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

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

Three turnovers from Kirk Cousins ended the Atlanta Falcons’ three-game win streak, as the team fell to 4-3 in Week 7. Granted, the defense also didn’t have an answer for DK Metcalf, as the wide receiver finished with four catches for 99 yards and a touchdown.

Atlanta continues to struggle with consistency this season, and it was evident in the way it lost what should have been a very winnable matchup. Instead, depending on the result of Tampa Bay’s contest on Monday night, the Falcons might have surrendered first place in the division.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Center
2. Edge Rusher
3. Linebacker
4. Defensive Tackle
5. Tight End

Add Now: EDGE Melvin Ingram

Last week, trading for Azeez Ojulari was suggested, as the Falcons’ pass rush has been underwhelming this season despite adding Matthew Judon to the mix in August. So, this week’s suggestion will pivot to a different edge-rusher.

Ingram certainly isn’t the three-time Pro Bowler he used to be, but the 35-year-old managed to pick up 1.5 sacks in three regular season games for the Dolphins last year and had six in 17 outings with just three starts in 2022. That’d be a decent acquisition for a team that came into the weekend with the fewest amount of sacks (five) in the NFL.

2025 Free Agency: CB Avonte Maddox, Philadelphia Eagles

With Mike Hughes and Dee Alford potentially hitting the open market this offseason, Atlanta could be looking for an immediate starter at cornerback.

Also, the team is in a Super Bowl window where adding proven veterans via free agency would be a smart plan of attack for Terry Fontenot. However, Fontenot is currently projected to have just $11.6 million of cap space available, per Over The Cap. So, he’ll need to find cost-effective solutions to fill holes on the roster.

Maddox won’t be a high-priced free agent at 29 years old and has been having a solid season so far with an 88.7 passer rating when targeted through Week 6, according to Pro Football Focus. Plus, he has experience covering the boundary and the slot to help replace either Hughes or Alford.

2025 NFL Draft: TE Tyler Warren, Penn State

Kyle Pitts hasn’t lived up to the hype as a former first-round pick and will be in a contract year next season. So, to get ahead of a need, Atlanta might dive into this year’s tight end class, and the Penn State product is an intriguing prospect.

“Warren is a versatile playmaking tight end with traditional height, weight, and athleticism. Warren possesses strong ball skills to attack passes at its highest point,” B/R’s offensive skill positions scout Damian Parson said.

“The former HS quarterback plays with good contact balance to fight for yards after the catch. Warren has room to grow with functional strength and run-blocking technique. If he improves these areas, he will be a three-down impact player at the TE position.”

(Previous Week’s Selections: EDGE Azeez Ojulari, OL Liam Eichenberg, EDGE Abdul Carter)

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

Great teams thrash bad teams when given the opportunity, and the Bills seemed set on proving themselves as a great team on Sunday. They dominated the Titans in every aspect of the game, and the offense looked even better with newly acquired Amari Cooper in the mix. Despite just joining the team earlier this week, he had four catches for 66 yards and a touchdown.

Giving Josh Allen another weapon is going to make the Bills even more dangerous, as they continue to show they are one of the most dangerous teams in the AFC.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Edge-Rusher
2. Right Tackle
3. Safety
4. Cornerback

Add Now: No One

The Bills already made their major addition ahead of the trade deadline when they traded for Amari Cooper. Getting their new receiver acclimated to the offense and integrated into the game plan is going to be important in the coming weeks. They don’t need to add anything else to their plate at the moment.

2025 Free Agency: CB Asante Samuel Jr., Los Angeles Chargers

Rasul Douglas and Christian Benford have been a good duo on the outside for the Bills. However, Douglas is 31 years old and set to become a free agent. He’s entering the age danger zone and the Bills might want to look to get younger at the position.

Targeting Asante Samuel Jr. would be an expensive fix, but it’s a premium position and he’ll be in his prime at 26 years old. Pairing him with Benford would give the Bills a solution for the next few seasons as they continue to chase a championship.

2025 NFL Draft: LB Jay Higgins, Iowa

The Bills’ linebacker depth has been tested this season. Matt Milano’s season-ending injury has left Dorian Williams and Terrel Bernard to man the middle of the defense. Both have been alright in the role, but the Bills might want to bring on a little more depth through the draft to see if they can develop another starter as Milano ages.

“Higgins is a highly productive linebacker who makes a lot of plays with a good motor and by flying around the field. He has good size and instincts versus gap runs while also showing good eye discipline in zone coverage to help take away threats,” Matt Holder noted. “That being said, the Hawkeye’s movement skills might not be up to NFL standards, especially laterally, and he appears to have shorter arms which makes it hard to stack and shed.”

(Previous Week’s Selections: WR Davante Adams (trade), EDGE/LB Jamin Davis, OT Aireontae Ersery)

There isn’t much to say about the Carolina Panthers at this stage. Outside of one win in Las Vegas, Carolina hasn’t shown many signs of life this season, and Sunday’s 40-7 loss was another unfortunate example of how far off the team is.

The Panthers haven’t even been able to keep games to one possession in their six losses, as the organization is headed for another rebuild this offseason.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Quarterback
2. Tight End
3. Edge-Rusher
4. Safety
5. Defensive Tackle

Add Now: Trade QB Bryce Young

Young was recently featured on B/R’s NFL Trade Block Big Board column and ranked as the No. 9 player by B/R’s Kristopher Knox.

“While Carolina hasn’t officially turned the page on Young, a trade feels inevitable—though an offseason deal is most likely, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Still, the offer might allow an interested team to jump the spring market,” Knox wrote.

The club should at least explore what it can get for the quarterback ahead of the trade deadline. Obviously, if the front office doesn’t get an offer that’s worth the while, it can wait until the offseason. But the phone should at least be picked up to gauge interest around the league.

2025 Free Agency: CB Kristian Fulton, Los Angeles Chargers

With Michael Jackson Jr. and Troy Hill scheduled to hit free agency this offseason, the Panthers will be looking for a cornerback in the offseason. Also, Jaycee Horn will be in a contract year in 2025.

However, the organization should be looking to add young talent as the team likely ushers in a new quarterback next season and might take a year or two to be competitive.

Fulton, who will be 27 next September, has had a career resurgence so far this fall. Heading into the weekend, he had allowed just eight completions on 15 targets for a 61.8 passer rating surrendered and an 80.2 coverage grade, per Pro Football Focus.

2025 NFL Draft: WR Tre Harris, Ole Miss

As mentioned last week, the Panthers will likely be looking for a wide receiver this offseason given Diontae Johnson’s expiring contract and Adam Thielen’s age. Meanwhile, the Rebel has been a riser so far this season, recently shooting up to the No. 2 wide receiver on B/R’s big board.

“Harris is a big and physical wide receiver to dominate at the catch point,” offensive skill position scout Damian Parson wrote. “He thrives on in-breaking and crossing route concepts where his frame is an advantage.

“Harris is a detailed and well-paced route runner to defeat man coverage and create separation. Overall, Harris can win from multiple alignments and in multiple ways to make consistent plays for his offense.”

(Previous Week’s Selections: OT Tyree Phillips, TE Juwan Johnson, WR Tetairoa McMillan)

With three wins in a row heading into the bye week, the Chicago Bears are in pretty good shape at 4-2 as we approach the halfway point of the season. More importantly, their offense and Caleb Williams have been clicking lately, while the defense has only given up more than 20 points once in six games.

In other words, the arrow is pointing up for Chicago to make a playoff push in the competitive NFC North.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Center
2. Offensive Tackle depth
3. Right Guard
4. Linebacker
5. Quarterback

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

The Bears don’t need much right now, but adding a veteran corner who has playoff and Super Bowl experience to play on the other side of Jaylon Johnson wouldn’t be a bad idea. Meanwhile, Jones was ranked as the seventh player on B/R’s NFL Trade Block Big Board this week as he’s on a contract year and New England’s season is going nowhere.

“The longtime Patriots contributor may not want to spend the final years of his career with a rebuilding team,” B/R’s Kristopher Knox wrote.

“Moving Jones now could yield valuable capital for New England. While Jones hasn’t been a high-level starter this season—he’s allowed an opposing passer rating of 99.0 in coverage—he’s still a starting-caliber defender at a premium position.”

2025 Free Agency: G Will Fries, Indianapolis Colts

Teven Jenkins’ contract is about to expire and Nate Davis was benched earlier this season, so Chicago will likely be in the guard market this offseason. Also, the front office will want to make sure Williams is well protected.

Fries would be a good pickup in free agency seeing as he had only allowed six pressures in 2024 heading into this weekend, according to Pro Football Focus. Plus, the 26-year-old has earned an 84.9 run-blocking grade and has exclusively lined up at right guard, so he and Jenkins could easily play on the same line if the organization opts to re-sign the latter.

2025 NFL Draft: EDGE Mykel Williams, Georgia

The Bears traded for Darrell Taylor this summer to play on the edge opposite Montez Sweat, but Taylor is an impending free agent. So, Ryan Poles will need to address the position again this spring and the Georgia product is one of the more intriguing prospects in this year’s draft class.

“Williams has plenty of traits to give him a high ceiling in the NFL,” the Bulldog’s scouting report says. “He has impressive size (6’5″, 265 pounds) and strength and moves pretty well. He’s also shown some position versatility in college, having lined up as a 4i-technique defensive end and as a standup outside linebacker.”

(Previous Week’s Selections: C Connor Williams, WR Emeka Egbuak)

We still haven’t really had a week where both the Bengals’ offense and defense have shown up, but Cincinnati moved its record to 3-4, and that’s good news for them after a slow start to the season. The Bengals were held to 2.4 yards per carry, and that was influenced by an 11-yard rush by Ja’Marr Chase. Joe Burrow was limited to 181 yards on 25 pass attempts.

Fortunately, the defense was able to lock down the Cleveland Browns, giving up just 14 points while racking up four sacks and two interceptions. The Bengals still have to figure some things out, but they are trending in the right direction.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Cornerback
2. Interior Defensive Line
3. Edge-Rusher
4. Linebacker
5. Interior Offensive Line

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

If the Bengals are going to come back from a rough start to the season to contend for a playoff spot, they are going to have to be more consistent on defense. The unit has struggled at times this season and lost some games where the offense put up more than enough points to deserve a win.

Part of the problem is a lackluster pass-rush that can’t help a secondary that has struggled with injuries. Bringing in Azeez Ojulari could be the shot in the arm they need. Ojulari has played well for the Giants and had three sacks going into Week 7. However, he’s an impending free agent and they already have plenty of money tied into Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux.

2025 Free Agency: RB Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers

Zack Moss has been one of the bigger disappointments for the Bengals this season. The 27-year-old put up one of his best campaigns in 2023 with a success rate of 49.2 percent and a respectable 4.3 yards per carry. Unfortunately, he just hasn’t been able to duplicate that success in Cincinnati. He’s averaging just 3.6 yards per carry with a 41.3 percent success rate.

Chase Brown continues to prove that he deserves a role in the backfield, but the Bengals need another option to balance out the backfield. Chuba Hubbard could be a good candidate. He’s one of the few bright spots on a bad Panthers team. He’s averaging 5.6 yards per carry and has a success rate of 64 percent.

2025 NFL Draft: WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona

The Bengals offense is far from its biggest problem, but they do have a receiver depth problem. Tee Higgins has been a disappointment this season and probably won’t stick around in free agency. That’s going to leave the Bengals with a pretty big need for a sidekick to Ja’Marr Chase.

Jermaine Burton hasn’t come close to proving himself to be that guy as a rookie. If the Bengals find themselves with a top-10 pick, it might be worth looking at Tetairoa McMillan. He would give them another big-bodied downfield threat for Burrow to work with and form another dynamic duo with Chase.

(Previous Week’s Selections: CB Jonathan Jones (trade), EDGE Chase Young, DT Mason Graham)

The Good: The Browns defense had flashes of looking like the 2023 version that dominated the league. The Bengals had just 2.4 yards per carry and just 48 yards on 24 carries by players not named Ja’Marr Chase. They also sacked Joe Burrow three times with an additional seven quarterback hits.

The Bad: The Browns still lost. Deshaun Watson was finally putting together an efficient performance but went down with a non-contact leg injury that the Browns reportedly fear is a torn Achilles.

The Ugly: Dorian Thompson-Robinson was named the backup over Jameis Winston this week and posted a statline of 11-of-24 for 82 yards with two interceptions before an injury forced him out of the game.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Quarterback
2. Wide Receiver
3. Left Tackle
4. Linebacker
5. Interior Defender

Add Now: Trade for OT Walker Little, Jacksonville Jaguars

This was the pick a few weeks ago for the Browns, but we are going to revisit the idea. The Browns’ offensive line took another blow this week with Nick Harris being placed on injured reserve a week after James Hudson III was also placed on the list. The Browns offense is ugly, and it isn’t all Watson’s fault. The offensive line has been devastated by injuries and is one of the worst pass-blocking units in the league.

Walker Little was sixth on the most recent edition of the NFL trade block big board from B/R’s Kristopher Knox. He was a capable starter in the past, but the Jaguars also have Cam Robinson and Anton Harrison so they may be willing to trade the 2025 free agent.

2025 Free Agency: IOL Connor WIlliams, Seattle Seahawks

Ethan Pocic came into Week 7 ranked 36th out of the 37 qualifying centers that PFF has graded this season. The Browns had to trade for Nick Harris when he went down with an injury, but Harris is now on the injured reserve himself. If Pocic doesn’t turn things around this season, then the Browns might just be in the market for a new center.

Connor Williams has played well for a player coming off an ACL tear and should be better next season with more time to recover. He’ll be 28 when he hits the open market next season and could be the top center on the market if Ryan Kelly re-signs with the Colts.

2025 NFL Draft: OL Will Campbell, LSU

Watson has been terrible for the offense. There’s no way around that, but it certainly hasn’t helped that the offensive line has been among the worst in the league. Going into Week 7, the Browns were 14th in pass-block win rate and 30th in run-block win rate, per ESPN Analytics.

Injuries have played a role, but Jedrick Wills Jr. is still a player that might need to be replaced anyway. He’s a free agent at the end of the season. Will Campbell might be best suited for a move to the inside, but he’s one of the best offensive linemen in the draft class. That’s likely to cause some team to try him out as a tackle first. If that’s the case, the Browns would have to consider him with a top-10 pick.

(Previous Week’s Selections: Edge Myjai Sanders, LB Nick Bolton, QB Cam Ward)

After getting demolished by the Lions and suffering several injuries recently, the Dallas Cowboys desperately needed a bye week.

The team sits at 3-3 and still has a shot at earning a playoff berth, but Dallas’ schedule has a gauntlet coming up with matchups against San Francisco, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Houston and Washington after the week off.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Left Tackle
2. Defensive End
3. Nose Tackle
4. Cornerback
5. Safety

Add Now: Trade for LT Cam Robinson, Jacksonville Jaguars

As mentioned last week, rookie left tackle Tyler Guyton has struggled and battled injuries to begin this season. If the Cowboys are going to be legitimate playoff contenders, they need to find an upgrade at left tackle. Robinson could be available via trade given how Jacksonville’s season has gone so far and the fact he’s an impending free agent.

So, the team could add the 29-year-old as a rental for the rest of the year and have him mentor Guyton, who would get more time to develop to take over the role in 2025 and beyond. Plus, the Jaguar would improve the offense’s pass protection.

“Robinson has been a solid left tackle for much of the past four years, particularly shining in pass blocking,” Pro Football Focus’ Bradley Locker wrote. “[He] has ended each of the past three seasons with a pass-blocking efficiency above 97.0, although he’s already given up 13 pressures in 2024—tying how many he allowed all of last year.’

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

Mazi Smith has been a disappointment so far in his career, and Linval Joseph hasn’t been much better this year, which is why nose tackle is a current weakness for Dallas. So, the front office might want to consider upgrading the position in the offseason, especially since the 36-year-old is only on a one-deal.

Brown doesn’t offer much as a pass-rusher, but the massive 6’4″ and 324-pound interior defender can plug up gaps against the run. With Micah Parsons on the edge, that’s all the defense needs in the trenches.

2025 NFL Draft: WR Evan Stewart, Oregon

Brandin Cooks’ contract is about to expire, and Jalen Tolbert is only signed through 2025, so the Cowboys could be looking for a wide receiver in this year’s draft. Meanwhile, the Oregon product recently had a big performance on a national stage, going for 149 yards and a touchdown against Ohio State which should catch Jerry Jones’ eye.

“Stewart is a quick-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 good vertical speed to stress defenses down the field and after the catch.

“Route running is a strength of his game to win against both man and zone coverages. Stewart’s frame and skillset resemble Minnesota Vikings WR2 Jordan Addison.”

(Previous Week’s Selections: LT Charles Leno Jr., S Jordan Fuller, IOL Donovan Jackson)

The Denver Broncos picked up a big win in the Sean Payton Bowl on Thursday night. Their head coach exacted revenge against his former team with a 33-10 win. It’s an incredibly encouraging sign for the team’s chances at sneaking into the playoffs this season. The offense was at its best, and Javonte Williams looked like he might finally be recapturing his old form with two touchdowns and 88 yards on 14 carries.

The Broncos are now 4-3 with a 3-1 record on the road, and they might just be a plucky contender for a wild-card berth.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Edge-Rusher
2. Center
3. Running Back
4. Wide Receiver
5. Tight End

Add Now: Trade for TE Evan Engram, Jacksonville Jaguars

The Broncos offense was really humming against the Saints, but a lot of that was still driven by Bo Nix’s rushing ability. He had 75 rushing yards, and the Broncos’ leading receiver was Troy Franklin with five catches for 50 yards.

The Broncos are getting next to nothing out of Adam Trautman as a receiver, and Lucas Krull was only relevant this week. Getting a bona fide pass-catching tight end could help Nix reach his next level as a passer. Given how rocky the Jaguars’ start to the season has been, they may be willing to part with Evan Engram. There would be some financial hurdles, but the Broncos’ success could be enough to convince them to push some chips to the middle of the table.

2025 Free Agency: EDGE Jonathon Cooper, Denver Broncos

Jonathan Cooper came into this season with something to prove as a former seventh-round pick in a contract year. The Broncos didn’t extend him after he racked up 72 tackles, 8.5 sacks and 53 total pressures. But he’s doing enough every week to show he deserves another contract.

Going into the game against the Saints he already had 18 total pressures and has continued to show that he should be part of Denver’s defense moving forward.

2025 NFL Draft: EDGE LT Overton, Alabama

The Broncos have become an intriguing young team in the second year of Sean Payton’s run with the team. They have a rookie quarterback who has the offense on a good trajectory and Patrick Surtain II is a great foundational piece in the secondary.

The edge-rusher position could be a challenge moving forward. Both Baron Browning and Jonathan Cooper are impending free agents, and Nik Bonitto isn’t built like an every-down defender. That could cause the Broncos to look at some more sturdy defensive end types in the draft.

At 6’5″, 283 pounds, he has a really intriguing frame. He could either shed some weight and continue playing on the edge or kick inside to a Calais Campbell-type role. Either way, he would be a great addition to the Broncos young defense.

(Previous Week’s Selections: LB Devin White, DT Alim McNeill, TE Harold Fannin Jr.)