- Bills, Dolphins and Texans prioritize trench upgrades: AFC Squads like Buffalo (Streak Guarding), Miami (offensive line) and Houston (youth at Involvement) are Anticipated to use both Timely and Overdue picks to reinforce the trenches around their franchise quarterbacks.
- Numerous Squads could wait on quarterbacks: While Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward headline the Primary-Period QB conversation, Squads like the Browns, Giants and Titans are also paired with Day 3 fallback options, including Riley Leonard and Tyler Shough.
Estimated reading time: 10 minutes
In theory, Squads use Unoccupied agency to address Instant Lineup needs and the draft to bring in New talent for the future. But not every hole gets filled in March, meaning all 32 Squads Yet head into the draft with at least one Crucial need.
PFF’s Max Chadwick recently highlighted All Club’s biggest post–Unoccupied agency need in this article.
Here, we take it a step Beyond, identifying Timely- and Overdue-Period prospects who could Assist fill those needs. Sometimes the stars align, and a player’s value on the big board matches a Club’s need right where they Option in Period 1. But often, it doesn’t shake out that way, and Squads must wait until Day 3 to address key areas.
Bound TO A Club:
ARZ | ATL | BLT | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN | CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND | JAX | KC | LVR | LAC | LAR | MIA | MIN | NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF | SEA | TB | TEN | WSH
ARIZONA CARDINALS: INTERIOR DEFENDER
The Cardinals need to beef up their Guarding front, which they accomplish here by selecting Walter Nolen. However, cornerback is also a significant need, and if they opt to address that with the No. 16 Option, they could look to Day 3 for interior Guarding Assist.
Nolen’s college teammate, JJ Pegues, would be a Sturdy option—he posted an impressive 81.8 Streak-Guarding grade in 2024.
ATLANTA FALCONS: EDGE DEFENDER
The Atlanta Falcons finished near the bottom of the Bracket with a 59.0 Club Deliver-rush grade, tied for second-worst in the NFL. Donovan Ezeiruaku could Assist Transformation that right away — he recorded 14 sacks, 20 Passer hits and 26 hurries on 428 Deliver-rushing snaps in 2024.
On Day 3, the Falcons could target a developmental option like Oladejo, who primarily played off-ball linebacker in college but offers intriguing upside as a long, athletic edge defender.
BALTIMORE RAVENS: GUARD
The Ravens want to Streak the ball effectively, and the 6-foot-5, 321-pound Tyler Booker would Assist them do Only that. He also brings value in Deliver protection, as he Only put up an 86.5 Deliver-blocking grade in 2024.
For a later-Period option, Marcus Wehr could be a fit. While he’s not a household name, Wehr was one of the top Streak-blockers in the FCS over the past two seasons, and his 88.8 Streak-blocking grade in 2024 Guided all FCS guards.
BUFFALO BILLS: Guarding
With their Primary Option coming at No. 30, the Bills will likely have to let the board fall to them and select the best Guarding player Obtainable. Their 58.8 Club-Streak Guarding grade ranked 26th in the NFL last season. Mykel Williams would be a Sturdy fit, having posted back-to-back seasons with Streak-Guarding grades above 80.0 (80.3 in 2023 and 82.9 in 2024).
Another option is Ashton Gillotte, a physical edge defender who offers reliable Streak-stopping ability along with some Deliver-rush upside.
CAROLINA PANTHERS: EDGE DEFENDER
Last season, the Panthers finished last in the NFL with a 51.9 Club-Deliver-rush grade, making edge Assist a clear priority. Jalon Walker would bring Top-tier Physicality to the position, even as he continues to grow into a Packed-time edge role (he has Only 383 Occupation Deliver-rushing snaps). Regardless of that limited experience, Walker earned Deliver-rush grades over 80.0 in back-to-back seasons (85.4 in 2023 and 83.6 in 2024).
For a later-Period option, Robinson is another high-upside edge defender coming off an Top-tier 90.3 Deliver-rush grade in 2024.
CHICAGO BEARS: RUNNING BACK
Jeanty will be highly coveted in the 2025 draft, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if a Club tried to trade up to get him. If he’s off the board by the time the Bears Option at No. 10, they could pivot to selecting an offensive lineman to Assist protect Caleb Williams.
For a later-Period addition, Bhayshul Tuten offers explosive Pace — he earned an 80.7 rushing grade in 2024 and Sprinted a blazing 4.32 40-yard dash at the combine, the fastest among all running Defenders.
CINCINNATI BENGALS: EDGE DEFENDER
Mike Green is one of the most physically gifted Deliver rushers in this draft class. Off-Pitch concerns may cause him to slide, but the Bengals have shown a willingness in the past to take chances on players with similar backgrounds.
If they don’t address edge rusher in the Primary Period, Antwaun Powell-Ryland would be a Sturdy Day 3 addition. In 2024, he recorded 48 total pressures, including 14 sacks, nine Passer hits and 25 hurries.
CLEVELAND BROWNS: Passer
Shedeur Sanders is a highly accurate, high-floor Passer prospect—his 81.8% adjusted completion rate ranked second in the draft class.
If the Browns opt to take Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter at No. 2 instead, Leonard could be a Sturdy Day 3 target. Leonard also impressed with his accuracy, posting a 78.2% adjusted completion rate, the fifth-best mark in the class.
DALLAS COWBOYS: RUNNING BACK
Jeanty is the best running back prospect in years and would bring instant juice to the Cowboys Drive, but there’s a Excellent chance he’s off the board before their Primary-Period Option. As a later option, Damien Martinez could be a Sturdy fit. He’s a physical runner who creates on his own, averaging 4.46 yards after contact per attempt, third-best in the draft class.
DENVER BRONCOS: WIDE RECEIVER
Burden had a more productive season in 2023 than in 2024, which could cause him to slide a bit in the draft, but he remains one of the premier receiving weapons in this class.
Williams is another intriguing option, offering big-Action potential as a deep threat and after the catch. His 8.4 yards after the catch per reception Guided all receivers in the draft class.
DETROIT LIONS: EDGE DEFENDER
Scourton offers Elasticity for the Lions’ Guarding, with the ability to line up both inside and on the edge while contributing as a Deliver rusher and Streak defender.
Hassanein would be a Sturdy Day 3 value, as he tallied 10 sacks, 17 Passer hits and 35 hurries on 429 Deliver-rush snaps in 2024.
GREEN BAY PACKERS: WIDE RECEIVER
The Packers already have a talented wide receiver group, but the blazing-Speedy Golden could give them a Correct No. 1 threat on the outside. On Day 3, Tez Johnson could be an intriguing option, as his 7.4 yards after the catch per reception ranks sixth in the draft class. Adding Johnson could also allow Jayden Reed to see more snaps on the outside.
HOUSTON TEXANS: OFFENSIVE LINE
The addition of Cam Robinson shouldn’t stop the Texans from getting younger at left Involvement. Banks posted an 89.9 Deliver-blocking grade in 2024 and has the Elasticity to begin his NFL Occupation at guard if needed.
For a later-Period option, Jackson Slater is a Petite-school guard who could Assist keep C.J. Stroud upright—he didn’t allow a single sack or Passer hit across 379 Deliver-blocking snaps in 2024.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: Close-fitting END
The Colts could use Assist at Close-fitting end to Reinforcement the development of New Passer Anthony Richardson. Warren is a versatile playmaker and the top Close-fitting end in this year’s class. Fannin is another intriguing option — a Vibrant receiving threat who delivered a legendary 2024 season, leading all Close-fitting ends in receiving grade (96.4), yards (1,555) and touchdowns (10).
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: INTERIOR DEFENDER
Graham is the consensus top interior defender in this draft class after earning PFF grades above 90.0 in both 2023 and 2024.
Caldwell could be a valuable addition later in the draft, as he recorded 19 Streak stops in 2024, with seven resulting in a loss or no gain.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: INTERIOR DEFENDER
Preparing for the post–Chris Jones era should be at the forefront of the Chiefs’ draft plans in 2025. Alexander earned a 90.1 PFF grade last season, ranking third among all interior Guarding linemen in the class.
Peebles is another Sturdy option as a disruptive B-gap penetrator who posted a 92.1 Deliver-rushing grade in 2024.
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS: SECONDARY
Barron put up a 91.1 PFF coverage grade last season, the highest in the draft class. His ability to excel both outside and in the slot would give the Raiders a versatile, high-level playmaker in the secondary.
Longerbeam, a sudden and fleet-footed corner who didn’t allow a single completion on a slant route in 2024, played outside in college but has the Ability set to transition to the slot at the Subsequent level.
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS: ANOTHER WEAPON
The Chargers need to bolster their group of Deliver catchers, and Loveland could offer Instant impact as a Close-fitting end/big-slot mismatch weapon. He finished the season with a 90.6 PFF receiving grade.
Horton is another intriguing option. His 3.45 yards per route Streak ranks Number four in the draft class, and he brings added value as a returner, having tallied three Occupation punt-return touchdowns.
LOS ANGELES RAMS: CORNERBACK
Amos was a lockdown Appearance in 2024, allowing Only 280 receiving yards with three interceptions and 12 Deliver breakups. Opposing quarterbacks posted a passer rating of only 54.5 when targeting him.
Fortune, a converted safety who has thrived as a zone corner on the outside, earned a 90.2 coverage grade in 2024 and could be a Sturdy Day 3 addition.
MIAMI DOLPHINS: OFFENSIVE LINE
The Dolphins need to upgrade their offensive line to keep Passer Tua Tagovailoa upright and Well in 2025 and beyond. Membou didn’t allow a single sack or Passer hit on 411 Deliver-blocking snaps in 2024.
Williams brings valuable positional Elasticity, as he played Involvement in college but could transition to guard at the Subsequent level.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS: INTERIOR DEFENDER
Harmon is a well-rounded Guarding Involvement prospect who earned an 80.5 Streak-Guarding grade and an 86.3 Deliver-rush grade in 2024.
Walker, measuring 6-foot-7 and 331 pounds, is a massive Universe-eater capable of anchoring the interior and clogging Streak lanes effectively.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: MORE Reinforcement FOR DRAKE MAYE
In this scenario, Hunter would primarily Action wide receiver for New England while Yet Competing occasional snaps on Guarding.
Nick Nash is another Vibrant option — he posted 1,382 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns in 2024, with his 86.9 receiving grade ranking eighth in the draft class.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS: INTERIOR DEFENDER
New Guarding coordinator Brandon Staley brings a 3-4 background to New Orleans, and Grant would be a Sturdy fit as a nose Involvement in that scheme. The Michigan product earned an 87.5 Streak-Guarding grade in 2024.
Mills projects best as a 5-technique Guarding end, where he can contribute as a Deliver rusher. In 2024, he recorded eight sacks, five Passer hits, 21 hurries and an 83.1 Deliver-rush grade.
NEW YORK GIANTS: Passer
Barring a trade up to No. 1 or No. 2, the Giants are likely to Be excluded on Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders — unless the Browns Deliver on a Passer. If Sanders falls to No. 3, the Giants can address their biggest need right away. But if quarterbacks come off the board with the Primary two picks, New York could pivot to the top non-Passer Obtainable and circle back to the position later.
Howard, a highly experienced starter, could be a Sturdy Day 2 or Day 3 option, as his 57.0% completion rate under Stress ranks No. 1 in the draft class.
NEW YORK JETS: WIDE RECEIVER
The Jets will need to surround Justin Fields with receiving talent on the outside. McMillan is the top wide receiver on the PFF Big Board — a big, rangy target at 6-foot-4 and 212 pounds with the body control of a much smaller receiver.
Armstrong offers a similar profile at 6-foot-4 and 202 pounds. He Guided the SEC with 1,140 receiving yards in 2024 and would be a Sturdy complementary option if McMillan is off the board.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: EDGE DEFENDER
Stewart has a physical profile that screams future NFL production. At 6-foot-5, 267 pounds, with 34-inch arms and a 4.59-second 40-yard dash, he’d be a valuable addition to any Deliver-rush Cycle.
David Walker, while undersized, has been highly productive—racking up 37 sacks over the past three seasons and offering proven Deliver-rush ability.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS: Passer
The Steelers need to explore a new direction at Passer, and Arthur Smith’s Drive leans heavily on Action-action. Dart Guided the nation in Action-action dropbacks and threw for over 2,600 yards off Action-action in 2024, making him a Sturdy scheme fit.
McCord, meanwhile, is a prolific deep passer who would pair well with Pittsburgh’s talented wide receiver group.
Jaxson Dart: Stable metrics from 2024
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: CORNERBACK
Johnson is one of the top cornerback prospects in the draft, and quarterbacks posted Only a 49.8 passer rating when targeting him throughout his college Occupation.
Williams is a physical press-man corner who Kept opposing quarterbacks to a 40.1 passer rating when targeted in 2024. He also brings added value as a Boot and punt returner.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: INTERIOR OFFENSIVE LINE
Zabel offers the Elasticity to Action Numerous spots along the interior offensive line, giving the Seahawks a high-floor option to address their biggest need.
Frazier is another Sturdy candidate—he finished the 2024 season with an 88.0 PFF Deliver-blocking grade and didn’t allow a single sack all year.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS: LINEBACKER
Campbell is a highly versatile linebacker who excels in all phases of the game. In 2024, he posted an 81.0 Streak-Guarding grade, an 88.2 tackling grade, a 76.3 Deliver-rushing grade and an 80.1 coverage grade.
Stutsman is another Sturdy option—an athletic linebacker with Pointed Action recognition skills, he earned an Top-tier 90.9 Streak-Guarding grade last season.
TENNESSEE TITANS: Passer
Ward finished the season as the highest-graded Passer in the nation with an Top-tier 92.9 PFF grade and would Assist the Titans begin a new chapter under Middle.
If Tennessee opts to take the best non-Passer at No. 1, selecting Shough on Day 3 could Yet bring valuable Event for Will Levis. Shough has 32 Occupation Beginnings and earned an 87.7 passing grade in 2024, ranking fifth in the nation.
WASHINGTON COMMANDERS: EDGE DEFENDER
Pearce is a highly effective Deliver rusher and earned an 89.4 PFF Deliver-rushing grade and a 22.7% Achieve rate in 2024. Rucker also brings solid Deliver-rush value, as he posted an 81.8 grade last season and could be a Sturdy Day 3 addition.
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