertical threat who could have a resurgence with Mahomes throwing him the ball.

2025 Free Agency: DT Bobby Brown III, Los Angeles Rams

The Chiefs are getting really strong production out of Tershawn Wharton. He has developed into a solid starting center in the middle of the defense beside Chris Jones. The problem is that his performance in a contract year might price him out of returning to the Chiefs.

If that’s the case, Kansas City could pivot to a younger option. Bobby Brown III has established himself as a rising player at the position. The former fourth-round pick has become a viable starter with the Rams.

2025 NFL Draft: S Xavier Watts, Notre Dame

Justin Reid is going to be a free agent at the end of the season and Jaden Hicks seems to be waiting in the wings to take his role next season. That doesn’t mean the Chiefs won’t need to continue to build depth at the position. Reid, Bryan Cook and Hicks are the only safeties who have taken any snaps this season.

Xavier Watts doesn’t have the physical tools to be one of the first safeties taken, but he’s been a productive player who has a knack for being around to make plays. He had seven interceptions last season and has already added a few more this season.

(Previous Week’s Selections: DeAndre Hopkins (trade), Diontae Johnson,)

Technically, the Raiders were only five points away from a win on Sunday, but the vibe around the team feels much further from winning. Aidan O’Connell left the team’s 20-15 loss with a broken thumb, and Gardner Minshew proceeded to throw three interceptions.

At least Brock Bowers is turning out to be a star in the making. He continued his successful rookie campaign with 10 catches for 93 yards. Expect him to continue putting up impressive numbers on an offense that doesn’t have a lot of options right now.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Quarterback
2. Wide Receiver
3. Edge-Rusher
4. Offensive Tackle
5. Running Back

Add Now: WR Terrace Marshall Jr.

The Raiders traded Davante Adams last week, so it doesn’t make much sense for them to go out and trade for another receiver. However, it would make sense for them to take a low-risk swing on a receiver like Terrace Marshall as an in-season free-agent signing.

Marshall has some potential as a second-round pick who was stuck in Carolina’s revolving door of coaches and quarterbacks. The San Francisco 49ers picked him up and recently released him, but he will probably get one more shot to stick in the league based on his draft pedigree.

2025 Free Agency: DT Osa Odighizuwa, Dallas Cowboys

The Christian Wilkins injury was a devastating blow for a Raiders defensive line that was already struggling with depth issues. Matthew Butller has probably been asked to play too many snaps. He’s an impending free agent, and John Jenkins is also set to hit the market next season.

The Raiders have the potential to field an elite defensive line, but it feels like it’s missing one more piece. Osa Odighizuwa, combined with Wilkins on the inside would give them two defensive tackles who can stuff the run and get after the passer.

2025 NFL Draft: QB Jalen Milroe, Alabama

The Davante Adams trade is as close to a confession that the offense is in need of a complete rebuild as anything. Aidan O’Connell has done some good things, but the fact that the team initially went with Gardner Minshew is a good sign it’s time to restart at the position.

Last year the Raiders were handcuffed with the way the draft board fell. This year, they will need to get aggressive if they aren’t in a position to draft a quarterback. Jalen Milroe is the kind of dynamic talent who could energize the Raiders’ offense and give them a player to build around.

(Previous Week’s Selections: RB Khalil Herbert, QB Sam Darnold, OT Cameron Williams)

Check back for the Chargers after Monday Night Football against the Arizona Cardinals.

While Cooper Kupp didn’t make his much-anticipated season debut on Sunday, the Los Angeles Rams got a much-needed win over the Raiders. That keeps Los Angeles’ playoff hopes alive, as the team sits 1.5 games behind Seattle for the NFC West lead and is starting to get healthy with several key players potentially able to return soon.

Also, while the Rams only had two sacks, the defense’s young pass-rush made an impact against the Raiders with 10 quarterback hits. First-round pick Jared Verse led the way with five.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Center
2. Cornerback
3. Linebacker
4. Wide Receiver
5. Guard

Add Now: C Mason Cole

With Steve Avila and Jonah Jackson on injured reserve, Beaux Limmer has been the Rams’ starting center for the majority of the season. The rookie hasn’t been much more than average so far, and both Avila and Jackson are natural guards, so it might make sense for the team to bring in a veteran at center.

Cole is probably the team’s best option at this point, as he at least has six years of experience at the position.

2025 Free Agency: CB Donte Jackson, Pittsburgh Steelers

Cornerback is a current weak spot on Los Angeles’ roster and the issue will only get worse in the offseason when Tre’Davious White hits free agency as the defense will be down a starter.

Also, with just two interceptions as a team and none from its corners heading into this past weekend, the secondary could use a ballhawk. That’s exactly what Jackson is as he has 17 career picks–three in the first six games of 2024—and 52 career passes defended—six in the first six games this fall.

2025 NFL Draft: OT Josh Simmons, Ohio State

With Alaric Jackson’s and Joseph Noteboom’s contract set to expire at the end of the year, Les Snead will likely be exploring this year’s offensive tackle class. While Simmons did suffer a season-ending injury against Oregon recently, he currently is the top tackle on B/R’s big board.

“In pass protection Simmons has a clean, crisp setup in his flat and angled pass sets with good pad level, active hands and easy redirect skills to protect the corner and remain balanced through the top of the QB’s drop,” offensive line scout Brandon Thorn said via the Ohio State product’s scouting report.

“He gets into his anchor on time and is dialed in with his left guard on stunts and games with proper timing and spatial awareness.”

(Previous Week’s Selections: LB Deion Jones, WR Mike Williams, TE Harold Fannin Jr.)

The Indianapolis Colts are not a team known for their shutdown secondary. Yet, the Dolphins’ feeble passing attack made them look like the Legion of Boom Seattle Seahawks. With Tyler Huntley and Tim Boyle both getting 13 pass attempts, the Dolphins averaged just 6.2 yards per attempt, and Tyreek Hill was limited to one catch for eight yards.

At least the defense showed up. They limited the Colts to just 16 points and made life difficult for Anthony Richardson as a passer.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Quarterback
2. Interior Offensive Line
3. Interior Defensive Line
4. Wide Receiver Depth
5. Tight End

Add Now: No One

The Dolphins are in a bit of a holding pattern until Tua Tagovailoa comes back. It’s clear that they can’t contend if he’s not the quarterback, but the Dolphins are expected to open his practice window going into Week 8. Bradley Chubb hasn’t started practicing yet, but it’s starting to become a topic of conversation.

2025 Free Agency: EDGE Josh Sweat, Philadelphia Eagles

The combination of Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb has the ability to take the Dolphins’ defense to a higher level when they are both healthy. The problem is that hasn’t happened very often since the Dolphins traded for Chubb. Fortunately, Emmanuel Ogbah has been able to pick up the slack when either of them (or both) are out.

Ogbah is a 2025 free agent and is starting to get up there in age. Targeting a slightly younger veteran like Josh Sweat would bolster their edge-rusher group while getting younger.

2025 NFL Draft: OT Cameron Williams, Texas

Terron Armstead is playing at an elite level when he’s on the field. However, he’s already missed a game this season and parts of other games with injuries. He’s 33 years old and has two years of his contract that could be managed if the Dolphins have to move on from him in 2026.

Drafting a left tackle to develop behind him for a year or two would be a good use of resources. Williams is a massive tackle prospect at 6’5″, 335 pounds who could shift inside while developing his game to eventually be the replacement for Armstead.

(Previous Week’s Selections: Edge Shaq Lawson, LB Jamien Sherwood, OT Will Campbell)