Chaos erupted across the NFL at the end of the early Week 8 slate of games. The heavily-favored Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets both fell to division rivals on the road, while the Arizona Cardinals and Philadelphia Eagles pulled off road upsets.
The No. 1 and No. 2 overall picks from the 2024 faced off for the first time, and Rookie of the Year frontrunner Jayden Daniels completed a hail mary to down Caleb Williams’ comeback attempt.
And through it all, the Kansas City Chiefs remain the league’s only undefeated team almost halfway through the year.
Every week of the season, we’ll assess the state of each roster with a particular focus on its weaknesses. By the end of the campaign, we’ll have built a big board for every team based on its biggest needs and wants. Everything from immediate holes to fill to the offseason player carousel of free agency and the 2025 NFL draft is taken into account.
The weaknesses here are not just knee-jerk reactions to the weekend’s games, but more an overarching assessment with both present and future roster-building in mind.
All AFC teams are scouted by Alex Ballentine, and all NFC teams are scouted by Matt Holder.
Further analysis of every NFL roster will publish each Monday throughout the regular season.
Arizona Cardinals
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Chad Ryland’s walk-off field goal gave the Arizona Cardinals back-to-back wins for the first time since 2021.
Kyler Murray’s 307 passing yards and two touchdowns along with Trey McBride racking up nine catches for 124 yards and Marvin Harrison going for 111 yards and a touchdown helped set up the game-winning kick, pulling the Cardinals into a tie for first place in the NFC West.
Biggest Weaknesses:
- Defensive Tackle
- Edge-Rusher
- Cornerback
- Guard
- Right Tackle
Add Now: DT Trysten Hill
Especially with Bilal Nichols landing on injured reserve recently, the Cardinals could use some extra talent at defensive tackle. While Hill’s career has been a disappointment so far, the former second-round pick is only 26 years old and could be a part of the team’s long-term plans. It’s worth bringing him in and seeing what he’s got for the rest of the year.
2025 Free Agency: EDGE Chase Young, New Orleans Saints
Arizona could use some help at edge-rusher this offseason as Dennis Gardeck, Julian Okwara and Victor Dimukeje are all impending free agents. Also, the front office is currently projected to have just under $120 million of cap space to work with, per Over The Cap.
While Young hasn’t quite lived up to the hype as a former No. 2 overall pick, he had a good year in 2023 with 7.5 sacks. He only has 1.5 sacks so far this season, but he has managed to rack up 27 pressures on 223 pass-rush snaps, per Pro Football Focus, through Week 7. Also, the Ohio State product is still young as he doesn’t turn 26 until April.
2025 NFL Draft: OT Ajani Cornelius, Oregon
Jonah Williams hasn’t played since Week 1, and the Cardinals can get out of his contract to save about $10.4 million with a post-June 1 cut, per OTC. Also, Kelvin Beachum is an impending free agent, so the organization might want to draft a right tackle this spring and the Oregon product could be a good mid-round option.
“Cornelius has shown improvement this year as a pass protector with guarding against high-side, speed rushes to the corner by utilizing a circle punch technique that essentially is a looping motion with his outside hand around the outer half of the rusher.
“While Cornelius has worked this into his game with some effectiveness, his lack of foot quickness and range still is a hindrance while he is liable to fall off of blocks in the run game due to streaky body control and upright playing style that leads to overextending. But he brings good grip strength and excellent physicality to generate some flashy knockdowns.
“If he can continue to figure out ways to shore up his footwork and leverage he will continue to elevate his draft stock.”
Atlanta Falcons
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The Atlanta Falcons don’t like making it easy, but the 31-26 win in Tampa Bay gives Atlanta the early lead in the NFC South. Even more importantly, they own the tiebreaker over their biggest competition to the division crown with a 2-0 record over Buccaneers.
Kyle Pitts had an especially impressive outing on Sunday, hauling in four catches for 91 yards and two touchdowns.
Biggest Weaknesses:
- Center
- Edge Rusher
- Defensive Tackle
- Tight End
- Linebacker
Add Now: Trade for EDGE Za’Darius Smith, Cleveland Browns
As mentioned last week, the Falcons could use some more help at edge-rusher even after trading for Matthew Judon this summer. Meanwhile, Smith was listed on NFL Trade Block Big Board this week and named as a good fit for the Dirty Birds.
“Teams need pass-rushers, so Smith makes our top 10. “However, he ranks relatively low because trading him now would actually raise Smith’s 2025 cap hit in Cleveland. That’s a problem for the Browns, who are projected to be $41 million over the cap.
“…The Detroit Lions, who lost pass-rusher Aidan Hutchinson to a season-ending leg fracture, should be interested if Smith can be had. The Atlanta Falcons, who have generated a mere six sacks through seven games, should also be interested.”
2025 Free Agency: EDGE Jonathon Cooper, Denver Broncos
Building on that, Judon and Lorenzo Carter are impending free agents and Smith is only signed through 2025, so Atlanta would still need some help on the edge even if it executes the trade above.
Cooper may not be the most recognizable name on the open market this spring, but he’s been a very productive pass-rusher over the last two seasons. According to Pro Football Focus, he generated 55 pressures on 421 pass-rush snaps in 2023 and is on pace to surpass that figure in 2024 with 29 on 194, heading into the weekend.
2025 NFL Draft: OT Aireontae Ersery, Minnesota
Kaleb McGary is only signed through 2025, so Terry Fontenot might want to consider drafting McGary’s replacement this spring. While the Minnesota product would have to switch to the right side after primarily lining up at left tackle in college, he’d have a year to develop and has plenty of upside to turn into a quality pro.
“Overall, Ersery is a long, tactful blocker with good play strength, competitive toughness, and enough athletic ability to stick at tackle in the NFL,” “However, his upright playing style and average athletic ability likely cap his ceiling as a middle-of-the-pack starter.”
Baltimore Ravens
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The AFC North rarely allows for an easy trip to the playoffs or the No. 1 seed. The Baltimore Ravens were reminded of that on Sunday in a 29-24 loss to a now-2-6 Browns team. The Ravens sorely missed Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins. The Browns offense, which has struggled all season, was able to tear the secondary apart without its top two cornerbacks.
That was crucial when the Browns were allowed to drive 69 yards with just over two minutes left in the game and score the game-winning touchdown with 59 seconds left.
Biggest Weaknesses:
- Interior Offensive Line
- Wide Receiver
- Offensive Tackle
- Edge-Rusher
- Cornerback
Add Now: Trade for WR Demarcus Robinson, Los Angeles Rams
The Ravens find themselves in the thick of the AFC Championship race. Lamar Jackson is putting up another MVP caliber season thus far and the Ravens are just steamrolling teams with Derrick Henry and Jackson running the ball.
The Ravens’ typical lack of receiving options has cropped up from time to time. Isaiah Likely and Mark Andrews help quite a bit, but Baltimore would still benefit from adding to their receiving corps. Demarcus Robinson has continued to show a penchant for making big plays in big games with the Rams. However, with Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp returning to the lineup from injuries the Rams might be willing to part with him.
2025 Free Agency: OT Cam Robinson, Jacksonville Jaguars
Ronnie Stanley isn’t going to play forever and Roger Rosengarten still needs to develop into the starting role he holds as a rookie. With those two realities in mind, the Ravens might want to look into adding a tackle in free agency. Cam Robinson is a solid starter who might need a change of scenery.
Robinson isn’t the best pure pass-blocker, but that matters less in the Ravens offense. They use fewer true pass sets than most teams thanks to their run-heavy, play-action offense. It’s a system that Robinson would thrive in.
2025 NFL Draft: CB Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky
Cornerback isn’t an immediate need for the Ravens, but it’s still a position that could be on the table by the time the draft rolls around. Marlon Humphrey’s knee injury is a reminder that he’s 28 years old at a position that doesn’t always age well.
Nate Wiggins is going to be part of the solution for a long time if he can stay healthy. However, the Ravens could still look into adding a corner like Maxwell Hairston in the spring. As a rookie he would be a depth addition for weeks like Week 7 when injuries can take a toll on the secondary. Eventually, he would become the starter opposite Wiggins and form a new young, dynamic pairing in Baltimore.
Buffalo Bills
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The rest of the AFC East is floating somewhere between middling and absolutely lost. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills continue to show that they are a legitimate threat to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC. This time, it was with a dominant 31-10 win over the Seattle Seahawks.
The Bills didn’t give up a touchdown until the fourth quarter and James Cook went for 111 yards on 17 carries. This isn’t just a team that relies on Josh Allen to be perfect. They can win in a variety of ways and that’s a way to be scary in January and February.
Biggest Weaknesses:
- Edge-Rusher
- Cornerback
- Linebacker
- Interior Defensive Line
- Safety
Add Now: Trade forEDGE/LB Jamin Davis, Washington Commanders
Jamin Davis was a 2025 free-agent suggestion a few weeks ago, but injuries at the linebacker position continue to play a factor for the Bills. Both Dorian Williams and Terrel Bernard got banged up against the Titans a week ago and they are already behind on depth with Matt Milano out.
Davis has not lived up to his billing as a former first-round pick and the Commanders have experimented with him playing some snaps as an edge-rusher. He could bring a different element to the Bills linebacker room and help out as a pass-rusher too.
2025 Free Agency: IOL Liam Eichenberg, Miami Dolphins
It’s not clear that Liam Eichenberg would be starting for the Buffalo Bills’ current offensive line. It’s also not clear that he’ll be starting for the Dolphins next season. The former Notre Dame blocker has been lined up all over the place in Miami over the last few seasons. He hasn’t excelled at any of them, but he’s shown enough to be a utility backup who could have a long NFL career.
The Bills could use some interior depth and Eichenberg’s ability to line up at all three spots would make him a good fit.
2025 NFL Draft: EDGE LT Overton, Alabama
Buffalo has a good pass rush right now, but it’s unclear how much longer they’ll be able to rely on Von Miller to help in that department. A.J. Epenesa and Gregory Rousseau are locked in beyond 2025, but Dawuane Smoot and Casey Toohill are still under contract.
Rather than bring those two veterans back, the Bills would be better off turning to the draft to re-stock the front. LT Overton is a prospect who has done a lot to help his prospect this season.
“At 6’5” and 283 pounds, Overton is a big dude who is pretty good versus the run. He has pop in his hands and takes on blocks with good leverage and has good block recognition against the run, too. “As a pass-rusher, Overton has solid lateral movement skills and a decent rip move, but his use of hand and bend are sub-par right now.”
Carolina Panthers
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At this point, the Carolina Panthers should be more focused on the future than what the scoreboard says at the end of the end of games this season.
So, seeing rookie Xavier Legette score his third touchdown of the season is one silver lining to take away from Sunday. Also, fellow rookie wideout Jalen Coker managed to lead the team with four catches for 78 yards and a touchdown to provide some more optimism.
Biggest Weaknesses:
- Quarterback
- Edge-Rusher
- Tight End
- Wide Receiver
- Defensive Tackle
Add Now: Trade WR Diontae Johnson
While the Panthers acquired Johnson via trade this offseason, the club has underperformed in the fall and should look to recoup draft capital by dealing the wideout since he’s in a contract year. Also, Johnson was recently listed as the No. 2 overall player on NFL Trade Block Big Board as he could fetch a decent return.
“The Panthers should be interested in moving the impending free agent, especially given the evolving receiver market. “According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, ‘many around the league’ are “keeping an eye” on Johnson.
“With [Davante] Adams, [Amari] Cooper and [DeAndre] Hopkins off the table, Johnson’s value should be extremely high. The 28-year-old has caught 30 passes for 357 yards and three touchdowns this season despite playing for one of the league’s most inconsistent offenses.”
2025 Free Agency: CB Paulson Adebo, New Orleans Saints
Michael Jackson’s contract is about to expire, and he’s underperformed this season. Additionally, Jaycee Horn’s deal expires after the 2025 campaign and Horn has struggled to stay on the field in the past. In other words, Carolina could be in the market for a cornerback this offseason.
The front office should know Adebo well seeing as he’s been in the division for the last four years. The 25-year-old enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2023, yielding just a 69.9 passer rating when targeted and earning an 80.5 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus.
A broken femur ended his season early, but he was having a decent showing with a 67.0 rating when thrown at.
2025 NFL Draft: C Parker Brailsford, Alabama
Austin Corbett was the team’s starting center to begin the campaign until a torn bicep ended his season. Corbett is about to be a 29-year-old free agent this offseason, so Dan Morgan might be looking for someone to play in the middle of the offensive line and the Alabama product is an intriguing option to fill the void.
“Brailsford is an undersized, twitchy center with an aggressive, physical playing style. “With improved footwork as the year has gone on he has been able to increasingly beat defenders to the spot in the run and pass game, covering up targets and establishing first meaningful contact more often than not.
“This has helped mask some of his play strength concerns, but they remain an issue periodically through games, specifically in his struggles to anchor down against powerful nose tackles.
“While Brailsford’s lean, angular frame and lack of sand is still a long-term concern, his athletic ability and competitive toughness are good enough to keep him in the conversation to be drafted somewhere in the first few rounds.”
Chicago Bears
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D’Andre Swift’s 18 carries for 129 yards and a touchdown along with a late surge by Caleb Williams wasn’t enough offense for the Chicago Bears as the team managed to score just 15 points. Still, Chicago had a chance to win the matchup between this year’s No. 1 and 2 overall picks, only to have the city’s heart get ripped out by a Hail Mary from Jayden Daniels.
The Bears remain in the playoff hunt at 4-3 but sit in last place in the NFC North, and they have to figure out how to win on the road as the team is 0-3 away from Solider Field.
Biggest Weaknesses:
- Center
- Offensive Tackle depth
- Right Guard
- Linebacker
- 2nd Cornerback
Add Now: Trade for OL Daniel Brunskill, Tennessee Titans
The Bears’ offensive line could use some help as their top three biggest weaknesses are in the trenches. Meanwhile, Brunksil was listed as an honorable mention in this week’s NFL Trade Block Big Board column.
While the veteran lineman has been a backup this season in Tennessee, he’d be a good fit in Chicago since he has experience playing all five offensive line positions. So, the 30-year-old would provide the team with more offensive tackle depth and another option at guard or center.
2025 Free Agency: CB Kristian Fulton, Los Angeles Chargers
While Tyrique Stevenson has been a solid player so far, Ryan Poles will have nearly $73 million of cap space to play with this offseason, per Over The Cap. So, Poles should consider opening up the checkbook to find an upgrade at the second cornerback spot opposite Jaylon Johnson.
Fulton has been one of the most improved players in the NFL this season. Heading into this weekend, he had only allowed eight completions on 15 targets and a passer rating of 62.1 to earn an 80.3 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus.
2025 NFL Draft: OL Jonah Savaiinaea, Arizona
Nate Davis was benched earlier this fall and the Bears would save $9.5 million by cutting him in the offseason, per OTC. Also, Teven Jenkins is an impending free agent, so the club will be looking for some offensive line help in the draft, putting the Wildcat on its radar.
“Savaiinaea is a solid overall run blocker using his wide-bodied frame, sound footwork and good spatial awareness to hit his aiming points with jolt on zone combinations, overtakes and backside cut-offs with enough burst to line up targets as a puller in Arizona’s pin-pull series,” offensive line scout Brandon Thorn said via lineman’s scouting report.
“…Overall, Savaiinaea is best suited inside at guard in the NFL, where his starter-level size, square power, and initial quicks can earn him a backup role with starter potential within his rookie contract.”
Cincinnati Bengals
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The Bengals slow start to the season left them with little margin for error to become contenders in 2024. That margin for error got even smaller after taking a 37-17 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. The defense’s issues against the run reared their head again as Jalen Hurts had three rushing touchdowns and Saquon Barkley had 108 yards on 22 carries.
On offense, the run game offered no help and the passing game just wasn’t explosive enough to carry the day. They were limited to 2.9 yards per carry and mustered just two touchdowns.
Biggest Weaknesses:
- Cornerback
- Interior Defensive Line
- Edge-Rusher
- Linebacker
- Interior Offensive Line
Add Now: Trade for EDGE Chase Young, New Orleans Saints
Chase Young has been suggested as a 2025 free agent target here before, but it might be worth it for the Bengals to pay up a draft pick and acquire him now.
For one, the Bengals are trying to claw their way back into the mix after a slow start. Adding a talent like Young to the defense front can provide the injection of talent they need to turn the tide, get after the quarterback and bolster a run defense that really needs the help. The other advantage would be getting a half-season look at Young before determining what to do with him in 2025.
2025 Free Agency: CB Nate Hobbs, Las Vegas Raiders
The Bengals secondary is making some progress, but there’s still some work to do. That work could get even more difficult as Mike Hilton ages into his 30s. He’ll be 31 when next season starts and he has mostly held down the nickel role for the Bengals.
Nate Hobbs has been good at playing on the inside and outside for the Raiders. Cincinnati could use a younger player who is still experienced and has inside-out versatility. That’s Hobbs if he makes it to the open market.
2025 NFL Draft: EDGE Abdul Carter, Penn State
The Bengals have been rolling out Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard as their top pass rushers for a while now and they haven’t really developed anyone who is ready to take over. Myles Murphy hasn’t been able to stay healthy enough and players like Joseph Ossai don’t seem ready for bigger roles.
The Bengals could give their defense a serious boost by taking Abdul Carter in the spring. The converted linebacker has been a disruptive force at Penn State and has a high ceiling as he continues to learn the nuances of the position.
Cleveland Browns
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The Cleveland Browns made some major changes coming into Week 8. Ken Dorsey took over play-calling duties from Kevin Stefanski and Jameis Winston was named the starting quarterback after Deshaun Watson’s season-ending Achilles injury. Both changes yielded positive immediate results for the Browns.
They looked like a different team in a 29-24 win over the Baltimore Ravens. Winston went 27-of-41 for 334 yards and three touchdowns. The win moves them to 2-6 which is a difficult hole to dig out of, but it’s a huge sign of hope for the future that the Browns were able to get a win over a good division opponent.
Biggest Weaknesses:
- Quarterback
- Wide Receiver
- Left Tackle
- Linebacker
- Interior Defender
Add Now: Draft Picks
The Cleveland Browns already started the selling process when they traded away Amari Cooper. With Deshaun Watson suffering a season-ending injury, it might be time to lean into the rebuild. The Browns are on the hook for Watson’s massive contract whether he plays or not next season.
Given the cap gymnastics involved in dealing with his contract, there are a few veterans they might want to trade to stockpile picks and rebuild this roster on the cheap. Jack Conklin, Greg Newsome II and Za’Darius Smith were all featured on our trade block big board this week.
2025 Free Agency: EDGE Brandon Browning, Denver Broncos
One of the biggest advantages the Browns have as an organization right now is defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. His impact on the defense was tangible last season and he’s still doing the best he can with the Browns personnel issues right now.
Schwartz needs pass-rushers who can get home. Myles Garrett is obviously a generational talent, but Za’Darius Smith’s production has taken a sharp decline and the Browns just don’t have the same depth they did last season. Targeting at least one edge rusher who can change that would be a wise move. Brandon Browning would be an interesting project. He’s a converted off-ball linebacker with some moldable traits.
2025 NFL Draft: QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
It’s still going to hurt financially, but Deshaun Watson’s Achilles injury has opened the door for the Browns to move on at quarterback. The injury doesn’t keep the Browns from having to pay the massive amounts that remain on his contract, but they do give reason to draft a quarterback this April and look for ways to get Watson off the roster.
That means the Browns should be looking at all options at quarterback, including Shedeur Sanders.
“Overall, Sanders’ natural and pure passing abilities are the strength of his game. He is capable of winning from clean pockets and out of structure. Sanders will pick defenses apart with his quick release and accuracy, especially if he’s kept clean. He is a high-floor prospect with a good enough ceiling to buy into. With his experience and the challenges he has faced, he is worth betting on.”
Dallas Cowboys
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There’s still over half a season left to play, but the Dallas Cowboys’ playoff hopes are quickly fading.
Sunday night’s loss drops Dallas’ record below .500 at 3-4 and two and a half games behind Washington for the division lead. Also, the Cowboys are two games back from the Eagles for the NFC’s final Wild Card spot and have four matchups in a row against teams with winning records.
Biggest Weaknesses:
- Left Tackle
- Defensive End
- Nose Tackle
- Cornerback
- Safety
Add Now: Trade for S Xavier Woods, Carolina Panthers
The Cowboys could use some safety help as Donovan Wilson and Malik Hooker haven’t been playing well this season. Meanwhile, the Panthers are trending toward another rebuild and should be sellers at the trade deadline, so getting some draft picks for a 29-year-old who is in a contract year would be a smart move.
Woods began his career in Dallas and played for Mike Zimmer in 2021, so he has strong connections to the club. Plus, he’s been a solid player this season and could help solve one of the defense’s weaknesses.
2025 Free Agency: CB Nate Hobbs, Las Vegas Raiders
Jourdan Lewis is playing well in 2024 and has proven to be a valuable nickel corner over the years. However, he’s entering the final year of his contract and turns 30 in August, so the front office might opt to let him walk and sign someone younger.
Hobbs doesn’t turn 26 until June and has proven to be a valuable slot defender for the Raiders. He’s physical and not afraid to stick his nose in the running game, and he converges on receivers quickly to limit yards after the catch and rack up stops against the passing game.
2025 NFL Draft: DL Derrick Harmon, Oregon
The Cowboys have struggled to stop the run over the last two seasons and their defensive tackles are part of the problem. Also, the team has several impending free agents at the position, including Osa Odighizuwa, Linval Joseph and Jordan Phillips. So, the Duck should be on Jerry Jones’ radar, especially after one of his recent performances.
“In a huge matchup against Ohio State that every NFL team was watching, Oregon needed a defensive lineman to step up with Jordan Burch out,
“Harmon rose to the occasion. He made several notable plays against the run, including a forced fumble and recovery, and he was able to get pressure as a pass-rusher against elite competition.
“The 6’5″, 310-pound defensive tackle certainly boosted his draft stock on Saturday as he projects to be a quality run defender with pass-rushing upside in the NFL.”
Denver Broncos
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The Denver Broncos continue to make a case that they are a good team. No one is going to make too much of a win over the Carolina Panthers in a vacuum, but the Broncos’ 28-14 win was their fifth victory in their last six games. Bo Nix built a lot of confidence, he stockpiled four total touchdowns and 284 passing yards.
The next two weeks should tell us just how real the Broncos are with back-to-back road trips to Baltimore and Kansas City.
Biggest Weaknesses:
- Edge-Rusher
- Center
- Running Back
- Wide Receiver
- Tight End
Add Now: C Mason Cole
The Broncos came into the season with a question mark at center. Lloyd Cushenberry left in free agency and Denver didn’t do much to replace him. Luke Wattenberg got a chance but had plenty of struggles and is now on injured reserve with an ankle issue. Alex Forsyth has taken over and been alright, but the Broncos might want to look to the free-agent market to find someone else.
Mason Cole isn’t the best option, but he did start every game at center for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022 and 2023. Bringing him on to see what kind of shape he’s in and whether he might be an upgrade is worthwhile.
2025 Free Agency: S Jevon Holland, Miami Dolphins
Whether it’s PJ Locke or Devon Key, the Broncos could probably look for an upgrade at the safety position opposite Brandon Jones. The latter carried the sixth-highest grade among safeties by PFF going into the week.
The pairing of Jones and Jevon Holland wasn’t bad when they were playing together with the Dolphins. The two have complementary skillsets and should already have established communication. That could help the Broncos as they continue to build their secondary around Patrick Surtain II.
2025 NFL Draft: RB Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State
Javonte Williams has looked better in recent weeks, but it’s the unfortunate reality that a running back with his injury history is going to have a hard time getting a second contract. The Broncos are likely better off looking to the draft to find another back they can run their offense with. Considering Bo Nix’s style, it’s going to be important to have a back who can catch passes out of the backfield and force defenses to respect the run.
Quinshon Judkins drew comparisons to Joe Mixon and Kareem hunt in his scouting report by Dame Parson. If he lives up to either of those he would be a real weapon in this blossoming Broncos offense.