Hutchinson, the top defensive player selected in the 2022 NFL Draft, has established himself as a premier pass rusher in the league, leading in quarterback pressures during his rookie season. However, the Detroit Lions’ efforts to build around him have not yielded a reliable complement. Despite acquiring Marcus Davenport and drafting Josh Paschal, neither has fulfilled expectations, leaving a void for a seasoned rotational player to bolster the defensive line alongside Hutchinson.

The Broncos made strides with Ja’Quan McMillian at slot cornerback early last season, contributing to defensive improvements. However, the team faces uncertainty at starting cornerback opposite Patrick Surtain II. Riley Moss, recovering from a lost rookie season, leads the competition. Should he start, Moss would be the first white cornerback to do so since Kevin Kaesviharn in 2003. Levi Wallace, a former Bills starter, serves as backup, with Adoree’ Jackson still available in free agency. Denver might still feel short-handed at cornerback heading into training camp.

23. Las Vegas Raiders: cornerback

In 2023, the Raiders’ defense achieved a top-half ranking for the first time in 21 years. Despite parting ways with starters Chandler Jones and Marcus Peters by the season’s end, the team’s success was notable. Antonio Pierce joined forces with Jack Jones, a former Arizona State standout who has had multiple stints cut short elsewhere. Jones made a strong initial impact in Las Vegas, scoring two defensive touchdowns early on. Now, the Raiders are banking on Jones, especially after losing starter Amik Robertson and addressing the cornerback position only on Day 3 of the draft. Brandon Facyson, a journeyman, and Jakorian Bennett, a 2023 fourth-round pick, are expected to play alongside Nate Hobbs as Jones’ supporting cast.

22. New York Giants: secondary

The Giants have bid farewell to veterans Xavier McKinney and Adoree’ Jackson, significantly reducing their secondary’s experience. With the exception of backup Darnay Holmes and Tre Herndon, who joined in the mid-offseason to play in the slot, New York’s secondary is now primarily composed of players on rookie contracts. The team will rely on emerging talents such as Cor’Dale Flott, Dane Belton, and Day 2 draft picks Tyler Nubin and Dru Phillips. Pro Football Focus rated Deonte Banks, the Giants’ new top cornerback drafted in 2023, 110th at his position last season. McKinney’s recent contract, one of the league’s top-five safety deals, underscores the NFL’s valuation of the former second-round pick. It seems evident that the Giants could benefit from adding another veteran defensive back to their roster.

21. Chicago Bears: defensive line

The Bears focused on Rome Odunze with their second first-round pick and used their subsequent third-round pick on an offensive lineman before selecting a punter in the fourth round. While Chicago acquired and extended Montez Sweat, they lack established disruptors in other areas on their defensive front. DeMarcus Walker remains a supporting piece, and Jake Martin adds depth as a supplementary pass rusher. Aside from Sweat, no Bears player recorded more than three sacks in 2023. Given their draft strategy, Chicago risks being short-handed both inside and outside on their defensive line. Reuniting with versatile defensive end Yannick Ngakoue appears to be a viable option for them.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: cornerback

The Buccaneers traded Carlton Davis to the Lions and did not draft a cornerback or add a starter-caliber replacement through free agency. As a result, Todd Bowles’ defense will rely on younger options alongside Jamel Dean. While the Bucs have developed several cornerbacks in recent years like Dean, Davis, and Sean Murphy-Bunting, all were drafted on Day 2. Zyon McCollum, who started nine games last season, received a low ranking from PFF among regular cornerbacks. Depth behind him is limited, with the addition of Tavierre Thomas, a former special-teamer now playing slot, alongside Christian Izien. However, the team appears to be at least one cornerback short on the outside heading into the season.

The Vikings explored options such as L’Jarius Sneed and former Lion Jerry Jacobs during the offseason to bolster their cornerback corps. Byron Murphy, acquired in free agency last season, did not meet expectations, allowing six touchdowns as the primary defender. Third-round rookie Mekhi Blackmon showed potential, and the addition of Shaquill Griffin, a former Seahawks starter with recent team changes, adds experience. Versatile Josh Metellus also factors into the mix.

Despite these moves, the Vikings, who ranked 24th in pass defense, may still lack a key piece. The situation took a tragic turn with the recent passing of fourth-round rookie Khyree Jackson in a car accident, further impacting their cornerback depth.

17. Buffalo Bills: wide receiver

The Bills have amassed a considerable quantity of receivers, signing Curtis Samuel, Chase Claypool, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Mack Hollins, in addition to drafting Keon Coleman at the top of the second round. These additions are intended to compensate for the departures of Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis. Khalil Shakir, their returning slot player, adds depth to this group.

While the Chiefs managed to win a Super Bowl despite concerns at receiver, they benefit from the coaching of Andy Reid and the presence of Travis Kelce. The Bills lack a similar infrastructure and appear vulnerable heading into training camp, despite the potential of James Cook and Dalton Kincaid. Exploring a trade to bolster their receiving corps should be a consideration for Buffalo.

16. Washington Commanders: left tackle

Sam Howell endured a staggering 65 sacks last season, the highest since David Carr in 2005 and among the most in the sack era. Quarterbacks bear much responsibility for their sack totals, and Washington parted ways with Charles Leno, their multiyear starting left tackle, just before the new league year. Despite this, the team waited until the third round to address the position with Brandon Coleman and has only veteran swingman Cornelius Lucas as a potential short-term solution.

Given concerns about Jayden Daniels’ slight build, it would be wise for the Commanders to explore additional options in case Coleman requires time to adjust to the NFL. Addressing the offensive line remains crucial to protect their quarterbacks effectively and mitigate sack totals moving forward.

15. Los Angeles Chargers: defensive line

The Chargers made some veteran acquisitions on the defensive front in 2022 by bringing in Sebastian Joseph-Day and Austin Johnson. However, both players have since departed, and under the new Jim Harbaugh era, notable investments in the defensive line have been scarce. The team’s most experienced addition, Poona Ford, struggled to secure regular playing time last season with Buffalo.

Currently, the Chargers rely on Morgan Fox, who quietly amassed 5.5 sacks during the team’s challenging 2023 campaign. Despite addressing the defensive line only in the fourth round of the draft, new defensive coordinator Jesse Minter faces a significant challenge in improving this group. Health permitting, the Chargers appear to be in good shape at outside linebacker, but they will need strong edge play to compensate for their vulnerable interior defensive line.

14. Las Vegas Raiders: quarterback

The Raiders have set up a competition between Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew, indicating that quarterback may not be an immediate need for them. However, their approach to quarterback planning stands out in the league. They appear to be one of the few teams not actively pursuing upgrades at this critical position.

Looking ahead, the Giants are likely to target a quarterback in the 2025 draft, but for now, they have a top-10 pick and potential WR1-level talent to support. Minshew serves as a transitional quarterback, while O’Connell appears to be a lower-tier starter or a solid backup option. The Raiders seem focused on maintaining stability this season, with plans to monitor the 2025 quarterback class closely for potential future connections.

13. Carolina Panthers: edge rusher

Jadeveon Clowney secured a multiyear contract this offseason, marking a significant change from the series of one-year deals he had after his rookie contract. Despite ups and downs in recent years, Clowney bounced back with the Ravens last season. He now finds himself as the top edge rusher for the Carolina Panthers, who opted to trade Brian Burns.

In addition to Clowney, the Panthers added D.J. Wonnum, recovering from an ACL tear, and K’Lavon Chaisson, who has not lived up to expectations since being drafted by the Jaguars. With limited draft resources focused on other positions, Carolina faces challenges in generating a strong pass rush. This situation raises concerns about the Panthers’ ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks effectively in the upcoming season.

The New Orleans Saints made a highly anticipated first-round draft choice in April, addressing their pressing needs. The team faces uncertainties at the offensive line, with All-Pro right tackle Ryan Ramczyk’s status for the 2024 season unclear, and veteran James Hurst’s retirement just before the draft. Trevor Penning, the Saints’ hopeful left tackle from the 2022 first round, struggled early last season and was benched, while longtime starter Andrus Peat departed for Las Vegas.

Despite drafting Taliese Fuaga 14th overall, the Saints still have gaps to fill, particularly at left guard. Beyond Erik McCoy at center and Cesar Ruiz at right guard, the team has numerous uncertainties along the offensive line heading into the new season. Addressing these issues will be crucial for maintaining offensive stability and protecting their quarterbacks effectively.

11. Pittsburgh Steelers: wide receiver

The Pittsburgh Steelers have maintained their reputation for developing wide receivers, from Mike Wallace to George Pickens, continuing their legacy with recent successes. Pickens, their latest standout, underscores this tradition, and the team’s commitment to wide receiver talent was evident in their selection of Roman Wilson in the third round, marking the ninth time since 2013 they’ve invested a Day 2 pick in the position.

However, with Diontae Johnson traded away, the Steelers now face a void in their receiving corps, particularly needing a veteran presence to support quarterbacks Russell Wilson and potentially Justin Fields in the future. Calvin Austin currently fills the slot role but lacks proven experience. Depth options like Van Jefferson and Quez Watkins are seen as underwhelming to complement Pickens as primary receivers. Addressing this need for a seasoned wideout could be crucial for Pittsburgh as they look to maintain their strong offensive performance.

The Indianapolis Colts have placed significant trust in their drafting prowess, with an impressive 19 of their projected starters being homegrown talents. Slot cornerback Kenny Moore, acquired via waivers before his rookie season, essentially makes that number 20. However, beyond Moore, the Colts lack proven options in their secondary. Neither boundary cornerback position is firmly secured, although 2023 second-round pick JuJu Brents is currently favored for one spot.

Indianapolis struggled in pass defense last season, ranking 28th in the league. To address these concerns, seventh-round pick Jaylon Jones and undrafted player Dallis Flowers will compete for starting roles alongside Moore and Brents. Given the team’s veteran presence elsewhere, there is a clear need for experienced help in the secondary to bolster the Colts’ defensive backfield heading into the new season.

The Dallas Cowboys are facing significant challenges heading into the upcoming season. Both Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb are in contract years, while Micah Parsons is also eligible for an extension. The prospect of potentially signing three players to record-setting contracts in their respective positions is rare and poses a financial dilemma for the team. Priority is likely to be given to securing these cornerstone players.

Meanwhile, the Cowboys’ backfield presents another concern, albeit on a lower scale. Following the post-June 1 cut of Ezekiel Elliott in 2023, the team is still dealing with dead money tied to his contract. Despite this, Elliott remains the favorite to reclaim his RB1 role. The backup options include Tony Pollard’s former backup Rico Dowdle, journeyman Royce Freeman, and gadget player Deuce Vaughn. While running backs have been increasingly devalued in the NFL, it is surprising that a contending team like the Cowboys would enter training camp with this setup, suggesting potential challenges ahead for their rushing game.

The Indianapolis Colts have experienced a prolonged period of anonymity at their skill positions, particularly noticeable in their heavily reliant passing game centered around Michael Pittman Jr. The tight end position has been notably quiet, with no Colts tight end surpassing 450 receiving yards since Eric Ebron achieved that in 2018, which coincided with Andrew Luck’s final season. As they head into the 2024 season, the Colts still face challenges in providing support for quarterback Anthony Richardson.

In 2023, third-round pick Jelani Woods, acquired during Frank Reich’s tenure, did not contribute due to reasons undisclosed. During the offseason, the Colts did not make significant additions through the draft or free agency, leaving Woods, Kylen Granson, and veteran Mo Alie-Cox as the primary figures at tight end. This lack of additional investment raises concerns about their ability to enhance their passing game and provide Richardson with reliable targets heading into the new season.

7. Miami Dolphins: offensive line

Miami Dolphins faced significant changes in their offensive line recently. They lost Robert Hunt, who became one of the NFL’s highest-paid guards with a $20 million per year contract in March. Additionally, center Connor Williams remains unsigned. Left guard Isaiah Wynn was re-signed despite missing half of last season, while right tackle Austin Jackson earned an extension following a strong 2023 campaign, rebounding from a challenging 2022.

Despite these moves, uncertainties persist across Miami’s offensive line. Terron Armstead, though highly talented at left tackle, has struggled with injuries, missing 20 games in the past three seasons. This situation raises concerns about protecting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, especially given the Dolphins’ impressive skill player roster. Addressing these issues will be crucial for Miami as they prepare for the upcoming season.

6. Los Angeles Chargers: pass catchers

Over the past two years, Keenan Allen and Mike Williams have been integral to Justin Herbert’s development despite their injury history. Allen is renowned for his elite route running, while Williams provides a valuable deep threat on the field. The Los Angeles Chargers opted not to address their receiving corps with the No. 5 overall pick, instead selecting Ladd McConkey at No. 34. McConkey joins Josh Palmer, Quentin Johnston (who underperformed after being drafted in 2023), and DJ Chark as key receivers for the team. At tight end, the Chargers have brought in Hayden Hurst and Will Dissly as budget acquisitions.

Looking ahead, Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman are focused on revitalizing the Chargers’ running game. However, there are concerns about the depth and reliability of Herbert’s receiving options following recent changes to the team’s offensive weaponry.

Bo Nix’s initial weapons in the NFL are primarily centered around Courtland Sutton, with limited depth elsewhere at receiver for the Denver Broncos. While there are some promising receiver prospects on the roster, the tight end position remains a vulnerability. Greg Dulcich, a third-round pick in 2022, showed potential as a rookie despite playing in a struggling offense. However, he has been hampered by chronic hamstring issues, missing nearly all of his second season and spending time on injured reserve four times in two years. Dulcich’s limited participation in offseason practices has raised concerns, exacerbated by Sean Payton’s endorsement of Lucas Krull, an undrafted free agent from the Saints, as a viable tight end option.

The Broncos’ overall situation in the skill positions is precarious, with the uncertainty surrounding Dulcich’s health adding to their challenges at tight end.

The Atlanta Falcons faced challenges in bolstering their pass rush in the recent offseason. Despite attempting to trade back into the first round for a pass rusher, they were unsuccessful. The team made a notable decision to sign quarterback Kirk Cousins to a high-priced contract and drafted Michael Penix Jr. in the top 10 to develop behind him, which limited their options for drafting defensive talent like Laiatu Latu or Dallas Turner.

In the offseason, the Falcons chose not to re-sign their 2023 sack leaders Calais Campbell and Bud Dupree. As a result, they are now relying on unproven players like Arnold Ebekitie and backup Lorenzo Carter at outside linebacker. Ebekitie, who recorded six sacks in 2023, requires additional support, and the Falcons are hoping that third-round pick Bralen Trice can develop quickly to contribute to the pass rush.

The New England Patriots are facing challenges both in their skill positions and on their offensive line. Despite re-signing right tackle Mike Onwenu and extending veteran center David Andrews, they are dealing with issues up front. Cole Strange, a first-round guard from 2022, has not yet lived up to expectations and is recovering from a torn patellar tendon, casting doubt on his availability for Week 1. The Patriots have also released Chukwuma Okorafor, who was a frontrunner for the left tackle position, further complicating their offensive line situation. Additionally, uncertainty surrounds the other guard spot.

As the Patriots enter the post-Bill Belichick era with quarterback Drake Maye, they face significant questions and challenges regarding their offensive line, which could impact their ability to protect Maye and establish a consistent running game.

In 2023, the Arizona Cardinals faced challenges in their pass rush after parting ways with edge rushers J.J. Watt and Chandler Jones. The team relied on situational rusher Dennis Gardeck, who led with six sacks, but their overall pass rush struggled under Jonathan Gannon’s coaching debut, ranking 30th in the NFL with only 33 sacks. Despite using a first-round pick on Darius Robinson, who projects more as a defensive lineman, the transition of inside linebacker Zaven Collins to an edge role did not yield immediate results. The Cardinals are looking for improved production from 2023 second-round pick BJ Ojulari. As they undergo a rebuild under Gannon’s leadership, enhancing their pass rush remains a critical area of concern for Arizona.

It seems like Darren Waller’s tenure with the Giants didn’t quite meet expectations, as he played only one season after the team traded a third-round pick to the Raiders. Despite this, Waller managed to accumulate 552 yards in 12 games last season. The Giants have struggled with a deficient receiving corps during Daniel Jones’ tenure, and they are now facing a shortage of replacements. Daniel Bellinger is expected to step up, but Lawrence Cager, a converted wide receiver, and rookie fourth-round pick Theo Johnson are also vying for the receiving tight end role.

With the departure of Saquon Barkley and the need for first-rounder Malik Nabers to make an immediate impact, the Giants are facing a critical issue at tight end that needs urgent attention.