The NFL regular season kicks off tonight with the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens. There are areas of weakness for every team, including tonight's foes. Here is the most pressing need for every team ahead of Week 1:
AFC North
Bengals: Running back
Cincinnati had a really prudent offseason with its free agent acquisitions and draft choices. The loss of defensive tackle D.J. Reader and offensive tackle Jonah Williams were countered with signings of Sheldon Rankins and Trent Brown. The draft choices of defensive tackles Kris Jenkins Jr. and McKinnley Jackson, as well as cornerback Josh Newton, offensive tackle Amarius Mims and wide receiver Jermaine Burton add depth at critical positions.
Following the trade of running back Joe Mixon, the Bengals signed Zack Moss from Indianapolis. They need him to have a big season as the go-to option or second-year runner Chase Brown will be forced into action. Cornerback was the other consideration just because they need the current group to play at a higher level.
Browns: Linebacker
Cleveland has a case for having the league's best roster. The Browns do not have any needs that would submarine the team's efforts beyond maybe the quarterback position. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah has All-Pro potential but the rest of that unit is up for grabs. Veterans Jordan Hicks and Devin Bush are competing with youngsters Nathaniel Watson, Tony Fields and Mohamoud Diabate.
Ravens: Offensive guard
The offensive line is a total mystery because the starting offensive line projections seemingly change on a weekly basis. They welcome two new starters with Andrew Vorhees and Daniel Faalele, but utility man Patrick Mekari may now be in the starting lineup as well. Roger Rosengarten was drafted in the second round as the replacement right tackle and Vorhees, a seventh-round pick from the prior year, is penciled in as the starting left guard. Left tackle Ronnie Stanley has battled injuries in recent years. There is a lot of unknown in that unit.
With defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald accepting a head-coaching job in the Pacific Northwest, it provides a bit more intrigue as to how the defense will perform this season. Edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney and linebacker Patrick Queen are gone from last year's roster. Will they be able to facilitate enough of a pass rush with Odafe Oweh, David Ojabo, Kyle Van Noy and Adisa Isaac?
Steelers: Wide receiver
With Diontae Johnson gone, Pittsburgh has little outside of George Pickens. The hope is that Calvin Austin III takes on a bigger role and rookie Roman Wilson's acclimation to the NFL is fast and smooth. Cornerback was the other spot considered despite acquiring Donte Jackson in the trade for Johnson.
AFC South
Colts: Cornerback
Indianapolis was able to re-sign wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and retain a defensive line that played really well when the full complement of talent was available.
The most-pressing need is cornerback. The opportunity to acquire L'Jarius Sneed had been on the table before Tennessee pulled the trigger. The team drafted and developed depth at the position in 2023, but could still benefit from having a lockdown cornerback on one side who is able to open up more possibilities for the defense.
Jaguars: Cornerback
Jacksonville's offensive line needs to be more consistent but the Jaguars made some tweaks to the unit this offseason. Full season availability of Cam Robinson and another year under the belts of Anton Harrison, Walker Little, as well as the veteran leadership of center Mitch Morse should provide some stability.
Darious Williams was a casualty of the franchise's search for salary cap health. He was replaced by 30-year-old Ronald Darby. Although Tyson Campbell impressed a year ago, there are still significant questions about that group.
Texans: Defensive tackle
Defensive tackles Sheldon Rankins, Maliek Collins and Teair Tart are gone from last year's roster. They signed veterans Folorunso Fatukasi and Mario Edwards, but that remains a position to monitor. Depth could not handle any injuries to that unit.
The hope is that Georgia rookie Kamari Lassiter is able to provide stability opposite Derek Stingley Jr.
Titans: Edge rusher
The new look Tennessee defense leaves a lot to be desired in Brian Callahan's first season as coach. The Titans defensive line has changed drastically over the past few years losing key pieces like Denico Autry and Teair Tart. They need to find a more consistent way to generate pressure having finished in the bottom five in team pressure rate a year ago, per TruMedia. A lot has been put on the plate of Harold Landry III and Arden Key. Depth is even more concerning.
AFC East
Bills: Linebacker
Buffalo lost a lot of leadership from its defense this offseason and circumstances were exacerbated in training camp when linebacker Matt Milano was lost for the year. Reserve Tyrel Dodson departed for Seattle in free agency so it leaves Dorian Williams and Terrel Bernard to shoulder the load.
The interior offensive and defensive lines were also a consideration.
Dolphins: Defensive tackle
The Dolphins are one of the best examples of a team that has had more pulled out of the operation than they have put in this offseason. Offensive guard Robert Hunt, defensive tackles Christian Wilkins and Raekwon Davis and linebacker Jerome Baker are all gone. With their draft picks, they added an heir apparent pass rusher, a potential replacement for Terron Armstead and more competition at running back; hardly addressing the depletion of the talent pool in certain areas.
They signed multiple veteran defensive linemen to pair with Zach Sieler in an effort to build a respectable defensive line. Benito Jones and Calais Campbell are the two that made it through the offseason. Campbell turned 38 years old less than a week ago.
Cornerback and wide receiver depth is also a concern at the present time.
Jets: Safety
Although it is entirely possible, if not probable, that the other shoe will drop at linebacker this season with a 32-year-old C.J. Mosley, cornerback is the easier choice. Depth beyond Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed is a bit precarious. There really are no issues with the starting lineup across the board.
There is also the lingering question about Haason Reddick's future with the organization. If he does not report for the season, then undue pressure is put on the shoulders of former first-round pick Will McDonald IV.
Patriots: Offensive tackle
The choice between wide receiver and offensive tackle was a knock-down-drag-out fight. Both are critical needs, but it all starts upfront with the offensive line. If that is not solidified, then the rest hardly matters. Wide receiver also has a few young players, such as Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker that should at least be entertaining.
They signed Chukwuma Okorafor from Pittsburgh in free agency, but the Steelers already deemed him not good enough to start in the Steel City. He is a viable third tackle option for a team. Mike Onwenu is penciled in as the starter at right tackle, which is a role he has adequately filled in the past. Former sixth-round pick Vederian Lowe is in line to start at left tackle.
The defensive front is a bit concerning with Christian Barmore out due to blood clots.
AFC West
Broncos: Cornerback
Denver has one of the worst rosters in the NFL. Patrick Surtain II is one of the best cornerbacks in the league but the rest of the unit does not exactly inspire confidence.
The offensive line is a concern. Lloyd Cushenberry departed in free agency. Denver's interior offensive line consists of Ben Powers, Luke Wattenberg and Quinn Meinerz. While in New Orleans, Sean Payton consistently invested premium draft assets into the offensive line year over year but it is not exactly a strength for his Broncos team that is ushering in a new era at quarterback. Linebacker is another area of weakness.
Chargers: Wide receiver
Coach Jim Harbaugh wants to build a tough, physical football team and that means being stubborn in the trenches, first and foremost, which led to the selection of Joe Alt at No. 5 overall. Wide receiver is a much bigger need after trading Keenan Allen and releasing Mike Williams. Josh Palmer, DJ Chark and Ladd McConkey are in line to start.
Cornerback and defensive tackle are critical areas of weakness as well.
Chiefs: Offensive tackle
Cornerback is a primary need after moving L'Jarius Sneed this offseason. Joshua Williams, Jaylen Watson, Chamarri Conner and Nazeeh Johnson would be competing for those other two starting spots. If there is a team that warrants giving the benefit of the doubt, it is probably Kansas City, but that stands out as a potential problem area on an otherwise solid roster.
Raiders: Cornerback
The outlook at quarterback is not exciting, but little can be done about that at this stage of the NFL calendar. Cornerback is a bigger issue. Jack Jones was a good find for them on the waiver wire, but the team lost Amik Robertson in free agency. Nate Hobbs is a great player. There is a lot unknown about Jakorian Bennett or Decamerion Richardson -- both of whom were drafted in the fourth round each of the past two years -- as they are next on the depth chart.
Linebacker and defensive tackle are a few secondary needs.
NFC North
Bears: Edge rusher
Chicago has one of the most drastically improved rosters in the league. There are a few positions that could warrant consideration as the biggest need but none are completely destitute either. Defensive tackle, edge rusher and the interior offensive line are the biggest needs on Chicago's roster. The trade for veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen and the selection of Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze alleviate any pressure that the organization had to add another pass catcher. At the end of the day, the Bears need DeMarcus Walker, Austin Booker or Dominique Robinson to step up opposite Montez Sweat.
Lions: Edge rusher
There is not a position on Detroit's roster that requires dire attention. Even at a position like edge rusher, the franchise has options opposite Aidan Hutchinson. It is strictly a matter of whether or not they can stay healthy. The Lions have heavily invested in Marcus Davenport and Josh Paschal so the ideal outcome is that either or both rise to the occasion in 2024.
General manager Brad Holmes did an outstanding job turning cornerback into a position of strength this offseason by trading for Carlton Davis, drafting Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr.. Those additions give the defense more freedom.
Packers: Linebacker
Youthful is an accurate description of the Packers roster as it is currently constructed. There is a path forward for essentially every position but they are overly reliant on those young players developing rapidly. Three safeties were drafted to play alongside free agent signee Xavier McKinney.
Linebacker has some question marks with De'Vondre Campbell absent but rookies have a chance to fill the void. Edgerrin Cooper was my top-rated linebacker prospect and Ty'Ron Hopper was a third-round pick in his own right, but Isaiah McDuffie is in line to start. Quay Walker, a 2022 first-round pick, is suddenly the elder statesman in that room.
Cornerback is the other area of concern. Green Bay's roster is in a really good place though.
Vikings: Defensive tackle
Harrison Phillips and Jerry Tillery have been at the heart of a few defenses that were unable to stop the run. Those two are in line to start with Minnesota and depth is no more inspiring. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has shown a lot of situational awareness in rebuilding the NFC roster but patience is required to see it through.
Offensive guard is also high on the wish list, followed by cornerback.
NFC South
Buccaneers: Cornerback
Cornerback ranks high among the list of needs following the trade of Carlton Davis to Detroit. Zyon McCollum is in line to start opposite Jamel Dean. There is little known about the depth behind those two.
Linebacker is another potential problem area. They have done an adequate job addressing the interior offensive line with the signing of Sua Opeta, last year's second-round selection of Cody Mauch and this year's selection of Graham Barton.
Falcons: Wide receiver
An injury to Rondale Moore really put the team's wide receiver depth into perspective. Ray-Ray McCloud III is the third receiver with sixth-round pick Casey Washington and KhaDarel Hodge being the only other two wide receivers on the roster.
Cornerback is the other spot where talent may be lacking, but that seems to be a theme throughout this preview.
Panthers: Edge rusher
Carolina diverted the majority of its resources to the offensive side of the ball in support of former No. 1 overall selection Bryce Young. The defense was adversely affected and the front line is essentially composed of hired mercenaries rather than homegrown talent. Pass rusher Brian Burns was traded away at a discount after the team finished the 2023 campaign with the lowest team pressure rate in the league (29.4%), according to TruMedia. It is hard to envision they collectively got better this offseason. They signed Jadeveon Clowney in free agency but expectations for him move from complimentary rusher to featured product.
Cornerback, other than Jaycee Horn, is a potential weakness.
Saints: Offensive line
Few teams, if any, can claim to invest more in the offensive line than New Orleans but that unit has not delivered a return in recent years. Trevor Penning has dealt with injuries and moved to right tackle as a result of poor performance. The franchise had a clear need there and addressed it with the selection of Taliese Fuaga. The interior offensive line needs to be more consistent.
NFC East
Commanders: Offensive tackle
After taking LSU's Jayden Daniels as the quarterback of the future, the Commanders also need a left tackle of the future after releasing Charles Leno. Third-round selection Brandon Coleman won a competition against Cornelius Lucas. Andrew Wylie is starting at right tackle.
Edge rusher would be the other area at which they should throw future assets after sacrificing Chase Young and Montez Sweat in the rebuild.
Cowboys: Cornerback
The depth that Dallas worked so hard to develop a year ago was quickly tested. DaRon Bland suffered an injury that will result in him missing at least the first quarter of the season and Stephon Gilmore signed elsewhere in free agency. Trevon Diggs missed essentially all of the 2023 season due to a torn ACL. Fifth-round pick Caelen Carson, C.J. Goodwin and Andrew Booth are the other three players on the roster.
Eagles: Safety
There is not an area of Philadelphia's roster that lacks a capable starter. The Eagles have one of the most talented rosters in the league. The secondary play needs to match the franchise's investment. Cornerbacks Darius Slay and James Bradberry have been impactful players for most of their careers but last season was disappointing. Bradberry has been working at safety this summer, but is now on injured reserve. They added Toledo's Quinyon Mitchell and Iowa's Cooper DeJean early in the draft to bolster that unit. Safeties Reed Blankenship and Sydney Brown are relatively inexperienced but each has the ability to lock down their respective roles. The return of C.J. Gardner-Johnson could prove to be a major coup.
Giants: Offensive line
The construction of the offensive line remains a mystery. Jermaine Eluemunor is slated to start at right tackle ahead of former first-round pick Evan Neal. What comes of the battery that includes John Michael Schmitz, Greg Van Roten and Jon Runyan Jr.? Depth behind that unit is relatively limited as well.
Cornerback concerns were alleviated a bit with the return of Adoree' Jackson. Linebacker is another position to consider.
NFC West
49ers: Interior offensive line
San Francisco needs to continue investing in its offensive line. The 49ers removed right tackle Mike McGlinchey but did not replace him with a similar investment. Trent Williams is the only former first-round pick and Aaron Banks was the only Day 2 selection prior to the selection of Dominick Puni. Puni looked good during the preseason but they need to invest more now before Williams retires and the bottom falls out.
Linebacker would be a consideration as Dre Greenlaw is due to miss some time.
Cardinals: Defensive line
The interior offensive line is comprised of relatively unheralded players but offensive coordinator Drew Petzing did a good job taking some of the stress off of that group through play-calling.
The bigger issue is the defensive front seven. Arizona had 12 draft picks and only two, including first-round choice Darius Robinson, were used on the defensive front seven. Robinson is likely to miss some time due to a calf injury sustained during training camp. The Cardinals had the 10th lowest team pressure rate last season, according to TruMedia.
Rams: Linebacker
Los Angeles did a good job of addressing its team needs this offseason with the selections of edge rusher Jared Verse and defensive tackle Braden Fiske, as well as the free agent signings of offensive guard Jonah Jackson and cornerbacks Tre'Davious White and Darious Williams.
The trade of Ernest Jones IV opened up the conversation for linebacker being the biggest position of need. In his absence, the team is left with Troy Reeder, Christian Rozeboom and Omar Speights.
Seahawks: Linebacker
Seattle signed linebackers Tyrel Dodson and Jerome Baker in free agency before drafting Tyrice Knight in the first round. New coach Mike Macdonald did bring out the best in linebackers Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen last season in Baltimore. The hope is that he has a similar effect on the group cobbled together by general manager John Schneider.
The Seahawks have a sound roster if they can stay healthy.