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

While it hasn’t struck midnight just yet, it certainly feels like the clock is ticking for the Minnesota Vikings after Thursday night’s loss to the Rams.

Minnesota has now dropped back-to-back games and its last two wins were both by one possession, meaning the team hasn’t been nearly as dominant as it was to begin the campaign. But the biggest loss the Vikings suffered this weekend was left tackle Christian Darrisaw, who is out for the year with a knee injury.

Biggest Weaknesses:

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

Add Now: LT Charles Leno Jr.

With Darrisaw on the shelf, the Vikings need to bring in a veteran left tackle to keep their playoff hopes alive. Picking up Leno off the street would be a good option since he has several years of starting experience and has been stout in pass protection throughout his career.

Last season, the 33-year-old surrendered just 34 pressures on 631 snaps in pass protection for the Commanders, according to Pro Football Focus.

2025 Free Agency: S Andre Cisco, Jacksonville Jaguars

Camryn Bynum’s and Harrison Smith’s contracts are about to expire, so Minnesota will likely be in the safety market this offseason. Meanwhile, Cisco will be a 25-year-old free agent this spring who should pique the club’s interest.

He’s shown off some impressive ball skills over the last three years, racking up eight interceptions and 19 passes defended during that timeframe. Also, the 2021 third-round pick is best as a free safety which would make him a good pairing with Bynum, if Bynum is re-signed, in Brian Flores’ defense that uses a lot of two-high coverages.

2025 NFL Draft: IOL Tate Ratledge, Georgia

Ed Ingram’s starting spot is currently in jeopardy as Dalton Risner could take over once Risner is healthy and off injured reserve. The latter is also an impending free agent, so the organization will likely be looking for a guard in the draft, and the Georgia product projects as one of the top players available at the position.

“Ratledge wins as a run blocker using very good play strength and leg drive to work inside the frame of his target on angle-drive and combo blocks, strain to get vertical and effectively seal off alleys behind him,”

“…Overall, Ratledge’s build, play strength, processing skills and demeanor are NFL-starter caliber at guard and should get him in a lineup within his rookie year.”

If there’s one thing that has been fun for the New England Patriots fans this season it’s been Drake Maye’s play. Unfortunately, that was taken away from them in this game. Maye had to leave the game in the second quarter with a concussion and Jacoby Brissett was forced into the game. Still, the team obviously responded to Jerod Mayo challenging the team’s toughness last week.

The Patriots rallied around Brissett and did enough to win 25-22 over the New York Jets. Granted, the Jets are in a bad place right now, but wins are difficult in this league and the Patriots have a few more things to get excited about.

Biggest Weaknesses:

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

Add Now: WR Terrace Marshall Jr.

Part of the fun in being a young team with almost no expectations is that you can take risks. The Patriots are in the early stages of figuring out what receivers are going to work well with Drake Maye and they are likely heading toward a top-five draft pick. So there’s little risk involved in taking on someone like Terrace Marshall Jr.

The former second-round pick didn’t work out in Carolina, but that could be chalked up to the general instability of that franchise. He was recently released by San Francisco, but Kyle Shanahan isn’t known for his patience with receivers. The Patriots are the kind of team that should give him one last shot to show he can make it in the league.

2025 Free Agency: DT Tershawn Wharton, Kansas City Chiefs

The Patriots could at least hang their hat on having one of the best run defenses in the league last season. Bill Belichick made sure that Jerod Mayo understood that. However, they’ve clearly taken a step back and reinforcements might be needed to make the Patriots tougher up front.

Davon Godchaux and Daniel Ekuale are eating up most of the snaps on the interior. Tershawn Wharton has quietly become a dependable sidekick for Chris Jones on the Chiefs defensive line. His ability to stuff the run and take on double-team blocks would be a nice step toward rebuilding the defensive front and he won’t turn 27 until next summer.

2025 NFL Draft: CB/WR Travis Hunter, Colorado

The Patriots still have a long way to go to fully support Drake Maye and field a functional offense, but the defense could use some players to build an identity around too. Jonathan Jones is getting on the old side and is on an expiring contract. If Travis Hunter is on the board when the Patriots are on the clock he should be a consideration.

It’s still unclear if Hunter will be a corner, wide receiver or still play both at the NFL level, but the Patriots could use him at either position.

It’s been a tough stretch for the New Orleans Saints as Sunday’s loss in Los Angeles makes it six in a row. At this point, it’s hard to see why New Orleans shouldn’t pack it in and start to rebuild for the future, which could make next week’s matchup with Carolina “interesting” as the teams fight for last place in the division.

Biggest Weaknesses:

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

Add Now: Trade EDGE Chase Young

While the Saints have pushed off a rebuild over the last few years, it feels like that time is finally about to come as the team wasn’t able to capitalize on a hot start to begin the season. So, the club should start to look ahead to next year and deal Young, who was listed No. 7 overall on BR’s NFL Trade Block Big Board column this week.

“If New Orleans begins rebuilding in 2025, it may have to do so with budget contracts and rookie deals. The Saints are projected to be $97.6 million over the cap next offseason.

“Trading pass-rusher Chase Young, who is on a one-year, $13 million deal, would provide no 2025 cap relief. 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.”

2025 Free Agency: EDGE Joseph Ossai, Cincinnati Bengals

As mentioned above, New Orleans is projected to be up against the cap this offseason and will need to rework the roster with young, cheap talent.

Especially since it’s unlikely that Young will return next year, the defense will need some help on the edge with Payton Turner and Tanoh Kpassagnon about to hit free agency as well. Plus, Cameron Jordan, who turns 36 in July, could be a post-June 1 cut to save $11 million, per Over The Cap.

While Ossai hasn’t done much so far in his career, that could help keep his price tag down he’ll be just 25 in April. Also, the 2021 third-round pick has been playing behind Sam Hubbard and Trey Hendrickson his entire career and has always had plenty of talent. The former Longhorn could blossom with a bigger opportunity in The Big Easy.

2025 NFL Draft: S Malaki Starks, Georgia

The Saints could use some safety help and Tyrann Mathieu could be another cap casualty this offseason. A post-June 1 cut would save the club $6.25 million according to OTC. So, Mickey Loomis will want to take a look at the Georiga product who currently ranks as the fourth-best prospect on NFL Draft Big Board.

“Starks projects as a first-round pick with the potential to make an immediate impact in the NFL,” defensive backs scout Cory Giddings wrote in the Bulldog’s scouting report. “His combination of athleticism, ball skills, and physicality make him a versatile safety capable of excelling in both coverage and run support.

“While he may need to refine his technique against faster receivers, Starks’ overall skill set and football IQ give him a high ceiling as a defensive playmaker. With the ability to contribute from day one, Starks is poised to become a key player in any NFL secondary, offering the potential to develop into a Pro Bowl-caliber safety.”

Check back for the Giants after Monday Night Football against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Yikes.

There’s your one-word summary of the New York Jets season thus far, and Week 8 might have been a new low. The Patriots are supposed to be the punching bag of the AFC East. They’re the team with the rookie quarterback and little else on offense. They are also the team with the first-year head coach.

Instead, they’re the team that officially put the Jets in the AFC East cellar with a 25-22 win in which their rookie quarterback left in the second quarter. The team committed eight penalties, came up empty on two different trips to the red zone and simply didn’t execute well enough to win.

Biggest Weaknesses:

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

Add Now: No One

The Jets already have a lot of resources invested into making the 2024 season a successful one. Trading for Davante Adams and taking on all the money left on his contract was another all-in move. If anything, the Jets need to try and find a home for Mike Williams or another trade asset to recoup some of the draft capital they’ve given up in previous moves.

2025 Free Agency: CB Kristian Fulton, Los Angeles Chargers

The Jets have a great cornerback duo in Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed, but it’s entirely possible that Reed will want to test free agency next season. He’s 29 years old and could get one last multiyear contract based on how well he has played.

Kristian Fulton went to Los Angeles after struggling to stay healthy and play up to his potential in four years with the Titans. He’s dealing with a hamstring injury, but has played well enough to earn another shot at being a starter. The Jets would do well to target Fulton to replace Reed.

2025 NFL Draft: EDGE Princely Umanmielen, Ole Miss

The Jets finally got Haason Reddick to end his holdout, and they did it without adding years to his contract. Whether the electric pass-rusher re-signs with the team next offseason after his lengthy holdout remains to be seen, but the Jets are going to want to add another young pass-rusher.

Princely Umanimielen would be a good fit as a successor to Reddick’s role. At 6’3″, 255 pounds, he has an ideal frame for an outside ‘backer in a 3-4. He wins with a lightning-quick first step and sets the edge well for a smaller edge player.

Have the Philadelphia Eagles found their groove?

Cincinnati came into Sunday’s matchup with some momentum having won back-to-back games, but Philadelphia managed to halt the Bengals’ momentum and get a 20-point road win. That keeps the Eagles just a half-game behind the Commanders for the division lead at the halfway point of the year.

Biggest Weaknesses:

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

Add Now: LT Charles Leno

The Eagles placed Jordan Mailata on injured reserve recently which has led to Fred Johnson starting at left tackle. Johnson has struggled in pass protection, giving up 22 pressures (three sacks) on just 99 snaps in pass protection heading into Week 8 this season, per Pro Football Focus.

In comparison, PFF credited Leno with 34 pressures (three sacks) on 631 pass-blocking snaps in 2023. So, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to bring in the veteran as a holdover until Mailata gets completely healthy.

2025 Free Agency: DE Clelin Ferrell, Washington Commanders

With Josh Sweat’s contract about to expire and Brandon Graham set to retire at the end of the season, Philadelphia will likely be in the market for a defensive end this offseason. With Byrce Huff in the fold, the defense has a decent pass-rusher to turn to moving forward, but it could use an edge-setter against the run.

Ferrell doesn’t offer much as a pass-rusher, but he’s made a career out of being a solid run defender. Also, he shouldn’t be very expensive on the open market, giving the team a cost-effective solution to fill one of its needs.

2025 NFL Draft: LB Barrett Carter, Clemson

Linebacker is one of the Eagles’ current weaknesses and Zach Baun, their best player at the position this season, is an impending free agent. So, Howie Roseman will likely be doing his homework on this year’s linebacker class and the Clemson product currently projects as one of the top second-level defenders in this year’s draft class.

Carter is a good coverage backer. He has impressive athleticism that allows him to man up against running backs and tight ends, and he has the speed to carry them down the field. He also has good eye discipline in zone coverage and the ability to pattern-match, which is significant considering how modern NFL defenses function.

Additionally, the Tiger has grown as a run defender this year and has the potential to develop into a complete/every down player in the pros.

Check back for the Steelers after Monday Night Football against the New York Giants.

The founding father of National Tight Ends Day had quite the celebration on Sunday Night. George Kittle’s six catches for 128 yards and touchdown played a huge hand in the San Francisco 49ers’ 30-24 win over the Cowboys.

The ‘W’ also pushes San Francisco into a three-way tie for first place in the NFC West despite a pedestrian 4-4 start to the campaign.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Defensive Tackle
2. Center
3. Wide Receiver
4. Linebacker Depth
5. Cornerback

Add Now: Trade for WR Diontae Johnson, Carolina Panthers

With Brandon Aiyuk out for the rest of the season, the 49ers are missing a wide receiver who can beat man coverage and create separation. Johnson could fill that role for the remainder of the campaign, and he was listed as the No. 2 overall player on NFL Trade Block Big Board column this week.

“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 Adams, Cooper and 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: IOL Connor Williams, Seattle Seahawks

Aaron Banks and Jon Feliciano are on contract years which would leave San Francisco with a need at left guard if neither of those two are retained. Also, the team could use an upgrade at center over Jake Brendel. That should make the interior offensive line a priority for John Lynch in free agency.

Before tearing an ACL, Williams had an impressive campaign last season with an 86.5 grade from Pro Football Focus while playing in Mike McDaniel’s offense which is a variation of Kyle Shanahan’s system. This season, the current Seahawk hasn’t been quite as good but he did have a 75.9 run-blocking mark and just eight pressures allowed heading into the weekend.

Williams has experience playing guard and center, making him a good target for the defending NFC Champions.

2025 NFL Draft: CB Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky

The 49ers have several impending free agents at cornerback, including Charvarius Ward and Demmodore Lenoir. So, Lynch is likely doing his homework on this year’s crop of corners in the draft and the Kentucky product could be a good mid-round target.

“Hairston projects as a day two pick with the potential to develop into a high-level contributor in the NFL,” defensive backs scout Cory Giddings said via the Wildcat’s scouting report. “His combination of length, press coverage skills, and zone awareness makes him an intriguing option for teams that play a lot of zone or press-man coverage.

“However, his inconsistent footwork and tackling ability will need refinement at the next level. With proper development, Hairston could become a solid starting cornerback in the NFL.”

The Seattle Seahawks have been stumbling lately, as Sunday’s 21-point home defeat to Buffalo makes it four losses in five games. However, Seattle is still in a good position to win the division. At 4-4, the team is tied at the top of the NFC West standings with a big matchup against Los Angeles next week.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Right Tackle
2. Guard
3. Nose Tackle
4. 2nd Safety
5. 2nd Cornerback

Add Now: S Ryan Neal

The Seahawks recently placed Rayshawn Jenkins on injured reserve, leaving the defense with a need at safety. Neal doesn’t offer much as a deep safety or in coverage, but he can play in the box and help defend the run. Last season, he earned a solid 66.9 run-defense grade from Pro Football Focus primarily as a strong safety in Tampa Bay.

2025 Free Agency: OL Dillon Radunz, Tennessee Titans

Laken Tomlinson and Stone Forsythe are in contract years, while Abe Lucas’ deal expires after next season. Also, Lucas just returned to practice this week. In other words, Seattle has a handful of reasons to add some offensive linemen in this spring.

Radunz would be a good addition, because he’s very versatile having played every offensive line position besides center. Additionally, the four-year veteran shouldn’t be too expensive on the open market which is good for a club that’s currently projected to begin free agency in the negative for cap space, per Over The Cap.

2025 NFL Draft: LB Barrett Carter, Clemson

While the Seahawks just traded for Earnest Jones, he’s only under contract for this season. Tyrel Dodson is in the same boat, so the front office will likely be looking for at least one linebacker in the draft. Meanwhile, the Clemson product currently ranks as the second-best prospect at the position on NFL Draft Big Board.

Carter is a good coverage linebacker. He has impressive athleticism that allows him to man up against running backs and tight ends, and he has the speed to carry them down the field. He also has good eye discipline in zone coverage and has the ability to pattern-match, which is significant considering how modern NFL defenses function.

The season is quickly slipping away from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Sunday’s loss not only makes it back-to-back defeats for Tampa Bay, but it also falls to 4-4 and a game behind Atlanta in the NFC South standings at the halfway point in the campaign. Additionally, the Falcons also own the tiebreaker between the two teams, making the Buccaneers’ deficit more like a game and a half.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Wide Receiver
2. Edge-Rusher
3. Tight End
4. Defensive Tackle
5. Guard

Add Now: Trade for WR Jakobi Meyers, Las Vegas Raiders

With Chris Godwin out for the year and Mike Evans sidelined for a while, the Buccanneers can use some wide receiver help. Meanwhile, the Raiders are sitting at 2-6 and might be willing to part with Meyers, who has 31 catches for 325 yards a touchdown this season, for a draft pick.

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

Ben Bredeson hasn’t been playing well this year and is an impending free agent this offseason. So, Jason Litch might be in the market for a new left guard during free agency this spring.

Banks’ career didn’t get off to a good start, but he’s been having a quality season so far in 2024. Heading into this weekend, he earned a 77.2 run-blocking grade and had only given up one sack, per Pro Football Focus. Also, Coen comes from the Sean McVay/Kyle Shanahan coaching tree, meaning Banks could be a good scheme fit in Tampa as well.

2025 NFL Draft: WR Tre Harris, Ole Miss

Godwin is an impending free agent and may have played his last down as a Buc with the recent injury. Also, Mike Evans will be 32 in August, meaning Litch might want to think about using a high draft pick on a wideout for the long haul, and the Ole Miss product is currently the No. 2 player at the position on NFL Draft Big Board.

“Harris is a big and physical wide receiver to dominate at the catch point,” offensive skill positions scout Damian Parson said. “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.”