NFL Team Needs: Prioritizing Every Roster’s Biggest Weaknesses Before Week 9

We’ve reached the halfway point of the season, and the Detroit Lions are firmly in the discussion as the best team in the NFL.

Sunday’s 52-14 dominant win over Tennessee makes it five in a row for Detroit, and the team has scored at least 30 points in each of their last four games and has 40 in three out of the last four outings. Also, three out of its six wins are by at least two possessions.

Biggest Weaknesses:

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

Add Now: Trade for EDGE Chase Young, New Orleans Saints

It might be belaboring the point, but until the Lions add a suitable replacement for Aidan Hutchinson, adding an edge-rusher is going to be suggested. Meanwhile, Chase Young was recently paired with the club and came in at No. 7 on latest NFL Trade Block Big Board column.

“Trading pass-rusher Chase Young, who is on a one-year, $13 million deal, would provide no 2025 cap relief [for the Saints]. However, it would net the Saints some valuable draft capital. “Young has tallied 1.5 sacks and 13 quarterback pressures in seven games this season.

“The Lions are a logical landing spot for any available edge-rushers, and they should be interested if Young is available.”

2025 Free Agency: WR Amari Cooper, Buffalo Bills

While it’s only a couple of games this time, Jameson Williams is suspended again and has proven that he can’t be relied on to stay on the field. So, despite Williams having a breakout campaign, Detroit should explore the wide receiver market with its projected $70 million of cap space according to Over The Cap.

Cooper has been very consistent throughout his career with over 70 catches, 1,000 yards and at least five touchdowns in seven out of his nine full seasons. Also, he isn’t an off-the-field concern and has missed at most two contests every year of his career.

The 31-year-old on the outside with Amon-Ra St. Brown in the slot would be a dangerous wide receiver combination in the Motor City.

2025 NFL Draft: EDGE Ashton Gillotte, Louisville

Even if Brad Holmes strikes a deal for Young, the Lions will be looking for another edge defender in the spring. Young is only on a one-year deal and Marcus Davenport will be an impending free agent as well. That should put the Louisville product on Holmes’ radar as a mid-round pick.

Gillotte (6’3 and 275 pounds) has good size and can with power as a pass-rusher. While he may lack some quickness and twitch, he has plenty of strength at the point of attack to be a good complement on the other side of Hutchinson for several years to come.

The Green Bay Packers picking up Josh Jacobs in free agency is starting to look like one of the more underrated additions from last offseason. Jacobs’ 127 rushing yards (5.1 ypc) on Sunday pushes him up to 667 yards on the year, and his two rushing touchdowns in Jacksonville were pivotal in Green Bay’s 30-27 win.

Biggest Weaknesses:

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

Add Now: Trade for DT Sebastian Joseph-Day, Tennessee Titans

The Packers’ defensive tackles haven’t been particularly good this year. While Joseph-Day isn’t necessarily a difference-maker, he could give the defense another reliable interior defender to turn to. Also, the six-year veteran was ranked ninth on  latest NFL Trade Block Big Board this week.

“Defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day could bring valuable draft capital back to Tennessee. The 29-year-old is proving to be a terrific value on his one-year, $4 million contract. Joseph-Day has appeared in all six games for the Titans, with four starts.

“Despite playing just 43 percent of the defensive snaps, Joseph-Day has recorded 15 tackles, two sacks and three tackles for loss.”

2025 Free Agency: OT Storm Norton, Atlanta Falcons

There were talks of moving Zach Tom to center this past offseason and while that didn’t come to fruition, it might next year when Josh Myers hits free agency. If Tom switches positions, that would change Green Bay’s top need in the trenches from center to right tackle and the Falcon is a decent replacement option.

While Norton has been a backup in Atlanta, he has a good track record as a run blocker. The 30-year-old has earned a 69.0 run-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus heading into Week 8 this season, and he should be a relatively cost-effective solution.

2025 NFL Draft: CB Jahdae Barron, Texas

With Eric Stokes struggling in a contract year, the Packers’ other major need in the spring will be at cornerback. So, the Texas product should be on Brian Gutekunst’s radar seeing as he currently has a second-round grade on NFL Draft Big Board.

“His ability to play multiple positions, combined with his intelligence, physicality, and ball skills, make him an attractive option for teams seeking flexibility in their defensive schemes,” defensive backs scout Cory Giddings said via Barron’s scouting report.

“Though he will need to improve his confidence in breaking on the ball and mitigate his speed limitations, Barron’s versatility and toughness give him a chance to become a key contributor.”

The good news is that the Houston Texans completed a regular-season sweep of the Indianapolis Colts with a 23-20 win. The bad news is that it came with a cost. Stefon Diggs went down with a non-contact knee injury. That could spell trouble for the Texans as they have already lost Nico Collins for an extended period of time.

Fortunately, the defense was playing well and the offense was still able to do just enough to win. The Texans are still squarely in the playoff hunt in the AFC, but the injuries are starting to mount.

Biggest Weaknesses:

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

Add Now: LB Monty Rice

The Texans continue to look like an AFC contender, but injuries are starting to mount on the defensive side of the ball. Azeez Al-Shaair and Henry To’oTo’o are both dealing with injuries and could use another linebacker that might be able to spell them to get healthy.

The Atlanta Falcons just released Monty Rice after signing Rashaan Evans. That means Rice is in shape and has been practicing. He was a part-time starter for the Tennessee Titans in three seasons there and could be passable in coverage.

2025 Free Agency: EDGE Khalil Mack, Los Angeles Chargers

The Texans could be a popular hotspot for veterans who want to make one last run at a ring next offseason. Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. are a great pass-rushing duo, but the Texans could still add a third option to give them depth and flexibility with the defensive front. That’s where Khalil Mack could come in.

Mack is 33 years old and still playing the majority of the snaps for the Chargers. It might be best for him to take a part-time role and still be able to put up real pass-rush production for a team who should be making a Super Bowl run next season.

2025 NFL Draft: DT Kenneth Grant, Michigan

Defensive tackle has been a popular position in this space. That’s for good reason. The Texans have at least one exciting, young player in just about every position group on defense. The interior of the defensive line is the only exception. DeMeco Ryans is building a potential powerhouse on defense.

A defensive tackle like Kenneth Grant could be one of the final missing pieces. The Michigan defensive tackle is a huge presence who will command double teams and still push the pocket. That opens up things for Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. on the outside.

Sunday was not a good day for the Indianapolis Colts, and it’s going to take a great bounce-back performance to convince fans that it wasn’t emblematic of a large problem. Anthony Richardson had the worst game that he has played in since the Colts drafted him. He was 10-of-32 for 132 yards through the air.

It’s not all on him—that kind of stat line comes from poor offensive line play, questionable play-calling and Richardson’s supporting cast. Still, it’s not an encouraging sign for a team that is invested heavily in Richardson’s development.

Biggest Weaknesses:

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

Add Now: No One

The Colts have fought through several key injuries already this season, but the good news is that reinforcements are on the way. Both DeForest Buckner and Jonathan Taylor returned to practice his week after lengthy stays on the injury list. However, both the defensive tackle and running back returned to practice this week.

Help is already on the way in the former of returning players getting back to the lineup.

2025 Free Agency: EDGE Malcolm Koonce, Las Vegas Raiders

Malcolm Koonce is going to be one of the most interesting free agents of the 2025 cycle if the Raiders don’t re-sign him. He went on a tear last season and looked like a breakout candidate with six sacks over the final four games of 2023.

Unfortunately, he’s missing the entire season with a knee injury. That throws his free agency value into questions and could make him available on an affordable one year deal. That would be a great addition for Indianapolis to make. Laiatu Latu is making progress as a rookie but he came into Week 8 as the team’s sacks leader with two. More help is needed on the outside.

2025 NFL Draft: CB Denzel Burke, Ohio State

The Colts have opted to wait on taking cornerbacks in recent drafts in favor of searching for hidden gems. They have tried to draft and develop Day 2 and 3 players to become starters for their defense. There are still some promising young players, but they are far from becoming above-average options.

Denzel Burke might be a cut below the top cornerback prospects in this class. Travis Hunter, Will Johnson and Benjamin Morrison are standing out early in the draft process, but the Colts might just win too many games to be in the running for those players. Burke would certainly still be a good option.

The Jaguars’ 2024 downward spiral continued in Week 8 with a 30-27 loss to the Green Bay Packers. On the bright side, the offense put together one of its best performances of the season after a sluggish start. Trevor Lawrence surpassed 300 passing yards for the second time this season.

Unfortunately, they also suffered multiple injuries, including Gabe Davis, Christian Kirk and Brian Thomas Jr. That’s going to leave the receiving corps decimated and make things even more difficult if any of the three are going to have to miss real time.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Interior Defensive Line
2. Cornerback
3. Safety
4. Tight End
5. Wide Receiver

Add Now: WR Chase Claypool

With all of the wide receiver injuries the Jaguars had to deal with on Sunday, it would be a good idea to go to the free agent pool to find one. The Jags are not in a position to be buyers at the trade deadline, but Trevor Lawrence needs to have weapons to at least bring some positive to this season.

Chase Claypool’s maturity and focus have been questioned, but he is a talented wide receiver. The Jaguars might as well find out if he can turn his career around while they are in a bit of a desperate situation anyway.

2025 Free Agency: OT Garrett Bolles, Denver Broncos

The Jaguars offensive line has been a weakness all season and someone is going to have to be the fall guy for the offensive struggles this season. It’s not going to be Trevor Lawrence. The quarterback just signed a massive extension and the Jaguars have to build a winner around him.

From a personnel standpoint, it’s the offensive line. The Jaguars have not done a good job of protecting Lawrence and changes are likely to be made. Left tackle Cam Robinson is a free agent. It’s not hard to picture them targeting Garrett Bolles as a possible upgrade over Robinson.

2025 NFL Draft: IOL Wyatt Milum, West Virginia

The offensive line has become a glaring need for the Jaguars this season. It’s clear that the team has not done a great job of protecting Trevor Lawrence and that shows up in their lack of offensive production. Brandon Scherff is one of the more talented linemen in the group, but he’s 33 years old and in the final year of his contract.

Scherff was originally drafted as a tackle out of Iowa before ultimately carving out a career as an elite guard. Wyatt Milum could wind up following a similar path as scout Brandon Thorn projects a move inside where it will be easier to mask some of the deficiencies he has in pass protection.

DeAndre Hopkins’ Kansas City debut was a bit of a letdown. The veteran receiver had just two receptions for 29 yards, but the Chiefs keeping their undefeated season rolling anyway.

Kansas City continued to do what it needs to do every week. The style points aren’t always there, but the defense is going to make it hard on opposing offenses every week. The Chiefs sacked Gardner Minshew five times and held the running game to just 1.6 yards per carry.

The Chiefs aren’t perfect. They couldn’t run the ball either and they are still short on receiver, but they have a perfect record because they continue to find a way to win every week.

Biggest Weaknesses:

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

Add Now: Trade for CB Marshon Lattimore, New Orleans Saints

The Chiefs already swung a big move to make the trade when they acquired DeAndre Hopkins ahead of the deadline, however, they have enough salary cap flexibility to make another move. Going after a historic third Super Bowl could be motivation enough to really sell out and make an aggressive move.

Trading the Saints for Marshon Lattimore would certainly qualify. The talented corner could be inserted into the lineup to replace Jaylen Watson, who was just placed on injured reserve. The Saints have strong depth at cornerback and a messy cap situation so trading Lattimore wouldn’t be surprising.

2025 Free Agency: S Andre Cisco, Jacksonville Jaguars

Andre Cisco raised a few eyebrows when he told media that he saw “a lot of quit” in a Jaguars loss earlier this season. It’s not been a fun season for the Jaguars, and the struggles will likely be front-of-mind for Cisco as he hits free agency in the spring.

The Chiefs are going to want to take a good look at their free agent safety options in the spring. Cisco has eight interceptions over the last two-and-a-half seasons and is only 24 years old.

2025 NFL Draft: WR Xavier Restrepo, Miami

The Chiefs need for receiver depth has been exposed early in the season and it isn’t going away. Part of the problem is that the Chiefs haven’t really drafted well at the position. Skyy Moore didn’t do much and Xavier Worthy is a bit of a gadget player at this stage of his development.

The Chiefs could opt for a more complete receiver in the draft this year. Xavier Restrepo would be a nice slot option that Patrick Mahomes would come to love.

“Xavier Restrepo is a detailed route-running slot receiver. He fits a timing and rhythm offense where the quarterback needs him to hit his landmark on time. “Restrepo is a man and zone coverage beater and chain mover to be a quarterback’s security blanket on key passing downs.”

The Raiders’ season continued to disappoint with a 27-20 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs at home. The defense actually did a great job of shutting down the Chiefs’ ground game. Kareem Hunt had just 59 yards on 21 carries.

Outside of that, there wasn’t a lot to get excited about. Gardner Minshew was sacked five times, Alexander Mattison had 15 yards on 14 carries and the Raiders moved to 2-6 on the season.

Biggest Weaknesses:

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

Add Now: Draft Picks

It’s hard to see the Raiders being buyers at the deadline after dealing away Davante Adams. There also aren’t that many free agents that are more than a stopgap or depth add at this point. Dan Graziano of ESPN did report that the Raiders have a few players they might be interested in trading away. Specifically, he mentioned Jakobi Meyers, Cody Whitehair and John Jenkins.

The Raiders are likely to draft a quarterback this offseason. The more draft capital they have, the more ammunition they have to control the draft board. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to deal at least one more veteran and add some picks to the stockpile.

2025 Free Agency: WR Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Raiders’ decision to trade Davante Adams was probably the right one, but it leaves a massive hole in the Raiders offense. Replacing Adams is more than a one-man job, but whoever is playing quarterback for the Silver and Black next year is going to need help. Preferably, some of that help will come from a proven veteran.

Chris Godwin’s future in Tampa Bay could be murky with Godwin suffering an ankle injury that ended his season. He was having a strong season before the injury, but he’ll be 29 this offseason and is looking for a new contract. He would be an ideal candidate for the Raiders to bring in and anchor the receiving corps for a new quarterback.

2025 NFL Draft: IOL Jaeden Roberts, Alabama

The Raiders are currently one of the worst run teams in the league. They came into Week 8 with the lowest EPA per rush and the offensive line has played a hand in that. Andre James, specifically, had the worst run-blocking grade from PFF going into the week. If the Raiders were to draft another guard like Jaeden Roberts, they could move Jackson Powers-Johnson to center and keep Jordan Meredith at right guard. Here’s Brandon Thorn on what Roberts can do and what he needs to work on.

“Roberts is a wide-bodied, massive and physical presence who excels when he can square defenders up and get his hands on them early in the rep. This offers his best chance of unleashing his considerable power to either engulf and tie up the bull-rush or displace targets in the run game.”

“The issues are shaky body control and footwork that lead to glaring breakdowns and too many clean losses against shifty defenders that he can’t corral right away. Roberts is also rotated out of games (likely due to these issues) and looks to be an imposing presence in college who will have an uphill battle of sticking on an NFL roster long-term, at least until we can see significant improvement in his ability to sustain blocks and mirror quality pass-rushers.”

The Chargers are 4-3 after a 26-8 win over the New Orleans Saints, but it’s how well Justin Herbert is starting to operate Greg Roman’s offense that is scary. Herbert doesn’t have the best group of receivers, but he’s starting to put up good numbers as he becomes more familiar with rookie receiver Ladd McConkey and Roman’s offense.

The rookie was excellent against the Saints with six catches for 111 yards and two touchdowns. Herbert even chipped in 49 rushing yards on four carries while the Chargers defense racked up five sacks.

Biggest Weaknesses:

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

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

The Chargers have a need at receiver. Mike Williams has a proven connection with Justin Herbert. The dots connect themselves here.

Sure, there might be some bad blood about the fact that the Chargers released Williams this offseason, but getting to reunite with Herbert on a better Chargers team than he last played with isn’t all bad for Williams. He hasn’t really caught on with the Jets and Davante Adams coming to town isn’t going to help his lack of targets. Coming back to Los Angeles could help get his career back on track.

2025 Free Agency: WR Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals

Mike Williams would be a good trade candidate because it feels like the Jets could realistically deal him. That’s not the case for Tee Higgins. If the Bengals were going to trade their No. 2 receiver, it feels like they would have already done it. Higgins is playing under the franchise tag and it’s not likely he is coming back, but the Bengals seem content to play him for the rest of the this season.

That should give the Chargers a borderline No. 1 receiver to target in free agency. Ladd McConkey has played well and Quentin Johnston continues to flash potential, but Herbert does not have a receiver he can go to in critical situations. Higgins would become that guy for the Chargers pretty quickly.

2025 NFL Draft: EDGE/LB Jalon Walker, Georgia

The Chargers are making a lot of progress in Jim Harbaugh’s first year, but the roster still isn’t quite his. As Joe Hortiz and Harbaugh go about making this roster you can bet that there’s a concerted effort to build out the front seven and the offensive line.

At 6’2″, 245 pounds Jalon Walker is a unique defensive talent for the Georgia defense. He plays off-ball linebacker but also comes up and becomes an edge-rusher. He’d probably have to play a similarly versatile role, but defensive coordinator Jesse Minter has already proven to be a good defensive mind who could find the best way to use him.

Over the last two years, the Los Angeles Rams have managed to dig themselves into early season holes. However, in 2023 they were able to climb out of it and make the playoffs, and Thursday night’s win brings the team closer to .500 in 2024 as they’re primed to put together another turnaround.

More importantly, Los Angeles got wide receviers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua back as those two combined for 12 catches, 157 yards and a touchdown against Minnesota.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Center
2. Safety
3. Linebacker
4. Cornerback
5. Guard

Add Now: S Rudy Ford

While John Johnson should return to the team soon to help alleviate the Rams’ issues at safety, the team could use more assistance at the position. Plus, it couldn’t hurt to have another veteran around just in case Johnson isn’t quite the same as he was at the beginning of the year.

Adding Ford to the practice squad at the least would be a good move seeing as he has experience playing as a deep safety and in the box. He was a standout in coverage for the Packers last season, surrendering a 40.9 completion percentage and 30.1 passer rating when targeted, according to Pro Football Focus.

2025 Free Agency: TE Tyler Conklin, New York Jets

Tyler Higbee hasn’t played yet this season and will be entering a contract year in 2025. Meanwhile, Hunter Long’s deal expires at the end of the year, so Los Angeles could be in the market for a tight end this spring.

Conklin could be a good target on the free agent market as he had a pretty productive run from 2021 to 2023, hauling in 180 catches for 1,766 yards and six touchdowns. Granted, his numbers are down so far this year—23 grabs, 198 yards and one score—but the Jets’ offense as a whole has been a mess this fall.

2025 NFL Draft: WR Kobe Hudson, UCF

Demarcus Robinson, Tutu Atwell and Tyler Johnson are impending free agents while Kupp turns 32 in the summer. In other words, Les Snead will likely be diving into this year’s wide receiver class in the draft and the UCF product could be an intriguing mid-round prospect.

“Hudson is a nuanced route runner who is advanced at setting defenders up with tempo and pacing,” offensive skill position scout Damian Parson said. “He is crafty and quick with his route leverage to separate in the short-to-intermediate areas of the field.

“Hudson is a reliable man coverage beater and plays with the toughness needed to thrive working between the hashes in the middle of the field. “

The Dolphins offense lives! At least they showed some signs of life in a 28-27 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Tua Tagovailoa’s return to the lineup led to the Dolphins highest scoring output of the season.

Unfortunately, that wasn’t enough to get the W against a Cardinals team that was able to expose the Dolphins secondary. Kyler Murray had over 300 yards passing with Marvin Harrison Jr. putting up 11 yards and a touchdown on six receptions.

Biggest Weaknesses:

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

Add Now: CB Duke Shelley

Wide receiver isn’t the only position that has questionable depth for the Dolphins. The cornerback room is also very thin outside of Jalen Ramsey, Kendall Fuller and Kader Kohou. The Dolphins are not really in a position to justify a trade, but they might want to look at their free-agent options.

Duke Shelley stands out as someone worth a look, he was briefly a starter for the Vikings in 2022 and allowed a 55.2 passer rating when targeted.

2025 Free Agency: IOL Aaron Banks, San Francisco 49ers

Both Robert Jones and Liam Eichenberg are set to hit free agency and the Dolphins have sorely missed Robert Hunt. The offensive line hasn’t been good enough to help Miami get over the loss of Tua Tagovailoa and they didn’t do a good job of protecting him in the first place.

Aaron Banks could help fix the problem. He has become a dependable starter for the 49ers so there’s a good chance there would be some overlap in his skills and Mike McDaniel’s system.

2025 NFL Draft: TE Tyler Warren, Penn State

The Dolphins losing Tua Tagovailoa has exposed the fact that they don’t have much going for them offensively if they can’t get the ball to Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Jonnu Smith had a big game in Week 7 that showed what a good tight end could do for this offense.

The problem with Smith is that he isn’t a traditional in-line blocker and, thus, he’s limited in his overall fit in Mike McDaniel’s scheme. That shouldn’t be an issue for Tyler Warren. He’s recently started making the case to be the draft class’s top tight end and he could help McDaniel figure out where to take the offense next.