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

It took seven weeks, but the Minnesota Vikings suffered their first loss of the season on Sunday, falling 31-29 to the Lions. While failing to maintain control of the division hurts, Minnesota has nothing to be ashamed of, as this was a hard-fought game until the end and the team is still in a good position to earn a playoff berth.

Also, the Vikings have a favorable schedule coming up with matchups against the Rams, Colts, Jaguars and Titans over the next four weeks.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Guard
2. Cornerback
3. Interior Pass Rush
4. Tight End

Add Now: Trade for CB Jonathan Jones, New England Patriots

Byron Murphy hasn’t been playing well this season, as he had a 103.2 passer rating when targeted heading into this weekend, according to Pro Football Focus.

So, the Vikings might want to consider adding a veteran corner ahead of the trade deadline, and it helps that Jones has a connection with defensive coordinator Brian Flores going back to Flores’ days in New England. Also, the Patriots’ corner was listed as the seventh-best player on B/R’s NFL Trade Block Big Board this week.

2025 Free Agency: DL Adam Butler, Las Vegas Raiders

While Minnesota recently re-signed Harrison Butler, the defense could use some interior pass-rush help next season. That role is currently designated for Jerry Tillery and Jihad Ward, but those two are only on one-year deals.

Butler will be 31 in April, so he won’t have a long tenure with the organization. However, he can be a good short-term solution to the interior pass-rush problem with his 22 career sacks, including five last year. The veteran also helps teammates create pressure via stunts and line games, and he has familiarity with Flores as a former Patriot.

2025 NFL Draft: CB Tacario Davis, Arizona

On top of Murphy not playing well, his contract is about to expire. Additionally, Stephon Gilmore is only on a one-year contract, while Shaquill Griffin and Fabian Moreau are also impending free agents. Clearly, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah will be exploring this year’s cornerback class in the draft and Davis should catch the general manager’s eye.

“His rare combination of length and athleticism makes him a standout, but his inconsistency in transitions and his struggles in off coverage and ball awareness will need refinement,” B/R’s defensive backs scout Cory Giddings said via the Arizona product’s scouting report.

“If he can improve his technique, particularly in coverage transitions and ball skills, Davis has the potential to develop into one of the top cornerbacks at the next level.”

(Previous Week’s Selections: G Trey Smith, S Dante Trader Jr.)

If Drake Maye’s development is the only thing that really matters for the Patriots this season, then Sunday wasn’t a bad day. Sure, the team lost to the Jacksonville Jaguars 32-16, but Maye gave Pats fans a lot to be optimistic about in going 26-of-37 for 276 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. What might be most impressive is that he managed the offense well enough to only take two sacks.

Unfortunately, the defense once again faltered in giving up 171 yards on the ground and 32 points. At least the Patriots are putting themselves in position to grab an elite prospect in the draft.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Offensive Tackle
2. Interior Offensive Line
3. Edge Rusher
4. Wide Receiver
5. Interior Defensive Line

Add Now: Trade for DT Quinton Jefferson, Cleveland Browns

It doesn’t typically make sense for a 1-6 team to be trading for veterans this late into the season, but the Patriots need the defense to be better. Even if they aren’t competing this season they still want to give Maye enough support to have a fighting chance every week.

The run defense didn’t do enough to make that happen this week, and it’s been a recurring problem. Now that the Browns have rookie Michael Hall Jr. in the lineup, they haven’t really used Quinton Jefferson. They should be willing to part with him for next to nothing given his age and the fact that he’s a free agent next season.

2025 Free Agency: IOL Brandon Scherff, Jacksonville Jaguars

The Patriots have struggled with some injuries on the offensive line, but they are also short on proven talent. Sidy Sow might develop into a real answer at left guard, but on the right, Mike Onwenu can play either tackle or guard and might be forced outside.

If that’s the case, the Patriots would be wise to target a veteran guard. Brandon Scherff is starting to slow with age, but he has maintained his pass-blocking skills and would be able to keep Maye clean next season.

2025 NFL Draft: LB/EDGE Jalon Walker, Georgia

The Patriots have some foundational pieces on offense to build around. They just need some more help on the offensive line and it wouldn’t hurt to add another young running back this offseason. The more concerning element of their roster right now is the defense. There are a few good building blocks, but they are definitely due for a reset at some critical positions.

Edge-rusher is definitely one of those spots after trading away Matthew Judon earlier this year. Jalon Walker would be an interesting fit, because he’s a bit of a hybrid player for Georgia. He can play off-ball linebacker but his future might be on the edge. Seeing what Jerod Mayo can do with a player like that would give us some insight into his creativity as a defensive mind.

(Previous Week’s Selections: IOL Ben Cleveland, OT Cam Robinson, CB Domani Jackson)

What a difference a month makes.

After Week 2, the New Orleans Saints looked like one of the most dominant teams in the NFL. However, Thursday night’s loss makes it five in a row for the club as they sit at 2-5 and questions arise if New Orleans should pack it in for the rest of the campaign and start rebuilding for the future.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Center
2. Offensive Tackle
3. Defensive Tackle
4. Cornerback
5. 2nd Safety

Add Now: CB Rashad Fenton

Paulson Adebo suffered a broken femur and is out for the rest of the season, leaving the Saints with a need at cornerback. Fenton would be a smart pickup, as he’s been a good player in the past with the Chiefs and is only 27 years old.

So, New Orleans could use this as an opportunity to evaluate if he can be part of the long-term plans while filling a hole on the roster. The former is especially important considering Adebo is an impending free agent.

2025 Free Agency: S Jevon Holland, Miami Dolphins

This pairing is highly contingent on whether the financials can work out. Mickey Loomis is projected to begin the offseason with a major salary-cap shortage, again, and Holland will likely receive a lucrative contract in free agency. He’s been a good player throughout his career and doesn’t turn 25 until March, increasing his value.

So, the fourth-year pro would be a quality addition in free agency if the Saints are looking to rebuild since he’s young and could fill a need. Safety is already a weakness on the roster and Tyrann Mathieu, who can be released to save $6.25 million of cap space per Over The Cap, will probably want out if the team won’t be competitive since he’s about to turn 33.

It will take some more cap wizardry by Loomis to get a deal done, but that’s been the general manager’s strong suit over the last few years.

2025 NFL Draft: QB Cam Ward, Miami

Spencer Rattler should get a chance to prove himself to finish the season, but if New Orleans does opt to hit the reset button this spring and move on from Derek Carr, it would be hard not to take the Heisman hopeful in the draft.

“Ward is among the most gifted throwers in the NFL draft class,” B/R’s offensive skill positions scout Damian Parson said via the Hurricane’s scouting report. “The combination of arm talent, mobility/athleticism, and accuracy is growing among NFL scouts.

“He is comfortable using hard counts to force the defense out of their disguises, then set the protection to pick up any indicating extra rushers from the second or third levels of the defense. He has superstar potential if he can cut down on mistakes/risky decisions.”

(Previous Week’s Selections: S Adrian Amos, G Laken Tomlinson, EDGE Nic Scourton)

Is it Drew Lock time for the New York Giants?

Sunday’s 28-3 loss to Philadelphia led New York to make a quarterback switch at the end of the game, as Lock ended the contest under center. Granted, Brian Daboll said Daniel Jones will remain the team’s starter, but Jones continued to underwhelm by throwing for just 99 yards.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Quarterback
2. Cornerback
3. Defensive Tackle
4. Guard
5. Tight End

Add Now: Trade WR Darius Slayton

It’s time for the Giants to embrace the tank and start thinking about the future. Slayton is an impending free agent and the team has a couple of young wide receivers to build around moving forward with Malik Nabers and Wan’Dale Robinson. So, flipping a player who likely won’t return next year for draft picks would be a smart move.

The 27-year-old could fetch a decent return from a contending team, as he’s had over 700 receiving yards in four out of his first five seasons and is on pace to make it five out of six with 301 yards through six games in 2024.

2025 Free Agency: DL Tershawn Wharton, Kansas City Chiefs

While New York has a good defensive line with Dexter Lawrence, Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux, the unit could use an upgrade at the defensive tackle spot next to Lawrence. Wharton may not be a big name, but he would add another quality interior pass-rusher to the position group.

According to Pro Football Focus, the 26-year-old had 15 pressures on 156 pass-rush snaps through Week 6 for a 74.9 grade in that department.

2025 NFL Draft: IOL Tyler Booker, Alabama

Greg Van Roten is only on a one-year contract, which will likely put the G-Men in the market for an interior offensive lineman during this year’s draft. The Alabama product currently projects to be one of the top guards in the class and currently ranks as the 30th prospect over on B/R’s big board.

“Booker has a massive, dense build with good arm length, very good play strength and adequate athletic ability,” B/R’s offensive line scout Brandon Thorn wrote in the lineman’s scouting report.

“…Overall, Booker is a powerfully built guard with commanding play strength, power, and a tone-setting demeanor who can get manipulated out of position when isolated against high-end rushers but will solidify the pocket against the bull-rush and dish out body blows as a finisher.”

(Previous Week’s Selections: CB Rashad Fenton, CB Paulson Adebo, WR Isaiah Bond)

As it turns out, Davante Adams’ arrival doesn’t mean all of the Jets’ problems are going to go away. The Pittsburgh Steelers handled Aaron Rodgers and Co. with a double-digit win on Sunday Night Football. The Rodgers-to-Adams connection clearly needs some work to be re-established, as the star receiver caught just three of his nine targets on the day for 30 yards.

Rodgers threw two picks, and the defense allowed Russell Wilson to go for 264 yards and two touchdowns in his season debut.

Biggest Weaknesses:

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

Add Now: No One

The Jets already pushed in even more chips on the 2024 season by trading for Davante Adams last week and ending Haason Reddick’s holdout. That’s enough new talent to either make all of their aggressive moves worth it or prove that they shouldn’t spend any more.

2025 Free Agency: S Jason Pinnock, New York Giants

The Jets are bound to go through some changes on the defensive side of the ball after firing Robert Saleh. Given his defensive background, he likely had a hand in picking who joined the roster on that side of the ball. Whoever takes over is likely to make some changes with the questionable safety room.

Jason Pinnock is only 25 years old and has done some good things as part of the Giants secondary. He’s the kind of free agent who is likely to live up to whatever contract he gets because he’s still developing and is just starting his peak.

2025 NFL Draft: EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College

We are going into Week 8 and Haason Reddick has yet to play a down for the New York Jets. It feels like a deal would have been down by now if the Jets were interested in committing to him beyond this season. That doesn’t appear to be the case.

They may be in the market for an edge-rusher if that’s how they feel about the situation. Like Reddick, Donovan Ezeiruaku is a little undersized, but he still brings some exciting skills to the field.

“Ezeiruaku is a highly productive and good pass rusher who burst on the scene this fall and has a few moves he can win with. He’s physical at the point of attack to be an effective run defender against tight ends,” B/R scout Matt Holder said. “However, he is undersized and not strong enough to play the run versus offensive tackles and doesn’t show high-level athleticism to make up for it, which could cap his draft stock.”

(Previous Week’s Selections: EDGE Arnold Ebiketie (trade), WR Tee Higgins, DT Darrell Jackson Jr.)

Saquon Barkley’s return to MetLife Stadium and the first game against his former team went about as well as he could have hoped. Barkley logged 187 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown in the Philadelphia Eagles’ convincing 28-3 win. That allows the team to keep pace with the Commanders in the NFC East standings, as the Eagles are a half-game out of first place.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. 3rd Wide Receiver
2. Linebacker
3. Cornerback
4. Safety
5. Edge-Rusher

Add Now: Trade for WR DeAndre Hopkins, Tennessee Titans

The Titans are a big longshot to make the playoffs this season, and Hopkins is an impending free agent. That’s the primary reason why Kristopher Knox ranked the wideout as the fourth-best player on B/R’s NFL Trade Block Big Board column heading into Week 6.

Meanwhile, the Eagles offense could use a third wide receiver to play alongside A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. While the 32-year-old isn’t the dominant player he used to be, he did have a 1,000-yard and seven-touchdown season with shaky quarterback play last year in Tennessee.

2025 Free Agency: CB Nate Hobbs, Las Vegas Raiders

Over the last several years, Hobbs has carved out a good career as a nickel corner. He’s a physical player who may not be the stickiest defensive back in coverage, but he can rally and tackle to limit yards after the catch and provide run support. That’s a big reason why the four-year pro had racked up 260 total tackles and 13 TFL in his career heading into this weekend.

Philadelphia’s starting nickel, Avonte Maddox, is an impending free agent. While Cooper DeJean could take over that spot, DeJean might be a better fit at safety to fill another need in the secondary or could be groomed to take over for Darius Slay on the outside since Slay is only signed through 2025.

2025 NFL Draft: OT Cameron Williams, Texas

Lane Johnson will turn 35 this offseason and is only signed through 2026. Also, according to Over The Cap, his contract contains an out before the final year if the Eagles choose to exercise it. So, the front office might want to start thinking about a succession plan and the Longhorn could be a good developmental project.

“Overall, Williams is a green, inexperienced right tackle with the frame, length and grip strength to anchor against power, lengthen the corner and blot out targets on the move in the run game,” B/R’s offensive line scout Brandon Thorn said in the Texas product’s scouting report.

“But he has shaky footwork and balance at the top of the QB’s drop that will require a quick-trigger QB and help on an island. Williams’ upside may be highest at guard, but in a RPO/PAP-based pass game can stick at tackle in the NFL.”

(Previous Week’s Selections: LB Deion Jones, G Brandon Scherff, S Lathan Ransom)

Admittedly, the Steelers’ decision to start Russell Wilson over Justin Fields after a 4-2 start was a little questionable.

Wilson quickly answered any questions that may have arisen with his performance in a 37-15 win over the New York Jets on Sunday Night Football. Wilson looked like a younger version of himself with 264 yards and two touchdowns to no interceptions and only took one sack.

That’s bad news for the rest of the AFC.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Wide Receiver
2. Cornerback
3. Interior Defensive Line
4. Running Back
5. Quarterback

Add Now: Trade for WR John Metchie III, Houston Texans

Regardless of whether it’s Russell Wilson or Justin Fields playing quarterback, the Steelers need more pass-catchers. Pat Freiermuth and George Pickens have been good for the quarterbacks, but the Steelers other options just aren’t threatening defenses.

John Metchie III doesn’t have a long track record of production, but he’s been lost in the shuffle in Houston. The Texans have one of the deepest groups of receivers and he just hasn’t been used much. Perhaps giving him a fresh start in Pittsburgh could be beneficial for all parties.

2025 Free Agency: WR Stefon Diggs, Houston Texans

There is, admittedly, some risk in pairing two receivers with big personalities like George Pickens and Stefon Diggs. But it’s also true that the Steelers are going to have to surround next year’s starting quarterback with more talent.

Diggs is showing in Houston that he’s still capable of separating from NFL coverages and making plenty of plays. That’s an element that the current Steelers offense is missing.

2025 NFL Draft: LB Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma

Elandon Roberts has been an excellent run-stopping middle linebacker for the Steelers. However, he’s 30 years old and doesn’t exactly give Patrick Queen the freedom to play freely the same way Roquan Smith did in Baltimore.

B/R’s Matt Holder noted that Stutsman has some raw coverage skills that could be refined.

“In coverage, Stutsman’s speed is apparent as he can cover the flat quickly, close to converge on the ball after the catch and be effective when playing Tampa 2.”

(Previous Week’s Selections: EDGE Andre Carter, DT Levi Onwurzurike, WR Emeka Egbuka)

We’re seven weeks into the season, and it’s clear that the San Francisco 49ers are no longer the juggernaut they have been in the past. Sunday’s two-possession loss in the Super Bowl rematch against Kansas City pushes San Francisco’s record down to 3-4 and knocks the club out of first place in the division.

More importantly, Brandon Aiyuk is feared to have a torn ACL and could be out for the rest of the season.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Defensive Tackle
2. Center
3. Linebacker Depth
4. Left Guard
5. Cornerback

Add Now: WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling

In addition to Aiyuk’s injury mentioned above, Jauan Jennings missed this past weekend’s game with a hip injury and Deebo Samuel had to exit early with an illness. So, the 49ers’ receiving corps is beaten up and could use an extra veteran moving forward.

Valdes-Scantling might be the team’s best bet, as he could at least give the offense another deep threat to finish the season.

2025 Free Agency: S Budda Baker, Arizona Cardinals

With Talanoa Hufanga’s contract about to expire, San Francisco might be looking for some safety help this spring. Granted, the team does have Malik Mustapha and Ji’Ayir Brown to turn to, but it’d be hard to ignore adding someone with Baker’s résumé.

The three-time All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowler can impact the game in several ways. He can line up as a deep safety, play in the box, cover the slot and even is a decent pass-rusher with 7.5 career sacks heading into this weekend. Also, the 28-year-old, who turns 29 in January, might be willing to take a cheaper deal to play for a Super Bowl contender.

2025 NFL Draft: LB Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma

Building on what was said about the 49ers’ linebackers above, Greenlaw and Campbell are impending free agents. So, John Lynch might be looking into this year’s draft class at the position and the Sooner is another athletic second-level defender.

“In coverage, Stutsman’s speed is apparent as he can cover the flat quickly, close to converge on the ball after the catch and be effective when playing Tampa 2,” the Oklahoma product’s scouting report says. “Also, his impressive change of direction skills and fluid hips will help him take away running backs and tight ends in man coverage.”

(Previous Week’s Selections: RB Jerick McKinnon, CB Mike Hughes, OT Josh Conerly)

With a three-game skid heading into this weekend, the Seattle Seahawks got exactly what they needed in Week 7. Seattle looked dominant with a 34-14 win in Atlanta on Sunday, as DK Metcalf logged four catches for 99 yards and a touchdown while Derrick Hall turned a Boye Mafe strip-sack into the game-sealing score down the stretch.

The win combined with the 49ers’ loss also puts the Seahawks back into first place in the NFC West standings.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Right Tackle
2. Guard
3. Nose Tackle
4. Center
5. Tight End

Add Now: OT Billy Turner

The Seahawks are ridiculously thin at offensive tackle as Stone Forsythe, who is filling in for Abe Lucas, missed this Sunday’s game with an injury. With Lucas’ return still in question, the club should add another veteran tackle like Turner. Also, it helps that the 10-year pro has experience playing every offensive line position but center.

2025 Free Agency: CB Levi Wallace, Denver Broncos

Free agency might be a little quiet in Seattle this offseason, as the front office is currently projected to begin the spring in a small hole when it comes to cap space, per Over The Cap. Obviously, that’s going to make it difficult for the club to go after any big-name players on the open market.

While the defense shouldn’t need any starting cornerbacks, Tre Brown and Artie Burns are impending free agents which would impact the team’s depth at the position if they left. Wallace could be a good backup option seeing as he’s an experienced veteran who had a 79.8 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus in limited action this year.

2025 NFL Draft: C Parker Brailsford, Alabama

Connor Williams is only on a one-year deal and, as mentioned above, John Schneider might not have much cap space to re-sign Williams. So, Schneider should be doing his homework on this year’s draft class at center and the Alabama product is an intriguing option.

“Brailsford is a high-IQ, athletic interior offensive lineman who plays with an element of grit and toughness needed to be a leader of an offensive line unit,” The Draft Network’s Keith Sanchez wrote. “Brailsford’s athletic ability and football instincts serve as key foundational traits for him to be productive as both a run blocker and in pass protection.”

(Previous Week’s Selections: OT La’el Collins, LB Robert Spillane, OL Emery Jones Jr.)

Check back for the Buccaneers after Monday Night Football against the Baltimore Ravens.

The Tennessee Titans are a mess.

Granted, they drew one of the best teams in the AFC in the Buffalo Bills this week, but the lack of resistance in a 34-10 loss to Buffalo should be alarming for head coach Brian Callahan. There are plenty of holes in the roster and the woes at right tackle continued to sting.

The defense has held up well for a team without an offense but the offensive ineptitude was too much to overcome this week. That might be a more common sight the further into the season we get.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Right Tackle
2. Interior Defensive Line
3. Tight End
4. Quarterback
5. Wide Receiver

Add Now: Draft Picks

Mason Rudolph might have added some spark to the Titans offense, but it’s clear the Titans should be sellers at the trade deadline. They have a few players who at least made honorable mention or higher on our latest trade block big board. Unfortunately, Treylon Burks was placed on injured reserve, so he’s off the block, but offensive linemen Daniel Brunskill and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins could both net a reasonable return.

2025 Free Agency: DT Milton Williams, Philadelphia Eagles

The Titans are obviously early in a rebuild, and the defensive line should be among the top priorities. Jeffery Simmons is a star interior defender and T’Vondre Sweat is a promising nose tackle prospect, but the Titans don’t have many other talents to lean on outside of those two.

Milton Williams isn’t a superstar, but he has been a solid rotational option for the Eagles. If he wants to go somewhere he can take on a bigger role and probably get paid well, the Titans could be the right fit.

2025 NFL Draft: OT Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas

Is Will Levis good enough to be the quarterback next season? It’s certainly looking like that won’t be the case, but it’s too early to make that call just yet. If they do decide to stick with the young quarterback they are going to need to continue to rework the offensive line to protect him.

JC Latham has done a nice job of taking over the left tackle position as a rookie. However, the right tackle job continues to be an issue. With Peter Skoronski finding a home at left guard, the Titans could be looking to add another blue-chip tackle prospect. Kelvin Banks has shown throughout the college season that he’s in that conversation and the Titans would have an exciting young core of linemen to build around.

(Previous Week’s Selections: DT Tommy Togiai, TE Tyler Conklin, WR Tetairoa McMillan)

The Washington Commanders didn’t even need rookie sensation Jayden Daniels to handily beat Carolina this weekend. Daniels suffered a rib injury early—it’s not expected to be serious—and the game was so out of hand there was no reason for him to re-enter.

Marcus Mariota kept the offense afloat, as the team stays on top of the NFC East standings and it looks like the defense might have turned a corner.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Cornerback
2. Defensive Tackle
3. Edge-Rusher
4. Wide Receiver
5. Offensive Tackle

Add Now: Trade for DT Adam Butler, Las Vegas Raiders

According to ESPN’s John Keim, Jonathan Allen suffered a season-ending injury after tearing a pec against Baltimore. Obviously, that leaves a big hole in the Commanders’ defense, and it’s an important one to fill for a team that has playoff aspirations.

While Butler isn’t the same caliber of player as Allen, the former has been having a good season so far with 13 total pressures and 11 “defensive stops“, per Pro Football Focus, heading into this weekend.

The Raiders recently traded away Davante Adams and are likely looking toward the future, so they should be willing to part ways with the 30-year-old who is in a contract year.

2025 Free Agency: CB Kristian Fulton, Los Angeles Chargers

Washington could use cornerback help now and the problem is only going to get worse in the offseason when Benjamin St-Juste, Noah Igbinonghene and Michael Davis hit free agency in the offseason.

The beginning of Fulton’s career in Tennessee was ugly, but he’s been having a bounce-back campaign in Los Angeles. According to PFF, he had allowed just eight completions on 15 targets and just a 61.8 passer rating when targeted to earn an 80.2 coverage grade in the first five games of the year.

2025 NFL Draft: EDGE JT Tuimoloau, Ohio State

The Commanders lack a well-rounded edge defender on their roster, and the position will undoubtedly be a need in the draft with Dante Fowler and Clelin Ferrell playing on one-year contracts. The Buckeye could fill that criteria since he had 14 career sacks heading into this weekend and is an impressive run defender.

“Tuimoloau projects well as a traditional hand-in-the-ground defensive end in even fronts,” the Ohio State product’s scouting report says. “He has great size and can be a good run defender with his strength and physicality at the point of attack. Setting the edge is fairly easy for him, and he can get off blocks to make plays against the rushing attack.”

(Previous Week’s Selections: WR Amari Cooper, EDGE Khalil Mack, OT Josh Simmons)